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  • 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.

  • Tullow assumes 100pc Project Oil Kenya ownership

    Tullow assumes 100pc Project Oil Kenya ownership

    Global independent oil and gas, exploration and production firm Tullow Oil plc has acquired complete control of the Turkana County-based Project Oil Kenya development following the withdrawal of its two joint venture partners.

    With the strategic exit of Africa Oil Corp and Total Energies from the Project, Tullow will assume a 100pc equity position, subject to the Government of Kenya’s approvals and will continue its work with the Government and its host communities to make the region a significant energy-producing province.

    While reiterating the firm’s commitment to progressing the development of the South Lokichar basin project, Tullow Kenya BV Managing Director Madhan Srinivasan disclosed that the firm is engaging strategic partners who have expressed an interest in the project basedon its economic viability.

    “Project Oil Kenya is a low-cost development project that has the potential to unlock material value. Prospective strategic partners remain engaged, and detailed farm-out discussions continue with a number of companies.” Srinivasan assured.

    A communiqué from Tullow indicated that the firm had, been informed by its two minority partners of their intention to issue notices of withdrawal from blocks 10BB,13T and 10BA in the South Lokichar Basin for differing internal strategic reasons.

    “As a result, Tullow’s working interest in these blocks will increase from 50% to 100%. The Board considers that owning 100% of the project creates more optionality, gives Tullow more flexibility in the ongoing process to secure strategic partners, creates a simpler Joint Venture Partnership and streamlines project delivery.”Srinivasan said.

    He said the project progress continues, and the updated Field Development Plan (FDP) was submitted to the Kenyan regulator, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), in March2023 and is now under review by EPRA. Tullow will continue to work collaboratively with the Government of Kenya and EPRA to get the FDP approved.

    Following the withdrawal of the minority partners, Tullow’s net Project 2C contingent resources are expected to increase from 231 mmboe to 461 mmboe, taking the Group’s total contingent resources from 605 mmboe to 836 mmboe. Net capex guidance for 2023 in Kenya will increase from c.$10 million to c.$15 million, less than 5% of Group capex.

    Tullow had notified its prospective strategic partners of the equity developments, who remain engaged as detailed farm-out discussions continue.

    “Whilst introducing strategic partners has taken longer than expected, Tullow remains focused on securing strategic partners this year.” The Tullow communique noted.

    The Programme Based Budget of the National Government of Kenya for the year ending 30th June 2024, published last month by the National Treasury, indicates a Kshs 651.2 million budgetary allocation for the State Department for Petroleum geared at advancing Project Oil Kenya. The document also indicated that finalising the FDP process is a high priority within the programme.

    The document currently in parliament indicates that: “In the medium-term 2023/24-2025/26, the State Department has prioritized programs and sub-programs intended to provide policy, the legal and institutional framework for exploration, development, production, and commercialization and ensure the security of supply of oil and gas products for sustainable development. In this regard, the State Department will finalize the Field Development Plan for the South Lokichar Oil field; review, demarcate and gazette a new Block Map in view of the anticipated bid rounds during the period; construct a water pipeline from Turkwel to the South Lokichar Oil field.”

  • WhatsApp to allow users to edit messages within 15 minutes Published

    WhatsApp to allow users to edit messages within 15 minutes Published

    WhatsApp says it will allow users to edit messages, in a move that will see it match a feature offered by competitors like Telegram and Signal.

    The firm says messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes after being sent.

    The instant-messaging service is part of US technology giant Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram.

    The feature will made be available to WhatsApp’s 2 billion users in the coming weeks. It counts India as its largest market, with 487 million users.

    “From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats,” the messaging service said in a blog post on Monday.

    “All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after,” it added.

    Edited messages will be tagged as “edited”, so recipients are aware that the content has been changed.

    However, they will not be shown how the message has been tweaked over time.

    WhatsApp’s announcement came after the feature was offered by messaging services Telegram and Signal.

    The edit function was introduced by social media platform Facebook almost a decade ago.

    Around that time, Facebook revealed that more than half its users accessed the site on mobile phones, which are more prone to typing errors.

    On Facebook, updates that are modified are marked as edited. A history of the edits is also available for users to view.

    Last year, Elon Musk’s social media platform Twitter said it was giving its paying subscribers the ability to edit their tweets.

    Tweets can be edited a few times in the 30 minutes after posting.

    “Tweeting will feel more approachable and less stressful,” Twitter said in a blog post at the time.

    “You should be able to participate in the conversation in a way that makes sense to you and we’ll keep working on ways that make it feel effortless to do just that,” the platform added.

    Story by BBC

  • Haji to be vetted Tuesday amid integrity queries

    Haji to be vetted Tuesday amid integrity queries

    Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji, who is set to become the next Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) will be vetted by Parliament on Tuesday next week.

    Kenyans have until Monday next week to submit their representations contesting the suitability of Haji for appointment as the NIS boss.

    The National Assembly’s departmental committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations is receiving memoranda by way of written statements on oath (affidavit) on the suitability of the nominee.

    The approval hearings will be in line with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation in the legislative and other business of Parliament and its Committees as well as Section 6(9) of the Parliamentary Appointments  (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011 which provides that any person may prior to the approval hearing and by written statement on oath, provide the Clerk with evidence contesting the suitability of a candidate to hold the office to which the candidate has been nominated.

    “The memoranda may be forwarded to the Clerk of the National Assembly on or before Monday, 29 May, 2023 by 5.00pm” a notice by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge states.

    His nomination by President William Ruto last week has been met with opposition from Civil society groups who have no faith in him.

    They claim Haji who is returning to the National Intelligence Service after 6 years of serving as the DPP violated the constitution by withdrawing graft cases involving senior government officials.

    The National Integrity Alliance said the decisions by the DPP who has defended his track record amount to incompetence and gross misconduct.

    Haji maintains the withdrawal of cases was lawfully done.

  • How to keep your makeup flawless during the hot season

    How to keep your makeup flawless during the hot season

    It’s scorching outside, which means sweat! Unless you’re wearing waterproof makeup (and that isn’t a guarantee against the blazing sun) your makeup is running. 

    Here are a few tips to keep your makeup intact.

    Use less makeup

    If you must, keep it as simple as possible. In her Harper’s Bazaar interview, Kenyan star Lupita said that the secret to flawless makeup, especially during the hot and dry season, is to keep it as simple as possible. If you would normally use 7 products reduce it to the bare essentials which means there’s less makeup to lose.

    Avoid powder

    Hot weather and powder do not mix. Powder will cling to your face, block your pores and will give the clear impression that you recently lost the battle with a sandstorm.

    Use tinted moisturiser or B.B cream

    If you can bare to go without makeup, try using a tinted moisturiser or B.B (Beauty Balm) cream instead. These two work almost the same as a foundation, by offering coverage while being less heavy. It is also a great way to achieve a simple, flawless makeup look. Just make sure the two contain some form of sunscreen or apply your sunscreen first before layering with the tinted moisturiser.

    Prime your eyeliner

    To prevent your eyeliner from running, use an eye primer which will help lock your mascara in place. Your other alternative is to use heavy-duty water-proof mascara, the kind that would survive a rainstorm.

    Setting Spray

    Used by performers worldwide (yes, Beyonce comes to mind) setting spray is one of those products that seems extra but comes in handy when it comes to keeping your makeup in place. Setting spray is a mist that literally seals makeup into place so well that it requires several washes to get it off.

    I mean have you ever wondered how Beyonce maintains her makeup while performing vigorously? Now you know.

  • 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.

  • Woman suspected of murdering her two children arrested in Eldoret

    Woman suspected of murdering her two children arrested in Eldoret

    Police in Eldoret on Monday arrested a woman suspected of killing her two juvenile children in Lower West Indies Estate.

    Preliminary investigations have established that one Chepkosgei, 26 who has been having persistent marital feuds with her husband, Misimo had stabbed her two children; Chepkoech, 6, and Mansur, 2.

    According to the National Police Service, the scene was processed and documented by CSI personnel and blood stained knife recovered as an exhibit from the scene.

    She is set to be arraigned in Court.

    Meanwhile, police in Kisii County are holding one Bishop Samson who claims to be the General Overseer of PEFA Church in the County.

    The arrest follows a report made by a group of youth that he defrauded them a total of Ksh 1.48 million through the false pretence that he would secure for them Visas to travel abroad for employment.

    He is also in police custody pending arraignment in Court.

  • Media houses put on notice over promotion of gambling activities

    Media houses put on notice over promotion of gambling activities

    The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has put journalists and media houses on notice over the promotion of gaming activities including lotteries, betting, and gambling on media platforms.

    In a statement, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said the council had noted with concern the continued increase in advertisement and promotion of gaming activities, some of which are not licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

    He advised journalists, media practitioners, and media enterprises to ensure that only promotions and advertisements of gaming activities entities licensed by BCLB are aired on their platforms.

    Omwoyo at the same time asked journalists to respect the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya which requires journalists, media practitioners, and enterprises to write fair, accurate, and unbiased stories on matters of public interest.

  • NPS arrest highway robbery suspects, recover firearm in Turkana

    NPS arrest highway robbery suspects, recover firearm in Turkana

    National Police Service Officers from Katilu Police Station have arrested two suspects namely Ekusi alias “damu yake”, 18 and Ekalale alias “Namso”, 24, suspected to be among the gangs committing crimes along Kitale-Lodwar Highway.

    The duo were spotted within Smailele Village Kalemnng’orok Sub-Location and upon search, an Ak47 Rifle loaded with 2 rounds of ammunition was recovered.

    NPS through their social media handle thanked members of the public for their collaboration with Police that led to the arrest of the two suspects

  • ODPP unveils digital case review system in bid to decongest prisons

    ODPP unveils digital case review system in bid to decongest prisons

    Kenyans now will have an opportunity to file complaints, track progress as well as request for a review of court cases through a digital platform.

    This follows the launch of an online platform by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that sets in motion plans to expeditiously dispense cases involving petty offenders through a paperless platform.

    Speaking at Nairobi Remand prison in industrial area, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Hajj said the system will enhance efficiency and transparency while reducing backlog of cases.

    The DPP raised alarm over the congestion on inmates saying the ODPP Malalamishi Complaints system will the proverbial slow wheels of justice.

    “The 134 prison facilities in Kenya are currently holding over 60,000 persons yet they have a capacity of 30,000 people. Pretrial detainees are 35,000 which is 51% of total prison population,” said Haji

    “In a bid to further decongest our prisons the ODPP has reviewed 1, 419 files from the Nairobi remand prison from Makadara, Kiambu, Milimani and Kibera,” he added

    The platform will enable the public easily track progress of their case via a short message service sent to their cell phones notifying them of the next mention and hearing of their cases.

    The Commissioner General of Kenya prison service Brigadier Retired John Kebaso and civil society groups welcomed the move saying it is timely in fasttracking cases and in turn reduce congestion in prison through a speedy justice system.