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  • “We shall end unruly Invasion of animals in Outering Road and our city,” KURA on set

    “We shall end unruly Invasion of animals in Outering Road and our city,” KURA on set

     

    The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has continued to unravel and unveils its plans to end cows, pigs, sheep, and goats invading Outer Ring Road and other major roads within Nairobi.

    Speaking to Sasanews.co.ke, KURA’s Boss and a long-time engineer, Silas Kinoti, condemned the trend and indicated that discussions were ongoing with the County Government of Nairobi to curb the animal menace.

    Director General Mr. Kinoti has however pointed out the safety hazard the animals cause to motorists as well as pedestrians while crossing the roads in no particular order. Kinoti indicated that a meeting was scheduled for the coming week to address the challenge and put the matter to rest.

    Further, he alluded to the street lighting project which had stalled for several weeks – noting that the contractor was on site to complete the plan.

    According to Director General, the contractor’s progress was affected by two challenges; vandalism and financial constraints he has confirmed to our newsroom that plans are underway to disburse the funds to finish the stalled project.

    “The contractor is on-site though a bit slow as he is facing two challenges: financial constraints and vandalism hence it becomes harder to continue with the project,” he stated.

    On the issue of vandalism, he noted that discussions with the Nairobi County Government were ongoing to provide security for the project. Motorists have frequently lamented about the cows blocking traffic along major roads in the city, especially in the Eastlands area.

    “Not just outer ring road, these cows, goats, pigs, and sheep are all over the city. I think the people in charge of this capital city of Kenya are very serious jokers!” Lamented one user.

    “How can we remove these cows from Outering Road?” questioned another. Ranked Among the Most Unsafe Highways.

    In July 2022, the 13-kilometer Outer Ring Road was ranked among the most unsafe highways in the world during a high-level United Nations meeting.

    Urban Mobility expert Claudia Adriazola-Steil indicated that the road was the most dangerous road in Nairobi in the first nine months of 2021.

    Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Outer Ring was listed as the most dangerous route in Nairobi with 44 accident deaths recorded, followed by Waiyaki Way with 38 fatalities.

  • Two Students death as several hospitalized after consuming contaminated food

    Two Students death as several hospitalized after consuming contaminated food

    The writer can authoritatively report that at least two students from Gesiaga High School in Nyamira have DIED and at the moment, several others are silently hospitalized after consuming contaminated food.

    According to multiple sources, one student from Egesieri was buried a few days ago after complaining of stomach pains.

    The writer with emotional says that as if this was not enough, a member of them are showing similar symptoms and have been silently released to their parents to seek medication.

    The morning of 4th, June one parent who spoke to this writer confirmed her daughter is hospitalized in Oasis, Kisii for the last one week where she is fighting for her life Debra (not her real name), started complaining of stomach pains and subsequently diarrhoea. She was taken to Ekerenyo.

    With no signs of improvement, the parents rushed her to Nyamira Hospital but would be referred to Oasis. Doctors in the facility have since established that Debra was overstayed at home and the aflatoxins have spread throughout the body, affecting critical organs.

    With the student now on life support, her kidneys are malfunctioning just like her liver. The organs are almost collapsing. She is not just one . Multiple sources have hinted to this writer that several students were released for medication. Some are undergoing what Debra is facing.

    Only a few of them have been treated and allowed to return to school. Those from Nyamira and Kisii can confirm that in various health centers, Gesiaga High students have been sighted seeking medication but nobody has spoken about this phenomenon.

    The health crisis, sources say, could be worse than what witnessed in Mukumu Girls in Kakamega. The only difference is, nobody has magnified it since Gesiaga is a rural school in interior parts of Nyamira, within Bosamaro ward. It performs fairly though.

    Last week Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and other high ranking officials visited Nyamira, about 5 kilometers from Gesiaga. He was touring Tombe Girls and Nyambaria High school.

    Education officials are yet to be told about these troubling incident which could be a crisis in days.

    One parent who spoke to this writer also revealed that the symptoms on some students started just after holidays. It seems the students ate contaminated food around April just before holidays. It is estimated that over 30 students are severely affected but some have regained.

    Some sources have as spoke to this writer alleges that some journalists took the loot to never expose the stories for the public to consume the truth.

    Here, this is the ambulance which is sighted sneaking the affected student out for treatment.

     

  • Legislators to consider measures to fund 2023/24 budget public hearings

    Legislators to consider measures to fund 2023/24 budget public hearings

    Hon. Kimani Kuria during the finance Bill Public hearing session
    Hon. Kimani Kuria during the finance Bill Public hearing session
    The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning has wound up around one of the public hearings on the Finance Bill, 2023, after receiving submissions and memoranda for nine-straight days from organized groups and individuals on various proposals contained in the Bill.
    This Bill comes at a time when the country is facing reduced revenues due to its debt burden, and a huge wage bill among other competing national priorities.
    This Bill comes in the wake of diminishing revenues owing to the country’s debt burden, and a huge wage bill among other competing national priorities.
    The Finance Bill, 2023 provides for “Ways and Means” of financing the 2023/24 Budget. Section 39 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act requires a balance between Budgeting and Revenue raising. This implies that should there be any reduction in the proposed tax measures, the House will also have to cut the proposed Budget proportionally.
    According to the Tabled Budget Estimates, the proposed total expenditure and net lending for the FY 2023/24 is Kshs. 3,599.29 billion, representing a 6.4% (Kshs. 215 billion) expenditure increase relative to the 2022/23 Budget.
    Over the last decade, the historical average annual increase in total expenditure and net lending has been about 12%. Projections show that this year, the National Treasury has maintained the Government’s fiscal consolidation efforts by limiting expenditure growth.
    National Treasury statistics show that Kenya’s tax revenue collection as a share of GDP has stagnated at around 15 percent over the last decade. Consequently, Kenya has lagged behind other comparable African countries whose tax revenue collection is between 20 percent and 25 percent.
    For instance, ordinary revenue as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) declined from around 16.2% in 2013/14 FY to around 15% in 2021/22 FY.
    One of the drivers of the decline in ordinary revenue collection as a share of economic output was the one percentage point decline (from 7.9 percent to 6.9 percent) of income tax collection as a share of GDP.
    Notably, the performance of income tax which accounts for around 46 percent of ordinary revenue collection will have a significant impact on future tax revenue prospects.
    The Committee has not been shy of asserting these facts to the over 180 respondents who appeared before them to file their oral submissions.
    Last week, the Committee’s Chairperson Hon. Kimani Kuria underscored the fact that the country has to grow revenues to not only seal the deficit gap but to also help fund government programs and meet other government obligations.
    “We all live in this country and are aware of the dire economic situation the country is in. We all have to agree to provide solutions to our current fiscal challenges ”, the chairman told the stakeholders.
    He told the stakeholders that the ripple effect that would emanate from for instance, from the proposed National Housing Development Fund is great, given the jobs that the program is set to create, and the demand for inputs the program would create for the manufacturing sector.
    This provision among others that received little focus during the public hearings is however likely to be the game changer in the efforts to support the 2023/2024 budget.
    After undertaking public participation in the Bill as required by law, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning is now expected to engage the National Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority on some of the fundamental issues raised by respondents before retreating to write its report.
    The Report is expected to be tabled when the House resumes from recess in early June for consideration.
  • Meet Eng. Silas, a man on a mission to transform the Urban road sectors

    Meet Eng. Silas, a man on a mission to transform the Urban road sectors

    KURA Director General Eng. Silas Kinoti during Bomet and Nandi counties leaders in a consultative meeting on development of road projects. CS-Roads & Transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen attended
    KURA Director General Eng. Silas Kinoti during Bomet and Nandi counties leaders in a consultative meeting on development of road projects. CS-Roads & Transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen attended

    Kenya Urban Roads Authority Director General Engineer Silas Kinoti continues to make positive impacts in road sector and towns across Kenya.

    Kinoti has a wealth experience in road construction as well as management holds a Master in Business Administration (Corporate Management) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and his name is synonymous with construction of roads in major towns.

    He has achieved more than 90 percent of the authority’s objectives and was the first to partner with county government this year to improve roads in town hence improving mobility.

    Players in road sector acknowledges Kinoti as a Guru in road construction who has changed narrative in engineering. He has been a distinguished member of Institution of Engineers (IEK) for the last 20 years.

    Director Kinoti has made sure that the era of potholes is a thing of the past in urban area and depression of buying suspensions by motorists all the time has reduced significantly.

    Engineer Kinoti has been re-carpeting roads that were in a dilapidated condition neglected before.

    In Mukuru slums, Githurai, Kangemi, Mwiki, Dandora Utawala, Mihang’o including Kibra and Mathare road construction has been hailed by residents. He has however vowed to bring more change to create a good city for the nation.

    “I will make sure we change the conditions of our city states so that we can achieve an international feel and touch whenever kenya is mentioned” Eng.Silas Kinoti, Director General Kenya Urban Roads Authority stated.

    Ngong Road Lang’ata link Road construction is complete and has ease traffic jam in Karen ,Ngong, Kibra and City Centre in General. currently marking and roads signs are on -going. City motorists lauded the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) for the construction of the road.

    It now takes less than five minutes for one to drive from lang’ata Road to Ngong road at prestige plaza. KURA under Kinoti’s leadership has intensified infrastructural development in major towns in a bid to deconjest urban areas to improve social economic activities such as industrial services. Kinoti can walk head tall as he ha achieved construction of 172km of New roads, rehabilitation of 167.7km provision of 36 bridges and interchanges constructed, 288km of pedestrian walkways constructed, 431.9 km put under periodic maintenance including 9.797km of roads under routine maintenance.

    Several activists have now fully pledged to champion  for this Guru indeed who needs recognition not only locally but even in the internationally including Nobel prize award.

  • COCA-COLA Rewards12TH Winner With A Year’s Worth Of Food Shopping

    COCA-COLA Rewards12TH Winner With A Year’s Worth Of Food Shopping

    The Coca-Cola system in Kenya awarded the twelfth winner with a year’s worth of food shopping in Kilifi.

    Faith Ngache, a Mtwapa resident in Kilifi County was announced as the winner in the just concluded promotion.

    Speaking at the award ceremony, Faith Ngache said, “This is important to me, together with my family and those that I serve. I am a wife and a mother, and this will be really of benefiting to my family in the next couple of months. I would like to thank Coca-Cola for supporting Kenyans all round even as this campaign concludes.”

    The campaign, which ran for 12 weeks, offered consumers a chance to win over 50 million Kenya Shillings worth of prizes, including cash (mobile money), airtime, and shopping vouchers.

    To participate, consumers bought a 1L, 1.25L or 2L bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite and checked under the green cap for a code. The consumers would thereafter send an SMS with the unique code found under the green cap to 40111 for a chance to win instant prizes and be entered into a draw for more prizes.

    In addition to the grand prize of a year’s worth of food shopping other prizes included instant cash, airtime and shopping vouchers, enabling consumers to share meal moments with their loved ones. The promotion seeks to inspire Kenyans to continue enjoying meal moments together with a Coca-Cola.

    All grand prize winners were contacted through a dedicated customer care number and advised on their winnings. All  consumers taking part in the challenge were eighteen years and above and registered users of Safaricom, Airtel & Telkom.

  • Kenyans top global Huawei tech challenge

    Kenyans top global Huawei tech challenge

    Kenyans have emerged the best in a global technology showcase where their innovation and network skills topped the field of over 120,000 competitors from 74 countries.

    Kenya’s Network Team comprising of Franklin Mutisya from Machakos University, Riwell Kibira from The Cooperative University, Denis Fundi from Laikipia University and Humphrey Mwambaji from Machakos University took home the first prize in the Networking category.
    Kenya’s Innovation Team of Phillip Oyier, Anne Kariithi, Rodney Osodo, and Patrick Kisio from Jomo Kenyatta of Agriculture and Technology came tops in the Innovation category.
    Huawei Kenya CEO Will Meng said in a statement that the rapid evolution of technology globally requires that national education institutions expose their students to the developments so that their learning is in tandem with the pace of industry.
    “This year’s being the 7th Huawei Global ICT Competition attracted an impressive cohort of 150,000 students from over 2,000 universities and colleges across 85 countries and regions, signalling the growing interest especially from Kenyans and across the African region,” said Will.
    He noted that tech industry initiatives such as Huawei’s  ICT Academy provide learners with a platform to compete healthily and exchange ideas, thus enhancing the ICT knowledge and practical skills as well as increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies.

  • KURA Eyes 7 High-Tech Features for Nairobi Roads After Securing Ksh 8B Loan, Eng. Kinoti confirms

    The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Tuesday, May 30, announced that the government had received a Ksh8 billion loan for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) targeting key roads in Nairobi City.

    In a tender notice, KURA indicated that the project would mostly entail the installation of key technology including traffic signals and intersection surveillance cameras to manage traffic at various junctions.

    Through the KURA Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti indicated that they’ve set Other technologies to be installed in the capital including; a signal controller, Vehicle Enforcement System (VES), 6 Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS), and one Variable Message Sign (VMS).

    KURA added that a surveillance system comprising 20 Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras would also be installed at the junctions.

    On a phone call with the Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti noted that the ITS system was aimed at addressing the flow of traffic at key junctions that were experiencing snarl-ups.

    “The project also involves the completion of the detailed design of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) building and the implementation of the construction works with fixtures, furniture, equipment, and other facilities to operate the TMC building.” Eng. Silas Kinoti said.

    A circulated notice to the newsroom indicated the procedures set to be followed for bidders for the supply of those types of equipment.

    “Bidders will also supply and install hardware and software to house the ITS equipment and operate the new traffic management system at the TMC building,” read the notice in part.

    According to KURA, part of the Ksh. 8 billion loans secured from the Export-Import Bank of Korea would be used to pay contractors to undertake the project.

    The design and build works are expected to take a period of two years and six months from the award of the tender date.

    “After the completion, the contractor shall dispatch experts for two years to support and assist the Employer’s sustainable mandate,” read the statement in part.

    While KURA did not detail the 25 junctions targeted in the program, the road agency had earlier indicated Thika Road as one of the key beneficiaries of the mega project.

    “The expansion plans will cover 20 intersections and the construction of BRT line 5 Linking Thika road to Mombasa road via Outering road,” KURA stated on its website.

    Road users have lauded the important steps followed by the road agency to transport the transport sector improving security for both pedestrians and drivers of all ranges.

    DG Kinoti has lauded the move saying that through the able leadership of the current CS transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, he is set to impose an unbreakable record for a long decade.

  • SAMSUNG GALAXY Buds 2 Pro Brings Enhanced Ambient Sound For People With Hearing Disabilities

    SAMSUNG GALAXY Buds 2 Pro Brings Enhanced Ambient Sound For People With Hearing Disabilities

    Whether listening to your favorite music, or simply tuning into or tuning out your surroundings, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers the ultimate in sound for everyone. As we recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Samsung is committed to helping those who are hard of hearing better enjoy the sounds of the world around them with the introduction of new enhanced Ambient Sound.

    Making Technology More Accessible and Inclusive

    Previously available at three levels of customization, the updated Ambient Sound feature which gives users the ability to listen to and stay aware of their surroundings now adds two additional levels, offering five levels of amplification and providing the benefit of improved hearing to even more users.

    To assess the feature’s efficacy, a clinical trial was undertaken by the University of Iowa’s Hearing Aid and Aging Research Laboratory. Their research concluded that Galaxy Buds2 Pro significantly improved speech perception in those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A similar trial conducted by Samsung Medical Center also found that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro could be an effective tool to help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to better communicate in a quiet place.

    “With the enhanced ambient sound feature, we hope to bring a transformative listening experience to people who are hard of hearing. We believe everyone should enjoy the wonders of technology and communication, irrespective of their hearing abilities. This isn’t just about a product, it’s about how we can make life more inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable for all our customers. With the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, we’re striving to make that vision a reality” Said Mr. Charles Kimari, Director of Mobile eXperience Samsung East Africa

    Bringing New Levels to Audio Customization

    With this improved feature, Galaxy Buds2 Pro users can also fine-tune their Ambient Sound settings across a variety of needs. Users can adjust the volumes on the left and the right respectively, as well as customize their Ambient Sound tone range from soft to clear across five different stages. Additionally, Ambient Sound can tune to a users’ ears through the Adapt Ambient Sound feature, allowing for even more clarity in helping users hear the world around them.

    “We are excited to be introducing the new enhanced accessibility feature of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to users on Global Accessibility Awareness Day,” said Han-gil Moon, Master and Head of Advanced Audio Lab, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to work to help each and every user experience the best possible audio anytime, anywhere with their Galaxy Buds2 Pro.”

    Availability

    The enhanced Ambient Sound feature will be progressively released on Galaxy Buds2 Pro via software updates in coming weeks.

  • Xiaomi Moves Up on Boston Consulting’s 50 Most Innovative Companies List

    Xiaomi Moves Up on Boston Consulting’s 50 Most Innovative Companies List

    Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has ranked Xiaomi 29th on its 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2023 list, two places higher than last year. The designation is recognition that Xiaomi makes innovation a priority, commits investment and talent to it, and works to transform investment into results. In this year’s first quarter, Xiaomi’s research and development (R&D) expenses increased by 17.7% compared to the year before, reaching RMB4.1 billion. As of March 31, 2023, the number of R&D personnel reached approximately 16,500, which was more than 50% of Xiaomi’s employees. Xiaomi’s R&D efforts have yielded the company more than 32,000 patents worldwide as of March 31, 2023. Total R&D investment for 2023 is expected to exceed RMB20 billion.

     

    The company has embraced technological transformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). It officially established an AI Lab Foundation Model team in April and has more than 1,200 AI-related employees. The company will continue to expand AI-related user scenarios, maximize advances in technology, and explore opportunities with potential partners.

     

    BCG’s Most Innovative Companies ranking is based on a survey of more than 1,000 global innovation executives who were polled in December 2022 and January 2023. The survey assesses a company’s performance in four categories: global mindshare, industry peer view, industry disruption, and value creation. BCG has published its annual innovation report since 2003. Other companies on the 2023 list include Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Siemens, Pfizer, SpaceX, Nike, IBM, etc.

     

    Xiaomi identifies 2023 as the crucial year for accelerating Xiaomi’s growth. The company will remain resolute in advancing its new business strategy with a focus on high-quality development anchored on its relentless pursuit of technological advancement and its mission to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

  • InTouch and GPT joins forces to streamline card services across Africa

    InTouch and GPT joins forces to streamline card services across Africa

    GTP, a specialised provider of prepaid and virtual card processing solutions, and InTouch, a leading pan-African fintech, have joined forces in a strategic partnership to democratise access to card credentials for millions of consumers across Africa. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between digital payment platforms and card-based transactions, giving InTouch customers access to cross-border transactions through Visa credentials.

     

    Access to card credentials plays a pivotal role in Africa’s financial ecosystem, opening doors to a wide range of economic opportunities and driving financial inclusion. Studies currently estimate that 90% of transactions conducted in Africa are still reliant on cash, highlighting the significant gap in digital financial inclusion across the continent. However, McKinsey argues that card-linked digital wallets are already a significant driver of growth in issuance and usage of cards. Prepaid cards are decoupled from the traditional banking infrastructure, allowing for banks and fintech companies to give more people access to a globally accepted payments method without a need for a traditional bank account.

     

    By partnering with GTP, an MFS Africa company, InTouch aims to democratise access to card credentials for its African customers across its 13 markets. This collaboration will enable users of InTouch’s innovative digital platform which aggregates over 400 services through its API` to seamlessly link their digital wallets to card credentials, enhancing their access to the global digital economy. Through the integration of GTP’s robust prepaid and virtual card processing solutions, InTouch users will be able to tap into the advantages of card-based transactions, including wider acceptance, enhanced security, and seamless integration with global payment networks.

     

    Omar Cissé, Founder of InTouch, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “With this partnership, we are democratizing access to card payments and enabling international and online payments as well as cash in and cash-outs in our TouchPoint network in Senegal and Ivory Coast and very soon in 16 other African countries. Our goal is to offer the simplest and most accessible solutions for digital payments to millions of customers across the African continent.”

     

    Christian Bwakira, CEO of GTP, stated, “InTouch is an innovative pan-African payments aggregator that has demonstrated consistent innovation in markets in which it operates. By working together, we will unlock the power of card credentials for millions of Africans across the continent and making borders matter less for them in the global digital economy.”

    The partnership will commence in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and expand into the rest of the continent.