Third Way Alliance to sue Kirinyaga County assembly for unlawful rejection of Punguza Mzigo bill

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September 19, 2019

Ekuru-Aukot--470x264 — Thirdway Alliance has moved to court to sue the Kirinyaga County Assembly and its speaker over the rejection of the Punguza Mizigo Bill. | PHOTO COURTESY

Third way alliance party has moved to court to sort legal action against Kirinyaga county assembly for what it termed as an unlawful rejection of the embattled Punguza Mzigo bill.

According to sources based in Kirinyaga county assembly, the Bill was tabled by Majority Leader Kamau Murango who immediately moved a procedural motion to exempt it from lenthy debate procedures.

Now Dr. Ekuru Aukot, Third WayAlliance party leader is seeking orders to reintroduce the bill to Kirinyaga county assembly, and allow it to go through the neccessary procedures as stipulated in the constitution.

The bill which had been heavily criticized by Kirinyaga Governor, Ann Mumbi, was thwarted even before the debate started. Being that no one accepted the offer to second the bill, the speaker moved to reject the bill.

Kirinyaga county joined a growing list of counties that have rejected the proposed amendments to the constitution.

House Committee rejects Treasury bid to scrap interest rate caps

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Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

20160910_LDD002_0 — Cut-price logic - Interest-rate caps | The Economist

It now appears interest-rate caps are here to stay after Parliament’s finance committee, in a report to be tabled before the whole house for debate and possible adoption, rejected a proposal contained in the 2019/20 Finance bill to have the ceiling imposed on the maximum interest rates commercial banks can charge borrowers, removed.

By calling for a repeal of the interest rates capping law through the 2019/20 budget proposals, Treasury had argued that the legal requirement that banks do not charge borrowers more than 4% above the prevailing Central Bank Rate – now standing at 9%, had resulted in the lenders shying away from extending credit to individuals and private sector medium and small scale businesses, due to a perception that they are less likely to pay back, hurting the economy in the process.

The Central Bank of Kenya argues that the cap possibly reduced the rate of economic growth by 0.4% in 2017, on account of the ensuing limited access to credit by the private sector.

MPs however content that removing the cap will only see banks revert to charging customers exploitative rates, upwards of 30% as was the case before the law was introduced.

They are however in the process of amending the interest rates capping law to remove any ambiguities in the language used, in line with a March High Court ruling in which they were given a year to legislate suitable remedial amendments.

“We are going to remove any ambiguities and still have the cap”, Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal said.

Analysts expect the whole house to readily adopt the report. However, it remains to be seen whether or not President Uhuru Kenyatta, who sides with the Treasury and CBK in vouching for removal of the cap, will give his assent.

Recently, the Kenya Bankers Association proposed a middle ground where the law would be retained, but with an amendment expanding the cap beyond 4% above CBR, to give lenders a healthier margin and added motivation to lend to the private sector.

President Kenyatta calls on African labour organizations to champion continental integration

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Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

EEvto7YXUAINfDV — The President asked the leadership of the labour organizations to help build bridges of unity and pan-Africanism, saying that is the surest path to national and continental peace and prosperity | PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged African labour organizations to play a leading role in the ongoing efforts towards the full integration of the continent.

The President asked the leadership of the labour organizations to help build bridges of unity and pan-Africanism, saying that is the surest path to national and continental peace and prosperity.

“As we usher in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) under the auspices of the African Union, we must begin laying the groundwork for even closer cooperation and integration in Africa,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke in Nairobi when he presided over the official opening of the 42nd General Council of the Organization of Africa Trade Union Unity (OATUU) meeting attended by 73 affiliate unions representing all the 54 African countries.

The President said it was disheartening to see Africans lose lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea to seek opportunities because the continent cannot come together and grow its own prosperity that would provide them employment and a future of hope.

“Let us work together for our unity. I truly believe that Kenya does not have the answer but I do believe that together with our African brothers and sisters we can find the answer and the solutions if we come together.

“We are not each other’s enemy. We must learn that our solidarity, our collaboration is our prosperity and our future,” the President said.

He asked African labour organizations to be at the forefront in advocating for the free movement of goods, persons, labour and capital across the entire African continent saying, “this free movement within Africa was a large part of the dream that informed the formation of Organization of African Trade Union Unity in the year 1973; and it should not be forgotten.”

The President said his administration is leading by example in the promotion of free movement of goods, persons, labour and capital not just in the region but the entire continent adding that Kenya has eliminated barriers for East Africans who wish to work in the country.

“The People of Kenya understand that immigrant labour of our African brothers and sisters adds rather than lessens our prosperity.

“The People of Kenya understand that the businesses and investments of our African brothers and sisters within our borders add vibrancy and vitality to our economy, while at the same time increasing opportunities for Kenyans to economically advance themselves,” the President said.

He called on labour organizations to promote a stable labour market and cordial industrial relations on the continent saying that enables nations to foster local business as well as attract foreign investment far better than when there are never-ending cycles of industrial action and antagonism.

“To achieve this, dialogue informed by realistic expectations and pragmatism on the side of workers, matched by recognition and respect for the invaluable role played by workers on the part of the employer is key,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State appealed to trade unions to be considerate when demanding for higher remuneration saying inordinate increases in wages and staff costs are often the motivators for businesses to exit from African countries thereby denying people the much needed jobs.

During the occasion, President Kenyatta recommitted Kenya’s support to OATUU through an annual grant of 200,000 US dollars to advance the organization’s integration agenda.

OATUU’s President Francis Atwoli who is also Kenya’s Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, thanked President Kenyatta for initiating the Big 4 development blueprint which is keen on enhancing manufacturing to create wealth and employment, provide affordable housing, universal health and guarantee food security.

Mr Atwoli said the Big 4 Agenda augurs well for the welfare of the Kenyan worker.

OATUU’s Secretary General Arzeki Mezhuod commended President Kenyatta for supporting the labour movement not only in Kenya but in the whole continent.

Billionaire Tob Cohen’s body to be released to enstranged wife, Sarah — Her Lawyer claims

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

cohen mrs — Tob Cohen's wife Sarah Wairimu Kamotho in court. | PHOTO : Meshack Makau

This afternoon, Sarah Cohen, the late billionaire Tob Cohen’s wife was released to go and witness the autopsy of her husband at Chiromo Mortuary.

Her lawyer, Philip Murgor in a statement, confirmed that after the exercise, the body of the late Cohen will be under her custody, amid speculations that Cohen’s family intended to bury him 36 hours after his death, asper the Jewish Customs.

“The notion that the sister is entitled to the body is alien in the Kenyan Law….. Sarah is innocent under the Kenyan Constitution and nothing has happened so far to take away her right to her husband’s body,” Murgor said on Wednesday.

He further added that Sarah Cohen is still facing charges which have not been actualised into evidence of crime, therefore should not be considered the criminal.

“What we have is a charge which shall be dealt with in court but the act of being charged does not take way the right of a wife to a husband’s body and the right to bury it with the dignity deserved,” he added.

The body of the Late Cohen was found dumped in a septic tank in Cohen’s compound in Kitisuru on Friday the 13th.

Sarah Cohen has since been held in police custody, pending completion of investigations into the murder of her husband.

Akothee shows up to Parliament in a Miniskirt — stirs trouble

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

Kenyan songstress Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee brought drama to Parliament building after being thrown out of the building for improper dressing.

It was alleged that Akothee wanted to access the restaurant area of the parliament buildings, for a meeting scheduled between her and nominated Member of Parliament David Sankok.

It was then that the Sergent at arms on guard refused to allow her to enter the establishment, claiming her skirt was too short. This provoked Akothee to lash out at the guards, where she was heard shouting ‘My dress is not short. It is my legs which are tall.”

It took the intervention of women in parliament; Soipan Tuya and Racheal Nyamai who managed to get Akothee to cover herself with a borrowed leso.

President receives Dam scandal reports — Kimwarer was overpriced to 22.2 billion

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

treasury — Cabinet Secretary for Treasury, Henry Rotich was questioned over the scandal | PHOTO COURTESY

President Uhuru Kenyatta received a Report on Kimwarer and Arror Dam Projects from the Technical Committee he formed following the discovery of irregularities and improprieties surrounding the two infrastructure projects.

At its formation, the President tasked the Technical Committee chaired by Principal Secretary for Infrastructure Prof Paul Maringa and comprising of Quantity Surveyor Julius Matu, Eng Benjamin Mwangi and Eng John Muiruri to assess the viability of the two dam projects and report to the Head of State within 30 days.

In the course of their assignment, the Technical Committee reviewed the designs, technical sustainability and financial proposals of both dams and established as follows:

(a) Kimwarer Dam

The KShs 22.2 billion Kimwarer Dam was found to have been overpriced and that the project is neither technically nor financially viable.

The committee established that no current reliable feasibility study had been conducted on the dam project.

The only feasibility study carried out on a similar project twenty eight (28) years ago had revealed a geological fault across the 800 acre project area, which would have negative structural effects on the proposed dam.

The Technical Committee also established that the project area is settled and would require compensation of displaced residents.

According to the technical design of the Kimwarer Dam, the water supply mechanism would involve pumping, an aspect the Technical Committee found to be unsustainable in terms of operations and maintenance costs.

Further, the Technical Committee established that the pumping would make the project financially unsustainable in the long run.

Therefore, the Technical Committee recommended to the President that the Kimwarer Dam project be discontinued

(b) Arror Multipurpose Dam

After a detailed technical review, the Technical Committee was satisfied that the Arror Multipurpose Dam Project is economically viable but noted that it was overpriced.

As such, the committee recommended to the President a cost rationalisation plan that will ensure the project is implemented cost effectively without affecting its performance and out put.

As part of the cost rationalization plan, the Technical Committee has prepared a new Bills of Quantities (BQ) for a modified dam with its height scaled down to 60 metres from the original design height of 96 metres which was found to be unviable.

The optimized dam will be technically viable since it will only require about 250 acres of land and cost KShs 15.4 billion with power and Shs 13.1 billion without power. The dam was previously estimated to cost KShs 28.3 billion.

Wayforward

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta has accepted the report on the two dam projects as prepared and presented by the Technical Committee and directed as follows:

(a) The immediate cancelation of the Kimwarer Dam project which was found to be technically and financially not feasible by the Technical Committee;

(b) The immediate commencement of the implementation of the Arror Multipurpose Dam project with the new design components and cost rationalization plan as developed by the Technical Committee.

Nairobi to host key Universal Healthcare Management conference

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

samagillo — Medic East Africa conference 2018 | PHOTO COURTESY

Kenya will host the 2019 Medic East Africa conference that will focus on the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Informa Markets, the organizer, has said that the event is expected to attract over 4,000 participants drawn from 25 countries.

Informa Markets Exhibition Director Mr. Ryan Sanderson said the three-day conference will create an opportunity for industry players in the healthcare sector to discuss the latest trends in UHC.

“The Healthcare Management Conference, which is spearheaded by the East Africa Healthcare Federation, will focus on the progress and financing of universal healthcare policies. The Public Health Conference, in association with the Kenya Medical Association, will discuss the roles of regional medical associations in strengthening universal health coverage. The Clinical Officers Conference will address the critical part that clinical officers play in upholding a strong healthcare infrastructure,” said Mr. Sanderson.

Kenya’s health sector is projected to grow at a faster rate than the overall economy. The sector is currently valued at Ksh220 billion (USD 2.2 billion).

The pilot UHC scheme launched in 2017 in four counties: Kisumu, Isiolo, Machakos, and Nyeri, has so far seen a 91 percent enrollment in local health insurance schemes.

Kenya’s moral police, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua blames Kenyans for rotten morality

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

BY FAITH MUTETE – When KFCB talks about the importance of regulating content and people frustrate our efforts why are we shocked when our kids are being fed with poisonous content? Guys we have a problem.

Kenya is at the cliff. We need a national conversation on moral values. No society mocks God and prospers. No country glorifies evil and makes socio-economic development. No country with the unprofessional media like Kenya makes any meaningful progress,”

“Moral values are the basis of national development and societal stability. The kind of media our kids are being exposed to whether online, TV, Radio or print media will shape their values. We must go back to the basics and have a national conversation on moral values. Let’s do it for our kids and our future. Say no to dirty content!”

These are words uttered by Ezekiel Mutua as he blames citizens of Kenya after a primary school oy made headlines over the abusive video he sent his friend.

Dr. Mutua blames Kenyans for staying silent as leaders and people of influence throw vulgar language at each other and trend by doing so.

He also blames Kenyans and leaders who try to shut him down every time he tries to ban media content that is not appropriate for viewing.

He says all this still having hope that things can change only if conversations about morality were held and encouraged.

Russian ‘Evacuates’ Electronics by Drone as Police Stage Mass Raids

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

A supporter of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has filmed himself “evacuating” his hard drives on a drone as police closed in on his high-rise apartment building during nationwide mass raids.

Navalny and his allies said police carried out more than 200 searches in 41 towns and cities, including Russia’s third-largest city of Novosibirsk, as part of a money-laundering investigation. His close associates said activists were taken in for questioning and technical hardware was confiscated.

Sergei Boyko, Navalny’s coordinator in Novosibirsk who was among the raid subjects, attempted to keep his hard drives by loading them onto a drone and launching the drone from his balcony.

“All the important digital information is on there,” Boyko said in a video that also showed authorities breaking into his home and office.

“The evacuation is complete: The drone arrived at its destination, the person caught it… and no one will get their hands on [my digital assets],” he declared.

Online observers have criticized Boykov’s move as “incriminating.”

Police searched his apartment a second time Friday. Boyko told local media “they must have gotten upset by the drone video.”

Authorities have also carried out searches in the apartment of Boyko’s younger brother early Friday, he said in a social media post.

The Moscow Times —

Senator Murkomen dislocates his shoulder in a football match

By

Dan Ojumah

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September 18, 2019

BY FAITH MUTETE – Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen dislocated his shoulder on Monday in a friendly match between the senate and the county assembly of Kitui.

He went into social media and informed his followers as follows

“Today (Monday) in a football match between Senate and Kitui County Assembly, I fell down and landed on my right shoulder tearing my tendons. I have been referred to Nairobi for a small procedure. I will be back because I love this game,”

Despite a majority of people wishing him a quick recovery they also advised him that his fall should motivate him to take action in repairing the football fields

His followers told him that the injury could be avoided if the surface was not unkempt and uneven as it was.and said that the poor condition of the field made playing a disaster and hindered the ball to flow freely.

These are some of the comments from his followers.

“Thank you sir… at least you got a feel of reality as pertains the surfaces on which many average footballers train and fall on every day. As you recover and heal, kindly direct your energies into modes of coming up with workable mechanisms of improving our playing surfaces,” added Cherzady Nyarangi.

“Our youth go through worse as they try to show their talents. When they get injured, there are no mechanism put in place to help them recover from the injuries and they are left with no option other than sitting home nursing their injuries in pain which force them to quit football, “Habin Omar added.