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Former NTV Journalist Sharon Barang’a Joins TV47

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former Nationa Media Group journalist Sharon Barang’a has joined TV47, months after losing her job at NTV.

Barang’a has joined the fast growing TV in Kenya as the head of Education desk.

The TV girl, who has been supporting ECDE Programs in Kenya lost her job at NTV in July just days after losing her dad.

The award-winning broadcast journalist with over five years of experience has however, bounced back with a bang, and is expected to bring a lot of changes at TV47.

Sharon lost her father and days later lost her job in the  reorganisation that was happening at Nation Media Group as a result of Covid-19. 

Sharon who had been at NMG for five years was fired alongside Brenda Wanga (reporter), anchor Derbal Inea, Shaban Ulaya (Sports reporter) anchor Ken Mijungu, Harith Salim ( Swahil anchor) among many others.

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Business

PHOTOS: Uhuru Secures Bags of Goodies For Kenya in France

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed a multi-billion deal with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

Uhuru on Wednesday landed in France  where he was hosted by Macron at Elysee Palace – the French President’s official residence.

He is in France for a three-date state visit that will see him push for a number of bilateral agreements.

Among agreements reached is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway signed between KeNHA and Vinci Concessions.

The Sh180 billion dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road will be guaranteed by the Kenyan government with the agreement that Vinci Concessions will charge toll fees to recover the construction cost.

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Others were agreements for the development of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) commuter railway line and the 400KV Menengai-Rongai electricity transmission line.

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Kenya’s ambassador to France Professor Judi Wakhungu stated that the president’s visit would strengthen people-to-people and commercial ties between the two nations.

Wakhungu stated that the Nairobi CBD to JKIA commuter rail link would help enhance movement of travellers between the city centre and Kenya’s foremost international airport.

“Our aspiration is to see that this commuter railway line eases traffic in Nairobi but also eases the movement of people within Nairobi. We hope that along the route and the surrounding areas, other businesses will be able to grow,” Prof Wakhungu stated.

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She added that the PPP agreement would help decongest the existing highway and enhance efficiency of cargo transport to Western Kenya and onwards into the export markets of East and Central Africa.

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Business

Uhuru Off to France For a Ksh180 Billion Loan Deal

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta is on Wednesday September 30, 2020 expected to leave the country for France.

During his trip, the Head of State is expected to sign a public private partnership (PPP) deal worth Ksh 180 billion for the dualling of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau summit road; a 190 kilometers stretch.

Kenyatta will meet up with President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee palace in Paris, where he will actualise the deal.

The road will reduce travel time for both people and goods and at the same time compliment the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Naivasha and Malaba border.

After a battle by french firms to clinch the Ksh 180 billion deal last year, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) awarded the tender to French Firm Meridiam International.

Others in the consortium include; Vinci Highways SAS and Vinci Concessions SAS.

The project will involve expansion of the 190-kilometre road into a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi in Limuru to Mau Summit in Nakuru County.

Additionally, the work will involve the rehabilitation of the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road and the reaction of toll stations on the highway under a Public Private Partnership.

Transport CS James Macharia earlier stated that the cabinet’s precedence would be to have two PPP’s projects in order to ease traffic for motorists plying between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Westlands, and those who use the Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru highway.

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BusinessCrime & Investigations

Transport CAS Reveals How Kenya Lost Jack Ma’s Covid-19 Donations

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Transport CAS Chris Obure has clarified how Kenya lost Covid-19 donations made by Chinese businessman Jack Ma.

Appearing before the National Assembly Health Committee on Thursday, September 3, 2020, Obure noted that 21 packages of assorted medical supplies did not reach Nairobi from Ethiopia. 

He said that five other consignments were received and stored in Kenya Medical Supplies Agency warehouses in Nairobi. 

“We received what we received in the manner in which it was packaged and dispatched from the source (Jack Ma Foundation (China). Am not aware if there was any repackaging in Addis Ababa.

“The 21 packages were missing after we verified with the parking documents from China. We realized that 21 packages were short delivered, I assure you we will continue to pursue the matter with the Ministry of Health to ensure they are delivered,” Obure stated.

According to Obure, MoH had reached out to Ethiopian authorities who were investigating the matter.

The CAS nonetheless distanced himself and his ministry from the scandal which saw President Uhuru Kenyatta issue two directives to investigating agencies and Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.

Earlier reports alleged that the Jack Ma donations were stolen and sold to MoH at inflated prices. 

President Kenyatta ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission to table a report on the KEMSA scandal in 30 days. Kagwe was also given 21 days to table his report.

On Wednesday, officials from the Ministry of Transport were hard-pressed to explain the ministry’s role in the clearing of Jack Ma Foundation donations that arrived in the country in March.

Obure, found it hard to convince the committee as he was accused of lacking facts regarding the clearing of the consignment.

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Business

VIDEO: Iconic Sabina Joy to Make a Comeback as Gov’t Plans to Reopen Clubs

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Nairobi’s iconic Sabina Joy club is set to make a major comeback after having its doors closed for a long period of time.

The club is set to have its doors reopened for its customers once more as government seeks to reopen bars and clubs in a pilot project after a longer closure due to Covid-19.

As a way of ensuring safety during the Covid-19 pandemic period, the government has asked Liquor Welfare Group to pick two clubs for a pilot project, which will pave way for reopening of other clubs should the project work out.

Sabina Joy located at Ambassador area along Moi Avenue and the Green Club along Latema Road in Nairobi are the clubs that will be reopened, with a new face following renovations that are being done to ensure social distancing rules among customers.

Sabina Joy and Green Club are stepping up their efforts to have the bars ready for the project including setting up hand sanitisation points and fitting perspex screens to separate tables.

East African Breweries Limited is also involved in the initiative to ensure bar operators meet the set protocols.

A news story done by Citizen TV on Wednesday showed how the two clubs are working on the final touches to have their doors reopened again.

While in the clubs, the customers will maintain a 1.5 meters social distance, have their face masks on and wash their hands.

President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered closure of all bars and clubs as a measure of helping combat Covid-19.

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BusinessLatest News

Uhuru Issues Executive Order Establishing The Kenya Transport And Logistics Network

by PSCU
written by PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has today issued an Executive Order establishing a framework for the management, coordination and integration of public port, railway and pipeline services under the Kenya Transport and Logistics Network (KTLN).

The network brings together Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) and Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) under the coordination of the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC).

KTLN will leverage on the efficiencies and synergies of the four State agencies so as to achieve Kenya’s strategic agenda of becoming a regional logistics hub.

Further, the new structure is expected to lead to the lowering of the cost of doing business in the country through the provision of port, rail and pipeline infrastructure in a cost effective and efficient manner, and within acceptable shared benchmark standards.

The new framework also allows for the centralization and coordination of operations without amending the existing laws or causing undue disruption to the legal structuring of the State entities. This helps to secure comfort with the concept, and utilize the experience to guide the development of a more permanent legally structured organization.

Consequently, the four State agencies have been transferred to the National Treasury in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Taskforce on Parastatal Reforms.

In the new arrangement, the ICDC will act as a holding company to the three agencies, and be responsible for the management of the State’s investments in Ports, Rail and Pipeline services.

Going forward, the State agencies are required to enter into a joint operations agreement within 30 days that will reorganize individual entity structures, resources, operations and services. The reorganization will help to establish a seamless and coordinated national transport and logistics network.

In order to secure his vision for the Sector, His Excellency the President has reorganized the Boards of Directors of the four State entities.

The ICDC Board will be responsible for securing the achievement of the commercial vision and objectives of KTLN, through the Board of Directors of each entity so as to operate as a single coherent unit. For this reason, the Board of ICDC is exempted from the requirements of Mwongozo on multiple directorships.

Further, the National Treasury has been tasked to strengthen its internal capacity by securing the necessary technical skills and competencies needed to effectively oversee investment portfolio management, and the setting up, monitoring and reporting of the financial performance of commercial State corporations.

In view of the above reforms, the proposed merger of the ICDC into the Kenya Development Bank has been postponed. However, ongoing transactions involving KPC, KRC and KPA will proceed uninterrupted.

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Business

Ruto Pastor Putting up a Ksh6 Billion 33-Storey Mall in Meru

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

A pastor allied to Deputy President William Ruto is putting up a multi-billion shopping mall in Meru County.

According to Sunday Nation, the Jesus House of Praise Church founder Bishop Kiogora Magambo has kicked off the construction of the Ksh 6 billion million.

The 33-storey project will be among the tallest buildings in the country, and the tallest in Meru County.

The report by the local daily revealed that the mall will be known as Praise Mall.

A Chinese contractor Jiangxi Jingtai Water Conservancy and electric Power Construction Company Limited has been contracted to put up the project within a period of three years.

It is located at Gitimbine, about 100 metres from the iconic Kathita River, along the Meru-Nairobi highway.

The bishop is an influential figure in the Mount Kenya region, especially in church circles, and has been a close friend of Deputy President William Ruto since he was the Eldoret MP.

He is the clergyman who led the final Sunday Service for Dr Ruto on August 28, 2011, before he jetted out to the Netherlands for the confirmation of hearings at The Hague.

He also visited The Hague in October 2013 as the hearings of the cases of crimes against humanity occasioned by the 2007/08 post-election violence against Dr Ruto and radio presenter Joshua Arap Sang were going on. The cases were dismissed in 2016.

Though Dr Ruto has visited Bishop Magambo’s church only once since becoming Deputy President, the clergyman is always present and either plays a role or is at least acknowledged whenever Dr Ruto tours the region.

In an interview with the Sunday nation, Rev Kiogora said he supports both President Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto and his support was guided by their manifesto, which also convinced him to visit them at The Hague.

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Business

Western Region Leaders Demand Evidence in Govt’s Waiver of Debts on Sugar Millers

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

Leaders from Western region led by  Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula have called on Cabinet Secretaries who have been criss-crossing the region to provide evidence in the waiver of debts owed to the state by ailing sugar factories.

Wetangula dared Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa and his agriculture counterpart Peter Munya to produce the documented evidence with the relevant instruments to confirm that Nzoia Sugar company debts have been waived.

 “The people of western region are not fools, they know what it means by development and they have seen the bad states of the companies and being told that the debts have been waived without evidence is zero work,” Wetangula said.

His statement was echoed by Dan Wanyama, Webuye West member of the parliament who said that the cabinet has no mandate to waive a debt without the input of the national assembly.

“We are the people who allocate resources, I tried hard to include in the budget but when we approached Munya he declined to factor in Money for the ailing factories and so farmers know the truth. If indeed the president is serious, he should bring a paper in parliament to the committee of agriculture to deal with the issue,” he said

Wanyama said that the parliament must understand the period and how these debts accrued before the decision is made.

“It might be crude creditors who want to pay themselves or the money ending up going to the wrong people. Munya was evasive by talking about the treasury making paper work since he knew the process was not right but came in to give Wamalwa PR to get political mileage,” Wanyama added.

This comes a week after the recent visit of CS Wamalwa and Munya who assured the farmers that the debts that were holding the companies down had been written off to allow the leasing of the companies for it to go back to its normal operation.

They however came in solidarity with the most recent declaration by the president who had ordered that the cabinet secretaries are not allowed to move out of Nairobi after the surge in Covid-19 cases across the country.

Wetangula stated that their meetings have been suspended following the rampant increase of the cases in western region most specifically in Busia County.

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Business

How to Buy Electricity Tokens, Settle Your Bill Using Safaricom Bonga Points

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Did you know that you can now buy electricity tokens or settle your electricity bills using Safaricom bonga points?

Well, Safaricom and the Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) have partnered to enable their customers redeem their safaricom Bonga Points for power tokens.

Through the partnership, the companies’ domestic customers can now redeem their Bonga Points to purchase tokens or pay for their bills at the rate of 20 cents per Bonga Point.

But how can one successfully redeem Bonga Points for power tokens?

Well, at first, you need to dial *126#. You will then select the Lipa na Bonga Points option, which will appear at number one.

You will then be prompted to select whether you need to buy goods or pay bill. In this case, you require to enter option 2, which is pay bill.

You will then be asked to enter the business number. In this case, enter the KPLC business number that you normally use to buy tokens. You will enter 888880, or 888888.

You will then enter your KPLC meter number as your account number.

After that, you will be required to enter the amount you wish to spend. For example, if you enter Ksh 1,500, 5000 Bonga Points will be deducted.

You will then be prompted to confirm you transaction. If you accept, you will be required to enter your MPESA service pin to complete the transaction.

You will then be notified that your request has been received. You will be advised upon completion, where you will receive your Power units.

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Business

Hope For Cane Farmers as Government Writes Off Nzoia Sugar Miller’s Debts

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

The government has put smiles on the faces of Nzoia sugar company farmers after writing off the company’s debts in efforts to revive the ailing  sugar sector.

Speaking at Nzoia Guest house on Monday July 21 2020, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya assured the farmers that the government is set to bring the ailing sugar sector back to normalcy and Nzoia sugar will be at the fore front.

Nzoia sugar company has been failing to operate efficiently following the Ksh62 billion debt that has been the major challenge leading to no payment to the farmers and also interference with the normal operations of the company.

The government has written off the debt owed by the millers to allow interested investors who meet the required standards to lease the company.

“Along-term solution is needed for this company to succeed and that’s why we are striving so hard to see it flourish and the farmers benefit fully from it.I am here to assure you farmers that the process of writing off the debt has gone through the cabinet and no one should doubt it ,” said Munya

Munya further noted that the government has opted to allow the leasing of the company but with conditions in that whoever is allowed to lease the company must accept all the workers that were working there before and with their union agreement.

He/she must take the farmers agreement of the sugarcane developments and to make sure the canes are fully absorbed and this will be done together with the county government to make sure that the out growers’ interests are fully taken care of.

His sentiments were echoed by the council of governors’ chairperson, the Kakamega county governor Wycliffe Oparanya who emphasized the same saying that the failing of the company affects the farmers directly not the leaders yet they are the voters.

“I urge all the leaders present and those from within to join hands together to fulfill the urge of reviving this company because these farmers voted us in and we can’t stand seeing them suffer,” he said.

Also present was the Bungoma county governor Wycliffe Wangamati who expressed his joy and satisfaction towards the move that has been taken by the government to bring back Nzoia, noting that the company is so precious to the people of Bungoma and the community around.

Wangamati appreciated the move that was taken to ban importation of sugar and also called for more sensitization on leasing so that it can be understood and dealt with in a proper way.

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Business

Co-op Bank Partners With Nyeri County to Salvage The Economy From Covid-19 Effects

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Cooperative bank and Nyeri County government have embarked on a partnership that will salvage businesses from collapsing because of the adverse effects of COVID-19.

Representatives from the county government led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga held talks with representatives from the bank today.

The deal is expected to be finalised next week, according to the Governor.

The partnership between the two entities on post Covid-19 economy recovery measures will tackle Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The two entities will partner in capacity building, funding, cushioning of SMEs including private schools, saccos and Corporate Social Responsibility” Mutahi stated.

He laid emphasis on PayCheck Protection Loans to help businesses that are struggling to avoid laying off of workers which is hurting the families that are dependent on those wages.

The team was represented by Jacquelyne Waithaka, Director-Corporate & Institutional Banking Division, Moses Gitau Head-Business Banking, Silvance Nono Head-Government & Public Sector Banking, Annie Thagishu Relationship Manager, Ngumo Kahiga Head-Marketing and Communication and Samuel Mukiti Relationship Manager.

The county administration was represented by the County Secretary Ben Gachichio, Economic Advisor Ndirangu Gachunia and Trade Chief Officer Ibrahim Adan.

“Consultative meetings will be held next weeks to come up with a concrete plan on how to cushion Nyeri residents against the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and execute an MOU immediately” Kahiga stated.

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All M-pesa Services to be Unavailable For 13 Hours

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

All Mpesa services will be unavailable for almost 13 hours, Safaricom PLC has announced.

In a notice issued to its customers on Friday July 17, 2020, Safaricom said that M-pesa services will be undergoing an upgrade from Saturday night July 18 to Sunday morning July 19.

The planned maintenance is set to start at at 10 pm on Saturday to Sunday at 10 am. All M-pesa services including airtime purchase shall be temporarily unavailable during this time.

According to Safaricom, the timing of the maintenance activity has been scheduled to result in the least inconvenience to customers.

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This is however, not the first time the services are being interrupted for maintenance and upgrading purposes.

The first scheduled maintenance in June 2020, was announced on Wednesday, June 17, scheduled for Thursday from midnight to 5 am.

M-pesa usage has risen since March when the government appealed to Kenyans to use mobile money services as opposed to cash, to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Safaricom M-pesa customers can continue enjoying free transactions under Ksh 1,000 as the Central Bank of Kenya on Wednesday, June 24 announced the extension of a set of measures that were announced in March 2020.

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BusinessLatest NewsLifestyle

Youths Scramble For Positions in The Newly Launched Kazi Mtaani 2nd Phase

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

Bungoma South Sub County youths on Friday July 10, 2020 flooded at the county commissioners’ offices in search of being included in the newly launched ‘Kazi mtaani’ initiative.

This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the second phase of the National Hygiene Program (NHP), targeting to enroll more than 270,000 youths.

The second phase is set to apply in the whole of the 47 counties unlike the first phase which involved only eight counties.

Addressing the press, Deputy County Commissioner Michael Yator stated that Bungoma south sub county has been granted 2,407 which will see youths of that number engage in that program.

“as you can see the work flow today, we are registering the youths in the biometric system and the ones present here have been already employed from every village. In every village there is committee that’s in charge of employing this youths aged from 18 years to 35,” he emphasized

He went further to say that the youths will be engaged more in community and infrastructure development projects and they will be divided in groups of 15 each, working from 8am to 4 pm.

The program comes as an employment opportunity and also provides a platform to lessen the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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BusinessLifestyle

Nairobi Water Announces Major Water Supply Interruption, Areas to be Affected

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited has announced a major water supply interruption.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday July 8, 2020, the company informed its esteemed customers that there will be shutdown of the Ngethu Water Treatment Plant from Thursday July 9, 2020 at 6am to Friday July 10, 2020 at 6pm.

The company notes that the shut down will facilitate major repair works at Mwagu water intake along Chania River from where they abstract raw water to Ngethu Water Treatment Works.

This intake was damaged by the heavy long rains experienced recently.

During the shutdown the following areas will not receive water supply:

The whole of City Centre, University of Nairobi main campus, Coca Cola Factory, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, EPZAthi river.

Areas along Mombasa road, that is, South B, South C and the neighborhoods will also be affected. The whole of Industrial area will also not receive water.

Areas along Juja road: Mlango Kubwa, whole of Mathare, Eastleigh Airforce ,Huruma,Kariobangi, Pangani , The whole of
Eastleigh.

Areas along Jogoo road: Maringo, Buruburu and the surrounding estates, Bahati.

Areas along Outer-ring road: Baba Dogo,Dandora, Dandora KCC factory, Umoja , Donholm, Fedha, Tassia, Avenue park,
Nyayo Embakasi

Areas along Kangundo road: Ruai , Kayole, Komarock estate, Njiru.

Areas along Thika road: Kenya Breweries, Kenyatta University, Kahawa Barrack, Kasarani, Mwiki, Kahawa
Sukari, Garden Estate and Thome Estate.

Areas along Limuru road: Parklands, Ngara area, Aga Khan hospital, University of Nairobi – School of Law
and City park area, Gigiri, United Nation- Gigiri, Muthaiga.

Whilst every effort will be made to restore the supply of water as soon as possible, we urge all customers
in the affected areas to use water sparingly.

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Business

Laikipia County, Co-op Bank Launch Affordable Financing Kitty For SMEs And Saccos

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

.The Laikipia County Government and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank) have today (Monday July 6) launched the Laikipia Enterprise Fund with an initial kitty of Ksh 300 million, to offer affordable financing and business support to co-operatives and entrepreneursin Laikipia County.

To kick-off the Fund, the bank and the county government have entered into an InterestSharing and Guarantee Arrangement.

This is aimed at supporting two key segments; First, to empower co-operatives in Laikipia County through affordable financing and Consultancy Services, to enable them have sufficient liquidity for lending to members, and strengthen their management structures, and Second, to support over 7,000 entrepreneurs in Laikipia County recover from the challenges of
the Covid-19 Pandemic by way of affordable financing and training.

Borrowers will pay single-digit interest rates, which makes this arrangement perhaps the most affordable lending program in Kenya today.

The low interest rate has been made possible by the interest-sharing arrangement, whereby the Laikipia County Government will be offering an interest subsidy of 5 per cent, thereby reducing the bank lending rate from 12.1 per cent to 7.1 per cent per annum for all borrowers.

In addition, borrowers will enjoy a reduced appraisal fee at 1.5 per cent of the approved loan amount.

Co-op Bank will match three times the amount that the County Government will place in the Enterprise Fund, to ensure as many borrowers benefit from the opportunity.

In addition to financing, the bank will make available the full basket of services that include digital banking tools, workshops for business training, and capacity-building consultancy services for cooperatives.

Repayment period for the loans will be upto 12 months for SMEs and upto 18 months for cooperatives. The county government shall undertake initial vetting of loan applicants as provided for in the Laikipia County Enterprise Fund Regulations 2020.

Co-op Bank will further appraise for qualification. The Laikipia Enterprise Fund commences operations immediately.

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5 Reasons Why Kenyans Will Continue Being Fired From Jobs Even After Covid-19

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Kenyans have been negatively affected, with many losing their source of income.

This follows the massive job lay offs that have been witnessed, and continue being witnessed in many companies, due to the economic effects of the pandemic.

However, Kenyans may continue losing their jobs even after the end of the pandemic.

Machakos County governor Dr Alfred Mutua says that the massive lay offs may not cease when the Covid-19 is finally contained.

Dr Mutua on Sunday July 5, 2020 listed various reasons as to why Kenyans will continue losing jobs.

1.Inability of Kenyan Economy to Cushion its Citizens

Governor Mutua says that it is quite concerning when we hear of mass sackings of employees from Covid-19 economic hardships. However, he notes that the main problem is not Covid-19, but the inability of Kenyan economy to cushion its citizens during times such crisis.

2. Lack of Economic Freedom and Expansion

According to Governor Mutua, we have, as a society, been primed to place more emphasis on politics and tribal blocs rather than economic freedom and expansion.

He notes that this is the reason families are hurting and Kenyans are suffering due to lack of money and general hardships in life.

3. Lack of Innovation

Governor Mutua notes that in Kenya, voices on need for innovation, economic growth and development are relegated to the back.

He notes that Kenyan politics is not about policy but about formations and who is who. As a result, Governor Mutua notes, while other nations are providing unemployment benefits, money to industries, our people are being fired.

4. Poverty and loss of dignity

According to Governor Mutua, the political class is comfortable while wananchi are living on less than ksh100 a day.

“I see poverty and loss of dignity every day in a country with so much to offer. I play my part in rolling back poverty but clearly development is never viewed as a priority.

“For those who have slept hungry, like I have, living in a Nairobi slum, you know the pains of being poor. Therefore we must ensure that we have a vision of how to transform this country, ‘ he said.

5. Journalists not playing their role right

Governor Mutua has accused journalists and editors of not playing their roles right. He says that it is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“As a journalist, I can say this. It is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“Now, most of these journalists have been fired. The political class that they gave headlines and front pages to are Ok. The journalists’ families will soon be hungry,” he said.

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