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  • Golf: Van Niekerk and Junaid Manji victorious at Junior Golf Championships

    Golf: Van Niekerk and Junaid Manji victorious at Junior Golf Championships

    Over 300 golfers took part in the two legs of the Junior golf championship held at Karen Country Club and Muthaiga Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

    On Saturday the action was held at the  ever-green par-72 Karen course where 145 young golfers participated while Sunday’s leg at Muthaiga  attracted 174 juniors.

    At the Karen leg, Ewan Van Niekerk emerged as the top player in the boys 15-18-year-olds category with a score of 83 gross, followed closely by Ishan Samani with 84 gross.
    In the boys 13-14-year-olds category, Shashwat Harish claimed victory with 75 gross points, while Justin Ngeera won the boys 12-year-olds category with 81 gross. Amar Shah achieved the best score among the 11-year-old boys with 81 gross.

    In the boys, ten, nine, eight, seven, and six-and-under categories, Gitonga Gitobu, Adam Nesbitt, Paren Ree, Ivan Kipyegon Kimutai, and Surya Bongu were crowned winners.

    Among the girls, Hazel Kuria secured top honors in the 15-18-year-olds category with a score of 93 gross, while Cherono Kipkorir emerged as the winner in the 13-14-year-olds category with 79 gross.

    In other categories of younger golfers playing nine holes, Marya Nyambura won among the 11-12-year-olds with 83 gross, Ashley Gachora excelled among the 9-10-year-olds with 41 gross, and Aarna Mengi was the top junior among the 8-years-and-under category.

    Meanwhile, at Muthaiga, Junaid Manji claimed first place in the boys 15-18-year-olds category with a round of 76, defeating Ewan Van Niekerk, who finished with 83 gross.

    Nathan Mwangi emerged as the winner in the boys 13-14-year-olds category with 79 points, edging out Tsevi Soni on countback. Mwathi Gicheru topped the 12-year-old category with an impressive score of 74 gross.

    In other categories, Amar Shah (11-year-olds), Gitonga Gitobu (10-year-olds), Adam Nesbitt (nine-year-olds), Paren Reel (eight-year-olds), Nathan Mwai (seven-year-old), and James Tino (six-year-olds-and-under) were crowned winners.

    Among the girls, Hazel Kuria claimed victory in the 15-18-year-olds category with 82 gross, while Cherono Kipkorir took the top spot in the 13-14-year-olds category with 85 gross.

    In other categories, Brianna Ngecu (11-12-year-olds), Aria Dodhia (nine-to-ten-year-olds), and Irene Asiyo (eight years and under) were crowned winners.

    NCBA Group Managing Director expressed his delight in supporting the U.S. Kids Golf Spring Local Tour, emphasizing the company’s commitment to junior golf development.

    “At NCBA Bank, we are deeply committed to supporting junior golf development in the region. We recognize our young golfers’ incredible potential and skill, and we believe in providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to flourish in their golfing journeys.”
    “The U.S. Kids Golf Spring Local Tour is an exceptional platform for our junior golfers to showcase their abilities and compete against their peers. It encourages healthy competition and fosters camaraderie and a love for the game. We are proud to be a part of this journey and support these talented individuals as they chase their dreams on the fairways,”she said.

  • Shakahola probe suffers hitch as court suspends Commission of Inquiry

    Shakahola probe suffers hitch as court suspends Commission of Inquiry

    The government has suffered a blow after the High Court temporarily suspended the Commission of Inquiry into Shakahola deaths.

    The Justice Jessi Lessit-led commission will know its fate on Monday when Justice Lawrence Mugambi will deliver a substantive ruling on the case filed by Azimio la Umoja coalition.

    Raila, who is challenging the formation of the commission, through his lawyer, Paul Mwangi sued the state saying the appointment of the members of the commission by President William Ruto is illegal and unconstitutional.

    The opposition leader accused the Head of State of undermining the authority of the National Intelligence Service under Article 242 of the Constitution of Kenya.

    “The formation of the Commission of Inquiry Into the Shakahola Tragedy is a usurpation of the powers and undermining of the authority of the Senate which has already commissioned an ad-hoc Committee to investigate the Shakahola Massacre whose mandates have been duplicated,” the petition stated.

    On May 5, President Ruto appointed a commission of inquiry into the Shakohola deaths and religious organisations through a gazette notice.

    Lady Justice Jessie Lessit will chair the commission, together with sevens others namely Lady Justice Mary Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, and Jonathan Lodompui.

    Additional reporting by Ruth Wamboi

  • Jubliee expels Kanini Kega, Sabina Chege as new appointees are announced

    Jubliee expels Kanini Kega, Sabina Chege as new appointees are announced

    The Jubilee party has announced new appointees to its National Executive Council (NEC) board.

    In the new changes announced by Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, some of the outgoing NEC members are Jimmy Angwenyi, Naomi Shaban, Nelson Nzuya, Joshua Kuttuny, Mutava Musymi and Kanini Kega.

    Others are Sabina Chege, Rachel Nyamai, Advice Mundalo, Joel Kibe and Wangoi Gichuru.

    The aforesaid persons will be replaced by Beatrice Gambo, Maoka Maore, Joseph Manje, Saitoti Torome, Yassin Nur and blogger Pauline Njoroge.

    Others new entrants are Jamleck Kamau, Maison Lechome, Agnes Nthumbi (Youth League),  Anthony Manyara, Nderitu Mureithi and Amina Ugdon Siyad (Parliamentary Secretary).

    During a National Delegates Conference (NDC) held at the Ngong Racecourse on Monday, Kioni noted that the party has opted to make the changes after it observed that some of its members have proved to be disloyal to the party.

    Kioni stated that on April 28, 2023, a NEC meeting was convened and the members sitting on the board were a no-show.

    It was in that meeting, Kioni added, where they resolved that the positions ought to be filled with loyal, faithful and trustworthy members who are in support of the party’s interests.

    “They are holding the positions and they have shown that their loyalty is not with us but with others,” he said.

    The outgoing members, according to Kioni, have either shown allegiance to other parties, resigned from the positions, or have been appointed to other commissions.

    On his part, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the rebel Jubilee Party members to resign from their seats and move on in peace.

    Speaking at the Jubilee Party NDC, Uhuru told the rebel members to leave the party instead of engaging in wrangles.

    Uhuru, who is the Jubilee party leader, said the rebels can no longer continue to enjoy the fruits of the party when they have betrayed its leadership.

    The former President, who moved to stamp his authority as the leader of the former ruling party, said going forward they will embrace peace.

     

  • Sugar repackaging syndicate busted in Kisii County

    Sugar repackaging syndicate busted in Kisii County

    The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Kisii accompanied by local police have uncovered an illegal sugar repackaging scheme in a multi-storey building in Kenyenya Sub County.

    Acting on a tip from the public, the area Sub County Police Commander, Charles Opondo confirmed they had arrested a middle-aged woman who allegedly collaborated with other individuals in repackaging the sugar from Tanzania and Uganda.

    The sugar was being labelled using brands such as Mara, Sony, and other local millers to conceal its true origin.

    During the raid conducted on Monday morning, it was discovered that the suspects were operating in unhygienic conditions and without proper weighing equipment.

    Opondo stated that Kenya Bureau of Standards and National Environment Management Authority officials had been briefed about the incident for further investigations and laboratory testing of the seized sugar.

    The owner of the premise, Dorcas Kemunto, claimed that she had rented the house to an individual named Sam Ouko, who is currently on the run, adding that she was unaware of the illegal activities taking place on her property.

    The detectives are now conducting a manhunt for additional individuals believed to be involved in the unauthorized sugar operations in Mogonga, Kenyenya, Ogembo, and Kisii towns.

    Local residents had noticed unusual business activities within the closed-off building, raising suspicions.

    This discovery comes amidst the government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on contraband sugar that was released to a trader who later repackaged and sold it to unsuspecting Kenyans despite the cargo being flagged by authorities.

  • CS Kuria launches the 3rd Kenya International Investment Conference

    CS Kuria launches the 3rd Kenya International Investment Conference

    Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has officially launched the 3rd Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO2023) hosted by Kenya Investment Authority.

    The conference is expected to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, policymakers and business leaders, creating a platform for networking, sharing ideas, and exploring investment opportunities. With the participation of over 55 trade ministers and 100 top businesses from across Africa, the conference presents an excellent opportunity for Kenya to showcase its potential as an investment destination and forge strategic partnerships.

    The CS said KIICO2023 presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to showcase its potential as a key player in Africa’s trade landscape and attract investment into the country.

    “Kenya aims to play a critical role in boosting intra-African trade and driving economic growth not only in the country but across the continent,” said Kuria.

    Speaking during the launch today, the CS commended KenInvest under the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) saying it is playing a critical role in organizing the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting a conducive business environment and attracting investment into the country.

    “The conference includes a working retreat for 54 Africa Trade Ministers to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation matrix and Road map that will play a key role in opening the 1.3-billion-person market in Africa for Kenya’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and positioning Kenya as the gateway to Africa,” said the CS.

    Among areas of investment opportunities Kenya targets to pitch to investors include Special Economic Zones, Public Private Partnerships, Foreign Direct Investments in Energy, Affordable Housing, Agriculture, Health, Water, Roads, Transport including the LAPSSET Corridor, Financial Services including the Nairobi International Financial Centre and ICT related investments including the Konza City.

    The conference whose theme is “Unlocking Africa’s Gateway” will also feature the Africa Private Sector Alliance (APSA) Forum that brings together top 100 businesses in Africa to deliberate on private sector growth and development in the continent.

    The Kenya delegation will be represented by President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagwa, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo, Investment Promotion Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, and KenInvest Chair Sally Mahihu.

    Other dignitaries expected during the conference include guest speaker, President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros who also serves as the African Union Heads of States Summit chairman and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene.

  • Reprieve for Pastor Ezekiel as courts allows access to frozen accounts

    Reprieve for Pastor Ezekiel as courts allows access to frozen accounts

    Controversial televangelist Ezekiel Odero has been granted access to his New Life Church and Kilifi International School bank accounts that had been frozen on the 8th of May 2023 after he was arrested.

    This is after the lapse of the 15 days issued by the court.

    The decision was taken after the Investigative Officer Chief Inspector Martin Munene told the court that he has so far received documents from the banks holding accounts of the two institutions and he has no objections to having them opened.  

    While being cross-examined by Lawyer Danstan Omari, Munene told the court that from the documentation received none of the accounts was in the name of the pastor.

    He said all accounts were either for the church or the school.

    The investigating officers however protested to the court to have Safaricom compelled to supply Mpesa data relating to the preacher after the company failed to respond to the request.

    The matter will be mentioned on Tuesday next week to confirm if Safaricom will have complied with the court order.

  • Kenya wins three awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Awards ceremony

    Kenya wins three awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Awards ceremony

    Kenya has won three awards at the just concluded Africa Magic Viewers Awards (AMVCA) through the TV show “Njoro Wa Uber” and the film currently “Click, Click, Bang, Bang.”

    “Click Click Bang,” directed by Philip Karanja Njenga, won two awards in the Best Movie, East Africa, and Best Indigenous Language, Swahili (Movie/TV Series) categories. “Njoro Wa Uber”, meanwhile, won Best Original Comedy. 

    Acknowledging the win for “Click, Click, Bang, Bang”, Philip Karanja thanked his team members for a job well done.

    Abel Mutua, who the writer of the film also acknowledged the win saying, “Extremely elated guys. Just the other day when we asked you whether we should venture into movies and you guys threatened us if we didn’t. See God!! Barikiweni sana Guys. You push us to be great. To the entire Cast and Crew. Only God can put together such a formidable team…”

    The 9th edition of the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held over the weekend at the Eko Hotel, Lagos. The awards are meant to celebrate talent in the film world across Africa.

     

  • SGR earnings from cargo haulage rises 4pc to Ksh 12.7B

    SGR earnings from cargo haulage rises 4pc to Ksh 12.7B

    The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) generated revenues totaling Ksh 12.7 billion last year which was 4pc higher than Ksh 12.2 billion the railway line earned in 2021.

    The increase in cargo haulage was due to the increase in cargo volume transported via the new line which rose from 5,407,000 tonnes in 2021 to 6,090,000 last year, a 12.6pc rise.

    According to the Economic Survey Report 2023 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the increase is despite container traffic through the Port of Mombasa reducing 1.9pc, from 34,661,000 to 33,880,000 tonnes last year which is attributed to a decline in import of dry bulk cargo.

    On the other line, five year old railways line also registered an increase in passenger traffic which rose 20pc last year.

    During the period under review, SGR ferried 2.4 million passengers compared to 1.99 million ferried in 2021.

    “The increase in passenger numbers resulted in a 19.6pc rise in revenue generated to Ksh 2.6 billion in 2022 from Ksh 2.2 billion in 2021,” said KNBS in the Economic Survey Report 2023.

    SGR registered a decline in revenue per tonne per kilometer which reduced from ksh 4.80 to Ksh 4.48 same as revenue per passenger per kilometer which reduced from Ksh 2.39 to Ksh 2.38.

    Nonetheless, despite billions invested in the old Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) to refurbish the track, it continues to see a drop in passenger numbers.

    The number of passengers who travelled via the railway dropped 23.7pc to just 3.4 million last year from 4.5 million which KNBS says was mainly attributed to a decline in the number of passengers using Nairobi Commuter Railway (NCR).

    “Consequently, passenger revenue from MGR decreased by 20.9pc from Ksh 234 million in 2021 to Ksh 185 million in 2022.

  • Diamond, Zari, Fantana feud continues to dominate social conversations days after reality series premiere

    Diamond, Zari, Fantana feud continues to dominate social conversations days after reality series premiere

    The Zari, Diamond and Fantana Feud presented on the Netflix reality series “Young Famous & African” has triggered an ongoing online conversation.

    African reality series “Young, African & Famous” continues to dominate online conversations since its premiere on May 19.

    The Netflix series, which has amassed a following in South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda is one of Africa’s biggest reality TV series starring some of the continent’s biggest celebrities.

    The show which is currently streaming its second season, stars Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, Zari Hassan, SAfrica’s Khanyi Mbau, Nigerian Annie Macualey Idibia, 2Face Idibia, Nadia Nakai, Dj Naked and Kayleigh.

    The new season also introduces new cast members Bonang Matheba, Luis Munana, Fantana, Rosette, and Sebabatso.

    What is going on with Diamond, Zari and Fantana?

    The conversations online have mostly been triggered by the drama among stars Diamond, Zari and new cast member Fantana. As fans of the former two will know, Zari and Diamond share two children together and their ability to co-parent is a big part of their characters within the show. 

    While Season 1 offered a more amicable relationship between the two, the new season decimates it by introducing Ghanaian artist Fantana who also happens to be Diamond’s love interest this season. This would not be a point of contention for either of the parties if Fantana didn’t have an issue with Diamond’s ex, Zari, who Fantana claims is still obsessed with the Tanzanian crooner.

    Since the show’s debut, Zari and Fantana have been trading insults and shady comments on both their social media handles moving the show’s ongoing feud to real life. 

    Zari, taking issue with conversations online, has refuted claims that she’s obsessed with Diamond, seeming to disown him in a lengthy post on Instagram that has since been deleted.

    On the other hand, Fantana continues to throw jabs at Zari accusing her of multiple alleged cosmetic surgeries.

    2Face fails to save face yet again in the new season

    During the show’s Season one run, Nigerian musician 2Face Idibia made headlines across the continent for the wrong reasons when fans found out he had a penchant for embarrassing his wife, Annie Idibia. 

    Whether meant purposely or not, the “African Queen” singer embarrassed his wife yet again this season by claiming that men are unable to be faithful. Given his very public indiscretions, in addition to the one tackled in the new season, fans are not impressed by 2Face or Annie’s ability to constantly forgive him despite her continued ridicule in public. 

    Unbowed by public opinion, Annie is quick to point out in the show, she remains steadfast in her love for 2Face.

    Top 10 drama this week

    In addition to being a topic of discussion online, “Young, Famous and African” is currently the number one Netflix show in Kenya beating out “XO Kitty”, “Muted” and finally dethroning fan favourite “Queen Charlotte” from the top spot.

  • Four dead, several others injured in Isinya road accident

    Four dead, several others injured in Isinya road accident

    Four people have lost their lives in a grisly road accident at Isinya, Kajiado County involving a 40-passenger capacity bus ferrying workers of a flower firm.

    According to eyewitnesses, the bus which was speeding lost control and rolled several times killing four occupants on the spot while scores were injured.

    Confirming the incident, Isinya Sub County Police Commander Patrick Manyasi who termed the incident as unfortunate said the injured were rushed to Kajiado referral hospital.

    He urged all road users to be cautious and avoid cases of speeding to avoid avoidable accidents.

    Locals who rushed to assist decried an increase in accidents at the area saying the road lacks signage and speed bumps along the stretch.

    The bus normally ferries workers to and from the Ngong Veg flower farm and usually makes two trips in the morning and evening.