Author: Judith Mwaura

Kenya Power has issued a message to Kenyans regarding the risks and costs of charging phones overnight. Many people have noticed higher electricity bills lately, and one common habit that could be contributing to this is leaving phones plugged in throughout the night. In today’s busy lifestyle, it’s common for people to charge their phones overnight to ensure they wake up with a full battery. However, what seems like a harmless practice could be quietly adding to your electricity bill. Modern smartphones often have smart charging technology that stops charging once the battery is full. However, even when the battery…

President William Ruto has outlined four key priorities for the newly appointed Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, emphasizing critical areas requiring immediate attention, including livestock vaccination. Speaking on Friday, January 17, during the swearing-in of CSs Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui, Ruto tasked Kagwe with improving the agriculture docket. He cited the tea crisis in Mombasa, urging Kagwe to address the backlog of tea stuck at the port urgently. On crop health, the President noted that subsidized fertilizer had already been procured and instructed Kagwe to ensure small-scale farmers accessed the correct type of fertilizer for their crops…

In a recent address at the Kigali Convention Centre during an annual diplomatic luncheon, President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful critique of international double standards, particularly concerning Rwanda’s role in regional politics. He questioned the credibility of international expert groups, stating, “A group of experts – what are they experts in, actually?” Kagame emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of cross-border communities and highlighted the persistent threat posed by genocidal forces in neighboring regions. President Kagame also addressed the complexities of international aid, using Rwanda’s peacekeeping missions in Mozambique as a case study. He revealed that assistance from…

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called upon Kenya’s Generation Z to actively defend their rights and shape the nation’s future. Speaking at the funeral of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai, Kenyatta emphasized the importance of youth participation in societal affairs. He urged young people, including his daughter Ngina Kenyatta, to stand firm against any attempts to undermine their hard-earned achievements, stating, “You must stand up and fight for your rights and make sure you are given your fair share of what belongs to you.” Kenyatta’s appeal highlights a broader recognition of the pivotal role that Generation Z plays…

Eight former senior officials from Tana River County government have been arrested following an overnight operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The officials are accused of being involved in the improper awarding of a Ksh. 9 million tender. The individuals arrested include Fatuma Zahra, the former County Chief Officer for Public Service, Abashora Swaleh Salad, the former Principal Supply Chain Management Officer, and Ali Dhidha Hussein, a Building Inspector in the Department of Public Works. Also arrested were Issa Funani Bere, a former Senior Supply Chain Management Officer, Mohamed Natse, Kevin Simiyu Wafula, and Fatuma Napasha Hussein-Electro, who…

The United States Embassy in Kenya will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a significant holiday in the United States. The Embassy made the announcement on its official X account, stating that it would suspend services for the day in honor of the federal holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday of January to commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is celebrated for his pivotal role in advocating for racial equality in the US. On this day, Americans reflect…

Kenyans are set to benefit from reduced tax rates as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has made adjustments to three major taxes. On Friday, January 17, 2025, KRA announced new, lower rates for the Fringe Benefits Tax, the Deemed Interest Rate, and the Low-Interest Benefit. In the new rates, the Deemed Interest Rate has been reduced from 16 percent to 13 percent, while the Low-Interest Benefit rate has been cut by two percentage points, from 16 percent to 14 percent. These changes are expected to bring relief to employers and employees alike, particularly those involved in loans with lower-than-market interest…

A Nairobi woman, Wairimu Muthoni, has been awarded KSh 420,000 in compensation by the Milimani High Court after she was mistreated, robbed, and violently thrown out of a Super Metro matatu. This decision was made by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who ruled that the matatu crew violated her constitutional rights, specifically her right to dignity, personal security, and property. The incident took place on August 7, 2018, when Muthoni boarded a Super Metro matatu with KSh 80,000 in cash, which she intended to deposit at a nearby Sacco. However, the matatu did not head towards its usual route to Westlands, but…

In a recent incident at Juba International Airport in South Sudan, a herd of goats wandered onto the runway, causing significant disruption. The situation escalated when an Ethiopian Airlines flight was forced to abort its landing to avoid the animals. This event has raised serious concerns about airport security and the effectiveness of measures to prevent such occurrences. Following the incident, airport authorities detained several goats that had strayed onto the tarmac. The owner of nine of these goats was located and cautioned to keep her animals restrained. However, other goats remained in detention as their owners had not come…

The government has announced major reforms to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) aimed at modernising the country’s social security system. Several new initiatives will be introduced to make the fund more efficient and accessible, especially for people in remote areas who have been underrepresented in social security coverage. As part of a pilot programme, the NSSF plans to launch a mobile-based registration system. This initiative will allow people in underserved areas to easily enrol and contribute to the fund using their mobile phones, making social security services more inclusive. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of delivery management, Eliud…