KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • Cabinet approves antimoney laundering bill

    Cabinet approves antimoney laundering bill

    The Cabinet has approved the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023.

    In a statement issued on Friday, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, said that the amendment will boost government’s efforts to combat money laundering and enhance Kenya’s financial integrity.

    “As a progressive member of the Community of Nations, Kenya acknowledges that money laundering poses a significant risk to the integrity of the financial system and the country’s overall security,” the statement reads in part.

    The proposed amendments seek to review all existing laws related to anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism financing to ensure efficient detection and prevention of money laundering activities in Kenya.

    “The proposed amendments introduce several measures to detect and prevent money laundering activities in Kenya, including the supervision and enforcement of terrorism financing, reporting of suspicious transactions, transparency of beneficial ownership and combating terrorism financing,” said Mohamed.

    The amendments include supervising and enforcing terrorism financing, reporting suspicious transactions, transparency of beneficial ownership, and combating terrorism financing.

    According to the bill, financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses will be required to conduct thorough verification of their customers.

    The bill also seeks to enhance customer due diligence, strengthen reporting obligations, expand scope and coverage, as well as increasing penalties and deterrents.

    These measures will help prevent the risk of anonymous transactions and ensure transparency in financial dealings.

    Further, the amendments introduce stricter penalties for individuals and entities guilty of money laundering offences which includes higher fines and extended prison terms expected to be strong deterrents against illicit financial activities.

    “Kenya aims to safeguard its global competitiveness, foster the development of its economy by attracting ethical foreign investment, and deepen transparency within the financial system,” Mohamed said.

  • Three found guilty in Baby Sagini assault case

    Three found guilty in Baby Sagini assault case

    Three accused persons in Junior Sagini’s eye-gouging case have been proven  guilty of the offense  by a Kisii court.

    Kisii Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno found Sagini’s grandmother Rael Nyakerario, his aunt Pacifica Nyakerario and cousin Alex Ochogo guilty of causing actual bodily harm.

    The offense was committed between December 13 and 14 2022 at Ikuruma village, Marani sub county.

    However, Judgment on the case was postponed to July 21 2023.

    Ogweno stated that the three committed  and abetted the offense, making them equally guilty.

    The Magistrate also noted that the main suspect, Alex Ochogo, confessed to his mother before they assisted in concealing the act.

    Junior Sagini was found with his eyes gouged after  disappearing  overnight.

    The accused persons were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder charge  but it was later changed to causing actual bodily harm.

    Throughout the entire proceedings of the case, the accused individuals denied both offenses and have been in remand.

  • Gov’t to declare Turkana South Game reserve a security operation zone

    Gov’t to declare Turkana South Game reserve a security operation zone

    Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday announced that the government will soon gazette Turkana South Game reserve as a security operation zone.

    Kindiki, who spoke during the installation of the first Deputy County Commissioner in Turkana said the move will flush out all criminals using the game reserve as a hideout.

    “To deal with highway banditry along the Kitale-Lodwar road, we will shortly gazette Turkana South game reserve as a scene of crime and security operation zone. Only KWS officials and wild animals will be allowed in the reserve,” he said.

    “I ask security officers to ruthlessly deal with terrorists, bandits, and other armed criminals. Last night in Elwak, the criminals killed five of our officers. There will be no mercy for criminals harming our officers,” he added

    On Wedensday, Kindiki said the government will spend at Ksh20 billion to enhance capacity of secuirity officers.

    The CS said the monies will be utilized modernize equipment, enhance technology, and capacity to effectively tackle complex security challenges such as terrorism and banditry.

    “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.

  • Kindiki presides over installation of Turkana’s first Deputy County Commissioner

    Kindiki presides over installation of Turkana’s first Deputy County Commissioner

    Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday installed the first Deputy County Commissioner in Turkana County.

    In a statement, the CS also announced the operationalization of Lokichogio Sub-County in a bid to improve security and delivery of services.

    “Operationalized Lokichogio Sub-County and installed Isaac Ooko Anyumba as the first Deputy County Commissioner,” Kindiki stated

    “Operationalization of Lokichogio Sub-County in Turkana County is in line with Government policy to ease delivery of services to the people and bolster security,” he added

    Lokichogio Sub-County will now have four Divisions which include; Nanam, Lokichogio, Songot and Nadapal as well as 6 Locations, and 14 Sub-Locations.

    “Lokichogio Sub-County was curved from Turkana West Sub-County and has a population of 68,355 according to the 2019 census. Lokichogio Sub-County will have four Divisions; Nanam, Lokichogio, Songot and Nadapal, 6 Locations, and 14 Sub-Locations,” the CS noted.

    Sub-County Police Commander, Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer, Registrar of births and deaths, Registrar of persons, and Sub-County education director are among officers deployed to the new Sub-County to ease access to Government services.

  • DP Gachagua calls for farmer-centered approach in tea sector reforms

    DP Gachagua calls for farmer-centered approach in tea sector reforms

    The government is determined to implementing the right reforms in the tea sector through a farmer centered approach.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the reforms being spearheaded will ensure that the farmer reaps more benefits as they continue to support the economy of the country.

    “The Agriculture Sector contributes 22% to our National Gross Domestic Product, with the Tea Subsector accounting for 2%. With over 650,000 growers spread in 18 counties, Kenya is a leading global producer and exporter of various types of tea, with Black Tea accounting for at least 95% of the sold crop,” said Gachagua.

    “We want the tea farmer to look as beautiful as the cute scenery of cashcrop bushes. We must get a solution. The farmer must have more in their pocket in this last conversation of tea,” he added.

    The DP spoke on Thursday during the opening of the three day tea reforms conference in Kericho County.

    Gachagua urged the farmers to embrace technology as well as value addition saying it would highly boost the sector.

    The tea reforms conference aims at providing a platform for tea farmers to address the challenges plaguing the sector and brainstorm on possible solutions.

     

    It also offers an opportunity for small-scale farmers to engage with stakeholders including the top government leaders, law makers and policy analysts to gain a better understanding of the tea sector.

    The DP has been on the forefront spearheading reforms in the agricultural sector including in the coffee, milk and tea sub sectors.

     

  • Fear as unknown people unleash human waste in Gatundu homes

    Fear as unknown people unleash human waste in Gatundu homes

    Residents of Gwa Kimori village in Gatundu North are in a state of shock after increased cases of unknown individuals defecating in their homes.

    According to the locals, these individuals have been wrapping their excretions in polythene bags and leaving them at their doorsteps during the night.

    Tabitha Njuguna, one of the affected locals, revealed that the culprits have escalated their inhumane behavior by dumping their waste directly into her water tank.

    nother resident, Margaret Nyambura expressed her disbelief upon discovering piles of human waste deliberately placed in front of her door.

    Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, concerned villagers raised raised suspicions that the incidents are acts of defiance orchestrated by a faction opposed to the construction of an access road in the area.

    John Njoroge, who is also a resident in the village, highlighted that the local MCA Joseph had promised to construct the 1.5 kilometer access road and urged residents to remove structures and trees planted on the road corridor.

    He noted that the unknown individuals have taken it upon themselves to divert the road, marking their own land boundaries using a white substance.

    “They placed the markings at night and shockingly they placed where there are graves. We are living in fear because we even don’t know what the white substance is and they have sprinkled it even on our crops,” said Njoroge.

    Nancy Wambui said that some unknown individuals maliciously poisoned her water tank during the night. She now fears for her life.

    The residents are calling for intervention by the local authorities saying that the criminals perpetrating the heinous acts might harm them and their children.

    The residents, however, maintained that the road must be constructed saying that it will end their sufferring and ease mobility as well as improve trasportation of their farm produce.

  • Death toll from deadly brew in Migori rises to 12

    Death toll from deadly brew in Migori rises to 12

    Death toll from suspected illicit brew consumption in Migori has risen to 12. 

    On Wednesday, four more people who include a distiller and seller succumbed while undergoing treatment at Samjomen Hospital in Mabera area of Kuria West where they were rushed by well-wishers.

    Locals claim the dead were among a group of  revelers who were on a drinking spree overnight only to experience breathing and talking difficulties.

    They are now appealing to authorities to crack hard on illicit brews said to be rampant in the area.

  • PS Muthoni calls for proper investment to increase nursing talent retention in Africa

    PS Muthoni calls for proper investment to increase nursing talent retention in Africa

    Principal Secretary State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has called for investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, proper policies and supportive work environments to retain nursing talent within Africa.

    Speaking when she officially opened the African Region session of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Montreal Canada the PS noted that mmigration of nurses from the African region poses significant challenges for healthcare systems and communities.

    “It is imperative that we address this issue through collaborative efforts by doing so, we can reduce turnover, strengthen healthcare systems, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of our communities,” the PS said.

    Muthoni called on the nurses to utilise the vast opportunities presented by healthcare technology to handle emergencies reshape global health and open doors for transformative change in the health arena.

    She urged them to unite and advocate for change, demand for equitable access to healthcare and address the underlying social determinants of health and influence policies.

    “We should act as catalysts for transformation, advocating for the vulnerable, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and championing health as a fundamental human right,” she said.

    Appreciating the nurses for their commitment to healthcare in Africa, Muthoni called on them to exchange knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences.

    “May this congress be a catalyst for positive change and the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey towards better health for all,” she said.

  • KNCHR calls for swift probe into assault of Kenya Power Engineer by MP Mbai

    KNCHR calls for swift probe into assault of Kenya Power Engineer by MP Mbai

    The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has strongly condemned the assault of a Kenya Power Engineer by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, KNCHR called for speedy investigations into the incident to ensure justice is served.

    “The Commission views this act as a flagrant violation and abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Kenya Power staff, an attack on the integrity of State Officers, contravening both the Kenya Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, and blatant impunity,” KNCHR Chairperson Catherine Odede stated.

    The Commission also expressed concern on the alleged use of a firearm by the MP to threaten the Kenya Power employee who was carrying out his duties unarmed.

    “Brandishing a weapon, especially in the presence of lawabiding citizens, is an act of extreme recklessness and represents a serious breach of public safety and order,” Odede stated.

    “The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights upholds the fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights, and call out such acts of impunity, aggression and intimidation being perpetrated against innocent individuals carrying out their lawful duties,” she added

    The Commission is now calling for the immediate withdrawal of the MP’s firearm and has has urged the Inspector General of Police to expedite and conclude the investigation into the matter.

    Mbai, who has since been arrested is alleged to have assaulted the Kenya Power official after he sought to disconnect an illegal power line at the legislator’s home in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

    The MP is also alleged to have attempted to draw his gun during the scuffle which occurred on Monday.

  • Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai arrested for assaulting Kenya Power employee

    Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai arrested for assaulting Kenya Power employee

    Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai has been arrested for assaulting a Kenya Power official.

    The arrest comes after a video of the MP roughing up the Kenya Power engineer surfaced online on Tuesday evening.

    It is the alleged that Kenya Power officer was seeking to disconnect an illegal power line at the legislator’s home in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

    The MP is also alleged to have attempted to draw his gun during the scuffle which happened on Monday.

    More to follow…