Nvidia and AMD to Hand Over 15% of China AI-Chip Sales Revenue to U.S. Officials Say.

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August 11, 2025

By Ian Maleve

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to remit 15 percent of their revenues from AI chip sales to China to the U.S. government under a rare export licensing arrangement, according to U.S. officials.

The deal applies specifically to Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 semiconductors and marks an unusual precedent in trade and technology policy.

This revenue-sharing condition emerged after prior restrictions on exporting high-end chips to China. The U.S. Commerce Department began approving licenses for Nvidia’s H20 exports on Friday, followed by AMD’s MI308 over the weekend.

The agreement was reportedly reached following a meeting between Nvidia’s CEO and President Trump, signaling a shift in the U.S. export stance amid growing global competition in artificial intelligence.

While Nvidia has stated that it adheres to U.S. export rules, AMD declined to comment. Some U.S. officials have framed the agreement not only as a revenue tool but also as a strategic lever to better control AI technology transfers to China.

Security experts, however, have expressed concern that tying export access to revenue-sharing could undermine the credibility of export controls and contravene constitutional provisions against export taxes.

Analysts estimate that Nvidia could garner as much as $23 billion from H20 chip sales in China in 2025 a figure that contextualizes why even a 15 percent cut could be substantial. AMD, meanwhile is positioned to capture significant revenue through MI308 exports in the same market.

The deal’s financial implications extend beyond Nvidia and AMD. Taiwan Semiconductor, responsible for manufacturing many of these chips, also saw its stock rise, driven by investor anticipation of renewed demand.

Nvidia and AMD stocks likewise benefited from the positive market sentiment generated by the resumption of Chinese sales.

While the U.S. has yet to clarify how the funds will be used, the arrangement reflects a broader recalibration of export policy where foreign market access is now intertwined with revenue-sharing mechanisms.

Critics argue that such a model distorts market dynamics and blurs the line between regulatory oversight and revenue generation.

In summary, this groundbreaking revenue-sharing deal underscores the fraught balance between maintaining technological dominance, securing economic returns, and navigating geopolitical realities in the evolving AI and semiconductor landscape.

Nyamira County Ordered to Pay Former Employees Sh24.6m

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Gerald Gekara

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August 11, 2025

The High Court in Nyamira has ordered the county government to pay Sh24.6 million to five former employees whose contracts were unlawfully terminated.

Justice Wilfrida Okwany directed the county to pay the decretal sum of Sh24,592,372 to Tonny Bironga, Evelyne Mogere, Johnson Nyandika, Rebecca Okari, Nicodemus Nyamweya, and Patrick Mamboleo within a reasonable timeline.

The court also temporarily halted the arrest and six-month imprisonment of County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Jones Omwenga, Chief Officer Asenath Maobe, and County Secretary Jack Magara. The three had been facing warrants of arrest issued on 3 January 2025 for failing to comply with an earlier order to pay the amount, as directed by the court on 4 July 2024.

Justice Okwany extended the payment timelines following a request from county officials but declined to set aside the warrants entirely, instructing the officers to submit a “reasonable proposal” for settlement.

Bironga, the lead claimant, had moved the court seeking a mandamus order to compel payment, alongside Sh810,925 in costs, and asked for the officers to be cited for contempt. A consent agreement reached on 31 October 2024 had committed the county to pay Sh39.9 million in two instalments across two financial years, but the first instalment due in December 2024 or March 2025 was not honoured.

Instead, county officers filed an application seeking a stay of execution and an extension of time to settle the sum.

Justice Okwany noted that the dispute had originally been determined by the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kericho and that her court’s involvement was limited to enforcing compliance with the consent orders.

She ruled that reopening the question of jurisdiction was unnecessary, stating the matter had been resolved and now centred solely on default in payment.

‘Fistful of Dollars and Rice’ for Vietnam’s Farmers Displaced by $1.5 Billion Trump-Branded Golf Resort.

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Ian Maleve

Villagers in Hung Yen province, Vietnam, are expressing alarm over nominal compensation packages offered to them after being ordered to vacate farmland for a proposed $1.5 billion golf resort to be developed under the Trump brand.

Despite the sprawling 990-hectare site slated for luxury development, compensation proposals amounting to just $12 to $30 per square metre supplemented with rice provisions have sparked widespread outcry.

One such farmer, Nguyen Thi Huong, recounted sleepless nights since being told to cede her 200-square-metre plot an area smaller than a tennis court for barely $3,200, plus rice.

She voiced fears over losing her livelihood, especially given her age and limited alternatives for income generation. Her plight is echoed by many older villagers who have cultivated fruit crops, such as bananas and longan, for decades.

Although the Trump brand will operate the resort once completed, compensation responsibility falls on local authorities and developer Kinhbac City. The company licensed the Trump name for $5 million; the Trump family is not involved in compensation disputes or direct investment.

Villagers argue such modest payouts are particularly unfair given the private, profit-driven nature of the project.

Initially, compensation forecasts exceeded $500 million, but these expectations were later slashed by authorities. Documents reviewed by Reuters suggest final compensation decisions are expected next month, with some families receiving rice provisions for up to one year as part of the package.

While authorities insist the rates align with local benchmarks in some instances consistent with national compensation averages affected residents see little justice in exchanging generational homes for a few months’ worth of grain and insufficient monetary redress. Amid promises from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of “fair reimbursement,” villagers argue that such reassurances offer cold comfort when faced with the loss of lifetimes of labor and identity rooted in their land.

President Ruto Hands Over Tools to 15,000 Youths in Nairobi Empowerment Drive.

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

Thousands of young men and women from across Nairobi County turned up at State House on Saturday morning for an empowerment event hosted by President William Ruto, braving the chilly weather to take part in the programme.

The gathering brought together beneficiaries from 1,115 groups representing all 17 constituencies in the county. Each group received equipment tailored to their earlier requests, aimed at starting or boosting income-generating ventures.

Among the allocations, 380 groups received 380 tents and 38,000 chairs one tent and 100 chairs per group, while over 200 groups were given car wash stations. Another 120 groups got public address systems, 80 benefited from catering kits, and 63 groups received a total of 245 motorbikes.

Other distributed items included tailoring machines, salon and barber kits, juice vending machines, egg trolleys, pool tables, large format printers, street photography gear, and rickshaws. Forty-nine women’s groups were given 300 sewing machines, seven groups received wood-cutting machines, and six were issued with fully equipped posho mills. Additional beneficiaries walked away with industrial ovens, welding machines, and carpet cleaning equipment.

Entertainment for the day was provided by some of Nairobi’s top DJs and performers, including Bahati and Toxic Lyrikali.

Addressing the 15,000-strong crowd, President Ruto vowed that the empowerment programme would continue without interruption, despite criticism. He insisted the initiative was essential to boosting the economic independence of Kenyans.

“We want to tell those criticising empowerment that we have no plans to stop the initiative. In fact, we are expanding it to the wards across the country to reach more people,” he said.

The President revealed that, in partnership with the World Bank, the government would provide KSh50,000 each to 70 young people in every one of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, reaching a total of 100,000 beneficiaries.

“We are empowering 70 youths from each ward so that they can start small businesses in our effort to make them economically independent,” he stated.

He also defended the Hustler Fund, dismissing detractors as being out of touch with ordinary Kenyans’ realities. “These people are lecturing us from posh hotels and taking tea worth KSh1,000 a cup do not know the problems facing hustlers at the grassroots,” he remarked.

On political matters, Ruto dismissed threats of limiting him to a single term. “We will never succumb to the threats of one term by leaders who have no agenda for this country,” he said, emphasising that Kenyans hold the ultimate decision-making power.

He further pledged to maintain a broad-based government as a way of uniting the country. “I am committed to the transformation of this country. We must eliminate tribal hatred and divisive politics,” he affirmed.

The event was attended by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Woman Representative Esther Passaris, MPs Beatrice Elachi, John Kiarie, Felix Odiwuor Jalang’o, Peter Orero, Mark Mwenje, Anthony Oluoch, George Aladwa, TJ Kajwang, Ronald Karauri, Tim Wanyonyi, nominated MPs Karen Nyamu and Tabitha Mutinda, along with MCAs from across the county.

Pedestrian Dies After Being Hit on Thika Road Near Garden City.

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

A man was killed on Saturday after being struck by a speeding car while crossing Thika Road near Garden City Mall.

Witnesses said the victim had been running from Homeland Restaurant toward the mall when he attempted to dash across the busy eight-lane highway just below a footbridge. He was hit by one vehicle before being run over by another.

Bystanders worked together to pull his body from beneath one of the cars. Police had not yet arrived to collect the body, causing a heavy traffic jam along the highway. Eyewitnesses said the man ignored the nearby footbridge, opting to cross the road on foot.

Taiwan Pushes for Lower U.S. Tariffs Amid Ongoing Trade Talks

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga.

Taiwan is pressing ahead with negotiations for more favorable tariff rates following the imposition of a 20% levy by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun said on Monday.

Speaking at a news briefing, Cheng said Taiwan’s objective was to secure “a better and more reasonable tariff rate” from Washington, adding that talks were ongoing and progress would be reported to the island’s parliament. The discussions are running alongside a U.S. national security investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Taiwan currently has the sixth-largest trade deficit with the U.S., with semiconductors accounting for about 90% of that imbalance.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chip maker, is a major supplier to technology giants such as Nvidia. Tariff rates for semiconductors, electronics, and information and communication technology key components of Taiwan’s U.S. bound exports will be determined in separate sector-specific negotiations.

Eldoret Police Probe Shocking Parcel Containing Human Fingers, Bullets.

By

Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Police in Eldoret have launched investigations after a man received a disturbing parcel containing three human fingers and six bullets.

According to authorities, the middle-aged man reported to Eldoret Central Police Station on Friday after being called by a boda boda rider to collect the package in the town’s CBD.

He told police that upon opening the envelope, he was shocked to find the severed fingers and ammunition. Alarmed, he raised the alarm, attracting bystanders who quickly alerted the police. Officers who arrived at the scene transferred the fingers to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary for preservation and examination. The bullets are being held at Eldoret Central Police Station for ballistic analysis.

Police say the sender of the parcel remains unknown, while the boda boda rider who delivered it is assisting detectives with investigations.

DIG Lagat: Only DPP Can Decide on Charging Me in Ojwang Murder Case.

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat has told the court that only the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has the constitutional mandate to decide whether he should face charges over the death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang.

Through his lawyer, Cecil Miller, Lagat argued that any attempt by the court to compel the DPP to prosecute him would amount to an unlawful usurpation of powers and set a dangerous precedent undermining prosecutorial independence.

“The petitioners’ prayer to have this court compel the DPP to prosecute the 11th Respondent is an improper attempt to take over the functions of independent institutions,” his submissions read in part. “This court cannot declare someone guilty without a trial nor direct the DPP to prosecute absent evidence of constitutional failure.”

Lagat, who has denied involvement in the alleged arrest, torture, and killing of Ojwang, said both the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the DPP investigated the matter and found no evidence linking him to the incident. He stated that IPOA conducted thorough investigations, after which the DPP reviewed the file and only charged individuals deemed culpable.

The DIG added that he voluntarily stepped aside from his duties to allow unfettered investigations, insisting that his continued service does not violate any constitutional provisions.

“The blanket allegation that I am a prime suspect is defamatory and unsupported by any investigative finding. The law does not impute liability simply because of rank or office, absent proof of personal involvement,” he said in court papers. Lagat further noted that he was not present at the scene, issued no unlawful instructions, and had no operational role in the incident, his position being purely administrative and command-based. He maintained that the petitioners’ claims linking his office to the arrest, torture, and death of Ojwang were unsupported by direct, circumstantial, or inferential evidence.

Leaders Urge FKF to Fix Ticketing System After CHAN 2024 Entry Chaos

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is under mounting pressure to overhaul its ticketing system after widespread chaos and frustration marred Sunday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 match between Kenya and Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Hundreds of fans — many clutching what appeared to be valid tickets — were turned away after their passes were flagged as already scanned. Victims alleged they had unknowingly bought duplicate tickets from unscrupulous vendors who bulk-purchased and resold them to multiple buyers. The debacle sparked renewed concerns about corruption and inefficiencies in FKF’s operations. Former nominated MP Wilson Sossion, speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, called for a complete overhaul of the system. “If we need to monetize the creative economy and football, we must have a very efficient ticketing system that enables FKF to collect the desired revenue. These fraudsters are spoiling the broth. Corruption and inefficiencies within the FKF ticketing system must be dealt with,” he said.

Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo suggested the federation and government adopt alternative fan accommodation strategies, including setting up large viewing screens in other locations, to ease pressure on stadiums with limited capacity. “We also have more supporters than we can accommodate. The stampedes you see are teething problems,” he noted.

Tensions peaked on Sunday when some fans, frustrated by the lockout, attempted to scale the perimeter fence to gain entry, triggering a near-stampede. Despite heavy security, several breaches occurred, raising safety concerns and risking further penalties from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The incidents follow a recent CAF fine of KSh2.5 million against FKF for crowd control lapses, along with a warning of harsher sanctions if such scenes are repeated during the tournament, which Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania.

Public scrutiny is now intensifying over the unregulated ticket resale market outside Kasarani, with calls for FKF to urgently tighten controls before the situation escalates further.

Flooding Forces Temporary Closure of Mexico City’s Main Airport.

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Editor

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August 11, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport halted operations for several hours on Sunday after torrential rains flooded parts of the capital and drastically reduced visibility, officials said.

In a statement posted on its official X account before 9:00 p.m. local time (0300 GMT), the airport announced that “due to heavy rainfall this afternoon and based on reports of low visibility… the aeronautical authority has ordered the suspension of landing and takeoff operations for the next three hours.” The measure was aimed at draining accumulated rainwater and restoring safe operational conditions. The airport one of Latin America’s busiest, handling 45.4 million passengers in 2024 was among several parts of the city affected by the downpour. Floodwaters reached up to 50 centimeters (19 inches) in some neighborhoods, disrupting traffic and prompting the Mexico City government to activate a “purple alert,” the highest warning level, for central districts of the metropolis of over nine million residents.

Heavy storms are common in Mexico between May and November. This year’s rainy season follows a series of severe weather events, including June’s Hurricane Erick, which battered southern coastal communities and left two dead. Last year, the country was hit by multiple deadly hurricanes, among them October’s Category 5 Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco and killed dozens, and September’s Hurricane John, a Category 3 storm that caused about 15 deaths.

Operations at Benito Juarez International Airport gradually resumed late Sunday night as floodwaters receded and visibility improved.

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