Category: News

(Photo courtesy of Uzalendo News)

By Joe Aura
(Aurajoe6@gmail.com)

The current state of law and order in Haiti is a matter of grave human interest. Violent gangs are
reported have taken over much of the country, driving a surge in homicides, rapes, and
kidnappings.
The UN security council has voted to send a Kenyan-led multinational security force to Haiti to
help its government combat violent gangs. The force is expected to be led by Kenyan police
officers, who will be joined by officers from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda.
The Kenyan police force is expected to face significant challenges in Haiti. The previous UN
deployment was derailed by sexual misbehavior charges involving more than 100 UN personnel,
including sexual assault of minors. This has been followed by subsequent complaints about the
Kenyan Police Force coerce their citizens. Several of these incidents occurred during the
Maandamano protest and when curfew hours were implemented during the Corona
administration.

{Photo courtesy of Jalang’os Instagram}

 

By Janet Wambua

 

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o  has chosen a dignified response after his recent expulsion from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

 

Jalang’o took to his Instagram page to share his thoughts on the matter. He responded with a Bible verse, accompanied by a symbolic image of himself carrying an evidence box to court during the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party’s presidential election petition.

 

His message read, “No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Corinthians 10:13.”

 

In a recent announcement, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Raila Odinga and National Chairman John Mbadi, convened to address the conduct of its members. Their actions were based on a report from the disciplinary committee.

 

Among those facing expulsion from ODM were five members, including Jalang’o. They were alleged to have violated the party Constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly supporting a rival political group and opposing the party’s lawful decisions.

 

The other members include, Members of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo, Gideon Ochanda, Caroli Omondi, and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

 

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, on the other hand, faced reprimand for her defiance of the party’s stance on the Finance Bill 2023. She has been instructed to issue a written apology to the party within seven days and is required to pay a fine of Ksh.250,000 within 60 days.

 

Furthermore, ODM decided to revoke the nominations of four Members of the Kisumu County Assembly (MCAs); Caroline Opar, Kennedy Ajwang’, Peter Obaso, and Regina Kizito.

{Photo courtesy of Aljazeera}

 

By Samwel Owino

 

Wednesday, 6 September, marks the last day of the Africa Climate Summit co-hosted by the African Union and the Kenyan government that lasted 3 days in Nairobi, Kenya where African leaders convened to discuss climate change.

One of the main issues of the summit was that countries in Africa suffer the most as a result of the greenhouse gases even though they contribute least to none to pollution.

On Tuesday during the opening session of heads of state, several leaders made their proposals towards climate action and financing and its future. The proposals made are featured in the “Nairobi declaration” ahead of the cop28 to be held in the United Arab Emirates late November.

Cop28 president, Sultan Al Jaber proposed on finding a plan that is all inclusive and one that delivers.

“We need an integrated approach that delivers transformation progress and we need a plan that leaves no one behind,” he said.

The Nairobi declaration announced by Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has been adopted by  political and business leaders to raise $23Bn to fight the effects of climate change in Africa.

A united African voice could generate momentum for a series of key gatherings leading to the UN climate summit starting in November, including the G20 meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, 9 September, 2023.

“We march on with the Nairobi declaration,” said President Ruto, bringing the three-day conference to a close.

{Photo courtesy of SOC} 

 

By Benjamin Wanguba

 

On Thursday, 10th August, 2023, BBC’s Waihiga Mwaura And Citizen TV’s Jason Mwangi were the chief guests at an interactive session with students of Communication at Daystar University. The event which was dubbed the Journey of a broadcaster, allowed the two guest speakers to speak to the aspiring journalists on what it takes to get to the top while enlightening them of their journey to the big screen.

The first guest Mr Mwangi, a Daystar class of 2019 alumnus, recapped his journey from Athi River campus to getting to work for the biggest media house in the country. Jason Mwangi, who is a Digital Producer and Photo Journalist at the Royal Media Services encouraged the students to be proactive and go out and network as early as possible to allow them to familiarize with the industry. He also motivated the students to utilize the resources at the school while they were still here. Mr. Mwangi further gave the students tips on what to do once they secure an internship. “When you get an internship please don’t allow yourself to leave that place. Try and spot a gap in that organisation and fill it. For me I noticed a gap in terms of photography and ran with it and I am still there up to date.”

The photojournalist also encouraged the students to avoid laziness and to always be on time. He recounted how as a student he missed an interview with Victoria Rubadiri by just 10 minutes and since then he has always been early to meetings. “Someone’s time is very valuable. Please don’t waste people’s time, be early.”

In regards to the field of photo journalism, he encouraged the students to always tell stories with their pictures and that no story was worth dying for.

Once he had finished, the second guest of the event Waihiga Mwaura rose to the stage. Waihiga took the audience through his journey to get to the big screen. The BBC journalist who is a Computer Science graduate reminisced on how moderating one church event led to him being a seasoned journalist. It was after moderating that event that his pastor encouraged him to try out an on-screen career. Several auditions later, Waihiga would end up being a Sports Reporter at Citizen TV for 7 years then rise through the ranks and eventually become lead reporter. He encouraged the audience never to neglect an opportunity.

Mwaura also encouraged the attendees to go above and beyond classroom learning in order to be the best. “Schools give a great foundation but you still need to learn on your own. He also added that, “Some people attend foreign universities and are the best. Others attend lesser known universities and are still the best. It is also the same for the inverse. It all depends with what you do with what you have.”

In regards to the future of journalism, he encouraged the students to embrace change. He highlighted how most Gen Z’s get their news from Tik-tok and how the young journalists can embrace this space. “AI will change journalism and you have to learn and adapt with the change,” he added. He also advised the attendants on the need for building one’s brand before they graduate in order to be ready for the marketplace.

{Photo courtesy of Rachel Claire}

 

By Hilda Kavai

 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has put forth a proposal to increase conservation fees, sparking controversy among some members of the public.

As part of these changes, adult East African citizens and residents will now pay Sh2,000 to visit Nairobi National Park, a significant increase from the previous fee of Sh500.

The revised package for Nairobi National Park that includes Nairobi Animal Orphanage and Nairobi Safari Walk, will cost Sh2,250, with students paying Sh650.

During the previous low season, fees for East African citizens were capped at Sh600 for adults and Sh215 for students.

According to the new proposals, an adult EAC citizen/resident will now pay Sh1,000 to access to Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Parks during the peak season of July to March.

A child or student will be charged Sh500.

Initially, an adult’s entrance charge to the two National Parks was Sh800.During the high season, an adult visitor from the rest of Africa will pay US $50 to access Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park during the high season of July to March while a child will pay US $20.

An adult international visitor will now pay US $100 during high season to access Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park while a student will pay US $35.Initially, an adult visiting such parks during high seasons used to pay US $70 and a student US $20.

Accessing Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park under the new proposals will now cost EAC adult Sh500 during the high season.

The same applies to Meru, Kora and Aberdare National Parks.

Animal tracking in selected parks with prior arrangement (per person) costs Sh2,000 for EAC citizens and those from the rest of Africa/Residents, and US $20 for international visitors.

Commercial photography and videography for feature films, commercials, adverts, dramas, music videos, and short films with the required permits will cost EAC citizens and those from the rest of Africa Sh10,000 per day, while overseas tourists will pay US $100.

KWS has defended the move saying there was strict adherence to the constitution, and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013.

“The KWS conducted nationwide public participation forums between January 30 to the February 23, 2023, whose objective was to get public input on the revision of conservation fees for national parks and reserves,” Corporate Communications said in a statement.

KWS is mandated to undertake periodic, comprehensive reviews of its products and fees to ensure alignment and standardization with both local and international conservation and business landscapes.

The proposed conservation fees covers January 2024 to December 2025.

(Photo courtesy of Google Play)

 

By Samuel Owino

 

The parliament on Thursday, 10 August, declared the process undertaken by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) null over illegalities.

The health committee of the national assembly led by Robert Pukose said that KUCCPS carrying out the placement process on behalf of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) was illegal.

“It is obvious that the process is null and void, there is a court order that clearly says placement of students should be done by the KMTC board, therefore, KUCCPS conducting the placement is illegal,” said Pukose.

Over 42,000 students who had applied for placement will now have to wait longer as they have to do the process a fresh. The Committee however advised that the students will not pay the fees paid to KUCCPS again. This also comes after an order to KUCCPS to transfer 84 million Kenya shillings summed from the application fees to KMTC.

“KUCCPS should surrender the money to KMTC. The 42,000 applicants who had applied to KUCCPS should not be made to pay again.” Said Pukose.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha on Thursday, tried to defend KUCCPS’ role suggesting that she was acting on an executive order. The ministry, however, could not provide evidence.

Legally, KMTC is allowed to do their own placements as a High Court in July, ruled in favour of two students who filed a suit barring KUCCPS from the role. The ruling has not been appealed since.

{Photo courtesy of The Standard}

 

By Sophie Kinya.

 

Kenyans held a memorial service to honor those who died in the bomb blast in 1998 at the American Embassy. The annual event was held at the memorial site, which is located at the corner of Moi and Haile Sellasie Avenues, and was attended by Azimio leaders Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, as well as friends and family of the lost souls.

The bombing that occurred 25 years ago is believed to have targeted the American Embassy and was organized by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. A truck exploded outside the building, and a few minutes later, a similar incident occurred at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The horrible tragedy killed over 200 individuals and injured over 5,000 more.

It has recently come to people’s attention that not enough compensation has been provided, particularly to comfort those left behind and yet many Kenyans are still suffering from the impacts of the bombing. Some of them are blind and others deaf while others are still suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The US government’s reply is that their laws do not allow Kenyan victims of the attack to be reimbursed and recognized. However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for them because the AD HOC committee chair, Ms. Agnes Kavindu has committed to work with the US government to make sure that all victims are compensated well. ‘We are also planning to see our president who I know will give us full back up, even the opposition will give us full back up and we are going to do everything possible for us as senate and a committee to make sure we talk to the senate in the United States so that they can include us in these funds…’ she said during memorial prayers that took place on Sunday.

It is also important to note that more than 20 people in connection with the deadly bombings have since been charged to life imprisonment in various prisons in the United States and some other people have died including the Al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden who was killed by the US government in 2011.

{Photo courtesy of Nation}

 

By Samuel Owino

 

The government on Wednesday, 2 August, has suspended activities by World Coin pending assessment on its risks.

On a statement by interior CS, Kithure Kindiki, the government has suspended the activities by the American company, OpenAI, till concerned government agencies verify these activities and the risks they may pose to the public.

“Accordingly, the government has suspended forthwith, activities of ‘WORLD COIN’ and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya until relevant public agencies certify the absence of any risks to the people of Kenya whatsoever.” Part of the statement reads.

The statements also read that appropriate action will be taken on anyone who furthers, aids, abets, or engages with the suspended activities.

This suspension comes a day after Kenyans lined up at malls and at KICC for the second day to scan their eyeball for an award of 25 world coin that amounts to 7700 Kenyan Shillings and a virtual human identity, World ID.

In a interview on Wednesday morning, ICT CS, Eliud Owalo, said that as far as Data Act 2019 is concerned, World Coin is not violating any laws.

He also said that the ODPC (Office of Data Protection Commissioner) got wind of the activities by World Coin and they are going to release a comprehensive statement on the concerns about World Coin.

On Tuesday, 1 August, police officers had to suspend World Coin registration at KICC, citing security concerns.

{Photo courtesy of  FKF}

 

By Dennis Mungai

 

The draw for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers was made and Kenya finds itself in a tight Group “F”, having being pitted against Gambia, Gabon, Seychelles, Côté D’Ivoire and Burundi. With the team’s first matches set to be played between November 13 and November 21, Harambee Stars has enough time to prepare for these matches.

Kenya has not even qualified for the World Cup in recent memory. The furthest the national team has come to participating in the global or continental stage was the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they were in a group featuring Sénégal , Algeria and Tanzania. Kenya only won one game in that group stage, beating neighbors Tanzania 3-2.

With the increase of participating countries in the World Cup from 32 to 48, this has seen African countries get a rise from the usual 5 countries to 10. From the face value, the only tough challengers in the qualifiers group would be Burundi. Out of the 10 slots, only 1 is through the play- off round while the other 9 are direct qualification. The winners of the groups qualify directly.

This might seem like a long shot, but with proper training and support, Kenya might just pull the surprise of the year by beating Ivory Coast and emerging as real contenders for group winners. Obviously they have to get maximum points from the other games as well, as the other teams would also be fighting for a chance to put their nations on the global stage.

Over- reliance on specific international players like Victor Wanyama does not send a good picture. One factor that leads to long lasting success is the ability to produce new talent almost on a daily basis. European teams like Belgium and Croatia may have ageing players like Kevin De Bruyne or Luka Modric respectively, but they already have younger and more upcoming players like Jeremy Doku, Thorgan Hazard( Belgium), Josko Gvardiol, Andrej Kramaric( Croatia).

Harambee Stars does not necessarily have players of such high caliber, but at least the aspect of developing talent should be at the fore front if we are to give a proper fight for glory. Even in the African countries that have qualified before, almost all are usually from either West Africa ( Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sénégal, Cameroon) or North Africa ( Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia). Last year’s edition saw Morocco become surprise semi finalists, beating the likes of Portugal and Spain on the way to a top four finish.

Young players are being recruited from the Kenya Premier League teams, which is a good sign. More recruitment needs to be done at grassroot level, where there may be hidden gems ready to shine their light to the world. The government together with all other stakeholders must have ensure everything is set and not allow room for sideshows: politics, leadership strangles, corruption cases and whatnot. Such incidences lower players’ morale and we should take advantage of this expansion. As they like to say in Swahili, “wakati ni sasa na kama si sasa ni sasa hivi.”