President Uhuru calls for restoration of Kenya’s sporting glory

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February 8, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Nairobi, challenged the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Oversight Board, to utilize resources at its disposal to restore the country’s sporting glory, promote the arts, and preserve Kenya’s rich national heritage.

Speaking after being briefed on the progress made by the board in achieving its broad mandate, President Kenyatta said sports and the arts has the potential of being a major source of jobs for Kenya’s youth if well resourced and managed.

“We need to revive sports and the arts in the country. One way of doing that is to motivate our young people through adequate resourcing,” the President said.

He said that as part of fulfilling its mandate, the board should be able to facilitate all national teams participating in international games not only by funding them but also by branding them with national colours through provision of uniforms and other supplies necessary for the teams to succeed.

“You need to be in the forefront of building strong national sporting teams through provision of adequate funding as well as through branding and provision of the necessary supplies they need to excel,” said the President.

President Kenyatta asked the sports oversight board to ensure that activities under its mandate which include national heritage, culture and the arts are fully catered for, saying preservation of the country’s heritage and culture will help in building a strong reference point for future generations.

He tasked the board to ensure that Kenya’s heritage sites and resources including museums, monuments and artefacts are properly mapped, secured, resourced and managed.

Margaret Kenyatta calls upon education sector to “Broaden” their scope

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 8, 2019

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called on stakeholders in the education sector to broaden their scope in training so as to open up the minds of their students in tandem with the modern world.
She said the current generation of young people need to be helped to accomplish their dreams in the highly competitive world by equipping them with appropriate knowledge, skills and confidence.

“It is widely acknowledged that today’s education systems should be preparing our children for an entirely different world from which we, as parents, experienced,” said the First Lady.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was speaking today at Brookhouse School-Runda campus during a ceremony to officially open the school’s library and commissioning of a scholarship programme.
During the ceremony, top candidates in the 2017 and 2018 Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations Goldalyn Tanga and Olive Wachira were awarded the Margaret Kenyatta Scholarship for their secondary education in the school.
The First Lady said Kenyan youth require teachers who can help them explore their entrepreneurial imagination and creativity so as to chart their future successfully.

“Our youth need to perform in a diverse and highly competitive world, which is typified by fast advancing technology and innovation,” said the First Lady.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta therefore, called on learning institutions to increase investments in schools so as to equip children with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them compete with their global peers.
Noting that instilling a reading culture in students is an integral part of the learning process, the First Lady said the newly inaugurated library at the school, named after her, would help to inspire that culture, as well as cultivate minds of wonder and curiosity among the students.

“I hope it will also motivate our children to be willing to take chances and calculated risks that eventually enable them to chart their own paths to the future,” said the First Lady.

She commended Brookhouse for taking a global approach in developing and moulding its students to become global citizens, while at the same time honouring the culture of the host country Kenya.

“Your multi-cultural environment embraces diversity and tolerance for one another. I congratulate you for your membership into the international networks namely the G20 and Round Square,” the First Lady said.

She pointed out that the multi-cultural environments and broadmindedness are key in instilling global ideals such as humility, courage, tolerance and compassion needed for success.
“You have been taught to live with diverse people. I believe you have been prepared to do just that, these will be the attributes that will impact you later on in life, long after you have left the school,” said the First Lady.
Speaking during the function, Education Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed commended the First Lady for being an encouragement and inspiration to Kenyans through her selfless service.

“Your leadership has changed the lives of millions of Kenyans and will continue to positively impact on many generations to come,” said the Education CS.

Brookhouse School Director, John O’Connor described the First Lady as a resolute person who has captured the hearts of Kenyans through her steadfast commitment through philanthropic activities such as the Beyond Zero Initiative.

Mysterious killings on the rise

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 7, 2019

BY PAULYNE KATETHYA – The number of Mysterious killings in the Country has left many people tongue tied. Missing persons have been found dead at Morgues days after their disappearance while others going about their normal businesses murdered never to be seen by their friends and loved ones again.

Mildred Odira

The latest shocking incident is that of Mildred Odira. Mildred worked as a switchboard operator at the Nation Media Group seconded by
Foresight company. Her body was found at the City Mortuary after family and friends made frantic efforts to look for her after she went missing. Mildred was last seen on 29th January at 4am by security guards in Kariobangi South where she lived.

The Guards had called a taxi driver to take her to Ruaraka Uhai Neema hospital since she wasn’t feeling well and that was the last time she was seen alive. The taxi driver, Mr Davis Ochieng’, who had picked up Ms Odira on the fateful morning, told police in his statement that he took her to the hospital, waited for her for slightly over an hour before he decided to leave.

Detectives demanded to obtain CCTV footage from the hospital when the administration said they had not received a patient by that name.
Results from the post mortem indicate that the injuries she sustained on her forehead, cheeks and neck were inflicted while she was seated upright. The family also wants another post mortem done to determine whether she was sexually assaulted.

Mary Wambui Kamangara, 39

Just a week ago, the mutilated body of Mary Wambui Kamangara was found dumped in a dam near Mugutha estate in Juja constituency on January 26th . Police arrested Joseph Kori, the deceased’s husband and his alleged girlfriend, Judy Wangui following the murder.
It is believed that Mary and Wangui visited homeland inn, Thika Road in company of two men before Wambui was murdered inside the mistress’ apartment and her body dumped in a dam off Toll Station on Thika Road, next to Courtesy Beach Hotel. Investigations are still ongoing.

Monica Kimani. 28

Last year on 20th September, Monica Kimani, 28, a businesswoman, was found dead in a bathtub with her neck slit ear to ear at her Lamuria Gardens Apartment in Kilimani, Off Dennis Pritt Road

Joseph Kuria Irungu, Jacque Maribe’s fiancée was the first one to be arrested after witnesses at a police parade positively identified him as the last man seen walking out of Ms Kimani’s apartment on September 19. Citizen TV host, Maribe was also arrested as a suspect to the still ongoing case, but was later released on bond.

Sharon Otieno, 26

Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old student at Rongo University in Migori County was gruesomely murdered and her body dumped in Kodera Forest. The incident attracted a lot of attention from people since she was Okoth Obado’s girlfriend, the current Migori Governor. It is believed that she was kidnapped, raped and stabbed three times in the neck, four times in the back and once in the left side of the abdomen, killing her seven-month unborn baby. Obado who held a Press Conference in Nairobi, with family by his side, distanced himself
from the murder saying he had ‘nothing and absolutely nothing’ to do with it. After spending 33 days in detention, he was released on bail, as other suspects remained in police custody. The case will be heard on May 6th

Questions still linger on people’s minds as to what happened to them, who was behind the killings and whether it should cause an alarm to other Citizens.

By Pauline Katethya
Additional information from the internet.

President Uhuru leads African leaders’ bid to save Zimbabwe

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 6, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Zimbabwe of Kenya’s support to ensure that the sanctions imposed on the southern Africa nation are lifted.

President Kenyatta noted that the sanctions were holding Zimbabwe back, undermining its efforts to effectively serve its citizens.

“Imposing sanction is like tying somebody’s hands and feet, they cannot move. We will give our support to bring back Zimbabwe to the global platform,” President Kenyatta said.

The President was speaking today at State House, Nairobi, when he received a special message from President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

The special message was delivered by President Mnangagwa’s special envoy, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perence Shiri.

The Zimbabwean special envoy briefed President Kenyatta on the situation in Zimbabwe and called for Kenya’s support to get the sanctions lifted.

Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said the Zimbabwe government was doing everything it could to address the challenges facing the country.

The special envoy said that plans are underway to ensure that those who lost property during the “land reform programme”, will be compensated.

The “land reform programme” led to Zimbabwe’s international isolation and sanctions from the US and EU.

The envoy commended President Kenyatta’s leadership, saying it has enhanced bilateral relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe as well as many other nations across the continent.

Uhuru to receive a status update on the Joint National and Resource Mapping project.

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 6, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta will receive a status update tomorrow at 10:00 am, on the Joint National and Resource Mapping (JNAM) project at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).

JNAM is multi agency project that was launched last year to develop and facilitate the provision of secure up-to-date geospatial data at minimum cost that would be shared across a wide range of functions within Government for purposes of planning and development. It is expected that on completion, the project will ensure availability of updated topographical maps for use by all Government ministries and county governments, and the implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

Uhuru Kenyatta: Stop Meddling in African states affairs

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 5, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta has today cautioned against foreign interference in the internal affairs of African countries.

The President said external players should not use the challenges facing the continent to curtail its progress.

President Kenyatta was speaking today at State House, Nairobi, when he received a special message from President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan.

The special message, delivered by Vice President Osman Mohammed Yousif, assured that the situation in Sudan was under control and the country was calm contrary to the picture painted by some foreign actors.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will continue to support Sudan as it manages its internal affairs and called for the lifting of the sanctions imposed on the country.

“Kenya will stand with Sudan and I am optimistic that Sudan will overcome the challenges it is facing,” the President said.

“We will continue our solidarity with Sudan because the sovereignty of all IGAD member states is something of great importance to us,” he added.

The Head of State pointed out that, as a member of IGAD, Sudan was a pillar of stability in the region.

He informed the Sudanese Vice President that the recent Summit of the East African Community had endorsed Kenya’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-2022 period, saying he looked forward to Sudan’s support when the time comes.

The Sudanese Vice President stressed Kenya’s importance in the region, saying that was why President Kenyatta had to be briefed on the situation in Sudan.

He praised the level of cooperation between the two countries, noting that Kenya is one of Sudan’s key development partners.

President Uhuru Kenyatta: What makes things difficult is cheap politics

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 4, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta this afternoon hosted a goodwill delegation of elected leaders from Kajiado County and urged them to work together in order to realize faster development of the county.

The President cautioned the leaders against divisive politics and urged them to embrace one another irrespective of their political leanings for the common good of all citizens.

“Competitive politics is not the end of everything. We have to continue working together for the betterment of our people,” the President said.

The delegation which was led by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku included MP’s Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North), Senator Philip Mpayie and Kajiado Women Rep, Mary Seneta.

Responding to issues raised by the leaders, President Kenyatta said his government is committed to delivering its development promises to the people of Kajiado.

He said development projects which the government is implementing in the county will be achieved in an environment of peace and unity.

“The work we want to do can only be achieved when leaders work together as a team. I am very committed to delivering the promises I made to the people of Kajiado,” said President Kenyatta.

While cautioning the visiting leaders against divisive politics, the President said there are several on-going projects, among them the construction of Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya-Mashuru Road which the Head of State visited over the weekend.

“What makes things difficult is cheap politics, but when people agree on what needs to be done, then it becomes easier to deliver services. We must ensure political calmness in order to develop our country,” said the President.

The President urged the leaders to come together and develop a genuine list of Kajiado County residents who need title deeds for their pieces of land in support of the government’s ongoing titling programme which is being slowed down by confusion and competing interests.

President Uhuru Kenyatta: What makes things difficult is cheap politics

By

Dan Ojumah

-

February 4, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta this afternoon hosted a goodwill delegation of elected leaders from Kajiado County and urged them to work together in order to realize faster development of the county.

The President cautioned the leaders against divisive politics and urged them to embrace one another irrespective of their political leanings for the common good of all citizens.

“Competitive politics is not the end of everything. We have to continue working together for the betterment of our people,” the President said.

The delegation which was led by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku included MP’s Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North), Senator Philip Mpayie and Kajiado Women Rep, Mary Seneta.

Responding to issues raised by the leaders, President Kenyatta said his government is committed to delivering its development promises to the people of Kajiado.

He said development projects which the government is implementing in the county will be achieved in an environment of peace and unity.

“The work we want to do can only be achieved when leaders work together as a team. I am very committed to delivering the promises I made to the people of Kajiado,” said President Kenyatta.

While cautioning the visiting leaders against divisive politics, the President said there are several on-going projects, among them the construction of Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya-Mashuru Road which the Head of State visited over the weekend.

“What makes things difficult is cheap politics, but when people agree on what needs to be done, then it becomes easier to deliver services. We must ensure political calmness in order to develop our country,” said the President.

The President urged the leaders to come together and develop a genuine list of Kajiado County residents who need title deeds for their pieces of land in support of the government’s ongoing titling programme which is being slowed down by confusion and competing interests.

United States Embassy warns of an impending attack

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 4, 2019

The Embassy of the United States has issued a security alert to its citizens living in Kenya.
The report, published on the embassy’s website has claimed that alleged extremists are targeting places in Nairobi, Nanyuki and coastal areas.

Event: Credible information indicates Westerners may be targeted by extremists in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, and coastal areas of Kenya. The U.S. Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for heightened vigilance throughout Kenya, especially in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and places of worship.

Actions to Take:
 - Be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious activity to  authorities immediately
 - Carefully consider visiting locations frequented by tourists/Westerners
 - Monitor local media
 - Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible
 - Review your personal security plans

The warning despite coming in barely 3 weeks after the Dusit D2 hotel and the recent botched Latema rd attacks.
However, Kenyans have come out to condemn the advisory claiming that the embassy should not spoil the already flourishing tourism.

Sonko Gardens: Sonko’s new city beautification plan buries Kidero’s Obama grass “ghost”

By

Dan Ojumah

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February 3, 2019

By Henry Kimoli

The jury is still out there on the performance of Mike Mbuvi Sonko, the second Governor of County number 47.
Sonko, a veteran of city politics owing to his stint as Makadara MP in the sprawling Eastlands surburb and as the first Nairobi Senator; has baffled both friend and foe in his bid to shore his political prowess.
Other than veteran former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, Sonko is staking his claim as the prime mover in the volatile Nairobi politics, Kenya”s seat of power.

As the Governor of the City of Nairobi, he finds a reserved seat in all local and international meetings hosted in Nairobi. As per protocol, he is mandated to welcome key guests including President Uhuru Kenyatta to deliver key note speech. The Governor, who relishes confrontation whenever he feels his interests are threatened has now landed an invitation to attend the United Nations Council.

And so how has he fared in his bid to beautify the city?
Sonko has created gardens along Uhuru Highway, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road to mention but four. He has also created botanical gardens in various places within the city.

A Nairobi County Government boozer waters flowers and grass along Uhuru Highway, opposite Parliament on 3rd February 2019- *Photo Credit, Uzalendo News*

The most ambitious of all is the introduction of aerial sprinklers to water grass along Uhuru Highway. The pipes are linked to a water source, believed to be an underground water tank
Once operational, these will replace the Nairobi County Government trucks which water the Sonko Gardens every evening and sundays.

The elevated irrigation pipes installed by the Sonko Government, opposite Nyayo Stadium, adjacent to the former Nakumatt lifestyle. Sonko has effected a beautification model that is slowly changing the face of the city.
3rd February 2019- *Photo Credit, Uzalendo News*

His predecessor came up with the Obama grass. It withered. Then he introduced the Pope grass, which in the long run became a non starter. Will Sonko Gardens be the first major coup against the Kidero regime? Only time will tell.
Pictures: By Uzalendo team.