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  • Leaders Seek to Extend TSC Boss Macharia’s Term Despite Her Attaining Mandatory Retirement Age

    Leaders Seek to Extend TSC Boss Macharia’s Term Despite Her Attaining Mandatory Retirement Age

     

    The CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Dr Nancy Macharia, has reached the mandatory age to retire from public office, as she hit 60 this year.

    According to Dr Macharia’s National ID, her birth date is May 11, 1963, meaning she turned 60 this year.

    Inside information tells that top National Assembly Members and other influential leaders from the Central Region are protecting her. In return, the TSC boss offers them TSC letters in high numbers.

    Sources also indicate that the TSC Chairman, Dr Jamleck Muturi, is also protecting Dr Macharia.

    Public Officers to Retire at Age 60

    In February 2023, Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action CS Aisha Jumwa noted that public officers who have attained the mandatory age for retirement were making numerous appeals for “unjustified extension.”

    In a letter to Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Anthony Muchiri, CS Jumwa reiterated that a Public Officer should retire from office immediately after attaining the mandatory retirement age.

    “The Commission or any other appointing authority shall not extend the service of such retired Public Officers beyond the mandatory age of 60 years and 65 years for persons with disability,” read the letter dated February 16, 2023.

    Authoritatively, the appointment letter seen by this writer confirms that there is an omitted clause which is now tied to the commissioners of the panel to nominate the new CEO into the office.

    LSK Challenges Move to Extend TSC Boss Term

    The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in 2020 they wrote to Chief Justice Martha Koome on the move by the government to ‘silently’ plan to award Dr Macharia another five-year term. According to LSK, the reappointment of Dr Macharia should follow due process.

    “The key position of Secretary to the Teachers Service Commission (the TSC) is about to fall vacant, with the current Secretary, Ms. Nancy Macharia, leaving office on 30th June. The information we have is that there are plans to renew her five year-contract for a further five years, without subjecting the position to a process of competitive recruitment,” said LSK President by then Nelson Havi.

    The first five-year term for TSC boss Dr Nancy Macharia was to end on June 30, 2020, after her appointment on June 30, 2015, taking over from her predecessor Gabriel Lengoiboni who had served at the commission for 11 years.

    Section 8(1) of the TSC Act requires that whenever a vacancy arises in the commission, it shall, by notice in the Gazette, declare a vacancy and constitute a selection panel to select suitable candidates for appointment as the chairperson or member of the commission.

    The Act further says that a chairperson appointed by the President shall head the selection committee. Cabinet Secretaries in charge of Education and Public Service, as well as the Attorney General or representatives of the three officers, also constitute members of the panel.

    Federation of Kenya Employers will nominate one person, while teachers’ unions will nominate two – one man and one woman – to the panel.

  • Kisii Governor, Simba Arati defends the rot in Kisii County during accounts committee

    Kisii Governor, Simba Arati defends the rot in Kisii County during accounts committee

    Kisii Governor Simba Arati faced a tough Sen. Kajwang-led Senate Public Accounts Committee to table the County Human Resource Audit findings report.

    The County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) has directed Kisii Governor Simba Arati to take urgent steps and align the county’s Human Resource function to his vision.

    The Committee’s chairman Moses Kajwang’ said that there is a serious misalignment between the vision of the governor and those of the directorate of human resources, which he observed has rendered the county dysfunctional in terms of personnel.

    Senator Kajwang issued the directive when the governor appeared before the Committee to discuss the Human resource establishment of the county on Monday.

    The committee expressed its dismay with Governor Arati’s over payroll manipulation which has left the county government grappling with an annual wage bill, estimated to stand at Sh5.7 billion, which many say is unsustainable.

    “There is a disconnect between your vision as the governor and that of the directorate of human resource,” said Senator Kajwang, further directing that the governor must take administrative action against employees who have manipulated the payroll.

    Sen. Richard Onyonka raised concern over the same report saying that they were court orders demanding the board to go report back to the office H.E Arati confirmed the PSB is at home as he went ahead to gazette another board action the court stopped saying that his hands are tied.

    Hon Onyonka directed the governor through the chair to allow the former PSB to continue to work until the court process is over.

    “Orders were given, and all County Assembly issues are stopped! We need the former PSB here the PSB continued to work until the court process is over.” Hon Richard Onyonka Momoima.

    Hon Samson Cherargei told Gov. Simba to consider all times an audit query is raised in the senate, to come up with a complete report.

    “When an audit query is raised in Senate, you need to come up with a complete report not hearsay. Your response is not authenticated. You can’t present documents of KRA that are not authenticated.” Sen Samson Cherargei quotes.

    Gov. Simba exposed the Payroll fraud in Kisii County during the response where the honorable members of the committee pushed Hon. Arati to the corner to explain the payroll fraud, Okiya Omutata asked the Governor to present the whole report before the committee. Hon Simba said his reign is in the process of correcting the mess created by Governor Ongwae-led regime.

    Hon Arati in the previous months tabled the report from the HR department exposing the 1200 ghosts where Gov. said that he will deal with the issue in-house he admitted that the person who should carry the burden is the HR Director.

    The Committee faulted the governor for failure to take address the human resource malpractices in the county, more than eight months after assuming office.

    An audit report by the National Treasury had flagged several human resource irregularities including shared payroll numbers and bank accounts, amended birth dates, and identical identification numbers, among others.

    Others are double payments, staff working for both the national government and the county government, and same birth dates.

    Rather than address the issues flagged out by the National Treasury audit, the governor went ahead and commissioned his own audit.

    Hon Kajwang however told the governor promotions that should be given out fairly as required by law as those who are rightfully due for promotions must be given as there is the law stipulates.

    Finally, the committee has given the governor more time to go and prepare for another session with the SPAC after 30 days after he looked unprepared and unaware of the contents of the documents he presented to the committee.

    Senator Okiya Omutata told Governor Arati to make good use of the 30 days to come prepared.

    “Make good use of the 30 days so that you come back to the committee more prepared than he was today. The star that we thought you would be in Kisii doesn’t seem to be the lighting. Go and work on your shortcomings. This report wasn’t yours, go and be conversant with it” Sen. Okiya Omutata said.

    The committee gave the governor one month to go back and address the issues surrounding the findings of the National Treasury.

    “After the one-month period, you will have to demonstrate and convince this committee that you had added implementing the issues flagged out by the National Treasury.”

  • Analysts Advisory on Budget Estimates

    Analysts Advisory on Budget Estimates

    Evans Kakai a reputable auditor, Economist and financial analyst, has taken a moment to share with the Kenya Kwanza Government the best approach to ease the President’s headache.

    Mr. Kakai opines that the quagmire can be addressed by soberly analysing the budget estimate statement whereby we could restructure same to fit in an acceptable finance bill 2023.

    “Let the advisors not stress our president with impossibilities that can have a negative publicity. We are willing to provide ideas that can help to make ends meet,” Kakai noted.

    His advisory comes at a time when the proposed finance bill enraged Kenyans so much so because it’s ill timed and comes at a time when our economy is yet to recuperate especially from the macroeconomic factors.

    Kakai advised President Ruto to take his time and implemua practical financial bill which will not very overburden the already overtaxed mwananchi.

  • Bishop Kieru: Let’s Remain Spiritually Awake

    Bishop Kieru: Let’s Remain Spiritually Awake

    Kenya Assemblies of God Nyahururu District Bishop Simon Kieru has called upon Christians to remain awake spiritually at a time when Christianity is faced with many challenges.

    “The secret is prayer and seeking the face of God. We must as Christians brace ourselves to fight the battles of the evil one who is always on the prowl,” the Bishop said.

    The words of wisdom from the Bishop follow shocking revelations especially the Shakahola massacre where to date at least 230 bodies have been exhumed.

    The Bishop reminded Christians of the need to also pray for the government of the day.

    ‘We are instructed to respect and honor those in authority, so as Christians let us always remember to put the leadership of our country before God in prayer.”

  • Amb. Karigithu’s Bid Launch is of Global touch

    Amb. Karigithu’s Bid Launch is of Global touch

    The launch by Kenya’s Ambassador and Special Envoy for maritime Affairs and blue economy “Ambassador Nancy Karigithu” was a global event.

    Ambassador Karigithu is Kenya/AU backed candidate for IMO Secretary General position.

    Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, is a highly respected maritime expert who is currently domiciled in the Executive Office of the President as the *advisor on Blue Economy.

    AMB. Karigithu on 17th May 2023 officially launched her campaign as candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation.

    Karigithu has the blessing and backing of the African Union. She is seeking to succeed the current Secretary-General, Kitack Lim from the Republic of South Korea, whose term concludes later in December 2023.

    “I strongly believe that with my experience in the maritime sector spanning over 36 years, I am in a position to become the next Secretary General of IMO. I have the competency and attributes for this top UN position,” she said.

    During the bid launch on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua emphasized President Ruto’s support, highlighting that Karigithu’s nomination holds significant importance in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    “I wish to restate Kenya’s commitment to the protection and promotion of our shared and common maritime security interests under international law that will allow for optimal exploitation of the blue economy. Amb. Karigithu’s candidature provides a firm, dependable and experienced safe pair of hands in this regard,” Mutua said.

  • Mizizi Boosts The Govt in affordable housing

    Mizizi Boosts The Govt in affordable housing

    Mizizi Africa Homes the most dynamic real estate developer in Kenya, has continued to throw it’s weight behind the Government’s pillar of affordable housing.

    George Mburu is the founder and managing director of Mizizi Africa Homes and he on Saturday 20th presided over the handover ceremony of Peacock Phase 2 along Kenyatta Road.

    “We as Mizizi are alive to the fact that there’s a huge housing deficit in the country. In light of this, we are working round the clock to provide affordable housing units tailored for the common mwananchi. We have initiated a buy we build approach whereby the owner of the property is able to use the title deed as collateral and access credit; as opposed to the former way where the client had to wait for the house to be complete.”

    George Mburu also welcomed the Government’s move to reduce the price of clinker, a Key component in cement manufacture.

    “this will automatically bring the price of cement down thereby boosting construction because the cost will reduce significantly. We are therefore urging the government to spearhead such initiatives in a bid to support this critical sector,” he concluded.

  • Commodities Exchange A Welcome Move to Salvage Kenya’s Economy

    By JOHN KARIUKI.

    Kenyans are already feeling the pinch following the high cost of living occasioned by among other things, inflation and other macroeconomic factors.

    This comes at a time when President William Ruto’s administration is just ten months in office while on the other hand Kenyans are waiting with baited breath his many promises geared towards a bottom-up approach as he said during his campaigns.

    Evans Kakai a reputable auditor, Economist and financial analyst urges the Administration of the day to focus on commodities Exchange as a good way to boost economic development right from the downmost strata.

    “ Every region of our country is endowed differently but you find wide discrepancies and a sharp contrast to that. For example, the Central Region is well endowed with cash crops such as coffee, tea, horticulture and Dairy Farming. This can be anchored properly to see to it that it’s well promoted and boosted for local production to increase and a good marketing plan to enable the farmer reap greatly. Same case to counties that are endowed with mineral wealth. The same can be fully exploited to boost and nurture our economy. Home-grown is the best. I don’t understand why we keep on importing even fruits from other countries such as Egypt, South Africa and the like, whilst an area like Sigor or Ukambani is well endowed with very sweet fruits.” Mr. Kakai advised.

    The Government has been implored upon to extinguish the fiery debate on the finance bill by embracing a more pragmatic approach in addressing the ambitious bill.

    President Ruto’s administration plans to raid taxpayers for an additional Sh392.70 billion and cut fresh borrowing to fund his first budget of Sh3.6 trillion for the year starting July.

    It’s now in the public domain that Kenya Kwanza’s administration’s first budget will expand by Sh215.03 billion compared with the current one prepared by its predecessor.

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u projects ordinary revenue receipts comprising taxes, levies, rent of buildings, fines and forfeitures will rise 17.3 percent to Sh2.57 trillion.

    The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collections, which form the bulk of cash streams for the government, are forecast to grow to Sh2.43 trillion from the current target of Sh2.04 trillion for the year ending June.

    In line of that, Evans Kakai a reputable auditor, Economist and financial analyst opines that the finance bill ought not to be disenfranchised but rather be addressed as a whole.

    “It’s true the Government needs to increase it’s revenue streams but it’s equally important to be honest in this conversation and see what is really pressing and evaluating what can wait. This should start at the National Government and also be trickled down to the counties. In an elaborate public participation we can bring our heads together to see what needs immediate financing and what can wait for a later date. For example, most infrastructure development projects can be put on hold to address the pressing and urgent needs of the common mwananchi. Especially and chiefly among them bringing down the cost of living through reduction of food prices. The counties should also try to see to it that they increase their allocation for development from the partly 25% of the equitable share to about 65%.” analyst Kakai concluded.

     

  • Unmasking The remarkable DJs Who Will Perform At The Stanbic Yetu Festival

    Unmasking The remarkable DJs Who Will Perform At The Stanbic Yetu Festival

    The highly anticipated Stanbic Yetu Festival is set to take place on the 10th of June 2023 at Uhuru Garden in Nairobi promising to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring the legendary musicians; Boyz II Men and the sensational Sauti Sol.

    The gist of it all will be displayed through the multitalented DJs that will keep your energy rejuvenated and vibrating with each drop of every tune. The DJs will make sure that every part of your body marries with the rhythms.

    Ever heard about Dj Shaky? This is not your typical DJ. By day, he is the Chief Finance Officer of Telkom Kenya, but his true passion lies in music. Having been an ardent collector of vinyl records, audio tapes, and CDs since his teenage years, DJ Shaky’s love for music knows no bounds. The man will be at the Stanbic Yetu to give you an unforgettable treat.

    How about G-Money? With nearly two decades of professional DJing under his belt, G Money brings a wealth of experience to the Stanbic Yetu Festival. Having travelled across the Caribbean, the US, and the UK, G Money’s diverse taste in music allows him to connect with people of all generations and genres. As a “pirate radio” DJ, he used music as a tool of communication. Having performed alongside superstars like Lauryn Hill, Jay Z, and Ashanti, G Money eagerly awaits Sauti Sol and Boyz II Men’s incredible performances. Set those dancing shoes ready.

    If you haven’t met DJ Grauchi, then you need to up your game and the reason not to miss this year’s festival. Name is Zak Utu, a rising star in the DJ scene. His unique blends on the decks and high-energy performances have garnered him a dedicated fan base, extending beyond the borders of Kenya. DJ Grauchi’s popular mixtape series, “The Wake-Up Call,” has attracted a massive audience on platforms like YouTube. You do not want to miss this.

    And DJ Dream? This man will make you turn your dreams into reality through tunes. For over a decade, DJ Dream has been a prominent figure in Kenya’s urban DJ scene. His extensive music library and innate ability to read the crowd make him one of the most sought-after DJs in the country. DJ Dream is renowned for his well-popularized R&B events that have captured the hearts of the ladies in Nairobi. With his expertise and charm, he ensures that every night is memorable.

    CNG will be in the house too. Who else would you want to listen to if not this guy? Charles Njoroge Githumbi is his but famously known as CNGthedj, a young and vibrant professional DJ. He first discovered his passion for music during his time at Jamhuri High School, where he became the in-house DJ. Having opened for acclaimed artists like Adekunle Gold and Sauti Sol, CNG knows how to work for the crowd and infuse his unique energy into every performance.

    Kosa uchekwe.

  • How To Use Galaxy’s Quick Share

    How To Use Galaxy’s Quick Share

    Transferring files between devices can take much time and energy, but Samsung Electronics has simplified the file-sharing process. For Galaxy users looking to share photos, videos and various files with other Galaxy devices, smartphones or PCs, the Quick Share feature, introduced in 2020, is streamlining file transferring functionality.

    Offering enhanced usability and simplicity, Samsung’s flagship file-sharing feature enables the quick sharing of all file types, from simple photos and memos to large videos and business documents requiring increased security.

    Galaxy’s Flagship File Sharing Function: Quick Share

    1. File Corruption is a Thing of the Past With Quick Share

    When meeting friends after not seeing them for a long time, capturing memories of your time spent together is essential. However, if the Gallery app on your smartphone fills up with photos while spending quality time with friends, there is no need to worry. To avoid the hassle of uploading all the photos to a messaging app or email and downloading them again, Quick Share provides simple file transfer in a matter of seconds.

    The biggest advantage of Quick Share is that users can quickly share photos with nearby Galaxy devices in just a few taps regardless of the number and size of the files. With a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, users can send files to up to eight people at a time.

    Receiving files through Quick Share is simple, from set up to sending and reception. In order to use Quick Share, swipe down from the top of the screen of your Galaxy device and tap on the Quick Share icon from Quick Settings.

    For those looking to try out Quick Share, here is how to use the feature in just a few, easy steps:

    ① Select the file to share  click Quick Share

    Select a picture or video in the Gallery app or a file in a folder, and then click the Share icon. After pressing the Quick Share icon in the pop-up window, available Galaxy devices that can accept shared files appear.

    ② Select Galaxy user to transfer files → Receiving party accepts files

    Galaxy devices that can accept files are listed according to sharing preferences that the user has set in advance. When the other Galaxy device accepts the file transfer, the file is sent immediately. These shared files can be immediately found in the Quick Share folder created in the Gallery app without a separate download process.

    1. Share Quickly and Seamlessly With Non-Galaxy Devices

    What’s more, Quick Share makes file sharing easy not only between Galaxy devices but also with other smartphones.

    When using Quick Share with non-Galaxy users, a Galaxy user can select the file they want to share via Quick Share and choose from the following options: Copy link, Share in an app and Share using QR code. If the user chooses to share the file using a QR code, the recipient can simply copy or scan the code and receive the file instantly on their smartphone or device. Additionally, files uploaded to the Samsung Cloud can be shared with others as well.

    If Share in an app is selected, the link can be sent via a messenger right away, making it an effective way to share files with multiple people at once in a group chatroom. Additionally, users can send original photos and videos in high quality without worrying about deteriorated image quality due to file compression.

    It is also worth noting that files uploaded to Samsung Cloud are automatically deleted after a certain period, improving security and user convenience.

    1. Share Quickly With A Range of Devices Such as Tablets

    Quick Share can be used on any Galaxy device that comes with the feature. The instant file-sharing feature allows files to move freely across smartphones and Galaxy tablets.

    Share Safely by Doubling Security With Private Share

    When sharing files containing important personal or financial information, Samsung’s Private Share is there to help your share files securely. Unlike Quick Share, which uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, Private Share supports file encryption by utilizing block chain. Users can send a variety of files through Private Share, including images, video, audio and documents. 20 files of up to 200MB in total can be sent at once to a designated recipient using a phone number and identification number.

    The most notable feature of Private Share is that users can control the recipient’s access permission and the file’s expiration date. Prior to sharing, users can set the amount of time a file can be viewed as well as how the recipient can use the files. Users can also adjust the settings and revoke sharing permissions even after the files have been sent.

    Additionally, the sender can check whether the recipient has received the files as well as if and when they opened them. To ensure confidentiality, secure files cannot be downloaded, and screenshots cannot be taken, preventing files from being shared to parties that have not received access.

    In addition to Quick Share and Private Share, Galaxy users can also use other file-sharing methods, such as Dropship as well as Nearby Share, allowing users to send content how and when they want.

    From sharing important files in business environments to sharing photos and videos with loved ones, Samsung Galaxy’s Quick Share and Private Share features are enabling increasingly smooth communication in the digital era with their convenience, safety and wide usability.

  • Mars Wrigley to expand entrepreneurship program in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

    Mars Wrigley to expand entrepreneurship program in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

    ·      Innovative distribution model to enlist additional 1,000 entrepreneurs in Kenya

    ·      So far, Maua has benefited 1,600 beneficiaries in Kenya including 700 women

    ·      Program to roll out in Tanzania in 2024 and Rwanda in 2025

    Mars Wrigley, the world’s top chocolate and chewing gum maker, says it plans to expand its innovative distribution model targeting the low-income consumer market in the region.

    The model, also known as Maua program, has been running since 2013 and seeks to support micro and small enterprises to create jobs and sustainable livelihoods in Kenya. So far, Maua has benefitted 1,600 traders, including 700 women. Wrigley now says it will recruit another 1,000 entrepreneurs in Kenya before the end of the year, bringing the total to 2,600.

    Announcing the expansion plan, Mars Wrigley General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ismael Bello, said the program has been highly successful with a high retention rate of 85 per cent. He disclosed the company will roll out the initiative in Tanzania in 2024 and Rwanda, 2025.

    “Maua has been a phenomenal success in driving our quest to reach the under-served consumer market while at the same time achieving our social and sustainability goals. Hence, the plan to expand the program in Kenya and the region,” said Bello.

    He was speaking at the company’s factory and head office in Athi River, Machakos County, at a ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of Maua. Machakos County Governor, Her Excellency Wavinya Ndeti, was the chief guest at the event.

    The Governor lauded Maua as an inspiring model of how private companies can use innovative strategies to create employment and sustainable livelihoods, especially for women and youth, while supporting the growth of micro- and small-scale enterprises.

    “I am particularly delighted to note that 4 out of 10 beneficiaries of this noble initiative are women. I urge more companies to emulate Wrigley so that together, we can create meaningful livelihood and business opportunities for our people,” she said.

    Through Maua, Mars Wrigley partners with independent micro-entrepreneurs and micro-distributors to sell the company’s products in informal settlements and rural communities. The overall purpose is to create shared benefits for both the company and communities benefiting from the program.

    “With Maua, we seek to not only grow our business, but also create a platform to build both financial and social capital, working with individuals who are passionate about business and improving lives. We look forward to the next 10 years of Maua’s transformative impact,” explained Bello.

    As an innovative route-to-market strategy, Maua targets consumers who are hard-to-reach through traditional product distribution channels. Essentially, Mars Wrigley recruits and trains small-scale entrepreneurs whom it then supplies with the company’s fast-moving products including such iconic brands as Big G, Juicy Fruit, PK and Doublemint. The company also provides the tools of trade like backpacks, bicycles and motorbikes to facilitate the traders.

    The direct beneficiaries of the program include small wholesalers operating stock points, micro-distributors who move the products from the stock points to retail shops and to the hawkers who sell directly to consumers in the streets. Mars Wrigley also trains the beneficiaries in basic entrepreneurial skills like record-keeping, branding and business management.

    Maua is anchored on Mars Wrigley principle of Mutuality or shared benefits. It is also aligned with Mars Wrigley global strategy to reach more consumers in the so-called Bottom-of-the-Pyramid, through innovative marketing models that also build social capital.

    In 2018, Mars Wrigley committed to increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the program. By empowering women with opportunities to earn a decent livelihood, Maua indirectly contributes to the realization of an inclusive and prosperous society.

    Maua also directly contributes to the attainment of at least four international Sustainable Development Goals, namely, Zero Poverty (Goal 1), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10).

    To measure the impact of the program on society, Mars Wrigley has partnered with Oxford University’s Said Business School and the University of Nairobi. Prior to launching the program, the company conducted research that revealed the huge untapped entrepreneurial talent, that could be harnessed to grow the company’s business in disadvantaged localities.