Category: POPULAR

Kenya Education Fund today rolled out its usual program at Nairobi Central church of the Nazarene where a large number turned up to pick there scholarship programs.

The program is on mission to provide economically disadvantaged students in Kenya with scholarships, support and educational resources for them to improve their lives and communities of the needy families.

According to the Francis Ng’ang’a – Country Director he said that they are visioned to help in providing the Self-reliance for people in Kenya through education through integrity, transparency, equity, inclusive and compassion.

Ng’ang’a said that the their Kenya Education Fund foundation is looking to have more funds to increase the number of students in terms of funding in the future so that it can ease the burden of parents who are needy in the education sector.

The foundation has  fully sponsored scholarships as he said that from the previous applications they received over 4000 applicants but the took 460 people for the next stage but they selected only 160 students sentiments which were echoed Dominic Muasya – Executive Director to the program saying that the cut off marks was 320 marks. The organisation also has supportive programs such as career mentorship.

Grace Waihara Chairperson of Education Fund affirmed also to award 160 students from intensive interviews of 1100 persons.

Grace said that they have hopes to having several partners to continue to help the needy children. The Non-governmental program has been in existence for more that 15 years.

Dominic Muasya – Executive Director said that the awarding of successive children since the roll out in July last year 2022 has been a tough one but they managed to secure the process successfully.

Muasya said that the Mentorship too helps the learners to be equipped with skills which prepares the learners to choose careers wisely and promote talents too.

Son of Makueni Francis Munyao, alias MCA Tricky is the official brand ambassador and the beneficially of the similar program he praised the initiative that its one of the unique program to have existed.

MCA Tricky has however urged students to abstain from using drugs because they shut down dreams.

President William Ruto today inspected the Guard of honor that was mounted when he made his way to the Utawala base Police Training College which is today conducting its graduation.

From the images shared by President William Ruto’s page while inspecting a guard of honor the head of state is stopped adjusting the tie and collar of one of the constables who were in The Parade. This act of kindness eliciting makes reactions from a section of Kenyans who could not fail to praise the head of state for this noble gesture.

The head of state has been known to be a man with a big head after he was spotted several it during the campaign freely interacting with voters and children who came to his campaign traits.

President William Ruto gave his speech at the event which saw close to 2800 new Constables promoted and absorbed into the Kenya police forces. Several leaders including his cabinet secretaries and his principal secretaries also were present together with the deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua.

President William Ruto has called on the police to maintain mutual respect with the public as they discharge their duties.

“It is important for every police officer to be mindful of the need to maintain relations of mutual respect with members of the public as a matter of necessity,”

The Head of State reminded the APs graduates as well as all members of the service that Kenyans have high demands in them.

“You should have no difficulty whatsoever in meeting them, by serving them with discipline, dignity, courage, firmness, and fairness,” President Ruto said.

Ruto advised police to adhere to the police service motto “Utumishi Kwa Wote”  as part of their contract and commit to doing their utmost in delivering on it.

“It is our legitimate expectation that you are ready to face the challenge head-on in a skillful, efficient, and effective manner, thereby safeguarding the necessary environment for Kenyans to pursue their aspirations and achieve shared prosperity,” President Ruto said.

Isaiah Mosiori Osugo,former Commissioner General of the Kenya prisons is dead.

Commissioner Osugo served the correctional department as the Commissioner General boss of Prisons immediately he was appointed by late President Mwai Kibaki then he was Nairobi Provincial Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Chief replacing Gilbert Omondi who retired.

On the same note a statement from the Presidential Press Service also named George Macgoye as the deputy Prisons Commissioner.

Osugo has been sick for a long time and friends have said that Osugo was a phenomenal person who played his role diligently “truly and nobody will ever match his thicker heart a phenomenal soul in public governance…May the Almighty Rest his Soul among the cleansed.” Political Scientist and Nephew to Commissioner General Osugo, Bonface Kengere described.

Kengere added that Osugo was a true force to the community and in the police reforms department “a phenomenal force in the correctional service he overhauled the department for what we see today, he goes down as one of the Greatest of All time in governance.” Kengere added.

Osugo was one of the key people who opposed the Homosexuality of any kind saying  it’s prohibited by law, whether in prison or elsewhere.

Commissioner Osugo on the same note said that It is a sensitive matter and we have to be very careful when dealing with those who have openly confessed to the crime.

On 19 March, 2019 during that time the PS, State Department for Correctional Services, Zeinab Hussein officially welcomed Mr. Wycliffe Ogalo as the new Commissioner General of Prisons has he succeeded Mr. Isaiah Mosiori Osugo at the Kenya Prison Service Headquarters, Magereza House indicating the end of tenure in the office as the Commissioner General.

The close allies have termed Osugo as one of the highly dedicated General who served every department with full dedication and from us the Newscentre.co.ke  send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late General Osugo.

 

Innovation and media strategist David Nzioka is back at state house, months after being kicked out unceremoniously by the former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

In a statement on his social media post, the self proclaimed Hustler Nation spokesperson Dennis Itumbi made the announcement.

Itumbi, who seems to be in love with adrenaline racing politics took to Twitter to congratulate Nzioka in his new appointments.

While congratulating Nzioka, Itumbi was keen to note that a few years ago, they were both kicked out of the State House but he (Nzioka) returns today as Secretary Digital.

“Congratulations to the new State House Digital and Innovations boss a few years ago we were kicked out, today you return as The Secretary Digital. Well done. I wish you well as you serve bro. Asante President Dr. William Ruto” Itumbi statement read.

President William Ruto has issued a fresh Executive Order reassigning some functions for his administration.

In his first Executive Order of 2023, the President published the new organisation of his government stating key roles of officials from the Vice President to the Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations and State Agencies.

Notable changes include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua getting a new role in the Coffee reforms sector. This comes amid conflict between the Ministry of Agriculture and Capital Markets Authority on who exactly is the parent body of the Nairobi Coffee Exchange.

Also in the new structure, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is being reverted back to the Transport ministry. It was transferred to the Interior Ministry during Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’ssecond term.

The Roads and Transport Ministry has been made leaner by moving the State Departments of Housing & Urban Development and of Public Works to the Lands Ministry.

Kenya Kwanza’s Hustler Fund has been placed under the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSEES). The Department will oversee the administration of the “Hustler Fund” for the promotion, development, and enhancing the competitiveness of MSMES among other functions.

Also in the changes announced by Ruto on Monday, some of the roles from Public Health have been moved to Medical Services.

Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s Ministry of Investment and Trade Ministry now has three State Departments from the previous two. (Now: State Department for Investments Promotion, State Department for Trade, and State Department for Industry)

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry has gained one more State Department from the two in the previous administration. (Now: State Department for Culture and Heritage and State Department for Tourism and Wildlife).

The President has also split the Ministry of Environment by creating the State Department for Environment and Climate Change and that of Forestry.

In a news report that has been shared by a reliable source of information, it has been revealed that the man who has been identified as Simon Muchora Allegedly burnt his house stating that he was trying to get rid of the snake and in the process burnt the entire house.

A police report has revealed that the man is okay except for the fact that he lost everything as they were turned into ashes while he was attempting to get rid of the snake.

As for the snake, it has been revealed that no one knows whether or not the snake was killed in the deadly fire incident.

While reacting to this incident, Kenyans who took to their different social media accounts to express their opinions on the matter have called out the man for putting the lives of other people in danger even though he would have used another way to get rid of the snake which would have gotten out of his house one way or another.

According to the reports given by most Kenyans, they claimed that it is so unfortunate that the man decided to do this even though A lot of people have already died in the country in deadly fire outbreaks which are often begun in this kind of manner only to destroy valuables and in worst cases, kill people in the process.

Ann. This is one of the main reasons why I think the government should do something about the increasing number of people who are suffering from poor mental health care. I mean the man took everything literally and actually attempted to bring the house down.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has told her counterparts at the Senate that she is now a victim of the victimization of women leaders.

“I am a recent victim. But we have to stand firm in our space with no apologies and we are here to stay. She said that we will not be victimized anytime we do any less than our male counterparts do,” she said.

She made the remarks at the Senate on Friday while contributing after the Senators dismissed impeachment charges against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Nyamu said the matter of First Gentleman will be a normal occurrence in this country going forward because many women have ambitions to serve in leadership posts at the gubernatorial and presidency.

“The matter of First Gentleman is going to be a normal occurrence in this country going forward because a lot of us have ambitions to be governors in this country. Our spouses should not be victimized,” she said.

During the debate following the dismissal of Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment, Nyamu called on members of the county to respect the first gentlemen. On her twitter she said that governor ni Mama.

“Use impeachment sparingly and necessary not every feud you have with the governor should land in the Senate for impeachment.”

Finally, Sen Nyamu has revealed that governors have a set budget to run counties. “Blackmail must end we know governors have set a budget to survive. We will uphold the law, think again before you bring impeachment to the senate think again.” Sen Nyamu says.

The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) is staring at an eminent disgruntled and serious legal tussle following a flawed exercise of hiring a new Executive Director.

AMWIK has found itself in between a rock and a hard place and an uncertain future after the association sharply divided right in the middle after a new executive director was allegedly imposed on them by the board members.

In a heated Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on the 9th of December, the Association’s Chairperson Dr. Jane Thuo, and three other board members could not hold the center and resigned.

This was triggered by members’ disgruntlement over a flawed recruitment exercise to replace Judy Kaberia, the former ED who had resigned after only one year in office.

The recruitment in question resulted in AMWIK issuing an offer letter to a candidate (Jacklyn Lidubwi, a former journalist at KBC who currently handles high-level projects on persons with disabilities and as a media trainer), Jacky’s appointment later was revoked, and ~his~ the position later given to another candidate (patience Nyange, also a former journalist-cum-politician who contested for Taita Taveta governorship in the August General Election but lost.

The reversal of the first appointment was all done without clear and timely communication with Ms. Lidubwi.

In her communication to the members, Dr. Jane Thuo said the decision to reverse the appointment was after checking further the background of Lidubwi and Nyange.

“However, we did some background checks on the two candidates which included making calls to their referees. These checks extended beyond the said referees and after review, the board rescinded Lidubwi’s offer and rather opted for Nyange as the ideal candidate for the job,” Thuo explained to members.

The happenings rattled some Members who demanded the EGM as soon as they realized that the association’s core value to support media women’s rights and dignity was undermined, it is during the EGM that members got a chance to hear both sides.

According to a source who attended the EGM, the chairperson acknowledged that the board had not followed current human resource procedures during the recruitment process and was therefore wrong.

The source, who sort anonymity, further said the members on getting the facts, directed that the recruitment be nullified and carried out afresh with both candidates free to reapply.

During the intense meeting, members came up with a list of resolutions to be effected from the EGM among them; AMWIK to offer an unconditional public apology to both candidates, revoke the contract given to the new Executive Director, fresh recruitment for the Executive Director’s post be conducted and the association should update the human resources manual and incorporate experienced members in the exercise.

It was also resolved that All board members be held responsible for the flawed recruitment process, an open and accessible means for voting for the resolutions should be provided to all members, and tallied results together with the supporting results be availed to all members.

‘’During the EGM, the chairperson was against the nullification of the recruitment citing further litigation from Patience Nyange who has already been appointed new ED’’ said the source.

This infuriated members who insisted that the right thing must be done for AMWIK to uphold its reputation as an organization that champions integrity. Members stated their direction was final.

In her defense Ms. Nyange said she was the rightful appointed holder and would not step aside as demanded by members, threatening to take legal action should the members impeach her.

“It is true that I am a member of 5 other groups that deal with media and the PR sector. But these groups have been there long before AMWIK and have never been a problem to the association. I will use this opportunity to recruit women in those groups to join our side,” she said.

Later, the chairperson said that she was stepping down. Then the Vice Chair Rachel Ombaka led the rest of the EGM but she too resigned via a message on AMWIK’s WhatsApp group. This was followed by Cylia Kathambi and Jane Godia also communicating their resignation.

‘’We have learned that following this event, none of the board members who resigned have officially left the office with some still acting on behalf of AMWIK. This has led a big fraction of the members to wonder if AWMIK indeed is a membership organization where members’ voices count’’ said an insider.

The EGM was attended by over 100 members, more than a third of the entire membership, a requirement stipulated in both AWMIK’s constitution and the Registrar of Societies regulations.

Upon conducting Ms. Lidubwi over the confusion in the AMWIK, The multi-award-winning journalist and a Holder of a master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from The University of Nairobi said all she ~needs~ to ask for is an apology.

‘’I am no longer interested in the position of Executive Director, all I need is an unconditional apology from the association’’ said Lidubwi.

By Steve El Sabai.

Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi today, December 20, held a workshop with various business sector players ahead of the International Fair of Khartoum 2023.

The workshop brought together 21 Kenyan industry players drawn from various companies, various ministry departments, and banks to discuss investment opportunities and areas of cooperation.

Sudanese ambassador to Kenya Kamal Gubar praised the improving relations between Kenya and Sudan pointing out that the trade between the two countries is on an upward trajectory.

Kenya Wildlife Services, Lamu County Government, and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry were among those in attendance.

The meeting organized by the embassy showcased opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and banking service among others that provide huge opportunities for Kenyan investors.

“Tourism is one of the sectors which we believe Kenyan companies can benefit in Sudan,” said Ambassador Gubar.

The 40th session of the International Fair of Khartoum 2023, scheduled for 24 to 31 January 2023 in Khartoum, is expected to attract private sector organizations, the Republic of Sudan government sectors, potential investors, exhibitors, the general traders and financial institutions from the East African business community and the rest of the World.

The fair organized by the Sudanese Free Zones & Markets Co. in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, of the Republic of Sudan, will seek to promote trade, investment, and finance opportunities between the Republic of Sudan and the rest of the World.

“It will also provide an opportunity for Sudan to showcase its investment opportunities and projects, facilitate B2B engagements, joint ventures, partnerships, and business deals,” say organizers.

According to Gubar, 106, 000 people drawn from all over the world attended last year’s fair.

He however believes the number will increase this year, with more Kenyan companies joining in.

“We expect more visitors and we hope Kenyan companies consider participating in this important fair as economic and trade relations start to move actively between the two countries,” he said.

He added, “We have a lot of opportunities in Africa and we should always prioritize relations with each other before looking elsewhere.”