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Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • Be decision makers, CS Mucheru Urges Youth amid 2022 elections

    Be decision makers, CS Mucheru Urges Youth amid 2022 elections

    Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has called on the youth to ensure that they are part and parcel of nation building.

    Mucheru said that when young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from the political processes, a significant portion of the population will have little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect their lives.

    “This is why we are very deliberate in ensuring that the youth are at the forefront of the decision making process and shaping our country’s future. Last evening we issued a call for young people to join the National Youth Council Election Steering Committee, details of which can be found on the NYC’s website www.nationalyouthcouncil.go.ke,” said Mucheru.

    Speaking on Wednesday during a Banquet for Peace in Kenya organized by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) founder Dr. Rev. Ock Soo Park, Mucheru said that Kenya, as with most other African countries has a youthful population – currently at 75.1 per cent who also constitute 60 per cent of eligible voters, have an immense opportunity to make a difference and chart the future of our country.

    “The government’s policy is to enable more people uplift their economic status, to get out of poverty, to empower them with skills that will make their livelihoods sustainable, and in the process inspire those around them,” explained Mucheru.

    The CS who was accompanied by members of the National Youth Council Advisory Board, led by their Chair, Ms. Deborah Bubi said that as part of his clarion call, he constantly encourages the youth to take charge of their destiny by making the right decisions today to secure their future.

    “My first interaction with the Founder Rev. Park was in September last year, when the whole world was grappling with the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic, which disrupted even the religious organizations. During this interaction, where I was representing my boss, the President, my attention was drawn to Rev. Park’s thoughts on how the mind-set change program can influence young people to be positive, progressive and innovative thinkers and doers of good to all humanity,” said Mucheru.

    “In fact, I can say that Rev. Park’s passion for the youth is synonymous with my own passion, only distinguished by the fact that his Ministry focuses on spiritual guidance while my Ministry’s focuses on Policy and Regularity guidance,” highlighted the CS.

    Rev. Park underscored the importance of peace saying that being born in Korea in 1944 around the time the country got its independence from Japan and witnessing the Korean War taught him the negative impacts of war and violence.

    “The Korean War left many people dead, children became orphaned and life became hard for the citizens,” said Rev. Park.

    Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joe Mucheru (centre) and the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) founder Dr. Rev. Ock Soo Park (Left) during the Banquet for Peace in Kenya.

  • Engineers of Kenya Launches annual international conference

    Eng. Nathaniel Matalanga CE, FIEK President The Institution of Engineers of Kenya

    The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is the learned society of engineering professionals in Kenya and co-operates with national and other international institutions in developing and applying engineering to the benefit of humanity. 

    The membership comprises engineering students, graduates and professionals working in various government institutions, consultancies, financial institutions, contractors, academia, manufacturers, and other persons interested in engineering across the country.

    Today, the 2nd day of November 2021 we are pleased to announce the launch of the 28th Edition of the IEK International Annual Conference that will be held from 8th to 12th November 2021 at Pride-lnn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa. The Annual conference is the premier event for the Engineering fraternity in Kenya. It will be a hybrid conference with both physical and virtual participants and all attendees stand to gain 25 CPDs. 

    The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many industries and labor markets. Disruptions in production, logistics networks and planning projections have impacted virtually all economies across the world. Construction, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and many other service industries have seen significant decline in business activity. Each country is looking to develop their own strategies to bounce back as quickly as possible in a sustainable and efficient manner. Engineering and technology remain critical to the much-anticipated recovery in all sectors.

    The Chief Guest at the conference opening ceremony on Tuesday, 9th November 2021 will be His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. The Chief Guest at the conference closing ceremony on Friday, 12th November 2021 will be the former Prime Minister and Fellow member of IEK, Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

    Senior Government officials and policy makers in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure will be in attendance to deliver keynote addresses to the delegates. Significantly, among the speakers are eminent leaders in the world of engineering including:

    1. Prof Dr. Gong Ke President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations 

    (WFEO), 2. Dr. Marlene Kanga, Immediate Past President, WFEO 3. Eng. Carlien Bou-Chedid, President of the Federation of African Engineering 

    Organizations (FAEO) and 4. Dr. Dato’ Lee Yee Cheong, Chairman of Governing Council, International Science 

    Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC). 

    This year’s Conference fosters the 4th IEK Women Engineers Summit as well as a special program for men engineers, both events running on gth November 2021. The young and upcoming engineers will benefit from a unique mentorship opportunity from senior engineers in attendance and have an opportunity to showcase their work on Friday 12th November 2021. 

    The premier ‘Awards of Excellence Ceremony‘ will be held on Friday 12th November 2021, in honor of the many engineers who have made immense contribution to engineering in Kenya and society at large. The conference program includes a vibrant social, networking and entertainment activities to invigorate the delegates after a year of hard work.

    We are grateful to our partners and sponsors for their support in hosting the conference. You are all welcome to attend the conference, see you in Mombasa! Eng. Nathaniel Matalanga CE, FIEK President The Institution of Engineers of Kenya

  • No funds for Extending Voter Listing, IEBC’s Response

    No funds for Extending Voter Listing, IEBC’s Response

    IEBC Vice-Chairperson Juliana Cherera (pictured) confirmed that the agency had moved to court to challenge the order issued on Monday by an Eldoret based Court.

    NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 2 – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it is unable to comply with a court order ordering an extension of the continuous voter listing because it lacks funds to do so.

    Speaking to one of the News channel on Tuesday, IEBC Vice-Chairperson Juliana Cherera confirmed that the agency had moved to court to challenge the order issued on Monday by an Eldoret based Court.

    “We are currently in court so we are waiting for the ruling, because how do we say yes when we do not have the funds, that is the bone of contention,” she said.

    The IEBC Vice-Chair added: “We have contracted these people and we have to pay them everyday. You cannot engage people when you don’t know whether you have money for them. You will be infringing on their rights and we have engaged them until today.”

    A voter named Patrick Cherono filed an application arguing that IEBC had not met its target of registering about six million new voters. Justice Eric Ogolla issued the orders which will remain in place until November 9, when the case will be heard.

    While explaining the electoral agency’s position, Cherera explained that the commission had been allocated Sh1.2 billion out of the Sh4 billion it had requested for the exercise that was due to come to an end on Tuesday. “The contracts for the temporary registration clerks end today (Tuesday), so if the Courts say we extend, we are left with the unanswered question: who is to pay them? where is the money? That is the quagmire we are in,” she said.

    The Commission recently told Parliament’s Budget and Appropriations Committee that it will need an extra Sh1.3 billion to audit the voter register, and for other expenses.

    According to figures released by the IEBC by the end of the third week, only 800,462 new voters had been listed against the target of 6 million for the 4-week exercise. Apathy, lack of identity cards and apparent lack of motivation, especially among the youth, have been blamed for the low turnout.

  • We shall Elect Visionary Leaders, Deputy President William Ruto

    Deputy President William Ruto addressing residents of Kebirigo in Nyamira County on November 2, 2021.

    NYAMIRA, Kenya Nov 2 – Deputy President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to rally behind leaders whose development track records are clear. He said Kenyans should elect leaders in the 2022 elections who have the willingness and capacity to implement projects and programmes that will transform their lives.

    He emphasized on the need for voters not to waste time on individuals whose only campaign platform is tribalism, division, empty rhetoric and sloganeering. “Leaders should sell their agenda to Kenyans. They should also have parties with national outlook besides showing their past development track records,” said Ruto who has declared interest in the presidency under his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

    He went on: “How can some leaders expect to be elected yet they have nothing to show in terms of development for the many years they have served in government.”The Deputy President made the remarks in Nyamira County on Tuesday, during various  empowerment programmes at Bomwagano, Nyamusi, Magwagwa, Ikonge, Ekerenyo, Kebiringo and Nyamira Town in North Mugirango and West Mugirango constituencies.

    He was accompanied by MPs Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba) and Vincent Musyoka (Mwala).Others were former MPs Omingo Magara, Walter Nyambati and Joseph KiangoiThe Deputy President said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has come up with a revolutionary bottom-up economic model that seeks to empower ordinary citizens.Ruto wondered why his opponents were only relying on sloganeering aimed at exciting the public instead of selling their agenda. “It’s now becoming clear that the difference between our party and others is like day and night. We’ve the bottom up agenda that will transform the lives of majority of ordinary citizens,” he said.“Those competing with us are armed with political slogans and tribal parties,” added the Deputy President.

    He told Kenyans to be wary of leaders keen to dividing them along tribal lines to achieve their selfish ends.“For us to realize the aspirations of the  Big Four agenda and the Bottom up economic model, we must unite and work together,” he said.Musyoka urged the people of Nyamira to support development conscious leaders who were committed to transforming their lives.“The 2022 election is about the economy and the empowerment of ordinary citizens. The politics of sloganeering and empty rhetoric is outdated,” said Musyoka.Kemosi said the people of Nyamira County will no longer be fooled to join a political formation that has nothing to offer them.“We will not accept to be taken back to a political party that only thrives empty rhetoric,” he said.Osoro urged civil servants to stop engaging in partisan politics and focus on serving all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.

    The South Mugirango MP urged Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries actively campaigning for Opposition leader Raila Odinga to step aside for the sake of the country’s peace and stability. “If you have been appointed to serve in Government, stop taking sides,” said Osoro.He asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to utilize anti-graft agencies to fight corruption in the country.

  • Kenya signs world pledge to end deforestation by 2030

    President Uhuru Kenyatta with World Marathon Champion Eliud Kipchoge in Glasgow
    Image: PSCU

    Kenya is among 105 countries that on Tuesday promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030.

    President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading the Kenyan delegation, where he has been calling for the rest of the world to help Africa deal with the effects of climate change.

    Kenya’s forest cover stands at 7.2 per cent but the state wants it increased to 10 per cent by 2022.

    To achieve this, some two billion trees will have to be planted and raised between now and then at a cost of Sh48 billion.

    This was the first major deal on the last day of the World Leaders Summit at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

    The pledge was announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during an ‘Action on Forests and Land Use’ event.

    “We have to stop the devastating loss of our forests, these great, teeming eco-systems, three trillion pillared cathedrals of nature that are the lungs of our planet and the destruction together with agriculture and other change of land use that accounts for almost a quarter of all global emissions,” Boris said.

    The event brought together an unprecedented alliance of governments, companies, financial actors, and non-state leaders to raise ambition on forests and land use.

    World marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge used his sub-2-hour run in 2019 to call on rich countries to help Africa deal with the climate crisis.

    “There are western countries who are so advanced in data and innovation but who have futile moves from that initial feeling for the climate whereby in Africa we feel so closely,” Kipchoge said.

    He added; “I urge all of us to bring our worlds together whereby we can combine our unique skills where we can stay connected with our feelings added to the strength of data and innovation.”

    US President Joe Biden announced up to $9bn of US funding through to 2030 “to conserve and restore our forests and mobilise billions more from our partners”.

    “The United States is going to lead by example at home while supporting other forested nations and developing countries,” he says.

  • Kenya marketed as safe travel destination at World Travel Market in London

    Kenya marketed as safe travel destination at World Travel Market in London

    Tourism CS Najib Balalan during the reception of contributions towards the Magical Kenya Tembo Naming Festival

    Kenya is among hundreds of destinations
    promoting its tourism products and experiences in this year’s World Travel Market
    (WTM) being held in London, UK.
    The is event happening after a two-year long break as a result of covid-19
    pandemic that has minimized physical meetings and travels across the globe.
    The three-day tourism and travel expo which commenced on Monday, November 1,
    is the premier global event for the travel industry, attracting senior travel industry
    professionals, government ministers and international press. The event is being
    held in the halls of Excel, London.


    SAFE FOR TRAVEL

    Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala who is leading the Kenyan
    delegation says Kenya is seizing the opportunity to position the destination as
    ready and safe for travel. “This is an opportunity for us to activate our markets, show our readiness for
    business in compliance with protocols towards mitigation of Covid-19 pandemic.
    UK is our key market and Kenya is excited to be part of the countries showcasing in
    this tourism fair,” said Balala.


    WTM, said the CS, has for a long time acted as an avenue to showcase Kenya’s
    tourism product and share insights of issues concerning tourism in Kenya, Africa
    and the world at large. “We are glad to be back after a two-year break to leverage this opportunity to not
    only showcase our tourism offerings and experiences to the world, but also to
    interact with other tourism players from across the globe and in the process gain
    great insights on how to better our industry,” said Balala.


    The event comes on the back of Kenya’s delisting from the UK Red list which is
    expected to boost the country’s tourism sector. The UK continues to be one of
    Kenya’s main tourism source markets. The country received 27,036 from the UK in
    the period January to September making it the largest contributor of arrivals from
    Europe. The Kenyan delegation will therefore be looking to leverage the event as
    the country seeks to lure more visitors from the UK and Europe at large.

    KTB CEO, Betty Radier said that they are working towards recovering their tourism numbers from the international market after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “Events like WTM give us an opportunity to understand what travellers are looking out for. The fact that this is one of the international events being held this year physically is an indication that we are heading for the recovery path of global tourism and travel.

    “We are also glad that travellers from the UK and the larger Europe can now come to Kenya without much restriction as we continue to scale up covid-19 mitigation measures,” Radier said.

    Between January to September this year, Kenya received 27,036 visitors from the UK market marking the largest number of tourists arriving from Europe.

  • I will not resign Matiang’i dismisses calls

    The Government has instructed County Commissioners and grassroots administrators to prioritize the security of women aspirants in elections.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i said special attention will be given to women aspirants and specifically their protection against any form of intimidation or violence.

    He instructed County Commissioners and other National Government Administration Officials (NGAOs) to create a database of all female aspirants and to map out their security needs.

    Each administrator will be expected to beef up women candidates’ security needs against violence and harassment as the Government deliberately seeks to boost compliance with the one-third gender rule on elected leaders.

    “The maturity of our democracy will be tested on the level of participation of every voter and aspirant in the elections, including women and the vulnerable population,” Dr. Matiang’i said.

    The CS spoke after commissioning the construction of Limuru Sub-county Police Headquarters.

    Reacting to calls for his resignation for alleged partisanship, Dr Matiangi said he is unbothered by the criticism from politicians and will not respond to personal attacks.

    He said those calling for his resignation intended to distract him and security officers from executing their responsibilities of ensuring the protection for all stakeholders.

    He also defended himself and ICT CS Joe Mucheru from allegations of interfering with the mandate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) saying they were only creating the right environment for the electoral body to discharge its duties in line with their official dockets.

    “We, in the security sector, do not conduct elections – that is the mandate of the IEBC, and our work to support the Commission by providing security.”

    Dr. Matiang’i said he would not be provoked into engaging his detractors in cheap rhetoric and urged government administrators to focus on assigned duties without undue pressure from politicians.

    “Don’t be intimidated by threats. You are only answerable and accountable to the people of Kenya, and your job is to uphold the zero tolerance policy on those who encourage political intolerance,” he said.

    He later commissioned construction of Munanda-ini Police Post in Bibirioni, Thigio Police Station in Ndeiya, and the headquarters for the newly-created Ndeiya Sub-county.

    He was hosted by Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, who is the chair of the National Administration and Security Committee of the National Assembly. Members of Parliament Hon. Edward Kaunya (Teso North), Hon. Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani), Hon. Tecla Tum (Nandi), and Nominated MP Halima Mucheke were among a host of leaders present.

  • Groceries, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Ranked Among Jumia’s Best Pandemic Sellers

    There has been a significant shift in consumer online shopping behavior, with everyday product categories such as fast-moving consumer goods and beauty products noticeably picking up across the continent.

    In a new report, e-commerce platform Jumia indicates that the products accounted for 57% of gross merchandise volume in 2020, up from 44% in 2019. Under the same category, phones and electronics, however, dropped marginally, by 43% in 2020, down from 44% posted in 2019.

    The ‘Africa E-commerce Index 2021’ reveals that this shift is part of a broader economic transformation led by the continent’s young, urban and tech-savvy population. In terms of best-selling products, the 2-kilogramme sugar pack was the best selling product on Jumia in both 2019 and 2020 in Kenya.

    When products were split by the number of products sold, fashion-led at 21%, followed by beauty products at 15%; home and living, digital services and food delivery tied at 12%. The report also notes that fast-moving consumer goods accounted for 10%, while phones, electronics and others accounted for 8%, 7% and 3%, respectively.

    According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), internet businesses in Africa, including e-commerce which sits at the heart of the digital economy, could add US$180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025. Torbjorn Fredriksson, Head of E-commerce and Digital economy at the organisation, noted that COVID-19 led to a surge in the use of digital solutions, including e-commerce. “This was particularly demonstrated with domestic sales rather than cross-border e-commerce. Food delivery, essentials and pharmaceutical goods were among the top-performing online shopping categories,” he said.

    Through the Digital Commerce Program, the partners said they would register and train thousands of businesses to sell online with access to over four million Kenyans that visit the e-commerce platform Jumia every month.

  • Anne Waiguru UDA Crossover Revives Corruption Allegations against

    Anne Waiguru UDA Crossover Revives Corruption Allegations against

    Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru now says her move to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has revived corruption accusations against her.

    Reports emerged on Thursday, October 28, that detectives were finalizing investigations into graft allegations at the county government which could see Waiguru arrested as early as next week. Weighing in on the matter, Waiguru claimed she was being targeted after joining Deputy President William Ruto’s camp and arresting her was meant to scare other politicians who are contemplating the same.

    “Surely, It is barely 48 hours after we decamped to UDA. As a believer in the rule of law, this is really unfortunate. Its intention is to dissuade those contemplating the same and an attempt at engineering succession politics,” said Waiguru.

    The Kirinyaga boss added that those reviving the cases, seemingly those unhappy with her move to join the hustlers, will not succeed. “It won’t work. Kenyans are not stupid. And there is God in heaven,” she added.

    Also likely to be charged alongside Waiguru are county Chief of Finance Officer Mugo Ndathi, Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Anthony Gathumbu, Leader of Majority James Murango and Chairman of Budget Committee David Mathenge. The four coincidentally or by design accompanied the governor to Ruto’s Karen residence to officially defect to UDA.

    Don’t blame UDA On the other hand, Kirinyaga woman representative Purity Ngirici launched what looks like a scathing attack on Waiguru over corruption cases after joining UDA.

    Ngirici took a swipe at her saying it was ridiculous that the county boss was blaming politics and more particularly UDA for the graft allegations. “When anti-graft agencies strike, don’t blame it on joining UDA. We have built the party from scratch,” Ngirici retorted.

    Political witch-hunt As previously reported, Waiguru claimed that the ruling Jubilee administration was using anti-graft agencies to curtail her political ambitions. Taking to her official Facebook page on Saturday, September 4, Waiguru decried the numerous occasions that officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have raided on his premises.

  • Miguna Miguna schools Look Up TV presenter Eugene Anangwe

    Miguna Miguna schools Look Up TV presenter Eugene Anangwe

    It was tough moment for Look Up TV presenter Eugene Anangwe who was interviewing Miguna Miguna when he decided to talk about his book Peeling Back the Mask, which was published in 2012.

    Trouble started when Eugene told Miguna Miguna that his book depicted handshake partner Raila Odinga as a charlatan and someone who should not be trusted. Miguna Miguna, or General as he is fondly known, noticed that Eugene was asking the questions from a point of misinformation, a loophole that he leveraged on.

    “Have you read it? I need to know whether you’ve read the book, because I’m not going to discuss something that you’ve not read,” he maintained.

    Defending himself, Eugene noted that his questions are anchored on what the General wrote in the tell-all memoir.When it became evident that Miguna Miguna was not backing down, he admitted that he had not read the whole book.

    “Don’t ask a question about a book you’ve not read. You’ve started off on a false premise,” Miguna Miguna continued.

    He, therefore, asked Eugene to go read the memoir first then the two will have a knowledgeable discussion According to him, the presenter intended to question him using sentiments other people have have given him. “My suggestion to you as a journalist is this; read the book then ask me questions,” he maintained.