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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has released new charges for government services including the replacement of IDs after an uproar from Kenyans.

According to a Gazette notice issued on Tuesday, the replacement of IDs will cost Ksh1,000 from the previous Ksh2,000 that was gazetted two weeks ago.

In the new charges, needy Kenyans will also get a waiver during the application of IDs. However, the exact charge for the service was not indicated.

Previously, it had been proposed that Kenyans part way with Ksh1,000 during application for IDs.

A file photo of uncollected National Identity Cards (IDs) on a desk at the Kisumu Huduma Center.

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Huduma Center

Regarding the charges for passports, the prices were maintained from those gazetted weeks ago. Kenyans will pay Ksh7,500 for an ordinary 34-page passport, while the ordinary 50-page document will go for Ksh9,500. 

The ordinary 66-page travel document will be acquired at Ksh12,500. 

On the other hand, the replacement of lost passports will be done at Ksh20,000 an increase from the current Ksh12,000.

Getting an express passport will cost Ksh30,000.

"The intended revised charges, fees and levies are informed by the need for Kenya’s self-reliance in financing the National Budget, to wean the Country from unsustainable debt that poses grave threats to our sovereignty and the dignity of future generations.

"The new intended charges, fees and levies have been adjusted to accommodate views of the public already received following the publication of the revoked Gazette Notices," read the notice in part.

Further, the CS directed the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to conduct and complete public participation for the new prices by December 10, 2023.

The new prices are set to take effect from January 1, 2024.

Kenyans queuing at the immigration offices in Nairobi (Left) and a photo of the Kenyan passport (Right).

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DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION

The Energy and Petroleum Authority (EPRA) has reduced diesel and kerosene prices while maintaining petrol prices in the latest review.

In a statement on Tuesday, the energy regulator revealed that the prices of petrol will remain unchanged for the month of November.  

Diesel, which is used mostly by manufacturers and heavy commercial vehicles, will retail at Ksh203.47, while kerosene will cost Ksh203.06 at the pump. 

"In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol remains unchanged while that of Diesel and Kerosene decreased by Ksh2.00 per litre," EPRA announced. 

"The prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent 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 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

Motorists in Nairobi will purchase Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene at Ksh217.36, Ksh203.47 and Ksh203.06 respectively.

In Mombasa, Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will trade at Ksh214.30, Ksh200.41 and Ksh199.99 respectively.

EPRA announced that Petrol prices in Nakuru will trade at Ksh216.35, Diesel at Ksh202.88 and Kerosene at Ksh202.46.

Eldoret motorists will purchase the three commodities at Ksh217.12, Ksh203.65 and Ksh203.22 respectively.

The following areas will buy fuel as high as between Ksh220 and Ksh227 including Lokitaung, Lomut, Lodwar, Kakuma, Lokichar, Kalokol, Lokori, Lokichogio, Kibish, Nakale, Korr, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Moyale, Wajir, and Kolacha. 

The latest review comes even as Kenyans push Ruto's administration to lower the cost of living amid job cuts and freeze, which has further pushed millions into economic despair. 

Critics have called out the government for increasing the cost of fuel in the country, even as global crude prices drop to the lowest rate in months. 

A recent review by Tanzania saw the prices of petroleum products in the country drop, with local authorities attributing the decrease to lower global crude prices. 

The announcement in Tanzania came just days after Cabinet Secretary of Energy Davis Chirchir claimed that petrol could soon hit Ksh300 per litre if the Israeli war in Gaza escalates. 

The government has since backtracked, though Ruto told Kenya Kwanza leaders at a meeting in State House that his hands are tied on the issue. 

Taxes account for nearly half of the cost of petrol, and some experts have urged Parliament to cut or remove some taxes to ease the pain for millions of Kenyans. 

The opposition has also urged the Ruto administration to bring back subsidies, including on fuel, to ease the cost of living, which has been high since the new government came to power. 

President William Ruto during the official opening of the Third Session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee on Ending Plastic Pollution, United Nations Office, Nairobi on November 13, 2023.

PCS

Several parts of the country, including Nairobi and Mombasa, are currently experiencing blackouts, Kenya Power has confirmed. 

Kenya Power told Kenyans.co.ke that it was waiting for data on the affected areas before releasing a comprehensive statement.

"We'll share an update with you as soon as the data is available," Immaculate Kubai, Corporate Communications Officer at Kenya Power, stated. 

Kenya Power technicians fixing a problem on a pole after customers' complaints in September 2022.

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KPLC

Following the uproar, the utility firm released a statement at 8:30 pm, stating that their technical team was working round the clock to restore power. 

"We have lost power supply to parts of the country. Our engineers are working to restore supply to the affected areas. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused," KPLC stated.

"An update on the restoration progress and the cause of the power outage will be issued later."

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, several residents of different areas across the country, including Nairobi, Athi River, South B, and South C, complained of experiencing blackouts.

Kenyans online also voiced their frustrations about the blackout, questioning whether the government has placed necessary interventions to address nationwide power outages.

On August 25, 2023, the country also experienced a power outage for the entire night.

Following the outage, Kenya Power board chairperson Joy Mdivo attributed the incident to power loss at Turkana power station, affecting the supply across the country.

She added that the grid is designed in a way that when a maximum of four per cent of the power is lost, other grids kick in. However, the outage exceeded the four per cent loss, causing the grid to lose power, with some substations powering back up.

Kenya Power technicians installing a transformer in Kisumu County on April 5, 2022.

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Kenya Power

The High Court has found controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie guilty of being in possession of and distributing films without a licence.

In a statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) on Friday, the court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to convict Mackenzie. 

His sentencing will be scheduled after a pre-sentence report is tabled in Court.

"One Paul Mackenzie has today been found guilty of being in possession and distributing films which have not been classified and operating a filming studio without a valid filming licence. Prosecution's Joseph Mwangi proved the case," read the statement in part.

Paul Mackenzie Nthenge appears at the Malindi chief magistrates court on Monday 6, May 2019.

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Paul Mackenzie Nthenge

"The court also ordered that a pre-sentence report be filed by the Probation and Aftercare Services to capture the sentiments of the complainant, which is the Prosecution," ODPP's statement added. 

The case will be mentioned on December 1, 2023.

Mackenzie was presented before the Malindi Law Courts and charged over the matter on June 30. It was alleged that the films were used to incite students to leave school in 2019.

The controversial pastor is still being held by the police as investigations into the Shakahola Massacre continue. The prosecution applied to have Mackenzie detained for 180 more days before being charged for the deaths that occurred in Kilifi County.

High Court is yet to give a directive on the state's application after the pastor applied for an adjournment.

"The prosecution, through Assistant DPP Jami Yamina had opposed the application and asked the court not to allow any more delay in the hearing of the application by the suspects," the ODPP stated.

"He claimed that this is the third time the suspects in the Shakahola massacre case, which resulted in over 400 deaths, sought to adjourn proceeding in respect to the state's application seeking their detention pending charges."

Rescue personnel at the vast Shakahola Forest where the search of survivors and excavation of bodies linked to Paul Mackenzie's cult was carried out on April 27, 2023

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MCK

Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has for the second time survived an impeachment motion lodged against her at the Senate.

Majority of the legislators voted against all 7 allegations leveled against her meaning that the Governor will retain her position.

"The result of the division indicate that the Senate has not upheld any of the impeachment charges. The Senate has failed to remove from office by impeachment Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the Governor accordingly continues to hold office," Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared after the Senators completed casting their votes.

The Governor who had been impeached by 59 MCAs of the Meru County Assembly was facing 7 accusations including; misappropriation and misuse of county resources, nepotism, bullying and vilification of other leaders, illegal appointments and usurpation of statuory powers, contempt of court, illegally naming a public road after her husband and contempt of the Assembly.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza follows the proceedings of her impeachment case on December 29, 2022.

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In the first charge, 19 senators supported the allegation of misappropriation and misuse of county funds, while 28 lawmakers disagreed with the substantiation of the claim.

Regarding the second charge of nepotism, 5 Senators voted in favor, whereas 45 voted against.

In the third charge of bullying and demeaning other leaders, 3 senators favored her impeachment, and 44 dissented.

Concerning the fourth charge of illegal appointments and usurpation of statutory powers, 20 Senators sided with the MCAs, while 27 disagreed.

For the fifth charge of contempt of court, 3 Senators found sufficient evidence, while 44 voted that the charge had not been substantiated.

In the charge of illegally naming a road after her husband, 4 Senators agreed that the evidence met the required threshold, while 43 disagreed.

On the final charge of Contempt of County Assembly, 10 Senators agreed that the Governor had shown contempt, whereas 37 disagreed.

The two-day-long hearing witnessed different sides table their submissions as Senators posed questions to the Governor and lawyers representing the MCAs.

Meru County MCAs through their lawyer Muthonu Thiankolu leveled the accusations against the Governor arguing that the county chief had demonstrated inability to work with other leaders leading to irreconcilable differences.

The MCAs lawyer pleaded with the Senators not to spare the Governor as she had already faced three motions calling for her impeachment.

One of the witnesses took to the stand alleging that Governor Kawira Mwangaza's husband had threatened him and ordered him not to step back into his office despite a court order allowing him to do so.

"We made several efforts to be reinstated back to our office because we were sent home unprocedurally," Paul Mwaki Arimi, the CEO of Alcoholic Drinks Control Board-Meru said.

Governor Kawira however pleaded not guilty to all the seven charges and dismissed the evidence tabled by the MCAs.

Her lawyers put up a spirited fight by tabling their evidence and lined up various witnesses to defend her.

"The issue of misappropriation of funds. We do not have any report from the Auditor General, what we have is a complaint presented to the EACC," one of her lawyers stated.

The Meru Governor accused the MCAs of being misled citing that they had already buried the hatchet in the past.

''Pressure has been mounted on Members of the County Assembly of Meru by the same leaders and they had no option apart from adopting an impeachment motion where they were forced to sign and impeach,'' Governor Kawira stated.

This was the second time the Meru Governor appeared in the Senate for an impeachment hearing after surviving a similar attempt in December 2022.

A special 11-member committee led by Kakamega Senator Bony Khalwale which was formed to investigate allegations leveled against her concluded that all the 62 accusations were unsubstantiated.

Photo of Kenya Senate

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Parliament of Kenya

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Tuesday reportedly suspended Nyambaria High School Principal Charles Onyari as centre manager for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

Nyambaria Boys High School from Nyamira County came into the limelight after topping the 2022 KCSE examination with a 10.89 mean score.

According to reports, the high school principal was suspended pending investigations on exam irregularity.

A teacher based at the school confirmed the incident while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke. The teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, declined to divulge more information on the incident. 

Photo collage of Nyambaria High School in Nyamira County.

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WILLY ABUGA

"The situation did not affect the exams. We are yet to get complete information on why the Principal was suspended. 

Earlier reports had indicated that the Principal had been taken to Nyamira Police Station to record a statement over exam materials found in the area.

Another source privy to the developments, based in Nyamira, told Kenyans.co.ke that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had declined to confirm the allegations. 

"We have been following the DCI since morning but they have refused to release a statement on the charges levelled against the Principal," he remarked.

It was also alleged that two other principals from Nyamira County had also been suspended over exam irregularities.  

On Tuesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu affirmed to the Republic that the KCSE exam would be held under the highest integrity levels.

In the 2022 KCSE exams, all the candidates scored B and above, with 383 of the candidates scoring an A-. 

At the time, the now-suspended Onyaru remarked that the positive performance was attributed to coordination between all stakeholders and local community support.

TSC and the DCI are yet to release a comprehensive statement on the suspension of the principal. 

Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu appearing before parliamentary committee on November 6, 2023

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Parliament of Kenya

Detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday arrested four men suspected of carrying out the Ksh94 million heist in Nairobi CBD.

The money was from the weekend sales of a supermarket and was meant to be taken to a local bank in the Nairobi CBD.  

A suspect, identified as the owner of the vehicle used in the heist, was arrested in Rongai, while the vehicle itself was traced to Njiru in Kayole. 

In Njiru, two additional suspects were taken into custody as they attempted to modify the vehicle to conceal its identity, according to a police report.

A picture of a Kenyan counting money

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AJ Kenyan Safaris

The investigative efforts were expanded to the vicinity of Thika Road Mall (TRM) in Kasarani, leading to the apprehension of a fourth suspect at his rented residence. 

During this operation, the police successfully recovered Ksh9.1 million from the total amount of Ksh94 million that had been stolen.

Moreover, a significant development in the case occurred when an empty cash box was discovered in the forest adjacent to Gataka market in Karen. This location is believed to be where the stolen cash was shared among the suspects.

"All the scenes have been processed by the Crime Scene and Investigation (CSI) Nairobi Region," read part of the police report. 

According to detectives from Capitol Hill Police Station, efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen cash.  

The arrests come after 2 security firm employees hit national headlines after they stole the Ksh94 million and disappeared before the truck was recovered at Dafarm in South C, where they had abandoned their vehicle.

According to police reports, the two fled with the cash after they were tasked by the company to transport the money. Administration Police (AP) who were supposed to escort them raised the alarm after they failed to show up. 

In Kenya, security firms provide cash transit services to banks and businesses engaged in substantial financial transactions. 

As part of these services, a security escort is typically provided to ensure the safe transport and protection of the cash in transit.

Police officer disembarking from a vehicle.

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NPS

President William Ruto on Tuesday, convened the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi to discuss key development agenda. 

During the meeting, Ruto appreciated Kenya Kwanza legislators for passing the Finance Act which is helping the government raise revenue to finance its budget. 

The parliamentarians were also commended for passing four laws to anchor the Universal Health Care Programme as well as making key amendments to the Privatisation Act. 

During the meeting, Ruto further explored upcoming Bills with the elected leaders in the ruling coalition.

Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group during a crisis meeting at State House, Nairobi on November 7, 2023.

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Oliver Mathenge

These include among others; bills on conflict of interest, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, new regulations on public debt management, and the petition on sending Kenyan mission to Haiti.

National Assembly budget committee chair Ndindi Nyoro speaking during an interview with Ghetto Radio added that the President also discussed the rising cost of fuel.

"The economy is heading in the right direction and we are doing our best. Fuel prices will not rise to the predicted levels," Nyoro revealed.

On Monday, Chirchir told the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that fuel prices could escalate if the current Israel war in Gaza persists, which prompted loud outcries.

"I read an article in the Financial Times the other day that because of the Hamas and Israeli War, the international prices could go up to USD150 (per barrel) and that would literally mean our products going to a high of Ksh300 at the pump," CS Chirchir told National Dialogue Committee.

The comments came out even as the Central Bank of Kenyan (CBK) noted that global crude prices have dropped, with neighbouring Tanzania reducing their pump prices.

Nyoro defended Chirchir stating that the Energy CS was misquoted by the media. 

The Kiharu MP stated that Chirchir had meant that fuel prices would rise only if the current international climate remained constant. 

Nyoro also claimed that Kenya Kwanza inherited a crumbling economy and it would be impossible to reduce prices of all commodities at once. 

The legislator noted that Ruto's administration in the short term will seek to reduce prices of basic commodities and products like Unga and fuel.

Ruto and his allies have been blaming Uhuru for failing to turn around the economy, one year into office. 

The crisis meeting comes ahead of a review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of fuel prices on November 14. 

Currently, fuel prices are retailing at a historic high of Ksh217.36 and Ksh205.47 for super petrol and diesel respectively. 

A person fueling a vehicle.

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Kenyan wallstreet

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared Monday, November 13, a public holiday.

In a special gazette notice, the CS announced that the day will be set aside as the national tree growing day for the ongoing short rains season, during which the Ministry of Environment has set a target of nurturing 500 million seedlings.

"IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, 13th November, 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide," read part of the notice.

According to the CS, the exercise will be part of the of the Kenya's Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration-Towards the Growing of 15 billion trees.

President William Ruto participates in tree-planting exercise at Ngong’ Hills Forest, Kajiado County, in December 2022.

PCS

Kindiki revealed that there will be a designated national venue for the planting exercise.

President William Ruto is expected to preside over the special event.

Additionally, other venues shall be announced in the 47 counties to be presided over by Cabinet Secretaries and Governors.

The government is banking on the general public to participate to make the event a success.

President Ruto has been at the forefront of calling for an increase in the country's forest cover, encouraging more Kenyans to plant trees.

The exercise is also meant to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

Ruto had earlier urged those who were part of the Kazi Mtaani to take up roles in the initiative to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.

"For the first time, I found out that we had to pray before we plant trees. We have always tried to plant trees in Kenya and our success has been mixed because we did not have the element of prayer. Now that we do, I am very confident that we will succeed in our plan to plant 15 billion trees in the next 10 years," he stated in May.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto planting a tree at the Groove of Nations at Jerusalem Forest on May 9, 2023.

PCS

A driver on Monday disappeared with Ksh94 million which he had been tasked to move to a local bank in the Central Business District (CBD).

The driver was with the firm's crew commander and the money was meant to be dispatched to a supermarket outlet in Nairobi.

According to reports, the incident happened at 6.00 a.m. 

The duo dumped the vehicle that they had used to collect money from the security firm's vault before disappearing. 

A picture of a Kenyan counting money

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AJ Kenyan Safaris

Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was dumped in Nairobi's South C estate before the suspects vanished.

Detectives who rushed to the scene found the abandoned vehicle with no trace of the cash.

According to the police, the heist was pre-planned since the suspects sneaked out of the firm's headquarters without a police escort as per the norm. 

The Administration Police (AP) officers who were meant to escort them were the first to raise the alarm. 

After the AP officers raised the alarm, the investigation manager for the firm reported the matter to Akila Police Station in Lang'ata. 

The case has since been taken up by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

At the time of reporting, the security firm had not issued a statement following the heist. 

Security firms offer cash-in-transit services to banks and businesses that handle outsized transactions. APs offer escort services to secure the money.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters located along Kiambu Road, Kiambu County

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DCI