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A tout operating along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi passed away after he was reportedly pushed out of a speeding matatu, on Monday afternoon, July 12. 

According to eyewitnesses, a fight ensued between the conductor and his colleague at the Co-operative area in Uthiru.

Reports, however, differed on whether the second party was a conductor or a parking boy tasked with convincing commuters to board said bus. 

Derrick Okubasu, a journalist at Kenyans.co.ke reported that the deceased, identified as Moha, died at the spot.

Motorists pictured along Waiyaki Way on Thursday, October 17, 2019

Kenyans.co.ke

"A conductor at the stage stated that the driver was unaware of the incident. The PSV ran over the deceased after he fell to the ground. 

"The suspect also fell from the bus during the commotion but suffered minor injuries. Police ferried the dead body to a nearby morgue while the injured was rushed to an adjacent hospital. They also launched investigations into the matter," Okubasu detailed after visiting the scene.  

Earlier reports alleged that the deceased was a passenger who was pushed out of the automobile after he differed with the tout over Ksh20 fare. 

It was further reported that the deceased was shot dead by police who tracked and waylaid him on allegations that he was a notorious carjacker. Both reports were refuted. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a Waiyaki Way resident lamented that the number of rogue touts and drivers along the route has surged. On Sunday, July 12, he witnessed an altercation between a commuter, tout and parking boy which almost turned tragic. 

The passenger was irked by an intentional delay orchestrated by the driver and tout at one of the terminals. The tout wanted to fill the bus to its total capacity, flouting Ministry of Health directives aligned with social distancing. 

"Passengers wanted to alight and on noticing this, the driver sped off. Some of the commuters who were at the door almost fell off. The tout and the parking boys wanted to assault them, claiming that they were risking their lives. The irony of it is that the passengers had requested to alight," the resident lamented. 

He urged police officers and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to crack down on rogue and illegal PSVs in the city who break traffic rules and unscrupulously hike fares. 

These incidents come a few weeks after KMO Sacco was banned for a fortnight following the death of Melina Waithera, Deputy Inspector General Edward Mbugua’s daughter. Waithera succumbed to head injuries she incurred after two matatus sandwiched her along Tom Mboya street. 

Motorists stuck at traffic jam along Waiyaki Way on Thursday, October 17, 2019

Kenyans.co.ke

"I will not lower taxes. You will have to pay because there is no other way we can build facilities, roads, and schools,” President Uhuru Kenyatta directed after Kenyans complained about several taxes unveiled by the Treasury. 

“We must pay taxes,” he insisted, arguing that the funds will be channelled towards funding development projects. According to data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), three-quarters of all Kenyans working in the formal sector earn below Ksh50,000 per month. 

The new taxes on airtime, bank loans and liquefied petroleum gas, coupled with the high cost of fuel, food prices and even the proposal to reintroduce construction levies are weighing heavy on the taxpayers' shoulders. 

Uhuru signed into law a bill that increased the rate of excise duty on telephone and internet data services from 15 percent to 20 percent. Bank charges on loans also rose from 7.5 percent to 20 percent. The government sneaked in the new taxes through a report tabled in Parliament by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs a bill into law in December 2020.

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The taxes were excluded from the Finance Bill 2021 which saw MPs reject taxes on bread, flour, fishing equipment and purchase of motorcycles. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Nicholas Gachara - Somakazi CEO and a financial expert based in Nairobi - clarified how the new taxes and high cost of living affects the majority of Kenyans and how one can survive. 

How to Survive on Ksh40,000 Salary 

Gachara advises that 

1. Saving on Costs

One can cut down credit costs and revert to texts and Whatsapp calls and audio, video and image messages. They can also take advantage of bonuses, airtime and data offers by telcos. 

On fuel, motorists can reduce travelling expenditures and only travel when necessitated. Individuals can also carpool and those with students in schools can use private transport companies rather than schools - whose transport costs are quite expensive. 

2. Alternative Measures

Rather than using LPG, or firewood which will lead to litigation, individuals can use green energy, solar and biogas, considering that electricity prices have also soared. Individuals in urban areas can save on electricity. 

3. Budget

“Stick to your budget, shop with a shopping list rather than impulse buying. You can also shop in bulk so that you manage your finances. Also utilise loyalty/reward points offered in supermarkets,” Gachara advised adding that consumers can reduce expenditure especially on miscellaneous activities. They can also negotiate bills. 

Paying through mobile money can also save transaction costs. 

4. Track and Record Your Spending

Gachara noted that one should save receipts, tickets and bank statements for calculation purposes. “Your bank statements, for a start, will tell you how much money is going into your bank account, how much is going out and where it is going. You can then compare it with your budget to see whether you are sticking to it or not.” 

4. Side hustles

This can come in handy for skilled professionals as they supplement income. One can also avoid unnecessary loan borrowing from banks and shylocks and revert to raising soft loans from friends and employers - salary advance. 

5. Open a savings account

“No matter what, save! Save! Save the little you can. Remember that above all if you reside in rental houses, rent should be a third of your income,” Gachara stated, advising that individuals can also relocate to affordable areas. 

Treasury CS Ukur Yatani presented the 2021/2022 budget on Thursday, June 10, 2021

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Effects of the New Taxes 

Food prices have soared with 1 litre of cooking oil rising from Ksh180 to Ksh240, Ksh350 more was added on LPG gases owing to the introduction of the 16 percent VAT. This means a 6kg LPG costs Ksh1,250 up from Ksh950. 

Maize flour rose from Ksh97 to Ksh106. Fuel prices in July 2021 were at Ksh127.14, Ksh107.66, Ksh97.85 for Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene respectively as compared to Ksh106.9, Ksh96.4 and Ksh84.7 respectively in January 2021. 

“It is good that the government is constructing roads and infrastructure, but this is coming at a cost for taxpayers who would repay through taxes and tolls on certain roads. The budget allocated to development is highly inflated. With the elections coming in 2022, Kenyans should brace for a tough time,” Gachara warned. 

The tax expert added that the new taxes will cost-push inflation to consumers as the government is under heavy pressure to collect revenue through low-hanging fruits - avenues that affect all Kenyans. 

The effects will be seen through Kenyans seeking alternatives that may backfire on government policies, such as opting to use firewood rather than LPG. The government banned logging in 2018. 

The IMF Effect 

Kenya will receive a Ksh255 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. However, the loan was tied with stringent measures such as reduction of wage budget, halting salary increments and revealing secret investors. 

Gachara opined that the government is the largest employer and civil servants will feel the pinch too. Coupled with this is that both civil and private sector workers will be discouraged from borrowing after loan charges rose to 20 percent. 

Banks on the other end will cut down on loan offers as they will be wary of the increase in default rates. 

Customers queueing at a supermarket in Kenya

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Additional reporting by Ian Mulei 

A state of the art campus facility offering free training in information and communication technologies (ICT) is offering a shinning hope to the otherwise remote county of Turkana. 

The Startup Lions Campus is located on the banks of Lake Turkana and has 1,416-square-metre artistic building built by Burkinabe architect Diébédo Francis Kéré was built for the non-profit organization, Learning Lions, which learns the facility. 

It is hoped to help alleviate youth unemployment in the region and allow young people to "thrive professionally without having to leave their homeland," according to Kéré Architecture.

The completed Startup Lions Campus, Turkana

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Kéré Architecture's design for the Startup Lions Campus "celebrates the unique morphology" of the site, comprising five linked buildings spanning two levels that follow the natural slope of the terrain.

It is built from locally sourced quarry stone finished with a terracotta-hued concrete plaster. This technique was chosen as it is low cost and so that the skills of the local community could be utilised in its construction.

From afar, the campus is distinguished by three tall ventilation towers that the studio modelled on the tall mounds built by termite colonies found throughout the region.

Each tower helps cool the building's interiors by extracting warm air upwards, as fresh air is brought in through adjustable low-level openings with woven straw shades. This technique is called the stack effect.

Inside, the building contains a mix of classrooms, flexible workshops and co-working spaces, alongside storage, administrative and technical facilities.

It is complete with a series of roof terraces that offer views over Lake Turkana, and will eventually be shaded by planted pergolas to offer cool and comfortable outdoor teaching and meeting spaces.

"From the very beginning the project has had a collaborative building and learning at its heart," Kéré said.

"We had imagined an educational facility that blended with the striking natural landscape that surrounds it, mirroring the ingenious structures built by the terminates close by," he continued.

"It is a special honour for me and my team to have been able to provide the shape for this incredible educational facility and I am looking forward to how it may expand and most importantly see its students succeed."

It occupies a sloped site beside Lake Turkana

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The mother of a Kenyan who was found dead in the US state of Georgia has come out to decry the failure of American authorities to allow them a chance to give their kin a decent sendoff. 

Margaret Gathaga has found herself in a tight spot after her visa application to bury her son - 35-year-old Evans Gathaga - was rejected by the US embassy in Nairobi. 

Evans, who was a truck driver living in the US, has been in lying in the morgue since May 25. His body was recovered from a creek close to his house by police officers a week after he was reported missing.

US authorities have issued the family with a five-day ultimatum to get to Atlanta and bury their son or the government would dispose of the body.

Before moving to the US, he worked with KWS

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Margaret and her Kenyan-based son have until Tuesday, July 6, to get visas, book a plane ticket and get to the US if she intends to bury her son who died after falling into a river.

She has sought a review of the visa rejection but is yet to receive a reprieve. 

“Authorities in the US are still investigating how Gathaga ended up in the river,” said the mother.

Evans' lifeless body was discovered by Douglas Police in Lithia Springs and revealed he did not jump into the stream but slid down as his shirt was caught by trees before landing into the waters, where a fisherman spotted his body and called the police.

Reports indicate the deceased last spoke to Bishop Mwawasi, a Church leader based in Marietta, Georgia. He allegedly sought help from the clergyman, saying he was seeing strange visions.

Margaret said despite her attempts to secure a visa to travel to the US the embassy in Nairobi had crushed her hopes of doing so.

“I simply want to bury my son and get closure,” she said

The officers who confirmed Gathaga’s death told the family that his body was found in such a bad state that it could not be transported to Kenya for burial. Instead, Margaret was advised to make arrangements to travel to America if she hoped to hold any sort of burial ceremony for him.

According to his Facebook page, the deceased was a former aircraft Engineer at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

He moved to the USA and like most Kenyan immigrants, worked in various warehouses before becoming a truck driver.

There are other reports suggesting he worked with a leading transport company called Everitt and eventually became owner-operator with his own company called Gaxan Logistics LLC.

Picture of Evans Gathaga

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Interior PS Karaja Kibicho and his wife, Wangari Githae, celebrated their 25th marriage anniversary at a private event in Kirinyaga County. 

The invite-only event was held at Gathuthiini ACK in the county on Sunday afternoon, June 5. 

Kibicho, Wangari and the family later treated their guests to a reception at Gathuthiini Primary School, sources privy to the event and the PS told Kenyans.co.ke. 

Among those reportedly in attendance at the reception were top government officials including a number of Cabinet Secretaries. 

Interior PS Karanja Kibicho arrives at DCI Headquarters on January 25, 2021.

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Kibicho and Wangari also renewed their vows. "The event was kept under wraps and so far no photo of the ceremony has been shared," the insider detailed. 

The couple is blessed with three children Lynette Muthoni Karanja, Kibicho Karanja Kibicho and Nyawira Karanja Kibicho. 

While celebrating his daughter's birthday in 2015, the PS recalled how his wife was rescued by a neighbour in 1997 while she was facing labour pains. 

"On July 7, 1997, there were demonstrations all over Nairobi to mark Saba Saba day. There were bonfires on the roads that scared all matatus and taxis from operating. I was stranded in JKUAT for lack of transport. Wangari, my wife, got into labour pains. 

"Despite our careful planning of having her carry taxi money in her purse during that time just in case it happened while I was away, no taxi could dare (ferry her). A courageous neighbour, the only one who owned a car, braved the bonfires and got Wangari to MP Shah. That night a baby girl was born. We named her Muthoni," Kibicho recalled. 

One of the personal decisions made by the PS in his recent years was quitting alcohol.  In March 2021, he revealed that the President calls him up to 10 times a day and he is always at work throughout the day and night.  

“I used to take alcohol moderately. But when I was appointed to this post (Security PS), I have never drunk because I know that I am required to be very alert and keen at all times,” he said in a past address to National Government Administration Officers.

The PS is expected to contest a political seat in 2022, most preferably the Kirinyaga Governor's seat. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Governor Anne Waiguru and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho during a development tour of Kirinyaga County in February 2020

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As tensions between Israel and Palestine escalate, Kenyans are among the foreigners caught in the war that has caught international attention.

The two countries have been firing rockets at each other, with reports indicating that over 65 Palestinians and six people in Israel have died. 

A Kenyan student residing in Tel Aviv area shared his plight and horror experience while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, May 12. 

"Kenyans enjoy more peace than they know. Israel is generally peaceful that is why there is so much investment here. However, right now we are living under constant attack," the masters student who sought anonymity lamented.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel

Nir Elias/Reuters

Among Kenyans in Israel are business people, government-sponsored and private students. Those sponsored by the government are agricultural trainees who are usually linked with financial institutions to enable them to start agribusiness projects after graduation.

The student who spoke to  Kenyans.co.ke is privately sponsored and relocated to Israel in 2020 from Nairobi. 

"Israel has a technology known as the Iron Dome which intercepts rockets and missiles. The technology also notifies us of incoming attacks which automatically initiates an alarm system.

"We usually seek for protection in bomb shelters whenever we hear the sirens. The bomb shelters are called mamad in Hebrew. Whether it is 9 am or 2 am or midnight, one has to leave his bed and hide inside the shelters," he narrated. 

The Iron Dome air defence system is a short-range, ground-to-air, air defence system that includes radar and Tamir interceptor missiles that track and neutralise any rockets or missiles aimed at Israeli targets. It is used for countering rockets, artillery & mortars (C-RAM) as well as aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Other than providing mamads, Israel also issues mental first aid guidelines to prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) after rockets are fired, the Kenyans said. 

The mental first aid guidelines include four main rules: Focus, Encouragement, Question and Construction. Focus entails telling another person not to feel lonely. 

Encouragement: Ask and encourage the distressed individual to perform effective and simple actions such as contacting relatives, collecting phone numbers of the people around you, preparing and eating food. 

Tel Aviv, a city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast

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Question: Ask simple questions that will allow the distressed individual to think and make analytical decisions. Construction: Help the distressed individual recreate the traumatic sequence of the events.

The student, however, stated that what encouraged him more was staying in touch with other Kenyans and the embassy. He added that "To those who know God, we pray but also expect the worst. Those who don't are always afraid of dying." 

Israel and Palestine have been warring over control of holy sites (Islam and Jewish sites) in East Jerusalem which has been claimed by both factions. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday night May 13, said he planned to send in military forces to help police maintain order in cities ruptured by violence.

"Nothing can justify an Arab mob assaulting Jews, and nothing can justify a Jewish mob assaulting Arabs," he pleaded in a video statement, as reported by the Times of Israel.

The Kenyan government has called for a de-escalation of the conflict in Gaza, in a statement made to the United Nation Security Council - where it has a seat. 

New twists have emerged in Ainea Ojiambo's gun brawl on Friday, April 30, at Moi Avenue. A security guard passed away while a passer-by incurred critical injuries after the Makutano Junction actor opened fire against two assailants. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on May 1, acclaimed lawyer Cliff Ombeta shared insights into the investigations being conducted by city police. 

The attorney stated that the witnesses alleged that they had heard more than two shots or a shoot out, thus the police were obligated to conduct a ballistic test on Ojiambo's gun. 

"Police have to confirm that the gun and ammunition involved were my clients.

Lawyer Cliff Ombeta (left) with actor Ainea Ojiambo (centre) at a private event

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"There are reports alleging that there was more than one gun involved. At the moment the witnesses said they heard more than two shots," Ombeta stated but played cagey with asserting whether police were following the leads and investigating if a shootout occurred at the scene.

Ojiambo was detained on Friday evening, April 30, after police rescued the private military contractor and weapons expert from an angry mob that was accusing him of misusing his firearm. 

The film producer was captured on CCTV cameras pulling out his gun after he was accosted by two muggers who wanted to rob him of his valuables. 

Ombeta explained that his client was still under interrogation and was poised to be detained until Monday, May 3. 

"In as much as one needs to be arraigned in court within 24 hours, he will be detained owing to the fact that the 24 hours only count during the working days and not on weekends. 

"However, they have not pressed any charges against him and if they won't have any, then they may be compelled to release him," the attorney who owns the law firm, Ombeta and Associates Advocates explained. 

Earlier on, through his social media pages, Ombeta shielded Ojiambo from criticism, arguing that he wasn't at fault as he had a right to defend himself. 

One of the policemen who dispersed the mob at Moi Avenue after the shooting further alluded that the licensed gun holder did not harbor the intention to open fire. A full report would soon be released, according to the officer.

Ainea Ojiambo, a filmmaker, actor, private military contractor and medic

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Popular comedy shows Vioja Mahakamani and Vitimbi are set to return to TV after a seven-year hiatus. 

The shows will make a comeback on the national broadcaster, KBC, once the station is re-launched. 

Multiple sources privy to the developments told Kenyans.co.ke that the shows which had aired for nearly three decades before curtains closed will adopt their old setup but incorporate new ideas and scriptwriting techniques. 

"For Vioja Mahakamani, the show will still depict court proceedings. We have daily and different occurrences in court which can be mimicked inclusive of comedy. 

Mama Kayai (left) and Gibson Mbugua (Prosecutor) at a public event.

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"The show will also see the return of the veteran cast from the prosecutor (Gibson Mbugua) to Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (Hiram Muigai), Makokha (Mathias Keya) and Olexander Josphat (Peter Sankale)," the insider disclosed adding that they would also incorporate new actors. 

Ondiek, Makokha and Sankale moved to KTN Home where they were part of the Daktari comedy cast. 

For Vitimbi, the show will also see the return of famous actress Mama Kayai (Mary Khavere) and others. Unfortunately, Mzee Ojwang (Benson Wanjau) passed away in July 2015. 

Apart from appearing on TV, the cast also performed at national events and private ceremonies. 

"The finer details of both shows and program changes will be unveiled by the KBC management. They are in discussion with the show creators and cast on how to air the programs," sources added. 

On Friday, April 23, KBC MD Naim Bilal shared insights into KBC re-launching plan, saying that they would hire new anchors and come up with new programs. 

Sources added that veteran anchors Pauline Sheghu, Badi Mukhsin and Harith Salim will make a comeback in mainstream media to anchor prime-time news.

"The legends will be anchoring prime time news on the weekends while the rest will be working on weekdays," an insider stated.

KBC main office entrance located along Harry Thuku Road, off University Way in the Nairobi city centre.

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Former Tahidi High actor Dennis Mugo popularly known as OJ has declared his interest in politics.

He had announced that he would be vying for the MCA seat for Ruguru Ngandori Ward in Embu on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket which is associated with Deputy President William Ruto.

Speaking exclusively with Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, April 17, the former actor revealed that he had been thinking about throwing his hat in the race for quite some time.

"I have always had been thinking about joining politics and it is for time to step up and make a change for my people.

Former Tahidi High actor Dennis Mugo popularly known as OJ announced that he would be joining politics.

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"My main focus is the youth, the issues that affect them and their empowerment," he affirmed.

Mugo, who has been open about his battle with alcoholism, stated that he would make mental health a priority, adding that depression among young people was an issue that needed to be addressed.

"We have to come up with practical solutions for people who have no means to make ends meet," said OJ.

On why he decided to join the United Democratic Party (UDA), Mugo stated that the party's agenda aligned with what he wants to accomplish for the people.

"The hustler narrative, which is about the uplifting of the common mwananchi is why I joined the party. The empowerment of youth is what I want to accomplish," he added, stating that Deputy President William Ruto was an inspiration to the youth.

Mugo stated that the young people in the ward would benefit greatly from cyber centres established to access information and get skills that would enable them to be competitive.

This noted this from the training he holds with the county government where he teaches young people about the film industry.

He faulted the current MCA Michael Kariuki Munyi who he is looking to unseat stating that health matters were not addressed despite being the chair of the county health committee.

"Being old does not make someone mature... People say I am too young to run for the seat but they should look at that as an advantage because I am younger, better and fresher," he maintained.

Dennis Mugo AKA OJ during a forum in Embu County in March 2020.

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NTV is targetting three KTN News anchors in a major swoop that will no doubt shake the media space, just a few days after Nation Media Group restored the full salaries of its employees.   

Insiders privy to the information told Kenyans.co.ke that KTN News anchors Ben Kitili and Lindah Oguttu are finalizing their return to NTV, a station they previously worked at. Swahili anchor and radio journalist, Lofty Matambo is also on NTV's radar.

Frida Mwaka, who quit KTN News on Sunday, March 21, is also set to join NTV in the coming weeks. 

Oguttu, Lofty and Kitili are in high-level discussions with NTV, with reports detailing that they will join the NMG in mid-April.

The Nation Centre building located at Kimathi Street, Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

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Kenyans.co.ke

"Lofty is ready to join NTV. He met the management of both sides, who are now finalising the paperwork. The only issue derailing the move is some agreement between the two stations. However, he already served his notice and is almost serving his time," the insider disclosed. 

Lofty has worked at KTN News for over seven years since December 2013, and is also a radio presenter at Radio Maisha. Prior to joining KTN News, he was a content producer/presenter at Media Development In Africa (MEDEVA) for two years. 

Lofty quit his laboratory technician job to try a hand in the media and rose to become one of the top anchors. 

Oguttu, Kitili and Lofty declined to comment on the issue when Kenyans.co.ke reached them for comment. However, another source added that Kitili wants to revive the politics desk at NTV with Oguttu joining as a senior anchor and editor. 

"Kitili presented his proposals to NTV's management which was reportedly satisfied with his portfolio. He also met the human resource manager at KTN News to finalize his move, but was put on hold as talks between NTV and KTN News were postponed," the source said. 

Sources privy to the developments at KTN further divulged that the employees are wary of the recent migrations and the ratings of the TV station, along with the recent pay cuts and other grievances. 

NTV restored the full salaries of its employees on Tuesday, March 30, while Citizen TV announced reduced pay cuts up to 10 percent for all employees, effective March 1, 2021. Insiders at Standard Media Group said that the 19 per cent pay cut is still under effect. 

The recent convergence and restructuring at Standard also brought about more changes and concerns, among them was Ben Kitili's Deputy Editor role in the Political Desk being handed over to his colleague Sophia Wanuna. 

Ali Manzu was also appointed the Deputy Editor/Anchor in the TV Output Department, heading a team that includes anchors and reporters, from Akisa Wandera, Ashley Mazuri, Lofty Matambo, Mary Kilobi, Ken Mijungu, Linda Oguttu, Ben Kitili, Frank Otieno and others. Mijungu joined KTN News after exiting NTV in December 2020. 

"The CEO is expected to hold the 1st Quarter meeting with staff on April 7, amid all these unfolding issues," insiders said, salaries and roles under the converged newsroom would be the major areas of concern. 

From left: KTN News anchors, Ben Kitili, Sophia Wanuna and Ali Manzu

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