Court orders KBC to submit Ksh2.7billion staff pension money

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May 26, 2020

Kenya broadcasting corporation kbc offices,

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has been ordered by the court to submit Ksh2.7billion deducted from employees’ salaries to the Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme.

In a case filed at the Employment and Labour Relations court, the staff sought to have KBC remit the deductions which it has delayed for a long period of time.

Lady Justice Maureen Onyango ordered that the broadcaster submits the employee’s retirement benefits pending hearing and determination of the case.

“The respondent (KBC) is hereby required to submit to KBC staff retirement benefits scheme all deductions made from its employee’s salaries for purposes of remittance to the scheme,” read the order by the Hon.Onyango.

The employees filed the suit against the broadcaster on 15th May 2020, citing fears of retiring with barely anything considering that most of the staff are over 48 years of age.

The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) had also revealed that some of the retired employees from the financially troubled broadcaster were not receiving their pension.

The company’s Finance Manager Jeremiah Marakia swore an affidavit indicating to the court that KBC was not able to remit the full amount at one go adding that being compelled to pay the amount would paralyze functionality of the company including payment of staff salaries.

Senator Olekina bows down to pressure, surrenders Committee Chairmanship

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 26, 2020

ledama ole kina and raila — Narok Ledama Ole Kina and Raila Odinga

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has withdrawn a case he filed against ODM party over the Senate Public Accounts Chairmanship, surrendered the seat, and apologized to the party – By Prudence Wanza.

The announcement was made by ODM party leader Raila Odinga via a tweet.
“Senator Ledama Olekina has this morning agreed to withdraw the case he had filed against the ODM party over the Senate Public Accounts Committee chairmanship, surrendered the seat and apologized.” Odinga said.

Further, Odinga said the party has also reversed its decision to dewhip the senator as the minority whip in the Senate.

Olekina was elected as the Committee’s chairman beating the preferred ODM candidate Kisii senator Sam Ongeri. ODM in turn expressed dissatisfaction with the election through Minority Leader James Orengo.

“I express and register dissatisfaction with the conduct and the outcome of the election and the leadership of the County Public Accounts and Investigations Committee which were purportedly done today.” He said.

Olekina on the other end vowed not to step aside going ahead to sue the party, however, he now seems to have bowed to the pressure and surrendered his seat.

Lobby groups move to Maraga court to demand action for ‘Rogue Landlords’

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 26, 2020

A section of legal lobby groups have called upon Judiciary Chief Justice David Maraga to order the prosecution of landlords found violating tenancy laws in pursuit of distress for rent during the Covid-19 pandemic – By Gerald Gekara.

Civil Society Reference Group noted the concern of rising cases of residents being mistreated by their tenants are on the rise, despite President Uhuru’s call for tenants to go easy on Kenyans.

According to the group’s Presiding Convener Suba Churchill, the move is aimed at protecting tenants from rogue and uncouth property owners who engage in unlawful and criminal acts including removing roofing materials, doors, and other fixtures from their structures without any regard to the rights of tenants.

He added that the group will petition the National Assembly and the Senate to look at the Registered Land Act, the Landlord, and Tenant Act, the Distress for Rent Act, the Transfer of Property Act, the Rent Restriction Act, and the Auctioneers Act.

The government has not given a stand on how landlords will handle their tenants in terms of rent arrears and loan repayments, but rather, beg for mercy on behalf of Kenyans.

The Senate Ad hoc Committee on COVID-19 earlier, proposed a Bill which if passed was slated to exempt Kenyans from paying monthly rent.

The Pandemic Response and Management Bill (2020) that was sponsored by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja provides that the Housing Cabinet Secretary shall with approval of Parliament, outline measures to cushion landlords and tenants.

Occupants of this home were left out in the cold after their roof was removed by the landlord for failure to pay rent

According to the proposed law, where a pandemic affects the economic or purchasing power of the public, Treasury Cabinet Secretary may, with the approval of Parliament, introduce tax measures to cushion the affected persons for the duration.

The Bill further states that where citizens are not able to service their loans and mortgages, the individual borrower shall notify and enter into an agreement with the lending institution on how to make the payments after the pandemic.

WHO suspends use of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 treatment

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 26, 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) has suspended the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible treatment for coronavirus citing safety fears – By Prudence Wanza

This comes after a recent medical study suggested that the drug could increase the risk of patients dying from covid-19. Health experts have also warned that it could cause heart problems.

Several countries had started using the drug on patients with severely ill with the disease but they will have to stop using it temporarily as a precaution.

The medical study conducted by a medical journal, The Lancet said there were no benefits to treating covid-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine adding that it might even increase the number of deaths among those in hospital with the disease.

In a report by the BBC, the study by Lancet involved 96,000 coronavirus patients, nearly 15,000 of whom were given hydroxychloroquine or a related form of chloroquine -either alone or with an antibiotic.

The study found that the patients were more likely to die in hospital and develop heart rhythm complications than other covid-19 patients in a comparison group.

The death rates of the treated groups were; hydroxychloroquine 18%. Chloroquine 16.4%, control group 9%. Those treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine in combination with antibiotics had an even higher death rate.

This led the researchers to the conclusion that hydroxychloroquine should not be used outside of clinical trials. Hydroxychloroquine is safe for malaria, and conditions like lupus or arthritis.

Arsenal begin Coutinho talks, and other Transfer rumours

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

Arsenal is set to begin talks with Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho’s agent. The Brazilian 27-year-old has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich but the Bundesliga champions will not pay the £105m required to make the deal permanent. (Le10sport – in French)

Rafael Benitez wants to return to manage Newcastle United once the proposed Saudi Arabia-backed takeover is complete and would like to sign Manchester City centre-back John Stones, 25, and Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, 26. (Telegraph – subscription required)

Paris St-Germain are negotiating an agreement with Arsenal in an attempt to sign forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 30, for £34m. (Todofichajes)

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, 32, could return to the Premier League after a disappointing loan spell with Chelsea – Newcastle and Wolves are both interested. (Express)

RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, 24, has been heavily linked with Liverpool but former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suggested Old Trafford could be a better move. (Star)

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, 29 and valued at £57m, is being monitored by Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid. (Tuttosport – in Italian)

Turkana confirms first corona case, Kenya’s tally rises to 1,286

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

Turkana county has recorded its first positive case of covid-19 becoming the 29th out of the 47 counties in Kenya. The case was from Kakuma Refugee camp in the County – By Prudence Wanza.

Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi, said this while announcing 72 new cases of covid-19 bringing the total number of infections in Kenya to 1,286.
Dr. Mwangangi said that the government has increased its bed capacity to 5,000 and more than 11,000 health care workers have been trained.

The new cases are spread across Nairobi with 52 cases, Mombasa 11, Kiambu 7 and Isiolo 1.
In Nairobi cases are spread across; Lang’ata 21, Dagoretti North 15, Dagoretti South 1, Embakasi West 1, Embakasi East 2, Kamkunji and Kibra 4 cases each, Makadara and Mathare 1 case each.

In Mombasa cases are spread across; Nyali 4, Mvita 3, Kisauni 3 and Changamwe 1case.
Kiambu recorded cases in Limuru2, Githunguri, Ruiru, Thika and Kikuyu 1 case.

9 more patients have recovered from the disease raising the total number of recoveries to 402.
One patient has also succumbed to the disease bringing the number of deaths 52.
In total Kenya has done 61,971 tests.

Journalists sue KBC over Ksh 2.7billion non-remitted pension money

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is embroiled in a legal battle with its employees over Ksh2.7billion deducted from salaries but yet to be remitted to their retirement benefits scheme.

In a report by Daily Nation, the employees have moved to court to sue the National broadcaster at the employment court over the accumulated amount which continues to pile up with time.

One of the claimants in the court case stated they fear to retire without a penny due to the broadcaster’s failure to remit the deductions from their salaries for almost a decade.

“At least 70 percent of KBC employees are aged over 48 years and are living in fear of retirement given that they will neither receive pension lump sum nor be eligible for pension income because of the financial damage directly caused by the State broadcaster,” says Ms. Jane Kiambi, in court documents.
Non-remittance of the amount by KBC risks the scheme being de-registered by the Retirement Benefits Authority(RBA).

“The actions of KBC have put the scheme in great financial jeopardy. Former employees who worked hoping they would receive payment to sustain them in retirement may be rendered destitute,” reads a statement from the trustees.

However, an affidavit sworn by KBC Finance Manager, Jerimiah Marakia, indicates the broadcaster it is unable to pay the sum at one go.

Marakia further argues that KBC would not be able to pay salaries of its current staff if forced to pay the amount.

Epl project restart boosted as UK government approves Close contact training

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

The UK government has released its ‘phase two’ guidance for athletes and elite sportsmen and women to make a phased return to close-contact and competitive training, provided individual sports “have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place”.

Public health officials and sports medical officers have contributed to the guidelines which permit organised and close-contact training to take place under carefully controlled medical conditions.

Premier League footballers have already returned in socially distanced small groups but clubs now face a key vote on Wednesday over contact training.

The official advice, aimed at helping competitors reach fitness levels required for matches, says close-contact training for elite athletes can include coaching and tackling in team sports within a two-metre distance.

The guidelines clarify: “Stage Two training can be described as the resumption of close contact (interaction within the two-metre social distancing boundary) training where pairs, small groups and/or teams will be able to interact in much closer contact (e.g. close quarters coaching, combat sports sparring, teams sports tackling, technical equipment sharing, etc).”

On May 13, the government published its ‘phase one’ guidance, which advised adherence to strict social distancing.

Stage three’ of the government’s protocols are expected to centre around a return to professional sports in June.

The government stressed that the decision to implement the latest guidelines will be the responsibility of the respective sports bodies and clubs, in consultation with athletes, coaches and support staff.

In socially distanced environments, sailing and taekwando have also made steps towards resuming competitive action, while other Olympic and Paralympic disciplines are yet to make decisions over a return.

Carlos Sainz wants to see McLaren continue its march towards the front of the F1 field in 2021

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

Carlos Sainz says ‘nothing would make him happier’ than to see McLaren continue its strides forward and begin challenging for regular F1 podiums again ahead of his switch to Ferrari.

The Spaniard will join the iconic Italian team for the start of the 2021 F1 season in place of Sebastian Vettel, who earlier this month confirmed he would be leaving the Scuderia at the end of the year.

Sainz’s appointment comes after an eye-catching single season with the McLaren team in 2019, during which he claimed his maiden podium – the team’s first in five years – en route to sixth in the overall standings.

Indeed, Sainz’s speed and consistency has been credited as one of the key factors in McLaren making a step forward towards the front of the field last season, progress he is keen to maintain when the 2020 F1 season does eventually get underway.

“I want to keep the momentum up, I really want this team to follow the trend we did last year,” he told the official F1 website. “How much are we going to improve this year compared to last year, we’re not sure because we haven’t gone racing and we don’t know where we are.”

Indeed, though Sainz’s future lies with Ferrari from 2021, he says it won’t hamper his momentum for the 2020 F1 season if and when it does get underway, adding that he would be delighted to see McLaren – which will switch to Mercedes engines next year – continue flourishing in his absence,

“I want to say goodbye to McLaren in the best possible way. I am going to give my best this year like I gave my best last year, I am going to improve little things from last year to make sure I am a better driver and keep performing at the best of my abilities.

“Next year [when] I’m part of Ferrari, trust me that nothing would make me more happy than seeing McLaren back at the top of a Formula 1 podium.

“As a Formula 1 fan – as a McLaren fan now – I would love to see McLaren back at the top.”

Bundesliga RESULTS: Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund win.

By

Dan Ojumah

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May 25, 2020

Kai Havertz netted his second brace in as many games, helping Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-1 victory at high-flying Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

Havertz, 20, delivered a cheeky finish to slot the visitors in front on seven minutes, and it was his penalty which restored their lead after Marcus Thuram scored a thumping equalizer. Sven Bender’s goal sealed the win for Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Timo Werner bagged a hat-trick in RB Leipzig’s 5-0 win over Mainz on Sunday.

It took the Germany international’s tally to 24 Bundesliga goals for the season, a new personal best.

Mainz will not want to play Leipzig for a while after being on the end of an 8-0 thrashing last November.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund continued to show no sign of rust following the restart, cruising to a 2-0 victory over ten-man Wolfsburg.

Raphael Guerreiro finished off a fine team move, netting his third goal since the Bundesliga’s resumption last week, before Achraf Hakimi made it two.

England star Jadon Sancho came off the bench and made an impression, nutmegging a defender five seconds after coming on and then setting up the second goal.

Wolfsburg’s task was rendered impossible late on when Felix Klaus saw red for a nasty challenge after a VAR review.

The result put Dortmund a point behind leaders Bayern Munich but the Bavarians restored their four-point cushion with a 5-2 win at home to Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was an entertaining contest at the Allianz Arena with goals from Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller and a strike from Robert Lewandowski early in the second-half giving the home side a commanding 3-0 lead.

Two quick goals from Martin Hinteregger dragged Frankfurt right back into it but Hansi Flick’s men stepped things up once again and scored two more times – first from Alphonso Davies and then Hinteregger turned the ball into his own net.

Meanwhile, there was a crucial win for Werder Bremen, who claimed a surprise win over Freiburg.

And on Friday night, east met west in the Berlin derby as Hertha Berlin locked horns with rivals Union Berlin.

Last year, a clash between the teams descended into chaos with players having to hold back ultras from entering the pitch.

This one wasn’t quite so hectic but Hertha emphatically claimed bragging rights in the capital, scoring four second-half goals to romp to a 4-0 win.

In the final game of the weekend, Koln remarkably scored in the 88th and 91st minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Fortuna Duesseldorf.

Bundesliga results

Hertha Berlin 4-0 Union Berlin (Friday)

Freiburg 0-1 Werder Bremen

Paderborn 1-1 Hoffenheim

Wolfsburg 0-2 Borussia Dortmund

Monchengladbach 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich 5-2 Eintracht Frankfurt

Schalke 0-3 Augsburg

Mainz 0-5 RB Leipzig

Koln 2-2 Fortuna Duesseldorf