Category Archives: Politics & Govt

Politics & Govt

Government rolls out program for all youths

Leave a comment
The Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has launched the Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (K-YEEAP), an innovative youth employment solution by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

Through K-YEEAP, KEPSA shall identify new and under-served sectors with the potential to generate at least five million decent and sustainable jobs by 2027.

The programme aims to support the growth of 200,000 small businesses while catalyzing the development of 10,000 start-ups through the creation of 47 County Business Hubs.

Speaking in Nairobi, Gachagua said youth unemployment currently standing at 38.9 percent was a key concern for the Kenya Kwanza government, noting that over the years, the economy had not matched the demand for jobs in the country.

“The 75 percent of our population, below the age of 35 is a big blessing to this nation. These young people want to actively participate in the development of this country, and to be at the center of decision-making. As Kenya Kwanza, we are committed to reducing bureaucracy in government by streamlining the business licensing regime, as well as unlocking other structural bottlenecks to improve public service delivery around business and entrepreneurship support,” he said.

Noting that about 5.3 million young people are unable to find decent employment in Kenya, the Deputy President said the Sh.50 billion Hustler Fund will be used to provide opportunities for trade and capacity building for youth as capital in developing and growing their enterprises.

In addressing the jobs gap in Kenya, K-YEEAP proposes to support demand-driven vocational and technical training, on-the-job learning, and real job opportunities for youth and women while also accelerating the adoption of digital technologies as a tool for job creation and economic transformation.

“Internet penetration in Kenya is one of the best in Africa. Kenya cannot, therefore, afford to be left behind in the digital revolution in creating opportunities for our young people. Our work in the public sector is therefore to ease business and facilitate the private sector to create and deliver these opportunities for our young people because the government must support business,” said Gachagua.

To accomplish the programme’s goals, KEPSA will leverage its industry knowledge and access to the supply, policy, and demand sides of the labor market to facilitate access to finance and markets, business coaching and mentorship while creating linkages for small businesses with large companies’ supply chains.

According to KEPSA CEO, Carole Kariuki, K-YEEAP will also pursue relevant and market-oriented skills for industry transformation by closely collaborating with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.

K-YEEAP, she added, will also support public sector digital transformation for effective service delivery and job creation, increase digital and digitally-enabled job opportunities for young people, and help small businesses with their digital transformation.

“The main goal of KEPSA is to encourage economic development and job creation in Kenya. This initiative aims to address barriers to youth employment such as demand and absorption capacity creation, given the dual challenges of a growing youth bulge and the systemic bottlenecks that youth face when entering the labour market,” affirmed Kariuki.

K-YEEAP interventions will include opportunities for the identification of job linkage platforms in the digital economy, skills and enterprise development and employment placement initiatives. Along with promoting and coordinating private-sector TVETS, the program will also connect academia and industry for technical assistance and capacity building, policy and research advocacy as well as the dissemination of labour market data like work and career readiness.

KEPSA acknowledged the Kenya Kwanza Government’s speed and commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for small business growth, as well as the necessity of boosting private sector involvement in national development and job creation.

“We appreciate how quickly your administration has started implementing the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto agenda. We look forward to cooperating with your administration and other stakeholders in pursuing a more inclusive society, yearly enhancements Page 3 of 4 in the general business environment, and Kenya’s global competitiveness,” Kariuki said.

K-YEEAP is the latest in a line of successful KEPSA programs, in collaboration with government, and development partners designed to transform Kenya’s economy by boosting the capacity of small businesses and generating employment opportunities.

These include initiatives such as the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery Program for Businesses, the Private Sector Tree Planting Initiative, the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project, the ongoing Ajira Digital Program, the Mkenya Daima Initiative.

Also launched at the event was the ‘Pamoja Tuungane’ drought initiative Call to Action, which has a renewed focus on mid-term intervention on policy and longterm intervention through investments, to mitigate the cyclic effects of recurrent drought, in addition to the ongoing emergency food and cash donations.

The one-year private sector program spearheaded by KEPSA, Safaricom and other Corporates brings together the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to complement the government’s efforts in responding to the current drought situation in the country.

This includes supporting in due time, school feeding and livestock assets recovery and re-stocking programs while exploring ways to create resilient livelihoods for the largely pastoral communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions. An estimated 4.5 million people across 23 counties in Kenya are faced with severe food shortages as of October 2022.

At the event, the Deputy President received Sh.283 million in both cash and inkind commitments from private sector players and partners including Safaricom PLC, Optiven Limited, Elgon Kenya Limited, Bedi Investments, The Agriculture Sector Network, Melvins Tea and Aramex Logistics Company. Others are Bayer Limited, Trinity Petroleum Limited, Rotary, Dow Chemicals and The Chandaria Foundation.

Calling for more localized and long-lasting solutions such as setting up dams in hardhit communities, stakeholders at the event urged for enhanced partnership with the national government and line ministries as well as county governments in food distribution.

Politics & Govt

Cabinet Approves Policies To Stimulate Economic Growth, Empower The Youth

Leave a comment

The Cabinet on Thursday November 21, 2019 approved a number of policies focused on boosting the country’s economy including the Kenya Youth Development Policy (KYDP) 2019 which seeks to mainstream issues affecting the youth.

The new youth policy seeks to coordinate youth programmes so as to address unemployment, radicalization, youth exclusion, cyber crime and trafficking in persons among other challenges facing the youth.

The Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, also approved the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019.

The amendments are aimed at improving business environment in the country so as to attract more investments and accelerate economic growth as well as raise the country’s ranking in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index to position 50 by 2020.

Among the statutes identified for amendment include the Law of Contract Act, the Industrial Training Act, the Registration of Documents Act, the Survey Act, the Stamp Duty Act, the Kenya Information and Communications Act and the National Construction Authority Act.

Others are the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Land Registration Act, the Business Registration Act, the Companies Act and the Insolvency Act.

The Cabinet meeting, attended by Cabinet Secretaries led by Deputy President William Ruto, also approved the National Cooperative Policy.

The cooperatives policy establishes an institutional framework for enhancement of coordination of cooperative societies in the country and seeks to deepen the deployment of ICTs in the management of saccos as well as promote good corporate governance.

The Cabinet also approved regulations for non-deposit taking saccos aimed at protecting Kenyans against risks of poor investment decisions, inadequate transparency and information disclosure, disregard for members interests as well as self-preservation by officials of saccos.

On health, the Cabinet approved the establishment of Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital and the designation of Gilgil Hospital as a satellite mental health facility of Mathari.

Further, the President directed the Ministry of Health to establish a taskforce on the status of mental health in country and come up with new policies needed to address the growing concerns about mental health among Kenyans.

The findings of the taskforce which will be discussed in Cabinet within 90 days will assist government in allocation of resources to mental health.

Today’s Cabinet meeting also approved the piloting of the Engineered Base Stabilizer (EBS) roads in Nairobi City County. EBS is a new road construction technology that is considered relatively cheaper compared to the conventional approaches. The pilot will be carried out on low traffic volume access roads in Kibra and Dagoretti South constituencies and replicated in other areas if it proves successful.

The Cabinet meeting also discussed and approved the National Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy which is aimed at scaling up the management of menstrual hygiene in the country.

The policy highlights MHM as a rights issue and brings it into the mainstream of the country’s health and development agenda by considering the prevailing social, economic, cultural and demographic contexts of women and girls.

Cabinet also approved the extension of the ban on logging by one year. However, the Ministry of Environment was directed to establish an inter-agency team to undertake an assessment of mature forests that are ready for harvesting and report back to Cabinet by April 2020.

On agriculture, the Cabinet approved Kenya’s membership to Africa Rice Centre (Africarice) and okayed the country’s membership to the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

On aviation, Cabinet approved the ratification of bilateral air services agreements with South Africa and Botswana.

The meeting also approved the hosting of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Global Gathering 2020 in the country.

NEF is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with the German Robert Bosch Stiftung. Its objective is to produce African scientists and thinkers comparable to Sir Albert Einstein by working with the youth.

By hosting the global event, the Cabinet noted that Kenya will cement her status as a leading science, technology and innovation hub in the region.

Also read:

Politics & Govt

The Low Cost Housing Scheme finally comes into effect; first deductions to be made in the April, 2019, payroll.

Leave a comment

After months of pull and shove between the government and workers’ unions, the Housing levy by the government has finally been effected. Employees and employers will make their first contributions into the scheme in May, 2019. Via a paid up advert in the local dailies, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works say the first batch of the contributions should be effected by 9th May, 2019.

“The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works in conjunction with Kenya Revenue Authority wishes to inform employers, employees and the Public that the provision of the Finance Act 2018 relating to Housing Fund Levy has come into effect,” reads a joint notice by the taxman (KRA) and the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works; appearing on today’s dailies.

The implementation of the housing levy has had rocky times with the umbrella workers’ union, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), filing a case in court against it.

In the housing levy that is taking effect this month, April, 2019, both the employer and the employee shall each contribute 1.5% of the employee’s monthly basic salary, provided that the sum of the total monthly contributions shall not exceed five thousand shillings (Kshs 5,000). It is important to note that this is a statutory deduction that will affect all workers in formal employment.

For those in informal employment, they can make voluntary contributions to the scheme; at a minimum of two hundred shillings per month.

“The Employers are required to deduct and remit the levy together with other statutory levies from both the employer and employee by the 9th of each succeeding month together with other payroll statutory deductions,” adds the notice.

Consequently, the first contribution shall be due by 9th May, 2019; meaning employees will expect the deduction in the April, 2019, salaries.

The Housing Fund shall be used to finance the Affordable Housing Scheme under the Big 4 Agenda by the Government. This is in a bid to ensure employees own decent housing units; according to the government.

The benefits of contributions in respect of the employee shall include;

  1. Purchase of a home under the affordable housing scheme
  2. In case of ineligibility for a home the contribution may be transferred;
    a). To a pension scheme or
    b). To another person under the scheme as cash to self, spouse or a dependent child.

Related Content;

Frequently asked Questions about the Contributory housing scheme
Politics & Govt

County based Industrial parks to be established

Leave a comment

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nakuru County Government to establish a geothermal heat park that will be using residual heat from geothermal power plants for direct use applications.

GDC Managing Director Engineer Jared Othieno explained that the establishment of a geothermal heat park as an industrial park would make use of residual heat from GDC’s geothermal power plants for direct-use in industrial applications such as timber drying, milk pasteurization, and grain drying.

Besides electricity, geothermal energy provides direct heat to industrialists, a by-product of electricity in the form of steam coming from power plants at about 1500C, which Engineer Othieno said was affordable and “a game changer in the manner in which Kenya’s wealth, as an emerging mid-income industrial society, would be achieved.

The MD said GDC had previously appealed to investors to establish industrial parks in the Menengai and Baringo-Silali geothermal areas that would make use of the residual steam from the wells in the two zones.

He said that GDC had for years, been conducting pilot test for geothermal direct-use applications technology in the Menengai geothermal field to showcase the viability of direct use technology and as a marketing tool for GDC to potential investors, research and learning institutions and the community that surrounds Menengai Crater.

The demonstration projects, he added include steam heated green houses, steam heated aquaculture ponds, geothermal milk pasteurizer plant, geothermal laundry unit and geothermal grain dryer.

In the industrial park, the most important component for a heat park to operate is the geothermal heat mined from steam, and which Othieno affirmed it was readily available.

Othieno further said the use of geothermal steam in industrial processes would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that it was a reliable and available source of energy through all seasons.

“The steam produced by GDC is clean and can support various industrial processes ranging from industrial, agriculture, tourism, leisure and domestic, depending on the resource temperature and usage,” assured Othieno.

According to the MD, the use of geothermal steam instead of fossil fuels in manufacturing, positions GDC as a vital component in Kenya’s energy transition strategy and could make Kenya a more attractive investment destination for companies seeking green energy.

In an elaborate report, Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector, the International Energy Agency (IEA) was quoted discouraging the selling of fossil fuel boilers beyond 2025 as a pathway of achieving net zero by 2050.

The MD stated that the future of heating industrial boilers in the country would be through the perfect mix of geothermal energy and technology that was now shaping up at places like Menengai.

Geothermal is widely considered a preferable, low-cost renewable energy source due to low emissions when compared to thermal sources. It is also cheaper than thermal power when used as an alternative to mitigate depressed hydropower generation due to drought.

Kenya has a target of 5 gigawatts (GW) geothermal capacity by the year 2030 with Green energy power plants under development in the country including the 300 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Plant, which is the single largest wind power plant in Africa, the 70 MW Olkaria 1 and the 140 MW Ol Karia V.

According to the Renewables Global Status 2018, Kenya tops in Africa with 700 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power, retaining its place compared to last year. The US has the largest geothermal generating capacity with 2,500 megawatts followed by the Philippines (1,900 MW), Indonesia (1,800 MW), Turkey (1,100 MW), New Zealand (1000 MW), Mexico (900 MW), Italy (800 MW) and Iceland (750 MW).

Politics & Govt

How Universal Health Care Will Help End Extreme Poverty in Kenya

Leave a comment

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Kenyan government is rolling out the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program as part of a grand plan to transform Kenya into a newly industrialized middle income country by 2030.

The President said access to affordable and quality health services will help end extreme poverty and improve productivity especially in low and middle income countries.

“My Government’s Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrialized middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030.

“We believe that improving the health and welfare of citizens lays guarantees for economic growth and competitiveness by ensuring healthy productive populations,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke at the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA said the Kenyan government is rolling a UHC pilot phase targeting 3.2 million people.

He said the pilot phase now in its nineth month is focused on strengthening primary health care as well as identifying best practices, lessons and gaps.

The President who shared lessons from the pilot with the world leaders attending the forum said political commitment was key to the success of UHC.

“This commitment must embody a shared vision of all political leaders and actors, especially in countries with more than one level of government like Kenya.

“Furthermore, the commitment will only be impactful if translated from a shared vision to collaborative action,” the President said.

He said the largest dividend that can be gained from political commitment is the mobilisation of community and citizen ownership of UHC.

“The principle of ‘leave no one behind’, needs to resonate with each and every citizen, thus reinforcing the much needed social accountability for the success of service delivery interventions,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader said the harmonisation and alignment of all actions and interventions by health sector actors is key to the success of UHC.

He said the Kenyan UHC pilot phase has provided encouraging feedback that has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make further investments in affordable health care.

“It continues to be work-in-progress. We are inching closer to ‘leave no-one behind’ with special focus on the most vulnerable populations,” the President said.

He said the high-level meeting was an opportunity to renew and galvanize global political commitment while creating more partnerships towards realization of UHC for all.

While reiterating Kenya’s support and commitment to the global efforts towards the achievement of UHC and SDGs, the President said his administration is keen on forging partnerships that will assist it to invest more in health especially in primary health care services.

Earlier, President Kenyatta held bilateral talks with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during which the two leaders discussed Kenya’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2021 to 2022 as well as the ongoing UN reforms especially Nairobi’s desire to host a UN Global Service Delivery Model Centre (GSDM).

The President informed the Secretary General of the recent African Union’s endorsement of Kenya as Africa’s candidate for the UNSC seat saying the country is “finalizing on a comprehensive agenda for the security council membership.”

He said the agenda will address some of the current global challenges and ensure that Kenya makes considerable contributions to global peace, security and sustainable development.

On GSDM, the President welcomed the institutional reforms of the UN saying they are aimed at making the global body more efficient, effective and accountable.

He said Kenya welcomes the Secretary General’s proposal of Nairobi as one of the four global GSDM centres.

“I want to thank you for your confidence in Kenya and to assure you that Kenya will continue to give its full support to this initiative and to the overall reform process underway at the United Nations,” the President assured Mr Guterres.

Politics & Govt

Jubilee party kicks out ‘rebel’ MPs from lucrative house roles

Leave a comment

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Nairobi chaired a Jubilee Coalition National Assembly Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting in his capacity as the Coalition’s Party Leader.

The meeting was attended by Deputy President Dr William Ruto who is also the Jubilee Coalition’s Deputy Party Leader, Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and a total of 212 Members of Parliament.

Today’s Parliamentary Group meeting endorsed Hon Justin B Muturi to continue serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Moses Cheboi to continue serving as the Deputy Speaker, Hon Adan Duale to continue serving as the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, and Hon Jimmy Angwenyi to continue serving as the Deputy Majority Leader.

The Parliamentary Group meeting replaced Hon Benjamin Washiali as the Majority Whip with Hon Emmanuel Wangwe. Hon Cecily Mbarire was replaced by Hon Richard Maoka Maore as the Deputy Whip.

Further, the Party Leader appointed Hon Amos Kimunya to serve as the Secretary of the Jubilee Coalition Joint Parliamentary Group.

SEE ALSO;

 

Politics & Govt

Defiant Aisha Jumwa refuses to apologizes

Leave a comment

Malindi Member of Parliament Hon Aisha Jumwa (Pictured above) has turned down an offer from the Orange Democratic Movement boss, HE Raila Odinga, for her to apologize and get forgiven.

Hon Aisha Jumwa

“We forgave Dori (another rebel ODM Legislator) after he apologized. So if Aisha Jumwa does the same, we will forgive her,” said Odinga.

But in a rejoinder, Hon Jumwa turned down the offer saying; “I will not apologize any time soon on my declaration to support William Ruto (the Deputy President). Raila is supporting Uhuru, who Am I not to support my favourite?”

Good times: Hon Aisha Jumwa shares a light moment with ODM leader, HE Raila Odinga.

Here is an update on the Case of Hon.Aisha Jumwa before
the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT)

  1. Today 12th March 2019 we appeared before PPTD on the matter of Hon. Jumwa and as at today ODM had
    not responded to our application.
  2. ODM Lawyers asked for more time to respond
    because they had not received the relevant
    documents from their client. They were given ten days to file any reply to the complain
  3. The Tribunal gave orders stopping ODM from taking any further steps to expel Hon. Jumwa until her case
    is heard and determined by the tribunal.
  4. Since the registrar of political parties had not acted on ODM’s decision, it was excused from the case as respondent and instead was admitted as an interested
    party.
  5. The parties to file their written submissions and
    hearing will take place on 7th of May 2019.

By Kipchumba Murkomen EGH, Advocate

Politics & Govt, Trending

This man Okoth Obado! We dissect Obado’s life, times and the Controversies Surrounding the Migori Governor.

Leave a comment

Friends and foes, alike, concede that the current Migori Governor,  Okoth Obado, is a political schemer with widespread grassroots support, having been a farmer and teacher for many years. The embattled Migori County boss, has been through thick and thin times, before. And, each time he has come out ‘victorious’. The million dollar question is, ‘will he survive the latest onslaught over his involvement with the slain Rongo University Student- Sharon Otieono?’. He is the most talked about personality in Kenya today.

OBADO’S DOCUMENTED EARLY LIFE

  • Obado grew up in Uriri Sub-county in Migori and attended the famous St Joseph’s Rapogi before joining Kenyatta University where he trained as a teacher, having taken a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters of Strategic Management. He was employed by the Teachers’ Service Commission at Taranganya Boys High School in Kuria. He was later transferred to his last station located in his home constituency, Rapogi, where he exited the service to join the private business sector.
  • He is married to Hellen Obado, together with whom they have three children. (With 2 of the known Children being: Jerry Okoth(son) and Evalyne Okoth (Daughter)

OBADO’S CAREER LIFE

  • November 12th 2010: Was Appointed Chairman of Kenya Sugar Board By Then Minister Of Agriculture S. J. Kosgey
  • 4 March 2013: Elected as the first Governor of Migori County through People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the ODM wave. Contesting on a small known People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he went on to trounce ODM’s candidate Oyugi Akong’o, even after the High Court ordered a recount. Obado soldiered on against an onslaught from ODM ward representatives and party officials who tried to impeach him at every available opportunity.
  • 8 August 2017: Re-elected for the second term as the Governor of Migori County through the Orange Democratic Party (ODM). In the 2017 elections, Obado faced one of his most formidable opponents, former Energy Minister Ochillo Ayacko, who gave him a run for his money in a campaign marred by scenes of violence that saw the two summoned to Nairobi by the ODM disciplinary committee. A few weeks to the 2017 elections, violence broke out at Migori’s Posta grounds, leaving many people injured after supporters clashed. Among those injured were bodyguards of senior ODM leaders. Ayacko and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed quickly blamed Obado for the violence, but the governor denied any involvement. The Party’s disciplinary committee fined Obado Sh2 million for the violence, saying it had established that it was his supporters who stormed the meeting.
    Despite the shaky relationship with ODM leadership, a determined Obado went ahead to win the chaotic party primaries, forcing Ayacko to decamp and contest against him as an independent candidate. Ayacko lost to Obado in the main election, filed a petition in High Court and lost that too. He went to the Court of Appeal, which threw out the case.

OBADO, THE CONTROVERSIAL  SCHEMER.

Governor Okoth Obado in not devoid of controversies:

  • During his term, he was rocked with accusations of flaws in procurement procedures in his administration coupled with the alleged embezzlement of public funds. In one of the most controversial deals, Obado was accused of procuring a bed worth Kshs1 Million using public resources but he refuted the claims as a narrative sponsored by his opponents.
  • On procurement of vehicles worth Sh231million, the purchase included ambulance from Toyota Kenya who mainly deal in pick-ups but require upfront payment if one requires a different vehicle like in this case, an ambulance.
  • It has also emerged that the governor had a fling with Rhoda Odie Nyakwaka, the stepsister of his wife, Migori First Lady Hellen Obado. The First Lady and Rhoda are born of the same father who got the latter after inheriting her widowed mother in Kadika village of Suna Central sub-county.
  • In November 26, 2017: Migori Governor Okoth Obado was forcefully ejected from a KQ plane after one of his security guards mishandled a weapon during handover to flight crew leading to the pistol discharging. According to witnesses at the airport, the governor was accompanied by at least two guards when he was boarding 13:00 KQ 656 to Kisumu with his guards.
  • Mr Obado was at it again when he openly opposed ODM, and by extension Mr Odinga’s choice of Mr Ayacko to run for the vacant Migori senatorial seat following the death of former radio broadcaster Ben Oluoch Okelo mid this year.
  • Obado, the schemer, is in murky waters again! Okoth Obado has been charged in court with aiding and abetting the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, a pregnant student. But, Obado has vehemently refuted any involvement in the killing of Sharon Otieno.  “As a law-abiding citizen, I want to state here clearly and categorically that I have nothing and absolutely nothing to do with the cruel death of Sharon,” the governor was quoted by local media as saying.

If Obado wades through the murky waters and come out unscathed, then and only then, he will own the tag of being ‘a smart Schemer’ to posterity. Already, protests have been held in Migori, probing for the immediate release of the Governor.’

You may also like…..

https://newsblaze.co.ke/okoth/

 

 

 

Politics & Govt

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs into law the Statistics (Amendment) Bill and the Accreditation Service Bill.

Leave a comment

President Uhuru Kenyatta this morning at State House, Nairobi, signed into law the Statistics (Amendment) Bill and the Accreditation Service Bill.

The Statistics (Amendment) Bill, which is now an Act of law, aims at streamlining the management of statistical information at national and county levels by ensuring data collection and processing is conducted in accordance with international best practices and standards.

The new statistics law also expands the mandate of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics by aligning state agency to the provisions of the 2010 constitution.

The new Accreditation Service Act establishes the Kenya National Accreditation Service as the sole national agency charged with the responsibility of managing accreditation services in the country.

The law, which repeals the Kenya Accreditation Service Order of 2009, establishes a robust framework for the establishment of an internationally recognized accreditation system aimed at strengthening international recognition of Kenyan products.

The bills were presented to the President for signature by Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto in a ceremony attended by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Cheboi, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale and Clerk of the National Assembly Michael Sial

Politics & Govt

NASA cracks the whip on 16 MPs who refused to support Uhuru’s VAT bill

Leave a comment

The National Super Alliance, NASA, has cracked the whip on 16 Members of parliament who defied the coalition’s position in the National assembly to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s memorandum on the finance bill of 2018 that has since been signed into law. In a letter to national assembly speaker, Hon. Justin Muturi, minority whip Junet Mohammed has removed Hon. Opiyo Wandayi from the Agriculture and Livestock committee. Also de-whipped is Hon. TJ Kwajwang who has been removed from the constitution and oversight committee, Justus Kizito from the National security committee. Others facing removal are: Gideon Mulyungi from the Public investments committee, Tindo Mwale from the Public investments committee, Christopher Asike from the Budget and appropriations committee.

Abdulswamad Shariff, Catherine Wabilyanga and Mohamed Lokiro have been axed from the Delegated Legislations, Services & Facilities and the National Cohesion committees, respectively. Also axed are Bunyasi Sakwa (Public accounts), Charles Mose (Delegated Legislations), Silvance Osoro (Defence and Foreign relations) and James Mukwe (Constituency Development Fund).

To complete the long list are: Makali Mulu who loses the Selection committee slot, Alfred Sambu who has been removed from the Finance and National planning committee and Ferdinand Wanyonyi who will no longer sit in the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives committee. The axed Legislators vehemently refused to endorse president Uhuru’s VAT amendments but which were controversially passed in parliament, few weeks ago. The latest move could bring more trouble at the NASA coalition with a section of Legislatures warming up towards the deputy president’s 2022 presidential bid.

You may also like:

ODM Party’s Disciplinary Committee Summons 10 Members over gross misconduct

 

Politics & Govt

Now new projects without my authority- Uhuru directs

Leave a comment

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Nairobi held a virtual meeting with Senior Ranks of the Executive that included Cabinet Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries and Principal Secretaries during which he outlined Government development priorities for the 2020/21 Financial Year which kicked off on 1st July.

In his address, the President said Government’s focus this Financial Year will be the implementation and completion of ongoing Priority Projects and Programmes as set out in his Administration’s Trans-formative Agenda for the Nation.

These Programmes, the Head of State said must be strictly implemented within set timelines and budgets.

The President reiterated his earlier directive that no new Projects will be initiated except with his express authority.

As a measure of accountability, the President announced that completion rate of Projects and Programmes will be adopted as a key Performance Indicator for all Cabinet Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries and Principal Secretaries.

The Head of State called for Collective Responsibility in the implementation of Government Projects and Programmes through the involvement of entire Ministerial Establishments (Cabinet Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries and Principal Secretaries), so as to ensure timely delivery of quality outcomes.

The President said Collective Responsibility should be demonstrated by enhanced presence and visibility of Government on the ground through inspection of projects and robust public engagements.

Read also; CS Magoha post-pones schools’ re-opening to January 2021, Cancels 2020 KCSE and KCPE exams.

The Head of State acknowledged the current difficult economic environment occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and reminded Government Departments to settle pending bills as a key priority and to ensure that pending bills is the first charge on each Ministry’s Budget.

In support of local industries, the President said the Government must walk the talk of Buy Kenya Build Kenya agenda and once again, directed all Ministries, State Departments and State Agencies to give preferential procurement to Kenyan Made Goods and Services.

The President thanked the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee (NDICCC) and the National Development Implementation Technical Committee (NDITC) for the progress made in the attainment of the National Development Goals saying the two entities had proved their effectiveness in overseeing the implementation of the Government’s development programmes.

In conclusion, the Head of State warned the Senior Ranks of the Executive against corruption and malfeasance saying there’s no room for the vices in his Administration.

Politics & Govt

Horrifying moments in Turkana, Baringo as effects of hunger bite hard

Leave a comment

Several people are said to have perished as a result of hunger-related complications in Tiaty, Baringo County. Many others face starvation as the ongoing drought takes its toll. The ongoing hunger has also affected: Chematony, Tobereruo, Panyirit, Kopoluo, Kadeli, Korio and Katikit.

A similar drought that occurred in 2016 was declared a national disaster and over 3.4 million people were affected.

Things are not any better in Turkana County as Close to 0.8 Million people out of 1.2 million people are faced with starvation as the current drought persists. The draught has been caused by lack of the rains at the area since April last year, 2018.

The Local and National governments have come under heavy criticism for neglecting their duties and letting common Kenyans to face the drought wrath.

Below, horrifying images of hunger stricken Turkanas;

Mariam Loolio is 85 and she is blind. She has done 3 days without food. 3 days ago she had black tea; that was her last meal. Kakwanyang’ Village in Turkana County
Politics & Govt

Elgeyo Marakwet County Government Cabinet, Chief Officers, Ministers, Directors, CECs

Leave a comment

Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich has unveiled a list of 10 County Executive Committee members which he presented to the assembly for vetting and approval.

The governor called on the assembly which started business yesterday after the official opening to fast-track the vetting of the CECs saying he relied on them to drive his development agenda for the county.

Governor Rotich said that once approved, the CECs who are supposed to serve for five years will be put on a two-year performance contract which will be renewed based on their performance.

“Our new CECs will be put on performance contract and sign a two-year contract to be renewed based purely on performance,” the governor said.

In the list, Edwin Seroney who was a chief officer in the last government was nominated as CEC agriculture, livestock and irrigation while Monica Rotich who was a CEC in the first term of the former governor is the nominee for public service, devolution and ICT.

Others were Alphaeus Tanui (finance and economic planning), Edwin Kibor (education and technical training), Michael Kibiwott (Health), Jason Lagat ( water, environment and climate change), Thomas Maiyo (lands, physical planning) and Robert Kangogo (cooperatives, trade and tourism).

Mrs. Emmy Kosgey is the new nominee for Roads, public works and transport while Mrs. Purity Koima was nominated to the department of sports, youth affairs and social services.

Three women were nominated as CECs.

Politics & Govt

The Government- A collation of today’s government activities

Leave a comment

A sneak preview into the activities of  government ministries and departments, today:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

✅CS Amb. Monica Juma arrived in Seoul,Korea for a one day official visit today, she is expected to hold talks with PM Lee Nak-Yeon, among other high ranking officials. The CS will seek South Korea’s participation and support in the Blue Economy Conference, scheduled for November 2018.

Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government:

✅ CS Matiang’i declares October 10 a public hexams” | Newsblaze.co.ke

Ministry of Energy

✅Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Keter charles accompanied by Nyandarua County MP Hon. Faith Gitau and Ndaragwa MP Hon. Jeremiah Kioni this morning launched the last mile program at Ndigino and Mbuyu villages in Ndaragua Constituency, Nyandarua County.

Education Ministry

✅ The CS, Amb. Amina Mohammed, spells out tough rules to safeguard National Exams. No visitation by parents to school this term and Banning of phones in exam centres are among the measures emphasized today.
“We will be fair to all candidates in administration and marking of exams- CS Amina says | Newsblaze.co.ke

Foreign Affairs- Amb. Hon. Dan Kazungu; High Commissioner to Tanzania.

✅The Govt of Kenya led by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta through the Foreign Office of Kenya has, today, pledged Kshs 5.5 Million (Tshs 125 Million) to go towards support of the survivors of the tragedy(Boat accident), upgrading the local Health Centre & construction of a Memorial Centre in remembrance of the victims.

Ministry of Environment and Forestry

✅Environment & Forestry CS Keriako Tobiko and Kenya Forestry Services Ag. CCF Kalenda Monica met with officials from Ngong Road Community Forest Association to discuss sustainable development of the forest.

Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage

✅Second batch of Harambee Stars players jetted out to Ethiopia for the AFCON fixture. Foreign based players also checked in https://t.co/7mT4X3CmFW

✅ Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, Gives Ksh. 1 Billion for construction of Nairobi Stadiums:
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, has announced that Ksh 1 billion will be used for rehabilitation of 6 Stadiums. The Stadiums are: Dandora Grounds, Umeme Grounds, Kihumbuini, Joseph Kangethe Woodley Grounds, Ziwani and Riruta. https://t.co/8cCKr66ROl

The Deputy Presidency

✅The Deputy President, Hon. William S. Ruto, Opened the Mbeere South Land Registry and issued 12,000 title deeds to locals of Wachoro, Gichichie and Riakina settlement schemes. Those living in Karaba and Makima schemes will receive 51,000 titles, Kiritiri, Embu County.

Ministry of Tourism & Wild Life

✅Alibaba’s cloud services to help Kenya protect wildlife – Window To News https://t.co/Ywa9a1BiPj

Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta to attend TICAD 7 in Yokohama, Japan; to meet investors

Leave a comment

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta left the country yesterday evening for Yokohama, Japan to attend the 7th edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) that kicks off on August 28th.

At the three-day international conference focusing on development in Africa which will run until August 30th, Kenya will be seeking to strengthen its bilateral relations as well as consolidate cooperation with Japan in various sectors of the economy.
Hinged on the theme of “Advancing Africa’s Development through People, Technology and Innovation”, TICAD 7 provides an opportunity for Kenya to engage directly with Japanese investors.

The Kenyan delegation to TICAD 7 is also focused on optimizing the resources available in Japan for the delivery of the Big 4 Agenda in all areas including in Agriculture, Affordable Housing, Universal Health Coverage and Manufacturing.

TICAD 7 builds on TICAD 6, the first ever Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) on African soil that Kenya hosted in Nairobi three years ago in September 2016.
Apart from showcasing Kenya’s growth and exposing Japan to available areas of cooperation in trade and investment, TICAD 6 also facilitated a high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and Africa’s development partners on issues regarding growth, sustainable development, security, peace and stability. TICAD 7 will review the progress made on these issues and chart the way forward.

Launched by Japan in 1993 to promote Africa’s development, TICAD has over the years grown into a major global and multilateral forum for mobilizing and sustaining international support for Africa’s development under the principles of Africa ownership and international partnership.