KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • Several KDF officers promoted as Ruto makes changes

    Several KDF officers promoted as Ruto makes changes

    President William Ruto has promoted several officers at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following recommendations by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

    In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Communications, Ministry of Defence, Bongita Ongeri said the promotions and appointments were made after consultations with the Defence Council which chaired by CS Duale.

    Promotions and appointments.

    Brigadier Dennis Nyanga Njue Kamuri was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed Managing Director of Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation.

    Brigadier Mohamed Nur Hassan was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed General Officer Commanding Border Security Command.

    Colonel Sylvestrer Kipkorir Chirchir was promoted to Brig and appointed Deputy Director Directorate of national Security Industries.

    Colonel Mathew Lilita Lenamunai was promoted to Brig and appointed Commnader Kahwa Garrison.

    Colonel Joseph Kaku Mutua was promoted to Brig and appointed Commandant Construction Engineers Brigade.

    Colonel Gilliad Mwachala Kimonge was promoted to Brig and appointed Chief of Operations, Defence Headquarters.

    Further, Colonel Titus Gitamo was promoted to Brig and appointed Chief of Infrastructure Defence Headquarters while Colonel Omari Mohammed Rajab was promoted to Brig and appointed Deputy Managing Director of Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation.

    Colonel Peter Kipketer Limo was promoted to Brig and deployed as Managing Director Defence Forces Canteen Organization.

    Colonel Oscar Kizito Mulevi was promoted to Brig and appointed Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies National Defence University – Kenya.

    Colonel Oswald Oduor Opiyo was promoted to Brig and remains the Direcytor of Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum.

    Colonel Roba Bonaya Wario was promoted to Brig and deployed to the Office of the National Security Advisor.

    Postings and appointments

    Major General Rashid Abdi Elmi was appointed Coommnadant and posted to National Defnce College.

    Major General John Maison Nkoimo was also promoted to Commandant and posted to Kenya Military Academy.

    Major General Charles Muriu Kahariri was appointed Deputy Commandant and Senior Directing Staff Navy, National Defence College while Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahemed was posted to National Defence College and appointed Senior Directing Staff Air.

  • Court freezes Ksh537M unexplained wealth owned by City Hall employee

    Court freezes Ksh537M unexplained wealth owned by City Hall employee

    The High Court has issued orders freezing unexplained wealth of Ksh537 million owned by a purchasing officer employed by Nairobi County.

    Michael Auka Ajwang is suspected to have engaged in corruption to acquire the wealth with a monthly salary of Ksh21,000.

    Justice Esther Maina granted the orders following an application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) which has been investigating the source of Ajwang’s vast array of assets he possesses.

    The assets in question include nine properties, with one of them being a high-end hotel located in Kisumu, and a fleet of ten motor vehicles.

    The EACC now wants the properties forfeited to the government.

    “The investigation into Ajwang’s financial affairs has revealed a glaring disparity between his official salary and the extravagant wealth he possesses,” stated EA

  • Ksh102M gifted to college student by Belgian boyfriend forfeited to state

    Ksh102M gifted to college student by Belgian boyfriend forfeited to state

    The High Court in Nairobi has forfeited to the state Ksh102 million gifted to a college student by Belgian boyfriend.

    Justice Esther Maina on Thursday ruled that the money was part of a money laundering scheme involving foreigners.

    The Judge granted the Assets Recovery Agency’s (ARA) case, stating that the source of the monies in Felista Njoroge’s case had not been explained or disclosed.

    Maina stated that the Belgian boyfriend identified as Marc De Mesel had failed to explain how he acquired his money which he is alleged to gifted several ladies in the country.

    “I have analyzed the evidence tendered by the boyfriend and it did not show the source of the funds that were transferred to the Kenyan girlfriend,” she said

    The tycoon Belgian businessman had however submitted before the court that he had invested in different assets such as cryptocurrencies and stocks, as well as precious metals.

    He further argued that the money was wired to his girlfriend who is a student at the Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI) after it was confirmed that she pregnant with his baby.

    The Belgian is also accused of transferring Ksh 257 million to other three Kenyan women; Tabby Kago (Ksh108M), Jane Kago (Ksh49M) and Serah Wambui (Ksh100M).

  • Police lob tear gas to disperse Maina Njenga’s supporters at DCI Headquarters

    Police lob tear gas to disperse Maina Njenga’s supporters at DCI Headquarters

    Police on Thursday lobbed teargas to disperse former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga’s supporters who had camped outside Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters.

    Njenga had presented himself for questioning after two firearms and over 90 rolls of bhang were recovered at his home in Bahati, Nakuru County.

    He was accompanied by Nark Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Muran’ga Governor Mwangi wa Iria and Roots party leader George Wajackoyah.

    Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga presents himself to DCI accompanied by his supporters. PHOTO/COURTESY

    On Wednesday, Njenga appeared at the Nakuru Law Courts and later the Nakuru County Directorate of Criminal Investigation where he recorded a statement.

    He was then directed to present himself at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi for further grilling.

  • Over 20 children with cleft lip and palates benefit from free surgeries in Kisumu

    Over 20 children with cleft lip and palates benefit from free surgeries in Kisumu

    Over 20 children from less privileged families suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates are set to undergo free surgeries at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital(JOOTRH) in Kisumu County on the 22nd and 23rd, May 2023.

    Speaking at the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS) pre conference workshop at the JOOTRH, the Society’s Chair, Dr. Kimani Wanjeri appealed to parents with children suffering from the deformity to bring them forth and register for this free surgery camp and look out for their subsequent / upcoming medical camps campaigns spread around in different regions.

    He mentioned that the cost of one surgery was over Ksh80, 000 in public hospitals and over Ksh250,000 in private hospitals which was way above the reach of many vulnerable families, reasons why the Kenya Society of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons carries out these free reconstructive surgeries monthly across the country and moreso annually during the Society’s Scientific Conference.

    “In a government level five or level six hospital, the repair of a cleft lip would be 50,000  while repair for a cleft pallet the average cost would be 80,000 Kenya shillings.

    The cost goes higher if you are to have this done in a private hospital where the cost of everything is higher, including the cost of the doctors, the cost of space and time and hospitalization, let’s say the overall cost for hospitalization would cost about Ksh200,000 for the cleft lip repair and Ksh300,000 for the palate.

    “We are concerned that some children are hidden in homes, others view this as a curse while many of the children and parents suffer from stigma yet this condition can be corrected through surgery,” he added.

    Speaking also during the cleft lip campaign in JOOTRH, The Smile Train manager for education and training Mr. Patrick Mwai said “If you come across any child with cleft lip and palate, please know that there is help available free of charge across Kenya and we are here to help you. Do not be afraid, cleft lip and palate is treatable and the public should avoid the misconceptions around cleft lip.’’

    Dr. Kimani Wanjeri said that the surgeries would precede the 7th Annual Scientific Conference slated to take place at the Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu from the 24th – 26th May of  this year.

  • MP calls for intensive public participation on refugees integration policy

    MP calls for intensive public participation on refugees integration policy

    Fafi Member of Parliament Salah Yakub has called for an inclusive public participation process on the refugees integration policy which will seek to absorb some of the refugees, while allowing safe returns to their countries of origin.

    Earlier this month, the government formed an intergovernmental steering committee to develop the country’s Marshall plan to empower refugees so as to reduce their dependence on aids by harnessing their inherent social-economic potential to empower them and promote their self-reliance.

    The plan will also guide the process of transitioning of refugees camps into integrated settlements which will benefit both the refugees and the host communities.

    However, MP Yakub says that the host communities must know how far will the integration of refugees go and the implication of such actions on their political, social and economic well being.

    Speaking during a public function in Bura East, Yakub said that the host communities must have something to benefit from, for the challenges they faced for hosting refugees.

    “We are asking the technical committee to come here in our villages and listen to what we have to say on the policy,” Yakub said.

    “We want to know how far are they going to be integrated. Is it political intergration?, or social or economic and how are we going to benefit for the challenges such as insecurity as a result of hosting refugees?” He posed.

    He cautioned the committee against allowing members of the political class to ‘hijack’ the process for their own self interests rather than that of the people.

    Kenya currently hosts close to 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with more than 577,000 registered and more than 300,000 profiled in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
  • One arrested as police intercept counterfeit liquor in Murang’a

    One arrested as police intercept counterfeit liquor in Murang’a

    Police have impounded a consignment of counterfeit alcoholic drinks in Kenol, Murang’a County.

    According to the National Police Service (NPS), the consignment, which contained assorted alcoholic drinks was in transit from Meru to Nairobi.

    “NPS Officers in Kenol area, Murang’a County are holding one man Ooko, arrested while driving an Isuzu Canter ferrying suspected counterfeit liquor, from Meru to Nairobi.”

    Some of the alcoholic products seized include 445 crates of assorted liquor cans branded as Whitecap, Tusker Cidar Cans, Guiness Cans, and Guiness Stout as well as 2,464 bottles of assorted Chrone Gin, Richot Brandy, Captain Morgan Brady and Gilbeys Gin brands.

  • PS Esther Ngero resigns, cites personal reasons

    PS Esther Ngero resigns, cites personal reasons

    Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Esther Ngero has resigned.

    In a statement issued by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Tuesday, Ngero decided to step down from her position due to personal reasons.

    ‘His Excellency the President has received and accepted with regret the resignation of Ms Esther Ngero, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, who is leaving office for personal reasons,” reads the statement

    Ngero who was recently reassigned from the State Department for Performance Management and Delivery Services in the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary to the State Department for Correctional Services becomes to the first PS to resign in President William Ruto’s administration.

    Koskei lauded Ngero for being instrumental in establishing the institutional framework to support the implementation of Public Service performance Management and Monitoring for Ministries, State Departments and State Agencies (MDAs).

    “The head of state and government has conveyed his gratitude to Ms Ngero for her service to the nation and wished her the very best in all her future endeavours,” said Koskei

    A certified accountant by training, Ngero joined the ranks of Principal Secretaries in December, 2022 after an almost two-decades career in the petroleum sector.

  • Government serious about fiscal discipline in Public Service, says Mudavadi

    Government serious about fiscal discipline in Public Service, says Mudavadi

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated government’s commitment The government has reiterated its commitment to entrench fiscal discipline in the public sector.

    In a speech read on his behalf by Legislative Affairs PS Aurelia Rono during official opening of the second phase of the economic governance programme between Kenya and South Africa at the Kenya School of Government, Mudavadi noted that proper management of public resources will enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability as government works on fulfilling its campaign pledges.

    “Giving an example of Kenya’s public service which is relatively young, this program targets serving pubic officers in their nascent years within the service. Since they are beginning to display signs of future potential, we ought to empower them at an early stage to ensure progressive growth within the civil service.” said Mudavadi.

    “The myth that our public service in Kenya is filled with dinosaurs (old-fashioned or unable to adapt to modern times) is just hearsay. Out of a 394,792 strong mainstream civil service that comprises of national government civil service, police, teachers and county employees, those under 40 years form 50% and those under 50 years old form 77% of the workforce,” he added

    Mudavadi further stated that government will going forward prioritize domestic resource mobilization in an effort to reduce reliance on non-concessional foreign borrowing.

    “We will ensure borrowed funds are used primarily for productive and inclusive projects, well outlined and with a clear plan. Implementing fiscal consolidation and discipline measures will also reduce the budget deficit and stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio. transparency and accountability in public debt management are paramount.” said Mudavadi.

    His sentiments on prudent utilization of public resources come in the wake of a stern warning issued by President William Ruto to all government officers in the public sector that his regime will not at any point tolerate corruption, mismanagement of public resources, laxity and lack of transparency and accountability in running of government and public affairs.

  • President Ruto convenes Kenya Kwanza PG meeting at Statehouse

    President Ruto convenes Kenya Kwanza PG meeting at Statehouse

    President William Ruto is currently chairing a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi.

    Key issues to be deliberated during the meeting include the Finance Bill 2023 among other legislative issues pending in Parliament.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also present as well as Cabinet Secretaries, UDA MPs and Jubilee Party rebel MPs Kanini Kega, Sabina Chege and Adan Keynan.