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Members of Kenya's National Assembly have advanced the controversial Finance Bill 2024 despite widespread public outcry, setting the stage for intense parliamentary debates in the days leading up to the June 30 deadline.

A total of 204 MPs voted in favour of progressing the Bill, 115 voted against it, and abstentions were zero. The Bill will now enters the Second Reading. 

The decision follows a contentious vote after the Bill's First Reading, signalling lawmakers' intent to move forward amidst mounting opposition from citizens demanding its rejection.

The legislative maneuver, however, does not confer immediate legal status upon the bill. The bill still has two more stages before before becoming law.

It now faces scrutiny in the Committee of the Whole House, where proposed amendments will undergo rigorous evaluation.

Divisions have crystallised along coalition lines, with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition vehemently opposing the Bill while the Kenya Kwanza Coalition remains supportive.

Led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, the National Assembly Finance Committee has proposed some changes aimed at cooling the heavy objections to the bill.

Molo MP Kuria Kimani at a committee hearing on the Finance Bill 2024 on June 4, 2024.

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Parliament of Kenya

Among the amendments unveiled are adjustments to excise duties on mobile money transfers, reducing them from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, and the elimination of 16 per cent VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions, aimed at easing financial burdens on consumers.

In a move to protect local industries, the committee has recommended imposing excise duties on imported onions and potatoes while removing such levies on imported eggs.

Notably, the committee has also scrapped the 16 per cent VAT on bread, although the categorisation of bread under tax schedules remains unresolved.

Furthermore, the committee has proposed repealing the 2.5 per cent motor vehicle tax, citing concerns over its impact on the insurance sector and advocating against its inclusion in Income Tax regulations.

Additionally, small-scale farmers with annual turnovers below Ksh1 million may find relief as they are exempted from mandatory usage of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (e-Tims).

The Finance Bill now enters a critical phase where all MPs will have the opportunity to shape its final form through further deliberations and amendments.

A subsequent vote, expected next week, will determine whether the Bill progresses to adoption, thereby enacting it into law effective July 1.

Failure to pass the Finance Bill would precipitate a fiscal crisis. The outcome holds significant implications for Kenya's national budget and economic policy moving forward.

Protestors in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 18.

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Mwangi Kirubi, Twitter

The entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of comedian Fred Omondi, who died in a car accident on Friday, June 14.

Omondi, who gained prominence in the late 2000s, was involved in a tragic road accident and was subsequently rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital, where he passed away.

The incident was reported to the Buruburu Police Station. The police report reveals that Fred was on a motorcycle when it collided head-on with a bus near the Caltex petrol station early Saturday morning. 

According to an OB obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, Fred was a passenger on a boda boda that tragically collided head-on with a mini-bus travelling in the wrong direction along Kangundo Road in Nairobi. He died on the spot.

Fred's family has confirmed that his body is currently at the Mama Lucy Hospital mortuary.

Reports from the police indicate that the boda boda rider sustained severe injuries, including multiple leg injuries and fractures to both hands.

He was swiftly transported to Mama Lucy Hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have identified the driver of the mini-bus, which operates on the Kayole route.

A past picture of Fred Omondi.

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Fred

"The rider suffered serious multiple injuries to both legs and fractures in both hands. He was rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital for treatment, and the body of the deceased is now at the hospital mortuary pending a postmortem," the police report stated.

His brother Eric mourned him in a line on Facebook saying, "Go well, brother."

Fred Omondi, the younger brother of celebrated comedian and activist Eric Omondi, carved out a niche for himself in the comedy world.

He was a popular events emcee and a former member of the renowned Churchill Show.

In a past interview, Fred revealed that it was his older brother Eric Omondi motivated him to pursue a career in comedy.

Fred Omondi had planned to spend his weekend in Meru, as he shared on his Instagram stories earlier. His sudden demise has left fans and fellow comedians in shock and sorrow.

Fred Omondi pausing for a picture.

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Fred

Terence Creative, mourning the loss of Fred, described him as a brother with whom he had shared the stage numerous times and who had significantly contributed to his career growth. "He was more than a colleague; he was family," Terence stated.

Terence added, "Together we suffered, together we learned and together we inspired, made people laugh and created great memories. All this I will treasure and hold dearly.

Ministry of Interior CAS, Millicent Omanga, expressed her condolences on X, stating, "The creative industry has lost a gem. Fred Omondi brightened our living rooms with his addictive comedy renditions. That he has tragically lost his life in a road accident is heart-rending. I commiserate with his family, friends, and his fans. May his soul find perfect peace."

Makadara Chief Magistrate Monica Kivuti has tragically passed away, reportedly succumbing to injuries sustained when she was shot by a police officer.

The magistrate was shot on Thursday, June 13, during an open-court session following a ruling involving the police officer's wife. 

Following the shooting incident, Kivuti was subsequently transferred to Nairobi Hospital for treatment, where she later passed away.

While confirming the incident, Chief Justice Martha Koome noted that Monica Kivuti's body had since been moved to the Lee Funeral Home as the family commences burial preparations.

An undated photo of the Makadara Law Courts.

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Makadara Law Courts

"The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief," CJ Koome stated.

"A comprehensive statement by the Judiciary Leadership Team which is in a meeting presently will be issued shortly," she added.

Reports suggest that Kivuti sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during the incident.

Similarly, the OCS who shot her also succumbed after he was shot by officers who quickly intervened in the matter.

In the court case, the officer's wife had been accused in a case of obtaining money amounting to Ksh2.9 million by false pretence.

Upon receiving the message about the magistrate's shooting, CJ Koome directed the Makadara Law Courts to be shut until June 17 to allow for security reinforcement at the court.

“All matters at the Makadara Law Courts will be heard virtually and those requiring physical appearance mentioned at the Milimani Law Courts,” CJ Koome stated.

Martha Koome also ordered the banning of all armed individuals from being allowed within the court premises except for those accredited to offer security at courtrooms.

The office of the Inspector General was directed to jointly with the National Council of Administration of Justice actors to review the security protocols regarding the handling of accused persons in the courtroom.

Chief Justice Martha Koome reading her ruling on the BBI Appeal at the Supreme Court on March 31, 2022.

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Judiciary

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

In the latest review announced on Friday, June 14, EPRA reduced the price for Super Petrol by Ksh3.

Diesel prices were reduced by Ksh6.08 while Kerosene was reduced by Ksh5.71.

Following the review, pump prices for Super Petrol in Nairobi will be Ksh189.84. On the other hand, Diesel and Kerosene will be sold at Ksh173.10 and Ksh163.05 respectively.

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

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EPRA

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decreases by Ksh3.00, Ksh6.08 and Ksh5.71 per litre respectively.

"In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now retail at Ksh189.84, Ksh173.10 and Ksh163.05 effective midnight for the next 30 days," read the statement in part.

EPRA attributed the drop to the decrease in landing cost and the stabilisation of the shilling against the dollar.

"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 1.95 per cent from US$765.87 per cubic metre in April 2024 to US$750.95 per cubic metre in May 2024," EPRA explained.

"Diesel decreased by 3.92 per cent from US$719.21 per cubic metre to US$690.99 per cubic metre while Kerosene decreased by 6.84 per cent from US$728.97 per cubic metre to US$679.14 per cubic metre."

In Mombasa, the price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene was set at Ksh186.66, Ksh169.13 and Ksh160.

Meanwhile, motorists in Kisumu will be purchasing Super Petrol at Ksh189.66 and Diesel at Ksh173.31 per litre.

A litre of Kerosene in the Lakeside city will be sold at Ksh163.34 for the next 30 days.

In other notable places such as Nakuru and Eldoret, the price of Super Petrol was capped at Ksh188.90 and Ksh189.67 respectively.

On the other hand, Diesel prices were capped at Ksh172.54 (Nakuru) and Ksh173.31 (Eldoret).

"The purpose of the Petroleum Pricing Regulations is to cap the retail prices of petroleum products which are already in the country so that importation and other prudently incurred costs are recovered while ensuring reasonable prices to consumers," EPRA stated.

"EPRA wishes to assure the public of its continued commitment to the observance of fair competition and protection of the interests of both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors."

Motorists at a petrol station in Kinoo along Waiyaki Way on January 7, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

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