EPAPER0902-1 - Notice To Constituencies
EPAPER0902-1 - Notice To Constituencies
EPAPER0902-1 - Notice To Constituencies
INDEPENDENT
FRESH AND
DIFFERENT SIASA PAGE 13
AUDIT INVESTIGATION MAY RETURN TO HAUNT UHURU KENYATTA’S BUREAUCRATS IN SPORTS MINISTRY
Sh2.7bn expenditure
rocks Sports ministry
Suspicious spending includes millions used during Safari Rally Championship in Naivasha PG 4-5
COUNTDOWN: Former TV news anchor Jacque Maribe, murder victim Monica Kimani and Joseph Irungu ‘Jowie’ / FILE / STORY PAGE 9
PAGE 2 PAGE 19
2 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
TODAY’S QUESTION Kenya bags Sh350 billion during Ruto’s Japan trip
Do you think Nigeria will The largest projects to benefit are opment project will get Sh15 bil-
the Dongo Kundu Infrastructure lion. Japan will also provide Sh1
win Afcon? Ecosystem and the Mombasa Gate- billion for the production of medi-
way Bridge at the Coast at Sh260 cal oxygen for various hospitals.
billion. Through the United Nations,
President Ruto and Prime Min- Kenya will receive Sh320 million
ister Fumio Kishida also agreed humanitarian aid for those affect-
YESTERDAY’S QUESTION
that Kenya will issue a Sh40 billion ed by the recent El Nino-related
Samurai bond in Japan to finance floods.
Can Kalonzo make a good president? energy and infrastructure projects. Other agreements include MoUs
A Samurai bond is a yen-denom- on cooperation in the ICT, health,
inated bond issued in Tokyo by a finance and security.
President William PSCU/ Financial agreements worth non-Japanese company. The bond He said the MoU will include en-
Ruto arrives Sh350 billion have been signed is, however, subject to Japanese hancing the capacity of the Kenya
YES 52%
at the Kenya- during President William Ruto’s regulations. Medical Research Institute to build
Japan Business visit to Japan. Kenya also secured a Sh30 bil- on its pandemic management po-
Forum organised The agreements will support lion from the Japan Bank for Inter- tential at a cost of Sh3 billion.
by Japan projects and programmes in sec- national Cooperation to purchase To strengthen the partnership
NO 48%
External Trade tors that are aimed at turning heavy machinery and mechanised between the two countries in de-
Organisation in around the economic fortunes of assets. fence, an agreement on Defence
Tokyo /PCS the country. The Olkaria Geothermal Devel- Cooperation was also signed.
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 3
PHOTO STORY
Wife of the
CORRIDORS OF POWER
Deputy
President Dorcas
Gachagua joins
a taarab dance
at Tumutumu
Girls High School
in Nyeri on
Thursday after
attending a board
meeting
/ HANDOUT
POLITICAL
GOSSIP
Who is doing what
and where in the
world of politics
KILLER DRINKS
A TOP GOVERNMENT official is alle-
Quit selling illicit brews, MPs gedly enraged after missing out on his
share of a fortune he and others worked
their way into recently. We are told the
man stopped sending emissaries to the
news SPECIAL AUDIT ALL PROJECTS FEATURE OVERPAYMENT, ILLEGAL VARIATIONS OF CONTRACTS
Sh2.7bn expenditure
rocks Sports ministry
variations of contracts, procure- and structural drawing designs. It was a similar case with Kip-
ment irregularities and missing According to the audit find- choge Keino phases one and two
payment documents. ings, in Kamariny Stadium some where there was Sh52 million
LUKE AWICH The stadiums include Kipchoge Sh48,536,729 payments were overpayment and Sh79.6 mil-
@AchiaAwich Keino phases one and phase two, made without any supporting lion variations between the bills
Kinoru, Marsabit and Nyayo Na- document. of quantities and the certified
A new audit has laid bare the tional Stadium. “We noted procurement irregu- amount.
financial rot in the Ministry of At Nyayo Stadium, for instance, larities which included non-eval- At Kinoru Stadium, the special
Sports that may return to haunt there was unsupported expen- uation of responsive bidders, lack audit reveals that Sh182 million
top dogs who served under re- diture on builders amounting to of sub-contractors’ contracts and was paid for civil and builders’
tired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Sh294.2 million, besides what unsupported extension of the works but there were no payment
ten-year rule. auditors termed “poor workman- construction period,” the report vouchers.
A special audit report shows ship”. reveals on Kamariny Stadium. In Marsabit Stadium, the au-
that Kenya could have lost over There was also double pay- dit unearthed Sh71 million un-
Sh2.7 billion in the construction ments for materials amounting to supported contract variations,
of six stadiums and hosting of Sh6.9 million as well as payments lack of sub-contractors’ contract
several sporting activities, in- for undelivered electrical goods agreements and direct payment
cluding the celebrated World Ral- amounting to Sh10.5 million. to sub-contractors totalling
ly Championship. “There were irregularities not- Sh922,808.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, ed such as failure to provide en- SUMMARY AUDIT PAC chairman John Mbadi said
Sports and the Arts has invest- gineers’ estimates, payment of the committee would not rest un-
ed a lot in sports infrastructure
which, however, are not benefit-
certified works without a valid
contract, payment for undefined
There were til the issues raised by the Audi-
tor General were addressed and
ing to the citizens as intended,” works, double contracting of irregularities noted those who bore responsibility ac-
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu CCTV works, poor workmanship counted for the expenditures.
concludes. and non-recovery of Western such as failure to “This wastage is unfortunate
Amina Mohamed served as the
Sports Cabinet Secretary from
wing mobilisation fee,” the sum-
mary audit states in part.
provide engineers’ and from the summary already
there is wastage and it is so seri-
2019 to 2022. Gathungu further faults the estimates, payment ous,” Mbadi said.
For more news The two-part special report in- ministry for deliberately conceal- The report, which is in the final
on our website. dicates that up to Sh1.04 billion ing crucial documents in the mul- of certified works stages, will be formally tabled in
cannot be traced in the construc- timillion-shilling repair works. the House next week after Parlia-
Scan this quick
response code tion of six stadiums across the Among the documents the
without a valid ment resumes sittings from the
using your country. management failed to provided contract, payment long December recess.
smartphone. A common feature of all the included feasibility study reports, The damning revelations come
projects was overpayment, illegal site instructions and mechanical for undefined works at a time the government has an-
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 5
Sebastien
demand scrutiny of the projects.
Ababu had expressed fears that
COMMENT
Loeb with the country might not have got SAM NYAMWEYA
navigator value for the billions spent on
sports infrastructure. Steering committee illegally gave itself
Give Ruto
Isabelle Galmiche
of M Sport Ford “The Auditor General received a
Rally team in letter from the Cabinet Secretary an extension in office, incurring millions
action at Hell’s
Gate stage
in the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports dated 11 January, 2023, LUKE AWICH/ A special audit has un- were actually hired despite millions
team benefit
on June 26, 2022
/JACK OWUOR
requesting for a special audit of
the infrastructure programmes
earthed Sh1.7 billion unexplained
expenditure in high-profile activi-
drawn for the same by the WRC
steering committee. of doubt on
funded by the Government of
Kenya country-wide through the
ministry for the last ten years
ties at the Sports ministry.
The sporting events include the
2021 World Safari Rally Champion-
“We noted that the hire of heli-
copters and aircraft services pay-
ment of Sh131,416, 184 was not sup-
stadia plans
I
(2013-2022),” Gathungu said in ship that saw thousands of Kenyans ported with journey manifests,” the don’t think we have stadiums to
her brief to Parliament. throng Naivasha to watch the spec- report reads. meet the standards of hosting
“The ministry had indicated it tacular event making a return after A flight manifest is a comprehen- tournaments like Africa Cup of
had not been receiving value for 19 years. sive document that contains details Nations and the World Cup.
money from the funding of the The championship was part of of passengers, crew members on a However, I have heard President
development of sports and its in- retired President Uhuru Kenyat- specific flight. William Ruto’s administration
frastructure.” ta’s promises to Kenyans before his The audit also shows doubtful say that they are going to build
The special report was tabled election. expenditure on car hire services stadiums.
before the oversight committee But a damning report almost amounting to Sh232.9 million. If they have said they will do so,
on Wednesday by Deputy Auditor three years later now shows the Before taking power in 2013, and have confirmed that they will
General Sylvester Kiini on behalf millions of public money spent to Uhuru had committed to return host Afcon in 2027, we must give
of her boss Gathungu who is in host the championship cannot be the Safari Rally to the International them the benefit of the doubt.
Cameroon on official assignment. accounted for. Automobile Federation World Rally It must be noted, though, that it
The special audit was to cover In the WRC alone, Auditor Gener- Championship family. has taken inordinately long before
all the 29 stadia in the country al Nancy Gathungu’s report reveals The organisers of the champion- the country has had a stadium
but only managed to review six that up to Sh845 million cannot be ship also varied the contract for the built to international standards.
due to budget constraints. traced. presidential pavilion by 45 per cent The government needs to
“We were supposed to carry out Another sporting event on Gath- instead of the recommended 25 per engage experts to help build
audit in the 37 facilities but we ungu’s radar is the 2020 Interna- cent, occasioning Sh48.3 million stadiums that can stand the test of
were only able to audit only six tional Amateur Athletics Federation above the budget. the current times.
stadia and two facilities,” Kiini under 20 event where Sh867 mil- No document was given to the They need to engage people
told the oversight committee. lion is under scrutiny. audit team to back spending on the who have built world-class
“The office is in the process of During the WRC, the audit find- pavilion. stadiums all over the world. That
nounced a facelift for stadiums in requesting for more funding to ings question Sh131 million al- Despite questionable spending one is required. I don’t think we
the country to meet international audit the remaining 22 stadia.” legedly spent to hire helicopters but on the WRC, Gathungu noted that have those kinds of contractors
standards. This may imply that the ques- which were never sighted on the the event left the country with locally.
The programme to be executed tionable expenditure could be sky. Sh550 million pending bills, signal- I have travelled all over the
by a joint team will focus on Nai- higher by the time the audit team The report indicates there was ling troubles the suppliers could be world and can attest to the good
robi renovation of selected stadia finalises all the stadia. no evidence that the helicopters undergoing work experts have done out there.
and the construction of the Talan- You get such kind of contractors
ta Stadium ahead of the 2027 Af- in China, Italy or France. For
rican Cup of Nations tournament. instance, the contractor I engaged
The biannual tournament will
be jointly hosted by Kenya, Ugan-
da and Tanzania under the Pamo-
Highlights of to put the carpet at Kisumu’s Moi
Stadium was not sourced locally.
The contractor was from France
ja Bid.
The report appears to give cre-
SPECIAL AUDIT: Areas of concern and you can see the kind of work
the company did.
dence to claims that the ministry A lot of work must, therefore,
has not been receiving value for be done. So far, I don’t think
money from the funding for de- we have the class of stadiums
velopment of sports and its infra- required for high calibre
structure. Unsupported Sh294,204,877 international tournaments. Even
There have also been concerns payment to builders at Moi International Sports Centre,
of unjustified delays in conclud- Nyayo stadium Kasarani, cannot pass the test as
ing some of the stadia projects de- it is now.
spite availability of budget. It is for this reason that we
The second part of the audit call on the government to put
narrowed on sporting activities WRC pending bill Kamariny stadium: more effort. Before he became
with the new report indicating amounting to Sh48,536,729 were President, Ruto said the
that the ministry cannot account Sh550 million made without government would build world-
for Sh1.7 billion. supporting document class stadiums.
Among the questionable ex- Now that he is the President
penditures include monies used and has said - not once, not
during the World Safari Rally twice - that he will implement
Championship that saw Kenyans this, let us give him the benefit
throng Naivasha town. of the doubt. He is in charge
Variation of
WSRC organisers, the report Sh52 million now and Kenyans will hold him
presidential
shows, spent Sh131 million to hire pavilion contract by overpayment in responsible if he fails – especially
helicopters that were never seen 45 percent instead Kipchoge Keino if we can’t afford to host Afcon.
in the sky. of 25 percent phases I and II Stadiums are not hard to build
According to auditor, there was if you get the right contractor. We
no evidence that helicopters were have seen good contractors work
actually hired despite millions even under strenuous conditions
drawn for the same. like was the case in Qatar. Let’s,
“We noted that the hire of he- therefore, give the current
licopters and aircraft services Sh131m for helicopter IAAF U20 steering and organising administration time to fulfil their
hire during WRC, no committee Sh747,406,329
payment of Sh131,416, 184 was pledge.
supporting documents unbudgeted for expenditures
not supported with journey man-
after expiry of term
ifests,” the report reads.
A flight manifest is a compre- Former FKF president spoke to Star
hensive document that contains STAR ILLUSTRATED www.the-star.co.ke
6 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Job Title: Department Employment type Job Title: Department Employment type
Chief Manager Finance Finance Contract Branch Manager Strategy and Business Permanent & Pensionable
Reports to: Supervises Location of role Reports to: Supervises Location of role
Chief Executive Officer • Finance Manager Nairobi, Kenya Chief Manager Strategy and Business • Branch Operations Officer Kenya
• Treasury • Credit Officer
Job Purpose • Sales and Relationship Officer
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will Responsible for providing financial and treasury Job Purpose
support to the Society and stakeholders of the business and providing strategic leadership and oversight to Finance Reporting to the Chief Manager Strategy and Business, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the
functions of the Society. branch to achieve growth and profitability, overseeing the day-to-day branch operations, resource management, risk
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities Academic Qualification/ Experience Behavioural competencies management and control and ensuring excellent customer experience.
• Formulates and drives implementation of • Bachelor’s degree in Business • Leadership skills. Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities Academic Qualification/ Behavioural competencies
leading approaches to the strategic planning Administration, Accounting, Finance • Communication and Experience
process covering finance and treasury. or a relevant field. interpersonal skills.
• A Master’s degree in Finance or • Decision making.
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• Oversight of Treasury management of group
holdings, with the ultimate goal of enhancing business will be an added advantage. • Knowledge of the Sacco business plan by preparing and business - related field from a • Analytical risk assessment skills.
treasury as a revenue centre. • Certified Public Accountant of Kenya sector. implementing annual business strategy recognised University. • Demonstrable experience in innovation
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(ALCO). Certified Accountants (ACCA). skills. objectives. or other related professional • Stakeholder management.
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of funds, capital raising plans, liquidity and professional body such as Institute • Ability to interpret long respective region and ensure availability advantage. programs and budgets.
the evaluation of risk through cash flow of Certified Accountants of Kenya term plans, programs and of correctly branded merchandize and • Membership to a professional • Ability to develop plans, programs,
forecasting and management. (ICPAK) or Association of Chartered budgets. proper display of promotional materials body. standard operating procedures, and
• Manages and co-ordinates all aspects of Certified Accountants (ACCA) in • Ability to develop plans, to enhance publicity. • Minimum Six (6) years’ coordination of workflows.
reporting, budgeting, final accounts, and good standing. programs, Standard • Supervise and coordinate at branch experience with three years • Ability to write complex reports.
liaison with internal and statutory auditors. • Twelve (12) years of relevant work Operating Procedures, and level, the operations of Mpawa Insurance (3) at supervisory level in the • Leadership, interpersonal and team
• Leads the development and implementation of experience with at least three (3) coordination of workflows.
Agency while collaborating with other Banking or Sacco sector. management skills.
policies and procedures relating to finance and years in management role. • Ability to write complex
treasury. reports. business functions to drive growth • Ability to build relationships with
strategies. customers and other stakeholders.
Job Title: Department Employment type • Continuously identify new market • Strategic thinker with a commercial
opportunities, gather market insights, acumen.
Customer Experience Manager Strategy and Business Permanent & Pensionable understand customer trends, and • Must demonstrate high level of integrity.
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for penetration and expansion.
Chief Manager Strategy and Business • Diaspora Officer Nairobi, Kenya • Champion operationalization, uptake
• Member Education and
and growth of alternative business
Retention Officer
channels and service points including
Job Purpose Stima Mlangoni and maintaining
Reporting to the Chief Manager Strategy and Business, the successful candidate will be Responsible for providing lead- business relationships with check off
ership in implementing of customer experience strategic initiatives in alignment with the corporate strategy, designing companies.
appropriate methodology and approach to service improvement in support of business growth. • Responsible for cascading to branch
staff a clear strategic direction and
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities Academic Qualification/ Experience Behavioural competencies
the set business objectives; setting
• Participate in formulation and implementation of • A minimum of a Bachelor’s • Ability to apply principles performance measures to facilitate an
customer experience strategy and design leading degree in a Business - related of customer relationship effective performance review process
approaches to customer experience. field. management and and provide support as necessary.
• Drive the teams to deliver a positive customer • Master’s degree in a relevant field experience with CRM • Ensure compliance with all branch
experience; champion opportunities to improve will be an added advantage. software. controls, processes & procedures;
customer experience, drive customer retention and • Certification in Customer • Demonstrate a strategic
adhere to the relevant statutory,
increase customer satisfaction. Experience will be an added thinking, ability to
• Assess customer service requirements, explore and advantage. manage and drive legal, regulatory and Operations Risk
develop customer journey mapping capability at the • Member of a professional body. change. requirements including occupational,
Society. • A minimum of Nine (9) years’ • Good leadership and safety and health requirements.
• Ensure responsive, consistent, and effective experience in customer service communication skills.
communication with customers / members and / or, sales and relationship • Excellent listening and Job Title: Department Employment type
and establish mechanisms to listen carefully to management function in a conflict management
customers / members. financial service environment skills. Information and Communication Information and Communication Permanent & Pensionable
• Design and implement customer feedback and with at least three (3) years at a • Possesses a high level Technology (ICT) Manager Technology Operations
resolution mechanisms, ensure prompt resolution managerial level. of personal drive and is Reports to: Supervises Location of role
of issues and manage escalation of customer result-oriented.
complaints across the organisation. • Good interpersonal skills Chief Manager Information Communication • Systems Administrator Team Nairobi, Kenya
• Create a knowledge base of what is available both and a team player. Technology and Operations Lead
within, across services and customer touch points • High level of analytical • Application Analyst Team
and by other providers; use industry knowledge skills, data-driven Lead
and standards to research and develop internal thinking and problem • Infrastructure Team Lead
capabilities. solving.
• Develop and implement service measurement tools • Advanced Job Purpose
aimed at operational improvement of customer communication and Reporting to the Chief Manager Information Communication Technology and Operations, the successful candidate will
service delivery at all touch points. interpersonal skills. be responsible for the provision of comprehensive management of the ICT function, encompassing management and
• Leverage on data analytics and statistics in • Demonstrate a clear implementation of the SACCOs information and Communication Technology initiatives, all aimed at facilitating and driving
determining the level of customer satisfaction understanding of Public digital transformation.
on services rendered and measure customer Relations codes of ethics.
satisfaction by conducting customer satisfaction Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities Academic Qualification/ Behavioural competencies
surveys. Experience
• Develop and implement an ICT strategy • A Bachelor’s Degree • Adequate knowledge of the relevant
Job Title: Department Employment type
aligned with the Sacco’s business in Computer Science, industry / sector as well as knowledge
Shared Services Manager Information and Permanent & Pensionable objectives. Information Technology or a of regulatory requirements affecting the
Communication Technology • Manages all information technology related field from a recognised relevant sector.
Operations infrastructure and shared services University. • Knowledge of the Information
Reports to: Supervises Location of role including both primary and secondary • A Master’s Degree will be an Communication Technology trends in the
Chief Manager Information Communication • Head of Check off Nairobi, Kenya data centres. added advantage market.
Technology and Operations • Bulk Payment • Oversee core systems (Profits, I-Apply, • Microsoft Certified • Knowledge of International
• Funds Transfer CRM, IEDMS, Office 365, MS Dynamics Systems Engineer, Azure Standardisation Organisation quality and
• Check off processing Officer Business Central) efficiency. Administration, Linux professional standards.
• E - Channels • Manages Information Communication Professional Institute 1, A • Knowledge in planning and budgeting
Job Purpose Technology disaster recovery systems. Cisco Certified Network processes.
• Facilitates user training on existing Professional, Certified • Ability to plan, organize, implement and
Reporting to the Chief Manager Information Communication Technology and Operations, the successful candidate will be and new information communication Information Systems Security evaluate assigned goals.
responsible for supporting the Shared Services (SS) Section with a consistently high-quality support structure. systems. Professional is an added • Demonstrated ability to handle
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities Academic Qualification/ Behavioural competencies • Conducts budgeting and budgetary advantage. multiple and conflicting Information
Experience control for the department. • Full Member of a relevant Communication Technology.
• Manages country wide salaries • A Bachelor’s degree in a • Adequate knowledge of the relevant • Provides advisory services on all professional body. priorities, and work under Information
and allowances by recruiting new business-related field from a industry/sector as well as knowledge of Information Communication Technology • Nine (9) years of relevant Communication Technology deadlines.
companies and agreeing on modalities recognised University. regulatory. requirements affecting the matters to Management and Board. work experience with at least • Strong communication and analytical
for remittances, processing of • A Master’s Degree will be an relevant sector. • Optimises usage of Information three (3) years in a managerial skills.
salaries, handling emerging issues and added advantage. • Knowledge of the Information Communication Technology hardware role. • Ability to manage projects effectively
relationship management. • Certification in Lean Six Sigma Communication Technology trends in the and software. and efficiently.
• Ensures proper and efficient functioning and Project Management will market. • Collaborate with senior management • Ability to function effectively both as a
of banking operations at the Shared be an added advantage. • Knowledge of ISO quality and professional to identify technology needs and team player and unit leader.
Services. • Member of a relevant standards. opportunities for innovation.
• Manages withdrawal channels including professional body. • Knowledge in planning and budgeting
• Conduct regular technology
float management, repatriation of • Nine (9) years of relevant and processes.
customer deposits, resolution of progressively responsible • Ability to plan, organize, implement and assessments to ensure the Information
customer issues (undispersed cash, work experience in banking, evaluate assigned goals. Communication Technology
monies deposited in wrong account). operations or related field • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple infrastructure supports current and
• Oversees the posting of various entries with at least three (3) years at and Information Communication future business requirements.
to relevant bank account mainly: managerial level. Technology priorities, and work under
incoming check off, salaries, outgoing Information Communication Technology
Electronic Funds Transfer, cheques and deadlines.
channels. • Strong communication and analytical skills. We invite you to view the detailed job descriptions and apply for the positions at
• Ensures compliance with regulatory • Ability to manage projects effectively and https://www.pkfea.com/careers. The deadline for applications is 16th February 2024.
provisions and requirements. efficiently. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No hard – copy applications are accepted. Stima DT Sacco
• Manages and mitigates operational risk. • Ability to function effectively both as a
team player and unit leader. Society Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 7
NEWS GENERAL
NOT EFFECTIVE thority suffers an excruciating staff
TENDER NOTICE
MOMBASA WATER SUPPLY AND Kenya Railway (KR) invites application from interested and eligible Firms for the below tenders:-
and Sanitation Company Limited (MOWASSCO) as a revenue collection agency 4. KR/SCM/057/2023-2024 Provision of Valuation for MV Uhuru II 1,000.00 Open
23rd February, 2024
2.00 p.m.
for certain service levies. This is in line with Section 6(2), (a) and (c) of the County 5. KR/SCM/058/2023-2024
Supply and Delivery of Track Ballast for Mombasa-Nairobi
1,000.00 Open
26th February, 2024
Standard Gauge Railway Line for FY 2023-2024 for Mtito Andei 10.00 a.m.
Government Act; that allows the County Government of Mombasa to delegate Provision of Break down Maintenance Services for Borehole 26th February, 2024
6. KR/SCM/059/2023-2024 Pumps,Fire Booster Pumps, Sewage Booster Pumps and 1,000.00 Open
2.00 p.m.
any of its functions to other Entities within its jurisdiction. Domestic Water
27th February, 2024
7. KR/SCM/060/2023-2024 Proposed Reconstruction of Athi River SGR Freight Yard 1,000.00 Open
10.00 a.m.
27th February, 2024
In line with the above provisions, MOWASSSCO has organized public 8. KR/SCM/061/2023-2024 Proposed Redevelopment of MSAADA Estate in Mombasa 1,000.00 Open
2.00 p.m.
Provision of Consultancy Services for Resettlement Action
participation fora to be held at the Sub County levels. All members of the public, 9. KR/SCM/062/2023-2024
Plan (RAP) for Kisumu- Malaba SGR Phase 2C
1,000.00 Open
28th February, 2024
10.00 a.m.
County development partners, professionals, civil society representatives and 10. KR/SCM/063/2023-2024
Provision of Consultancy Services for Resettlement Action
1,000.00 Open
28th February, 2024
Plan (RAP) for Naivasha- Kisumu SGR Phase 2B 2.00 p.m.
other interested groups are therefore invited to attend the meetings at the 11. KR/SCM/064/2023-2024
Supply and Delivery of Communication and Electrical
1,000.00 Open
29th February, 2024
Consumables 10.00 a.m.
below mentioned venues on the dates scheduled below:
Candidates are encouraged to peruse the Tender Document from KR Website: www.krc.co.ke, and PPIP Website:
www.tender.go.ke or from the office of the General Manager- SCM, Kenya Railways Headquarters Block B, Ground floor,
Nairobi prior to purchase.
S/NO. DATE SUB COUNTY VENUE TIME Interested bidders may obtain the Tender Documents from the office of the General Manager – SCM, Kenya Railways
1 Friday 16th Changamwe Changamwe 9.00 AM-12.00 PM Headquarters, Block B, Ground Floor upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Kshs.1,000.00 or download the document
from KR and PPIP website at NO CHARGE. Bidders who download the Tender Document must register their interest
February, 2024 social hall immediately by sending an email to [email protected] stating their names, email, postal & telephone address and tender
2 Jomvu Mikindani 9.00 AM-12.00 PM details.
social hall Completed Tender Documents (accompanied by a Tender Security in the amount and form specified in the tender
document) in plain sealed envelopes must be clearly marked with the “Tender No. and the Description of the Tender”: and
3 Kisauni Bilima grounds 9.00 AM-12.00 PM shall be addressed to:-
-Magogoni The Managing Director
4 Likoni Likoni social hall 9.00 AM-12.00 PM Kenya Railways
P.O. Box 30121-00100
5 Nyali VOK social hall 9.00 AM-12.00 PM NAIROBI.
6 Mvita Tononoka 9.00 AM-12.00 PM and be deposited in the Tender Box situated at the Reception Area, Ground Floor, Kenya Railways Headquarters, Block C
social hall on or before the closing date and time. Tenders will opened in the presence of the tenderers’ representatives who choose
to attend at the Kenya Railways Headquarters.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR,
MOMBASA WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION COMPANY LIMITED.
8 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
NEWS GENERAL
DEVOLVED FUNCTION DIRE SITUATION
NEWS GENERAL
MARCH 15 At the initial stages of the case, Ma-
LYING TO COURT?
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
Muturi denies claims of CEO COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF WEST POKOT
Gitiri holding eight public jobs P.O. Box 222-30600, KAPENGURIA
[email protected], www.westpokot.co.ke
SUSAN MUHINDI/ The office of the At- of Directors of the Kenya Law Re- COUNTY TREASURY
torney General has dismissed claims porting Council, Victim Protection
of acting Council of Legal Education Agency and Kenya Revenue Authori- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR FY 2024/2025-2026/27 MTEF PERIOD
CEO Jennifer Gitiri holding eight ty as a Representative of KLRC.
public jobs. He asked the court to stop Gitiri The County Government of West Pokot is in the process of preparing budget estimates for the Financial Year
2024/2025-2026/2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. In accordance with article 201(a) of the Constitution
In response to a case filed by from drawing allowances for sitting which calls for openness, accountability and public participation in financial matters, the County Government hereby
Nakuru-based Dr Gikenyi Magara, on those institutions’ boards until invites all Members of the Public, County Development Partners, County Professionals, Civil Society Members and any
the AG’s Human Resource director the case is heard and determined other interest groups for public participation on budget proposals for the Financial Year 2024/25. The meetings will be
Ernest Alela said claims that Gitiri But the AG in response says Gitiri held across all the County wards from 20th - 21st February 2024.
represents the Attorney General in is remunerated one salary by the of- Priority areas contained in the Annual Development Plan for FY 2024/2025 will guide the identification of projects and
the National Council for Law Report- fice of the Attorney General. Programmes to be implemented. The forums will be held on the dates and venues indicated in the schedule below;
ing, Witness Protection Agency and In addition, Alela said Gitiri only
Victim Protection Board are not true. holds the position at CLE in acting Dates Day Ward Venue
He said Gikenyi has never written capacity. 20/02/2024 Tuesday Kapenguria Mtello Hall
to the office of the Attorney General He said in September last year, 20/02/2024 Tuesday Mnagei Tartar ELCK Church
to seek any information regarding there was staff unrest at the Coun- 20/02/2024 Tuesday Siyoi Siyoi Centre
the representation of the AG in the cil of Legal Education which even- 20/02/2024 Tuesday Lelan Kabichbich Centre
said public entities. tually led to the resignation of the 20/02/2024 Tuesday Suam Asilong A.I.C
He has accused him of deliberately then-acting CEO/Secretary of the 20/02/2024 Tuesday Tapach Ward Administrator’s Office
lying to the court. council, Mary Mutugi.
20/02/2024 Tuesday Chepareria Mercy Vocational Centre
This, Alela says is a calculated The council at the time also didn’t
20/02/2024 Tuesday Batei Sebit Catholic Church
move to obstruct and interfere with have a chairperson following the res-
the administration of justice. ignation of Prof Githu Muigai. 20/02/2024 Tuesday Riwo Ward Administrator’s Office
Gikenyi filed the case at the High The council was left without a 20/02/2024 Tuesday Kodich Orolwo Catholic church
Court last year claiming that Gitiri CEO and council chairperson. This 21/02/2024 Wednesday Sook Chepnyal Catholic Church Hall
has been drawing salaries and allo- necessitated immediate intervention. 21/02/2024 Wednesday Sekerr Chepkondol Centre
cations from eight public jobs. What followed was the President 21/02/2024 Wednesday Lomut Chemaley Trading Centre
Gikenyi wanted the court to issue on October 6, last year appointing
orders prohibiting Gitiri from sitting Prof Collins Odote as the chairper- HE SAID 21/02/2024
21/02/2024
Wednesday
Wednesday
Masol
Weiwei
Tikit Trading Centre
Sigor Social Hall
as a board member or employee of
the Council of Legal Education, Ken-
son of the council.
Three days later, Gitiri was nom-
GIKENYI 21/02/2024 Wednesday Endugh chemwapit trading centre
ya Law Reporting Council, Kenya inated for consideration by the HAS NEVER 21/02/2024
21/02/2024
Wednesday
Wednesday
Kasei
Alale
Chepkondol Dispensary
Alale Ward Administrator’s Office
Revenue Authority, Witness Protec-
tion Agency and Victim Protection
Council of Legal Education to be
appointed to manage the council.
WRITTEN TO 21/02/2024 Wednesday Kiwawa Mbaru Evangelical Lutheran Church
Agency. She would manage it temporarily THE OFFICE 21/02/2024 Wednesday Kapchok Konyao Cultural Centre
The petitioner told the court that pending the recruitment of a CEO for
Gitiri holds positions including Dep- a period not exceeding six months. OF THE Written submission/Memoranda may be submitted to any of the following offices; Ward Administrator’s offices and
Department of Finance and Economic Planning or submission to [email protected] to be received not later
uty Director, Assets Recovery Agency,
acting CEO Council of Legal Educa-
The AG decided to nominate Gitiri
who as a deputy director in a state
ATTORNEY than 23rd February, 2024.
tion, Corporate Secretary Assets Re- corporation has sufficient exposure GENERAL TO HON. JOSHUA LORIONG’ONG’AR RUTTO
covery Agency and Acting Secretary
Council of Legal Education.
to handle the situation then.
He emphasizes that Gitiri’s role
SEEK ANY COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER - FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING
He said she also sits on the Board was only to provide support. INFORMATION
10 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
NEWS GENERAL
Agriculture ute 150,000 bags of fertiliser and we
Cabinet intend to clear distribution within
Secretary the next one-and-half months of 2.5
Mithika Linturi million bags across the country,” the
flags off PS said.
subsidised This week, county commissioners,
fertiliser in senior officials from the government
Nakuru on and CEOs of Ministry of Agriculture
January 31 agencies have been launching fer-
/HANDOUT tiliser distribution across the country.
“This week we will distribute fer-
tiliser in Makueni and Kirinyaga
counties and next week in the Cen-
tral parts of the country,” Ronoh said.
In terms of farmer engagement,
the PS said farmer registration is
still ongoing and so far 6.4 million
farmers have been listed.
He said there have been challeng-
es in farmer registration including
wrong data and information that
some farmers gave during the pro-
cess.
“Farmers had the misinformation
that they were registering for the
purposes of taxation and so they did
not give the right information. Farm-
ers whom we have engaged and had
challenges in accessing the subsidy
fertiliser we realised that they gave
SH2,500 EACH wrong information. Now, we have
TRANSITION TO LA NINA
NEWS GENERAL
PLANETARY CRISIS POSITIVE RESULTS
NEWS BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY THE DATA
Communications Authority data shows actual attacks were 860 million in 2023 demand for the
dollar by importers
financial market
cross-border cyber threats within the
global realities we all experience,” said
the PS.He spoke in Nairobi during the
F O R E X E X C H A N G E R AT E S
opening ceremony of the first African
preparatory meeting for the upcom- Currency Mean
ing 2025 World Telecommunications US DOLLAR 160.1877
Development Conference. EURO 172.7704
Organised by the International Tele- STG POUND 202.3411
communications Union (ITU), the fo- SA RAND 8.4799
rum seeks to champion various policy KES / USHS 23.8720
and infrastructural reforms aimed at
KES / TSHS 15.8876
accelerating the bridging of digital
AE DIRHAM 43.6122
innovation divide.
This is mainly to ensure equitable JPY (100) 107.7943
that will safeguard the interests of the DIAMOND TRUST 48.80 6.09
continent. ATU secretary general John KAKUZI 385.00 5.77
Omo said the Union would advocate JUBILEE 189.75 5.27
Broadcast and Telecommunications PS Edward Kisiang’ani speaks during the first African preparatory meeting for the for favourable policies and regulations, NBV 2.40 4.35
World Telecommunications and Development Conference, in Nairobi, on February 8 /WILLISH ADUR as well as for improved investment in
the development of telecommunica- N S E B I G G E ST LOS E R S
8.06 million advisories in the period tacks on the aforementioned sectors. tions in the continent. Price Change (%)
under review,” the report reads. Yearly data by CA for the year “We will also seek to presents Af- CROWN PAINT 36.05 9.87
ALFRED ONYANGO It represented a 44.4 per cent in- 2022/23 shows Kenya recorded 860 rica’s interests to ensure the African TOTAL 17.05 9.55
@its_alfred_ crease compared to the 5.6 million that million cyber-attacks in 2023, the voice shapes the global telecommuni-
EXPRESS 3.24 8.47
were issued in the previous quarter. highest yet, witnessing an upsurge cation/ICT agenda,” Omo said.
SANLAM 6.06 8.18
Kenya witnessed increased cyber “During the period, system mis- in the frequency, sophistication and
threats in the three months period to configuration attacks were the most scale of cyber-threats targeted at the FAHARI I-REIT 6.02 5.05
December with more than 1.2 billion prevalent, which aligns with the with country’s critical information infra-
cases recorded. global trends in cyber threat activity structure (CIIs).Of the attacks, 79 per
This is from 123 million threats de- where malware attacks, and more cent were a result of cyber criminals
tected in the previous quarter, repre- specifically ransomware, were most exploiting flaws and vulnerabilities
senting a 943 per cent jump. rampant,” states CA in organisations’ internal controls, COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY
Latest Communications Authority Commenting on the figures broad- system procedures and information
of Kenya report attributes the increase casting and telecommunications PS systems, which they used to gain During the
to the enhancement of the country’s Edward Kisiang’ani said the advisories unauthorised access to the computer
cyber threat monitoring capabili- were directed to various actors within systems. period, system USE CURIOSITY TO KEEP
ties, and the increased exploitation the critical infrastructure ecosystem, To address increased cyber security
misconfiguration
of ‘system vulnerabilities’ fuelled by
increased deployment and use of In-
warning them of the impending at-
tacks and guiding them on what rem-
threats in the country, Kisiang’ani said
the government is upgrading threat attacks were the
MEETINGS ON TRACK
ternet devices. edies they should institute. detection systems as well as train- Are your meetings chronically
Malware, brute force, web applica- Key targets include Internet Service ing key personnel to deal with such most prevalent, disengaging—or worse, easily
tion and mobile application attacks Providers (ISPs), cloud service provid- threats. derailed? It may be time to
stood at 13.2, 9.7, 0.07 and 0.05 million ers, government and the education “In light of the increased complexity which aligns with introduce curiosity into the agenda
cases, respectively.
“In response to the threats, the Na-
sector. He said the probable impact on
the economy would be enormous in
and sophistication of cyber threats, we
also remain at hand to collaborate with
the with global to keep people focused and
things on track. First, direct the
tional Cyber Security Centre issued the event of any successful cyber-at- countries in the region in mitigating trends team’s attention to identifying
the problem you’re there to solve.
Rather than doing this for them,
REDEMPTION ask everyone in the room to define
Kenya to get Sh240.7bn from World Bank by April the goal of the meeting in one
sentence. Clarifying a collective
mission at the outset will help
VICTOR AMADALA/Kenya is ex- ability to repay the loan that has in velopment (IBRD) would provide $3 try has received in past months. align team members and reduce
pected to receive a number of credit the past made investors coy. billion and $1.5 billion respectively. Kenya has received disbursements confusion or irrelevant sidebars.
facilities that will see the country Beneath Kenya’s confidence is a The International Finance Corpo- totalling just over $1 billion Sh160 (bil- Then let your employees do
comfortably settle the inaugural series of multilateral loans expected ration (IFC) will provide roughly $1 lion) in the last two months from IMF the talking. Just because you’re
Eurobond debt due on June 24. to pour into the exchequers accounts (Sh160.5 billion) in investments and and Trade Development Bank (TDB). leading the meeting doesn’t
On Wednesday, the exchequer by April. MIGA guarantees can amount to “We are very confident about mean you have to dominate it.
gave holders of the $2 billion bond Top of all is the $1.5 billion (Sh240.7 around $500 million (Sh80 billion). handling the Eurobond debt that has Show curiosity, ask others for
taken in 2014 seven days to February billion) to be disbursed by the World “Subject to the World Bank Ex- posed financial risks to the country. their opinions before sharing
14 to submit claims, a bold move that Bank between March and April. ecutive Directors approval of new Kenya has earned its rightful space in your own, and actively listen.
has tickled investors. The amount is part of $4.5 billion operations, and to factors which may the international debt market,’’ Na- This is a powerful way to engage
The maximum amount that the (Sh722.3 billion) commitment made affect the Bank’s lending capacity, tional Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo said. and empower people. Finally,
government will repurchase will be by the global lender in November last this implies a total financial package He added that government man- offer feedback—but avoid
determined by how much it raises in year. of $12 billion (Sh1.93 trillion) over the dated Citigroup Global Markets and judgmental language. Judgment
an offering of new securities that will The lender announced that, over next three years,’’ World Bank said. Standard Bank of South Africa as joint is the opposite of curiosity and
be priced on February 12. the next three fiscal years (FY24- Yesterday, top exchequer bosses book runners to arrange a series of can discourage and demotivate
Yields on the bond dropped to 10.6 FY26), the International Development told the Star that the World Bank investor calls, following which a sev- your team, leading to stilted,
per cent from 16 per cent, a mark of Association (IDA) and International loan is just ‘an icing on the cake’ of a en-year dollar-bond will be issued unproductive meetings.
renewed confidence in the country’s Bank for Reconstruction and De- number of financial relives the coun- subject to market conditions.
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 13
NEWS BUSINESS
SEAMLESS INFLATION
Living cost likely
Airtel axes withdrawal code when receiving money to rise on costly
VICTOR AMADALA/Airtel Money This applies to amounts as low as imports –CBK
customers can now receive money Sh1 and as high as Sh250,000 per
directly from any network without transaction daily. MARTIN MWITA/ The cost of living
the withdrawal code that carried a A customer sending money will Airtel Kenya could further rise in the next three
seven-day validity. now simply select ‘send money” managing months, the Central Bank of Kenya
The move effective February 6, to any network, enter the number director Ashish has indicated, piling more pressure on
follows the Central Bank of Kenya’s of the recipient to complete the Malhotra during already struggling households.
(CBK) and industry players collab- transaction which will immediately the launch of 5G To stem this the apex bank has
orative efforts towards seamless reflect in the wallet of the recipient network in the moved to institute monetary policies
mobile money cross operations as - without a withdrawal code. country aimed at lowering inflation, among
outlined in the CBK National Pay- Airtel Money managing director, /FILE them being raising interest rates
ments Strategy 2022-2025. Anne Kinuthia-Otieno welcomed where the Central Bank Rate (CBR)
The National Payments Strategy the new process describing it as has been increased from 12.50 per
requires all mobile money provid- a big benefit to Kenyans as cus- cent to 13 per cent.
ers to ensure a seamless customer tomers will now enjoy seamless The projected possible rise in
services across networks to allow experience at affordable costs. said the initiative is a major benefit easy movement of money and the inflation, the measure of the
on-network and off-network “Sending money is the biggest for Kenyans as they can now enjoy enhancing financial inclusion for all. cost of living, is pegged mainly
direct transactions. use case in Kenya and having a the convenience of real-time “I would also like to thank the on costly imports occasioned by
The changes allow a customer seamless, direct wallet to wallet transactions which has cut out Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) the weak shilling, which has seen
registered on any mobile money transfer of money across networks limiting user intermediary steps. on the steps taken to ensure a manufacturers and importers of
platform to send money directly to is a big benefit to Kenyans.’’ In addition, the mobile money smooth transition on the new finished products continue to spend
someone on another network Airtel Kenya MD Ashish Malhotra market will expand by allowing guidelines,”he said. more to ship in cargoes.
The shilling, which crossed the
Sh160 mark to the US dollar in mid-
STANDOFF January, remains volatile, amid a high
demand.
100
Clearing agents and transport- kers and ensure timely delivery and left to Kenya Railways (SGR) and being at nine per cent.
ers are opposed to plans by KPA to returns which means lower freight private sector players, insisting KPA “This was mainly driven by
offer end-to-end logistics services, costs and avoiding demurrage costs. should stick to its mandate of port increases in prices of commodities
which will see foreign companies We are just facilitating,” KPA man- operations. under transport (10.6%), housing,
including global shipping lines, tap aging director Willliam Ruto told “We are going to stage a major The least number of water, electricity, gas and other fuels
into the last mile logistics business. the Star. However, port stakehold- strike and paralyse all cargo han- last- mile cargo (9.7%); and food and non-alcoholic
According to KPA, it is target- ers have opposed the move, which dling activities if KPA moves out of beverages (7.9%) between January
ing cargoes meant for the transit is also seen to have a potential neg- its mandate,” national chairman delivery contracts to be 2023 and January 2024,” KNBS DG
markets, hugely served by local ative impact on the Standard Gauge Roy Mwanthi said.The Kenya Trans- affected Macdonald Obudho said.
14 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
PUBLIC NOTICE: INVITATION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ALL STAKEHOLDERS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR THE SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE ACT,
2023 AND THE DRAFT REGULATORY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023 was enacted on the 19th October, 2023. The Act confers upon the Cabinet Secretary for Health, in consultation with the Board of the Social Health Authority to
make Regulations under sections 24, 30, 44(6), 46(2), 47 (5) and 50 (1) relating to various matters required to be prescribed under the Act, in particular, Implementation of the Primary Healthcare Fund, Imple-
mentation of the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, procedures for Operationalization of the Dispute Resolution Tribunal, Registration of Members to the Social Health Insurance Fund, Identification
of Beneficiaries, Claims and Benefits, Contributions and Empanelment and Contracting. To this end and pursuant to sections 24, 30, 44(6), 46(2), 47 (5) and 50 (1) of the Social Health Insurance Act;
IT IS NOTIFIED for information of the general public that the Cabinet Secretary for Health, in consultation with the Board of the Social Health Authority, has developed the following two (2) sets of draft regula-
tions to the Social Health Insurance Act:
1. The Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024
2. The Social Health Insurance (Dispute Resolution Tribunal) Regulations, 2024
FURTHER in compliance with Section 6 of the Statutory Instruments Act No. 23 of 2013 which require the regulation making authority to, prepare a regulatory impact statement about the proposed Regu-
lations, the Cabinet Secretary for Health has, through a Technical Working Group comprised of officers from the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the National
Assembly and NHIF, prepared a Regulatory Impact Statement for the proposed Regulations.
FURTHER AWARE THAT Article 10 of the Constitution as read with section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act No. 23 of 2013 require a regulation-making authority to undertake public participation and make
appropriate consultations with persons who are likely to be affected by proposed regulations. The provisions of section 5 further provide that the consultations envisaged under the Statutory Instruments Act
No. 23 of 2013 shall involve notification, by advertisement, of bodies that, or of organizations representative of persons who, are likely to be affected by the proposed instrument or invite submissions or partici-
pation in public hearings to be held concerning the proposed instruments.
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Article 10 of the Constitution and section 5 and 6 of the Statutory Instruments Act No. 23 of 2013, the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Board of the Social Health
Authority, invites interested members of the public, stakeholders and organizations to submit any comments, views or make representations regarding the two (2) draft regulations and the draft Regulatory
Impact Statement.
The comments, views, representation and any written memoranda may be forwarded to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary on Afya House 7th
Floor, Nairobi; or emailed to [email protected] ; to be received on or before, 9th February, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The two (2) sets of draft regulations and the draft Regulatory Impact Statement are available
at the following links: - https://www.health.go.ke
Additionally, and pursuant to the Statutory Instruments Act,2013, the Cabinet Secretary and the Social Health Authority plans to engage members of the public and stakeholders on the same through public
hearings. The purpose of the hearings shall be to get oral submissions on the draft Regulations and the Regulatory impact Statement to ensure that persons likely to be affected by the Statutory Instru-
ments have adequate opportunity to give their views on the Instruments. The Draft Regulations and Regulatory Impact Statement can be obtained from the Ministry’s website (https://www.health.go.ke/
social-health-regulations ) We therefore invite all stakeholders and members of the public for stakeholders’ engagement meetings which shall be held as follows:-
All interested persons should submit written comments on the draft Regulations and draft Regulatory Impact Statement in the prescribed format as follows;
Sonko mulls suing state after “This case should be a lesson that
nothing done to prosecute Sonko
NEWS COUNTIES
A billboard The petition was drafted by Bunge
announcing Mashinani, an NGO that advocates
waiver on democracy and human rights.
land rates by G i t hu n gu r i M P G at h o n i
the Kiambu Wamuchomba and her Kiambaa
government at colleague, John Wanjiku, want the
Kiambu town law to be removed completely.
main bus stage The two MPs said it is unconsti-
/STANLEY tutional and will hurt Kiambu res-
NJENGA idents.
Susan Mburaria, a resident, said
they cannot pay rates for lands they
fought for during the colonial period.
Jane Njeri, a resident of Githungu-
ri subcounty, said they have buried
their loved ones on the lands.
Section 45 of the Act gives Fi-
nance executive powers to sell land
through auction or a private treaty
if one fails to pay land rates.
The Act says all lands in Kiambu
are ratable except for public schools,
toilets, markets, hospitals and roads.
The law says a landowner is re-
quired to pay all land rates from
2016 if they want to sell, subdivide,
develop or lease their land.
Bunge Mashinani clerk Michael
Mburu said the Act was passed with-
out public participation.
Eric Mutura of Bunge Mashinani
UPROAR said the petition does not target any
anyone but the punitive law.
NEWS COUNTIES
13-MONTH PROGRAMME ment and exposed to referral path- Tuwajali
ways and human rights laws to en- Wajane director
vulnerable families
self-reliance. /SHABAN OMAR
Gaserego said the girls will be
educated on various forms of GBV
and how to report and protect
SHABAN OMAR/ About 30 girls from Gaserego said most children from themselves.
vulnerable families are set to bene- widowed families are often affected She said the selected group is ex-
fit from a 13-month empowerment by GBV in one form or another. pected to train others to help lower
programme in Msambweni, Kwale “The majority of widows go the swelling GBV vice in the region.
county. through a lot of misery which is The director said the project will
At least 70 per cent of the targeted transferred to the children living bring together various stakeholders
group will include girls who were in those families,” she said. and provide insights and support
solely raised by widows and 30 per She said many girls raised by to strengthen the campaign against
cent by widowers and from ages 18 widows or widowers are victims of gender-based violence.
to 35 years. sexual abuse. Gaserego said most widows and
The programme is dubbed PISSCA. Gaserego said sometimes the girls their children’s rights are violated Gaserego said through the proj- GBV cases have been one of the ma-
Tuwajali Wajane director Mwanaisha are double affected through their for lack of understanding of human ect, they will ensure all the reported jor challenges affecting the Kwale
Gaserego said the project is geared childhood and marital life. rights. sexual and physical violence cases community.
towards supporting girls’ empower- She said the project will ensure She the programme will capacity are dealt with and justice is served. He said the programme will boost
ment to prevent and respond to gen- the targeted group is taken through build the girls and create awareness Tuwajali Wajane board member the fight against the vice in the re-
der-based violence and sexual rights. psychosocial support, empower- of GBV and enhance reporting. and mediator Rashid Mbwiza said gion.
PROTECT FROM DESTRUCTION fully well that public participation TAKE STOCK
Chasimba residents
on development projects, pro-
grammes, policies, and plans is one Agencies unite
of the key principles of environmen-
tal impact assessment,” he said. to address Coast
“Public participation is given
security threats
reject proposed Sh12bn
under the constitution of Kenya.
The company has contravened the
constitution.” ONYANGO OCHIENG’ / Security teams
Chonga said Mawe Meru is an from the coastal region have agreed
NEWS COUNTIES
TOXIC BREW Nacada in a statement on Thursday
HEALTHY SOIL
NEWS COUNTIES
COUNTIES’ CASH FLOW PROBLEM Barasa, who was addressing staff at the county head-
quarters on Thursday, said county governments are yet to
Be innovative to boost own receive a substantial portion of the allocated budget this
financial year.
source revenue, says Barasa He said finding alternative sources of revenue is more
critical now than ever to ensure smooth functioning of
HILTON OTENYO/ Counties can only end the cash flow chal- devolved units.
lenges they are facing by enhancing own source revenue, The county chief said devolved units are going to take
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has said. up the servicing of medical equipment from the national
He urged county governments to explore innovative solu- government starting April, meaning they will require more
tions and partnerships to bolster their financial positions. money yet the sharable revenue is shrinking and the wage
“Counties may not be able to sustain essential services bill ballooning.
due to the ever dwindling financial support from the national “This is going to add more that Sh300 million for Ka-
government,” Barasa said. kamega county, which was not budgeted for,” Barasa said.
He chairs the finance committee at the Council of Gov- Governors are pushing the Treasury to allocate counties
ernors. Sh450 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. Assistant county commissioner Alex Murithi
/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
ment with an earlier PSRA notice rampant increase in crime, theft, “The specific targeting of associa- REGULATORY
calling for a new minimum wage
of Sh30,000 per guard, which was
burglaries and robberies due to the
sudden lack of manned physical se-
tion leaders through a public office
for not toeing an unknown agenda
AUTHORITY
later disowned by Labour Cabinet curity at premises across the country is an unwanted and unwelcome de- ISSUED A
Secretary Florence Bore. and as those now unemployed but velopment,” they said in a statement.
LEGAL NOTICE
But the Professional Security and having families to feed are forced to “Diplomatic channels have been
We have registered an
Safety Association of Kenya and Pro- find ways to survive.” opened to try to resolve the existing CANCELLING
tective Security Industry Association They argued additional impact stalemate while maintaining peace
THE LICENCES insufficient number of pupils
said this would not be affordable may be experienced in the health and stability across the nation.”
to clients whose costs would then sector as those, now without hope “We encourage Kenyans to remain
OF THE NINE in PP1, PP2, Grade 1 and Grade 2
rise to Sh45,000 per day guard and for a future paycheck, fall into men- calm and positive as the matter is
Sh55,000 per night guard (due to tal health problems that could lead resolved in an amicable manner.” COMPANIES in the county
Friday-Sunday, February 9-11, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 21
NEWS COUNTIES
PRODUCTION SMART AGRICULTURE
medicine factory at varsity ROBERT OMOLLO/ The government has started introduc-
ing new rice varieties and climate-smart technologies to
farmers to end the shortage of commodity in the country.
The country has been producing only 200,000 tonnes,
The facility will produce two billion tablets per year at a subsidised cost against the required quantity of 800,000 tonnes annually.
The government is forced to import 600,000 tonnes to
bridge the gap.
Lake Basin Development Authority managing director
Wycliffe Ochiaga said the government is introducing
MAURICE ALAL the new varieties, which are climate change resilient to
@alalmaurice improve the crop production.
He said the country has not been able to produce ade-
The Kisumu government has part- quate rice due to poor quality and change of climate.
nered with Med Aditus Kenya Limited The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organ-
to build a pharmaceutical manufactur- isation (Kalro), the International Rice Research Institute
ing plant at the Great Lakes University (IRRI) and LBDA partnered to come up with ways of
of Kisumu. increasing the crop production.
The multibillion-shilling project “The initiatives have been introduced to at least 250
will be constructed in two phases on farmers in Homa Bay. They are growing rice in Kimira
15 acres. Phase one will cost Sh1.6 bil- Oluch, which is one of the mega irrigation schemes in the
lion ($10 million), which will include a county,” Ochiaga said.
factory and other infrastructure. The Kimira Oluch Smallholder Farm Improvement Proj-
The pact will make Kisumu the first ect in Homa Bay is an irrigation project that supplies water
county in Western Kenya to construct to more than 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres).
and manage a pharmaceutical com- Ochiaga, Kalro’s Industrial Crop Development Institute
pany. director Finyange Pole and IRRI’s regional breeding lead in
Upon completion, the facility will Africa Ajay Panchbhai urged the farmers to adopt the new
be producing two billion tablets per varieties.
year at a subsidised cost. Some of the varieties introduced include komboka and
Med Aditus Kenya Limited is a sub- 08 FAN10 (mkombozi). CSR36 will be introduced in June.
sidiary company under Med Aditus Ochiaga, who spoke during an agricultural field day in
Incorporation, a US-based pharma- Governor ecosystem to produce medicine in as reported by the Kenya Demographic Rarut, Kochia, in Rangwe constituency on Wednesday,
ceutical nonprofit company created Anyang’ Nyong’o Kenya and beyond. and Health Surveys,” Nyong’o said. said the new rice varieties mature quicker than the con-
with the vision of increasing access and Med Aditus “We have provided land, infra- He said they will continue to invest ventional ones.
to quality medicine in sub-Saharan CEO Dr Dhiren structure and incentives to facilitate in training, research, data collection, “The new rice varieties take three months or less to
Africa. Thakker in Kibos, the implementation of this project,” hospital modernisation and service mature compared to the conventional varieties, which take
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o Kisumu county Nyong’o said. delivery. four months. I urge farmers to embrace the new seeds,”
said they have signed a concession /MAURICE ALAL The county has also collaborated Nyong’o said the county has record- he said.
agreement providing a legal frame- with state agencies to ensure the proj- ed a reduction in maternal mortality Ochiaga assured farmers that LBDA will help them
work for the partnership to allow ect adheres to the highest standards by about 30 per cent (from 495 to 343 secure a market for their produce.
construction to start. of environmental and social respon- per 100,000 live births). “Let farmers not worry about the market, because we
He said they are also collaborating sibility. Infant mortality rate has reduced have the capacity. Supply of locally produced rice is still
with the university (GLUK) in Kibos to Africa, with 25 per cent of the from 54 to 39 per 100,000 live births, huge,” he said.
build the pharmaceutical plant. world’s disease burden and just one with under five mortality reducing Pole said their idea is to adopt the newly bred rice vari-
“We are proud to host a project that per cent of global health expenditure, from 79 to 63 deaths per 1,000 live eties that can do well and give more yield.
will not only provide hundreds of em- faces significant challenges. births. “Kalro has released several varieties of rice seeds and
ployment opportunities to our people, Nyong’o said the continent heavily In the past two years, the number of one of them is komboka, which farmers are seeing today.
but will also produce affordable and relies on imports, leading to supply in- women delivering in health facilities 08FAN10 also does well,” he said.
quality medicines for underserved stability and infiltration of substandard has increased from 69 to 94 per cent Pole said the new varieties are good because their
patients,” Nyong’o said. medicines to address unmet medica- because of the completion and open- production is almost double the traditional cotton varieties
The firm is expected to stimulate the tion needs. ing of health facilities in the county farmers are growing today.
local economy, contribute to research Med Aditus, in collaboration with and investment in community health He urged farmers to embrace the climate-smart
and training, and enhance the health international trainer-Rymedi Inter- services. technologies so they can plant rice directly into the farm
sector in the region. national-will be introducing cut- The county has opened 280 com- without preparing a nursery bed.
Nyong’o, who spoke during the ting-edge technologies to bring about munity health units and linked them Panchbhai said their objective is to empower farmers to
launch of the project in Kibos on exponential change in the pharmaceu- to 151 public health facilities and five ensure they have money besides food.
Wednesday, said the initiative will no tical landscape of sub-Saharan Africa. faith-based health facilities. “It is unfortunate that farmers grow old rice varieties,
doubt create an opportunity for the The modular continuous manu- “Our community health workers which earn them poor yields. These new varieties will
university to build a faculty of phar- facturing assembly, coupled with real have become the pillar of our health boost their income,” Panchbhai said.
macy. time process controls, will accelerate services. The number of visits they Farmers Ezekiel Ogutu, Jonathan Oner and Josephine
He praised Med Aditus Pharmaceu- the production of high quality phar- made to family households increased Aoko expressed confidence the new rice varieties and
ticals and Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals maceuticals, meet domestic needs and from 187,977 in 2022 to 206,420 in technologies will cushion them from too many expenses.
Kenya Limited president and chief pave the way for export. 2023,” Nyong’o said. “We’re hoping to realise more production with the new
executive officer Dr Dhiren Thakker Nyong’o said they must ensure the varieties,” Ogutu said.
and president and CEO of Med Adi- medicines produced by Med Aditus
tus International Robert Blouin for the reach the neediest people and they
partnership. are used appropriately and effectively.
Local medicines production will “We must continue to invest in our
reduce the county’s dependence on health systems, our human resources
imports and improve supply chain se- and our communities to ensure every-
curity. It will also increase resilience to one has access to quality and afford-
shocks and disruptions, especially in able healthcare,” he said.
the face of emerging and re-emerging The governor urged residents to ANYANG’ NYONG’O
diseases. embrace and promote projects and to
Besides medicines, it will foster in- support local industries and products. We have provided
novation, training, research and devel- Nyong’o assured residents, especial-
opment in the pharmaceutical sector ly those from Kibos, that they will be land, infrastructure
and contribute to the achievement of
the universal health coverage agenda
given first priority in non-technical
jobs, once construction work starts.
and incentives
and the national agenda of boosting The project will supplement efforts to facilitate the
local manufacturing. the county has made in improving pre-
The governor said his government is ventive, public and family healthcare. implementation of Kalro’s Industrial Crop Development Institute director
committed to supporting Med Aditus “Our health indicators have system- Finyange Pole in Nyarut, Rangwe constituency, on
in its mission to build a sustainable atically improved in the past five years this project Wednesday /ROBERT OMOLLO
22 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday, February 9-11, 2024
NEWS COUNTIES
PHOTO STORY
CALL FOR CAMPAIGNS
NEWS COUNTIES
CORRECTION WITH DIGNITY DAWN ACCIDENT
PENDING ELECTIONS
COMMERCIAL
UDM calls for appointment of PRINTING
IEBC chiefs after court ruling
GEORGE MURAGE/ The United Dem- conduct any by-elections as there
ocratic Movement has asked the are no election commissioners and
President to initiate the process of we call on the President to act before
appointing new IEBC commissioners things go wrong,” he said.He added
to avoid a constitutional crisis. that the continued delay infringed
The party warned that the country on the constitutional rights of the
was operating on dangerous ground affected electoral areas, hence the
with some constituencies and wards need for the President to act.
operating without elected leaders. Roba reiterated that party’s sup-
This emerged when the party’s port for the Kenya Kwanza govern-
national executive council met in ment at a time the country is facing
Naivasha for its annual meeting. harsh economic times.
Party leader Ali Roba called on “We believe that the government is
President William Ruto to move firmly on the path of turning around
with haste and act on the High Court the economic performance of the
ruling that gave the green light to country from the rundown that it
appoint new IEBC commissioners. inherited,” he said.
Addressing the press in Naivasha, The party appointed Ramadhan
the Mandera senator said that hun- Bungale as the new secretary general
dreds of voters in Banissa constitu- replacing David Ohito who left.
ency and other wards in the country Deputy party leader Bashir Ab-
were getting a raw deal due to failure dulahi said they were committed
to conduct by-elections. to supporting the government and
“Currently, the country cannot addressing the challenges facing the The Star Publications offers the most competitive pricing
for newspaper printing on Newsprint and Bond paper
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24 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
COVER
L
earning the history of Kenya ya from the 1960s. But he didn’t do ie, from the point-of-view of the
has been one of the most inter- it in the ordinary style of an inves- robbers who were being hunted by
esting paths I’ve pursued lately. tigative story. Shaw.
To know what happened in Rather, he added some twists It was one of the most interesting
a particular place some decades and narrated it like an action mov- history sessions I’ve ever attended,
ago is like time-travelling to that and so I decided to try out his path
period. in the event I also decide to become
And thanks to our broad imag- a history storyteller.
inative capacities as humans, our My first task, therefore, came this
brains can picture all the scenes as previous Sunday, when I decided to
they unfolded, albeit in black and teach the history of Muindi Mbin-
white. With the rush of gu Street. But I wasn’t going to do
Well, we have history films to it in the ordinary way, like lectures
blame for programming us to be- Africanisation after in university. Neither was I going
lieve that the world before 1980
lacked any colour.
Independence, all to do it like Ngartia’s. I didn’t want
my whole audience seated and just
A great storyteller knows how
to spice up the story and make it
these streets got staring at me. So what did I do?
around, so he would offer assis- 1938, the colonial government ards.” This action caused a scene at
tance to anyone. enforced a destocking policy in the police station, and the men got
Karibu Nairobi would provide Ukambani, seizing 2,000 cattle back to protesting, prompting the
cool merchandise, such as fridge from the people after claiming that police to open fire.
magnets with images of Nairobi’s the overgrazing had led to environ- Other settlers who were at the
famous landmarks. mental degradation. Norfolk Hotel also joined in the
And Nuts Kenya, who pride One man, Muindi Mbingu, mo- fire, killing 21 people, among them
themselves in having the best nuts bilised residents to walk 60km all four women. Muthoni Nyanjiru
in Kenya, would provide us with the way from Machakos to Nairo- was among the deceased, but was
something to bite during the whole bi. The aim was to negotiate with immortalised for her action of
tour. the then-Governor, Robert-Brooke bravery.
I had also invited Kevin Mugambi Propham, who finally agreed and After Independence, the street
(violinist) and Wandia Kubai (saxo- the cattle were released back to was renamed ‘Harry Thuku Road’,
phonist) to play us some tantalising their owners. in remembrance of this incident.
music as we sketched. I wanted us Muindi Mbingu, however, was
to have that Titanic feeling. immediately detained for 15 years, KINGSWAY HOUSE
The scope of the tour was from and upon release, died in the hands On the other side of the footbridge
the UoN footbridge all the way to of the Mau Mau, just 10 years before lies Kingsway House. After Inde-
City Market. So we got to the top of Independence, after allegedly be- pendence, this building housed the
the bridge at 11.30am, where our coming too cosy with the colonial Special Branch offices. One notable
first lesson began. government. incident that happened here was
First, we discussed the origin of On one side of the footbridge, the murder of JM Kariuki in 1975.
the street name. During the colo- we could see Central police station, JM Kariuki is remembered for
nial period, all the streets north of built back in 1904 to serve as the saying that, “Kenya has become a
Delamere Avenue (now Kenyatta headquarters of the British Colo- country of 10 millionaires and 10
Avenue) were named after the Co- nial Police. million beggars” during a rally in
lonial Commissioners. On March 14, 1922, Harry Thuku 1974.
There was Hardinge Street after was arrested by the police and de- Afterwards, 700 acres of wheat
Arthur Hardinge, Eliot Street after tained in these cells. For the next were burned down in Rongai in a
Sir Charles Eliot, Stewart Street two days, around 7,000 to 8,000 farm belonging to Jomo Kenyatta,
after Donald Stewart, and Sadler members of the East African As- and the perpetrators were alleged
Street, after Sir James Sadler. sociation marched to the police to have been incited by JM Kariu-
With the rush of Africani- station to demand his release, but ki’s remarks.
sation after independence, all they were told that Harry Thuku Therefore, his life was in danger,
these streets got African names. would have to be arraigned in court and in subsequent weeks, there Ruth’s sketch of the Jeevanjee toilet /KEITH ANG’ANA
Hardinge Street became Kimathi for a hearing first for his fate to be were two failed assassination at-
Street, Eliot Street became Wabera determined. tempts. On March 2, 1975, while yoike Thungu, who was Jomo Ken- In 1906, while at the height of
Street, Stewart Street became The men in the crowd gave up leaving Hilton Hotel, JM Kariu- yatta’s rogue bodyguard. his wealth, he began the construc-
Muindi Mbingu Street, and Sadler and started walking away, before ki was abducted by the then GSU Wanyoike asked JM Kariuki why tion of a garden, which he gifted to
Street became Koinange Street. one Muthoni Nyanjiru ran to them, Commandant, Ben Gethi, and es- he would insult the President as the people of Nairobi as a place to
took off her dress, and told them, corted to Kingsway House, where if they were age-mates, and be- rest. Thanks to him, therefore, we
MAN BEHIND THE NAME “Take this dress and give me your he was to be questioned regarding fore JM could answer, he was met had some shade to lie under as we
So who was Muindi Mbingu? In trousers, because you men are cow- his incitement. There, JM met Wan- with a blow that knocked down his sketched our surroundings.
front teeth. The two got into a fight, Ruth took this chance to show-
and as JM reached out for the pistol case her prowess, when she even
in his pocket, Gethi shot him in the pulled out some watercolours to
shoulder. paint the sketch she had made of
Knowing that they had done the public toilet. We were all baf-
a mistake since news about this fled, wondering why she had come
could leak if JM was taken to hospi- with an assault rifle to a knife fight.
tal, Gethi decided to finish him off Kwani hajui jokes?
and dump his body at the Ngong Once we were done, we moved
Hills Forest. It was there that his on to City Market, which was to be
body was finally recovered 10 days our final stop for the day.
later. Back in 1904, before Jeevanjee
had constructed the gardens, he
JEEVANJEE GARDENS built a market around the same
After this history lesson, I dis- area to boost the trade of European
missed everyone to different cor- produce. Four years later, however,
ners of the footbridge, where they the bubonic plague struck the city,
were free to draw anything around, and the unhygienic market was
be it the footbridge itself or the deemed to be the cause. The Euro-
towering buildings on University peans, therefore, declined to use it,
Way. Gauging the sketches made, I and it was left to the Indians and
believe Lisa had the best one. the lower-class Africans. In 1932,
After half an hour, we proceeded it was demolished and replaced by
to our next stop, which was Jeevan- the shinier City Market, which at-
jee Gardens. Thankfully, the garden tracted European traders back.
had enough trees and grass, so we Rather than sketch it, Wango and
could just sit down like a picnic I preferred to sit on its steps and
and sketch. And so began the his- sketch the Jamia Mosque, which is
tory lesson. on the opposite side.
In 1895, just as the Imperial Brit- A group of butchers gathered be-
ish East Africa Company was de- hind us, and we could hear them
parting from the East African Coast say, “Eh, ona hawa watoto wa-
due to bankruptcy, a 40-year-old naangalia tu kitu na wanacho-
man was arriving from British In- ra venye iko. We Njoro unaweza
dia. ivi?” And then they would laugh. I
Armed with the basic English couldn’t tell whom exactly among
necessary for conversations, he us they were praising, so I presume
convinced the British colonial we both drew well.
government that he could supply That marked the end of our tour,
them with labour to help in the and so we proceeded to the Jamia
construction of the Kenya-Uganda Mosque, where we had our final
railway. The British officers agreed, group photo before bidding each
and by 1901, the Indian had sup- other farewell. It was a lovely tour,
Lisa’s sketch plied 31,985 coolies, propelling and we hope that next month’s
of the UoN him to wealth. His name was Al- may be even better. For those in-
footbridge bhai Jeevanjee, and he was the first terested, you can check us out on
/KEITH ANG’ANA Asian to be appointed to the LegCo. social media as Qwani.
26 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
SASA ART
ART CHECK this sector play a crucial role in the governments can play a pivotal
socioeconomics of our societies, role in enhancing the artistic and
L
izzie Wanyoike ( 1951-2024 for young entrepreneurs, creating as a resilient force in the economic
), the visionary founder of Nibs CEO Lizzie opportunities for economic framework by networking with
the popular Technical and Wanyoike empowerment and community digital and social media spaces.
Vocational Education and /FACEBOOK engagement. The gamble has paid off in a major
Training college Nibs, is gone. She The beauty and grooming way. Many beauty therapists,
died last month. However, she left sector, comprising hairdressing, including my daughter, have a
a remarkable mark on the lives cosmetology and beauty therapy, strong presence on social media
of many youths, including my transcends the concerns of mere platforms, where the young and
firstborn Nina. personal care; it is an art form. youth, clienteles included, spend
My daughter faced a challenging This connection to art is most of their social time.
situation after completing her palpable in the creative expression Affordable TVET holds
KCSE in 2018 without meeting the of aesthetic concepts, artistic paramount significance in the
requirements for university entry. techniques and the incorporation context of developing economies
Resolute and firm, she refused to of principles of design and colour like Kenya. This form of education
resit KCSE, characteristic of the theory. Hair styling, makeup serves as a powerful tool for
resolute stance of her generation, application and beauty treatments addressing the pressing issues
often referred to as Gen Z. represent unique forms of artistic of unemployment, poverty and
In our family’s moment of expression, making this sector skill gaps, offering a practical and
despair, Nina’s grandmother, an integral part of the broader accessible pathway to economic
an avid listener of Kameme her aspirations, to which she The impact of her training artistic practice. empowerment and sustainable
FM radio, shared the inspiring confidently expressed her interest became evident as she generously Our governments and development.
story of Lizzie Wanyoike and in hairdressing, cosmetology shared her earnings, often education stakeholders need For low-income families,
her unwavering encouragement or beauty therapy. Despite my bringing groceries for the family. to concentrate more on the TVET provides a cost-effective
for youth of Kenya today not to academic apprehensions, Lizzie Her financial stability and symbiotic relationship between alternative to traditional higher
succumb to despair. prophesied that daughter would entrepreneurial success in the the beauty industry and art. education, allowing individuals to
Instead, Wanyoike advised thrive in these fields and would beauty industry surpassed the They should explore in terms of pursue specialised skills without
many to take matatus of route 237 one day support herself and prospects of many of her peers, policy ways that can leverage incurring the high expenses
or 145 on Thika Superhighway, others. who were waiting for teaching this connection to foster creative associated with university
alight at Ruiru Kimbo and visit True to Lizzie’s visionary jobs from the Teachers Service education programmes for beauty degrees.
NIBS. Following this guidance, guidance, Nina enrolled at Nibs Commission, a process known for professionals. For example, This is particularly crucial in
we visited her at her office, where in 2019, focusing on beauty- its prolonged waiting period. to date, there are no standard our motherland, where most jobs
she warmly received both my related studies. By 2021, she had *** textbooks for this sector. Is there are in technical and vocational
daughter and me. completed her diploma studies. As Hairdressing, cosmetology and a policy gap? sectors. By focusing on practical
Studying Nina’s KCSE result the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked beauty therapy have evolved into By promoting the incorporation skills, TVET ensures that
slip carefully, Lizzie reassured havoc on Kenyan households integral components of a thriving of cultural heritage into beauty individuals are well-prepared for
us, saying, “Daktari, worry not.” and economies, she delved into sector within small and medium- practices and offering financial the demands of the workforce,
She then asked the young girl cosmetology, earning a minimum sized enterprises in Kenya today. incentives and mentorship increasing their chances of
fresh from high school about of Sh1,000 a day by 2022. Graduates of TVET institutions in for entrepreneurship, county securing stable employment and
marital economics
I didn’t get it back, I’d have to send
some people around to collect. And
that means you might end up with
a few broken bones.”
“A few broken… what are you, the
Makini gets a rude awakening when he mafia?”
“Exactly. You don’t want your
asks wife for money to buy breakfast wife being the one responsible for
your limp, do you?”
“Dear Lord. What side of the
BY DAVID MUCHAI @Davemuchai
bed did you wake up on? You were
never this vicious before.”
N
obody warned me that being and fixed me a long stare. “You “I was never married to you
married is tough, especially want to know what doesn’t make before. Didn’t your fellow boys
for men. Marriage is a new sense? A husband who can’t buy warn you about what you were
world with its own unique his wife breakfast. Why did you getting into when you decided to
set of rules. For starters, I want to marry me if you can’t feed am having to break the laws of blood. I’m letting you keep yours. get hitched?”
had the following conversation me?” mathematics for your sake.” For now. But if I don’t get breakfast I grab my chin in thought. “Now
with Sophia just this morning: “You wanted to marry me, too. “You’re breaking some laws, in the next half hour, I might not be that you mention it, one of them
“Honey,” I said, fixing a belt It’s supposed to be fifty-fifty.” alright.” so accommodating, if you catch my heard I was marrying you and
around my waist, “I’m running low “No, Makini. When it comes to “What I mean is, in every drift.” said—”
on cash. Do you have a hundred money, it’s actually one-fifty to other marriage out there, it’s two I think of a way to get around the “Do you know the first law of
shillings for bread and milk this fifty.” hundred-zero. What belongs to the problem. “What about you lend me self-preservation? It’s simple. You
morning?” I feel my head about to explode. wife is hers and what belongs to the money then?” never say anything negative about
“Yes,” she said. Then nothing. “That doesn’t make any sense.” the husband is hers. Two hundred- Sophia throws her head back your wife. Especially not to her
“Uhm… so?” “You see, Makini, what I mean zero. But you know me. I don’t have and laughs. face.” She laughs again, gets into
“So, what?” is, what’s mine is one hundred per a greedy bone in my body.” “What’s so funny?” I ask. her purse and produces a hundred-
“Are you going to give it to me?” cent mine and what’s yours is fifty “Jesus Christ! I married Dracula,” “Your naivety, dear. Don’t you shilling note. “Here, go get us some
“I said ‘yes’, I have the money. per cent mine. And that makes you I blurt before realising I probably know the first law of economics?” breakfast.”
But it’s no.” one of the luckiest men alive.” just made the first blunder of my “I don’t, but I have a feeling I’m “Thanks, honey.”
“Yes, you have the money and no Boom! Head exploded. “How marriage. about to learn.” As I leave, she shouts: “It’s a
you don’t? That makes no sense.” does that make me lucky?” “No, dear,” she says in a rare “The first law of economics says loan, dear. Money or marriage,
That’s when she sat up in bed “Because, dear husband, I moment of civility. “Dracula sucks that you should never do business remember?”
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 27
SASA LIVING
some people so much that they sexual health and a visibility that
G-SPOT feel something must be done. honoured LGBTQI realities. It
One of those in this camp also honours those who’ve died,
is Homa Bay Town MP Peter which is a small way of telling
BY MWANGI G /@MwangiGithahu Kaluma, who last year published them they are not forgotten.”
his Family Protection Bill I was humbled and, if I may
J
ust before Christmas, I was The launch had to be a tightly the Penal Code puts a penalty navigated their queer identity circumstances.
privileged to attend the top- controlled affair for security on having sexual conduct that and same-gender love or sexual The party organisers were
secret launch of a magnificent reasons because despite many is against the order of nature, expression in the shadows of daring enough to host the party
book that tells the stories of years of activism by the queer including between a man and a daily Kenyan life. at an institution that literally
Kenyan queer people aged 50 and community and its allies, it is still woman. “They lived through a time shared a fence with State House,
above, including your humble not safe for many of us to gather Of course, the fact that there when there was little access Nairobi. How’s that for hiding in
columnist, in their own words. just anywhere we like and make is no law against being gay irks to information on sexuality, plain sight?
SOCIETY TALK
S
urely, wajinga ni sisi. means within a country, ID is short
I have just come from Twit- for identification card. Put togeth-
ter, where there is a debate er, the term national ID means a
on having expiration dates document used to validate one’s
on Kenyan IDs. This conver- identity in that particular coun-
sation should not be happening in try. How hard is this? Why would
the first place, but we will get back anyone in their right mind believe
to this later. that a national ID is valid in anoth-
I want to start off by revisiting a er country? and visa. The validity of your visa same process that you would have self is so rigorous and consuming
baffling tweet I just saw under the Which brings us back to the main will dictate how long you stay, get gone through in Kenya. If anything, that by the time you get the cov-
conversation (without hashtag) issue at hand. According to the re- accommodation, open an account foreign officials hate being given eted document, you hold it more
‘National ID’ on the social media ports I see on social media, the or be registered in any type of insti- documents from a country that has dear than any other thing in your
platform. A young Kenyan woman government plans to implement tution. The moment your visa is up, no relation to them. wallet. How many stories have we
proudly boasts about how Kenyan an ID with an expiration date and everything will be frozen. So the story about getting IDs for had of people getting robbed and
IDs are useless as she once failed to a microchip that will help us open The only time a Kenyan will the sake of opening bank accounts begging the thieves to please take
open an account with her passport bank accounts in foreign countries. need a Kenyan ID on foreign soil is on foreign land is a complete lie. If everything except the ID?
and Kenyan ID in Texas. The story is too ludicrous to be true, at the Kenyan embassy. One must the government were to insist on Having an ID is a right to every
Texas, ladies and gentlemen! As so in the meantime, let us treat it as provide the Kenyan ID for most the matter, then we would require Kenyan above 18 years of age. This
in, the United States of America. the hypothetical issue it is. administrative procedures, such as gazetted notices from world lead- is why getting an ID has been free
As in, a whole other country and First and foremost, the last time birth registrations and passport re- ers across the globe. Also evidence since Independence. IDs can’t ex-
continent. Surely, must we bring a Kenyan will use a national ID on newals. Essentially, it would be the from our ‘leaders’ on how they pire just as nationalities cannot ex-
our stupidity out to shine in front foreign soil is when they sign in to opened their Swiss bank accounts pire. We are born Kenyans and we
of millions of people as we try to enter an embassy in Nairobi. These with their Kenyan IDs. die Kenyans. At this rate, at some
denigrate our motherland? foreigners give two hoots about THE ID CARD IS A SACRED Secondly and perhaps more im- point, we will have to renew our
I mean, I was so dumbfounded
by that tweet that I could not help
our local identification cards. The
moment you step on their soil, all
DOCUMENT TO EVERY KENYAN portantly, the ID is a sacred doc-
ument to every Kenyan who has
birth certificates to prove that we
are, in fact, continuously residents
but address the issue. National they care about is your passport WHO HAS APPLIED FOR ONE applied for one. The process in it- of our own land.
28 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
A
re camera crews, script- AI, but learning is limitless. The mobile phone services, consumer known to employ non-indigenous is an opportunity for content de-
writers, actors, costume de- bottom line is not to be lazy with products, postal services and edu- Kenyans. The image was removed velopers to ensure all their content
signers and scene designers new technology. cational institutions. The increased following public ridicule, but the is aggregated to suit personalised
about to become irrelevant “If I can learn, unlearn and re- adoption of AI in corporate circles incident adequately illustrated the consumer trends,” Omwoyo said at
in the production of images and learn certain things effectively, is exposing its weaknesses, though. dangers of using AI in corporate the Connected Summit 2023.
videos? That seems to be the case there’s so much I can do without So far, the most baffling AI ad- communication. Graphic designer Based on the opinions of ex-
as production companies, graph- limitation,” Leonard says. vertisement was done by the Postal Brian Leonard says paying atten- perts in the media industry, we
ic designers and advertisers Job Ogweno, head of Noma Cre- Corporation of Kenya. The image tion to details is necessary to avoid should expect AI to play a greater
adopt artificial intelligence (AI) atives, does not see AI as a threat showing employees in a call centre embarrassing pictures. role in the production of music,
tools to generate realistic-look- to creatives because using AI de- was meant to portray the Postal “I mean as a Kenyan, you’re able pictures, advertisements, films
ing content. mands “a great deal of creativity Corporation as a customer-orient- to just look at a picture and note and television content. Anyone
Computer-generated images are to get the best out of it”. ed business, but AI “hallucinated” that this is not a Kenyan or African wishing to remain relevant in the
not a new phenomenon, having “While I appreciate Generative instead of producing the desired model. If your marketing person film and advertising industry has
been used in films as far back as AI as the next if not current fron- results. or creative is not able to note these no choice but to adopt AI in one
the 1960s. Until recently, using tier in the digital and design world mistakes before putting them out form or another. AI by itself is not
computers to generate images at large, however hyper-realistic to the general public, it raises the creative, but it is a useful assistant
and videos was a very expensive, some generative images may be, I question: what can we entrust you in creative processes.
time-consuming process involving often feel they lack ‘soul’, which is
a team of people. a big deal for any authentic artist,”
AI has made it easy enough for Ogweno says.
a single person to produce an im- He has tested AI in his profes- While I appreciate
age in hours. In that sense, AI has sional capacity and finds it “in-
helped media professionals do credible” for doing tasks such as Generative AI as the
more work within a short time,
but is the improved productivity
copywriting, proofreading, re-
search and summaries. Ogweno
next if not current
coming at the expense of jobs? is yet to be wooed into using AI to frontier in the digital
Brian Leonard, a graphic design- create images, videos, voiceovers
er with Lenny Arts in Nairobi, has and narrations. and design world
embraced AI to test and tweak new “I understand why visual cre-
ideas to produce unique artwork. ators or even corporations might
at large, however
He discovered that AI has powerful attempt re-routing towards AI cre- hyper-realistic some
features he can harness. ations either to cost-cut or because
“The introduction and integra- it’s quick and might not be copy- generative images
tion of AI to my workflow has been right-bound, but in the end, for me,
a great thing! I’m able to put out so real images win any day in the arts may be, I often feel
much more accurate, near-per- and design world,” Ogweno says. they lack ‘soul’, which
fect work with the same energy as Long associated with small busi-
I would back before AI,” Leonard nesses with tiny advertising bud- is a big deal for any
says. gets, AI is increasingly being used
“I’m able to come up with awe- by mainstream organisations in authentic artist Illustration of artificial intelligence /PIXABAY
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 29
30 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
The star does not endorse the advertised product /service or its quality and value nor does the star endorse
the appearance of or any of the claims made in the advertisement by the advertiser. The star shall not be held
liable for any claims, loss or liability that arises from the product/service and claims made in the advertisement
PUBLIC AUCTION
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PISCES
Thursday February 20 - March 20
solutions
Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get
your way emotionally. You may find
that lectures or travel will be good.
ARIES
March 21 - April 20
Chinese fury as Messi plays in entertainment Find a quiet spot where you can work
diligently and stay out of the way. You
October 24 - November 22
BBC/ Lionel Messi played in a Japan Hong Kong Stadium booed and channel. Piga sherehe, tumia song ukule za event, but not Family members will not be happy
friendly after missing a match in demanded refunds when Inter YouTube,” she warned. with the amount of time you are
Hong Kong, leaving Chinese fans Miami co-owner David Beckham The singer went on to clarify that only one DJ has been spending away from home.
seething and sparking conspiracy addressed the crowd at the end of doing that, and she doesn’t want to generalise issues.
theories. Sunday’s match. “I want to be clear, it’s not all DJs, it’s only one,” she said.
State media outlet Global Times They had paid up to HK$4,880
accused the footballer and his club (Sh99,955) to watch the 36-year- SAGITTARIUS
Inter Miami of “political motives” old Argentine superstar. November 23 - December 21
with the aim of “embarrassing” Just last year, Messi received a Lend an ear to children; it can make
Hong Kong. rock star welcome in Beijing when a difference. Get involved in creative
Messi remained on the bench he played for his country in a friend- projects that will enhance your cash.
throughout Sunday’s match in the ly against Australia. Some 68,000
Chinese special administrative fans paid up to $680 (Sh109,140)
region, citing injury. for the chance to see him in action. Singer Millicent CAPRICORN
Wednesday’s game in Tokyo led He is also a spokesperson for big Jerotich, aka December 22 - January 20
some fans to question whether Chinese brands such as Huawei, Marakwet You will have a tendency to put on
he’d been injured. Chery, Tencent, Mengniu, Chishui Daughter pounds.You will find your vitality is
Some 38,000 fans at the River Wine and J&T Express. /HANDOUT lowered.
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 33
Stern warning
City Stars’ Omachi elated
with return after one year
ANGWENYI GICHANA/ Nairobi City Stars forward
Pius Omachi is excited to be back after one year out
with an injury.
McKinstry tears into Gor for failing to live up to expectations Omachi was back on the pitch as a substitute in a Ken-
yan Premier League match against Shabana
in Machakos on Sunday.
He was introduced in the final
13 minutes of play in place of
Samuel Kapen for his second
BY TONY MBALLA top-flight game.
@tonymballa
“The season has gone
well for Nairobi City Stars
Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan though it has been hard for
McKinstry wants his charges to me to get back to the squad
perform in a manner that reflects due to stiff competition. How-
the club’s monumental status. ever, I am happy that things City Stars forward Pius
The Irish tactician went berserk are now flowing and I am Omachi /FILE
after the 20-time Kenyan Pre- back to the setup. I do believe
mier League champions soaked things will only get better from here,” he said.
in their first defeat of the season Omachi’s only other game – his debut – was in
at the hands of Kenya Police, who February last year against Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium,
thrashed them 3-1 at the Police Sac- Kasarani, after swapping places with Ezekiel Odera in
co Stadium last weekend. the 73rd minute. Misfortune then struck soon after and
In an exclusive interview on he was rendered unavailable for the rest of the sea-
Wednesday, McKinstry tore into his son due to injury.
squad for failing to rise to the occa- Meanwhile, City Stars chief executive officer, Patrick
sion at a time when the competition Korir has hailed Shabana’s fans for standing with their
has started to gather momentum. team despite current struggles.
“We can’t afford to play like “Those are diehards, and you have to admire them.
that again if we are serious about Think about it, the team is in the relegation zone but that
winning the league title. We had matters little. The urge to push them out of the red zone
opened a comfortable 10-point supersedes what they see in the standings,” said Korir.
league a fortnight ago but the defeat
has reduced it to seven. Any further
flop could prove detrimental to our FOOTBALL
title charge,” McKinistry remarked.
He singled out glaring deficien-
cies in midfield, saying they would
Vihiga move likely to open
put their nose to the grindstone and
refine their act before their next
Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla/FILE bigger doors, says Kathuru
league encounter. of work to be done in polishing the “Our resolve is still the same. We MARTIN OMBIMA/ Former Gaspo goalkeeper Pauline
“It’s all about making all the de- squad and I believe we only require are determined to clinch the title Kathuru beleives her move to Vihiga Queens will serve as a
partments tighter than they pres- a few drills to perfect our act,” Mc- again,” said McKinstry. stepping stone to greener pastures abroad.
ently look. There’s some amount Kinistry stated. Meanwhile, Benson Omalla will Kathuru, who’s target has always been to play overseas,
“We are also considering rotating remain at the club for the rest of said: “Sports is well paying out there and my prayer is to get
the squad given the depth that we the season after his much-touted one of the best teams that will change my life for good.”
have. Fatigue usually sets in at some move to Algerian side, Jeunesse “Joining Vihiga Queens gives me hope that I will, one day,
point in time,” he added. Sportive de la Saoura, fell through play professional football.”
McKinstry asked his players to at the eleventh hour. Kathuru signed for Vihiga Queens after leaving a strug-
cultivate confidence, which would Reports indicate the Algerian gling Gaspo Ladies side, who are on the verge of collapse
JOHNATHAN MCKINSTRY give them the necessary composure club signed a Cameroonian strik- due to lack of funds.
to tackle their opponents effectively. er after Gor took too long to strike Vihiga have had some success stories abroad includ-
We are also “Some players look so timid a middle ground with the club ing Teresiah Ingesia, Jentrix Shikangwa, Barther Omata,
considering rotating and afraid of asking for the ball. over the striker. Janet Bundi, former captain Enez Mango, Anitter Nama-
For instance, against the Police, Omalla, 22, had been offered ta, Lilian Awour.
the squad given the we did little to assert authority in Sh1.3m per month while Gor were Queens’ head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu is happy to
depth that we have. ball possession. Our midfield ap- meant to pocket a Sh3m fee. have on board.
Fatigue usually sets in peared disjointed.” The Kisumu Day alumnus is this “If she gets a new deal abroad, it will be a different
However, their desire to bag a season’s Kenyan Premier League story but releasing her into the local market will be a tall
at some point in time, 21st league title is still on. top scorer with nine goals. order,” he said.
RUGBY
Upper Hill to play Leos, Monks ahead of County Games
WILLIAM NJUGUNA/Upper Hill mentally and physically for what champions will also play Brooke-
School will play against Strath- will be a grueling championship with side International School in a
more University and Catholic only one slot up for grabs for the friendly match later this month
University second-string teams in Machakos contest. as part of their preparations for
readiness for the Nairobi County “I believe the boys will emerge the County Games.
Games next month. stronger from the two match- They have received support and
Head coach Eustace Sifuna, es. We want to use them to encouragement from Kibra Member
whose side finished second in the make amends before the County of Parliament and former princi-
15s category last year — falling 18-0 Games,” he added pal Peter Orero.
to Ofafa Jericho in Nairobi — believes They are laying emphasis is on Sifuna expects a tough battle
they can turn the tables on their the forwards where skill will be key. from the likes of holders Ofafa
rivals to qualify for the national “Our forwards were not skilled Jericho, Dagoretti, and a resur-
championships in Machakos in April. enough last season, especially in the gent Lenana and Nairobi School in
“Our preparation started in Sep- final when we lost to Ofafa. How- the county games.
tember last year. We want to test ever, the game has changed and we “It’s going to be very close
ourselves by playing teams in the expect the forwards to not only do all the teams are well matched
Eric Shirley Shield,” said Sifuna. their core roles but bring a bit of an it boils down to who does the
Amuga Okello of Upper Hill evades two Laiser Hill defenders in Matches against the Leos x-factor,” said Sifuna. basics well and is mentally pre-
a past match/ FILE and Monks will toughen the side The 2018 and 2019 national pared,” added Sifuna.
34 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
in Elephant’s resurrection
their march to the final against
the odds. Faé has given the Ele-
phants fresh impetus when they
needed it most.
CAFONLINE/ Cote d’Ivoire coach ing DR Congo 1-0. From potential catastrophe to
Emerse Faé described reaching Just weeks ago, the humiliation Sunday’s showdown with Nigeria,
the Cup of Nations final as “like versus Equatorial Guinea left Cote Faé has masterminded one of
a dream” after masterminding a d’Ivoire’s campaign in tatters. AFCON’s greatest turnarounds.
remarkable turnaround. Yet Faé was able to restore belief Now comes the chance to conjure
The Elephants looked down and amidst the wreckage. another miracle.
out after a 4-1 thrashing by Equa- The Ivorian rallied his squad, “We will take stock in the next
torial Guinea in the group stage. utilising the full 27-man group. two days, we will analyse Nigeria,
But three straight knockout wins “I told the players: you are 27 even though we played them in Cote d’Ivoire
have booked an improbable final players and I count on everyone,” the group stage, we will see the coach Emerse
date with Nigeria. explained Faé after enacting his strategy to implement for the Faé / CAFONLINE
For Faé, appointed mid-tour- inclusive approach. final,” Faé noted.
nament after Jean-Louis Gas- “If we want to win this compe- Dreams may become reality
set’s sacking, this swift resur- tition, we will win it with all 27...I’ve if the Elephants maintain this
rection is a fantasy. “I am very been telling the players that momentum. Faé’s rescue mission
happy, very moved, it’s like a everyone is important, including could earn a fairytale ending by
dream,” he beamed after beat- those in the stands, and they winning the title on home soil.
COTE D’IVOIRE 23
SPORTS LOCAL
FOOTBALL column
Were among five players unveiled by Mathare United BY KABIR DHANJI
H
transfer business. in September. He kept a clean sheet in orse racing returns with the Kenya Guineas— the
This means Mathare signed 11 new the barren draw. first of the big classics— this weekend at the
players in the mid-season transfer Odhiambo joins from NSL rivals Ngong Racecourse.
window which closed on Thursday. Kibera Black Stars. The leftback is The entries for Kings Pattern Handicap and Kenya
Were is a Kenyan international the son of former Mathare United Guineas are among the biggest fields seen in years,
who has played for Tusker and AFC defender Noah Abich. promising an exciting meeting to match the festi-
Leopards locally as well as a host He also featured for his former team val around racing.
of Africa and European teams. The against Mathare earlier in the season The ‘Classics’, are races which traditionally and his-
forward was part of Kenya’s squad at when they drew 2-2. torically pit the best horses in Kenya against each other,
the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Kiprotich, a young midfielder and the Kenya Guineas is the first in a series of these
“Were’s experience will be key in our will head to the Mathare feature spectacles. The packed fields for this presti-
gious day of racing are a testament to the healthy state
of racing in Kenya, with any number of nags having a
ATHLETICS respectable chance of earning honours.
Formidable squad
Equally, the battle between the jockeys is a closely
fought affair, with Henry Muya surging into the lead
ahead of last season’s champion, Lesley Sercombe.
Charles Kimani and veteran champion James
Muhindi are chasing the two leaders in joint third, and
the bullish young sensation, Michael Fundi, is sitting in
fifth, hunting the seasoned veterans.
The fine weather that has recaptured the ‘City in
Loibach, Kiprop lead Team Kenya to Africa Cross Country Championships the Sun’ means track conditions are likely to be good
to firm, which means that the big race of the day, The
Kenya Guineas, which happens at 3:55 PM, will be run
at pace. The time-honoured rituals of racing regard this
middle-distance sprint as the trial for the Kenya Derby,
TEDDY MULEI the biggest race in the calendar, so there is a great deal
@TheStarKenya at stake to understand where horses are and where
they need to be.
Former world youth silver medal- It’s hard to pick a favourite for the 1600m Kenya
list Sandrafelis Chebet and Grace Guineas, but Beeston, ridden by C Kimani, is the form
Loibach are among the star ath- horse, having both the staying power and a sprint in
letes named in Team Kenya for him, which are essential. Bedford, ridden by M Fundi,
the Africa Cross Country Cham- on paper, is the main competition, and Dunleavy,
pionship slated for February 25 in ridden by Lesley Sercombe cannot be discounted. James
Hammamet, Tunisia. Muhindi, the most consistent jockey to place or win,
Chebet and Loibach, a fourth- riding Carlisle, will be in the running.
place finisher at the 2023 World The full and exciting six-card meeting is largely
Cross country Championships in made up of middle-distance running and sprints,
Australia, spearhead a team of none with any clear favourites, which will make for
30 unveiled by Athletics Kenya exciting viewing and betting for punters and patrons
(AK) yesterday. alike. The fixture gets underway at 1:30 PM with the
Chebet won the women’s 15km Vayu Handicap, a 1200m sprint pitting Star in Wonder
Road race at the 96th edition of against Venetian Link.
the Corrida Internacional de São The 1800m Risky Business Handicap at 2:05 PM
Silvestre in Sao Palo, Brazil clock- stands Welcome Breeze from South Africa against
ing 50:06 in 2022. Daisy, though the South African imports, by and large,
Loibach, finished ninth in the do not seem to favour the harder ground for running
10,000m race at the World cham- their best gallops.
pionships in Budapest, Hungary, The 1600m African Storm Maiden at 2:40 pm has Ten
in a time of 31:38.17. Eighty as the easy favourite. The 3:15 PM Kings Pattern
In June 2023, she ran the eighth Handicap over 1600m is the second most prominent
fastest 10,000m time of 29:47.08 race of the day, packed with 10 runners, the most of any
on her debut over the distance race in recent history.
to finish runner-up to Nether- Sandrafelis 2010 Youth Olympics gold med- bet, Judy Kemunto, Lucy Nduta The three leading jockeys, Muya, Sercombe, and
lands’ Sifan Hassan ( 29:37.80 Chebet (L) allist Virginia Nyambura, Cintia and Sharon Chepkemoi form the Kimani, are all riding potential favourites, Sea Ea-
) in Hengelo. and Grace Chepng’eno, Gladys Kwamboka rest of the team. gle, Bampton, and Wimborne respectively, in what
Joining the duo will be the Lobach during and Caren Chebet in the senior The men’s U20 team is made should be the most strategically fought race of the
the Sirikwa women’s category. up of Titus Kiprotich, Gideon day. For the punters and dreamers, Maria is a realis-
Classic Tour in The men’s senior team will be Kipngetich, Clinton Kimutai, tic outside chance, and the skills of Fundi on Cindy
data Eldoret over the led by the 2019 African Games Simon Maywa, Joseph Njoroge are worth a wager.
30
weekend gold medallist Robert Kiprop. and Joash Ruto. The Duke of Manchester Cup is a 1,200m sprint at
/ CHARLENE He will have the company of World cross country champion 4:30 pm, and largely an affair of South African imports.
MALWA African U20 5,000m bronze med- and U20 1,500m silver medallist Daytime Girl ridden by Sercombe is the darling and
allist Vincent Kimaiyo, Brian Kip- Mirriam Cherop and Youth Olym- banker, with the local Ripon, ridden Fundi, as the main
too, Vincent Langat, Fredrick Do- pics 1500m silver medallist Win- contenders looking to upset the apple cart. Coffee Break
mongole and Naibei Kiplimo. fred Nzisa will lead the relay team. is a reliable bet to place, as is Grand Surabi.
Athletes in Team Kenya World U20 3,000m bronze Joining the duo will be Evaline The end of the racing is the beginning of the sun-
medallist Nancy Cherop will Chepkoech, Edwin Kiprono, Vic- downers and afterparty hosted in conjunction with
for Africa Cross lead the women’s junior team. tor Kipkirui and Newton Kipkurui. Capital FM with mellifluous tunes and delectable
Sandrafelis Chebet and Grace Loibach Cherop won 800m, 1,500m and The team which will be led by delights from Geco Tribe, Maurizio’s, Fabio’s Pizza, 254
the star athletes in Team Kenya for the 3,000m races in Ndola, Zambia AK Vice President Paul Mutwii, Breweries, Shawarma Mamma, Lekker, Nairobi Street
Africa Cross Country Championship during the Africa U18 Champi- is set to go into residential train- Kitchen, and Need Gelato, as well as an assortment of
slated for February 25 in Hammamet, onships in 2023. ing on February 11 at Watakatifu other food and drink vendors making it an unmissable
Tunisia. Diana Chepkemoi, Sheila Je- Wote in Ngong. event, with music.
Friday, February 9, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 37
SPORTS INTERNATIONAL
football gossip
BY DAVID BILLINGTON [email protected]
Italian midfielder has featured in just 22 matches since joining the Gunners in January 2023
A
rsenal midfielder Jorginho has Jorginho with the week-in, week-out Premier It isn’t that the players dislike HAALAND RUMOURS
a contract until May but Mikel Bukayo Saka League games are being played. Pochettino. They are disheartened Pep Guardiola has taken the un-
Arteta is hoping to persuade /FILE The Cup is a one-off knock-out and training at Cobham underlines usual step of dismissing reports
him to stay at the Emirates. Jor- game and Villa are more concerned that perfectly. When training ends, claiming striker Erling Haaland is
ginho started for only the fifth time with their league position and the the players leave immediately, unhappy at Manchester City. He
this season but Arteta was quick to possibility of qualifying for Eu- no one stays to do extra work and says Haaland has no plans to leave.
praise his performance in the 3-1 rope next season. their luxury cars can be seen leav- Real Madrid have been mak-
victory over Liverpool on Sunday. Just to get things straight here ing hurriedly, almost in convoy. ing noise about signing him with
He signed an 18-month contract are the hard Chelsea facts: 1. Play- Can Chelsea kick on and use the Spanish press going into
after moving from Chelsea in Jan- ers are struggling to understand their FA Cup win to inspire them overdrive claiming striker is on
uary last year but has only been exactly what Pochettino’s tactics to perform in the Premier League? his way to Spain.
able to feature in 22 matches due to are. His defence is changed every Monday’s game at struggling Crys- “Not true” according to Guardio-
a foot injury. week, players are left out tal Palace is one they should win la. Real wanted to sign the Norwe-
There is no doubting that Jorgin- without explanation and and could provide the answer but gian from Dortmund in 2022 but
ho has the ablility to thrive in Ar- the coach does not seem to on February 17 they travel to Man- City won that race.
senal’s midfield alongside Declan know what his best team chester City and that game will re- Haaland then scored 52 goals in
Rice and Martin Odegaard. Arteta is. The team fails to press veal whether Chelsea can unlock one campaign and the Blues won
is also aware that he can influence high, chase balls, move their true potential. the treble…not a bad addition to the
and help younger players given his into positions that give op- Haaland trophy cabinet.
two European trophies and a Euro- portunities and there is little KLOPP’S MISTAKE WITH MAC
pean Championship medal which motivation in league games. ALLISTER HODGSON CLINGS ONTO PALACE
he won with Italy in 2021. 2. Recruitment has been appall- After several conversations Another coach clinging on to his
Arteta now has to decide how he ing with the new owners throw- at Arsenal last weekend, job by his fingertips is Crystal Pal-
will line up against West Ham this ing money around like confetti in many agreed with me that ace veteran Roy Hodgson.
weekend because Jorginho stepped a sport they clearly do not under- Liverpool coach Jurgen Thumped by Brighton 4-1, Palace
in for Kai Havertz, who moved for- stand. They bought some talented Klopp made an error which defender Joachim Anderson had
ward in place of Gabriel Jesus, who players who are individuals but he has repeated several times to be pulled away from the visit-
could return this week. If Jesus is fit who rarely work together play- recently. I have witnessed time ing fans who had chanted abuse
to lead the line, Arteta will decide ing under Pochettino’s guidance. and again that when Klopp plays throughout the game at coach, the
after Friday’s training on whether This has left the coach with a poor Mac Allister in the centre midfield players and the management.
he plays Havertz or Jorginho. Premier League squad in terms role he struggles and regularly Ironically, the last coach who led
Thomas Partey suffered another of success. A typical example is loses the ball. Palace to defeat at Brighton was
setback in his recovery from a thigh Nicolas Jackson who rarely fails Against Arsenal, he was caught Patrick Viera and he was sacked
injury and this could give Jorginho to disappoint having missed con- in possession too many times and two days later.
more opportunities as the Ghana siderable goalscoring chances this he gave the ball away far too of- Four wins in 17 games have left
international often moved up from season. He did at least score one in ten. There is no doubting that he is Palace only five points above the
right back into the midfield. Partey the FA Cup win. a good player but at No6 he is put relegation zone. To make mat-
has been out since September and 3. Conor Gallagher is captain one under pressure which he cannot ters worse for Palace, their star
the club are considering selling him week, left out of the team the next handle. Arsenal’s Jorginho on the winger, Michael Olise, is facing
at the end of the season.
THOMAS and was top of Chelsea’s list to be other hand, also playing at No6, did two months out with a hamstring
PARTEY sold. He is still there, in and out of not give the ball away once and he injury sustained in the 4-1 de-
SON FLIES BACK HOPING TO PLAY the team, not quite knowing how tackled with authority and made feat at Brighton.
In a surprise defeat against Jordan, SUFFERED he fits into Pochettino’s so called accurate passes. He had limped off during
South Korea’s semi-final exit at
the Asian Cup means captain Heu-
ANOTHER strategy. 4. Thiago Silva and Cole
Palmer are the only guaranteed
It was a crucial part of the game
and in many ways dictated who
the match against Sheffield
United complaining of pain
ng-Min Son should be available to SETBACK IN Premier League game starters. won and who lost. Mac Allister lost but was thought to be fit
play for Tottenham against Bright- 5. Chelsea owners fear sacking possession too many times in the enough to sit on the bench at
on on Saturday.
HIS RECOVERY Pochettino and his large back- first half and often in deep posi- Brighton but Hodgson decided
Son returned to the UK on FROM A THIGH room staff — who would cost over tions which put his back four under to risk him and has been heavily
Wednesday and went to the Lon- £10million — which means the pressure. He is a much better play- criticised for the decision given that
don Stadium to meet manager INJURY club, currently fighting off possible er further upfield. Olise had to come off again after
Ange Postecoglou. He is fully fit and
only jet lag will prevent him from
AND THIS charges of breaking the financial
fair play rules which limits losses MARTINEZ WILL MISS
pulling up in pain.
Sunday’s game between Palace
leading out his Tottenham team. COULD GIVE to £105million over three years, MANCHESTER DERBY and Chelsea is a must-win for both
would need to sell expensive play- The latest word from Manchester managers. Defeat could be the end
THE PROBLEMS AT CHELSEA
JORGINHO ers to keep themselves compliant. United is that Lisandro Martinez’s for Hodgson. Sacked Nottingham
Mauricio Pochettino didn’t exactly MORE Their disappointment of not sell- injury is confined to a collateral lig- Forest boss Steve Cooper has been
jump out of bed with joy on Mon- ing home grown Amando Broja on ament in his right knee. The origi- spoken to by Palace but he does not
day morning as he prepared to hold CHANCES. a permanent deal becomes ever nal diagnosis was an anterior cru- want to take over a club midway
yet another inquest at the Cobham more relevant. Chelsea have al- ciate ligament which would have through the season.
38 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday, February 9, 2024
SPORTS FEATURE
LEFT: Everton
goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford
and James
Tarkowski
/ FILE
RIGHT:
Manchester
United players
/FILE
WOLVES
Wolves are owned by Fosun Group,
a Chinese investment firm head-
ed up by Guo Guangchang. The
wife of Guangchang, Jenny Wang,
owned the majority of shares in
Swiss club, Grasshoppers, but sold
them last month to MLS franchise Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez takes a free kick against Aston
Manchester City’s players celebrate with the Premier League trophy / FILE Los Angeles FC. Villa / HANDOUT
3rd Floor, Lion Place,
Waiyaki Way (A104)
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 20 4244000
More Sport
on our
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‘MIRACLE’ AS NIGERIA LURK
PAGE 34-35
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024
Kenyans
Okal, one of the most experi-
enced stars on the national side,
said they have met Tunisia and An-
gola before and remain aware that
Angola, a team they beat via a Tylor
Ongwae buzzer in Cameroon four
years ago, will come outfighting.
“They will be coming for revenge.
struggle
We are all ready to return to Af-
ro-Basket. This time, we are more
experienced and we have a better
team,” Okal noted.
He remains unperturbed about
the late arrival of diaspora-based
players, saying they are all profes-
sionals who have the experience
and would fit into the team anytime.
“We know what is ahead of
us and we will help one another
as players to grasp whatever we
learn in training.”
Naomi Wafula par 80 which wasn’t quite good over par93 which makes it almost Of the 13 diaspora-based players
in yesterday’s going into Friday’s round. She is impossible for her to make the cut named to the team, Desmond
SAMSON ATEKA action at Vipingo lying jointly 100th and she is the going into the weekend. Owili who plies his trade in Aus-
@samson ateka /HANDOUT second-best-placed Kenyan. It’s also a tall order for the tralia and Bramwel Muchina who
Amateur Kellie Wahito rest of the Kenyans as they’ll be plays in Tanzania, are back home.
England’s Eleanor Givens, South Gachaga could only manage compelled to play very low scores Assistant coach Ancette Wafula
African Cara Gorlei and Lauren to shoot 8 over par 81 while to make the cut in Friday’s round. said the team is a mix of youth
Walsh of Ireland are jointly in the compatriot and youngest of the Meanwhile, 24-year-old and experience.
lead after Day One of the Magical five Chanelle Wangari ( 17 ) shot a German Alexandra Försterling is
Kenya Ladies Open at the Par 73 disappointing 9 over 82. taking a relaxed approach to the
Vipingo Ridge course. It was a bad day in the office for 2024 season after Day One of the
The trio shot four-under- Mercy Nyanchama, who posted 20 Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
par 69 to take the lead in the She said: “I have never really
season-opening Ladies European thought about putting pressure
Tour (LET) event. on myself,” said the two-
Resident golfer Jaquellin Walter time LET winner.
was the top-placed Kenyan golfer “I feel like I enjoyed it so much
at position T39 after she birdied and that’s why I want to have
holes 8 and 16 to close her day on ALEXANDRA FÖRSTERLING it again because it’s such a nice
two over par 75. feeling to win on Tour. I wouldn’t
Walter’s campaign was I feel like I enjoyed it call it pressure, it’s just more that
nevertheless affected by a double you want it so badly. I’m just trying
bogey she picked on hole six. so much and that’s to get into it and stay relaxed.” Ariel Okal and
Edition 5074
ODM OVERHAUL
RAILA KEEPS EVERYONE
GUESSING ON 2027 POLLS
THE AZIMIO LEADER HAS REVAMPED POLLS BOARD, DEVOLVED
PARTY ELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS TO COUNTIES
02 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024
O
pposition chief is quiet- pledged to popularise his candi- mit the results to Chungwa House, said. In an interview with the Star,
ly rolling out radical re- dature in all parts of Kenya. which will not meddle on the re- the Nairobi senator said the two of-
forms in his Orange Dem- But the Azimio leader brushed off sults from the counties. ficials should be in office the April
ocratic Movement party the push, saying he will make pub- ODM secretary general Edwin grassroots polls.
as he keeps everyone guessing his lic his stand at an appropriate time. Sifuna said the party delegates at “The coordinators will be ap-
next political steps. “I have my own mouth and I the counties will elect the two co- pointed by membership at each
LUKE AWICH The former Prime Minister is tak- will make a declaration at the right ordinators. county and that is why it is im-
Political writer ing the party for a grand re-brand time,” he said. “We have two coordinators elect- portant to wait for the recruitment
in what pundits claim signals his But silently, Raila is popularising ed by the delegates, whatever comes drive; they will be picked after
second sixth stab at the presidency ODM and making radical changes from the counties will be final,” he recruitment drive and before the
in 2027. in vital party organs as he seeks to elections,” Sifuna said.
Raila has not outrightly an-
nounced hanging his political boots
lay strong foundation for 2027 duel.
In the first round of his aggressive
CHUNGWA HOUSE HAS NOT “They (the coordinators) are the
ones who are going to run the elec-
but his allies are piling pressure on efforts to redeem ODM’s image, he WITNESSED ANY CHANGES tions.”
him to throw his hut in the ring. has overhauled the National Elec- However, the new approach must
ODM leaders from the Coast led tions Board and devolved all party SINCE 2015. THE ODM first be ratified by the National Gov-
by Mombasa Governor Abdulswa-
mad Nassir endorsed him as the
elections and nominations to the
counties.
CONSTITUTION, HOWEVER, erning Council before they are im-
plemented.
party’s candidate during member- There will, however, be a PROVIDES FOR ELECTIONS The party is yet to schedule NGC
ship drive in the county in Kwale
last week.
three-member National Coordinat-
ing Commission that will supervise
AFTER EVERY FIVE YEARS. THE to approve the proposal.
Should the top decision-making
Led by Nassir, the leaders said the exercise in the counties. LAST TIME THE PARTY TRIED TO organ fail to convene before April,
Raila was the only leader with the Under the new arrangements, the Nairobi senator said an interim
credentials to take on the failed counties will be given freehand to INJECT FRESH BLOOD IN THE agency will takeover the exercise.
Kenya Kwanza leadership and manage their elections and trans- PARTY ENDED IN CHAOS “Even if it does not happen like
Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 03
K
the 12.5 million fertiliser bags being
enyans are a creative lot Kenyans don’t see much value in up- Majuu campaign that is being cham- availed to them during both the long
and the latest catch-phrase holding and safeguarding our ‘com- pioned by the State Department for rains and short rains. This alone will
on the lips of many is ‘stori munal’ interests and would rather Diaspora Affairs. The campaign has help increase maize production to
za jaba’ meaning that ei- benefit individually at the expense of been able to take consular services the targeted 72 million bags by the
ther something isn’t true or that it’s the majority. This is the reason why to over 9,000 Kenyans in 100 cities year 2027 under a campaign named
ISAAC MWAURA just a pass-time talk. You can trust public resources are vandalised and abroad in 22 countries abroad, thus 72 by 27.
our entrepreneurial spirit to conjure taken for granted. they don’t waste a lot of time trav- The aim of this is to reduce maize
@TheStarKenya up something that puts lots of issues The Uzalendo campaign aims are elling from their hometowns just to importation and to ensure the coun-
into perspective. speaking to the hearts and minds of renew a passport or get some gov- try is self-sufficient. For example, an
Government What is interesting, though, is the fellow Kenyans in order for them to ernment services. increase of 21 million bags of maize
spokesperson
fact that more often than not, we extol this virtue in all that they do Another great initiative is the Ka- from the initial 40 to 61 million has
seem to speak to one another more so that Project Kenya can succeed in helped reduce the cost of unga by
audibly in Kiswahili catch-phrases
more than in any other language.
achieving our aspirations as a na-
tion. The reason behind this is the
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO nearly half, from a high of Sh240 to
the current Sh130.
This way, more Kenyans are rallied fact that there is need for something RALLYING KENYANS TO This has translated to better
into action on a national issue that beyond enforcement or coercion that household incomes, by reducing
requires focus and direction. moves people towards a desired out- EMBRACE FARMING TO the cost of food, which according
Some of these initiatives speak
to our collective past, present and a
come.
The mantra of the campaign is
REDUCE FOOD IMPORTS. IT’S to the The Beta Plan, accounts for
more than 50 percent of household
shared future that transcends what aptly captured through the phrase INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT income.
divides us in order to bring out the
best in us.
‘Mimi Ni Mzalendo Je Wewe?’ Our
intention as an office is to really rally
IN TAVETA, MORE THAN14,000 To lower the cost of production
and living, the government has
My office for example, is leading all Kenyans to see the value in pro- ACRES ARE UNDER RICE also reduced the cost of electricity
a campaign on patriotism aptly tecting that which is Kenyan since by 3.44/kwh per unit so if a hustler
named ‘Uzalendo’ since in recent this is the only way we can spur PLANTATION, WITH THE consumes 100 units a month, he will
times; this national value that is
enshrined in our Constitution has
ourselves into prosperity.
There are also other similar ini-
POTENTIAL OF INCREASING TO save Sh344.
A lot is being done by the govern-
not been embraced as it should be. tiatives like the Huduma Mashinani MORE THAN 36,000 ACRES ment, na hizo sio stori za jaba!
Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 05
COLUMN DILIGENCE
R
OKWARO OSCAR country is four years away to the egocentric with no clear agenda.
PLATO aila Odinga, also known as sation campaign against Governor 2027 election, and just like any other The first tour President Ruto made
Baba, has been the darling Paul Otuoma and other elected lead- county, Busia people need develop- was in Homa Bay county, where
@TheStarKenya of the Busia electorate for ers who “seem” tolerant to the cur- ment. And for development to be Gladys Wanga is the governor. It is
more than a decade. The rent President William Ruto regime. realised, leaders must work closely where the head of state launched
Political analyst residents have overwhelmingly vot- They were labelled as “traitors.” with President Ruto. affordable housing project first.
ed for him passionately in the last One does not expect a statesman If the governor stops attending Surprisingly, Agwambo did not
three consecutive elections to such of Raila’s calibre to use a public po- the head of state’s meetings in the utter a single word to complain
an extent the county has assumed dium to belittle Otuoma in front of county, definitely he will not have why his ODM stalwarts embraced
the tag “Orange county.” However, his people. the opportunity to express and/or the President’s rallies in Homa Bay.
it seems he has decided to abuse the The governor spent money and request for projects that can uplift But when it comes to the Busia gov-
goodwill of those electorate and its sleepless nights during the last his people from abject poverty. ernor, Raila’s narrow-minded praise
leaders. general election to ensure the Busia Virtually, Raila has been in every singers label the leaderships in the
Recently, he and his entourage electorate delivered their votes to his government, either by default or county untrustworthy.
toured the county to launch an presidential bid. design since 1997, but he has noth- It is time for the former PM to re-
ODM recruitment drive. Ironically, It now appears the ODM leader, ing to show for the Busia residents. spect Busia and allow its leadership
the party turned the rally to demoni- who has perfected the politics of ‘use Instead, he has takes available op- to deliver its campaign promises.
06 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024
Former Silibwet MCA aspirant Bildad Cheruiyot after he was arrested in Bomet town for leading demonstrations against Bomet county over what he and others termed poor delivery of
services in the devolved unit /JEFF KIRUI
Trump’s failed impunity appeal Senegal on the brink after Gaza’s Hamas responds to
still a win for his delay strategy 2024 elections postponed proposed Gaza ceasefire
BBC -Donald Trump has been handed a defeat in court - BBC -Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of democracy in an BBC - Hamas says it has given its response to a framework
but one that comes with a generous helping of victory. unstable region is on the line after protesters clashed with proposal for a new ceasefire in Gaza. The details of the
An appeals court ruled that Mr Trump is not immune from riot police outside parliament on Monday. Inside, lawmakers deal - set out by Israel, the US, Qatar and Egypt - have not
criminal prosecution for acts committed while he was passed a contentious bill to extend President Macky Sall’s been released. It was earlier reported to include a six-week
president. The time it took to issue that decision, however, tenure and delay elections after he called off a planned truce, when more Israeli hostages would be exchanged for
has indefinitely delayed Mr Trump’s federal trial related election with just three weeks to go. The opposition say Palestinian prisoners. Israel and the US have both said they
to the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. So while some of their members were forcibly removed from the are reviewing Hamas’s response. US Secretary of State
Mr Trump did not successfully assert sweeping new parliament building by police in riot gear to stop them from Antony Blinken, who is currently in the Middle East, said he
presidential powers to act with impunity while in office, the voting. Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor would discuss Hamas’s response with officials in Israel on
tentative 4 March start date in Washington DC has been of Dakar, who is not related to the president, called the delay Wednesday. While Mr Blinken has given no indication of how
removed from the federal court’s calendar. And there is no a “constitutional coup” and urged people to protest against the US views the response, President Joe Biden described it
indication of when it might reappear. This is in keeping with it. His political coalition has vowed to go to court. Thierno as “a little over the top” - suggesting the Israeli leadership
the former president’s strategy of throwing sand in the Alassane Sall, another candidate, also no relation, called it will not easily agree to what the group is asking. A senior
gears of the judicial process whenever possible, according “high treason” and urged his supporters to gather in front of Hamas official told the BBC the group had presented a
to Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. the National Assembly to protest. “positive vision” in response to the framework.
08 THE-STAR.CO.KE Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024
BBC EXPLAINER
the week FACT CHECKER
PESACHECK
ALTERED: This
image claiming
to show a sign at
Nyayo House is
doctored
T
his image on X
(formerly Twitter)
of a signpost erected
outside Nairobi’s Nyayo
House reading “Nyayo House
is a corruption zone” has been
ALTERED.
The image, which has the
Kenyans.co.ke logo, is placed
side by side another photo of
the Nyayo House.
Is it true that a signpost
stating that “Nyayo House is
a corruption zone” has been
erected outside the Nyayo
House?
A keyword search on the
Kenyans.co.ke official Facebook
page led to a post showing the
original image. The signpost
in the original image is “Nyayo
Nurgül Göksu says she used to be a “normal” housewife before the quake struck /BBC
House is a corruption-free
O
knowledge. She spoke to local civil engineers and on 7 September 2023, featuring
n 6 February 2023, a huge earthquake hit a photograph of the signpost
southern Turkey, killing more than 55,000 construction experts. She learnt how to find “before”
and “after” photos online and began to understand with the inscription “Nyayo
people.
It has now become clear that scores of lives building regulations and what processes were required House is a corruption free
could have been saved if building regulations had been to approve any alterations. zone.”
observed. Then, in June last year, she came across a BBC Turkish Interior Cabinet Secretary
One mother has made it her mission to find out video on YouTube, made about the collapse of one Kithure Kindiki also shared
what caused the building where her loved ones lived building in the city of Izmir following an earthquake an image of the signpost on
to collapse. Before the earthquake struck Nurgül Göksu in 2020. X, further corroborating the
was, as she says, a normal housewife. She loved cooking, Nurgül messaged us on social media asking for help information displayed on
with “içli köfte”, a traditional dish of meatballs, one of analysing the collapse of the Ezgi Building.
We stayed in touch with her for months, while she
Kenyans.co.ke and The Star.
her favourite recipes. The altered signpost began
She lived on the outskirts of Istanbul. Her 31-year-old continued to investigate whether alterations made to
the buildinghad been done correctly. circulating after comments
son, Ahmet Can Zabun, married, with a young baby,
lived in the south-eastern city of Kahramanmaras. “I tried to find as much evidence as I could at the from Kenyans on X and media
Ahmet Can wasn’t Nurgül’s only child, but as place where I lost my child,” Nurgül says. reports regarding the delays
her oldest son whom she had as a teen mum, their “It shouldn’t have been my responsibility. But it in the issuance of Kenyan
relationship was special. seems that had I not done it, we wouldn’t have found passports.
She put him through university and was proud of anything.” In a special report titled
what he achieved. Both Ahmet Can and his wife Nesibe Nurgül found out that in many quake-hit areas “Broken Government
the investigations, opened after claims of violations
were lawyers. Nurgül herself never went to university,
and had to finish school through an external degree. ON FEBRUARY of building regulations, were being closed due to
Services,” NTV Kenya
spotlighted instances where
When the quake hit Kahramanmaras, at least 7,000
buildings in the city collapsed, including Ahmet Can’s.
6, 2023, insufficient evidence.
She didn’t want this to happen to her own individuals have waited for up
to a year to get their passports
Nurgül dashed to the city to search for her son, his wife A HUGE investigation, so she gave numerous TV interviews
to publicise her case. Despite not having been a keen despite assurances from the
and their child - or, as she puts it, her “three children”.
While many buildings in Kahramanmaras had been EARTHQUAKE social media user before the earthquake, she also Interior Cabinet Secretary that
the process would take just 10
destroyed in the earthquake, the area where Nurgül’s
son lived didn’t seem to have been affected as badly.
HIT SOUTHERN opened an Instagram account about the Ezgi Building,
trying to gather information from other families of days.
Much of the neighbourhood was barely damaged. But TURKEY, those who died and building experts.
Nurgül stressed that the prosecutor could have used
PesaCheck has looked into
his residential block, 10 storeys high and known as the an image on X (formerly
Ezgi Building, was one of very few which were flattened. KILLING MORE public records to gather evidence about the way the Twitter) of a signpost erected
building was initially built.
Similar discrepancies occurred in other quake-
affected areas too. Many in Turkey started asking why
THAN 55,000 However, she wanted to make sure all parties
outside Nyayo House with a
“Nyayo House is a corruption
some buildings collapsed and others did not, even if they PEOPLE responsible for the building’s collapse would be
brought to justice - which was why she focused zone” inscription and found it
had been situated right next to each other and were of to be ALTERED.
similar height, age and construction style. on gathering evidence of how the restorations and
Nurgül waited as the rescue teams trawled through alterations to the building had been carried out.
the ruins of the Ezgi Building. When the prosecutor’s office opened an inquiry and
Eight days later, the bodies of Ahmet Can, his wife commissioned an expert report into the collapse of Ezgi
Nesibe and their baby daughter Asude, Nurgül’s Building, Nurgül’s evidence became a key contribution.
granddaughter, were found. The report, which was completed in July 2023, found
Baby Asude was only six months old. that many alterations to the building were carried out
“Losing not just one but three children is truly hard,” in violation of existing regulations and were illegal.
says Nurgül. Dr Beyza Taşkın, an associate professor of civil
She frequently shares family photos on social media engineering at Istanbul Technical University, told the
accounts she created after the disaster. BBC the fact that surrounding buildings remained
“I didn’t want them to die in vain and for me to just intact indicates that there was a major structural issue
forget about them,” says Nurgül. with the Ezgi Building.
In total, 35 people died in the collapse of the Ezgi The report revealed that a key support element was
Building. Only two survived. either never built properly or was altered later.
Following the loss of her family, Nurgül decided to Official lab analysis also showed that some materials
get to the bottom of why her son’s building collapsed and construction processes didn’t meet approved
while others didn’t. But she needed evidence and expert standards.
Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 09
THE WEEK/ GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT EMBAKASI GAS VICTIMS AS KHALWALE SUES TYCOON TOP 4 STORIES
1 2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Kantaria: Family
feuds and fight
with depression
Suresh Nanalal Kantaria would be
spending his time with family and
grandchildren at his Sh300 million
five-bedroom mansion in Nairobi’s
Gigiri suburb among Kenya’s elite
and affluential figures – had things
gone according to plan.But the script
changed midway, scattering his fam-
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
How academic
frauds cheat their
way to state jobs
A TSC employee reportedly used
her sister’s academic papers to
secure a job at the agency. For 10
years she held the job with the fake
papers and was paid more than Sh3
million as salary. It wasn’t just the
KCSE and higher education papers
that she took but also her sister’s
6 identity card. The woman would
have continued enjoying the ben-
efits had the sister not sought a job
with Trans Nzoia county. During
cross-checking, EACC says it dis-
covered that the two shared details.
5 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
E
/INTERNET
veryone who has headed whatever outfit that
was in place to run elections going back to the
Electoral Commission of Kenya days has been
nothing but a briefcase carrier for the person
he declared as the winner of the presidential election.
The current reincarnation of ECK is the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which was cre-
ated in the 2010 constitutional reforms. The expectation
was that the new electoral agency would rid the country
of electoral crimes and deliver open, fair and transparent
elections.
Note: I have not said to rid the country of rigging,
which is an impossibility. There are no perfect elections,
and sometimes there is only a thin line of separation be-
LSK at a crossroads as polls tween what can be deemed as rigging and sheer shrewd
politics by those who know and are able to maximide ev-
ery opportunity at their disposal to bury their opponent.
A
matter and in a class of its own.
OFAFA ONDIEK
t the height of the struggle
for multiparty democracy
MBOCE’S necessity of the times has blunted
the edge around the emergence of
In 2007 we had in your face, thuggish rigging that
nearly plunged the country into a civil war.
and freedom of speech in BRILLIANT CV firebrand leadership. In 2013, neither presidential candidate won the req-
the 1980s and 1990s, times But at the very least, it is not too uisite 50 per cent plus one—at least that’s what most of
were when Kenyans turned to the SPEAKS FOR much to ask, that the next president us believe. However, the Opposition, led by its flagbearer
news to find out what the LSK boss
had said about the prevailing situ-
HER AND HER be someone who has national issues
at the fingertips, who does not fear
Raila Odinga, conducted such a lacklustre campaign
compared to what was expected, and more so compared
ation in the country. ABILITY TO to speak truth to power and holds to 2007 such that the powers that be decided to do away
President Daniel arap Moi had
created a state of fear, in which voic- FACE ISSUES enough credibility to secure the so-
ciety from encroachment by regime
with round two and had President Uhuru Kenyatta de-
clared as winner. In other words, the 2013 election’s
es of conscience were few and far HEAD ON PUTS apologists. IEBC chairman—a man whose ticket to fame had much
apart. Because the LSK was also the After careful consideration, I am to do with which community he hailed from more than
organisation to which many human HER AHEAD IN persuaded that the person who anything else did not disappoint.
rights defenders also belonged, they
effectively partnered with outspo-
THE CONTEST stands high and above all else in the
contest to succeed lawyer Eric Theuri
The man delivered a flawed election outcome whose
toxic stench was only neutralised by the Supreme Court’s
ken clergy like Bishops Alexander as the next LSK president is none fumigation, which allowed the country to barely breathe.
Muge, Manases Kuria, David Gitari other than Harriet Njoki Mboce, Those of us who pushed for the man, coming from a
and John Henry Okulu. an advocate of the High Court who formerly marginalised community to be appointed as
Predictably, Moi and the Kanu re- practices law in her firm, Njoki IEBC chairman, thought he would prove to the nation
gime always sought to influence the Mboce and Company Advocates. and country that it is possible to have a corruption-free
leadership of the organisation, as it The University of Nairobi course IEBC, or at least one that delivers credible elections.
had become a thorn in the flesh of instructor is articulate, confident, And with that, the man would have been lifted high as
the regime. Moi already had prob- mentally agile and comes packed a hero, no different from any of the founding fathers.
lems with many intellectuals in ac- with huge doses of courage. Mboce He miserably failed in that regard and proved he was
ademia, and to a large extent, the
LSK, being an organisation for legal
is the founder of the Nairobi-based
think tank, Utafiti Hub and a found-
THE PLAN IS just as corrupt or at least he was able, willing and ready
to do the bidding of those who wanted him to ignore
minds and top intellectuals, always er member of the Maritime Centre/ TO POSITION the constitution and violate his office. He did not dis-
bothered him by the widespread in-
dependence of mind and thought
Fish FORCE Academy East Africa.
In 2021, she received the Head
HIM WELL appoint them.
You would think I am talking about Wafula Chebu-
within it. Dictatorships, especially of of State commendation award for ENOUGH TO BE kati, the immediate former chairman of the electoral
the incompetent variety, never fancy her distinguished service to the na- commission.
such organisations. tion. She has served as a technical ELEVATED TO The characterisation fits but Chebukati only continued
Over the years, the allure of the
LSK as a melting pot of public inter-
expert on several critical domestic
and international committees, in-
THE SUPREME where the man left off.
When four IEBC commissioners resigned at the tense
est discourse and fighters for great- cluding the technical committee that COURT AS moments when Raila and team were engaged in an ex-
er democratic space has somewhat
declined. Which is interesting, given
organised global Sustainable Blue
Economy Conference in November
CHIEF ercise in futility at the Supreme Court in 2022, that was
all the evidence one needed to know Chebukati was
that in overall terms, there is still 2018, as well as a technical expert in JUSTICE presiding over a joint far removed from the rule of law
much to be done to safeguard consti- the Building Bridges Initiative. The and democratic ideals.
tutional gains and the independence former visiting fellow at the Uni- The difference between 2022 and all other awful elec-
of institutions of the state. versity of Cape Town, Centre for toral misconduct and criminality is the Azimio leader
Perhaps in some way, Mwai Kibaki Comparative Law, offers pro bono mostly suffered from self-inflicted wounds and was
having replaced Moi as president, trial advocacy in Kenya, Uganda and majorly let down by many around him while Ruto and
created a largely performing nation, Botswana. company were strategically and stealthily matching on-
in which freedoms were guaranteed It is not just Mboce’s brilliant CV ward to State House.
and the need for the LSK to be the that speaks for her, but her ability Never mind what Ruto has done, or more accurately,
sounding board for liberation fell to face issues head on also puts her what he has failed to do since getting there.
sharply. In many ways however, ahead in the leadership contest, at It is now being reported that there is some plan to
the President William Ruto regime a time when the Judiciary’s own appoint Chebukati as a Court of Appeal judge and po-
closely mirrors the Moi one, which independence is in sharp focus and sition him well enough to be elevated to the Supreme
suggests that the fight to protect young lawyers’ welfare is a sticking Court as Chief Justice.
freedom and liberty will almost point. Doing so would be the height of impunity unlike any-
certainly look like what happened Being the 51st LSK boss, if elected, thing we have ever seen, and even though the source
under Moi. she would launch the next golden of this information is none other than Raila, who is
Instinctively, I have been looking jubilee of society leaders, with confi- not known to carelessly say things of this magnitude,
for the firebrand within the cast of dence and assertiveness. Her rallying one can only assume this was some trial balloon to see
those running for president of LSK call is “Bold, Firm, Action”, and it people’s reaction.
More news on in the elections slated for the end of isn’t difficult to see why. She is bold That reaction must be a resounding no and proceed
our website. this month. Understandably, a critic in approach to issues, firm in her only at the risk of hammering yet another nail on the
Scan this quick must be fair not to expect a Pheroze principles and action-oriented. The presently loose one-term casket.
response code Nowrojee, a Lee Muthoga, a GBM LSK is ripe for this combination, and Some things are just not worth even trying.
using your Kariuki or a Gibson Kamau Kuria I do hope the lawyers will acknowl-
smartphone. in 2024, having accepted that the edge this when they go to the ballot. Legal analyst and political commentator
Friday-Sunday | February 9-11, 2024 THE-STAR.CO.KE 13
O
n Thursday, February 1, just been licensed for more than a year! attention: a cycle of corruption and
30 million are adults (over 18 years). when many Nairobians The National Environment Man- exploitation thriving amidst disas-
Virtually the whole population is capable of were celebrating the end agement Authority which smells ters and daily struggles. From illegal
paying through e-Citizen. of a very long January, a loud music and arrests thousands gas stations operating unchecked
tragedy occurred. A fire broke out in of owners of licensed entertainment to Government officials demand-
The court could have allowed Kenyans Nairobi’s Embakasi estate and by the joints every night did not hear any ing protection fees, the very fabric of
to continue paying fees in cash or through time its flames were extinguished, sound from the factory for that long! governance is tainted by a reaction-
seven people were dead. The fire Our ever hawk-eyed police offi- ary nature that impedes progress
e-Citizen, whichever they prefer, until broke out when a lorry carrying gas cers who collect hundreds of shil- and perpetuates injustice.
the case is resolved in court. Suspending cylinders exploded at Mradi Area at lings from each of the thousands of At the forefront of this dire sit-
around 11.30pm. The lorry was leav- licensed alcohol outlets in the city uation are the illegal gas stations
payment of fees through e-Citizen was ing a Liquified Petroleum Gas filling every day just missed out on an scattered across the country. These
too punitive. Allowing the old and new factory in the same area. unlicensed gas refilling plant right ticking time bombs pose a grave
The country was later to be told outside the Embakasi police division threat to public safety, yet they
systems to operate in parallel would have the factory was illegal. It had not headquarters! continue to operate with impunity.
been a reasonable compromise. been licensed to operate for a year. Our tax collector, Kenya Rev- The Government’s lax enforcement
Just hours after the tragedy that enue Authority, did not notice a and complicity in turning a blind
also left about 300 people injured multi-million shilling gas investor eye allow these establishments to
in hospitals, the blame and denial was not paying any taxes for a year, thrive endangers the lives of count-
Iran President
Ebrahim Raisi
during a press
conference in
Tehran, Iran, on
August 29 last
year/XINHUA
/SHADATI
WAR ON DRUGS
COMMENT
NDIRANGU NGUNJIRI
@TheStarkenya
Unlock sustainable
investment
potential of African
continent
Africa, a continent teeming with
untapped potential, stands on the
precipice of a sustainable invest-
ment revolution. Its vast landscapes,
rich resources and with over 60 per
cent youthful, burgeoning population
have caught the attention of global
investors seeking opportunities
that marry profit with positive
environmental and social impact.
In this dynamic arena, sustainable
investments emerge as a compelling
avenue. Some of the opportunities
Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi and Mt Kenya South Bishop Canon Charles Muturi during Kabete medical camp against alcohol and drugs addiction at the available include:-
Kibichiku Secondary School grounds on Tuesday /OSDP Renewable energy: With abundant
sunlight and wind, Africa presents an
ideal landscape for renewable ener-
LETTERS OF THE WEEK what they said ... gy projects such as the Lake Turkana
Wind Power project, which was
funded to the tune of $1.095 billion
life-saving technologies
otine replacement therapies, such as dotting the Sahara Desert are a tes-
patches or gums, for decades to help tament to the continent’s potential
individuals manage their addiction as a clean energy powerhouse.
P
with reduced exposure to the harm- Looming Azimio demos Africa’s renewable energy sector
ublic health policymakers US FDA’s recent endorsement of ful toxins in tobacco smoke. has emerged as a focal point for
from across the globe are all THR categories for public health Now the WHO appears to have “It is the IMF and World sustainable investments, offering
meeting in Panama this protection. Moreover, the WHO turned its opposition away from a promising pathway to economic
week to brainstorm how overlooks evidence demonstrating tobacco smoke and onto smok-
Bank now ruling this development and environmental
best to reduce the 8.5 mil- that, in countries experiencing a ers themselves, denying them country. They are responsibility.
lion annual deaths due to decline in smoking rates, the use of the chance to transition to a safer imposing their policies, Africa boasts an abundance of re-
smoking-related disease. THR products like vapes and nicotine product. something the grand newable energy resources, including
Delegates attending this World pouches is increasing and displacing Propaganda demonising re- ample sunlight, strong winds and
Health Organization tobacco summit cigarettes. duced-risk products is rife. But coalition rejected. Real geothermal potential, especially in
would do well to spend time carefully The WHO’s inclination towards nicotine does not cause cancer state capture is now. They northern Africa.
digesting a concise, but excoriating bans and other restrictions on THR and Public Health England, among have invited foreigners These resources create a condu-
analysis of their efforts so far. products contradicts the FCTC’s others, has stated that vapes are at cive environment for the establish-
Ahead of the 10th Conference endorsement of THR, actively op- least 95 per cent less harmful than to come and help them ment of solar, wind and geothermal
of the Parties to the Framework posing lifesaving technologies. This smoking. and that is why no sector power projects.
Convention on Tobacco Control, a approach leaves millions of smokers Last month, a report by the is working. Soon, we are Over 70 per cent of Africa’s
group of international experts has without viable alternatives. distinguished Cochrane network population lacks access to reliable
assessed the progress made by The COP10 Scorecard also records confirmed that alternative nicotine
going to be in ICU, that is electricity. Renewable energy
parties in meeting their agreed obli- a disconcerting growth in misinfor- products are the most effective tool why we can’t wait. That is investments can bridge this energy
gations to end smoking as quickly as mation about THR, nicotine-based for helping smokers to quit. why we are saying Baba... gap, enhancing the quality of life
possible. products and the alleged dangers of After studying over 27,000 smok- for millions while fuelling economic
ers, they found that the use of vapes
save this country.”
The experts’ report, the COP10 vapes. growth and transformation. Tran-
Scorecard, scrutinises the WHO’s As an example, it cites a recent leads to better chances of quitting sitioning to clean energy sources
own documents and statistics to survey indicating that about 70 per than patches, gums, lozenges or aligns with global efforts to combat
reveal that member states are failing cent of physicians believe, incorrect- other traditional NRTs. PETER MUNYA climate change. Investors in African
dismally to reduce the 1.2 billion ly, that nicotine causes lung cancer. This is the research and evidence Former Agriculture CS renewable energy projects can con-
tobacco users in the world. The issue of disinformation is par- our policymakers should be consid- tribute to reducing carbon emissions
The report attributes much of that ticularly relevant to Kenya right now, ering, along with the COP10 Score- on a substantial scale.
failure to the WHO’s evident opposi- as our legislators consider amend- card. If they truly want to prevent Agricultural Innovation: Agricul-
tion to technological innovation that ments to the tobacco control bill. the 8,000 smoking deaths in Kenya ture remains the backbone of many
could curb the deadly toll of tobacco. As the COP10 Scorecard stresses, every year, they must not slam the African economies, with over 60 per
The FCTC explicitly includes one of the biggest impediments door on safer alternatives. cent of the population depending on
tobacco harm reduction (THR) in its to successful tobacco control is a Reduced-risk products are saving On divorce and depression agriculture.
definition of tobacco control, empha- refusal to draw a distinction between lives around the world. We must Sustainable practices and techno-
sising the importance of research. tobacco and alternative nicotine reject the dogma and disinformation “All this turbulence and logical advancements hold the key to
However, the WHO’s own prog- products, which carry a far lower risk that denies this. court cases threw me into increased yields, food security, and
ress report takes a negative stance to health. economic growth.
depression from which I
on THR products - such as vapes THR is founded on the undisputed JOSEPH MAGERO Africa’s agricultural sector is
and nicotine pouches - and ignores fact that the vast majority of the Chairman, Campaign for Safer just recovered recently. My on the brink of transformation
significant milestones, such as the harm from smoking is caused by Alternatives liquidity has really gone down through sustainable investments in
and looking at everything innovation, and improved production
mechanisms.
Let’s make farming profitable again If farmers could access quality now, it is like my close family
members have ganged up to
With the projection of 2.5 billion
and affordable supplies, their profit population by 2050, ensuring food
Farmers have been making losses of ing produce and selling. What were would increase and they will have finish me.” security is paramount. Investments
late due to depreciating Kenya shil- once considered readily available the zest for more production. in agricultural innovation can lead to
ling. The hard economic times have and affordable vegetables are now increased crop yields, improved pest
put farmers in a tough spot—from out of the reach of many, eating into LYNNE OLISA SURESH KANTARA management and enhanced food
buying farm supplies to transport- farmers’ profits Via email Billionaire production.