Hello and welcome to the Monday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where a golden scandal is evolving while the government unveils a plan for payrolls.
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The Gold Scandal in China
The prowess of Kenyan athletes on the track is no ordinary news across the world. However, an incident in the recently held Beijing Half Marathon has put two Kenyan runners in the spotlight.
Interestingly, the issue is not about the Kenyan athletes finishing second, but about how they were beaten in the race for gold by China's star runner He Jie.
According to officials and organisers, Jie’s win is currently being investigated with allegations that the Kenyan runners may have settled for silver in favour of the foreign runner.
Notably, at the centre of the investigations is a clip which shows the two Kenyan runners allegedly slowing down to allow Jie to overtake them.
Jie finished one second ahead of the two Kenyans who tied in second place alongside Ethiopia's Dejene Hailu.
The Ethiopian national is also facing investigations over the incident.
"We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities.
"The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment." officials at the World Athletics told the BBC.
The Kenyan athletes and their management team are yet to comment on the matter that has attracted global attention.
NTSA Risk Factors Findings
The Evening Brief Newsletter team have been able to get its hands on the findings of a report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on what could be leading to the surge in road accidents.
According to NSTA, the following are the emerging road safety risk factors that are causing the insanity currently being witnessed on the roads.
- Speeding
- Fatigue among drivers
- Drunk driving
- Mental health issues
- Financial related stress
- Medical conditions
Take Home: Over 1,000 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents this year. All of us has a duty to play in addressing the looming crisis.
Changes for Payroll
Just days after Public Service CS Moses Kuria announced plans to implement radical changes to address the ballooning wage bill, the government has unveiled new proposals on government payrolls.
During the ongoing National Wage Bill Conference, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in conjunction with Kuria’s ministry proposed seven changes that will affect the management of payrolls.
Key among the recommendations is the issuance of a Unified Payroll Number to all government employees. This is seen as a strategy to have a better system that will deal with the issues of ghost workers.
Additionally, the government will be undertaking monthly audits of payrolls to weed out issues of ghost workers and ensure that all employees are paid what they deserve.
Notably, the systems will be digitised as there will be no manual payrolls moving forward.
“In order to optimise payroll management for greater efficiency the following are recommended; a one government approach in the management of HR data in Public Service by adopting the HRIS-Kenya web-based system.
“Ministries and state departments to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act in relation to HR data,” the agencies proposed.
Finally, in the new proposal, various heads of government institutions will be barred from creating new positions in their departments.
Here are the top five stories for the day;
Kenya Power announces reduction of electricity prices. Here is the percentage drop and why the changes have been effected.
Under Siege! Pressure piles on Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome after he is taken to court.
The Ministry of Trade launches a platform that will enable Kenyans in the business sector to access loan services.
Mother appeals for help after her son who works in the US Marine goes missing during vacation.
Jitters in UDA over a new proposal for the seat held by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.
