Hello and welcome to the Evening Brief Newsletter where we are experiencing a case of Good Friday fever.
Situational Awareness: It is officially on. President William Ruto launched the WRC Safari Rally at KICC on Thursday morning terming the event a special Easter Gift.
If you need help understanding the ins and outs of the event, do not fret, My colleague @Samuel Mwanawanjuguna has prepared a definitive full guide to the event (for dummies).
Washington Mito , my co-editor of this Newsletter, is sure to not let you get rained on at the three-day event in Naivasha by preparing the climate forecast. Prepare for tidbits of rain though.
Housekeeping: An edition of this newsletter appears on Kenyans.co.ke LinkedIn page, if your wish to get future editions in your email inbox, subscribe here.
Pushing the Needle Into the Haystack
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is hellbent on driving up the uptake of electric locomotives in Kenya, even if it means doing away with some fee requirements.
In his latest proposal, which he made public while launching new electric vehicle number plates on Wednesday, the CS said that the government was ready to waive vehicle registration fees for newly registered EV drivers.
He explained that the measure was aimed at addressing insufficient incentives provided to manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and consumers of e-mobility.
Additional incentives: The CS also promised to provide subsidies to public service transport operators looking to acquire high-capacity EVs for passenger transportation.
Distinguishing factor; The CS unveiled a slew of green-coloured number plates that will be issued to motorists who own electric vehicles distinguishing them from diesel and petrol-dependent.
What He is Saying: "All vehicles that are EVs will be given green number plates. Those that have been having the green one need to apply for another one. We are doing this to encourage them (owners of EVs). We will also have incentives. We will talk to governors to give priority to parking spaces for Electric vehicles which will be cheaper."
The Numbers: In place of Data Point, we are explaining the steps Kenya has taken to shore up its electric vehicle uptake.
Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) shows that there are nearly 3,000 registered electric vehicles in the country.
As of December last year, 1,500 of the electronic units were motorcycles while 181 were station wagons. 176 were tuk tuks representing 8.4 per cent while 20 were buses.
Seat at the High Table
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said that he is entrenched in President William Ruto's government for his role in the negotiations that resulted in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
In an address to his supporters, he explained that before the NADCO deliberations, there was no clear structure of who was the legitimate leader of the government.
He argued that before the two sides held negotiations, the opposition which for years had been led by Raila Odinga, was yet to recognise Ruto as the Head of State.
After the report was handed over, however, the two parties agreed to the outcome of the elections which therefore cemented Azimio la Umoja as the opposition.
What Kalonzo is Saying: "The fact that William Ruto is now properly in place as President, I want to announce to you guys that we are properly in place as the official opposition. Therefore we become the government. The effect of NADCO report was to make William Ruto enjoy the rest of his term."
Kalonzo is a co-principal in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which has been regarded as the country's main opposition.
Coalition Chatter: The Wiper Party leader has been battling other co-principals including Martha Karua angling to take the position of Chief Opposition leader should Raila be selected as the Africa Union Commission's chairperson.
According to a proposal for the NADCO report, the chief of the opposition leader will secure state allowances should a proposal to create such a position in the government sail through.
Future Ambitions: Kalonzo is also looking to compete with Ruto for the Presidential seat in 2027.
“Brace yourself for a battle royale as I try to make William Ruto a one-term President for the sake of this country,” he stated.
As you ponder on that, here are five other stories to keep an eye on today;
1.All landlords and developers intending to construct buildings on land adjacent to military establishments must obtain approval from CDF Francis Ogola. Here is the reason why.
2. Burying the Hatchet. Energy CS Davis Chirchir reveals plans are underway to issue a permit to the Uganda Oil Corporation (UNOC) for oil importation through Kenya.
3. Kenya Power is building a backup National Control Centre to end perennial blackouts.
4. Late President Daniel Moi's grandson is in legal crosshairs as the court issues an arrest warrant for him.
5. Aldai MP Marrianne Kitany asks President William Ruto to take necessary action even on Mithika Linturi, her former lover, over fertiliser mess.
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This newsletter was written by Derrick Kubasu and edited by Brian Muuo.
Washington Mito contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo.
