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Governor Wangamati Hires 187 Health Workers, Gives Them Tough Directives

by Pauline Waswa
written by Pauline Waswa

Bungoma county healthcare workers have been called upon to work and serve the community with passion and commitment.

Speaking at Mabanga where 187 recruited health care staffers were receiving their appointment letters, Governor Wangamati congratulated them and emphasized on them being committed to work hard and tirelessly towards the success of the service delivery in the health centers of Bungoma county.

“Health is so crucial in service delivery in this county and health services are real you can’t wait so please just do your best. Serve the county, serve the people of Bungoma county, “said governor Wangamati.

He further noted that through his leadership, those who will do well will be given an opportunity to grow in the county government but also cautioned those who will bore no fruits that they will have a problem.

“You have been given an opportunity, you must work and ensure that at the end of the day you are doing well at your work place and our commitment to you is that when you do well you will have an opportunity to rise within the county government and within the ministry of health,” he said.

He assured the residents of Bungoma that more funds will be directed into health which will see some projects finished like building 100-bed capacity hospitals one in Bumula and another one in Naitiri.

He expressed his satisfaction towards the coming up of devolution noting that it’s the best thing that ever happened in Kenya.

“The best thing that happened to Kenya is the 2010 constitution. A shilling spend at a national level compared to a shilling spend in the county government, a shilling in the county government level is more accountable and more transparent because at the county there are so many eyes looking at that shilling where its being spend.

“It is what is revoking us to vote in the building bridges initiative because we want more resources to come down for it will make it easier in increasing resources from national government to county government.

“When am here as a governor I understand the issues of Bungoma county better than a cabinet secretary sitting in Nairobi and so accountability and transparency is better at the county level and that’s why we are emphasizing on voting in BBI,”he noted

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Politics

Reason Why Malala Cannot See Eye to Eye With Atwoli

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala is a lonely man after being put on blackout by the Central Organization Trade union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

Sources close to Atwoli disclose that Malala was tasked the duty of organizing the Bukhungu BBI rally given over Ksh. 3 million by Atwoli to organize the BBI meeting at Bukhungu stadium.

He ended up using less than half a million on the organization of the Rally. This then led to the use of low quality public address system- something that did not go well with Atwoli.

Malala is believed to have been brought to the Kakamega senatorial race by Francis Atwoli who not only endorsed him but funded his campaign.

Malala being given a cold shoulder by Atwoli will prove difficult for him to ascend to the governor position in 2022 after the exit of ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya considering that Atwoli is a respected elder of the Luhya community and majority of the residents of the county listen to him.

Malala is not a new face to the media limelight as in November 2019 he was expelled from the ANC party on grounds of indiscipline and disloyalty.

Malala is an expected gubernatorial candidate for the Kakamega governorship in 2022 and the silence from Atwoli is a threat to his political career.

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Crime & Investigations

Destroying Evidence? Fire Razes Section of Kisumu County Offices

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Fire on Sunday evening razed a section of Kisumu County offices.

During the incident, most computers at IFMIS office were destroyed before the fire was contained.

However, questions have continued to rise following the incident.

Over the recent past, most offices, especially finance offices have been razed down in what many are now speculating to be a way of destroying evidence.

This has been happening mostly in devolved units suspected of corruption.

In September 2017, fire burnt down Migori County offices leading to the destruction of crucial documents.

The former Auditor General Edward Ouko was unable to audit the county since Ksh 1.5 billion receipts were missing.

The cause of the fire that razed the Migori County Procurement stores remained unknown.

In July 2019, the Kitui County Finance offices were razed down by a fire.

A year before the incident,  a fire broke out at a private building housing the Kitui County Government offices.

The fire destroyed vital documents and property in five departments. Environment, Tourism and Education were among the departments affected.

In September 2019, Busia County finance offices were gutted by a fire that broke out at 2am.

The incident that destroyed property of unknown value happened within the vicinity of a fire engine at the county headquarters.

A statement from the county stated that investigations were underway to establish what started the inferno.

This trend among Counties has now continued to raise questions, with many now speculating that the county chiefs are intentionally destroying evidences in graft allegations.

 

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Politics

Raymond, Moi’s Son Finally Reveals Mzee’s Real Age

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Raymond Moi, Mzee Daniel Moi’s son has finally revealed the former head of state’s real age.

Speaking during a service for the second President of Kenya at his Kabarnet Gardens home in Nairobi, Raymond said that Mzee Moi died aged 105 years.

He further trashed what had been reported in the media earlier.

“We read in the magazines and newspapers that Mzee was 95 years old, but Mzee was not 95 and I think many of you have surmised that,” the Rongai MP was quoted by The Standard.

He also spoke about Moi’s friend by the name Eric Barnett, who at 103 years now, stated that he was slightly younger than the country’s second president.

“Mr Barnett today is 103 years old. He and Mzee used to play football when they were young,” he added.

“When we used to play football, we used to plead with Mzee not to break our legs, because he was much older than us,” he quoted Barnett.

Therefore, given that Moi was slightly older than Barnett by approximately two or three years, The Standard reports that the family calculated his real age to be at least 105.

It’s not clear yet whether the family will change the age to officially show that he was born in 1914 instead of the widely recognised and accepted 1924.

After the passing of the former president on Tuesday at the Nairobi Hospital, his long-time press secretary Lee Njiru put Moi’s real age at between 102 and 103 years.

“Although his ID indicated he was born 1924 that was not the correct age…Mzee Moi says he’s older than Jeremiah Nyaga and Charles Njonjo,” Njiru said.

Former Attorney General Njonjo celebrated his 100th birthday two weeks ago while the late Nyaga was reportedly born in 1920.

Moi will be laid to rest at his Kabarak farm in Nakuru on Wednesday after a memorial service on Tuesday at Nyayo Stadium.

Today (Monday) marks his last day of lying in the state at Parliament Buildings, with public body viewing also coming to an end.

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Politics

Uhuru Drives Himself to Nyayo Stadium to Inspect Preparations For Moi’s Memorial Service

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday February 9, 2020 drove himself to Nyayo stadium to inspect the ongoing preparations for the late former President Daniel Moi’s funeral service.

Mzee Moi’s funeral service is set for Tuesday February 11, 2020 at the refurbished Nyayo stadium.

The day was declared a public holiday of observation to allow Kenyans mourn the former head of state.

Moi’s body is currently lying in state at Parliament buildings for the second day of public viewing.

The body will in the evening be taken back to Lee Funeral home to wait for tomorrow (Monday) where it will lie in state for its final third day.

Mzee Moi’s body viewing on Sunday was halted briefly for the public at Parliament buildings to allow Kibaki to pay his last respect to the man he once served under as Vice President.

Earlier reports, however, indicated that the media was not allowed to broadcast the arrival of the country’s third president at parliament.

Sunday is the second day when Kenyans are being allowed to view the body which lie-in-state for three days until Monday, Feb 10.

Among other leaders expected to view the body on Sunday is ODM chief Raila Odinga, who was away on official duty in Ethiopia on Saturday when the exercise began.

The procession will on Tuesday morning lead to Nyayo stadium where the funeral service will be held.

From Nyayo, Moi’s body will be flown to Kabarak in Nakuru County where it will be interred.

It was Mzee Moi’s wish to be buried next to his late wife Lenah Moi who died in 2004.

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Politics

Kibaki Arrives at Parliament Buildings to View Moi’s Body

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Former President Mwai Kibaki has arrived at Parliament buildings to pay his last rest to his predecessor Mzee Daniel Moi.

Kibaki is among hundreds of Kenyans at Parliament buildings viewing the body of the second head of state Mzee Moi.

However, media has been barred from showing Kibaki’s photos or videos while at the Parliament buildings.

No civilian , police or parliamentary orderlies have been allowed in as Mwai Kibaki pays his last respect to the fallen icon.

The body of the late former President arrived at Parliament Buildings from Lee Funeral Home on Sunday morning for the second day of public viewing.

Kibaki bounced back to the limelight on Saturday but only to condole with the family of his predecessor, who died on Tuesday.

In video footage shared on social media, the retired President was recorded signing a condolences book at his Muthaiga home on Saturday.

The development came after Kenyans on social media raised eyebrows on the whereabouts of the former president as key Government officials led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto trooped Parliament building to view the body of the late Moi.

Other dignitaries yet to view  Moi’s body include the ODM leader Raila Odinga who was sent to represent President Uhuru at AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but is expected to view the body today.

The late Moi’s body is set to be laid in state at Parliament building for three days beginning on Saturday to Monday.

His funeral service is slated for Tuesday at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.

His remains will be interred at his Kabarak home beside his late wife, Lena Moi.

Kibaki who served as Moi’s Vice President for ten years from 1978 to 1988 had a rocky relationship with his boss leading to his sacking.

He also held cabinet ministerial positions in the Kenyatta and Moi governments, including time as minister for Finance (1969–1981) under Kenyatta, and Minister for Home Affairs (1982–1988) and Minister for Health (1988–1991) under Moi.

Kibaki served as an opposition Member of Parliament from 1992 to 2002. He unsuccessfully vied for the presidency in 1992 and 1997.

He served as the Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament from 1998 to 2002. In the 2002 presidential election, he was elected as President of Kenya.

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Politics

Strict Rules That Must be Followed While Viewing Moi’s Body

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The body of the late former President Daniel Moi is lying in the state at Parliament buildings for public viewing for the second day.

First public viewing was done on Saturday and is expected to end on Monday evening, which is the third day of lying in the state.

On Saturday, 24,683 Kenyans were able to view Moi’s body.

However, there are rules that must be followed while viewing the body.

First, an order has to be observed. Kenyans are supposed to follow the queue so as to give the security forces manning the crowd an easy time.

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When viewing the body, upon strict safety scrutiny from the security team, one is expected to spend at most 10 seconds at the scene.

In addition, children below 10 years are not allowed in the building. Some mothers were forced back by the security officials after showing up with underage kids.

Moreover, members of the public willing to pay their last respects to Kenya’s second president will only be allowed into the parliament buildings from 8AM to 5PM until Monday.

On this day (Sunday), several leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was in Ethiopia on Saturday, are expected to view the remains of the former president.

When public viewing of Moi’s body comes to an end on Monday evening, there will be a funeral service at Nyayo stadium on Tuesday, which was declared a public holiday of observation to allow Kenyans pay their last respects to the former head of state.

Moi’s body will then be interred at his Kabarak home on Wednesday February 12, 2020.

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Entertainment

Revealed: Unknown Details Behind The Sudden Death of Papa Dennis

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Emerging details have revealed what led to the sudden death of top gospel artist Papa Dennis.

According to a detailed report by a local daily written from a series of interviews, depression occasioned by a sudden change in financial fortunes and forlorn hopelessness is what led to the death of the award-winning gospel musician.

Just over a year ago, everything looked so rosy for Papa Dennis, even going ahead to reveal to Pulse Magazine that he had at least Ksh50 million stashed in three bank accounts in the country.

Fast-forward to one year later, the musician was a pale shadow of his flashy and flamboyant former self — his financial muscle had waned, and the good life was now a mirage.

He relocated from his solid rented house in Lavington, and started life afresh in a room in the Pangani studio — Nairobi Records — where he allegedly jumped from on Friday, February 7.

By the time of his death, Papa Dennis did not know where his next meal would come from, according the informants of the local daily.

“He only had a mattress in one of the rooms in the studio; that was the only thing he went back to after spending the day searching where his meal would come from. Occasionally, he would be assisted by the owner of Nairobi Records, Mash Mjukuu. Upon learning that Papa Dennis had nowhere to go after being evicted from his furnished Lavington home over unpaid rent, Mjukuu offered to house him in the studio, and gave him a mattress,” a source was quoted by the daily.

The sources further revealed Papa Dennis’ former manager, Sadat Muhindi, was the one financing his luxurious lifestyle, but allegedly stopped after the two fell out over reasons yet to be known.

A report filed at Pangani Police Station by Papa Dennis’ brother, Simon Mwangi, at 1:30am Saturday, says he fell from Kirima Building near Jubilee Party headquarters, with authorities confirming Dennis’ cause of death as suicide.

The incident — according to police — happened at 11:30pm Friday.

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Entertainment

Police Probing Death of Award-Winning Gospel Singer Papa Dennis

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Police have launched probe into the death of award-winning gospel singer papa Dennis.

The 2018 AFRIMMA Awards winner was on Saturday morning found dead along the road in Ngara.

It is being alleged that he fell from a 7th floor building in Ngara, Nairobi.

His body was found on the roadside near Pangani on the night of Friday.

Veteran gospel artiste, Daddy Owen, who was at the scene copnfirmed to a local daily the passing away of Papa Dennis.

“He was found dead on the roadside near the Jubilee Party headquarters,” Daddy Owen was quoted by the local daily.

However, details of whether Papa Dennis was knocked down by a vehicle, or whether he committed suicide by jumping from a tall building remains scanty, as we wait for the conclusion of police probe.

Papa Dennis, whose real name is Dennis Mwangi, was born and raised in Matunda, Kakamega County. He has a twin brother whose name is Simon Mwangi.

His mother died in 2006, leaving him and his four other siblings unable to fend for themselves.

After his mother’s demise, Papa Dennis relocated to Kisumu where he started a second-hand clothes business.

He was known for exhibiting flamboyance, on several occasions sporting expensive designer clothes, watches and shoes.

The Late artiste, in his lifetime, won several awards, including a trophy in the 2015 Mwafaka Awards, 2016 and 2017 Pulse Music Video Awards, the 2018 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) and the 2019 Dear Awards.

Papa Dennis had several songs in his repertoire, including Tornado which he featured Tanzanian legendary singer Ray C. Other songs are: Nashukuru, Mayaya, Foundation (featuring Daddy Owen), Wabebe, among others.

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LifestyleOthers

What Must be Done to Actualize Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

by Maureen Mwangi
written by Maureen Mwangi

After the colonization of Africa by the white man Africans started struggling to attain  self Independence by the help of freedom fighters .Pan Africanism was everyday dream and vision.

The rule of the white man was accompanied by many problems and difficulties such as slavery,forced labour,high taxation and death of some African leaders .

This  difficulties made Africans to unite for a common goal, decolonization of Africa for over 50 years.
It is the desire of every African that he /she lives in a Continent where peace , security  and harmony are key factors.

This key factors will ensure that Africans interact freely socially ,politically and economically .A continent where   human rights are respected and Justice is observed.

Both men and women should have an equal say ,no gender should be superior to the other.A continent where children ,youth, women  , people living with disabilities and the elderly  are taken good care of.

Corruption and misuse of public funds are  among the major  vices Hindering development in many parts of Africa. In other words, ways should be embraced to eliminate these vices to enhance development .

Good educated leaders  with integrity should be elected  to avoid extravagant and careless leadership.

Transparency in leadership ,good governance and democracy should be enhanced so that citizens can understand why somethings are being done in a particular way.

Good and affordable learning institutions should be established with good learning equipment that are required to make education successful and beneficial to everyone ,good housing system to avoid overpopulation in some areas and good ways of waste disposal.

Education to all africans will reduce the high illiteracy rate  in the continent and ignorance . Education equips people with different skills ,these skills in return help people in serving different sectors of the economy.

These institutions will also help students from different parts of the continent to interact freely without fear and share different ideas that will gear to development  of the education sector.  

An intra-trade should  introduced  where Africans exchange goods to improve the economic status of Africa .A central bank to be introduced  with a common currency to enhance development in every part of Africa.

Waste products to be recycled into  useful non pollutant products to avoid pollution of the environment.

Infrastructure  should be improved to ensure that  all economic and social activities are conducted in each part of Africa successfully.

Network connectivity should also be enhanced in the rural areas to ensure  information reaches all sectors of the continent not only in the urban areas. 

Every employer to ensure that there is good working conditions  for their employees.Good working conditions includes ,  the environment  the employee is working from, if it is suitable for the employee to work From there , reasonable salary or a wage  ,reasonable time with accordance to the amount of work being done  and security to enhanced in that area of work .

Health services is another concern  to be taken seriously.Drugs for HIV and Aids should be available in every hospital   and supplied from time to time to ensure that there is no shortage.

People suffering from HIV virus to be educated on self acceptance to avoid suicide cases. They should also be educated on the consequences of not using the drugs and to be encouraged regularly to be able feel accepted in the community.

In case of any case of a person discriminating a person living with HIV and Aids  they should be punished to avoid stigmatization  and to act as a lesson to those who are also thinking or trying to mistreat HIV patients.

Emerging diseases should be responded to quickly to ensure that we don’t lose a large  population of people.Health services should be made cheap and affordable for every citizen.

Africa should also be a Continent where citizens have freedom of speech   without fear or torture.Every citizen should have a right to contribute to public matters affecting the continent.

A forum  to be established to ensure that there is progress in Africa and to ensure that there is justice. Evaluation of progress in Africa should be conducted at least once per year.

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Politics

VIDEO: Two Akorino Pastors Move to Court to Stop Moi’s Burial, Table 3 Demands That Must be Met

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Two pastors on Friday morning moved to Milimani Law Courts seeking to stop the burial of the late former President Daniel Moi.

The pastors, Wilson Maina and Joel Mbugua, had gone to court to stop Moi’s burial, and at the same time apply to have Tuesday’s public holiday cancelled.

After spending hours at Milimani, they said they will file their suit on Monday.

They argue that Moi is not supposed to be laid to rest in his own home.

Being one of the presidents of Kenya, the pastors argue that Moi should be laid to rest on a government land to make it easily accessible by Kenyan Citizens who will wish to know where the second president of Kenya was buried.

According to them, it will be hard for the future generation and any other citizen to access Moi’s Kabarak home in the name of seeing where he was buried.

They say there will be no freedom of accessing his rural home.

They also want to know Moi’s real age.

This is after Lee Njiru, his long serving press secretary and family spokesperson argued that Mzee Moi died aged 102 or 103 years.

Njiru said that Moi had on several occasions told him not to believe the age written on his ID card.

The pastors argue that they need to tell their children the real age of Moi, and at the same time demand to know the reason as to why Mzee Moi lied about his age.

The pastors also want BBI campaigns stopped, arguing that Mzee Moi always advocated for peace, love and unity. According to them, Moi should not be buried until politicians bury their political differences.

Watch the video below courtesy of K24 TV.

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Latest News

Who’s This Saint Valentine? The Little-known Surprising Facts About Valentine’s Day

by Maureen Mwangi
written by Maureen Mwangi

Valentine’s Day, or is it Men’s Conference? Yes! February 14 is just around the corner, and you all know it is Valentine’s Day.

But what is it all about? Love is one of the most precious things to have in life. Love is epidemic, delightful and hurts at times.

To many, Valentine’s day symbolizes love peace and unity among lovers. But is it the case?

Different people consider celebrating this day in different ways.some choose to give their loved ones flowers, jewelries ,chocolates,cards with strong and appealing  love messages, romantic dates and many other things associated with love.

Expression of love is unique to every individual.

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery.

We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

The nature of Valentine’s varies from one lover to the other. Valentine’s day is a good day for lovers to spend time together.

Someone’s Company is very important for lovers. How will you spend your Valentine’s day ?

It is during this festival that people send love messages to their loved ones to express their feelings towards them.

Some even send video or audio clips with love content .it is also a nice day for one to propose to their loved ones. Whether young or old ,the joy of celebrating love is all the same.

During this day,people dress presentably and romantically to please their loved ones.

The red Color commonly used during this festival is believed to be a symbol love.

Most  classic hotels and pubs are normally booked during this festival. 

These days Valentine’s day has been extended to parents , close friends,siblings or anyone close .

You will find these days people want to spend Valentine’s day with their parents maybe after not having seen them for some time.

Different people have a different understanding of Valentine’s day. Some see it as day sharing love ,some see it as day for prosperity in their businesses as people will tend to buy so many gifts and items during this day.

For those who see it as day to promote their businesses they use different means to advertise their goods such as newspapers,social media and the likes.

Valentine’s day has different understanding ,it all depends with your own understanding to every individual and the reason why you celebrate that day is well known to you.

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Business

Uhuru Secures Multi-Billion Deals With Donald Trump

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured that a new bilateral trade deal between Kenya and the US won’t undermine the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The Kenyan leader spoke shortly after a meeting with the United States President Donald Trump at the White House during which the two leaders agreed to commence talks leading to a trade pact between Kenya and the US.

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President Kenyatta made the assurance when he addressed over 350 business leaders attending a US-Kenya Trade Forum in the US capital.

He said the proposed new trade arrangement with the United States of America would in no way undermine Kenya’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

At the White House meeting, Presidents Kenyatta and Trump said a new trade agreement would help increase volumes of trade and investment between Kenya and the US.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who spoke shortly after the meeting between Presidents Kenyatta and Trump said, America recognizes Kenya as a leader in Africa and an important strategic partner of the US.

He said a new trade agreement presents the two countries a rare opportunity to explore ways of deepening Kenya-US economic and commercial ties.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa,” Amb Lighthizer said.

In line with the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability law of 2015, the Trade Representative will now officially notify Congress of the US government’s intention to start trade negotiations with Kenya.

Currently, trade between Kenya and the US stands at about USD 1billion a year with over 70 percent of Kenya’s export into the expansive American market in 2018, worth USD 466 million, entering under AGOA.

President Kenyatta told the Kenya-US forum that his administration is committed to developing and concluding the strongest ever trade and investment framework that would deliver increased trade between the two nations.

“Today I want to assure all of you of Kenya’s unwavering commitment in developing the strongest ever trade investment framework with the United States of America.

“We are very keenly looking forward to concluding the trade arrangement between our two countries and I believe that these trade agreements would not only serve Kenya and United States but would probably set the base for a new engagement between the United States and other African countries,”President Kenyatta said.

He dismissed speculation that Kenya is breaking away from its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) saying the new arrangement with the US is only aimed at bolstering and deepening trade not only with Kenya but also with other African countries.

“At this juncture I just want to put away a few doubts because there has been a feeling that by Kenya engaging with the US to have a trade arrangement, we are running away from our commitment to the African Continental Free Trade arrangement. And I want to assure you that there can be nothing further from the truth as that is definitely not the case,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan Head of State pointed out that Kenya was among the first countries to sign and ratify the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and that its commitment to the agreement is steadfast.

He said Kenya needs to move faster and set the pace for other African countries in formulating new trade and investment arrangements with the US as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) comes to an end in 2025.

“All we are saying is that there are some of us like Kenya who feels that we are ready. We are ready to move forward and what we are saying is, let the rest of the continent see us as pacesetters.

“Let them see us as the people who are clearing the field for future negotiations with the rest of the African continent because Kenya feels ready for this arrangement,” the President said.

He noted that even as Kenya and the US work to strengthen their trade and investment ties, there is need to preserve and build on mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that already exist.

“As you may be well aware, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been a key mover for trade between Kenya and the USA. Through AGOA, the US is the third export destination for Kenyan products, with a share of about 8 percent of total Kenya’s export globally.

“Moving forward, we need to maximize the remaining years of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that ends in 2025,” President Kenyatta said noting that the US is an important source of Kenya’s foreign direct investments (FDI), with the country holding an FDI stock of over USD 405 million in 2018.

President Kenyatta challenged American businessmen to explore new investment opportunities in Kenya and assured them of an enabling business environment.

“We have a wide range of potential areas for investment and I urge US companies to consider investing in key sectors of the economy such as; Agriculture & Agro-processing, Manufacturing, Construction & Real Estate development, infrastructure development, ICT, Blue Economy, Energy, Hospitality & Tourism, Health, FinTech & Financial Services, Petroleum, Mining, among others,” the President outlined.

Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs of the US Chamber of Commerce Myron Brilliant said the American business community is keenly following what President Kenyatta is doing in terms of improving trade between Kenya and the US and assured that the chamber will continue to support him by wooing more American investors to the country.

“We see your vision, we see your ambition, we understand what is happening in Kenya and we want to embrace it and support you,” Mr Brilliant assured the President.

President Kenyatta is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Transport), Adan Mohammed (East African Affairs) and CS designate for Trade Betty Maina among other senior government officials.

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Politics

Family in Heated Argument With Senior Government Officials Over Moi’s Burial

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

The late former President Daniel Moi’s family on Thursday engaged in a heated argument with senior government officials charged with making the former Head of State’s funeral arrangements.

This is after the officials proposed to have Moi’s remains interred at a site in Uhuru Gardens, off Lang’ata road, Nairobi, that would later be designated the ‘Heroes Corner’.

The family, led by Moi’s son Raymond, who is the Rongai MP, insisted that though the former President did not make it formal, he had expressed his wish to be buried in Kabarak, next to his wife Lena.

The government had first floated the Heroes Corner proposal on Wednesday with the Moi family expressing instant opposition.

Moi will now be laid to rest at his Kabarak home, Nakuru county, according to his wishes, after the family resisted attempts by the government to have him buried in Nairobi.

Retired Africa Inland Church (AIC) Bishop Silas Yego on Thursday led a team of Kalenjin elders to the meeting at Moi’s Kabarnet Gardens home.

According to the elders, when Lena died, Moi had wanted her to be buried in Sacho, Moi’s rural home in Baringo county, but his friends and elders persuaded him against the move.

In the end Moi caved in and showed them a corner in his expansive Kabarak home and quipped: “This is where I will also rest.”

Mzee Moi will be laid to rest on Wednesday February 12, 2020.

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Politics

Matiang’i Declares Tuesday a Public Holiday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has declared Tuesday February 11, a public holiday.

This is to enable Kenyans to participate in celebrating the life of departed former head of state Daniel Arap Moi.

The announcement was made on Thursday noon by head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the nation in public viewing of the body from Saturday February 8, 2020 at Parliament buildings from 10:00 am.

All State Officials whose attendance is required by tradition and State Protocol have been notified; and they are therefore requested to be in the precincts of Parliament by 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.

The body of the late retired present Daniel arap Moi shall lie in state at Parliament buildings for three days from Saturday 8th to Monday 10th February 2020.

This is to allow the nation to reflect on President Moi’s momentous role and achievements, and to accord all Kenyans the opportunity to participate in public viewing and the paying of last respects to the former Head of State and Government.

After lying-in-state for three days, on Tuesday 11th February, 2020 the gun carriage and State Funeral Procession will make its way from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo Stadium, the venue of the National Memorial Service.

The public viewing at Parliament Buildings will be done on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 08:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.

Remains of the late retired President  Moi will be Interred on Wednesday 12th February at his home in Kabarak.

All Kenyans have been encouraged to plant a tree in memory of the late former president.

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Crime & Investigations

Kakamega Primary Releases List of Stampede Victims

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Kakamega Primary School has released a list of the stampede that left 14 pupils dead early this week.

The school administration has already made public, the list of the deceased pupils as follows;

1. Prince Vermaline

2. Bertha Munywele,

3. Simon Waweru,

4. Lavender Akasa,

5. Joseph Musami,

6. Naila Kiverenge,

7. Fidel Kumbetie, 

8. Samuel Simekha,

9. June Nakhumicha, 

10. Prudence Eliza,

11. Catherine Aloo,

12. Antonnet Iramwenya,

13. Nichole Achola,

14. Venessa Adesa.

Operations in the institution were put on hold until next Monday, to allow investigations towards the tragedy.

Following the unfortunate occurrence, 36 pupils got treated and discharged, while eight others are still in the hospital, among them, two being in the Intensive Care Unit. 

Local leaders have urged for thorough investigations, while Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya termed the happening as an abnormal.

Deputy President William Ruto, together with the Education Cs George Magoha, called upon the investigators to ensure that the matter comes to a conclusion.

DP Ruto added that investigators had sufficient time to conduct their investigations. 

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