USIU Vice Chancellor Margee Ensign Resigns

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August 8, 2023

United States International University(USIU) Vice Chancellor Margee Ensign has resigned barely a year after working at the institution.

In a statement released on Monday, University Council chair Kris Senanu said Ensign resigned due to health-related issues.

“It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that I, on behalf of the University announce the departure of Vice Chancellor Prof. Margee Ensign. Ensign has been faced with personal medical challenges related to the altitude in Nairobi, and her doctors have advised that she cannot live and work here,” said Kananu.

The University’s council and board have expressed gratitude for the immense achievements that Ensign contributed to during her short stay in the institution.

Ensign has been praised for boosting the enrolment of new students, setting a reinvigorated strategic plan, and implementing a new organizational structure.

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor has also been commended for her engagement with external audiences of the institution.

“Community outreach initiatives, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations within the university vicinity and demonstrating her commitment to supporting those in need. Prof. Ensign’s outstanding leadership, effective teamwork, and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders both internally and externally have nurtured a positive and productive work environment, promoting a sense of unity (We are One) among all,” Kananu added.

Following Ensign’s exit, Lola Odubekun was picked to serve the institution as the interim Vice Chancellor effective September 1, 2023.

Odubekun is a member of the USIU-Africa University Council and has also served as Chair in the past.

She is a social scientist with a professional background in law and over 25 years of high-level experience in criminal justice research, advocacy, and grants management.

Pope Francis Closes World Youth Day With Rallying Call: Be Not Afraid

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Editor

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August 8, 2023

Written By Lisa Murimi

The eagerly anticipated World Youth Day held in Lisbon has concluded on a triumphant note, drawing thousands of young people from across the globe to join in a celebration of faith, unity, and inspiration.

The event, marked by its spiritual vigour and the participation of Pope Francis himself, has left an indelible mark on both the host city and the hearts of attendees.

Under the theme “Mary arose and went with haste,” the week-long gathering was a convergence of diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Pilgrims engaged in prayer, reflection, and meaningful discussions on topics ranging from social justice to environmental stewardship. Workshops, music performances, and testimonies provided a rich platform for youthful expressions of faith and hope.

The crowning moment arrived with the presence of Pope Francis, whose poignant messages resonated deeply with the youth.

“Be not afraid,” Pope Francis exhorted young Catholics at the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, echoing St. John Paul II’s well-known appeal.

“Dear young people, I would like to look into each one of your eyes and tell you: Be not afraid, be not afraid,” he said on Aug. 6 on a beautiful morning in what organizers named the “Field of Grace.”

Lisbon, with its historic charm and vibrant energy, served as an ideal backdrop for this international gathering. As the event drew to a close, participants departed with renewed spirits, strengthened connections, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place.

World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon has undeniably left an enduring impact, showcasing the power of faith and the potential of young people to shape a brighter future. The event’s success reinforces the importance of fostering dialogue, unity, and intergenerational collaboration on a global scale.

IG Koome: Leaders Hiring Dead Bodies From Mortuaries To Intimidate Police

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koomehas accused “some senior members of the society” of hiring dead bodies and blaming them on police to demoralise their services and intimidate them.

Speaking at the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, Koome argued that the leaders have been parading bodies so as to implicate police officers as being behind the killings.

“We have seen in the recent past, and very unfortunate, senior members of society going to mortuaries, hiring dead bodies, calling the media to tell them that they were killed by police officers. How low can some of our leaders be?” he posed.

IG Koome said that police officers have the responsibility of protecting lives, and property and ensuring the country is secure and safe.

“The propaganda out there will not discourage us,” the IG said adding that the police would not be intimidated by threats of the ICC or court proceedings.

“We cannot allow what is happening in our neighbouring countries happen in our own county.”

IG Koome warned the opposition against returning to the streets, saying that officers would deal with violent protestors.

He argued that Kenyans pay taxes that finance the purchase of police equipment and that officers would utilise all the resources available to them to restore normalcy and peace.

“I am asking your young men, don’t allow politicians to use you for their selfish gains,” he stated.

“You have seen my officers who have been injured, with blood dripping from their faces. You expect me as a police officer who has been badly injured, yet armed with a gun, to call you for a handshake? I will deal with you properly. The gun is not a walking stick,” IG Koome said.

He added that those who attack police officers and police stations would be met with equal force.

He commended police officers for their actions during the protests, saying that if he had medals he would give all of them.

IG Koome concluded that Kenyans should let the planned talks between the government and the opposition proceed without engaging in violence.

Viral Alabama River Boat Fight Ends In Arrests

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Editor

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August 8, 2023

Written By Lisa Murimi

A shocking incident aboard a riverboat in Montgomery, Alabama, has taken the internet by storm as a video capturing a heated brawl between locals went viral.

According to witnesses, the incident began when a worker attempted to clear the wharf along the Alabama River so that the Harriott II Riverboat could land.

When the dock worker untied the boat to make space for the Harriott II, a bunch of unruly boaters attacked him.

The video shows a gang of what appear to be white individuals running to the boardwalk one by one and attacking the Black worker.

Following the initial attack, numerous individuals appeared to come to the worker’s aid, with one even swimming from the Harriott II across to the pier to join the brawl. Police resorted to witnesses for assistance in identifying the aggressors.

The chaotic scene shows punches being thrown and individuals grappling with each other, while alarmed fellow passengers attempt to intervene and restore order.

https://twitter.com/JazzmonBaker/status/1688749445700050945?s=20

Local authorities were quick to respond to the incident, and several individuals involved in the brawl were detained for questioning.

The viral riverboat fight has become a talking point not only in Montgomery but across social media platforms. The video has sparked widespread outrage and conversations about the need for conflict resolution and better passenger behaviour guidelines on such leisure excursions.

MrBeast Faces $100 Million Lawsuit Over Virtual Burger Restaurant

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Editor

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August 8, 2023

Written By Lisa Karimi

MrBeast, a well-known YouTuber and philanthropist whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is involved in a court struggle with Virtual Dining Concepts, which is demanding $100 million in damages.

The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and fraud, claiming that MrBeast failed to fulfill his contractual obligations and misrepresented certain aspects of their partnership.

MrBeast Burger, a concept that offers virtual food delivery services through popular food delivery apps, quickly gained popularity for its creative menu items and unique marketing strategies.

However, Virtual Dining Concepts contends that the success of the venture was overshadowed by alleged mismanagement and discrepancies in financial agreements.

In response, MrBeast has refuted the claims, asserting that the lawsuit is without merit. His legal team is prepared to vigorously defend against the allegations and assert his position in the ongoing legal proceedings.

This is after the famed YouTuber had sued the company for allegedly serving ‘indelible meals’. In his complain Mr Beast claims virtual dining was not focused on controlling the quality of Mr. Beast burger customer experience and products as it sought to grow its ghost kitchen concept. As a result the burger has been regarded as a misleading, poor reflection of the Mr Beast brand.

The case has generated significant interest within both the influencer and business communities, shedding light on the complexities of influencer-brand collaborations and the legal implications of such partnerships.

Kenya’s Export Earnings From African Market Rise To Sh100.2B

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

Africa remains Kenya’s major export destination as latest figures from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) for the January to March period also on the contrary states that Kenya imports less from the continent.

Earnings from the African region rose from Sh82.2 billion in first quarter of 2022 to Sh100.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023, largely driven by increase in exports to Uganda (50.4 per cent), Democratic Republic of Congo (42.2 per cent), Rwanda (23.3 per cent), Somalia (44.5 per cent) and Ethiopia (40.2 per cent).

“Notably, Uganda singly accounted for 31.2 per cent of the total export earnings from the African continent in the quarter under review, partly boosted by increase in domestic exports of cement clinkers, salt, medicaments and lubricants.”

In Overall, during the first quarter of 2023, the data indicates a positive growth of 2.7 per cent in trade volume from Sh800.5 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh822.4 billion.

The growth was primarily driven by an increase of 11.9 per cent to Sh232.6 billion in total exports during the review period, compared to a similar period of the previous year.

Key contributors to this improvement were increased domestic exports of tea, titanium ores and concentrates, edible products and preparations, as well as iron and steel.

On the other hand, import expenditure declined by 0.5 per cent to Sh589.8 billion over the same period.

This decrease in the value of import resulted to narrowing in the trade deficit, which reduced from Sh384.9 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh357.2 billion in the quarter under review.

Value of Domestic Exports Earnings from domestic exports in the first quarter of 2023 amounted to Sh 213.8 billion representing an increase of 17.0 per cent from the same quarter of 2022.

The rise was largely supported by increase in domestic exports of tea, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, horticultural products and, titanium ores and concentrates.

Revenue from domestic exports of tea went up from Sh39.5 billion in first quarter of 2022 to Sh43.3 billion in 2023. This growth was a result of increase in exported quantities buoyed by better tea prices in the international markets which increased from Sh290.4 per kilogramme in the first quarter of 2022 to KSh 299.7 per kilogramme in the quarter under review.

Income from domestic exports of horticultural products rose from Sh43.5 billion in first quarter of 2022 to Sh45.2 billion in the period under review. Similarly, the value of domestic exports of titanium ores and concentrates increased from Sh6.6 billion to Sh8.6 billion over the same period.

Other commodities that exhibited remarkable growth were iron and steel (41.4 per cent), medicinal and pharmaceutical products (78.7 per cent), essential oils (31.2 per cent) and, edible products and preparations which more than doubled. Conversely, earnings from domestic exports of unroasted coffee dropped from Sh9.6 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh7.6 billion in the quarter under review.

Expenditure on imported petroleum products rose from Sh111.9 billion in first quarter of 2022 to Sh130.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023, accounting for 22.1 per cent of the total import bill.

Similarly, expenditure on imported chemical fertilizers went up from Sh8.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh32.1 billion in the quarter under review, largely attributable to the government’s fertilizer subsidy programme.

In addition, the value of imported unmilled wheat and rice increased by 70.5 per cent and 96.5 per cent in the review period from Sh15.8 billion and Sh6.5 billion, respectively, in the first quarter of 2022.

Earning from exports to Asia increased from Sh53.0 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh58.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023, translating to a 9.8 percentage growth. Specifically, there was a remarkable improvement in exports to Iran from Sh498.8 million in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh4.0 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2023, largely driven by increased domestic exports of tea.

On the other hand, the value of exports to Pakistan shrunk from Sh16.9 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to Sh14.0 billion in the review period, partly occasioned by decline in domestic exports of tea.

Similarly, revenue from exports to America declined by 2.2 per cent to Sh 16.1 billion in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, expenditure on imports amounted Sh589.8 billion compared to Sh592.7 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2022.

Import bill to the European Union rose to Sh 48.1 billion in first quarter of 2023 reflecting an increase of 11.9 per cent from the corresponding quarter of 2022. The growth was partly due to increase in imports from France (72.3 per cent), Germany (27.5 per cent) and the Netherlands (48.7 per cent).

Albeit the rise in imports from this economic bloc, Belgium registered a decline of 43.5 per cent, mainly occasioned by decreased importation of motor spirit (gasoline) premium.

World Athletics Ratifies Faith Kipyegon’s World Records

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

World records set this season by Faith Kipyegon, Lamecha Girma and Maria Perez have been ratified.

Kenya’s Kipyegon has achieved three world records since June and two of those marks – in the women’s 1500m and 5000m – are now officially in the record books. Her women’s mile record set in Monaco on 21 July is pending ratification.

The first of Kipyegon’s world records was set at the Golden Gala, a Wanda Diamond League meeting, in Florence on 2 June. On that occasion, the two-time world and Olympic champion ran 3:49.11 to break the women’s world 1500m record of 3:50.07 that had been set by Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba in Monaco on 17 July 2015.

“There’s still more to come,” said Kipyegon after taking down the eight-year-old record. “I’m still working on running faster than that, faster than 3:49. I’m really thankful today that I managed to run 3:49 and I’m still heading towards beautiful races in the rest of the season.”

She was right. Just one week later she raced at the Meeting de Paris, also a Wanda Diamond League event, on 9 June and stepped up to the 5000m. While her original aim might not have been the world record of 14:06.62 set by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey in Valencia on 7 October 2020, Kipyegon still broke it, running 14:05.20 in just her third ever race at the distance.

Speeding up with every stride, she hit the bell in 13:04.1 and covered the final lap in 61.1 seconds for a 1.42-second improvement on Gidey’s mark.

“I didn’t think about the world record, I don’t know how I made it,” said a surprised Kipyegon. “I just wanted to improve on my PB, the world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey – she is an amazing lady.”

That wasn’t the only world record achieved in Paris. On one of the greatest nights in athletics, Ethiopia’s Girma set his sights on the men’s world 3000m steeplechase record of 7:53.63 set by Qatar’s Saif Saaeed Shaheen on 3 September 2004. An ambitious pace was requested – one that would result in a finishing time of around 7:52 – and that’s exactly what Girma managed as he crossed the finish line in 7:52.11 to take 1.52 seconds off the mark set 19 years prior.

“I feel so happy,” said Girma, who started his year with a world indoor record over 3000m. “I’m happy and very proud. I felt so fast during the race, so confident. The world record is not a surprise; it was my plan to beat it tonight in Paris. It’s the result of my full determination.”

Perez achieved her world record in Podebrady on 21 May, clocking 2:37:15 to improve the women’s 35km race walk mark by 29 seconds.

The Spanish athlete was a dominant winner at the European Race Walking Team Championships, a World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold event, where she eclipsed the world record of 2:37:44 that had been set by Peru’s double world champion Kimberly Garcia in Dudince on 25 March.

“It is a nice feeling to finish the race and the time is a big reward,” said Perez. “I did not think of any time or any special target before the start, I just wanted to finish the best I could. So, the record time was definitely not my goal today. I am happy to do my best and I am glad to see that race walk can be attractive and can attract such great crowds like in Podebrady.”

Nakuru: Police Officer Arrested For Killing His Supervisor

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

An officer from the Nakuru Police Station has been arrested after allegedly shooting dead his supervisor.

While confirming the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 8, Nakuru Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi stated that the two worked together at the Dog Section Unit.

The constable identified only as Konga shot Sergeant Kimeli on Monday evening under unclear circumstances.

Kimeli is said to have been on duty with Konga during the day before the sergeant signed off duty to go and pick up his child from school. He was shot while off duty.

“The cause of the shooting is not yet known and we are yet to establish what transpired that led Constable Konga to shoot his supervisor,” Ndanyi said.

When the officer realised the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences, he immediately fled into hiding.

His colleagues, on the other hand, immediately launched a manhunt and tracked him down using leads and tips from members of the public.

Ndanyi confirmed that the wanted officer was arrested and detained at the Nakuru Central Police Station pending preferment of charges and arraignment in court.

Murang’a: Father Suspected of Killing His 2 Children on Sunday Night Arrested

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

A 28-year-old man from Kiharu, Murang’a County, has been arrested in the neighbouring Maragua constituency for allegedly slitting his two sons’ throats after a domestic feud with his wife.

Evans Kang’ethe allegedly killed his two children, ages 3 and 7, with a sharp object on Sunday night before fleeing.

The area chief arrested him on Tuesday at Ndaragwa Bridge with the assistance of members of the public.

Police had a hard time controlling the crowd that was baying for Kang’ethe’s blood. He was also resisting arrest.

According to a police report issued on Sunday, officers dispatched to the scene discovered that the suspect’s wife had fled her marital home a week before the incident due to an unspecified marital disagreement.

The bodies of the little ones have since been moved to the Muranga Level 5 Hospital Mortuary, awaiting post-mortem.

Governor Sakaja: ‘Kazi Mtaani’ Programme Reduced Crime Rate By 47%

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John Mutiso

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August 8, 2023

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has said that the Kazi Mtaani programme, which offered unemployed youth environmental jobs, reduced the crime rate in Nairobi County by 47%.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, affirmed that the initiative had played a key role in reducing crime rates in the city and enabling the jobless secure incomes.

Sakaja also praised and likened the Housing Fund to the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ programme noting that the initiative would create jobs and enable youths and women in the society to eke a living.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating businesses to provide employment for the youth.

The governor further urged President William Ruto to bring back the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ initiative or something akin to it so as to create more employment opportunities for the youth and reduce the spate of crime in the city.

“Hatuezi andika kila mtu afanye kazi kwa county (We cannot employ everyone to work in the county government) our work is to build businesses that will employ our young people,” he stated.

“Tunashukuru mambo ya housing kwa sababu hapo ndio mtapata kazi, kina mama mtapika hapo. Kazi mtaani vile ilikua ata crime ilipungua. Crime ilkua imepungua na 47 percent. Ndo maana tunaomba rais hio kazi irudi tena, na kama si kwa njia hio irudi kwa njia ile ambayo itapatikana, kupanda miti na kujenga manyumba,” Sakaja added.

The Kazi Mtaani programme was launched in 2020 under Kenyatta’s administration.

At the time, Kenyatta indicated that the programme would help cushion the youth from the harsh economic times following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The job involved cleaning the streets for a sum of Ksh500.

However, the programme was abolished by President Ruto in October 2022.

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