Author: Editor

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…

Human Rights Watch Africa has revealed that a special government security unit is behind the rising cases of abductions in Kenya. During the release of its 35th World Report, the lobby group linked the surge in abductions to a security team called the Operations Support Unit (OSU). The activists compared OSU to the previously disbanded Special Squad Unit (SSU), which operated during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. They argued that the OSU mirrors the SSU’s operations and structure, despite the SSU being officially dissolved. Speaking at the event, Human Rights Watch Africa Director Otsieno Namwaya claimed the OSU is based…

The push to remove Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome and several Supreme Court judges is gaining momentum after starting as a social media discussion among a group of lawyers accusing them of corruption and misconduct. CJ Koome’s position now appears uncertain following the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) decision to initiate formal proceedings that could lead to her removal. This step was taken after the commission received a petition from lawyer Nelson Havi, calling for the removal of the Chief Justice along with other Supreme Court judges. On Thursday, January 16, JSC Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto confirmed receipt of the petition…

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family is mourning the death of Kibathi Muigai, a well-known businessman and veteran rally driver. Kibathi, who was a first cousin to the retired president, passed away last week at the age of 72. The announcement of his death was made public through a newspaper notice, which stated, “With sadness and acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing on of Kibathi Muigai on January 10, 2025.” Kibathi, widely referred to as “Wa Ngina,” was a prominent member of the Kenyatta family and had a strong presence in both business and motorsport. He was a brother…

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has been suspended from Parliament for six months after the High Court upheld the Senate’s decision to take disciplinary action against her. High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi supported the Senate’s stance, emphasizing that Orwoba was given a fair chance to defend herself before the Powers and Privileges Committee but chose not to participate. Judge Mugambi, in his ruling, clarified that Senator Orwoba had the opportunity to present her case, including raising any preliminary objections, but instead walked out on the committee without making her defense. As a result, the court dismissed her petition, stating there was…