MCAs Call Off Strike, Give Senate Ultimatum To Solve Salaries Stalemate

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July 18, 2023

Members of the County Assemblies across the country have now called off their three-month strike to pave the way for the Senate to investigate their grievances.

Through the Association of Members of County Assemblies (AMCA), they have agreed to resume their plenaries in the assembly awaiting recommendations by the Senate.

In May, members of 35 county assemblies downed tools to agitate for a review of their salaries from the current Sh86,000 to the previous Sh165,000 which was slashed by SRC.

The association accused the County Assembly Forum (CAF) that is composed of Speakers of misleading the SRC on the issue of their salaries and ward fund.

According to the association Secretary-General Stanley Karanja, their meeting with the Senate two weeks ago had borne fruits and hence the need to call off the strike.

He said that the leaders of AMCA had met the Deputy President, COG chair and the Committee of Devolution in the Senate to discuss the grievances.

“After consultations, we have decided to call off our strike and continue with our plenaries as we wait for the report from the Senate,” he said.

The Naivasha East MCA was however quick to warn that the association would not hesitate to call for another strike if their demands were not met.

He noted that it was becoming near impossible for MCAs to conduct their duty of oversight due to low funding by the counties.

“We are not calling for a salary increase but for SRC to recall its directive to have our salaries slashed as this is against the law and immoral,” he said.

Addressing the press in Naivasha, Karanja pointed an accusing finger at the County Assembly Forum for allegedly backstabbing them as they defended their salaries.

“The Association of Members of County Assemblies will from now henceforth review the salaries of the Speakers who are earning Sh644,000 from Sh265,000,” he promised.

Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua admitted that it had been agonizing time for county assemblies following the standoff which had adversely affected budgetary allocation.

“The county assembly is the defender of devolution and we thank the Senate for intervening on this issue that has adversely affected service delivery,” he said.

This was echoed by his Viwandani counterpart Mwangi Muraya who said that they had hope and belief that the Senate would address the grievances of MCAs.

“We shall resume our role of oversight as we wait for the Senate’s report but we shall not hesitate to down tools if our grievances are not addressed,” he said.

US Lobby Groups Urge Biden to Pause Trade Talks Until President Ruto Vetoes Anti-LGBTQ Bill

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John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

Nearly 50 lobbying groups are urging America’s President Joe Biden’s administration to halt engagement talks with Kenya until President William Ruto rejects an anti-gay bill introduced by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.

Kaluma’s “Family Protection Bill” submitted to Parliament seeks to criminalise homosexuality, same-sex marriages, and LGBTQ practises.

Lobby groups now want the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) talks to be halted until the Head of State acts.

“In partnership with LGBTQI+ groups in Kenya, we reiterate our request that you pause STIP negotiations until President Ruto commits to vetoing this bill,” the lobby groups told the Biden administration in a letter addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai.

“Pausing the trade talks aligns with the Biden Administration’s position of defending LGBTQI+ rights globally. This move would advance a worker-centered, inclusive trade policy. Moreover, stopping trade talks would send a message to countries around the world that the United States.”

The lobby wants Tai to ask Ruto and Trade CS Moses Kuria to commit to opposing any bill or policy that would impose new anti-LGBTQ+ criminal penalties on Kenyans.

They have launched a petition drive to collect 10,000 signatures in order to halt the trade talks.
If Kaluma’s bill is passed, homosexual convicts’ rights to assembly, demonstration, association, expression, belief, privacy, and employment in childcare institutions will be restricted.

Furthermore, the bill forbids homosexual adoption and sex acts on animals. Kaluma has also stated that homosexuality should be punished because it is illegal in Kenya.

Similarly, Kaluma’s bill seeks to outlaw sexual health, as well as sexual health rights and education.

If passed, the bill will protect parents’ and guardians’ prior rights to their children’s education.

It will reaffirm parents’ rights to be informed about, and consent to, sexuality education and abortion procedures involving their children.

“It seeks to ban comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools education programs,” he said as quoted by the Star.

M-PESA Foundation Invests KES 27 Million Towards A Maternal And Child Health Unit In Makueni

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

More than 15,000 residents of Mbooni East in Makueni County are set to benefit from improved maternal and child health services after the M-PESA Foundation and the county government opened a newly constructed Maternal and Child Health Unit at Tawa sub-County Hospital.

The Foundation invested KES 27 million in the project while Makueni County government equipped the facility at a cost of KES 4.8 million. The health facility will be crucial in reducing referrals and bringing services closer to residents of Mbooni sub-County. It will also contribute to reducing maternal and child health mortality.

“In our efforts to curb maternal and infant mortality, the M-PESA Foundation has partnered with several counties to enhance service delivery. That is why we have intervened here in Makueni County to bring services closer to the people and transform as many lives as possible,” said Nicholas Nganga, Chairman, M-PESA Foundation.

The Foundation has ongoing maternal health projects at Ndhiwa sub-County Hospital in Homa Bay, Makwa Dispensary in Kiambu, Talek Community Hospital in Narok and Brase Clinic in Migori County.

CJ Koome Names 3-Judge Bench To Hear Case Challenging Finance Act

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John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed a three-judge bench to hear and decide the case challenging the Finance Act of 2023.

Justices David Majanja( Presiding), Lawrence Mogambi and Christine Meori will set a date when the matter will be mentioned for hearing.

The Finance Bill was suspended by Justice Mugure Thande, who directed that the file be brought before the Chief Justice for further instructions.

The petitioners, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition, want the high court to overturn the Act’s implementation, claiming that it was rushed through parliament without public participation.

They argue that the Act is unconstitutional and should not be implemented because it will harm many Kenyans who are already suffering.

The government, through Attorney General Justin Muturi, filed preliminary objections to have the petitions dismissed, but these were rejected by Justice Thande on the grounds that the applicant raised serious issues that needed to be heard.

As a result, the judge extended the conservatory orders suspending the Act until the case is heard and decided.

Sofía Vergara, Joe Manganiello Confirm Divorce

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

Actress Sofia Vergara and husband Joe Manganiello have announced they are divorcing after seven years of marriage.

The couple, who married in 2015, confirmed the news on Monday as they issued a statement through their representatives.

The statement read: “We have made the difficult decision to divorce.

“As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.”

The Standard has contacted Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello’s reps for comment.

The Modern Family, 51, actor wed Manganiello in a lavish Palm Beach wedding back in 2015.

The two actors first met in 2014 while attending the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and went on their first date weeks later following her split from then boyfriend, Nick Loeb.

The couple wed in 2015 after a whirlwind romance (Getty Images)

After dating for six months, Manganiello got down on bended knee and popped the question.

Reflecting on their relationship in 2015, Manganiello admitted his other half had reservations about dating again, as she had recently ended her four-year relationship with Loeb.

The Magic Mike star told Haute Living of their feelings for one another: “But we knew right away, and she knew she was screwed.

“I said to her, ‘If you need to be single, go do it and do it now if that’s what you need to do,’ and she didn’t.

“She tried to stay away from actors, and I tried to stay away from actresses as much as possible, because of the fear of being away from each other.

“What happened then was that we wound up in relationships with people who didn’t understand us.”

News of their divorce comes as Vergara recently celebrated her birthday while holidaying in Italy.

Although sharing posts from her trip on Instagram, Manganiello was noticeably absent from any photos she posted.

Apple Music Set To Debut Burna Boy’s Landmark London Stadium Show

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

Apple Music Live is set to debut global superstar Burna Boy’s extraordinary performance at the London Stadium.

The historic concert, which marked the first time an African artist headlined a stadium show, was held on June 3 and will be available to stream on Apple Music Live on Wednesday, July 19, at 12pm.

The London Stadium show precedes the singer’s recent triumph as the first African artist to sell out a stadium show in the United States, filling 41 000 seats on July 8 at New York’s Citi Field Stadium.

In April, the artist also sold out Madison Square Garden with over 30 000 tickets purchased.

Apple Music Live is a live performance series that gives the biggest stars in music a stage to connect with audiences around the world.

So far, the series has featured Ed Sheeran’s latest album “- (Subract)” and stand-out performances from Harry Styles’s “One Night Only in New York” performance and Billie Eilish’s “Live at the O2” performance, among others.

In the historic performance, the Nigerian artist showcases his biggest hits and fan favourites, including “Last Last”, “Sittin’ On Top of the World”, “Ye”, and “Real Life”, with special guest appearances from Stormzy, J Hus, Dave and Popcaan.

“I had an unforgettable experience performing at London Stadium,” Burna Boy said of the show.

‘’The energy from the crowd was unmatched, and I’m grateful to all my fans for their unwavering support.

“Being featured in Apple Music Live is an incredible opportunity to share this historic moment with my fans worldwide.

“I’m excited for everyone to witness the magic we created that night. Special thanks to Apple Music for capturing and showcasing the performance. Stay tuned for an epic celebration of music and culture,” said the “Last Last” hitmaker.

Apple Music’s global head of hip hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, said, “Burna Boy is a force of nature whose global rise shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Darden’s interview with the global artist will air on July 18 on Apple Music 1. “We’re thrilled to be able to present such a historic and career spanning performance to Burna’s fans around the world,” he said.

Mathare United Announces Recruitment Exercise In Preparation For NSL Season

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

Mathare United, recently relegated from the Kenyan Premier League, has announced a three-day recruitment exercise as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 National Super League season.

The trials will commence on Monday, 24th July, and will be held at the Goan Institute grounds in Pangani, Nairobi, starting at 9 AM each day.

Following their relegation from the top tier of Kenyan football, Mathare United has wasted no time in preparing for their campaign in the National Super League.

The team’s management initiated the recruitment exercise to identify new talents that will bolster their squad and help them secure promotion back to the Kenyan Premier League.

“We are determined to bounce back stronger and regain our position in the top flight,” said a spokesperson from Mathare United. “The recruitment exercise is an essential part of our strategy to assemble a competitive team for the upcoming season. We are looking for talented players who have the potential to contribute significantly to our goals.”

The trials will be open to players from across the country who are interested in joining Mathare United.

Aspiring footballers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and impress the team’s coaching staff during the three-day exercise. The selection process will involve various training drills, friendly matches, and assessments by the technical unit.

Preparations for the 2023/24 season began immediately after the conclusion of the previous campaign. As part of their restructuring efforts, Mathare United formed a new technical unit that will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s playing style and tactics.

The details of the new technical staff are set to be unveiled in due course, indicating the team’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.

As the three-day recruitment exercise approaches, Mathare United aims to identify talented individuals who will complement the existing squad and contribute to the team’s success.

With their sights set on securing promotion back to the Kenyan Premier League, Mathare United is eager to build a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level of Kenyan football once again.

Can Kipyegon Bag Another World Record In Monaco?

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

World record holder in the 1500 and 5000m, Faith Kipyegon, is scheduled to race the mile (1600m) at this year’s Monaco Diamond League (DL) slated for Friday 21 July.

Kipyegon broke the 1500m world record at the Florence Diamond League on June 2nd before following up with an even more breathtaking record in the 5000m in Paris a week later.

As she heads to Monaco where she was initially scheduled to race her specialty, the 1500m, before a change was made to have her go for mile, all eyes are on the 29-year-old as she goes for yet another piece of record.

Her feat in Florence and Paris made her the first athlete in DL history to break the world record in two separate disciplines on the circuit.

Many are eager to see her go one better and claim a third world record of 2023 as she is certainly the firm favourite in the race.

The two-time Olympic champion who last raced the mile in 2016 holds a personal best time of 4:16.71 in the distance, a time recorded in Boudewijnstadion, Bruxelles in Belgium.

Rival Sifan Hassan of Netherlands holds the world record in the sparingly- competed distance with a time of 4:12.33 which should be Kipyegon’s target in Monaco.

Hassan’s time has stood for four years, having been set on 12 July 2019 and was coincidentally set in Monaco.

Kipyegon goes up against Olympics silver medalist and Commonwealth Games champion in 1500m, Great Britain’s Laura Muir, World Indoor silver medalist Freweyni Hailu, 2018 African bronze medalist Habitam Alemu, Australian Jessica Hull among others.

The DL points she amasses will still go towards the 1500m qualification campaign even as the mile presens a new challenge for Kipyegon, who last ran the distance at a DL meeting in Oslo in 2016.

Murang’a Seal Reflects On Successful Season With Thanksgiving Mass

By

John Mutiso

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July 18, 2023

After a successful season which saw them gain promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) for the first time, Murang’a Seal FC assembled at Mumbi Catholic Church, Murang’a on Monday for a Thanksgiving Mass.

“God above everything,” the team proclaimed.

SEAL, an acronym for Sports Excellence Academy Limited, had a great run in the just ended National Super League (NSL) – finishing second behind champions Shabana FC.

Both sides gained promotion to the top tier set to begin in August for the 2023-24 season.

“We took time to thank God for his mercies and protection throughout the season. We went to Mumbi Catholic Church, Murang’a today to proclaim that we have seen the hand of God.”

SEAL would have tasted Premier League action last season, but management confusion in Kenyan football saw them miss the opportunity after the disputed 2021-22 season, run by government appointed Caretaker Committee was scrapped.

Founded by Robert Macharia, a lawyer who was inspired after attending a Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal in England and after visiting Southampton FC famous football academy, ambitious SEAL is already planning for life on the table of men.

The St. Sebastian Park club are expected to let go of up to ten players with coach Vincent Nyaberi looking to create a competitive squad for their FKFPL debut.

Players whose contracts with the team came to an end in June were not offered extensions while others will be put up for sale or involved in swap deals.

Right back Gedion Were, former Tusker Youth player Cetric Atsango, John Mwangi, Alvin Odoyo, creative midfielder Erick Sinje and Henry Omollo have been released from the club upon expiry of their contracts.

SEAL will begin their season with a potential thriller against Police FC on Sunday, 27th August 2023.

MOH Explores Partnerships To Improve Cancer Services In The Country

By

Vanessa Kariuki

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July 18, 2023

Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni held a productive meeting with the Ambassador of Sweden to Kenya, H.E Caroline Vicini.

The discussions centered around exploring collaborations throughout the entire cancer management value chain.

Focus areas included raising awareness of cancer, developing screening programmes, and improving treatment options.

Through substantial investments in the field, the Kenyan government has demonstrated its dedication to improving cancer prevention, treatment, and management services.

The Ministry of Health is actively looking for strategic collaborations as part of its ongoing efforts to guarantee affordable and top-notch cancer services for all citizens.

Swedish pharmaceutical firms AstraZeneca and Elekta have already been helpful partners to the Ministry of Health, aiding cancer treatment and vaccination distribution.

Also in order to advance the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal, the Principal Secretary emphasized that the government intends to take advantage of these current relationships.

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