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The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday announced the new fuel prices to take effect from midnight to June 14.

In the recent review, Petrol prices reduced by Ksh1.00 to retail at Ksh192.84; Diesel by Ksh1.20 to retail at Ksh179.18 while the price of Kerosene reduced by Ksh1.30 to retail at Ksh168.76.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020," EPRA announced.

In the review, EPRA revealed that the landed cost of Super Petrol increased by 3.82 per cent between March and April while the landing cost of Diesel decreased by 0.46 per cent.

Meanwhile, the landing cost of Kerosene reduced by 0.050 per cent during that period.

A man fueling a car at a petrol station

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New Vision

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo assured Kenyans that the Authority was committed to observing fair competition and protection of the interests of both consumers and investors in the Energy and Petroleum sectors.

Below is how other major cities will be affected by the new prices;

Those in Kisumu will be charged Ksh192.66 for a litre of Petrol, Ksh179.39 for Diesel and Ksh169.01 for Kerosene. 

Motorists in Mombasa will pay Ksh189.66 for Super Petrol, Ksh176.01 for Diesel and Ksh165.69 for Kerosene.

Kenyans in Nakuru will part with Ksh191.90 for a litre of Petrol, Ksh178.62 for Diesel and Ksh168.26 for Kerosene.

Eldoret motorists will pay Ksh192.67, Ksh179.39 and Ksh169.02 for a litre of Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene respectively.

Consistent Drop

Fuel prices have been on a gradual decline in the past few months and are now retailing below the Ksh200 mark.

However, some towns will still be paying more than Ksh200 for fuel. Some of these areas are Nakalale, Lokichogio, Marsabit, Moyale and Wajir among others.

Tuesday's announcement was the second month running that EPRA was cutting fuel prices after the previous review which saw Kenyans pay Ksh193.84 for a litre of Petrol, Ksh180.38 per litre of Diesel and Ksh170.06 for a litre of Kerosene.

Additionally, global prices had declined for two consecutive weeks according to a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) weekly report.

"International oil prices declined during the week ending May 8, supported by balanced oil demand and supply, and build-up of oil inventories amid increased geopolitical uncertainties," read part of the weekly report.

EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo (right) addresses the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy on April 12, 2023.

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National Assembly

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi on Monday, May 13, survived an impeachment motion lodged against him predominantly over the fake fertiliser debacle that attracted the wrath of lawmakers and Kenyans across the board.

This was after an 11-member committee probing the impeachment case presented its findings on the floor of the National Assembly. According to the committee, the three counts against the CS were unsubstantiated.

The three counts against Linturi were;

1. Gross violation of the Constitution
2. Gross misconduct 

3. Committing a crime under the national law

   The committee findings were read to the national Assembly by Naomi Waqo, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party.

President William Ruto and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi sharing a moment.

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UDA

Following the announcement, Members of Parliament began to shout in the house forcing the Speaker, Moses Wetangula to restore order.

Additionally, Wetangula emphasised that since the committee had dismissed the allegations against Linturi, no further proceedings on his impeachment were necessary.

 He further noted that the committee had been dissolved.

Following the announcement, Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo and other MPs were given a chance to comment on the committee's report. 

Omollo alleged that he was informed of misconduct among some of the committee members and demanded thorough investigations into the claims.

On the other hand, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi suggested that the National Assembly should stop recognising Mithika Linturi as the Cabinet Secretary and asked President William Ruto to sack the CS. 

Linturi's fate was being determined by an 11-member National Assembly Committee which concluded compiling its report on Sunday, May 12.

During the hearings, the Agriculture CS defended himself and accused his political of trying to frustrate him. 

He also pointed fingers at his former wife, Aldai MP Marianne Kitany.

Kitany, on her part, asked the President to take action and protect farmers from cartels who are selling them fake farm inputs. 

"I think the President should lead from the front on this particular issue. He needs to take action, whatever action that is required of him," she stated.

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi (left) and Aldai MP Marriane Kitany.

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Mithika Linturi/Marianne Kitany

The nationwide doctors' strike that threw the country into a health crisis is coming to an end, the Ministry of Health revealed on Wednesday.

Via its official channels, the Ministry announced that the government had reached an agreement bringing the 56-day go slow to an end.

According to the Ministry, the agreement was reached after a comprehensive meeting between the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) and government officials.

"After 56 days, KMPDU signs agreement, ending nationwide doctors' strike," the Ministry of Health announced.

KMPDU leaders lead a strike of doctors in Kenya.

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KMPDU

The government and the health officials signed the return to work formula on Wednesday evening in line with the directive issued by the Labour Relations Court.

The court in its ruling issued a directive for the two conflicting parties to reach an agreement and bring to an end the prolonged doctors' strike.

Following the signing of the agreement by the doctors and the government, KMPDU is set to issue directives on when the doctors will resume work.

The agreement followed a series of disagreements and court battles that paralysed the country's health system for almost two months.

However, interns' payment terms still remain a contested matter despite the two teams signing a return-to-work formula.

The doctors' strike began on March 12, after KMPDU officials led by its secretary general Davji Attelah called on the nationwide demonstrations.

In their demonstrations, the doctors demanded a hike in their salaries as part of the fulfilment of the 2017 collective bargaining agreement.

The agreement also came barely a fortnight after doctors turned down a Ksh2.4 billion offer by the government to end the strike.

Government officials fail to show up for negotiations with KMPDU officials over the ongoing doctors' strike on March 27, 2024.

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KMPDU

President William Ruto has declared Friday, March 10, as a public holiday.

Speaking during a meeting in Kajiado on Wednesday, the Head of State set aside the day to remember lives affected by the floods.

Official government statistics indicate that 238 people lost their lives from the nationwide flooding phenomenon that kicked off in March.

"Friday, May 10, 2024, a day set to remember those that have been adversely affected by the ravages of climate change. Let us use the day to work towards improving our environment," an insider at State House stated, attributing the announcement to the President.

A section of Kiamumbi in Kiambu County was destroyed by floods on April 30, 2024

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Francis Koina

The Head of State further indicated that the day will be dedicated to planting trees for climate change mitigation.

The latest flooding situational awareness by the Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura indicates that 75 people are still unaccounted for.

Mwaura, in a press statement on Tuesday, indicated that 174 individuals are nursing critical injuries while 47,000 households were displaced.

From the data, Nairobi leads with the highest number of affected individuals at 164,000 followed by Nyanza region (40,000), and the Eastern region (5,957).

"The government has deployed varied mechanisms to handle the disaster and to manage the ongoing evacuations. The KDF and NYS have been deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations while the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) have been mobilized to assist residents to move to safer areas,” stated Mwaura.

“We have about 30 designated evacuation centres; we have churches and schools on raised grounds. Please don’t wait until the water comes because you will not manage it. Disaster management is a joint responsibility."

To reduce the casualties from flooding, the Head of State directed all individuals living in fragile ecosystems to vacate for better areas.

He also promised to compensate the over 40,000 households displaced by the floods Ksh10,000 each to seek temporary shelter and launch the construction of 20,000 affordable houses.

The Head of State also announced that schools will reopen on Monday, March 13, two weeks later than the earlier designated date. The extension was to buy the government time to assess the effects of floods on schools and families.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua inspecting the aftermath of Mai Mahiu tragedy, April 29.

DPPS

The government has announced the reopening of all schools following the extended closure that was necessitated by the floods.

According to State House officials, schools will reopen officially on Monday, May 13, 2024.

The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting where President William Ruto was meeting with leaders from Laikipia and Kajiado.

"Schools to re-open on Monday 13th May 2024," Secretary of State Functions, Mike Gitonga quoted President William Ruto.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu in a meeting with UoN officials on April 4, 2024

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Ezekiel Machogu

It was noted that the directive to reopen schools on Monday was informed by advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

According to Kenya Met,  the rains are projected to reduce in intensity from this week. 

Further, to facilitate the reopening of schools, government agencies will coordinate with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to facilitate the construction of damaged schools.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is also helping in flood mitigation measures across the country.

The reopening of schools had initially been scheduled for Monday, April 29 before Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu postponed the dates owing to the floods.

At the time, Machogu indicated that the reopening of schools would be extended by one week owing to the safety concerns that were posed by the heavy rains.

However, President William Ruto postponed the reopening of schools further given that the rains had intensified.

"The Ministry of Education is directed to postpone the dates of reopening of all schools in the country for the second term until further notice," Ruto announced during his national address on Friday, May 3.

Floods covering part of Thika Highway on April 24, 2024

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KeNHA

President William Ruto has announced the postponement of the reopening of all public schools until further notice, a sudden reversal of plans just hours after Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu insisted that schools would open on Monday, May 6.

In an address to the nation on Friday, May 3, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Education to delay the reopening of schools for the second term, citing ongoing severe weather conditions, particularly flooding, across the country.

"The Ministry of Education is directed to postpone the dates of reopening of all schools in the country for the second term until further notice," President Ruto stated.

This decision comes barely five hours after Education CS Machogu instructed schools to reopen with only those severely affected by floods remaining closed until the situation is brought under control.

Machogu insisted that the safety of learners was paramount and that alternative infrastructure must be established before these schools could resume operations.

"In the meantime, the management of these schools should come up with strategies to recover lost time when learning resumes," the Ministry of Education added in a statement.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu at the Partnership for Science, Engineering and Technology event on April 24, 2024.

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Education Ministry

Despite queries regarding students who had already returned to school on Sunday, April 28, before the official directive to suspend reopening was issued at 1 am on Monday, President Ruto asserted that the Ministry of Education has received clear directives on how to address this situation.

In his address, the head of state urged Members of Parliament to use the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to repair damage to school infrastructure.

He stated, “MPs are requested to prioritize the reconstruction of school infrastructure damaged as a result of the floods ravaging the country.”

The decision to postpone school reopening comes amidst a grim reality of severe weather-related casualties.

According to the Interior Ministry, the death toll from the ongoing floods has risen to 210, with 22 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours alone. Additionally, over 165,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, and 90 others are still missing.

At least 24 schools have been impacted by the floods as of the end of last week, highlighting the extent of the crisis and the challenges faced by the education sector.

President Ruto emphasized that the government will closely monitor the situation and provide further guidance to parents and students in the coming days. 

Global Teacher Prize (Varkey Foundation) 2023

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Global Teacher Prize

Kenya has once again been thrust into darkness as a nationwide blackout struck the country on Thursday, May 2, 5:40pm, compounding the challenges already faced due to heavy downpours.

In a press release, Kenya Power, the national utility company, attributed the blackout to a system disturbance on the grid, leading to disruptions in power supply across most parts of the country.

“We regret any inconvenience caused and urge for patience from our customers as we work towards restoring normal power supply at the earliest opportunity,” stated Kenya Power in the release.

The company has assured Kenyans that it is working to restore power within two hours.

This recent blackout follows a similar incident in December last year, which was attributed by Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to an overload in the Kisumu-Muhoroni line.

Chirchir noted that the line, designed to carry 80MW, was overloaded with 149MW at the time of the blackout.

Picture of Road and Transport CS Nominee at a meeting in his office, March 22.

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Ministry of Energy

"We have not invested much in the networks. We plan on giving out a number of networks to be built by private firms. This will ease putting pressure," Chirchir commented.

He outlined plans for the construction of a new substation and a 90 km line to alleviate capacity issues on the Muhoroni-Kisumu line, as well as the establishment of a new 33KV line between Narok and Bomet to prevent recurrent power outages.

During a similar blackout in November, it took engineers over 12 hours to restore power across most parts of the country.

However, the most severe outage occurred on Aug. 25, marking the longest disruption in Kenya's history.

The cause of this outage remains a mystery, with Kenya Power blaming a failure at Africa's largest wind farm, while the wind farm attributed the responsibility to the power grid instead.

In the wake of these outages, Kenyans have taken to social media to express their frustrations and demand accountability from Kenya Power.

Some have likened the situation to that in Nigeria and South Africa, where power rationing is common, deriding the agency for its failure to address the recurrent blackouts effectively.

The latest blackout comes at a challenging time for Kenya, as the country grapples with raging floods that have left many estates inhabitable.

JKIA suffers a blackout on Sunday, December 10, 2023

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Members of Parliament have approved the proposed dismissal of troubled Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.

In the vote at the National Assembly on Thursday, May 2, 149 MPs voted to proceed with the impeachment process for CS Linturi.  Parliament is in a rush to debate and conclude the impeachment motion before its upcoming recess in June.

The motion required support from at least one-third of the assembly's 349 members to proceed, and it surpassed the threshold with ease.

Of the 188 legislators who cast their votes, 149 supported the motion, while 36 opposed it. Only three abstained from the proceedings.

The National Assembly is now poised to appoint a select committee to delve into the accusations against CS Linturi.

The composition of the select committee reflects a balance of parliamentary representation, with 6 slots allocated to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, 4 to the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, and 1 to the Jubilee Party.

In his communication, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula stated, ”In nominating the members, parties are to ensure the nominees to the committee reflect the diversity of the house including regional and gender considerations.”

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi during a visit to KEL Chemicals, April 12.

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Ministry of Agriculture

The select committee faces a tight deadline of ten days to present its findings to the Assembly, determining the veracity of the accusations levelled against Linturi. If the allegations are substantiated, the Assembly will proceed to vote on his dismissal.

Linturi finds himself in the crosshairs of public scrutiny alongside Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, as both face mounting pressure to resign from their respective positions.

The mover of the motion, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka called for bipartisanship in the voting process. He stated, "This is not a political issue, this is a moral issue. The CS is genuinely and criminally involved in this particular issue of denying Kenyans the opportunity to ensure that we have food security in the country."  

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui urged his colleagues to vote conscientiously, mindful of the plight of Kenyan farmers affected by the scandal. "Let's vote with our conscience," Mbui implored.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, a vocal proponent of the motion, affirmed his stance during the heated debate, citing Linturi's responsibility as the head of the ministry. "Should the CS take responsibility for the motion and the issue at hand? The answer is YES," Amollo declared, pointing to evidence implicating Linturi in the scandal.

However, Linturi found support from members of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who cautioned against hastily resorting to impeachment based on unsubstantiated claims. Ichung’wah urged the Assembly to allow the Committee on Agriculture to conduct a thorough inquiry before making any definitive decisions.

He stated, “We cannot use the basis of newspaper reports to impeach anybody. Allow me to plead with this house to defeat this motion because it will derail the fight against corruption. If we derail the fight against corruption, by using such motions to speak to the gallery, to speak to our voters, to speak about corruption but never acting over corruption.” 

Similarly, nominated MP Sabina Chege called for a measured approach, advocating for the naming and shaming of individuals responsible for exploiting innocent farmers. "These people should be jailed for taking advantage of innocent farmers," Chege asserted, highlighting the need for decisive action against wrongdoers.

The grounds for Linturi's impeachment, as outlined by Wamboka, encompass gross violations of the constitution, including breaches of good governance, accountability, and criminal negligence.

The allegations centre around the distribution of fake fertilizer through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), tarnishing Linturi's reputation and credibility.

National Assembly proceedings on February 21, 2024.

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National Assembly of Kenya

President William Ruto on Thursday, May 2, appointed General Charles Muriu Kahariri as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Kahariri was serving as Lieutenant General before his promotion to the rank of General. He was also serving as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces prior to his appointment.

However, he served as the CDF in an acting capacity after General Francis Ogolla's death.

General Charles Muriu Kahariri taking oath of office as the Vice CDF on March 9, 2024.

PCS

"His Excellency Hon Dr William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him the Chief of the Defence Forces," read the statement in part.

Additionally, Ruto appointed Major General John Mugaravai Omenda as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces. Consequently, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

"Until his appointment, Lieutenant General John Mugaravai Omenda was the Kenya Air Force Commander. Further, the President has posted Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed to Kenya Air Force and appointed her Commander. 

"Similarly, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno has been posted to the Kenya Navy and appointed Commander," read the statement in part.

Other appointments that have been made include;

Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng'ang'a was posted to the National Defence University and appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Finance.

On the other hand, Brigadier Peter Nyamu Githinji was promoted to Major General and appointed Senior Directing Staff, Air at National Defence College.

Also promoted to the position of Major General was Brigadier Jattani Kampare Gula. He was also named as the new Managing Director of the Kenya Meat Commission.

Brigadier George Okumu was also promoted to Major General and appointed Managing Director of Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation and Food Processing Factory.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Samuel Kosgei Kipkorir was appointed as Deputy Commander of Kenya Air Force.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale alongside newly appointed KDF officers at the MOD on May 2, 2024.

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KDF

Update: 1:30pm 

Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani is now at the EACC headquarters at Integrity Center, Nairobi, being grilled over the loss of Ksh8.2 billion during his tenure as Governor of Marsabit.

Former Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani, who served from 2013 to 2017, found himself in the spotlight once again as his residence became a target of police raids.

Concurrently, the homes of Marsabit's current Governor, Mohamud Ali, were also subject to searches. These developments unfolded early Wednesday as EACC continued to probe allegations of corruption within the Marsabit County administration.

Both Yatani and Governor Ali, alongside several high-ranking former and current officials of Marsabit County, were apprehended in connection with a suspected multi-billion graft investigation, estimated at Ksh8.2 billion.

Yatani, escorted by his legal team, arrived at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters at 12:15 pm, where he is expected to face questioning regarding the allegations.

Notable members of his legal counsel include former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Rarienda MP Otiende Amollo, indicating a high-profile defence strategy in response to the charges.

The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) on the morning of Wednesday, April 24 raided the home of former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani in Marsabit and arrested him in a suspected graft probe.

Reports indicate that Yatani is currently in the custody of EACC detectives and is anticipated to undergo questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of billions of shillings.

The former CS was slated to present himself at the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station early in the morning.

In a simultaneous operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also conducted a raid on the residence of the current Marsabit Governor, Mohamud Mohamed Ali, along with several other high-ranking county officials.

Governor Ali is anticipated to be transported to the EACC's Isiolo office for formal processing and additional interrogation as part of the extensive multibillion-graft investigation. 

Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani in a past meeting.

Twitter

While the motives behind the EACC's decision to raid Yatani's home remain unclear, the Commission had previously urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to pursue charges against allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, implicated in unlawfully navigating the Ksh6 billion Telkom takeover debacle.

Details outlined in the EACC's third quarterly report spanning July to September 2023, and signed by CEO Twalib Mbarak and chairperson David Oginde, shed light on Yatani's predicament. Alongside him, former Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Muia and Dr. Margret Nyakang'o face scrutiny over the Ksh6 billion Telkom acquisition.

A report recommending charges against these officials was submitted to Ingonga on August 29, 2023, yet action on the EACC's suggestions is pending.

The prospect of facing charges compounds the troubles for Dr. Nyakang'o, who already faces three counts of fraud, operating an unlicensed Sacco, and forgery. A High Court injunction has temporarily halted her prosecution following a petition.

The controversy surrounding the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya at Ksh6 billion during the tenure of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration looms large. The deal, executed ahead of the 2022 general election, has stirred public outcry and legal scrutiny.

The EACC's report explicitly names various individuals, including former Telkom executives and government officials, slated for potential prosecution in connection with the Telkom deal.

The genesis of the inquiry traces back to a complaint lodged by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge on March 6, 2023, prompting the EACC to initiate investigations into the purported irregular acquisition of Telkom Kenya shares by the government from Helios Investors LLP for Ksh6 billion.

Investigations unveiled that the quest for potential investors ceased following a letter dated March 29, 2022, authored by Yatani, signalling the government's acceptance of Jamhuri Holdings Limited's decision to divest from Telkom.

Documents presented before Parliament indicate grievances expressed by the Government of Kenya, leading to Helios Investors LLP/JHL's exit from Telkom Kenya between April and September 2022.

A photo of the EACC headquarters, at Integrity House in Nairobi.

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EACC