Mining CS Joho Issues Warning Over Fireworks Use During New Year Celebrations

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December 31, 2024

As Kenya gears up to usher in 2025, the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has issued a public notice outlining strict regulations for the use of fireworks during New Year celebrations.

The guidelines, announced by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, aim to ensure public safety and compliance with the Explosives Act Cap 115 Laws of Kenya.

According to the directive, fireworks displays will only be allowed at venues authorized by the State Department for Mining. These include clubs, hotels, churches, sports grounds, school compounds, and other sites approved by an Inspector of Explosives.

The ministry emphasized that all necessary permits must be obtained from State Department offices in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. Fireworks must also be sourced exclusively from licensed dealers, and those organizing displays are required to adhere to a set of safety guidelines.

Key regulations include limiting aerial display shells to a maximum of four-inch caliber in urban and built-up areas, with exceptions only granted by inspectors.

Displays are restricted to a 30-minute window between 12:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. on December 31, 2024. Additionally, only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals are allowed to handle and fire the fireworks.

The notice also prohibits the sale of fireworks to children under the age of 13, with severe penalties for violators. Vendors can only sell aerial display fireworks to individuals holding official permits.

The ministry called on the public to ensure that celebrations remain orderly and do not inconvenience others. “We take this opportunity to wish everyone a prosperous New Year,” said Hon. Hassan Ali Jo

World Population To Clock 8.09 Billion On New Year’s Day

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Gerald Gekara

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December 31, 2024

The world population has grown by a staggering 71 million people in 2024, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. This brings the global population to a record 8.09 billion people on New Year’s Day.

The 0.9% increase in 2024 is a slight slowdown from 2023, when the world population grew by 75 million people. However, the growth rate is still significant, with an estimated 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths taking place every second worldwide in January 2025.

In the United States, the population grew by 2.6 million people in 2024, bringing the total to 341 million. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there will be one birth every 9 seconds and one death every 9.4 seconds in January 2025. International migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 23.2 seconds.

KENYA’S POPULATION TO SURPASS 100 MILLION BY 2058

In Kenya, the population is expected to surpass 100 million people by the end of 2058 and reach 125 million by the end of the century. The country’s annual population growth rate is 2.28%, which is significantly higher than many other nations. The total fertility rate in Kenya has decreased over the years, from 8.1 births per woman in 1977 to 3.416 births per woman currently.

Over the past 20 years, Kenya’s population has doubled, and it is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years. The country’s life expectancy has increased significantly, from 48.9 years in 2006 to 64 years in 2018. The median age in Kenya is only 19.7 years, with many families having multiple children.

Although Kenya’s population growth rate is expected to slow down in the coming years, it will still be significant. The current rate of change of 2.52% annually is predicted to drop to 2.20% by 2030. During this time, the population is expected to grow from 53.5 million in 2020 to 66.96 million in 2030.

The rapid population growth in Kenya and other African countries poses significant challenges for governments and policymakers, including providing adequate housing, education, and healthcare services for the growing population.

Kenyans Brace For Potential Tax Hikes as Revenue Shortfall Hits KRA

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Editor

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December 31, 2024

Written By Lisa Murimi

Kenyans may have to brace for increased taxes as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) grapples with a significant revenue shortfall.

By November, KRA had collected Sh857 billion, only 34.6% of its Sh2.47 trillion target for the fiscal year, leaving a gap of Sh 174 billion, Treasury data reveals.

To meet its annual goal, the tax authority must now raise Sh1.6 trillion over the next seven months—nearly double what it collected between July and November.

This daunting task is compounded by slowing economic activity and constrained tax revenue streams.

Key tax categories have underperformed, disrupting government operations. By the first quarter, KRA collected Sh590.9 billion, falling short of its Sh605.5 billion target.

The largest gaps were in VAT (Sh15.1 billion), excise duty (Sh5.6 billion), and import duty (Sh2.8 billion).

The weak revenue performance has delayed funding to counties and ministries, affecting essential services, salary payments, and project rollouts.

KRA attributed the challenges to low domestic demand, economic stagnation, and declining import values.

With just seven months remaining, KRA is under immense pressure to close the gap.

Failure to do so could force the government to increase taxes, adding financial strain on Kenyans already grappling with a tough economic environment.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Reach Divorce Settlement After Eight-Year Legal Battle

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Gerald Gekara

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December 31, 2024

Written By Lisa Murimi

Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finalized their divorce settlement, ending an eight-year legal saga, Jolie’s lawyer confirmed on Monday.

Dubbed “Brangelina” by the media, the pair married in 2014 and share six children.

Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing “irreconcilable differences” and later accusing Pitt of abuse during a private jet incident that same year.

Pitt denied the allegations and was not charged following a police investigation.

Jolie’s lawyer, James Simon, stated that she has been focused on “finding peace and healing” for her family throughout the protracted proceedings.

“This is just one part of a long ongoing process… Angelina is exhausted but relieved this chapter is over,” he told People magazine.

While the divorce settlement marks progress, unresolved disputes remain.

Notably, the couple has been embroiled in a legal battle over Chateau Miraval, their French vineyard purchased in 2008.

In 2022, Pitt accused Jolie of selling her stake to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler without his consent, allegedly to harm his wine business.

The former couple, who met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005, had agreed to joint child custody in 2021.

Both have remained tight-lipped about their relationship, though court cases have revealed a contentious separation.

EPRA Crackdown: 11 Petrol Stations Found Selling Adulterated Fuel Products

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Gerald Gekara

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December 31, 2024

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a significant crackdown on adulterated fuel in Kenya, revealing that eleven petroleum sites across the country were found to be selling non-compliant products.

This comes as part of a rigorous testing initiative aimed at ensuring the integrity of fuel supplies in the local market.

Between October and December 2024, EPRA conducted an impressive 5,970 tests at 1,295 petroleum locations. Out of these, a staggering 99.15% were deemed compliant, but the eleven sites (0.85%) flagged for non-compliance have raised serious concerns. The nature of the violations included selling diesel with excessive sulfur content, distributing diesel intended for export, and offering Super Petrol adulterated with kerosene.

In response to these findings, EPRA has acted decisively. Six stations have been closed, four paid penalties, while one case is pending in court.

The authority has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the quality of petroleum products, as mandated under Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019, to mitigate fuel adulteration and prevent the dumping of export-bound fuels in the local market.

To bolster enforcement efforts, EPRA has established multiple channels for the public to report suspected breaches.

Individuals can contact their hotline at 0709 366 000, utilize the USSD code (*363#), or send messages via the SMS service code (40850).

This proactive measure aims to enhance compliance and safeguard consumers against unsafe fuel products.

This crackdown follows a similar initiative in September 2024 when EPRA closed down 14 petrol stations and fined three others for selling adulterated fuel, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the country’s fuel distribution network.

As regulatory pressure intensifies, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities at petrol stations.

Bashar Al-Assad Named “Corrupt Person of the Year 2024”, President Ruto Voted Second

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Gerald Gekara

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December 31, 2024

Kenyan President William Ruto made international headlines after more than 40,000 people nominated him for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project’s (OCCRP) “Person of the Year” award.

The nomination comes amid a tumultuous year for Kenya, marked by widespread protests, contentious policies, and accusations of corruption and mismanagement.

Ruto’s nomination, fueled largely by disillusioned young Kenyans, highlighted the deep dissatisfaction with his administration. In June and July, thousands took to the streets, outraged by a divisive finance bill that introduced heavy taxes in an already struggling economy.

The protests, led by unemployed youth and civil society groups, called for Ruto’s resignation, accusing his government of perpetuating corruption and ignoring the plight of ordinary Kenyans.

Security forces responded with brutal crackdowns, using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition against demonstrators.

Many protesters were killed, injured, or went missing, further escalating tensions in the country. Despite the government’s attempts to suppress dissent, the protests brought international attention to Kenya’s struggles under Ruto’s leadership.

While the OCCRP judges ultimately awarded the title to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for his devastating legacy of war crimes and corruption, the judges acknowledged the nomination as a reflection of public outrage at corruption and economic mismanagement in Kenya.

As Kenya heads into a new year, the pressure on Ruto to address corruption and economic issues remains at an all-time high.

Court Orders Government to ‘Produce’ Six Missing Kenyans

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Gerald Gekara

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December 30, 2024

The High Court has ordered the National Police Service to immediately release six people who were reportedly abducted.

The missing individuals—Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo—must be freed unconditionally, according to the ruling.

The court’s decision followed an application by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which argued that the individuals were being held unlawfully.

The Inspector General of Police has been directed to ensure this order is followed and warned that failure to comply will result in serious legal consequences, including contempt of court charges.

In addition, the court has summoned top leaders of constitutional bodies accused of involvement in the abductions.

They are required to appear in court to explain why these rights violations occurred, either under their command or by their officers.

The court emphasized that such actions violate basic human rights protected by the Constitution. LSK has promised to push for strict penalties if the orders are ignored.

As public protests over abductions continue, many hope this decision will help curb future violations.

The case will proceed to a full hearing in the coming weeks.

Al-Shabaab Finance Chief Killed in Somali Airstrike

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Gerald Gekara

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December 30, 2024

Written By Lisa Murimi

Villa Somalia has confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire Jama, also known as Abu Abdirahman, a top al-Shabaab leader, in an airstrike conducted last week in Kunyo Barrow, Lower Shabelle region.

The operation, carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) with U.S. support, marks a significant milestone in the fight against the militant group.

Mohamed Mire Jama served as al-Shabaab’s finance boss during the Westgate Mall (2013) and DusitD2 (2019) terror attacks.

The U.S. had designated him a global terrorist, citing his role in overseeing the group’s operations and strategic decisions.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike, which killed two militants and reported no civilian casualties.

“This operation reflects the ongoing partnership to degrade al-Shabaab and enhance regional security,” AFRICOM stated.

Mohamed was listed among other senior al-Shabaab figures, including Yasir Jiis, Yusuf Ahmed Hajji Nurow, and Mustaf Abdi Aden, who played key roles in the group’s intelligence and attack planning.

The strike follows the killing of Maalim Ayman in a similar operation last year. Ayman was linked to the 2020 Manda Bay attack that claimed three U.S. lives.

The latest operation underscores Somalia’s and the U.S.’s commitment to combating terrorism in East Africa.

Arrests Made as Anti-Abduction Protests Erupt in Mombasa

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Editor

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December 30, 2024

Written By Lisa Murimi

Several individuals were arrested in Mombasa on Monday morning, December 30, as anti-abduction protests intensified across Kenya.

The demonstrations, sparked by an online campaign criticizing the government, saw anti-riot police on high alert.

In Mombasa, authorities acted swiftly to disperse protesters gathering in the city center, displaying zero tolerance for mass action.

Footage shared online captured anti-riot officers clashing briefly with demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans.

The situation escalated when two vocal protestors were forcibly apprehended and bundled into police vehicles.

The arrests were reportedly made for alleged “obstruction,” although no official statement has been issued.

In a separate video, a police officer was seen warning protestors to relocate their demonstrations to Nairobi if they wished to continue picketing.

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, demonstrators gathered in the Central Business District (CBD), carrying placards denouncing the Kenya Kwanza government.

Anti-riot officers maintained a strong presence, deploying water cannons and blocking major roads leading into the CBD.

Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) were barred from entering the city center, with Kenyatta Avenue closed to traffic by midday.

Among the demonstrators in Nairobi was Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, a vocal government critic, lending his support to the protests.

Authorities remain on high alert as tensions persist nationwide.

Deadly Clash Between KWS Rangers and Herders in Tsavo East National Park

By

Gerald Gekara

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December 30, 2024

Written By Lisa Murimi

One person was killed, and several others were injured following a confrontation between Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and herders on the evening of Sunday, December 29.

According to KWS, the incident occurred at Yakalicha, 16 kilometers inside Tsavo East National Park, during a routine patrol.

Rangers encountered 30 herders who had illegally entered the park.

The situation escalated when the herders, armed with poisoned arrows, reportedly attacked the rangers.

In the ensuing clash, one herder was fatally injured, while a ranger narrowly escaped death after being struck by a poisoned arrow.

KWS expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and regretted the breakdown of relations with the Kone community, traditionally known for its peaceful coexistence with the Service.

In their statement, KWS accused Garsen MP Guyo Ali Wario of inciting the local community to invade the park with false promises of land acquisition.

This conflict highlights ongoing tensions over grazing and water resources in the Tana Delta Sub-County, with Asa-Kone village serving as a hotspot for disputes.

KWS confirmed the incident has been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Service urged for peaceful dialogue to resolve the long-standing issues