Category Archives: General News

General News

Sad news! Former Garsen MP, Danson Mungatana, bereaved

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Former Garsen MP Danson Mungatana has lost his wife, Violet Mungatana. Mrs Violet died while undergoing dialysis at Coptic hospital .

Born in 1970, Mungatana who is a renowned lawyer was first elected to Parliament as a MP to Garsen Constituency in 2002 on a Narc-Kenya ticket as one of the four directly elected MPs. He was again reelected in 2007.

In 2017, Mungatana came fourth in the Tana River County Gubernatorial race. In 2013 Mungatana eyed the same seat on TNA but lost to Hussein Dado of the Wiper democratic movement.

In his message of condolence, the Deputy President Dr William Ruto wrote;
“Condolences to family and friends of former Garsen MP (Member of Parliament) Danson Mungatana following the death of his wife, Violet Mungatana. She was a devoted family woman; kind and welcoming, who stood out for her generosity and warm heart. Rest In Peace.”

Mungatana is also said to be married to TV icon Mwanahisa Chidzuga.

TV presenter Mwanahisa Chidzuga, left, with Danson Mungatana
Crimes and Courts

KCSE candidate arrested for plotting to Kill president Kenyatta and MP Aden Duale

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A 2018 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE, candidate has been arrested after his English paper one on functional skills was based on a heinous plot to kill President Uhuru Kenyatta and Garissa Township Member of Parliament,  Honorable Aden Duale. 

The said student from the Elimu Bora Secondary School in Mandera East was arrested and charged with treason. The Examiners came across the paper while arranging for commencement of marking.

The student was arraigned in a Mandera court on Friday, 30th November 2018, to answers to charges of treason. The magistrate, Duncan Mutai,  ordered that the boy be subjected to a mental assessment at Mandera County Hospital before the case is mentioned. Mutai also ordered an age assessment to be done on the student.

The case will be mentioned tomorrow, Monday (3rd December 2018) where the judge is expected to either deny or give detectives seven days to conclude investigations into the matter.

Marking of the 2018 KCSE examinations is underway across various marking centres in Nairobi with results expected before Christmas.

Elsewhere, the Education cabinet secretary (Dr. Amina Mohammed) is expected to lead the National 2019 form one selection exercise tomorrow. Read more details, here: 2019 form one selection exercise to kick off tomorrow, Monday 3rd December 2018

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General News

STATE OF FILM IN KENYA: KFCB LICENSED CLOSE TO 700 FILMS IN 2018.

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The Kenya Films Classification Board, Kfcb, licensed nearly 700 and rated over 1000 films in 2018. This is the highest number of films to be licensed in Kenya and it’s more than thrice the number of films shot in Kenya before the Board took over the film licensing function two years ago.

Here is the list of the licensed films:

General News

60,000 Free Gas cylinders for Kenyans – Ministry of Petroleum and Mining Announces

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The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining in collaboration with the National Oil Corporation (NOCK) has rolled out a project dubbed ‘Mwananchi LPG project’ to benefit 60,000 low income households with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in Nairobi County.

The beneficiaries who will be drawn from households across the 11 national government administrative units will receive the 6kg LPG cylinders alongside grills and burners, whose distribution will be done by 11 firms recruited by the ministry.

Speaking on Thursday at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) during the Training of the Administration Officers on the roll-out of the Mwananchi LPG project the Secretary of Administration, Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, Mohammed Birik said that there is need to shift from wood and charcoal which contributed to environment pressure and health complications.

“This Mwananchi LPG project is set to help vulnerable people in the community who are willing and capable of refilling the cylinder,” said Birik.

He said for the project to succeed, national government administrators among them Chiefs and Sub-Chiefs would be required to act as a focal point in government operations in regard to the project.

“I would like to appreciate our administrators who continue to be very instrumental, because they are able to identify those people we cannot access or interact with,” he said.

Birik called upon the administrators to be vigilant and stand against illicit filling points that may counterfeit the cylinders in order to deceive consumers.

“The ministry is issuing a warning to administrators who will attempt to take advantage of the project and exploit Kenyans by selling cylinders at a higher price,” he added.

In her remarks Nairobi County Commissioner Flora Mworoa stressed that the project is not political, noting that no politician is entitled to fund or register any of their supporters for political gain.

“This is a government project which is meant to ensure that our people do not continue using firewood and kerosene which are hazardous not only to their health but also the environment,” said Mworoa.

She assured the ministry that her team of administrators are committed to ensuring that the project is a success.

Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from 11 sub-counties who underwent a LPG quick training on Thursday are expected to support the government by identifying beneficiaries, keeping records and coordinating the last mile distribution of the cylinders.

General News

Full list of Kenyans who received Jamhuri Day awards

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In recognition of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities, I, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, confer awards and honours to the following persons:

The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya

(a) The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH)

1. Hon. Joho Hassan Ali

2. Hon. John Mbadi

3. Hon. Wambora Martin Nyaga

4. Hon. Tunai Samuel Kuntai

5. Hon. Amoth Cornel Rasanga

6. Hon. Nanok Josphat Koli

7. Hon. Eng. Alex Tolgos

8. Hon. Jackson Mandago

9. Hon. Dr. Alfred Mutua

10. Hon. Dr. Laboso Cherono Joyce

11. Hon. Waiguru Anne Mumbi

(b) The Third Class: Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH)

Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi

The Order of the Burning Spear

(a) The First Class: Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS)

1. Haji Noordin Mohamed

2. Kinoti George Maingi

3. Mbugua Edward Njoroge

4. Amb. Macharia Kamau

5. Hon. Ichungwah Anthony Kimani

6. Hon. Tuya Roselinda Soipan

7. Hon. Moi Gideon Kipsiele Towett

8. Hon. Ahmed Shakeel Shabbir

9. Hon. Chris Wamalwa

10. Hon. Agnes Zani

11. Hon. Maoka Maore 12. Hon. Mbalu Jessica Nduku Kiko

13. Hon. Sakaja Johnston Arthur

14. Nyokabi Kenyatta Muthama

15. Dr. Njunia Robert Mathenge

(b) The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS)

1. Brig. Ofulah Henry Noah

2. Brig. Gitiba James Magige

3. Brig. Nderitu Patrick Muta

4. Brig. Shume William Karisa

5. Brig. Godfrey Auma Peter Buluma

6. Brig. Simon Muriithi Wachira

7. Amos Njoroge Gathecha

8. Chimwaga Mwanyimba Mongo

9. Leparmarai Bernard Jomo

10. Thuku William Kangethe

11. Kangi Moffat Muriithi

12. Prof. Bahemuka Judith Mbula

13. Sakwa Matilda Pamela

14. Prof. Omondi A. Washington

15. Nyagilo Alphonce Okweto

16. Amb. Koikai Daniel Mepukori

17. Ogle Mukhtar Abdi

18. Dr. Kinyua Anne Karimi

19. Maiyo Reuben Kirwa

20. Cheruiyot Augustine

21. Nyabengi Samuel Orina

22. Barmao Henry Kipkosgei

23. Adera Patrick Lumumba

24. Kieng Kiplagat Larry

25. Nchebere Japheth Koome

26. Chemweno Isaac Kipkoech

27. Waiguru George Kimani

28. Prof. Parkar Rafique Ahmed

29. Dr. Manek Kaushik Liladhar

30. Dr. Lumba Mohan Harswaroup

31. Rotich Simon Kibet

32. Moturi Rose Nekesa

33. Iria Bernard Muchiri

34. Ngene Gituku

(c) The Third Class: Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS)

1. Col. Kiswaa Sankale John

2. Col. Wamwayi Samuel Ambani

3. Col. Wesonga Willy Sidwaka

4. Col. (Dr.) Rotich Silvano Kibiego

5. Col. Nchuurai Muthomi Maitima

6. Col. (Dr.) Kimata Patrick Mukui

7. Col. Minyori Julius Muthamia

8. Col. Imboywa Christopher Lutomia

9. Col. Shiguri Victor Gideon Alalia

10. Col. Okumu George

11. Col. Wafula Patroba Lazarus

12. Col. Peter Shadrack Sulubu

13. Col. Benedict Manjewa Mzee

14. Col. (Dr.) Edward Odoyo Osewe

15. Col. Evans Oduor Oguga

16. Col. Thomas Njoroge Nganga

17. Natembeya George

18. Kianda James Kyalo

19. Nyagwanga Wilfred Agage

20. Shisia Fredrick Makokha

21. Muthaura Doreen Nkatha

22. Gichu Alice Wanjiru

23. Mwaura Rose Wairimu

24. Mashipei Dorothy

25. Waimiri Daisy Nyawira

26. Mutaciri Jinnarius KigutaWambugu

27. Dr. Gitahi E. Githinji

28. Nyabuto Betty Sungura

29. Mbute Peterson Maina

30. Nyingi Philip Maina

31. Rev. Taama Jeremiah John Mutua

32. Nzuva Garishon Kithome

33. Kaburu Morris Mutwiri

34. Yumbya Daniel Munyao

35. Dr. Mutiso Reuben Musyoka

36. Wambugu Muchemi

37. Dr. Narikae Parmain Ole

38. Amin Adnan Zahir

39. Eng. Juma Collins Gordon Ondunga

40. Mogeni Jaqueline Anam

41. Hon. Ndegwa James Wahome

42. Hon. Arimba Joseph Kaberia

43. Hon. Buluma Morris Indakwa

44. Hon. Osoi Parmuat Johson

45. Hon. Okode George Owino

46. Hon. Kariuki Leonard Nduati

47. Hon. Ruwa Sammy Nyamawi

48. Hon. Wamalwa Bernard Mubinja

49. Hon. Loltome Mathew Lole

50. Hon. Kahindi Jimmy Kadhua

51. Nzomo Mutuku

52. Ong’olo David Otieno

53. Kihiko Eunice Wangari

54. Omar Bashane Mohamed

55. Dr. Omerikwa Anthony Opare

56. Njiri Nelson Mugweru

57. Okembo Lilian Akoth

58. Omija Joseph Otieno

59. Onyango Joseph Vincent

60. Osman Hassan Alasow

61. Boiyo Leonard Ngeywa

62. Muthai Sammy Kioko

63. Njuguna Mary Mwihaki

64. Dr. Chirchir Emmy Jepkirui

65. Agesa Ruth M’Mbwaya

66. Dr. Sang Francis Kipkemboi

67. Wachira Njeri Mwangi

68. Charles Karege Njaria

69. Gabriel Mutuku Musau

70. Julius Gordon Tanui

71. Karori Kamau

72. Anyona Francis

73. Wandere Isaac Maina

74. Wasonga Thomas Ogola

The Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO)

Maj. Stephen Minugo Mwangi (Posthumous)

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

1. Cpl. Magondu Edward

2. WO I Ngunjiri Serah Wambui

3. WO I Said Hamud Abdalla

4. WO I Abdi Hassan Mohamed

The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW)

1. Col. (Dr.) Sila Kising’u Sila

2. Lt .Col. Rama Richard Premchard

3. Major Bulukhu Douglas Mwambuki

4. Major Waithaka Boniface Wanjau

5. Capt. Mutwiwa David Mutua

6. WO I Talengo Denis Namunyu

7. Peter Kiria Mbugi

8. Nyale Eddys

9. Mabwai Wesley Koech

10. Langat David Kipkemoi

11. Charles Gerald Mutembei

12. Wachira Rose W. Njoroge

13. Nganga Clement Kariuki

14. Syano Nicholas Mutuku

15. Seif Farida Rashid

16. Keter Priscilla Chelangat

17. Rev. Werru Onesmus

18. Samoei Abraham Kipkemei

19. Busolo Godfrey

20. Barasa Fernandes Odinga

21. Wainaina Dorcas Kemunto Nyaberi

22. Maina John Kanyiri

23. Dr. Mutisya Pius Kimani

24. Chepkawai Richard Limo

25. Ochieng Fredrick Haga

26. Sangori James Awino

27. Yalla Alice Jael Akinyi

28. Mulinge Geofrey Kioko

29. Kivisi Felister Saliku

30. Njagi Obadiah Nyaga

31. Mbogo Martin Njeru

32. Eng. Kiva Isaac Nzie

33. Muraya Julius Njire

34. Gichuru Mary Wambui

35. Wambui Nyutu

36. Mureithi James Kang’ara

37. Abdalla Altaf Faridun

38. Angore Peter Katana

39. Mcharo Pauline Wambui

40. Bitta Emmanuel

41. Kusa Christine

42. Dr. Azegele Allan Embodoka

43. Indimuli Simon Muyumba

44. Nyandika Moses Mogusu

45. Prof. Pokhariyal Ganesh Prasad

46. Ratemo Margaret Nyabiage

47. Jillaow Elysa Abdi

48. Lomaria Victor

49. Barasa Rosemary Kazi Awouri

50. Mulatya Flora

51. Mwendwa John

52. Mukonyi Kivaka Waita

53. Joseline Sikwabu Ogai

54. Dobby Eunice Juvenile Anyango

55. Kinuthia Eliud Ndungu

56. Kisang Jackson

57. Righa Donatha Chari

58. Kiptoo Laxmana Peter

59. Nganga Esther Kabura

60. Wanjama Paul Muniu

61. Mutisya Tom Muteti

62. Chirchir Philip Kiptanui

63. Ndiema Robson Edward

64. Ali Ayub Gitonga

65. Kiplagat Maurice Kipkoech

66. Lolmodoni Ranson

67. Alimaa Isaac Kaptolelio

68. Dr. Saini Umesh

69. Chumo David Kipngeno

70. Abdi Farah Golo

71. Korane Abdi Mohamed

72. Kivuva Catherine Njeri

73. Osaso George Otieno

74. Oguta Peter Onyonyi

75. Kibon James Kiprono

76. Mwanjila Brian

77. Olutende Doris Ingolo

78. Kariuki Caroline Wangui

79. Othoro Anna Mourine Riaga

80. Francis Njeru Chege

81. Julius Ole Kikwai Sunkuli

82. Mwangi Cecilia Murugi

83. Dominic Kisavi Kasyoka

84. Godfrey Okello Otunge

85. Musa Yego Chelolgo

86. Dorcas Agik Oduor

87. Ondari Jacob Nyakundi

88. Mutuku Nicholas Kilatya

International news

Tough United Kingdom (London) Home office VISA requirements anger Ugandans

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A section of Ugandans have been irked by the tough Visa requirements that they must fulfill for them to visit the United Kingdom. They now feel that same stringent requirements should be imposed on foreigners visiting Uganda.

“We need to address this visa injustice. It’s time we talked about visa reciprocity. If you apply these rules to Ugandans going abroad. Same rules should apply to foreigners visiting Uganda. Enough is enough. And Africa, it’s time to drop the visa requirements to visit each other,” said Mr Ruge; a Ugandan national.

Here is the long list of Visa requirements for Ugandan nationals wishing to visit/ stay in the UK:

1). Hotel reservation in UK
2). Personal bank statement showing
sufficient money to cover the visit to the UK
3). Confirmation of employment
4). Evidence of permission to be in the
country from which the application is made from (if outside of Uganda)
5). Round trip plane ticket reservation (Kigali- London)
6). Marriage certificate
7). Child’s birth certificate
8). Spouse’s employment contract
9). Husband’s salary certificate
10). Husband’s evidence of assets
11). Copy of husbands passport
12). Evidence of permission for husband to be in the country from which Visa is applied for
13). Programme agenda for the LSE Africa
Summit
14). Concept note for the LSE Africa Summit
15). Invitation letter from the LSE to attend the LSE Africa Summit stating that LSE is providing financial support for travel and accommodation while in London
16). Invitation from the art exhibition’s curator at the Africa Summit, stating ongoing, collaborative work with the LSE
17). Bio metric identifiers such as retina scan and finger prints;
18). US $414 to expedite the visa process (only accepting online payments)
19). £55 to submit documents and
20). Bio-metric
identifiers at the Kigali visa processing center (only accepting online payments).

This long list is what has been the topic of discussion against the few requirements for foreigners visiting Uganda; see below.

Uganda embassy visa requirements for UK nationals:
1). A passport valid for at least 6 months
2). US $50 paid at the port of entry.

According to Worldatlas.com, ‘Finnish people apparently love to travel more than any others in the world, closely followed by Americans and Swedes.’ See chart below (Courtesy of Worldatlas.com);

Also read;

Jailed- Here is former Makerere University lecturer, Stella Nyanzi’s, poem describing the private part of Museveni’s mother
International news

Eswatini government responds to news that king Mswati III has ordered all men to adopt polygamy

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The government of eSwatini has come out to strongly term the story on all men being forced into polygamy as fake and an insult to the country. The story that the Polygamous King Mswati III ordered men to have at least two wives or face jail has been trending online for some time now; since it was first published by a Zambian newspaper on Monday 13th May, 2019. According to the story that caused online frenzy, the government would sponsor marriage ceremonies, pay dowry and offer houses to men who entered into polygamous marriages. The story claimed that the Government had given the men up to June, 2019 to comply with the directive of face jail terms.

But, Government spokesman Percy Simelane has termed the the story malicious and poisonous.

Simelane said ‘the current dispatch titled “Marry more wives or face jail” quoting the King, and all other related reports, are not only an insult to the Monarchy and the culture of Eswatini but a disgrace to journalism’.

“His Majesty has not made any pronouncement to that effect as it has never been an issue raised by Emaswati. We will continue to appeal for morality, responsible behaviour and professionalism among journalists and the general public with access to social media. It would be unfortunate if journalism and social media are turned into character assassination
platforms and springboards to ridicule individuals and leaders,” clarified the Government Spokesman via a presser dated 13th May, 2019.

King Mswati who has 15 wives and more than 25 children renamed Swaziland to eSwatini and is known to be enjoying an extravagant lifestyle while 63 percent of his 1.3-million of his people live in abject poverty.

International news

Kenya is safe for you- Government reassures foreigners; Tanzanians, Chinese Business people

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The Kenyan government has come out to reassure foreigners of their security within the country. This comes days after Starehe Member of Parliament, Hon Jaguar, negatively commented about Tanzanian business community in Kenya; whom he wanted deported. This elicited debate in the Tanzanian National Assembly.

Here is the response by Col Cyrus Oguna who is the Government Spokesman;

” The attention of the Government has been drawn to a video clip that is circulating in the social media. In the clip, a political leader is asking foreigners who are engaged in business in his area of representation to close their businesses and vacate the country, failure to which they will be forcefully evicted.

We wish to state that this is NOT the position of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, and we denounce the comments carried in the video in the strongest terms possible. Such comments are unfortunate and have no place in today’s globalized environment.
Kenyans are peace loving people who have over the years coexisted with others of different nationalities.

This is a value that we cherish as a Nation and wish to uphold.
The Government treats as serious the contents of the video and has instituted mitigating measures.
Finally, the Government reassures all foreigners in Kenya, and those who are interested to come and invest in the country of their personal security and that of their properties.”

International news

Ms Jane Marriott to replace out going British Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Nic Hailey

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Ms Jane Marriott OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya. This announcement was made today by the United Kingdom government on its official website; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-british-high-commissioner-to-kenya-summer-2019

Ms Jane Marriott OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya in succession to Mr Nic Hailey. Ms Marriott will take up her appointment in summer 2019.

On her new appointment, Ms Marriot said; “Very excited about my new role and looking forward to building on the relationship and partnership between our two countries.”

CURRICULUM VITAE

1). Full name: Jane Marriott

WORK EXPERIENCE
1). 2016 to 2019; FCO/Home Office, Director, Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit
2). 2015 to 2016; FCO, Additional Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
3). 2013 to 2015; Yemen, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
4). 2012; National Security Council, Deputy Director, Americas, Middle East and Africa
5). 2010 to 2011; Tehran, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission
6). 2009; Roles as Senior Political Advisor to US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke in Washington, and as Chief Speechwriter to the Secretary of State for Defence in London
7). 2006 to 2009; Roles as Deputy Head of Afghanistan Group in London and in the US CENTCOM Assessment Team under General Petraeus in Washington
8). 2005 to 2006; Baghdad, Counsellor (Political-Military and Economic)
9). 2004 to 2005; FCO, Team Leader (Political-Military) and acting Deputy Head, Iraq Policy Unit
10). 2004; Kabul, Political Advisor to the Combined Coalition Forces
11). 2003 to 2004; Al Amara (Iraq), Political Advisor to the Coalition Forces
12). 2001 to 2003; FCO, Team Leader, Nuclear Non-Proliferation
13). 1998 to 2001; Roles in Cabinet Office, Foreign Policy Secretariat, the Home Office Criminal Justice Bill Team, and on Diversity Policy in the Cabinet Office.

International news

Kenya’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat Gets Boost As New Envoys Promise Support

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Kenya’s bid for one of the non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council got a boost today after several new envoys assured President Uhuru Kenyatta of their countries’ support.

The pledges to support Kenya’s candidature for the UNSC seat during the election scheduled for June next year were made at State House, Nairobi, when President Kenyatta received credentials from 11 new envoys.

Among the new envoys is the United Kingdom High Commissioner Ms Jane Marriot who replaces Nic Hailey whose tour of duty in Kenya has ended.
Also reporting for duty was the new European Union Delegation Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, who replaces Antonio Stefan Dejak.

Other envoys who presented their credentials to President Kenyatta included Dimitrios Zavoritis (Greece), Winpeg Moyo (Zimbabwe), Saqtain Syedah (Pakistan) and Martin Klepetko (Czech Republic).
The President also received credentials from Ambassador Oded Joseph of Israel and Jean Bosco Barege of Burundi as well as three non-permanent envoys including Toba Sebade (Togo), Sulayman Aliu (Gambia) and Hermann Immongault (Gabon).

The envoy from Greece said his country will support Kenya’s bid for the UNSC seat as he called for Kenya’s reciprocal support for Greece’s bid for one of the non-permanent UNSC seats in 2024.
“I could not finish, Your Excellency, without expressing appreciation for the support Kenya has offered to Greece on my country’s candidature for a Non-Permanent seat to the United Nations Security Council, in the context of reciprocal endorsement by Greece of Kenya’s preceding candidature in the same organ,” said Amb Zavoritis.

Ambassador Winpeg Moyo from Zimbabwe said her nation supports Kenya’s bid for the non-permanent seat and hopes Kenya will win.
“Please accept my congratulations and that of my Government, on Kenya’s endorsement by the African Union on your bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, Zimbabwe fully supports your candidature and is confident that you will be victorious in New York,” said the Zimbabwean envoy.

The envoys from the EU, UK, Israel, Pakistan, Togo, Burundi, Czech Republic Gabon and Gambia said Kenya is a strategic partner for their countries and that they will continue to support Kenya’s security interests.
The new UK High Commissioner said she will work to deliver a stronger and mutually beneficial security and defence partnership with Kenya especially in combating violent extremism and terrorism.
“I would also like to pay our respects to the continued commitment and sacrifice of your security and defence forces and society leaders who fight against extremism and terrorism,” said High Commissioner Marriot.

Ms Marriot said Kenya and the UK today “stand as two vibrant and modern countries, crucial to the success of our respective regions and with important roles in the commonwealth and in supporting the rules-based International system”.
She said the UK is committed in supporting Kenya’s Big Four Agenda, adding that the Africa Investment Summit 2020 that will be held in London provides further impetus to support Africa’s development agenda and create dynamic business environment.

On his part, the EU envoy said European countries regard Kenya as having the economic and political weight to make a decisive contribution to stability in the region.

He said Kenya’s commitment to regional stability is proven by its contribution to AMISOM and the hosting of more than 475,000 refugees.
“The present and future leadership of the EU are very conscious of the fact that a stable and prosperous Kenya that preserves its democratic and liberal values — as it has been seeking to do under your stewardship — is not just in every Kenyan’s interest, but very much in the interest of the EU and its citizens,” Amb Mordue said.

President Kenyatta welcomed the new envoys to Nairobi and urged them to work closely with his administration for the mutual benefit of Kenya and the countries they represent.

He assured the new envoys of his full support as they embark on their tour of duty in the country saying he looks forward to working with each one of the new diplomats in deepening bilateral ties between Kenya and their respective countries.

International news

US Government revokes Fatou Bensouda’s Visa

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The United States of America, USA, government has revoked the entry visa for the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda.

The decision is thought to be the US Government’s response to Ms Bensouda for carrying out investigations on possible war crimes by American forces and their allies in Afghanistan.

Ms Bensouda’s office confirmed on Thursday 4th April, 2019, that the US government had indeed revoked her entry visa. The prosecutor has, since 2017, been investigating possible war crimes committed in Afghanistan by the US troops. The US is not a member of the ICC which has a total membership of 122 states; worldwide. Ms Bensouda’s office has said, in response, that she will continue discharging her duties without fear.

“There is a shared responsibility to make visible the Court’s efforts to bring justice in accordance with its mandate, most particularly to those directly affected by atrocity crimes. Justice must be done & seen to be done,” Ms Bensouda had earlier told African journalists on Wednesday.

The ICC’s mandate includes: fighting impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

The American government has been castigated following the move to revoke Bensouda’s visa. Here are some of the reactions from online users:

@OmondiRampell: Revoking the VISA of ICC prosecutor, FATOU BENSOUDA by the United States of America is a clear manifestation of the governance challenges the world has to contend with as a result of the UNIPOLAR world system, which has been occasioned by the collapse of the USSR, 1989

@Suleman: If history is anything to go by, Fatou Bensouda should be surrounded by able bodyguards as she investigates US war crimes in Afghanistan.
Trump and his neonazi friends won’t hesitate to assassinate her.

International news

Row between Kenya and Somalia now deepens further.

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Somalia’s Health ministry has called on international partners to relocate it’s functions from Nairobi Kenya to Somalia citing recent detention of top Somalia officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, JKIA, in Nairobi.
The move comes on the backdrop of the maritime dispute between Somalia and Kenya.

Somalia now says it will not participate in any international meetings held in Nairobi. This includes the UN-Habitat meeting that will be officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday 27th May, 2019.

Here is the Statement from Somalia’s Health ministry;

‘To: UN Agencies, Donors and International partners

Ministry of Health and Human Services of Federal Republic of Somalia conveys its gratitude to its partners for their contribution in improving the health and well being of the Somali people and supporting the institutional capacity building of the Ministry of Health at federal and state levels.

Due to the recent travel issues to Nairobi, Kenya, the ministry informs all its partners that representative from the ministry will not attend all planned and upcoming meetings, workshops, seminars and trainings to be held in Nairobi. The ministry highly encourages those events to be held inside the country or be moved to alternative countries for ease of travel to ministry representatives.

Ministry of Health and Human Services appreciates its partners for their support and looks forward to continuing our cooperation in the future.’

International news

Kenya, Uganda Sign Pact To End Cross-border Conflicts, Promote Development in Turkana, Pokot And Karamoja

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President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on Thursday September 12, 2019 witnessed the signing of an agreement aimed at promoting sustainable peace and development among Turkana, Pokot and Karamojong communities.

The programme dubbed Cross-Border Sustainable Peace and Development seeks to end hostilities among the three neighboring communities and enhance development in the region by promoting non-violent interactions and collaborations.

The UN supported intervention that will be led by a ministerial committee co-chaired by Kenya and Uganda will be implemented in the region to reduce tensions resulting from access to shared resources such as water and pasture.

Speaking during the launch ceremony in Moroto town, President Kenyatta welcomed the agreement saying it will help spur development in the region which has for many years suffered unnecessary communal conflicts.

“This programme, in cooperation with the UN, is a programme that will help all of us to ensure that we have peace, our people live together and also to enable us develop,” the President said.

He said the peace and development programme will assist in transforming the border region from a conflict zone to an area of progress, development and wealth.

The President noted that it is through wealth creation as envisioned in the signed peace and development agreement that the poverty that plague the region can be fought successfully.

“Peace is the foundation of all that is good. Where there’s no peace, no development, there’s no wealth that can be made. I want to thank President Museveni for the work he has done here to ensure that this region which was a conflict zone is now a region of peace,” the President said.

He called for free movement of people, goods and services across borders of African countries saying the continent can’t develop without free trade.

“If you don’t trade, you cannot create wealth. If you do not move, you cannot create wealth. And if you don’t create wealth, all you are doing is institutionalizing poverty. And we want to eliminate poverty from our people,” President Kenyatta said.

“Therefore, our coming here today is to demonstrate, first our unity as Kenyans with our Ugandan counterparts and our counterparts in the East African Community,” he continued.

The President, who was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution), Simon Chelugui (Water) and John Munyes (Mining), said Kenya will develop amenities including schools, dams and health centres on its side of the common border that will be accessible to all communities in the cluster.

President Museveni, who spoke in Kiswahili and largely dwelt on development projects implemented by his administration over the years in the Karamoja region, thanked President Kenyatta for the various reforms that have enhanced cross-border trade and people-to-people interactions between Kenya and Uganda.

The Ugandan leader singled out reforms at the Port of Mombasa which he said have greatly improved the efficiency of processing and evacuation of Ugandan exports and imports respectively.

On regional connectivity infrastructure, President Museveni called for UN involvement in lobbying donor institutions and development partners to support more regional and inter-country roads.

“One of the advocacy points I want you (UN agencies) to help us with are these cross-border roads. We have already succeeded with His Excellency Uhuru with the road from Mbale through Kapchorwa, Suam to Kitale in Kenya. That one is being worked on.

“In the same way, we want to work on the road from Moroto through to Kenya. We also need to work on the road from Nakiroro to Kenya… But above all, I want them (UN) to help us with the road crossing through Kenya to Southern Ethiopia,” President Museveni said.

Earlier, the two leaders commissioned the 2.3 million cubic litres Kobebe dam, a community water point that was constructed by the Ugandan government at a cost of 2.5 million US dollars.

The dam which is close to the Kenya-Uganda border serves over 1.5 million animals from the pastoralist Turkana and Karamojong communities.

Governors John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot) and Josphat Nanok (Turkana) spoke at the launch event that was attended by several senior Kenyan and Ugandan leaders.

International news

Dozens die, others injured as fuel tanker bursts into flames in Morogoro- Tanzania; President Uhuru’s message

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and comfort to the families of the victims of the fuel taker fire tragedy in Morogoro town, in the neighbouring country of Tanzania. In his message, President Kenyatta said it was unfortunate for the country to lose citizens in such an unfortunate accident.

The President assured President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania of his support and prayers as the country comes to terms with the unfortunate incident. “To my Brother, President John Pombe Magufuli, may I assure you of my Government’s support during this trying moment,” the President said. President Kenyatta also wished quick recovery to those who were injured in the incident and admitted in various hospitals.

“My prayer is that God will comfort those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident,” said the President. “I also pray for quick recovery to those nursing injuries and are admitted in various hospitals,” he added. According to media reports over sixty people are said to have lost their lives while 70 others were seriously injured in Morogoro town, Tanzania, on Saturday morning when a fuel tanker burst into flames.

The Morogoro accident; details

It is reported that the victims rushed to collect leaking fuel from an overturned tanker which then burst into flames in an incident similar to what happened at Sachangwan in Nakuru County ten years ago.

Reports indicate that about 60 people perished on Saturday when a fuel tanker exploded after an accident at Morogoro, 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam, police said. Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Most of the victims were motorcyclists and food vendors who rushed to the accident scene to collect leaking fuel from the truck which had overturned on the Morogoro-Dar es Salaam Highway.

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