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President William Ruto has transferred Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria, Alfred Mutua and Alice Wahome from the Trade, Foreign Affairs and Water ministries in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. 

Ruto reassigned the CSs but granted more powers to Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. 

Mudavadi retained his position as the Prime Cabinet Secretary but was also appointed CS for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, a docket previously held by Alfred Mutua. 

Alfred Mutua was moved to the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife previously held by Peninah Malonza who was reassigned to the Ministry of East African Community (EAC). 

Rebecca Miano, the former East African Community CS took over the Trade docket from CS Kuria. 

Trade CS Moses Kuria speaks to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during Kuria's manifesto launch on May 28, 2022.

DPPS

Kuria was transferred to the Ministry of Public Service previously held by Aisha Jumwa. 

Jumwa was assigned a new docket - the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts & Heritage. 

Alice Wahome was moved to the Ministry of Lands Public Works & Urban Housing from the Water docket. 

Zachariah Njeru, the former Lands CS was transferred to the Ministry of Water & Sanitation previously held by Wahome Alice.

"HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has, in the exercise of the presidential prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government pursuant to Article 132 of the Constitution, reorganized the Executive. 

"By dint of the Presidential action, changes have been effected to portfolio mandates of Ministries and State Departments. THE HEAD OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT'S Executive Action re- aligns Ministries, State Departments, and Kenya's Foreign Service to optimize performance and enhance service delivery as set out in the Administration's Manifesto under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda," the circular sent to Kenyans.co.ke and signed by Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff, read. 

The portfolio mandate of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary was expanded to include the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

Ruto reconstituted the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action and renamed it the Ministry of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage was reconstituted and renamed as the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

Ruto renamed the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

He also established a new ministerial portfolio, the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

Water CS Alice Wahome welcomes DP Rigathi Gachagua to Murang'a where he attended a church service on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

Rigathi Gachagua

The State Department for Performance and Delivery Management was transferred to the Ministry of Public Service, Performance Management and Delivery.

Meanwhile, the State Department for Culture and Heritage was renamed the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage and domiciled in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action was transferred to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

Ruto also reshuffled Principal Secretaries (PSs) and appointed ambassadors, deputy ambassadors, and a government spokesperson with two deputies. 

St. Theresa's Eregi Girls High School has been shut down following the outbreak of an unknown disease in the school based in Kakamega County.

In a statement, the administration noted that the decision was taken after school administration and county government officials held a meeting at the institution.

As per the statement, Form one, two, and three students will break for one week as investigations into the disease continue.

Form fours will continue with learning as they prepare for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams which are set to begin in late October. 

Senior government officials addressing parents at the t St. Theresa's Eregi Girls High School in Ikolomani on October 4. 2023.

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County Government of Kakamega

"The BOM, Ministry of Education officials, TSC representatives, and the school's sponsor agreed to allow Form 1, 2, and 3 students to break temporarily and are expected to report back next week once the situation has been carefully assessed and necessary measures put in place to prevent any recurrence of a similar situation.

"Also present were officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Education, Parents, the school's Board of Management (BOM) and the entire fraternity of the school," read the statement by the County Government of Kakamega.

On the other hand, the Kakamega County administration noted that its health officials are working with the Ministry of Health to ascertain the cause of the mysterious disease. 

Blood samples from the 95 affected students have been sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi and Kisumu counties for further analysis. 

The school's administration first noted that there was a disease outbreak after 95 students started experiencing difficulty in walking.

"The County government commits to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in learning institutions and assures that efforts will be made to create a conducive learning environment where students can thrive academically, free from disruptions and harm," read the statement in part.

Meanwhile, health officials are monitoring the progress of the 95 students who are admitted at various hospitals in Kakamega County.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa speaking to supporters on August 26, 2023.

PCS

President William Ruto has directed ministries to cut their budget by 10 per cent to cut costs amid renewed push for austerity. 

This follows a cabinet meeting that was held at State House Nairobi on Tuesday.

In a Cabinet Dispatch sent to Kenyans.co.ke, it was explained that the move was also informed by the current economic times. 

"President William Ruto has directed ministries to cut their 2023/2024 budgets by 10 per cent to align expenditures with available resources amidst the global economic stress," read the dispatch in part.

A photo of Cabinet meeting held at State Lodge, Sagana, Nyeri County on August 8, 2023.

PCS

"While chairing a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized the need for the Government to exercise prudence in resource utilisation, firmly stating that wastage and corruption would not be tolerated." read the dispatch in part.

Ruto's new directive of the budget came a day after new travel guidelines restricting unnecessary expenditure were issued.

The move also comes amidst concerns from Kenyans over the expenditure from the government amidst increased taxation.

On the other hand, the Cabinet resolved to set aside Ksh4 billion to purchase maize from farmers that were harvested in August.

It was also noted that measures would be taken to help the farmers in drying and storing the produce to mitigate post-harvest losses.

"In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the immediate partial lifting of the moratorium on the issuance of new mineral rights for industrial and construction minerals.

"The lifting, it was appreciated, will be staggered as the Government develops means for their exploitation, ensuring Kenyans benefit.  This aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to decriminalize artisanal mining," read the dispatch in part.

Regarding the granting Kenya rights to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Cabinet approved the construction of the Talanta Stadium which will be constructed in Jamhuri in Nairobi County. 

Planned renovations for Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Kasarani, and Nyayo were also approved.

President William Ruto unveils the East African Community Pamoja bid for the AFCON 2027 at State House on Monday, May 15, 2023.

PCS

Prolific Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon has lost the women’s mile at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

Kipyegon, aiming for her fourth world record, finished third in the Women's Road Mile with a time of 4:24:13. Instructively, she went into the race in the backdrop of an unbeaten season. 

The victory went to Ethiopian Diribe Welteji, who clinched the Women's Road Mile title after clocking 4:21.00.

"Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji blazes to a 4:21.00 world record to grab a surprise gold in the women's to-road mile," World Athletics said in a statement. 

Faith Kipyegon reacts after losing Women Mile in Latvia.

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Kenya Track & Field

Before Sunday's race, the road mile's world record was held by American Nikki Hiltz.

Hiltz achieved the world record after clocking 4:27 in Des Moines, Iowa, United States on April 25. 

Kenya had earlier clinched gold and silver in the women's 5-kilometre race. 

Beatrice Chebet from Kenya became the first woman in history to win the 5-kilometre race at the inaugural World Running Championship after registering 14:35.

Lilian Rengeruk, also a Kenyan, bagged silver while third position went to Ejgayehu Taye from Ethiopia. 

Kenya did not perform as well in the 5-kilometre men's race with Hagos Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha all from Ethiopia bagging gold and silver respectively. 

Nicholas Kipkorir finished third in the 5-kilometre men's race. 

The World Road Running Championships in Riga, which attracted over 300 participants from various corners of the globe, also witnessed the participation of thousands of recreational runners. 

1,500m and 5,000m World Record breaker Faith Kipyegon addresses the media in Eldoret on June 17, 2023.

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Jonathan Bii

Kenya has won the joint bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) alongside neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, beating Senegal, Botswana, and Egypt.  

The three countries submitted a joint bid to host the biggest football tournament in Africa. This will be the first time the event will be hosted in East and Central Africa. 

The tournament, hosted every two years, is planned and funded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a continental football governing body.

East Africa's Pamoja bid emerged as the best during the CAF executive meeting chaired in Cairo by its president, Patrice Motsepe.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe unveiling the 2027 AFCON hosts in Cairo on September 27, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

During the event, Kenya was represented by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa.

In the race to secure the bid, the Ministry of Sports unveiled plans to revamp three stadiums to meet international standards including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium (Eldoret) respectively.

The government is also planning to build the Talanta Stadium at the Jamhuri Sports Grounds in Nairobi.

Speaking during the announcement, Motsepe indicated that there was intense lobbying by the three countries which even involved the Heads of States.

Nonetheless, he noted that the hosting rights will come with a lot of demands including having stadiums that meet the required standards well ahead of time. The Kenyan government will also be required to demonstrate that its transport infrastructure will be able to handle the human traffic streaming to the country for the showpiece tournament.

Kenya will also be required to have adequate accommodation facilities to host the teams, technical staff, delegates, VIPs and visitors.

"We are very strict on the requirements that we are placing on these countries in terms of the movement of people, support and infrastructure the cooperation. We will be sending our teams to form an evaluation of our progress," the CAF president stated. 

Following the announcement, the government faces a task to fulfil its host obligations to avoid a scenario where Kenya can be stripped of its hosting rights.

In 2018, Kenya lost the right to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) owing to substandard infrastructure.

An artistic impression of how Nyayo Stadium will look after renovations in readiness for AFCON 2027.

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Ababu Namwamba

Eliud Kipchoge triumphed in the 49th edition of the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, after clocking 2:02:42.

In his previous five appearances, Kipchoge secured victory four times and set two world records along the way.

Following today's victory, Kipchoge stands tallest having won the Berlin Marathon, a record five times, including in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023.

"History maker. Eliud Kipchoge becomes the first man in history to win the Berlin Marathon for the 5th time. 2:02:42 for the win," World Athletics said in a statement.

Eliud Kipchoge given a drink during Berlin Marathon

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John Macharia

Kipchoge was celebrated by Kenyan leaders for his feat in Berlin with Azimio Leader Raila Odinga revealing that the athlete had asserted his command and dominance in the tracks. 

Vincent Kipkemboi who was making his marathon debut, emerged second after clocking 2:03:13.

Ethiopian Tadese Takele secured third place with a time of 2:03:24, while Amos Kipruto, who had been a potential challenger to Kipchoge, crossed the finish line in fourth position. 

Reacting to the win, Kipchoge stated that he was gutted after failing to break the world record.

"I was in good shape but I got some hiccups but it’s normal in a race. I have won but I did not break the world record. It’s a learning process and the focus is putting experience that in next year’s Paris Olympics," he stated.

It's worth noting that Kipchoge currently holds the world record, clocking 2:01:09 during the 48th edition in 2022.

"Berlin, for me, is like home. Looking at the Olympic Games in Paris next year, I considered which races would be the best preparation for me, and Berlin was the best option," Kipchoge said in a statement before the race. 

Considered the greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge has competed in 19 marathons and only lost 3.

In total the 2023 race had attracted 14 Kenyans including; Amos Kipruto, Jonathan Maiyo, Eliud Kiptanui, Ronald Korir, Abel Kipchumba and Philemon Kiplimo.

Others include; Enock Onchari, Mark Korir, Josphat Boit, Denis Chirchir, Justus Kangigo, Dominic Nyairo,Titus Kipkosgei and Vincent Kipkemboi.

Eliud Kipchoge running during the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

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Raila Odinga

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has given a shoot-to-kill order to police officers battling armed bandits in the troubled Baringo County. 

Kithure was speaking during the opening of the Akwichatis General Service Unit (GSU) Camp in Silale Ward, Tiaty Constituency. 

"Any criminal who will try to use a weapon to shoot or try to harm a police officer, will go on a one way trip. We will buy him a ticket on a journey where you don't come back," he said. 

The CS noted that the security agencies manning the regions would deal with the criminals causing havoc in the North Rift region.

“The Government will not profile or criminalize any community. Security officers must with law-abiding citizens to identify the few criminal elements who terrorize innocent residents, impoverish them economically, and taint the image of an entire community,” the CS said.

According to the CS, counties in the North Rift that have been gazetted as hotspots for banditry remain operation zones as operation Maliza Uhalifu continues.

Kindiki further warned individuals financing the operations of criminal gangs in the region, calling on the security officers to arrest and prosecute those found to be supporting the illegal activities.

"Other than recovery of stolen livestock, security officers must also apprehend and prosecute masterminds, financiers, and handlers of stolen livestock."

Kindiki noted that the criminals would not be allowed to profile communities in the troubled region, recounting the success that the operation has realised in the past months.  

The warning comes days after Kindiki vowed to deploy more security officers in the bandit-prone regions in North Rift and Northern Kenya. 

Other parts include Tana River and Lamu Counties which have seen an increase in terrorist attacks recently. 

Bandits and cattle rustlers have over the years terrorized communities in North Rift and other regions with pastoralist groups. 

Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) on Tuesday announced that its surveillance helicopter crashed in Boni Forest, Lamu County on Monday night during a routine patrol.  

In a statement, KDF identified the plane that crashed as a Huey Helicopter but did not reveal the number of soldiers on board when it crashed.

KDF has mounted a recovery and evacuation exercise as investigations on the crash commence. This is the second crash this year, even as experts query the airworthiness of Kenya's military aircraft.

"A Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter was crushed last night while on night patrol in Lamu County. The crew and other military personnel onboard were part of an air surveillance squadron intensifying day and night patrols and surveillance for the ongoing Operation Amani Boni," KDF stated.

General Francis Omondi Ogolla and the Chief of the Defence Forces

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KDF

KDF noted in the statement a board of inquiry has been constituted and dispatched to the scene to establish the cause of the crush.

The Huey helicopter is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter.

It is the first member of the Huey family, as well as the first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the United States military.

It has a crew of three and can carry up to 14 passengers. The Huey helicopter is known for its versatility and reliability, and has been used in a wide range of military and civilian roles.

The Huey helicopter was first introduced in the early 1960s and quickly became a mainstay of the US military. 

It was used extensively in the Vietnam War, where it was used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and fire support. The Huey helicopter also played a major role in the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

In addition to its military use, the Huey helicopter is also used in a variety of civilian roles, including firefighting, search and rescue, and law enforcement. 

In Kenya, it is mostly used to transport military personnel, including special operations and surveillance.

On Thursday, July 20, another Kenya Defence Forces helicopter crashed but the military confirmed that the crew and all passengers on board survived. 

The passengers were on their way to Nairobi from an official duty when the chopper developed mechanical challenges and crashed.

It was reported that the military chopper, identified as a Fennec Helicopter, did not take long in the air after lift-off. 

Wreckage of KDF Chopper that crashed in Baringo County on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

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Kenya Defence Forces

Kisumu Girls High School has been closed indefinitely.

According to reports, the school was closed on Sunday following a period of sustained unrest from students.

The reports also indicate that some of the students have been complaining about inhabitable environment at the school. 

A section of the students reportedly demanded the resignation of the current principal and other officials in the school's administration. 

The situation escalated on Sunday morning, leading to loud chants from the students, prompting police officers to be deployed to the institution to restore normalcy.

A photo of Kakamega Girls High School students going home on Sunday, September 17, 2023

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Kisumu news

Reports also indicated that the situation had been tense from Friday, with the situation boiling over through the weekend forcing the abrupt closure.

Nyanza Regional Director Of Education Nelson Sifuna revealed that the students also complained of corporal punishment.

The official explained that some of the allegations were being investigated by the school administration.

“The situation worsened yesterday when officers from the National Government Administration and Ministry of Education tried to address them at the Dining Hall but they were angry," he added.

Sifuna revealed that the students refused to voice their grievances leading to change of tact, giving them papers to write.

Kenyans.co.ke contacted the school but did not get a response by the time of publishing this article.

Meanwhile, photos circulating online, showed the school girls carrying their backpacks heading home with some boarding boda bodas at the school gate.

The photos also showed adults believed to be parents and guardians at the school gate.

If the issue is not resolved, form four students will be disadvantaged as they prepare for the national examinations scheduled for November.

This came two days after the Ministry of Education announced the official closing dates for schools countrywide.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced that the third term will run up to October 27 to allow candidates to sit for the national examinations.

Education PS Belio Kipsang makes his remarks during the Bennial Universities Fund Conference on February 23, 2023.

EduMin

The Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority  (EPRA) on Thursday released the fuel prices for the period between September 15 to October 14.

EPRA increased the cost of Super Petrol to Ksh211.64, Diesel to Ksh200.99, and Kerosene to ksh202.61 per litre in Nairobi.

"The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol increases by Ksh16.96, Diesel increases by Ksh21.32 per litre & Kerosene increases by Ksh33.13 per litre," EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo announced.

EPRA explained that the cost increased due to the spike in the total landed cost of the petroleum products.

Photo of a person fueling a car at a petrol station in August 2018.

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EPRA

"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 4.80 per cent from Ksh108,516 (USD739.21) per cubic metre in July 2023 to Ksh113,721 (USD774.67) per cubic metre in August 2023 while Diesel increased by 12.52 per cent from Ksh103,052 (USD701.99) per cubic metre to Ksh115,955 (USD789.89) per cubic metre,"

"Kerosene increased by 19.79 per cent from Ksh101,377 (USD690.58) per cubic metre to Ksh121,441 (USD827.26) per cubic metre," the authority stated.

Motorists in Mombasa will pay Ksh208.58 for Super Petrol, Ksh197.93 for Diesel, and Ksh199.54 for Kerosene. While those in Nakuru will pay Ksh210.63 for Petrol, Ksh200.40 for Diesel, and Ksh202.01 for Kerosene.

In Kisumu, Super will retail at Ksh211.40 at the pump while Diesel and Kerosene will be sold at Ksh201.16 and Ksh202.77 per litre respectively.

"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," the statement read in part.

In the last review, the government cushioned Kenyans against the rising costs through subsidies from the Petroleum Development Levy.

Motorists in Nairobi paid Ksh194.68 for a litre of Super Petrol, Ksh179.67 for a litre of Diesel, and Ksh179.67 for a litre of Kerosene.

The government introduced a subsidy of Ksh7.33, Ksh3.59, and Ksh5.74 per litre of Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene respectively.

The high cost has pushed Kenyan motorists to seek alternative fuels such as natural gas and electricity. Local public transport providers have also introduced electric vehicles to their fleets.

A photo of an electric bus operated by Roam Rapid in Nairobi CBD on January 16, 2023.

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Roam