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Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Wafula has announced that the government will not renew its agreement with Cuban doctors who were brought into the country to fill gaps in county hospitals six years ago.

The 2017 agreement between Kenya and Cuba actualized an engagement program where the Cuban doctors would provide assistance in Kenyan hospitals and Kenyan doctors would go to Cuba for specialised training.

“We have decided not to renew the agreement with the Cuban doctors. Our very own healthcare professionals are committed to the cause,” Nakumicha noted. 

While making the announcement,  Nakumicha expressed confidence in the ability of Kenyan doctors to handle operations across Kenyan hospitals competently.

“As a ministry, I am confident that we will have a highly motivated workforce,” the CS said in a statement.

Ministry of Health's Afya House Building in Nairobi, Kenya.

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Ministry of Health

The agreement between Kenya and Cuba signed during former President Uhuru’s tenure in power was marred in controversy as local health practitioners opposed the move. 

Kenyan doctors decried being sidelined arguing that they have the capacity to do everything that their Cuban counterparts could stating that they only lacked the necessary medical equipment and remuneration to perform their activities.

Local doctors also opposed the move, citing that it was unfair to unemployed Kenyan health practitioners.

Even so, Cuba’s healthcare system has been lauded as being one of the best worldwide.

This is due to its focus on a preventative approach to medicine rather than the curative approach, which had been widely practiced in Kenya.

Despite the backlash, after the two-year contract with Cuba ended, Kenya extended the deal  much to the chagrin of local doctors.

There have been calls by institutions like the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), calling for termination of the deal.

Complaints were made about the lucrative remuneration the Cuban doctors have been receiving including comprehensive medical coverage under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), with their utility bills totally covered.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha attending a meeting at Afya House on May 10, 2023.

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Ministry of Health

The High Court on Monday blocked the Interior Ministry from approving a proposal to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti, a mission expected to restore peace in the troubled Caribbean Island. 

Justice Chacha Mwita issued a conservatory order blocking the government from deploying 1,000 police to Haiti following approval by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on October 2.

''That a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from deploying police officers to Haiti or any other country until October 24, 2023,'' Justice Mwita ordered. 

The petition, filed by the Third Way Alliance through Ekuru Aukot on October 6, challenged the move's legality, which could derail the US-backed mission. 

A photo of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.

DPPS

According to Justice Mwita, the court was satisfied that the questions the petitioners raised in their suit were issues of national importance that required urgent consideration.

The respondents therefore were ordered to file their responses within three days of the ruling.

''That the petitioners will then have three days after service to file and serve a supplementary affidavit, if any, together with the written submissions to the petition, not exceeding 10 pages,'' the court document read.

''That once served, the respondents will have 3 days to file and serve written submissions to the petition also not exceeding 10 pages,'' partly read the order.

The petition in question was filed by Third Way Alliance and Miruru Waweru wherein the two parties sued Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and four others.

The United Nations Security Council approved a multinational force led by Kenya to deploy police to the gang-dominated Haiti to restore peace.

Of the 15 council members, 13 voted to approve the deployment while 2 abstained and none voted against it.

The United States has already committed to funnel Ksh14.8 billion ($100 million) to assist Kenya in the mission.

President William Ruto and his US counterpart Joe Biden on separate phone calls in 2022.

PCS

White House

23-year-old Kenyan Marathoner Kelvin Kiptum has won the Chicago Marathon, shattering the record held by Eliud Kipchoge after clocking 2:00:35.

In a statement,  World Athletics announced that Kiptum becomes the first man in history to break 2:01:09 set by Kipchoge at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

This means that Kiptum has eclipsed Eliud Kipchoge as the world's best marathoner.

Speaking after breaking his compatriot's record, Kiptum expressed his elation saying he did not expect to win, let alone gazump the best marathoner of all time.

Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finishing line during the Valencia Marathon held in Spain on December 4, 2022.

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sportmedia.es

“I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record – I am so happy. A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew one day I would be a world record-holder.” Kiptum told World Athletics.

So dominant was the win that Kiptum even had enough energy to celebrate his performance on the way to the finish line pointing to the crowds as he approached the finish line.

His dominance in the race was underlined by the fact that he won it by almost three and a half minutes.

In Sunday's race, another Kenyan Benson Kipruto came in second clocking a time of 2:04:02. Rotterdam Marathon champion Bashir Abdi of Belgium finished third after recording a time of 2:04:32.

John Korir, a Kenyan finished fourth clocking a time of 2:05:09.

In the past ten months, Kiptum has participated in 3 marathons.  In all these races, he achieved three of the six fastest times in history: 2:01:53 in Valencia, Spain, last December, followed by 2:01:25 in London in April. 

Until Kiptum's exploits on Sunday, Kipchoge has been the undisputed best marathoner for the last decade and has set his sights on winning three Olympic marathons, when the competition takes place next year.

What's more, Eliud Kipchoge is the only athlete in the world to have run 26.2 miles in under two hours.

However, this was not achieved in a competitive race. Kipchoge achieved this feat in a special race organised by UK billionaire Jim Ratcliffe through his company, Ineos.

Following Kiptum's win, President William Ruto took to his social media platforms to congratulate the athlete for his remarkable fete describing him as the new king of marathon.

''Kelvin Kiptum has written a new chapter in Marathon history, winning the Chicago Marathon in a majestic, staggering, and mind boggling time of 2:00:35,'' he stated.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also joined the Head of State in congratulating Kiptum's outstanding victory.

''Lowering the Record set by the legend Eliud Kipchoge is just stupendous. This is superb. Congratulations Kelvin for this amazing achievement,'' the DP stated.

Kelvin Kiptum and other athletes participate in the 2023 Chicago Marathon

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World Athletics

President William Ruto on Wednesday appointed former nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura as the official government spokesman.

Mwaura will be deputized by Gabriel Muthuma and former K24 and KTN news anchor, Mwanaisha Chidzuga.

The appointments end months-long search for a government mouthpiece who will help Ruto communicate his policies to Kenyans after a period of incoherence and confusion over the dissemination of information. 

Mwaura had earlier been appointed as Chief Administrative Secretary at the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

A photo of Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura speaking during the 70-year anniversary of Sight Savers International (Kenya) on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

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Isaac Mwaura

Although he was sworn in, Mwaura had not started discharging his duties as CAS following a court ruling that declared the positions unconstitutional.

The position of Government Spokesperson has remained vacant for a year following the resignation of Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna in October 2022. Oguna left the position after serving for two years to join Siaya County Government as Chief of Staff.

Meanwhile, Mwaura remained loyal to President William Ruto even after he lost the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nominations for the Ruiru parliamentary seat ahead of the August 2022 General Election. 

He later unsuccessfully applied for a role in the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) and Principal Secretary (PS), before he was appointed CAS and then Government Spokesperson.

Chidzuga, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician, on the other end, is the wife to Tana River senator, Danson Mungatana. 

The journalist was among the new journalists unveiled at the much-hyped Radio 47 in March 2023 after she lost the Matuga Constituency parliamentary race to Tandaza Kassim Sawa of the Amani National Congress in the 2022 General Election. 

“I thank God for holding my hand in the race for the Matuga parliamentary seat. However, this race was plagued by controversy and voter fraud, making sure they robbed us of our victory and citizen’s rights. The important thing is that God is for us all and for now, we are taking legal steps to ensure that Matuga’s justice stands,” she lamented while conceding defeat. 

Wednesday's appointments also follow the reshuffle of the government that saw key cabinet secretaries moved as Ruto moved to restructure his cabinet two months after he complained of incompetence. 

Journalist Mwanaisha Chidzuga (left) and First Lady Rachel Ruto on Tuesday March 21, 2023

Twitter

First Lady of Kenya

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