Breaking News

President William Ruto nominated 11 new members of his Cabinet after days of extensive consultation with his allies in the government and the opposition.

While addressing the Nation on Friday, July 19, the President proposed to retain some of his previous Cabinet members including Kithure Kindiki who served as the Interior CS in the last Cabinet.

Kindiki was proposed to retain his position in the Interior docket.

Nominated Interior CS Kithure Kindiki speaking in Kisii County on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Photo

Ministry of Interior

Former CSs who were recommended to retain their positions include Alice Wahome (Lands), Aden Duale (Defence) and Soipan Tuya (Environment).

Meanwhile, former Energy CS Davis Chirchir was nominated to the Roads and Transport docket. 

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano was nominated as the new Attorney General, replacing Justin Muturi.

New entrants to the Cabinet include Debra Mlongo Barasa (Health), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture), Eric Muriithi Mugaa (Water) and Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u (ICT).

"Further consultations are ongoing after which I will announce more names in due course," Ruto announced.

Ruto also indicated that he would be announcing a new direction for his new Cabinet expressing that his administration would be focusing on job creation, accountability, and debt management among others.

"We are enhancing, broadening and deepening the national economic turnaround Plan set out in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to incorporate a wider range of ideas, programmes and interventions that will facilitate job creation, robust debt management, enhanced transparency and accountability in the use of public resources and enhanced domestic resource mobilisation, and optimise public expenditure," he announced.

What Next:  Following the nomination of a section of his Cabinet, Parliament is expected to begin plans to vet the nominees and approve their nomination.

The new 11 Cabinet nominees include:

• Ministry of the Interior and National Administration - Prof  Kithure Kindiki
• Ministry of Health - Dr Debra Mlongo Barasa
• Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development - Alice Wahome
• Ministry of Education - Julius Migos Ogamba
• Ministry of Defence - Aden Barre Duale
• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development - Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja
• Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry - Roselinda Soipan Tuiya
• Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation - Eric Muriithi Mugaa
• Ministry of Roads and Transport - Davis Chirchir
• Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy - Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u
• Attorney-General - Rebecca Miano 

Former Trade CS Rebecca Miano speaking during her son's wedding on April 6, 2024.

Photo

Rebecca Miano

Stephen Gitagama, the Chief Executive Officer of Nation Media Group (NMG), East Africa’s largest media house, is stepping down at the end of July 2024. 

This unexpected announcement comes with the revelation that 80 per cent of the NMG Board of Directors will also be resigning.  Sources have revealed to Kenyans.co.ke that the CEO is currently biding farewell to employees at the twin towers.

Gitagama, who has helmed NMG for seven years, conveyed the news to employees on Friday. "My tenure as CEO at NMG will come to an end by August 1st," he stated. 

"I’m leaving behind a very strong team, and with the dedication you have, I believe you will go far."

On Friday, Nation Media Group (NMG) confirmed that Stephen Gitagama will retire as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director effective 1 August 2024.

Gitagama joined NMG in September 2007 as Group Finance Director, later rising to CEO in June 2018. He has also served as an Executive Member of the Board since March 2008.

NMG Chairman Dr. Wilfred Kiboro at a past event in Nyahururu, July 9.

Photo

NMG

“NMG thanks Gitagama for his dedication,” the group stated. “He has expertly guided us through a challenging era marked by digital transformation, implementing crucial changes to secure our position in the evolving media landscape.”

The notice highlighted Gitagama's role in steering NMG through organisational shifts, including news integration and digital strategy advancements. “His leadership has been vital in aligning our talent and performance management with our digital objectives,” the group added.

The departure of Gitagama follows the company's turbulent period marked by multiple rounds of layoffs. The most recent layoffs in May and June affected over 16 employees, making it the fifth wave of job cuts since Gitagama succeeded former CEO Joe Muganda. 

This series of layoffs has cast a shadow over Gitagama’s tenure, raising concerns about the company’s stability.

However, sources within the company have confirmed that Gitagama is indeed leaving and has started bidding farewell to his colleagues. 

The resignation, according to insiders, came after an early morning board meeting, suggesting a sudden and possibly contentious decision.

Kenyans.co.ke understands Richard Tobiko, the current Chief Financial Officer, will step in as interim CEO, navigating NMG through this period of significant transition. Tobiko’s task will not be an easy one, as he inherits a company in the midst of a leadership vacuum and workforce unrest.

The mass resignation of board members adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Such a large-scale exodus at the top echelon of the company is rare and indicates potential underlying issues within the organisation’s governance. 

This upheaval has sent shockwaves through the media industry, with many speculating on the future direction of NMG.

Nation Media Group building located at Kimathi Street in Nairobi CBD

Photo

Nation

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced fuel prices that will take effect from midnight of July 15 to August 14, 2024.

In the latest review announced on Sunday, July 14, EPRA reduced the price of Super Petrol by Ksh1.

Diesel prices were reduced by Ksh1.50 while Kerosene was reduced by Ksh1.30.

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decrease by Ksh.1.00 per litre, Ksh.1.50 per litre and Ksh.1.30 per litre respectively," read the notice in part.

A man fueling a car at a petrol station

Photo

New Vision

Following the review, pump prices for Super Petrol in Nairobi will be Ksh188.84. On the other hand, Diesel and Kerosene will be sold at Ksh171.6 and Ksh161.75 in Nairobi respectively.

Previously, Super Petrol retailed at Ksh189.84 in the capital city. On the other hand, Diesel and Kerosene were sold at Ksh173.10 and Ksh163.05 respectively.

Consequently, a litre of super petrol will retail at Ksh185.66 in Mombasa, Ksh187.90 in Nakuru and Ksh188.67 in Eldoret.

Diesel, on the other hand, will cost Ksh168.43 in Mombasa, Ksh171.04 in Nakuru and Ksh171.81 in Eldoret.

Kerosene will be valued at Ksh158.7 in Mombasa, Ksh161.27 in Nakuru and Ksh162.04 in Eldoret.

"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," advised EPRA.

EPRA further noted that the average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by 4.65 per cent in June compared to May while diesel reduced by 1.19 per cent. Kerosene's landed cost increased by 2.01 per cent in June as compared to May.

"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 4.65% from US$750.95 per cubic metre in May 2024 to US$716.03 per cubic metre in June 2024; Diesel decreased by 1.19% from US$690.99 per cubic metre to US$682.73 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 2.01% from US$679.14 per cubic metre to US$692.80 per cubic metre," added EPRA.

EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo speaking during a stakeholders forum on February 5, 2024.

Photo

EPRA

President William Ruto on Friday, July 12, announced the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome.

In a statement, Ruto accepted the resignation of Koome to facilitate the transition within the top leadership of the National Police Service (NPS).

Following the decision by Koome to step down, Ruto designated Douglas Kanja as the acting IG pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of Koome's replacement.

"The Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Douglas Kanja, CBS the Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service," Ruto announced.

NPS Inspector General Japhet Koome addressing officers in Turkana County on February 14, 2023.

Photo

NPS

In equal measure, the Head of State also announced the appointment of Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons.

Arandu takes over from Brigadier John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure of office.

Similarly, President Ruto announced the redeployment of Noor Gabow, within the Public Service.

Ruto also designated Eliud Langat as the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and James Kamau as the acting Deputy Inspector General under the Administration Police Service.

Ranson Lolmodooni was appointed the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) and Gilbert Masengeli as the Commandant of the Administration Police Training College (APTC) in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Ruto further appointed William Yiampoy as the Director of Operations within the Police Headquarters. Additionally, he appointed Kainga Mathiu as the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA) in Ngong, Nairobi.

While announcing the changes within the police service, Ruto expressed his gratitude to the outgoing IG, Japhet Koome, for his service to the nation.

"The changes notified within our homeland security agencies take effect immediately," read part of State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed's statement.

President William Ruto.

PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries including the Attorney General, Justin Muturi.

Giving an address at the State House, the Head of State noted that only the offices of the Deputy President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary were unaffected.

According to the President, the move was in line with the demands made by Kenyans during the recent nationwide demonstrations.

The Head of State also noted that he reached the decision after a holistic appraisal of his cabinet.

President William Ruto and his Cabinet posing for a photo after a meeting on July 5, 2024.

PCS

During his announcement, the Head of State directed the Principal Secretaries within the respective Ministries to take charge.

"Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges," Ruto stated.

"I have today in line with the powers given to me decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the CSs and AG except the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs and the office of the DP is not affected in any way," he added.

According to Ruto, following the decision, he would kick off engagements across different sectors and political formations including Kenyans in both private and public sectors to set up a broad base government.

Ruto noted the forthcoming engagements would assist him in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible, implementation of radical programs to deal with the burden of debt and raising domestic resources.

"During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials," Ruto announced.

"I will be announcing additional measures in due course," he added.

In an analogous announcement in 2005, Kenya's third President Mwai Kibaki overhauled his Cabinet, becoming the first Head of State to make such a decision.

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga hold a press briefing outside KICC on Tuesday, July 9, 2023.

PCS

A three-judge bench on Thursday, July 11, declined to suspend the Housing Levy pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by Magare Gikenyi. 

The petitioner had filed the case in March 2024, challenging the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, terming it as discriminatory towards corporates. 

Justices John Chigiti, Olga Sewe, and Josephine Mong'are, while disagreeing with the petitioner's prayers directed the case be heard and determined on a priority basis.

Gikenyi had argued before the court that the Act in section 48(2) outlawed corporations from owning a house despite the entities paying tax and contributing to the Kenyan economy. 

President William Ruto assents the Affordable Housing Bill into law at State House on March 19, 2024.

PCS

The petitioner termed the move as discriminatory and against the spirit of the Constitution and other laws.

"We are convinced that the public interest sits in the favour of not granting the orders but prioritise this petition and hearing," the 3-judge bench ruled.

"The final orders are that we issue are that the application dated April 2 and April 8, be and hereby dismissed for lack of merit."

With the prayers to suspend the housing levy pending the determination of the case thrown out, Kenyans will continue being subjected to a mandatory 1.5 per cent salary deduction.

Apart from citing corporate discrimination, Gikenyi had argued that not all Kenyans should be subjected to the mandatory salary deduction to go towards the Housing Fund kitty as not everyone wanted a house.

The petitioner who is a doctor by profession further argued Kenyans did not have a say on the location of the building, its style and architectural design as well as mode of mortgage payment.

Gikenyi had listed Cabinet Secretaries for Lands and National Treasury as well as the Attorney General as respondents in the petition.

Since the Act emanated from Parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate were also listed as respondents.

President William Ruto laying a stone at an affordable housing project in Laikipia, April 13.

PCS

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei penned a letter to all Cabinet Secretaries directing them to select one advisor to retain, effectively paving the way for the firing for the firing of the rest.

In a letter dated July 8, Koskei explained that the Presidency had revised the number of advisors assigned to each CS, trimming them from two to just 1.

He noted that the reduction of the workforce was in line with President William Ruto's directive that the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50% with immediate effect.

"By dint of that Presidential Action, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one," Koskei directed.

President William Ruto chairing a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

Twitter

William Ruto

"Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to you will remain as set out in the Public Service Commission guidelines being two (2) staffers,"

The Chief of Staff, as a result, directed the CSs to assess their staffers and hand in the name of the advisor they wish to retain.

He further asked them to submit the names to the Public Service Commission by Thursday, July 11, 2024.

"You are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in the discharge of your portfolio mandate," he added.

"Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service."

Last week, President William Ruto revealed that there would be a probability of trimming the advisory board during an interview with journalists at State House.

At the time, the Head of State explained that his administration would ponder on who to let go in an effort to restore the public's trust in his government.

"It is something to think about. It is something that will exercise my mind. I have heard you and it is something I will think about going into the future. That's a possibility," he explained.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei speaking during a meeting with Principal Secretaries and Accounting Officers on January 10, 2024.

Photo

Felix Koskei

Kenyan Athlete Faith Kipyegon on Sunday broke another world record during a 1,500-meter race in Paris.

The athlete, who held a world record for the same race, achieved the fete after clocking 3:49.04.

According to World Athletics, however, the victory is subject to the usual ratification procedures.

"Faith Kipyegon breaks her own 1500m world record to finish off the Paris Diamond League in historic style," World Athletics announced.

A picture of Kenya's sensational runner, Faith Kipyegon at a past event.

Photo

Twitter

A year ago, the athlete broke the same race record after finishing at a time of 3:49.11 in Monaco

At the Paris Diamond League, Kipyegon defeated competitors with Jessica Hull from Australia coming in second with a time of 3:50.83.

In an earlier interview with World Athletics, the athlete revealed that she was returning to the race with an injury but was determined to defend her title, which she did.

"I am really excited to be in Paris this year. You know, coming back with an injury and then running trials and being here in Paris, it is just really amazing," she stated.

"At first, when I got injured I was a little bit scared and you know when it comes to the Olympics and you have a little bit of irritation there and you are like 'yeah, it is the Olympic year and I want to go and defend my title, and now I have a little bit of problem but I really take it easy."

In 2023, Kipyegon etched her name in history books by shattering records in both the 1,500m and 5,000m.

During the Florence Diamond League in June, she clocked a time of 3.49.11, setting a new record in the 1,500m race, which she has superseded.

Continuing her dominance, Kipyegon achieved yet another milestone at the Paris Diamond League on June 9, triumphing in the 5,000 metres race with a record-breaking time of 14.05.20, earning her a noteworthy cash prize of Ksh1.5 million. 

President William Ruto holding hands with athlete Faith Kipyegon at State House Nairobi on Tuesday June 13, 2023.

PCS

Former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter was reportedly abducted on Sunday, June 30, by unknown people. 

The abduction done in broad daylight happened when the former legislator was leaving a church service in Nairobi.

Clips seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed the former MP being taken out of his SUV and whisked away by unknown people in a white pickup truck.

"Abducted, headed to an unknown destination," an account associated with Keter posted moments after the incident.

Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter addressing residents of Bondo County in the company of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on June 29, 2024.

Photo

Alfred Keter

Keter has been a sharp critic of Kenya Kwanza's administration especially on the now-withdrawn Finance Bill.

Several leaders including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino pointed fingers at the Kenya police alleging that they were behind the abduction.

"Alfred Keter arrested in Church. Intimidation tactics will not work," the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) elected MP stated.

Notably, Keter was arrested a day after he toured Bondo in Siaya County in the company of Babu Owino where he remarked that the Kenya Kwanza administration would be a one-term government. 

"I will say as it is without any fear, the people of Kenya lost hope in this government. You can lie to them once but not always.," Keter had spoken of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He further stated he, that in the coming days would embark on a countrywide tour to discredit President William Ruto's government over failed promises.

Keter had a falling out with the President after he was denied a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket heading to the 2022 general elections.

The former MP maintained that he won the party primaries but was denied the ticket. In February 2024, he clarified that he was not bitter about the  developments

President William Ruto (center) and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua (left) at UDA offices in Nyeri.

PCS

The High Court in Nairobi on Thursday, June 27, upheld the government’s decision to deploy the military to different parts of the country.

While issuing the ruling, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi ordered the government to regazette the deployment within two days.

“The intervention of the military in supporting National Police is necessary in view of the need to preserve order, peace, public safety and critical infrastructure,” the judge stated.

“It is hereby directed that the terms of military engagement, duration of engagement be clearly defined and gazetted within the next two days to alleviate public fear.”

KDF soldiers protect convoy as an APC truck is being repaired in Nairobi on June 27, 2024.

Kenyans.co.ke

The ruling comes a day after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition in court seeking to block the deployment.

LSK thought its president Faith Odhiambo argued that the deployment was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

On Tuesday, June 25, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the deployment of KDF to assist the police.

In a gazette notice, the CS stated that the move was reached after a section of demonstrators resorted to interfering with critical infrastructure.

“Under Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service,” read part of the gazette notice.

“This is in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.”

The announcement was followed by a special meeting by the National Assembly to ratify the deployment of the officers to different parts of the country.

KDF's deployment was approved after Speaker Moses Wetangula convened an urgent meeting where National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah fronted the motion.

Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers.

Photo Nairobi News