Author: Judith Mwaura

Kenyans face more financial strain as the government prepares to increase deductions starting in February. This comes after President William Ruto signed the Tax Amendment Act and the Tax Procedures Act on December 11, 2024, which will bring significant changes to the country’s tax system. The amendments, which took effect from December 27, 2024, will revise key tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Excise Duty Act, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, and the Tax Procedures Act. These changes are expected to lead to higher taxes, particularly VAT and excise duties, which will result in increased costs for…

Changes in Nairobi Police Leadership: Adamson Bungei Recalled, New Appointments Made On Thursday, January 16, the National Police Service (NPS) announced significant changes in its leadership, signaling a new direction in the operations of the force. Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed the reshuffle, which involved several key positions within the service. Long-serving Nairobi County Commander, Adamson Bungei, has been recalled to the NPS headquarters. Bungei, who has headed Nairobi’s police operations for a substantial period, has now been appointed as the Director of Operations. In his place, George Sedah, who was previously the Coast Regional Police Commander, has…

A devastating fire broke out at the University of Nairobi’s main campus, causing significant damage to a prominent section of the campus. The fire, which started in the Mahatma Gandhi Wing—an iconic building near the old administration block—spread quickly, leaving destruction in its path. Initial reports suggest that the blaze began on the second floor of the historic structure before moving to other parts of the building. Though firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by just past midnight on Thursday, January 16, it reignited at dawn. Around 5 a.m., university security personnel, still reeling from the earlier…

The National Assembly has approved President William Ruto’s seven nominees for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), who were proposed two months ago. This approval was unanimous and followed a debate after the Committee on Appointments presented a report supporting the nominations. A majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) backed the appointments but advised the new appointees to avoid conflicts with Parliament, as seen in past administrations. The seven appointed members include Sammy Chepkwony, who will serve as the chairperson, and Martin Kizito Ong’oyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Leonid Ashindu, Gilda Odera, Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Jane Gatakaa Njage as members.…

Jeremiah Kioni, the Jubilee Party Secretary General and a close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua months after calls for unity between him and Uhuru. While addressing the media on Thursday, Kioni was asked whether Jubilee was open to forming an alliance with Gachagua. In his response, he clarified that the party had maintained a clear direction since 2017 and that Gachagua’s recent shift in stance would not affect their plans. “We are glad he has taken the lead in criticizing his former boss, but as for our direction, we knew where…

Tension erupted at the Miraa Market in Nairobi’s Pumwani Estate as traders engaged in a three-hour standoff with police, protesting what they claimed was an attempt by a private investor to take over their market space. The traders explained that the market, which had been allocated to them by Governor Johnson Sakaja, was now being targeted by a private developer. This move, they said, had forced them to stage protests in a bid to protect their source of livelihood. The rising tension and chaos led to the deployment of a large number of police officers to contain the situation. According…

Parents Protest Government’s Plan to Evict Students from Kenneth Marende Primary School Parents of Kenneth Marende Primary School pupils in Luanda, Vihiga County, have strongly opposed a government directive forcing the relocation of the school. The Ministry of Education issued the order after a gold mining company reportedly discovered gold deposits in the area. Angry parents stormed the school premises, protesting the government’s decision to move the school. They expressed suspicion about the timing and handling of the matter, noting that the letter from the Ministry of Education was dated January 3 but was only delivered on January 13, just…

The government has announced plans to introduce mandatory Unique Personal Identification (UPI) numbers and a stricter vetting process for all public employees to address the long-standing issue of ghost workers. These measures were outlined in the Ministry of Treasury’s 2025 Draft Budget Policy Statement (BPS) released on Wednesday, pending approval by Parliament. According to the proposals, the UPI system will be rolled out across all government departments, including constitutional commissions. The system, similar to the one already used for students in Kenyan schools, will help the government accurately track its workforce and prevent fraudulent salary payments to non-existent workers, commonly…

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has opposed a directive from the Controller of Budget barring county governments from issuing bursaries to students in higher learning institutions. In a statement dated January 15 and signed by the party’s leadership, including ODM party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o, the party criticized the decision, expressing deep concern over the imposed financial restrictions on counties. ODM called on the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, to withdraw the directive and introduce a fair approach that ensures students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions continue receiving bursary support from counties. “We urge…

Kenyan consumers are set to face higher sugar prices next month as the government introduces a new tax on the sweetener. Starting February 1, 2025, a 4 per cent Sugar Development Levy (SDL) will be imposed on both locally produced and imported sugar. This tax is part of the government’s broader sugar sector reforms introduced under a new law passed late last year. Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently announced the Sugar Development Levy Order 2025, officially implementing the new charge. As a result, sugar prices are expected to rise by at least 4 per cent once the…