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ICT CS Eliud Owalo has terminated the contract of Samuel Maina as acting Managing Director at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). 

Owalo, in a letter dated December 19, accused Maina of committing the government to pay over Ksh770 billion in a case versus Kenya Broadcasting Corporation without seeking the Ministry, National Treasury, and the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice authorisation. 

Maina, who also previously served as KBC’s former Editor-in-Chief, was accused of directing the media house to pay the money in an arbitration case filed at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). 

"The appointment of Mr. Samuel Maina as acting Managing Director is terminated with immediate effect.

A photo of the entrance at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

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KBC

"Mr. Samuel Maina should proceed on suspension immediately and disciplinary action instituted against him by the Board," Owalo added. 

He also appointed Paul Macharia, currently the Communication Economic Expert at the National Communications Secretariat, which falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, as the Acting Managing Director.

Macharia's term will start with effect from Tuesday, December 19, for six (6) months.

Owalo also ordered the KBC board to expedite the process of recruitment of a substantive Managing Director for the corporation.

Maina, a former Vice-President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, was appointed as Acting Managing Director (MD) of KBC following the exit of Naim Bilal, whose contract expired on March 19, 2022. 

The board, while announcing his appointment stated that he was tasked with ensuring continuity and smooth running of the corporation. However, he was asked to fill the position until a successor was appointed via a competitive process.

“The Board takes this opportunity to thank Dr Naim Bilal for his services at the corporation,” a statement by the board confirmed Maina's appointment. 

ICT CS Eliud Owalo hosts MPs from Nyanza and Nairobi, to discuss the partnership with them on the government's digital economy agenda on February 15, 2023.

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Eliud Owalo

The Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Thursday announced the new fuel prices for the period between December 15 this year and January 14, 2023. 

In the latest review, petrol decreased by Ksh5, diesel by Ksh2, and kerosene by Ksh4.01. Motorists in Nairobi will now pay Ksh212.36 for petrol, Ksh201.47 for diesel, and Ksh199.05 for Kerosene per litre.

"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 announced.

Previously, the prices stood at Ksh217.36, Ksh203.47, and Ksh203.06 for petrol, diesel, and kerosene, respectively.

A photo of a petrol station attendant pumping fuel into a car in Nairobi County in February 2020.

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Ma3Route

Besides Nairobi, motorists in other cities will also enjoy a decrease in prices with motorists in Kisumu parting with Ksh212.12 for petrol, Ksh201.64 for diesel, and Ksh199.23 for kerosene.

Those in Mombasa will be charged Ksh209.3 for petrol, Ksh198.41 for diesel, and Ksh195.92 for kerosene. Meanwhile, Nakuru motorists will pay Ksh211.35, Ksh200.88, and Ksh198.46 for petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively.

Additionally, in Eldoret, Kenyans will part with Ksh212.12 (petrol), Ksh201.65(diesel), and Ksh199.23(kerosene).

According to EPRA, the landing cost of imported petrol decreased by 16.11 per cent in November, Diesel by 5.43 per cent, and kerosene by 6.63 per cent, leading to a decrease in fuel prices.

"The price of diesel has been cross-subsidized with that of super petrol to further cushion the economy, the government has opted to stabilise the resultant diesel price. Government through the National Treasury has identified resources within the current resource envelope to compensate Oil Marketing Companies," EPRA announced.

This relief comes after Kenyans have been grappling with the increasing prices throughout the year when the prices reached an all-time high of Ksh217.36 for a litre of petrol in October.

The high fuel prices in the country have raised questions as other countries like Tanzania announced a drop due to the decrease in prices in the global market. Kenya was thus expected to reduce fuel prices as oil supply outstripped demand globally. Oil consumption was said to have dropped owing to the winter season abroad.

Brent crude oil, which Kenya imports, was projected to plunge to USD69 a barrel by midday Tuesday compared to USD100 a barrel in September this year.

Meanwhile, back home, measures put in place to lower the prices, such as the Government to Government deal between Kenya and Saudi Arabia, have been unsuccessful, with oil marketers attributing the challenges faced to the depreciation of the Shilling.

Earlier, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir had hinted that the prices may cross the Ksh300 mark due to the Israel-Palestine war.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen also called for an increase in the road maintenance levy from Ksh18 to Ksh23, which was expected to lead to high fuel prices. EPRA, however, reduced the fuel prices. 

Energy and Petroleum CS Davis Chirchir at a forum on Thursday, June 15, 2023

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Ministry of Energy

Kenyans across the country reported experiencing a power outage on Sunday evening, marking the third time the country has been plunged into darkness within a few months.

Several Kenyans, commenting on various platforms, aired their discontentment questioning why the power outages have become frequent.

Government officials led by Energy CS Davis Chirchir have in the past been at pains to explain why Kenya Power is struggling to provide Kenyans with steady electricity to power their operations.

Nonetheless, led by Saboti member of Parliament Caleb Amisi, Kenyans called out Energy CS Davis Chirchir and Kenya Power CEO Joseph Siror lobbying for them to be held accountable.

Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror addresses participants during the first Grid Conference at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on June 8, 2023.

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Kenya Power

''The frequent power outages in this country is a typical sign of underground nocturnal cabal activities. It is not a usual occurrence, neither is it by accident but by design. I dare say it is time for Davis Chirchir to leave Nairobi and retire in Kericho County,'' the MP stated

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was also hit by a blackout which affected some terminals.

In the last power blackout that lasted more than 12 hours, Kenyans reported disruption of economic activities leading to massive losses. 

Appearing before Senators in September, Energy CS Davis Chirchir attributed the first nationwide blackout this year to the tripping of masts which he claimed caused overvoltage.

“We are investigating the five towers that went down between Kijabe and Mt Longonot to ensure if it was a result of poor workmanship. I have asked KETRACO to establish if it’s the contractor to take liability for poor workmanship,” stated CS Chirchir.

One month down the line, speaking during an interview in October, Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror linked the frequent power blackouts to the heavy downpours.

"When it rains heavily, it can cause trees to fall on the line, and it causes a short circuit, thereby causing a disturbance on the network," Siror stated.

Kenya Power later issued a statement clarifying the cause of the outage.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir speaking during a conference on lowering cost of energy on Friday June 30, 2023.

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Senate of Kenya

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Wednesday, refuted claims that a Ksh17 billion consignment of edible oil imported by the government through Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) was not safe for human consumption. 

In a statement, KEBS noted that it re-inspected and tested the edible oil imported by KNTC and did not find safety concerns.

"However, the sampled edible oils did not meet the Vitamin A levels specified in the Kenyan Standard. This is not a health and safety parameter; KEBS communicated the results to KNTC," the statement read in part.

"We would like to assure the public that KEBS is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of all locally manufactured and imported products into the country."

Kenya National Trading Corporation Managing Director Pamela Mutua (left) with formerTrade CS Moses Kuria.

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Moses Kuria

According to KEBS, the edible oil was assessed using Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVC) which is a standard unit for assessing the quality of all goods and products being imported into the country.

To ensure no substandard goods find their way into the Kenyan market, PVC is implemented right in the exporting country. 

This guarantees that imported products adhere to the applicable Kenyan Technical Regulations, Mandatory Standards, or approved specifications according to KEBS. 

"KEBS samples and re-inspects products accompanied by Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) at the Port of Entry as a routine," the quality-control body added. 

KEBS assured members of the public that it was dedicated to ensuring the highest level of safety and quality of products. 

Kenyans were requested to inform KEBS upon encountering any products suspected to be substandard. 

Earlier media reports had stated that KEBS had rejected the consignment and ordered KNTC to reship them back to the country of origin or be destroyed at the importer’s cost.

Additionally, in the now refuted claims, it had been reported that the edible oil contained insoluble impurities making it unsafe for human consumption.

A supermarket shelf in Kenya.

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Jambo Shop

In a notice by the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Jacinta Nyamosi, Nyakang'o is among eleven individuals set to face four counts including conspiracy to defraud and operating a Sacco without a licence contrary to the Law.

Other offences included forgery and uttering a false document, contrary to section 353 of the penal code.

According to the ODPP, there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspects with the four offences.

Margaret Nyakang'o during her swearing-in as CoB on Wednesday, December 4 2019.

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Judiciary of Kenya

The ODPP received a letter from the complainant on October 31, 2023, indicating the offences allegedly committed by the suspects.

ODPP noted that upon perusal and review of the documents, they revealed that there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspects. 

"The file was again resubmitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions through a letter dated October 31, 2023, for further directions and upon perusal of the new evidence, we find that the following persons are criminally culpable," the letter read in part. 

As the COB, Nyakang'o's role involves monitoring the use of public funds in both the national and county governments and preparing reports to Parliament on how the funds are utilised.

Since taking office on December 4, 2019, Nyakang'o has been unearthing various graft and loopholes within the government.

On March 7, 2023, Nyakang'o confessed that she was coerced to sign off Ksh15 billion days before the 2022 General Election. 

While appearing before the Parliamentary Public Petitions Committee, she tabled evidence of private chats with a former Cabinet Secretary who pressed her to release the money days before the election.

Nyakang'o responded to the messages, stating that she could not approve as she was out of the office. The former CS, however, responded, informing her that she needed to devise how to deal with the situation.

In September, she also raised the alarm over the Ksh15.3 billion spent by the National Treasury without approval.

Nyakang'o accused the Treasury of spending billions without following the law, expressing fears that the funds could be misused. 

A photo of Kenya National Assembly.

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Parliament of Kenya

The High Court on Tuesday declared some sections of the Finance Act, 2023 unconstitutional including the Housing Levy. 

A three-judge bench comprising Justices David Majanja, Christine Meoli, and Lawrence Mugambi ordered the government to cease collection of Housing Levy holding it contravenes the Constitution. 

"The levy against persons in formal employment to the exclusion of other non-formal income earners without justification is discriminatory, irrational, arbitrary, and against the constitution," Justice David Majanja ruled.  

A photo of the statue outside the Nairobi Law Courts

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Judiciary

Immediately after the ruling, State attorneys asked the High Court for an order to prevent Kenyans from demanding Housing Levy refunds.

While delivering the ruling, Justice Mugambi however observed that budget estimates were legally presented. He pointed out that the Finance Bill was a money bill in line with Article 114 of the Constitution. 

"In view of the foregoing, we are satisfied that, applying the peel and substance test, the Finance Bill 2023 is a money bill; however, it contains matters that are extraneous to a money bill and are unconstitutional," Justice Mugambi ruled. 

While the High Court was satisfied that the public participation process conducted by the National Assembly was sufficient, it faulted the Parliamentary Committee for failing to factor in proposals fronted by Kenyans.

The petitioners had further argued that the National Assembly erred by not involving the Senate in the formulation of the law.

The 3-judge bench ruled that the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula did not have to seek concurrence from Senate speaker Amason Kingi on the Finance Act, 2023. 

Chief Justice Martha Koome had, on July 18,  selected the Judges to hear and determine petitions challenging the Finance Act, 2023.

This was after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, the Law Society of Kenya and others moved to court challenging the Finance Act, saying that it was unconstitutional.

"The High Court Bench has declared the Housing Levy unconstitutional for violating key provisions including singling out Formal Sector," Omtatah celebrated moments after the ruling. 

Lawyer and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on June 18, 2023.

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Okiya Omtatah

The International Criminal Court on Monday announced that it is currently wrapping up investigations in cases facing 6 Kenyan suspects accused of crimes against humanity committed after the 2007 presidential elections.

In a statement sent to Kenyans. co. ke, ICC Deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan stated that she had reached the decision after assessing the information available to her after Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan recused himself from the case.

''After assessing all the information available to me at this time, I have decided to conclude the investigation phase in the Situation in Kenya. I have reached this decision after considering the specific facts and circumstances of this Situation,'' the statement read in part. 

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan addressing the court at the Hague Netherlands.

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International Criminal Court (ICC)

President William Ruto was among the 6 suspects who at the time, were accused of masterminding political violence after the disputed presidential election results.

Others included; former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former minister Henry Kosgey, former Inspector General Mohammed Hussein Ali, former Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, and radio presenter Joshua Arap Sang.

The accused persons have since 2010 had all their cases withdrawn or terminated with the prosecution citing a lack of evidence and interference of witnesses.

While rendering its decision, the Hague-based court however pointed out that the cases against Walter Barasa and  Philip Bett, currently at large, who were accused of tampering with witnesses remain before the court.

The court further pointed out that while it will not pursue additional cases against witnesses it retains the authority to act on information relating to retaliation against witnesses.

Barasa and Bett were pursued by the court after investigations established they had interfered with witnesses.

President Ruto's former lawyer Paul Gicheru, the late, was also accused of tampering with witnesses.

Gicheru died in September 2022 under mysterious circumstances at his house in Karen, Nairobi, County.

The late lawyer's death further complicated investigations. Gicheru had already appeared before the court to testify.

Kenyan Lawyer Paul Gicheru at the opening of his trial at the International Criminal Court on February 15, 2022

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ICC

Eight people said to have attended First Lady Rachel Ruto's 14th Anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani Stadium on Thursday in Nairobi have passed away after drowning in a flooded river on their way home. 

Red Cross officials in Makueni County confirmed the death of the eight, who were swept away while attempting to cross a swollen River Muooni on their way from Kavuthu to Mutyambua.

The incident occurred at 11.00 pm last night, according to an area correspondent who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke. 

"Yes, the guests were from the event organised by the First Lady. It is so sad to report that some of the deceased were relatives," the correspondent stated. 

A flooded River Muooni in Makueni County, said to be one of the dangerous water bodies during the El Nino season

Kenyans.co.ke

Eyewitnesses stated that the eight were not on the bus at the time of the accident as the driver had refused to ferry them across the swelling river. Despite continuous warnings that their lives were at risk, the eight allegedly held hands and crossed the river together. 

Area chief Norman Musyoki also confirmed that the incident occurred along Kavuthu-Mutyambua Road and warned that the death toll may rise. 

"Witnesses say seven people died. We are trying to ascertain the exact number. They were sitting on a log floating in the middle of the river after being overwhelmed by the raging waters as they tried to cross. 

"A sudden swelling of the river swept them away as a crowd of witnesses looked on helplessly," Musyoki told local media stations, adding that they had warned residents against crossing the river, one of the most dangerous, during the El Nino season. 

Emergency services providers were immediately deployed to the accident scene to kickstart the process of retrieving the bodies. So far, only two bodies have been retrieved from the flooded river.

The total number of passengers on board the vehicle, that of dead bodies and survivors, is yet to be confirmed. 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr eulogised the victims and also lamented that the deaths occurred nearly a fortnight after three people drowned in the river. 

"Yesterday in the evening, we received reports that eight people tried crossing the Muooni River. At midriver, water swelled, and currents swept them. From the reports I have received this morning, five people have already been identified. My condolences to the families who have lost the 8," Mutula mourned.

Meanwhile, JOYWO, an initiative First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto founded in 2009, aims to empower women economically through financial inclusion and skills development to meet their basic needs.

President William Ruto and Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi were among the notable guests at the Thursday event, which was attended by thousands of the organisation's members. 

President William Ruto speaks at the 14 anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

PCS

Michael Warutere from Riara Springs Academy, which is part of Riara Group of Schools, was the top candidate for the KCPE 2023 exams. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Warutere revealed that he would love to become a Software Engineer after completing high school so that he could help the country in solving some of its pressing challenges. 

In particular, he explained that his passion for being a software engineer was to help Kenyan farmers use technology to improve their agricultural productivity. 

"I really thank God for the marks that he has granted me. I want to thank our parents and teachers for holding our hands and helping us succeed," he stated. 

"I would love to attend Mang'u High School. Hopefully, with these marks, I will get a seat in that school," he added. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, John Muriithi, Riara Springs Primary School Head, remarked that he was ecstatic about the performance the institution had posted in the 2023 KCPE exams. 

"This boy (Warutere) has been our child from baby class. He is a very balanced boy who is not only involved in academics but very active in football and drama activities," Muriithi heaped praises on Warutere. 

Describing the mood at the school as carnival following the announcement of KCPE results, Muriithi remarked that all stakeholders had worked hard for exemplary results not only for Warutere but the entire class. 

Encouraging students from across the country who had sat for their exams, Muriithi remarked, "Everybody in the education sector is a success. Everybody achieved full potential regardless of what they got."

Muriithi further indicated that over and over again, Riara Group of Schools had pronounced itself as one of the best academic institutions in the country.

"The Riara management is top-notch. We have been in this industry for the last 50 years. The school has a history of success and we provide world-class education in all our institutions."

"We serve right from kindergarten, primary, and junior secondary school, we have a girl's high school, an international school and a university." 

Riara Group of Schools Director Juju Gachukia stated that the exam results were a testament to the passion and perseverance of teachers and the team that worked with the students. 

"Michael Warutere is a child who started with us at age three in Rainbow, which is the youngest class in kindergarten so he has spent 11 years with us."

"This is a testimony of a journey that started with the founders Mr Daniel and Dr Eddah Gachukia. Dr Eddah Gachukia is well-renowned for her passion for quality education and creating wonderful spaces for children where they can learn to be the best they can."  

KCPE 2023 top student Michael Warutere (left) and Riara Springs Academy Head John Muriithi.

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Riara Group of Schools

On what makes Riara Group of Schools stand out, Director Juju Gachukia explained it was a holistic approach to every child that enrols at the institution. 

She explained that every child is different with their own learning pace, which should be considered. 

"What makes us unique is that every teacher understands and knows they are professionals. They have a child-centred approach and they are facilitators of a fantastic educational experience. This is what makes us so unique," the Director added. 

She further emphasised that the school was keeping up with the founding principles of providing quality education at an affordable fee. 

The best candidate in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams scored 428 marks out of a possible 500. 

Announcing the results on Thursday, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu revealed that candidates can check their marks online by sending their Index Number followed by the initials 'KCPE' to SMS Code 40054.

This was the last KCPE exam as the Ministry of Education phases out the 8-4-4 curriculum as the country fully transitions to the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). 

CS Machogu revealed that over 1.4 million candidates sat for the exam who will be proceeding to secondary school in 2024 under the 100 per cent transition program. 

President William Ruto issuing the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023.

PCS

Only 8,525 candidates were able to score 400 marks and above with 352,782 students scoring between 300 and 399 marks. 

The majority of pupils scored between 200 to 299 with 658,278 candidates falling into that category. 

Some 383,025 candidates scored between 100 to 199 marks with the rest of the candidates scoring below 100 marks. 

According to the CS, minimal cases of malpractice were reported with only 2 pupils out of 1.4 million candidates engaging in exam irregularities. 

One of the candidates was found in possession of a mobile phone inside an exam centre while another student was caught with unauthorised notes. 

Considering this is the last KCPE exam in Kenya's history, Machogu revealed that those who missed to sit for the examination would be given a second chance. 

Through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the candidates will sit for a special examination in January 2024. 

In this year's results, English and Kenya Sign Language were the listed as the subjects where candidates recorded the most improvement.

The CS noted that there was concern as all other subjects recorded a drop in terms of performance. 

President William Ruto issuing the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023.

PCS