TIG Post

Tag: Kenya

  • Nigeria, Kenya, and other African nations face HIV drug shortages over USAID funding freeze

    Nigeria, Kenya, and other African nations face HIV drug shortages over USAID funding freeze

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about a possible shortage of HIV medications in eight countries, including Nigeria, due to the U.S. government’s decision to pause foreign aid under the Trump administration.

    According to the WHO, the funding freeze has severely impacted the supply of essential HIV drugs, putting millions of people at risk.

    The affected countries—Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine—could soon struggle to access life-saving treatments. The organization warned that this disruption could undo 20 years of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    “The disruptions to HIV programs could undo 20 years of progress,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned at a press conference.

    Shortly after taking office in January, President Donald Trump halted U.S. foreign aid, a move that has affected efforts to fight several diseases, including polio, malaria, and tuberculosis.

    The funding cuts have also put the WHO-led Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network in danger of shutting down. This network, which has over 700 sites worldwide, plays a crucial role in detecting and controlling measles outbreaks.

    The situation is especially concerning as measles cases are rising again in the United States.

    Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a responsible approach to funding withdrawal, stating, “The United States has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws funding, it does so in an orderly and humane way that allows affected countries to find alternative resources.”

    The impact of the U.S. funding freeze goes beyond HIV treatment shortages. In Afghanistan, 167 health centers have already shut down due to lack of funds, and over 220 more could close by June unless urgent help arrives. The WHO warns that 80% of its essential healthcare programs in the country are now at risk.

    The situation has worsened with the U.S. withdrawing support from the WHO, an organization that used to receive about 20% of its budget from American contributions. As a result, the WHO has been forced to cut costs and freeze hiring.

    The Trump administration’s decision to reduce funding for international health programs was aimed at cutting administrative expenses. However, experts have raised serious concerns about the negative effects on global health efforts.

    This crisis highlights the importance of international funding in keeping healthcare systems running and stresses the need for new solutions to prevent a worldwide health emergency.

  • Ghana losing GHC2.2bn to ghost names including 72-year-old Kenyan in NSS scandal

    Ghana losing GHC2.2bn to ghost names including 72-year-old Kenyan in NSS scandal

    An investigation by The Fourth Estate into alleged corruption within the National Service Authority’s (NSA) payroll has revealed that Ghana may have lost approximately GHS 2.2 billion between 2018 and 2024/25 due to ghost names.

    “A comparison of figures put out by the NSA to the public for each service year and what was presented to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education since 2019 reveals a systematic pattern of significantly inflated figures,” The Fourth Estate reported.

    According to the investigation, in the 2018/2019 National Service Year (NSS), the NSA had a total of 85,708 eligible personnel but presented 135,603 to Parliament, inflating the payroll with 49,895 ghost names.

    In the 2019/2020 service year, 77,962 personnel were eligible, yet 114,036 were reported, adding 36,074 ghost names to the payroll, costing a potential annual loss of GHS 334.7 million.

    Similarly, in 2020/2021, 86,078 personnel were eligible, but 125,050 were recorded, creating 38,972 ghost names, with Ghana losing about GHS 242 million per year.

    For 2021/2022, the NSA reported 110,324 deployed personnel instead of the actual 81,081, leading to 29,243 ghost names and a potential loss of GHS 261.4 million.

    In 2022/2023, the reported figure of 179,309, compared to the actual 115,240, resulted in 64,069 ghost names and a potential loss of GHS 429.8 million.

    The 2023/2024 service year saw 122,275 eligible personnel, but 182,142 were declared, adding 59,867 ghost names to the payroll. For 2024/2025, the NSA announced 180,030 eligible personnel but deployed only 98,145, leading to 81,885 ghost names.

    Over seven years, these discrepancies have resulted in losses exceeding GHS 2.2 billion.The report also uncovered additional irregularities, including foreign nationals appearing on the payroll.

    One case involved a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, who was added without an official ID card—an unusual practice. Instead, a photo was used, but The Fourth Estate found through a reverse image search that the picture belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya.

    Another alarming discovery was the repeated use of the same name 226 times on the payroll as a registered beneficiary.

    During a media appearance on February 17, 2025, Kwaku Krobea Asante, Manager of the Independent Journalism Project under the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), described the findings as shocking.

    “Beyond that, we see how they do this—how they pack the payroll with ghost names, which is what the story is trying to expose. How they use over-age individuals, some as old as 80 or 90 years, to falsify records. How they create fake index numbers in the name of universities to justify these names,” he stated.

    Following these revelations, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll.

    According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the president’s spokesperson and Minister of Government Communications, a recent headcount of national service personnel revealed possible fraudulent entries.

    Meanwhile, former executives of the National Service Authority (NSA) have rejected accusations from the investigative report by The Fourth Estate. They called the report misleading and sensationalized.

    Former Director-General Osei Assibey Antwi and former Executive Director Mustapha Ussif said the report misrepresents how the NSA handles enrolment and payments.

  • Mahama arrives in Kenya to participate in AU institutional reforms high-level retreat

    Mahama arrives in Kenya to participate in AU institutional reforms high-level retreat

    Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to join other African leaders at a High-Level Retreat on African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms.

    The retreat, hosted by Kenya’s President and African Union Champion, William Ruto, will run from January 27 to 28. It will focus on evaluating the progress of AU reforms and exploring strategies for the organization’s sustainable growth and impact.

    Discussions will center on Sustainable Financing, a comprehensive review of the AU’s structure, and improving its operational framework to address Africa’s emerging priorities effectively.

    President Mahama, bringing his extensive leadership experience, is expected to contribute valuable perspectives during the discussions. He will also use the platform to emphasize Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the AU’s mission and vision.

    The event highlights the collective dedication of African leaders to transform the AU into a more robust institution capable of driving the continent’s development agenda.

  • African visitors to Kenya can now enter without ETA

    African visitors to Kenya can now enter without ETA

    Kenya has announced that citizens from almost all African nations can now visit the country without prior authorization, following a new directive issued by the cabinet.

    Previously, Kenya implemented a “visa-free” policy that required most travelers to apply online for permission before departure.

    The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which replaced the visa system for all visitors, was criticized by some as being “just another form of visa.”

    On Tuesday, the cabinet revealed that the ETA requirement would no longer apply to “all African nations except Somalia and Libya due to security issues.”

    The statement emphasized that this decision aims to “boost open skies policies, promote tourism, and facilitate regional integration to ease travel across Africa.”

    Despite introducing the ETA, Kenya’s ranking in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index dropped 17 places, leaving the country at 46th out of 54 nations.

    Efforts to relax travel requirements within the continent have been growing, with studies showing that Western nationals often face fewer restrictions compared to African travelers.

    Earlier this year, Ghana announced a visa-free policy for all African passport holders, while Rwanda has long allowed African visitors to enter without a visa.

    This broader push to simplify travel aligns with initiatives by the African Union (AU) to enhance intra-African mobility.

    Kenya’s updated system permits citizens of most African countries to enter and stay for up to two months without an ETA.

    For East African Community members, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the stay limit is extended to six months in line with regional agreements.

    The government plans to introduce a new approval process to provide instant traveler clearance and a maximum processing time of 72 hours.

    Although a launch date for this initiative has not been announced, the cabinet has instructed several ministries to propose guidelines within a week to improve “passenger experiences at Kenyan airports.”

    Before the ETA, visitors from over 40 nations, including several African countries, could simply get a passport stamp and enter without paying a fee.

    Currently, travelers must apply for an ETA at least three days prior to their trip, paying a $30 (£24) fee for a 90-day validity.

    This policy has faced backlash, with critics arguing it could discourage potential visitors from choosing Kenya as a destination.

    Kenyan officials have defended the ETA as a security measure, with a government spokesperson explaining to the BBC last year that it was necessary for vetting incoming travelers.

    The country has faced multiple attacks from al-Shabab militants based in neighboring Somalia.

    On Tuesday, the government announced a system upgrade to enhance “pre-screening, improve security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.”

  • Ugandan opposition leader to appear in military court following expulsion from Kenya

    Ugandan opposition leader to appear in military court following expulsion from Kenya

    Ugandan opposition figure, Kizza Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has stated that her husband was abducted in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he is now detained in a military prison.

    Byanyima shared on X that her husband was taken from Nairobi last Saturday while attending a book launch event.

    “I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala,” she said, demanding that the government of Uganda release her husband.

    Army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye informed Uganda Radio Network that Kizza Besigye will be presented in court at a later time.

    However, he did not confirm whether the military is currently detaining him.

    BBC News has reached out to the Ugandan government for a statement.

    According to Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper, top members of Besigye’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party had assembled at Makindye military court in Kampala, anticipating his appearance.

    Kenya’s state-funded human rights body, KNHRC has condemned “any form of abduction of those people who seek asylum in our country”.

    Besigye, 68, led the FDC, contesting and losing four presidential elections against incumbent Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.

    “We his family and his lawyers demand to see him,” his wife wrote on X.

    “He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?”

    Ms. Byanyima, a prominent human rights advocate, serves as the executive director of UNAIDS, the United Nations program aimed at eradicating AIDS.

    Her husband, Besigye, once served as President Museveni’s personal doctor before becoming a leading opposition figure. He has openly criticized Museveni, calling him a “dictator” and accusing the government of rigging past presidential elections, allegations the government has denied.

    Besigye has faced multiple arrests over the years, during which he has been injured on several occasions. On one instance, he was shot in the hand, and in another, he sustained eye injuries from pepper spray.

    Authorities have charged him with inciting violence, accusing him of provoking unrest.

    Kenyan human rights organizations have recently raised alarms over a series of forced deportations from Kenya, a country once seen as a refuge for displaced people from across the region. In a notable incident last month, four Turkish refugees were abducted in Nairobi by masked gunmen and forcibly returned to Turkey.

    In July, 36 Ugandan opposition supporters who had traveled to Kisumu were deported without legal justification, according to their lawyers.

  • Kithure Kindiki nominated as Kenya’s new deputy President after Gachagua’s ouster

    Kithure Kindiki nominated as Kenya’s new deputy President after Gachagua’s ouster

    Just hours after Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from his position, Kenya’s President William Ruto has put forward Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy president.

    A close associate of Ruto, Kindiki was a leading candidate to serve as his running mate in the 2022 elections.

    This appointment is pending parliamentary approval.

    On Thursday, Kenyan senators voted to impeach Gachagua on 5 out of 11 charges, including significant constitutional violations.

    Gachagua has denied these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.

    He did not appear before the senators to defend himself, opting instead to request a postponement after being hospitalized with chest pains.

    However, the senators declined to delay the proceedings, indicating their commitment to removing him from office, particularly after his recent fallout with Ruto.

  • Kenya’s vice president faces dismissal over involvement in anti-government protests

    Kenya’s vice president faces dismissal over involvement in anti-government protests

    Kenyan lawmakers have initiated the process to oust the country’s deputy president from office.

    Supporters of the move accuse Rigathi Gachagua of being involved in June’s anti-government protests, which turned violent, and allege his role in corruption, undermining the government, and promoting ethnic divisions.

    Gachagua has denied all the accusations.

    This marks the peak of a significant rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto.

    On Tuesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly gave the green light for impeachment proceedings after 291 MPs—far exceeding the required 117—supported the motion.

    The impeachment is expected to pass easily through both houses of parliament, especially after the main opposition teamed up with the president’s party in the wake of recent protests. However, no date has been set for the actual vote.

    Attempts to block the impeachment through legal channels have failed.

    The ongoing power struggle between the president and his deputy has sparked concerns about government instability, particularly as Kenya grapples with a severe economic and financial crisis.

    Ruto selected Gachagua as his running mate in the 2022 election, which saw him narrowly defeat former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a contentious race.

    Gachagua, hailing from the vote-heavy Mount Kenya region, played a key role in securing support for Ruto.

    However, with members of Odinga’s party joining the government after the youth-led protests that forced Ruto to abandon a tax hike, the political landscape has shifted, leaving Gachagua increasingly isolated.

    Despite this, Gachagua has remained defiant, claiming he still has strong backing from voters in his home region of central Kenya.

    “Two-hundred [legislators] cannot overturn the will of the people,” he said.

    For the motion to pass, it needs the backing of at least two-thirds of the members of both the National Assembly and Senate, excluding nominated members.

    Supporters of the motion are optimistic it will gain approval.

    But Gachagua has made it clear that he will not go down without a fight.

    “The president can ask MPs to stop. So, if it continues, he’s in it,” he told media outlets before Tuesday’s parliamentary session.

    Ruto has previously pledged not to subject Gachagua to “political persecution,” similar to what he claims to have faced while serving as deputy to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    However, tensions between Ruto and Gachagua have become evident in recent months.

    The deputy president’s noticeable absence during Ruto’s departures for international trips and his returns has drawn attention.

    Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki, a law professor trusted by the president, seems to be taking over some of Gachagua’s duties—a scenario reminiscent of Ruto’s fallout with Kenyatta.

    Like Gachagua, Kindiki hails from the Mount Kenya region, which represents Kenya’s largest voting bloc.

    Dozens of legislators have rallied behind Kindiki as the region’s preferred “mouthpiece”, intensifying speculation that they are pushing for him to succeed Gachagua.

    That has left the deputy president largely isolated with only a handful of elected politicians backing him.

    Getty Images Angry youthful protesters help a man who was shot down during a demonstration over police killings of people protesting against Kenya's proposed finance bill in Nairobi on 2 July
    Kenya’s security forces were accused of using excessive force to quell protests against higher taxes earlier this year

    In a further sign that he is in political trouble, the police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recently recommended charges against two MPs, a staff member and other close allies of the deputy president, after accusing them of “planning, mobilising and financing violent protests” that occurred in June.

    Gachagua defended the accused, denouncing the charges as an “act of aggression” and an “evil scheme” to “soil” his name and lay the groundwork for his impeachment.

    In parliament last week, Kindiki – under whose ministry the DCI falls – pledged to remain neutral, but made it clear that “high-level individuals” will be prosecuted.

    “We are dealing with the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the constitution of Kenya by criminal and dangerous people who almost burnt the parliament of Kenya. We have a job to do,” he said.

    But many of the young people who were at the forefront of the protests dismiss suggestions that Gachagua’s allies were behind it, and see the bid by lawmakers to oust him as an attempt to deflect attention from bad governance.

    They say that if the deputy goes, the president must go too.

    In the Senate, an opposition legislator has filed a censure motion against the president. It does not bear the same weight as impeachment and has no legal consequence.

    Ruto, who is expected to host legislators from his party later this week, will be weighing the political risks of moving against Gachagua, but some lawmakers say they do not want him to wade into the debate – a tough ask.

    For now, Gachagua’s fate rests with legislators, but one man might still extend him a renewed lease of political life – the president.

  • US warns of likely terrorist attack in Kenya

    US warns of likely terrorist attack in Kenya

    With Kenya marking the anniversaries of significant past terrorist attacks this month, including the 9/11 attacks and the September 21, 2013, Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, the US has issued a fresh terror advisory to its citizens living in the country.

    “While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11, the September 21 Westgate Mall attack,” the embassy said in a Friday advisory.

    Equally, the embassy says the first anniversary of the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel (October 7, 2023) is nearing.

    “The US Embassy in Nairobi reminds US citizens in Kenya that they should exercise increased caution due to the risks of terrorism and kidnapping.

    Locations frequented by US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be targets for terrorists,” it stated.

    The embassy has recommended that US citizens exercise caution in popular tourist spots, reassess their personal security measures, stay updated through local media, steer clear of protest areas, avoid large crowds, and maintain a low profile.

    The British High Commission in Kenya echoed these recommendations from the US Embassy.

    In a revised advisory issued on September 13, the High Commission included the US Embassy’s warning on its website and emphasised that visiting regions near Somalia could lead to invalidation of travel insurance for British citizens if they disregard the advice.

  • Germany to accept 250,000 Kenyan workers under new labor agreement

    Germany to accept 250,000 Kenyan workers under new labor agreement

    Germany has reached a landmark agreement with Kenya to welcome 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers under a targeted labour migration deal.

    This initiative is designed to address Germany’s growing shortage of skilled labour while offering new opportunities to Kenyan professionals.

    The deal comes at a time when Kenya faces challenges in providing sufficient employment and income for its young workforce. As part of the agreement, five Kenyan bus drivers have already begun working in Flensburg, Germany, as part of a pilot project.

    This migration agreement is part of Germany’s broader strategy to manage immigration effectively. It also includes provisions for simplifying the repatriation process for Kenyans residing in Germany without legal status.

    Germany’s approach to immigration has been a hot topic, especially with the rise of the far-right anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).

    The country has experienced significant waves of immigration, including over a million people during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis and 1.2 million Ukrainians since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

    The labour deal was formalised in Berlin by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto. As part of the agreement, Germany has agreed to relax some of its immigration laws to facilitate Kenyan employment in its economy.

    Kenyan workers will also benefit from extended temporary residence permits if they secure approved jobs, and long-term visas will be available for those wishing to study or undertake vocational training in Germany.

    “On the expiry of the long-stay visa, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for study purposes in Germany for up to two years,” the agreement states.

    The temporary residence permit may be extended if the purpose of residence has not yet been achieved but is achievable within a “reasonable” period, it adds.

    Under the new deal, Kenya’s IT specialists will be permitted to work in Germany even without formal qualifications.

    This agreement supports the immigration of skilled workers who have completed vocational training or hold university degrees, provided their qualifications are recognised by the relevant authorities in either country.

    The agreement also outlines procedures for the readmission and return of citizens between Kenya and Germany. It includes strict measures to prevent and combat labour exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.

    During the welcome ceremony for the five Kenyan drivers in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein’s Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen emphasised Germany’s need for dedicated workers and innovative minds. He expressed that Germany is eager to benefit from the skills and expertise of these new arrivals.

    “We simply have to position ourselves in Germany in such a way that it is attractive to come here,” Mr Madsen added.

    The drivers are the first batch of Kenyan workers, who will be trained by the Aktiv bus company in a pilot project, hoping to get a job in Germany.

    Doctors, nurses, and teachers are among those expected to take part in the programme.

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) said the deal was expected to significantly increase access to decent foreign jobs for Kenyan workers in Germany and address labour shortages in Germany.

    “It includes mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in Germany, ensuring safe, orderly, and productive migration,” ILO added in a statement.

    But there are concerns about a brain drain in Kenya with professionals like doctors and nurses going abroad for jobs, leaving local hospitals with a huge shortage of medical workers.

    “It is sad that we are going to service other countries at the expense of our own country,” Ekuru Aukot, a Kenyan lawyer and politician, told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

    But Roseline Njogu, a senior foreign affairs official, said Kenya was simply responding to the global labour market demands.

    “We have a youth bulge in Kenya, and every year we have a million people joining the local labour market. It takes time and resources to create job opportunities at home,” she added.

  • Germany and Kenya forge labor migration deal for 250,000 workers

    Germany and Kenya forge labor migration deal for 250,000 workers

    Germany has committed to opening its doors to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya through a targeted labor migration agreement.

    Kenya is facing growing challenges in offering adequate job opportunities and income for its young professionals, while Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled labor.

    As part of a pilot project, five Kenyan bus drivers have already arrived in Flensburg, a northern city in Germany.

    This migration deal is a key element of the German government’s strategy to manage immigration more effectively.

    The agreement will also streamline the process for repatriating Kenyans who are residing in Germany without legal status.

    Immigration has become a major issue in Germany, especially with the rise of the far-right anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).

    Recent German governments have allowed significant numbers of asylum seekers to settle in the country, including over one million people fleeing conflict in Syria during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis and 1.2 million Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

    The labor agreement was signed in Berlin by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President William Ruto of Kenya.

    Germany has agreed to relax some of its immigration regulations to facilitate Kenyan employment in Europe’s largest economy.

    Berlin authorities will also consider extending temporary residence permits for Kenyan workers who secure approved positions.

    Additionally, Kenyans will be eligible for long-term visas to study or pursue vocational training in Germany.

    “On the expiry of the long-stay visa, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for study purposes in Germany for up to two years,” the agreement states.

    The temporary residence permit may be extended if the purpose of residence has not yet been achieved but is achievable within a “reasonable” period, it adds.

    Under the agreement, IT professionals from Kenya will be permitted to work in Germany even without formal qualifications.

    Both governments will facilitate the immigration of skilled workers who have completed vocational training or hold a university degree, provided their qualifications are recognized by the appropriate authorities in each country.

    The agreement also covers the readmission and repatriation of citizens between Kenya and Germany.

    It outlines measures to prevent and combat labor exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.

    During the welcome ceremony for five Kenyan drivers in Flensburg on Thursday, Schleswig-Holstein’s Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen emphasized Germany’s need for hardworking individuals and skilled minds.

    “We simply have to position ourselves in Germany in such a way that it is attractive to come here,” Mr Madsen added.

    The drivers represent the initial group of Kenyan workers participating in a pilot project with the Aktiv bus company, with the aim of securing employment in Germany.

    The program is also anticipated to include professionals such as doctors, nurses, and teachers.

    According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the agreement is expected to greatly enhance opportunities for Kenyan workers to find quality jobs in Germany while helping to alleviate labor shortages in the country.

    “It includes mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in Germany, ensuring safe, orderly, and productive migration,” ILO added in a statement.

    But there are concerns about a brain-drain in Kenya with professionals like doctors and nurses going abroad for jobs, leaving local hospitals with a huge shortage of medical workers.

    “It is sad that we are going to service other countries at the expense of our own country,” Ekuru Aukot, a Kenyan lawyer and politician, told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

    But Roseline Njogu, a senior foreign affairs official, said Kenya was simply responding to the global labour market demands.

    “We have a youth bulge in Kenya and every year we have a million people joining the local labour market. It takes time and resources to create job opportunities at home,” she added.

  • Public outcry in Kenya over cereal taxes

    Kenya’s recent decision to impose new tariffs on the import and export of cereals, legumes, herbs, and tubers has sparked widespread criticism from local traders.

    They argue that these new levies breach regional trade agreements, including those set by the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa).

    The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has introduced a 2% levy on the customs value of grain imports and a 0.3% levy on grain exports. Similar charges apply to legumes, while roots and tubers will face a 1% import duty and a 0.3% export levy.

    Initially scheduled to take effect on July 1, the AFA postponed the implementation to August 12. The authority claims the new charges are intended to support small-scale local growers by leveling the playing field against imported goods.

    The levies will be collected at entry or exit points, and traders who do not comply will incur a 25% penalty on overdue amounts after the first month.

    Agayo Ogambi, CEO of the Shippers Council of East Africa, has criticized the levies as detrimental to businesses and an additional strain on farmers.

    He stressed the need for more stakeholder discussions, warning that the new tariffs could drive up consumer prices and hinder the recovery of Kenyan farmers and exporters.

    “The levies and more taxes on exports will make our products uncompetitive in East Africa and in Comesa as already Uganda and Tanzania are up in arms against the imposition of the levies,” said Mr Ogambi.

    “While AFA needs to raise revenues for the services provided, considerations must be made not to hurt consumers and also not to outprice our exports in the international markets.”

    The CEO said Kenya must take a decision to support its exports and reduce levies and charges as they are negatively affecting the import to export ratio, which has remained at 5 containers of imports to 1 container of exports.

    Roy Mwanthi, the chairman of the Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association (KIFWA), said rice importation has stopped since AFA imposed the levies on August 12 this year and it will affect households as the cost of rice is expected to increase.

    “We anticipate serious shortage of rice and wheat due to the levies and those who import will have to pass the cost to consumers. Currently, rice from East African countries that would ordinarily be free are subject to high levies and is stuck in different border pints,” said Mr Mwanthi.

    Mr. Mwanthi has criticized Kenya’s new tariffs on food crop imports and exports, calling them a significant obstacle to international trade. He argued that these additional taxes on essential food products could lead to increased prices and reduced import volumes.

    Tanzanian traders have voiced their dissatisfaction with Kenya’s decision to impose a 2% levy on the customs value of cereals and pulses. They claim that this would result in additional costs of $153.923 (Ksh20,000) for a truckload of maize and $384.806 (Ksh50,000) for a truckload of rice, on top of existing fees for various regulatory services.

    The total costs for importing food crops into Kenya are substantial. Traders are already paying $23,088 (Sh3,000) for an AFA import permit, $4,617 (Sh600) for an import permit fee, $57,721 (Sh7,500) for inspection by Kephis, $8.46 (Sh1,100) for port health and biosafety fees, and $55.41 (Sh7,200) for moisture and aflatoxin testing by Kebs.

    In response to the backlash, AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru announced that the government has temporarily suspended these new levies for a month. This pause will give the regulator time to address concerns from traders and adjust the policy if necessary.

  • Ghana must confront corruption to prevent protests similar to Kenya’s – Daniel Domelevo

    Ghana must confront corruption to prevent protests similar to Kenya’s – Daniel Domelevo

    The former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, has urged President Akufo-Addo to implement strategies that will boost public trust in the fight against corruption.

    He emphasized that such measures could help avoid protests similar to those recently witnessed in Kenya.

    Domelevo suggested that the current government should learn from the Kenyan protests and take proactive steps to address corruption.

    Speaking at the 2024 Domelevo Accountability Lecture in Accra, he remarked, “if only President William Ruto would have been minded last year or even early this year to do the things that he’s doing today, I think he would have been a hero. But now, even if he cuts his throat for them, people will not appreciate it. It is too late.

    “The question we want to ask is, have the other African leaders, including our own President [Akufo-Addo], taken note of it? It would have been so heartwarming for us to hear from the President. Given the heat in the country and what I have heard from somewhere, I will reduce my cabinet or ministers to 40. If the President starts to do some of these things, I think it will help to calm nerves. It’s never too late. Those who have the ears of the President, it’s never too late to repent and do the right thing,” Daniel Domelevo opined.

    On his part, General Secretary of the Opposition NDC, Fifi Kwetey, opined that corruption goes beyond the political elites. “If we have a society that is fundamentally premised on not respecting the character of people or the impact of people, then that society is premised on what you have in your pockets. That is a society that can never simply overcome corruption.

    “And so, you will have a Jerry Rawlings [late former President], who will come and three heads of state will be executed, a lot of things would have been done. What we simply have achieved is simply because of a situation where people will go a little underground, and they will resurrect again. Because the real virus is in the heart of society,” Fifi Kwetey said.

  • Kenya’s William sacks all his ministers, AG following after anti-tax protests

    Kenya’s William sacks all his ministers, AG following after anti-tax protests

    Kenya’s President William Ruto has terminated the appointments of all his ministers and the attorney-general with immediate effect following recent deadly protests that led to the retraction of an unpopular tax bill. Ruto stated that the decision was made after “reflection, listening to Kenyans, and a thorough assessment of my cabinet.”

    He indicated plans to consult widely to form a broad-based government. The deputy president, who cannot legally be dismissed, and the prime cabinet secretary, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister, remain unaffected by the cabinet dissolution.

    President Ruto assured that government functions would continue seamlessly under the management of senior civil servants. He also mentioned that he would consult “across different sectors and political groups, as well as with other Kenyans in both the public and private sectors” to establish a new government, but did not specify a timeline for the announcement.

    The dramatic move is highly unusual, coming less than two years after he took office.

    Three of the sacked ministers were MPs before leaving their legislative roles to join the cabinet barely two years ago.
    One of them is Aden Duale, who in a prompt post on X (formerly Twitter) thanked the president and said he would “forever be indebted to him and the people of Kenya for this opportunity to serve” as Kenya’s defence minister.

    Last Thursday, President Ruto chaired a cabinet meeting, which one of the local newspapers described as the “last supper” for the ministers.

    Several ministers were implicated in corruption scandals, resulting in the suspension of senior officials within various ministries. However, President Ruto defended the ministers, stating there was no evidence to warrant their dismissal.

    In October, President Ruto carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, affecting at least eight ministers. The last instance of a complete cabinet dissolution was in 2005 when President Mwai Kibaki did so after losing a referendum on a new constitution.

    Ruto has faced mounting pressure from Kenyans, who have continued to hold anti-government protests, demanding greater accountability. Despite agreeing to retract his controversial tax hikes, some protesters have called for his resignation.

    In response to public outcry, Ruto announced several austerity measures across government agencies last week. He also imposed a freeze on proposed salary increases for cabinet members and parliamentarians.

  • Court rules a $78k compensation for widow of murdered Pakistani journalist by Kenya police

    Court rules a $78k compensation for widow of murdered Pakistani journalist by Kenya police

    In a significant ruling, a Kenyan court has granted 10 million shillings ($78,000; £61,000) in compensation to the widow of a well-known Pakistani journalist who was fatally shot by police at a roadblock almost two years ago.

    Arshad Sharif, a prominent TV anchor renowned for his outspoken criticism of Pakistan’s military leaders and political corruption, had previously raised concerns about death threats he received, which he brought to the attention of Pakistan’s chief justice.

    Fearing for his safety, Sharif fled his homeland and sought refuge abroad.

    Tragically, Sharif was killed by police in the Kenyan town of Kajiado two months later, sparking widespread outrage. Criticism mounted over the delayed response from authorities, prompting condemnation from UN experts directed at both Kenya and Pakistan.

    ‘A relief to me and my family’

    Kenya’s police initially claimed mistaken identity, but Javeria Siddique, widow of the slain journalist Arshad Sharif, asserts it was a targeted assassination orchestrated on behalf of an unidentified individual in Pakistan.

    In a landmark decision on Monday, the Kajiado High Court declared the actions of Kenyan authorities unlawful, citing violations of Sharif’s fundamental right to life. The court subsequently ordered compensation for Ms. Siddique, along with accrued interest until the full payment is made.

    “Loss of life cannot be compensated in monetary terms nor is the pain and suffering the family must have gone through. But there’s consensus that compensation is appropriate remedy for redress in violation of fundamental rights,” said Justice Stella Mutuku as she delivered the verdict.

    The judge’s decision included findings that Kenya’s director of public prosecutions and the independent policing oversight authority had neglected their duties by not prosecuting the two police officers implicated in Sharif’s death. T

    he court has mandated both organizations to swiftly conclude investigations and formally press charges against the officers involved.

    The lawyer representing Sharif’s widow, Ochiel Dudley, said “This is a win for the family and a win for Kenyans in their quest for police accountability”.

    Sharif’s widow, Ms Siddique, expressed her gratitude to the Kenyan judiciary but added that her work was far from done.

    “This ruling has come as a relief to me and my family, but I will not relent in getting maximum justice for my husband,” she said.

    Like her late husband, Ms Siddique is a journalist and filed the lawsuit alongside the Kenya Union of Journalists and Kenya Correspondents Association last October.

    She and her co-petitioners were seeking transparency, an apology, and accountability from the Kenyan authorities for what they called Sharif’s “targeted assassination”.

    In an interview with the BBC, she expressed frustration over the lack of justice for her husband in Pakistan but affirmed her commitment to advocate for journalist safety.

    She plans to engage international bodies like the UN and the Committee to Protect Journalists in her ongoing efforts.

  • Kofi Bentil reveals what Ghana must do to avert Kenyan-like protests

    Kofi Bentil reveals what Ghana must do to avert Kenyan-like protests

    Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, has voiced concerns about the potential for violent protests among Ghanaian youth, drawing parallels to recent unrest in Kenya.

    He emphasized the crucial role of government response in shaping such behaviors and outlined specific measures Ghana must take to prevent similar occurrences.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ News File, Bentil referenced the recent protests in Kenya, which were ignited by proposed tax hikes amid escalating living costs.

    The Kenyan government’s actions led to widespread public outrage, resulting in numerous arrests and casualties. Civil society groups reported at least 283 detentions and over 20 deaths since the protests began on June 25.

    In response to the public outcry, the Kenyan government amended the controversial bill, suspending a 16% VAT on bread and a 2.5% tax on motor vehicles.

    Bentil noted that while Ghana has generally managed to avoid such severe unrest, it is crucial not to overlook the possibility of similar events occurring.

    He cited the example of former Ghanaian leader Jerry John Rawlings, who unexpectedly rose to power through a coup. Bentil stressed that the current generation of Ghanaian youth has not experienced military rule and urged the government to recognize and adapt to changing circumstances.

    “Ghana or our government has actually been one of the better examples, but we should not gloss over the issue that this thing can happen here. Rawlings is an example here. Nobody knew him till he burst out and took over the whole country,” Bentil remarked.

    To avert potential unrest, Bentil outlined several key actions for the next parliament:

    1. Elect District Chief Executives (DCEs): Ensuring that DCEs are elected rather than appointed to enhance accountability.
    2. Eliminate Ministerial Appointments from Parliament: Cancelling the law that allows ministers to be taken out of parliament, which Bentil argues breeds corruption.
    3. Conduct a Constitutional Review: Collaborating with the executive branch to review and update the constitution.
    4. Repeal Article 71: Removing provisions that grant ex gratia payments to certain public officials, which Bentil believes contributes to public dissatisfaction.

    “We are driving this country to the point where the youth have no option,” Bentil stated.

    Mr Bentil concluded with a cautionary note, urging policymakers to heed these warnings and take proactive measures to address the concerns of the youth.

    “The warnings should be heeded. However, the people sounding the warning, be careful what you pray for,” he added.

  • We don’t what is happening in Kenya to happen in Ghana – Mahama

    We don’t what is happening in Kenya to happen in Ghana – Mahama

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has underscored the urgency of preventing socio-economic unrest similar to recent disturbances in Kenya, citing the importance of creating opportunities for Ghana’s youthful population.

    Recent days have seen decentralized protests erupt across Kenya, driven by discontent over tax hikes and calls for the resignation of President William Ruto.

    Criticizing the economic management under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, Mahama emphasized the need for a transformative approach under the next NDC administration.

    During a visit to the La Dadekotopon constituency on July 5, Mahama highlighted the imperative to harness Ghana’s youthful demographic dividend through robust economic policies.

    “They say Africa’s population is youthful, and it’s crucial to provide opportunities for them. If we fail to do so, it can become a ticking time bomb,” Mahama warned, drawing parallels with the unrest in Kenya.

    He pledged that under the NDC’s leadership, there would be a concerted effort to create numerous opportunities, particularly for the country’s youth.

    “When we assume office, our approach will be different. We will not continue with business as usual. We are determined to swiftly address the economic challenges caused by Bawumia and Akufo-Addo,” Mahama asserted, outlining his commitment to delivering substantial economic reforms.

    Mahama stressed that Ghanaians are counting on the NDC to alleviate the hardships they currently face. He promised decisive actions aimed at revitalizing the economy and generating rapid improvements in living standards.

    “The people of Ghana are looking to the NDC to rescue them from the difficulties they are experiencing. We will implement measures to swiftly turn the economy around,” Mahama affirmed, signaling a proactive agenda to mitigate economic pressures and foster sustainable growth.

  • Election 2024: We are not different from Kenya, let’s be guided – Bagbin to govt

    Election 2024: We are not different from Kenya, let’s be guided – Bagbin to govt

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Ghanaian leaders to heed the recent developments in Kenya as a warning, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal election on December 7.

    He emphasized that the circumstances in Kenya closely mirror those in Ghana and called on leaders, including Members of Parliament, to diligently work towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

    Mr. Bagbin has initiated communication with key stakeholders such as the chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, and the Chief Justice, and plans to engage President Akufo-Addo to help ensure a peaceful electoral process.

    Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin underscored the importance of proactive measures to protect Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 elections.

    “People sometimes take so many things for granted including my colleagues in Parliament but we all can bear witness that what happened in Kenya is now in Tanzania it could be in Ghana and I am not saying it will be in Ghana.

    “We are not different from our brothers and sisters in Kenya and so we have to take preemptive measures to prevent that from happening and so we must do all we can to make sure that the right person that Ghanaians want to lead the country, leads the country and so in this matter, I will do all I can so that nobody reads partisanship in whatever I do.”

  • More borrowing for Kenya after taxes withdrawal – President William Ruto

    More borrowing for Kenya after taxes withdrawal – President William Ruto

    Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced that additional borrowing will be necessary to sustain government operations after a finance bill, aimed at increasing tax revenue, was rejected due to widespread public opposition.

    Last Wednesday, the president responded to violent protests, including the burning of parliament, by withdrawing the contentious bill proposing tax hikes.

    However, he lamented on Sunday that this decision had effectively set the country’s economic progress back by two years.

    He emphasized the challenge of managing a substantial national debt without the ability to implement additional tax measures.

    He said this meant Kenya would have to borrow one trillion shillings ($7.6bn; £6.1bn) just “to be able to run our government”.

    This represents a 67% increase from the initial plan.

    Additionally, he indicated a contemplation of reducing expenditures across various government sectors, including his own office, as well as decreasing allocations to the judiciary and county governments.

    Many demonstrators opposed the tax hikes, arguing that any additional revenue would be misused.

    The intended tax adjustments aimed to generate approximately 350 billion Kenyan shillings, while borrowing was projected to reach about 600 billion.

    President Ruto underscored that these tax proposals were part of a strategy to alleviate Kenya’s substantial debt burden, which exceeds $80 billion (£63 billion). Approximately 60% of the country’s revenue is currently allocated to servicing this debt.

    “I have been working very hard to pull Kenya out of a debt trap… It is easy for us, as a country, to say: ‘Let us reject the finance bill.’ That is fine. And I have graciously said we will drop the finance bill, but it will have huge consequences,” the president said while speaking to journalists on Sunday night.

    Mr. Ruto expressed concerns that the budget’s rejection would impact 46,000 junior secondary school teachers on temporary contracts and affect healthcare services. He noted that planned government support for dairy, sugarcane, and coffee farmers, including debt payments to their factories and cooperative societies, would be affected.

    Addressing criticisms of the finance bill, Mr. Ruto mentioned considering cost-cutting measures in his office and potentially eliminating budgets for the First Lady and the Deputy President’s spouse.

    Despite withdrawing the finance bill, public discontent persists, with further protests scheduled for the coming week. Demonstrators are demanding greater government accountability, with some calling for the president’s resignation. They also accuse the government of being insensitive to their grievances and criticize the police for their harsh response to the protests, which resulted in at least 23 deaths and numerous injuries, as reported by a doctors’ association.

    On Sunday the president said the police had “done their best they could”.
    “If there are any excesses, we have mechanisms to make sure that [they] are dealt with,” he said.

  • We must prevent what happened in Kenya from taking place in Ghana – Bagbin to MPs

    We must prevent what happened in Kenya from taking place in Ghana – Bagbin to MPs

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian leaders, drawing attention to recent events in Kenya as a crucial lesson ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.

    The Kenyan government recently faced significant protests, particularly from young people, resulting in the withdrawal of a contentious financial bill aimed at increasing revenue. The protests included an incident where the parliament was attacked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

    Speaker Bagbin highlighted parallels between the Kenyan context and Ghana’s political landscape, urging all leaders, especially Members of Parliament, to prioritize the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections.

    In a proactive move to ensure a peaceful electoral process, Bagbin has initiated discussions with key stakeholders. This includes engaging with the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, as well as seeking the counsel of traditional authorities and the Chief Justice.

    Additionally, Bagbin intends to hold discussions with President Akufo-Addo to underscore the critical need for violence-free elections in Ghana.

    Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin emphasized the necessity of preemptive measures to safeguard Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 elections. He stressed the importance of vigilance and proactive steps to forestall any potential unrest or electoral irregularities.

    “People often take things for granted, including my fellow Parliamentarians. However, the events unfolding in Kenya and Tanzania should serve as a wake-up call for us in Ghana. We must take preemptive actions to prevent such occurrences. Our goal is to ensure that the rightful leader chosen by Ghanaians assumes office without any ambiguity,” Bagbin asserted.

    He reassured the public that his actions would be guided by the principles of impartiality and non-partisanship to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana.

  • African leaders mortgaging the future of the youth with reckless borrowing – Agyeman- Duah

    African leaders mortgaging the future of the youth with reckless borrowing – Agyeman- Duah

    Governance expert Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah has criticized African leaders for compromising the future of the youth through irresponsible borrowing. Speaking on TV3’s “The Key Points” on June 29, he highlighted the recent upheaval in Kenya as a significant lesson for other African nations. According to him, the violent protests in Kenya underscore the need to re-evaluate the practice of democracy in many African countries.

    Prof. Agyeman-Duah noted that young people observe the luxurious lifestyles of a small elite and compare it to the widespread deprivation experienced by the majority. This stark disparity, he argued, creates dissatisfaction and unrest, particularly when those in power impose taxes on the already struggling populace. He emphasized that this pattern of leadership, marked by self-interest and a lack of responsiveness to the needs of the people, is prevalent across Africa.

    The protests in Kenya were sparked by President William Ruto’s proposed Financial Bill 2024, which led to days of demonstrations resulting in over 22 deaths. In response to the public outcry, President Ruto announced that he would not sign the bill. He explained that while the government had planned to introduce additional taxes to fund critical areas such as agriculture, education, and health insurance, the public’s resistance necessitated a reconsideration.

    Despite the bill undergoing public participation and concessions being made, the president acknowledged that further concessions were demanded by the public. Consequently, he decided to withdraw the bill, stating that the decision reflects the collective will of the people of Kenya.

    In response to the protests, the Kenyan National Assembly approved the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support the police. This decision sparked controversy due to questions about its legality and the manner in which it was conducted. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo criticized the approval process, noting the absence of media coverage and questioning whether the required quorum was met. He expressed concerns on social media, suggesting that Kenya was becoming a military state due to this deployment.

    Prof. Agyeman-Duah concluded that the situation in Kenya is indicative of broader issues in African governance, urging leaders to become more attuned to the needs and aspirations of their people.

    See image below:

  • Ablakwa to replicate Kenya’s protest in Ghana over sale of SSNIT hotels

    Ablakwa to replicate Kenya’s protest in Ghana over sale of SSNIT hotels

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, is calling for mass demonstrations in Ghana over the sale of SSNIT hotels, drawing inspiration from the recent youth-led protests in Kenya.

    The protests in Kenya successfully pressured the government to withdraw a controversial finance bill that proposed significant tax increases.

    Referencing these events, Mr. Ablakwa criticized President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support of the sale of four SSNIT Hotels to Rock City, a company owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

    In a social media post on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that despite a meeting with organized labour earlier in the week and a demonstration dubbed ‘Hands Off Our Hotels,’ the President has maintained his stance on the sale.

    Mr. Ablakwa accused the SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, who was appointed by President Akufo-Addo, of defending the deal despite widespread opposition from Ghanaians and protests from labour representatives on the board.

    He labeled President Akufo-Addo as the “chief architect” of what he describes as a controversial and unpopular deal, declaring that it is time for Ghanaians to mobilize and launch their own version of Kenya’s protests.

    “President Akufo-Addo refused to stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels when he met organized labour yesterday [Tuesday],” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour reps on her board.”

    He urged citizens to stay tuned for a major announcement regarding plans for a significant demonstration.

    “It’s now confirmed beyond any scintilla of doubt — President Akufo-Addo is the chief architect of all the putrefying State Capture. It’s time to declare our own version of what just happened in Kenya,” he posted.

    The Kenyan protests escalated dramatically, leading to the burning of cars and part of the parliament building on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

    Tragically, several protestors lost their lives, allegedly due to police actions, with many others injured. Facing intense pressure, Kenyan President William Ruto ultimately reversed his stance and withdrew the tax plan.

  • “I concede” – Ruto refuses to sign Finance bill into law after deadly protests in Kenya

    “I concede” – Ruto refuses to sign Finance bill into law after deadly protests in Kenya

    Kenya’s President William Ruto has declared his decision to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 following widespread and deadly protests across the country.

    The bill, which included controversial tax hikes, sparked massive demonstrations culminating in violent clashes and the torching of parliament buildings on Tuesday.

    In a televised address to the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the vehement opposition from Kenyans towards the Finance Bill, stating, “Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede.”

    He announced that he will not sign the bill into law, effectively withdrawing it.

    The protests, which erupted nationwide, resulted in at least 22 deaths, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Demonstrators, predominantly young people, expressed outrage over the proposed tax increases, which they argued would exacerbate the country’s already severe cost-of-living crisis.

    Initially responding with a military deployment and a stern warning against violence, President Ruto reversed course in the face of escalating public anger and condemnation. He pledged to engage in dialogue with the protesters, emphasizing their role in shaping national policy.

    The unrest saw protesters storming parliament, vandalizing its interior, and setting parts of the complex ablaze. The symbolic mace, representing legislative authority, was stolen during the chaos.

    Human rights organizations and international bodies condemned the use of live ammunition by security forces during the protests. Wanjeri Nderu of the International Society For Human Rights described the scene as akin to war, highlighting excessive force by police.

    Catholic bishops and the Law Society of Kenya also denounced the violent crackdown on protesters and called for restraint from security forces.

    In response to the escalating crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the deaths and injuries, urging Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and ensure peaceful demonstrations.

    The Finance Bill, which originally proposed taxes on essential commodities such as bread and cooking oil, as well as mobile money services and medical facilities, faced widespread opposition from various sectors of Kenyan society. With its withdrawal now confirmed, President Ruto aims to quell unrest and initiate a process of national reconciliation.

  • President Ruto calls protests in Kenya “treasonous”

    President Ruto calls protests in Kenya “treasonous”

    President William Ruto has announced a stringent crackdown on those protesting against the Finance Bill, labeling the demonstrations in Kenya as “treasonous.”

    In a press briefing held at State House, Nairobi, the president condemned the actions of the protesters, particularly the breach of Parliament, and vowed to take decisive action against the organizers and financiers of the unrest.

    President Ruto accused “dangerous people” of hijacking the discussion around the Finance Bill and causing significant disruption and damage.

    “It is unfortunate that this conversation has been hijacked by dangerous people who have caused us the kind of loss witnessed today,” he stated, referring to the storming of Parliament as a “desecration of Kenya’s emblems and institutions.”

    The president’s strong remarks came shortly after Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to assist the National Police Service in managing the protests. Duale described the situation as a “security emergency,” underscoring the severity of the government’s response.

    President Ruto emphasized that the protests were an affront to constitutionalism and the rule of law, branding the protesters as criminals.

    “The government will therefore uphold its constitutional mandate to secure our nation and its development and shall treat every threat to national security and the integrity of our state as an existential danger to our republic,” he said.

    He assured Kenyans of a robust and swift response to what he called “treasonous actions.”

    While commending the police for their conduct during the protests, Ruto ignored allegations of police brutality against initially peaceful demonstrators, as well as reports of indiscriminate shooting outside Parliament.

    He also did not address the reported abductions of pro-demonstration Kenyans, which have drawn criticism from human rights organizations.

    Concerns of possible state reprisals grew throughout the evening, with reports of KDF officers being deployed to the Nairobi Central Business District.

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, addressing the nation with a “heavy heart,” called for calm and restraint from the leadership and urged his successor to listen to the people.

    “Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy. Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people,” Kenyatta said, appealing for understanding and dialogue.

    Amid the turmoil, there were fears of media and internet shutdowns. Many Kenyans reported significantly reduced internet speeds, which network providers attributed to damage to two underwater fibre optic cables.

  • Withhold plans to travel to Kenya – Ghana High Commission cautions Ghanaians amid fierce protests

    Withhold plans to travel to Kenya – Ghana High Commission cautions Ghanaians amid fierce protests

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Damptey Bediako Asare, has issued a cautionary message to Ghanaians regarding travel to Kenya due to increasing unrest in the East African nation.

    The warning follows the eruption of protests labeled “7 Days of Rage” against a controversial finance bill proposing new tax hikes.

    Initially intended as peaceful demonstrations, the protests turned violent on Tuesday as clashes between protesters and security forces led to the vandalism of state properties and an attack on the Parliament building in Nairobi.

    Kenya has long been a favored destination for Ghanaian tourists and business owners, especially those exploring opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Initiative, which both Ghana and Kenya have ratified.

    Recently, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced that Ghanaian travelers would be issued an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free of charge upon application for travel to Kenya, thanks to the existing visa-free regime agreement between the two countries. This development was expected to boost travel between Ghana and Kenya.

    However, High Commissioner Damptey Bediako Asare, speaking to Joy News’ Connect Africa, advised Ghanaians to exercise caution. He emphasized the need for Ghanaians to stay informed about the situation in Kenya, especially those already in the country.

    “If you are already in the country, our advice is that you keep updated with the latest news, particularly from local news outlets and international news platforms. If you are still in Kenya, it may be advisable to avoid protest areas,” he said. For those planning to travel to Kenya soon, he recommended contacting travel agents or airlines for the latest guidance and advice.

    Notably, several Ghanaian Members of Parliament, mostly from the Local Government Committee, found themselves amidst the chaos in Kenya’s Parliament when the protests outside turned violent.

    A video captured by Asuogyaman MP Thomas Ampen Nyarko showed MPs, including Sylvester Tetteh (MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro), Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, and Nii Lante Vanderpuye, being escorted to safety. The delegation also included Anita Quartey-Papafio, a parliamentary clerk in charge of Governance Cluster Committees.

    Despite the tense situation, High Commissioner Damptey assured that there have been no reported casualties or incidents involving Ghanaian nationals in Kenya so far.

    “There’s no unfortunate incident involving any Ghanaian or any member of the Ghanaian community so far,” he stated.

    The protests have already claimed at least ten lives, with paramedics expecting the death toll to rise as clashes between police and protesters continue.

    The unrest has brought businesses and transportation to a standstill across various cities and towns in Kenya.

    The finance bill, which introduces several unpopular taxes, has ignited a youth-led protest movement demanding its repeal. Despite the government’s concessions on some contentious measures, including exempting bread and imported sanitary items from the proposed taxes, public anger remains high.

    Protesters argue that the new taxes would disproportionately burden the poorest citizens, exacerbating their financial struggles. Scenes of ambulances ferrying the injured from the streets have become all too common in recent days.

  • 5 Ghanaian MPs escape unscathed after Kenya protesters invaded Parliament

    5 Ghanaian MPs escape unscathed after Kenya protesters invaded Parliament

    During a study visit to Kenya, MPs Emmanuel Gyamfi, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Thomas Ampem, Sylvester Tetteh, and Mohammed Tuferu found themselves amid chaos as hundreds of anti-Finance Bill protesters stormed the Parliament.

    The demonstrators set police vehicles ablaze and breached heavy security in response to the approval of the Finance Bill 2024, which introduces new taxes.

    The Ghanaian delegation was safely escorted away, though they had inhaled some tear gas during the commotion.

    During a media engagement, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Nii Lante Vanderpuye said “We are safe in Nairobi. We were lucky to escape unhurt today.

    We, however, inhaled a bit of teargas. We had to be escorted to a bunker and later to a safer place”.

    The protests in Nairobi are part of a larger nationwide demonstration against the Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked outrage across the country.

    Demonstrators have been assembling in various counties to show their discontent with the proposed tax increases, which many believe will further burden the already struggling populace.

    In the capital, the situation quickly escalated as police forces moved in to disperse the crowds.

    Just as in previous protests, tear gas was deployed extensively, causing chaos and panic among the demonstrators.

    Additionally, reports have emerged that police fired rubber bullets to disperse young protesters, adding to the tension and violence on the streets.

    The protests come on the heels of a night marked by multiple arrests and abductions. Several prominent social media users and content creators were reportedly captured in overnight operations aimed at defusing the planned demonstrations.

  • Ghanaian MPs on Kenya visit caught up in protest

    Ghanaian MPs on Kenya visit caught up in protest

    Several Ghanaian Members of Parliament, currently visiting Kenya as part of the Local Government Committee delegation, found themselves amidst escalating protests in Nairobi.

    As protesters flooded the streets, they breached the Kenyan parliament just as the Ghanaian MPs were present.

    The unrest, which has persisted for days, escalated on Tuesday, June 25, as demonstrators flooded the streets near Kenya’s parliament.

    Tear gas filled the air as police struggled to control the situation, exacerbated by public outcry over a finance bill proposing tax hikes.

    The bill, initially contentious for its proposals including a 16% sales tax on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil, eventually passed despite revisions aimed at addressing public concerns.

    During the chaos, Ghanaian MPs were captured in a viral video being escorted to safety within the parliament building as police attempted to manage the protesters who had breached the premises.

  • At least 10 dead in fierce protest in Kenya

    At least 10 dead in fierce protest in Kenya

    Several Kenyans are feared dead from the clashes between police and protesters over the controversial finance bill passed by MPs.

    A paramedic, according to the BBC, has told the Reuters news agency that at least 10 protesters have been killed so far.

    The death toll is likely to rise as police continue to battle the protesters inside and outside parliament.

    The unrest has paralyzed businesses and transportation across various cities and towns. The bill introduces several unpopular taxes, prompting a youth-led protest movement demanding its rejection.

    Despite the government’s concessions on some of the most contentious measures, including exempting bread and imported sanitary items from the proposed taxes, the anger among the populace remains palpable.

    Anti-riot police surround a demonstrator
    Image caption,Anti-riot police surround a demonstrator

    Protesters argue that the new taxes would disproportionately affect the poorest citizens, exacerbating their financial struggles.

    Ambulances can be seen carrying the injured from the streets. Some 45 injured people have been sent to Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s biggest referral hospital.

    A section of Kenya’s parliament has caught fire just minutes after protesters breached police barricades to storm the complex.

    Live broadcasts on local television displayed plumes of smoke rising from the parliamentary grounds, signaling a chaotic escalation in the ongoing protests.

    Protestors turn out to demonstrate against the proposed finance bill
    Image caption,Protesters turn out to demonstrate against the proposed finance bill

    Witnesses have reported injuries among the demonstrators as police resorted to firing rounds to disperse the advancing crowds.

    Nearby, images surfaced of a police truck engulfed in flames, further illustrating the intensity of the clashes. Thousands of protesters, engaged in running battles with security forces, faced volleys of rubber bullets and tear gas as officers struggled to control the situation.

  • Ghanaians travelers to enjoy free Electronic Travel Authorisation when visiting Kenya

    Ghanaians travelers to enjoy free Electronic Travel Authorisation when visiting Kenya

    In a move to strengthen ties between Kenya and Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced that Ghanaian travelers will no longer need to pay fees for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when visiting Kenya.

    This decision honors the visa-free agreement between the two nations.

    An ETA, which is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, is a crucial document for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air. It serves as a pre-screening tool for the destination country, ensuring increased security and streamlined entry upon arrival.

    A travel advisory from the ministry, dated June 19, 2024, advises Ghanaians planning to visit Kenya to apply for their complimentary ETA through the official portal before departure to ensure a smooth and cost-free travel experience.

    This gesture is expected to encourage more Ghanaians to explore Kenya, fostering greater cultural and economic exchanges between the countries.

    Read the ministry’s statement below:

  • Police killed after shooting during a magistrate court session in Kenya

    Police killed after shooting during a magistrate court session in Kenya

    A senior police officer has shot and wounded a Kenyan magistrate during a court session in Nairobi.

    The chief inspector targeted Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti immediately after she issued a ruling.

    Reports suggest that the case involved the policeman’s spouse.

    The officer allegedly became enraged when the court revoked his wife’s bail.

    In his fury, the officer opened fire on the magistrate, causing her injuries.

    Other officers at the scene quickly intervened, with one fatally shooting the attacking policeman.

    Three additional officers were injured in the incident, according to a police report.

    The magistrate and the injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

    The judiciary said the magistrate had “cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond”.

    “Immediately this decision was pronounced, a person shot at the magistrate and injured her on the hip,” it said in a statement.

    It noted initial reports that indicated “that the shooter is a police officer who is married to the suspect”.

    Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

    The judiciary has announced plans to strengthen security measures and has assured judicial staff and other court users of their safety and protection.

    “As the judiciary family, we wish our colleague a quick recovery. We also send our condolences to the family of the officer who lost his life in this unfortunate incident,” said Chief Registrar of the judiciary Winfridah Mokaya.

  • Biden to designate Kenya as a significant non-NATO ally

    Biden to designate Kenya as a significant non-NATO ally

    President Biden is happy to have Kenya’s President William Ruto visit on Thursday. The trip is to show that the US wants to strengthen its relationship with Africa.

    Biden will say that Kenya is a close ally and will get benefits for trading weapons.

    Kenya will be the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to get a special recognition for its efforts in fighting terrorism and for leading a multinational force in Haiti.

    It’s been a while since an African leader was invited for a state visit. Bush served as the 43rd president of the United States. Bush welcomed Ghana and Kenya in 2008 and 2003. In 2014, ex-President Barack Obama hosted a big meeting and dinner for 50 leaders.

    “This is the first time an African leader has visited in almost 20 years. ” “It should have happened a long time ago,” said Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan to reporters.

    China, Russia, and other countries have been spending a lot of money in Africa. Biden wants to rebuild America’s power there, and he plans to start with a meeting in 2022.

    After that, Vice President Harris, first lady Jill Biden, and seven of Biden’s cabinet members have gone to Africa, but Biden himself hasn’t, even though he said he would. He said he will go there in February, but it depends on if he gets reelected.

    Biden talked with tech leaders from Kenya and the United States on Wednesday. He said he noticed that Kenya’s tech sector is growing.

    The White House stated that the two leaders will also talk about debt and climate problems during their meeting.

    In the evening, Biden will have a special event with music by the Howard Gospel Choir and country singer Brad Paisley. First lady Jill Biden said it will be a nice dinner outside in a glass building, looking up at the sky.

  • Kenyans enraged over plans to introduce new taxes and increase existing ones

    Kenyans enraged over plans to introduce new taxes and increase existing ones


    Plans to introduce new taxes and increase existing ones have sparked widespread criticism in Kenya.

    The price of bread is expected to rise following the national treasury’s proposal to remove the staple product from the value-added tax (VAT) exemption list.

    Additionally, the costs of mobile money transfers, airtime, and data are set to increase as the government aims to raise an additional $2.4 billion (£2 billion) in taxes for the financial year starting in July.

    Published on Saturday, the 2024 Finance Bill also includes a proposal for a new motor vehicle tax that could see drivers paying up to $750 (£600) annually to keep their vehicles on the road.

    These tax hikes are part of a series of financial measures introduced by President William Ruto’s government to fund extensive infrastructure and social programs.

    The move has drawn sharp criticism, with politicians and human rights activists describing the taxes as “burdensome.”

    The opposition has threatened to organize protests nationwide if the government proceeds with the new tax measures.

    Last year, despite widespread objection from some Kenyans, the government introduced several taxes, including a controversial housing levy.

  • Kenyans express concern over reopening of schools, amid persistent rains

    Kenyans express concern over reopening of schools, amid persistent rains

    Following a delay caused by devastating floods, the reopening of numerous schools in Kenya is now in progress.

    To ensure the safe arrival of students, police and transport officials have been deployed.

    However, over 1,600 schools are unable to reopen yet due to ongoing floods, as confirmed by authorities.

    Expressing concern over student safety, Muslim leaders have urged for close monitoring of the situation.

    They are also calling on drivers to exercise vigilance on flood-affected roads.

    The floods have caused extensive damage to several schools, contributing to a death toll of over 250 people across Kenya.

    Originally scheduled to open on 29 April, the new term start was delayed due to the severe flooding.

  • End of doctors’ strike brings belief to Kenya’s public healthcare sector

    End of doctors’ strike brings belief to Kenya’s public healthcare sector

    On Wednesday, Kenya’s public hospital doctors union reached a return-to-work agreement with the government, bringing an end to a national strike that commenced in mid-March and had left patients uncertain of their care.

    The union’s secretary general, Davji Atellah, expressed the doctors’ trust in the government’s commitment to resolving labor issues such as inadequate compensation and poor working conditions, which had triggered the strike.

    A labor court ruling on Tuesday had mandated doctors and the government to finalize a return-to-work agreement within 48 hours, failing which the court would intervene.

    Kenya’s Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha acknowledged the doctors’ effective negotiation skills, contrasting them with the government’s stance, noting that the doctors had put up a formidable resistance.

    The resolution of the strike brings relief to millions of Kenyans reliant on public hospitals, which had been severely impacted by the strike.

    Some hospitals had resorted to hiring temporary doctors to maintain emergency services during the strike.

    In 2017, Kenya witnessed its longest-ever doctors’ strike lasting 100 days, during which doctors demanded improved wages and the restoration of dilapidated public-health facilities.

    Kenya is currently grappling with the devastating repercussions of flooding, affecting 235,000 people since the onset of the rainy season in mid-March.

  • Kenya declares national holiday to mourn victims of flooding

    Kenya declares national holiday to mourn victims of flooding


    Kenya’s President William Ruto has proclaimed Friday as a public holiday to mourn the loss of 238 lives due to persistent flooding.

    In an announcement made on Wednesday, the president specified that the day will be dedicated to national tree planting initiatives aimed at addressing climate change impacts.

    Floods have inundated Kenya, along with other regions in East Africa, resulting in over 235,000 individuals being displaced and seeking refuge in numerous camps.

    President Ruto has also declared the nationwide reopening of schools, following a two-week delay caused by intense rains that inflicted substantial damage to hundreds of educational institutions.

    The government has earmarked funds for repairing over 1,000 schools affected by the torrential rains and subsequent flooding.

    According to the meteorological department’s daily weather forecasts, moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated across most parts of the country.

    The government is currently undertaking compulsory evacuations of residents residing in flood-prone zones and areas adjacent to rivers and dams, as water levels in the country’s primary hydroelectric reservoirs surge to unprecedented heights.

    This week, authorities used bulldozers to demolish residences in informal settlements such as Mathare and Mukuru in the capital city of Nairobi. In response to the missed deadline for evacuation amidst hazardous rainfall, the president assured displaced families a relocation assistance package equivalent to $75.

  • Holiday declared in Kenya in honour of flood victims

    Holiday declared in Kenya in honour of flood victims

    Kenya has declared this Friday a national holiday to commemorate those who lost their lives in the ongoing floods and to encourage tree planting.

    The severe flooding has claimed over 200 lives nationwide, affecting more than 250 million people.

    President William Ruto announced on Wednesday that this day will be dedicated to tree planting to counter the impacts of climate change, which has exacerbated the flooding.

    Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that a special notice would designate Friday as National Tree Growing Day, with further directives from the environment minister.

    Last year, Kenya initiated a special holiday to plant 100 million trees, marking the beginning of an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees over a decade.

  • Emergency response efforts intensify as floods ravage Western Kenya

    Emergency response efforts intensify as floods ravage Western Kenya


    Ongoing air and aquatic operations are underway to rescue numerous families stranded in their homes in Kenya’s western Nyando region amid incessant floods engulfing the country.

    The River Nyando overflowed its banks on Saturday, inundating numerous villages and halting traffic on the bustling Kisumu-Nairobi highway.

    Local media reported that over 1,000 households were compelled to evacuate their residences.

    While no immediate casualties were reported, local authorities noted that water levels continued to rise.

    A collaborative effort involving the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Coast Guard Services, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is utilizing boats and helicopters to access submerged villages.

    A KWS helicopter is airlifting rescued individuals, with concerns mounting that many families endured a cold night in the affected villages.

    Meanwhile, the government is evacuating additional individuals from flood-prone regions.

    President William Ruto announced on Monday that each affected family would receive $70 (£60) from the government to assist them in securing alternative accommodations for three months.

    Nationwide, floods have resulted in the deaths of 228 individuals since March, with 72 individuals still unaccounted for, according to government data.

    Kenya and neighboring Tanzania were spared significant damage from Cyclone Hidaya, which weakened after reaching land on Saturday.

  • Kenyan govt establishes over 100 camps for flood victims

    Kenyan govt establishes over 100 camps for flood victims

    In response to devastating floods, the Kenyan government has established more than 100 camps to accommodate over 27,500 displaced individuals.

    However, this figure represents only a fraction of the estimated 190,000 people affected by the floods, according to government data. Tragically, the death toll has climbed to 210 individuals.

    Amid mounting pressure to declare the floods a national disaster, President William Ruto is expected to address the nation.

    Authorities have directed residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs, which have either filled up or are near capacity, to evacuate within 24 hours.

    Additionally, a mandatory evacuation notice has been issued to individuals residing within 30 meters of the Nairobi River system and other waterways across the country.

    Efforts to evacuate residents along rivers in the capital, Nairobi, are underway, with the government providing logistical support, temporary shelter, and essential supplies to those affected, stated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.

  • Tourists and staff stranded in Maasai Mara game reserve due to flooding in Kenya

    Tourists and staff stranded in Maasai Mara game reserve due to flooding in Kenya


    Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara game reserve is currently undergoing evacuation procedures for both tourists and staff due to extensive flooding.

    Following the overflow of the Talek River on Tuesday, over 10 lodges and camps within the reserve have been inundated, prompting concerns about the safety of both humans and wildlife.

    The reserve’s police chief, Kipkoech Lotiatia, reported significant damage to the area.

    While the exact number of individuals stranded remains unclear, approximately 90 people have been rescued through air and boat operations conducted by the Kenya Red Cross.

    Although most affected camps have been shut down, the flooding has begun to recede according to the aid agency.

    “In some camps, tents have been swept away, and the Mara bridge, linking the Mara Triangle and the Greater Mara, has been washed away,” the aid agency said in a post on X earlier on Wednesday.

    Stephen Nakola, a local official, informed the AFP news agency that around 100 tourists were stranded.

    Tourists, both foreign and local, flock to the reserve to witness its diverse wildlife, which includes lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

    Earlier, Mr. Lotiatia informed journalists that rescue efforts involved deploying two emergency helicopters to evacuate tourists and staff.

    Despite a request for comment from the BBC, there has been no immediate response from Masai Mara management.

    Heavy rains upstream caused the Talek River to overflow on Tuesday afternoon, exacerbating the situation.

    Additionally, water from the Mara River, near the Serengeti-Tanzania border, has worsened the flooding following several days of rainfall in the region.

    “After several days of continuous rainfall, our rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas in the Maasai Mara National Reserve,” the local Narok county government said in a statement.


    The surging waters have submerged roads and bridges, disrupting life in nearby communities.

    Reports indicate that the Talek gate, a crucial exit point from the game reserve, is severely flooded.

    President William Ruto has issued orders for residents living in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas to evacuate immediately.

    This year’s rainy season has been particularly destructive, with weeks of flooding resulting in the loss of about 180 lives, while 90 individuals remain unaccounted for.

  • Kenya Airways halts flights to DR Congo due to detained crew

    Kenya Airways halts flights to DR Congo due to detained crew


    Kenya Airways, Kenya’s national carrier, has halted its flights to Kinshasa due to the ongoing detention of its crew by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s military concerning a contentious shipment of banknotes.

    The airline announced the suspension on Monday, indicating that it will be effective from Tuesday.

    Kenya Airways cited challenges in overseeing and supporting its operations in Kinshasa as reasons for the decision.

    “Due to the continued detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, Kenya Airways is unable to support our flights without personnel effectively. As a result, we reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa effective April 30, 2024, until we can effectively support these flights,” said the carrier’s managing director, Allan Kilavuka, in the notice.

    “The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations.”

    The decision made by KQ is expected to provide opportunities for other airlines operating the Nairobi-Kinshasa route, such as Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air, ASKY Airlines, and South African Airways.

    Last week, Mr. Kilavuka disclosed that two employees of the airline were arrested and detained on April 19, 2024, due to alleged missing customs documentation related to valuable cargo intended for shipment on a KQ flight on April 12, 2024. However, the said cargo was not uplifted or accepted by Kenya Airways due to incomplete documentation.

    Mr. Kilavuka mentioned that military personnel in Kinshasa took the two employees to the military section of the air wing to provide statements but they were held without communication until April 23 when embassy officials and a KQ team were granted access to them.

    Although DRC authorities have yet to comment on the situation, sources reported to The EastAfrican newspaper that the issue revolves around the transportation of $8 million that was seized before being loaded onto the KQ plane.

  • At least 45 people killed after dam in western Kenya collapses due to heavy rainfall

    At least 45 people killed after dam in western Kenya collapses due to heavy rainfall

    A dam broke in western Kenya on Monday, killing at least 45 people and leaving many others missing. The rushing water destroyed houses and blocked a main road. This information was shared by the Interior Ministry.

    The Old Kijabe Dam in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley collapsed during a flash flood, causing water to overflow and carry mud, rocks, and trees downstream, according to police official Stephen Kirui.

    Cars got stuck in the rubble on a very busy road in Kenya, and medical staff helped the hurt people while a lot of water covered a big space.

    The Kenya Red Cross said that 109 people were taken to the hospital and 49 people are missing.

    William Lokai said to Citizen TV that he heard a loud noise and then his house got flooded with water. He ran away through the roof with his brother and kids.

    Continuous rain in Kenya has led to flooding, which has already resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 people and the delay of school openings. The country has been getting a lot of rain since mid-March, and the weather department says there will be even more.

    Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kithure Kindiki, said that all public and private dams and water reservoirs must be checked within 24 hours starting on Monday afternoon to prevent future problems. The ministry will decide who needs to leave their homes and where they will go after checking everything.

    The Kenya National Highways Authority said there will be a lot of traffic and debris on the roads near Naivasha and Narok, to the west of Nairobi.

    Flooding is happening in East Africa because of a lot of rain. In Tanzania, 155 people have died and in Burundi, more than 200,000 people are affected.

    A boat overturned in Kenya’s northern Garissa county on Sunday night. The Kenyan Red Cross saved 23 people, but many others are still missing.

    Heavy rain caused Kenya’s biggest airport to flood on Saturday. Some flights had to go to a different airport because of this. Videos of the flooded runway, terminals, and cargo area were posted on the internet.

    More than 200,000 people in Kenya have been affected by the floods. Houses in areas that often flood are underwater, and people are staying in schools for safety.

    President William Ruto told the National Youth Service to give land for a temporary camp for people who are affected.

  • Kenya’s govt probes crash that killed military chief Francis Ogolla

    Kenya’s govt probes crash that killed military chief Francis Ogolla


    Kenya’s government dispatched a team to probe the helicopter crash that claimed the life of military chief General Francis Ogolla and nine additional individuals.

    The cause of the crash remained shrouded in uncertainty.

    General Ogolla was one of 12 occupants aboard the military aircraft when it went down on Thursday afternoon shortly after departure in the northwest region of the country.

    The bodies of the deceased were airlifted to Nairobi, while the two survivors received medical attention at a hospital.

    In response to the tragedy, President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning, acknowledging the profound sorrow felt across the nation.

    General Ogolla was appointed as Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces in April of the previous year. Mr. Ruto characterized him as a valiant officer who had perished in the line of duty.

    “Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals, gallant officers, service men and women,” Mr Ruto told the nation.


    According to the Kenyan defense ministry’s website, General Ogolla commenced his service in the Kenya Defence Forces on April 24, 1984. He was set to commemorate 40 years in the military the following week. Beginning his journey as a 2nd lieutenant in the country’s air force, he underwent training as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force, as noted by the ministry. In 2018, he ascended to the position of commander of the air force.

    The other individuals tragically lost in the crash were identified as Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.

    Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission, extended the organization’s “thoughts and prayers” to Kenya’s president, government, and people in the wake of the “tragic helicopter accident.”

    The officers had journeyed to Kenya’s North Rift region, a area plagued by banditry, with a mission to reopen schools shuttered due to bandit attacks. Additionally, they had visited military personnel deployed to stabilize the region.

    In June 2021, at least 10 soldiers lost their lives when their helicopter crashed during landing near the capital, Nairobi.

  • Lady ‘tattoos’ boyfriend’s name on forehead as show of commitment

    Lady ‘tattoos’ boyfriend’s name on forehead as show of commitment

    A video featuring Lizah Njeri from Kenya has gone viral, showing her “tattooing” her lover’s name on her forehead.

    This has ignited a lively discussion on social media platforms.

    The video stirred concern among many netizens who cautioned against such a permanent display.

    However, Lizah Njeri clarified that the marking was actually henna, not a permanent tattoo.

    She explained that it symbolised her dedication to her relationship and love for her partner.

    The video, capturing the moment she revealed the henna artwork on her forehead, has garnered widespread attention.

    Despite initial confusion, viewers noted that henna fades over time.

    Social media users flooded her comments with a mix of caution and admiration for her commitment to love, urging her to consider potential consequences while also praising her devotion.

    According to St. Thomas University, henna is a temporary dye that remains on the surface of the skin.

    Watch video below:

  • Kenyan military commander died in helicopter crash – President

    Kenyan military commander died in helicopter crash – President

    Kenya’s top military leader, Francis Ogolla, died in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country on Thursday, President William Ruto said on TV.

    The helicopter crashed and all the people on board, including Ogolla and nine others from the military, died. It happened shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon. Ruto said this. Two people didn’t get hurt in the accident, he said.

    “I feel very sad to say that General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the leader of the Kenya Defence Forces, has passed away,” he said.

    Ruto said a group of people who look for answers will go to the place where the crash happened to find out what caused it.

    Ogolla left Nairobi on Thursday to go see soldiers in the North Rift region of the country and check on school repairs, the president said.

    After the crash, Ruto quickly gathered the country’s National Security Council in Nairobi for a meeting, as reported by presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

    “As the head of the Kenyan military, I am sad for the soldiers and for our country,” Ruto said.

    “Our country has lost one of its bravest leaders. ” We also lost brave officers, soldiers, and women,” he said.

    Kenya will mourn for three days starting on Friday, Ruto announced.

    According to a news report from Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Ogolla is the first military chief from Kenya to die while on duty. The general started working for the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984. In 1985, he became a 2nd Lieutenant and was then assigned to the Kenya Air Force, as stated on the Ministry of Defence website.

  • Probe politician who forced woman to shake his hands – Muslim Lawyers in Kenya demand

    Probe politician who forced woman to shake his hands – Muslim Lawyers in Kenya demand


    The Kenya Association of Muslim Lawyers is calling for an investigation into allegations of harassment against a politician who appeared to pressure a woman into shaking his hand.

    In a widely circulated video from an office birthday party, Ken N’gondi, the Speaker of Nairobi’s County Assembly, is seen apparently insisting that a female Muslim colleague shake his hand. He is also observed placing his hand on her shoulder when she stands up.

    Mr. N’gondi has not issued a statement regarding the video.

    Various news outlets and social media commentators have highlighted that devout Muslim women typically refrain from shaking hands with male acquaintances.

    Many observers note that the woman in the video appears uncomfortable, and Muslim lawyers have described the incident as sexual and physical assault.

    They are calling for accountability and urging the police to press criminal charges against Mr. N’gondi.

  • Severe flooding kills 11 in Kenya

    Severe flooding kills 11 in Kenya

    Heavy rainfall in Kenya, including the capital Nairobi, has led to widespread flooding. The deluge has claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and displaced over 17,000 others.

    Since the onset of the rainy season in mid-March, homes and agricultural lands have suffered extensive damage.

    The affected populace is urgently requesting government aid, as they face the looming threats of hunger and disease.

    The Kenya Red Cross is actively assisting displaced individuals and advising residents in low-lying areas to seek refuge. The rainfall is expected to persist until early next week.

  • Kenyan lecturer ‘rocks’ students with a 2-question exam paper

    Kenyan lecturer ‘rocks’ students with a 2-question exam paper

    A video making rounds on social media has registered discontent among some students from Kenya over a 2-question exam paper they have been tasked to complete.

    The 2nd year second semester examination compels the students to answer two questions.

    The first instructs students to “summarise the notes that were given from lecture one at the start of the semester and pin out important issues that were discussed.”

    “Briefly discuss the lecture that was discussed on 17th February,” the second question read.

    Each question is worth 15 marks.

    It is believed that a student, Ramy Royana, shared the video gone viral that has the crying emoji featured.

    Netizens who have reacted to the issue believe students who failed to attend lectures and those who did not pay attention in class are those who would find themselves wanting.

  • “I will work with Akufo-Addo to build ecosystem to support trade” – William Ruto

    “I will work with Akufo-Addo to build ecosystem to support trade” – William Ruto

    President of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, has revealed intentions to collaborate with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to facilitate the ratification of all financial institutions within the African Union (AU).

    Ruto emphasized that ratifying these financial institutions would establish an ecosystem conducive to fostering trade and investment across Africa.

    Speaking at the Africa Trade House in Accra on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Ruto lamented the annual expenditure of US$5 billion on foreign exchange during trade operations under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

    He said, “I will be working with President Nana Akufo-Addo to ensure that all financial institutions under the AU are ratified so that we can build the necessary financial ecosystem to support trade, investment and business in our continent.”

    To address this gap, the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS) has been rolled out to ease the transfer of funds across Africa.

    PAPSS, a financial market infrastructure for economic and financial integration of Africa will increase trade volume as the process is simplified and transactions are made instantly.

    The introduction of the commercial bank settlement model has no transaction limits and the settlement is handled by banks.

    This new settlement model offers commercial banks a window to open and fund their own settlement accounts at Afreximbank.

    They can also manage their liquidity according to their banking needs.

    Also, under PAPSS, most payments are made in local currency to boost trading activities on the continent.

    As of June 2022, the PAPSS network consists of 8 central banks, 28 commercial banks and six switches.

    It is expected to expand into the five regions of Africa before the end of 2023.

  • Proposals by Kenyan govt to end doctor’s strike rejected

    Proposals by Kenyan govt to end doctor’s strike rejected

    Public hospital doctors in Kenya have turned down a government proposal aimed at resolving a prolonged strike that has disrupted healthcare services.

    The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) initiated the strike on March 14 due to issues such as unpaid salary arrears, delays in deploying medical interns, and other grievances.

    In a recent development, the government urged the doctors to conclude their strike, assuring that salary arrears had been settled and medical interns would be recruited starting this Thursday.

    Abidan Mwachi, the chairman of KMPDU, rejected the government’s proposals on the social media platform X, stating that they do not align with a collective bargaining agreement established in 2017 during a previous three-month doctors’ strike.

  • 10 deaths recorded in Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi highway accident

    10 deaths recorded in Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi highway accident

    Monday night witnessed a horrific road accident at Salama along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, claiming the lives of ten individuals on the spot.

    According to Mukaa Sub-County Police Commander Barnabas Ng’eno, the accident involved five vehicles: an 18-seater matatu registered to Spannish Sacco, a 14-seater matatu registered to NAEKANA Sacco, two trucks, and a saloon car.

    The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 pm as the vehicles were traveling through the notorious black spot area of Mlima Kiu.

    “It happened that motor vehicle registration number KBC 564M Isuzu FSR was being driven from Nairobi general direction towards Mombasa general direction and on reaching the accident site, the driver failed to keep to his proper lane and also made a sudden right turn without due care and attention resulting in a head-on collision with motor vehicle registration number KDK 259U Toyota Hiace matatu of Spanish Sacco,” Mr Ng’eno said in a statement.

    The impact of the collision triggered a new wave of collisions involving the other vehicles.

    “Due to the impact of the accident, 10 passengers in different motor vehicles are feared dead while others are seriously injured and have been rushed to Sultan Hamud Hospital,” Mr Ng’eno added.

  • Kenya to form prayer strategy team to pray for police officers deployed to Haiti

    Kenya to form prayer strategy team to pray for police officers deployed to Haiti

    Kenya’s First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has revealed plans for a prayer strategy team to support Kenyan police officers embarking on a peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

    This announcement came during the launch of the ‘Fourth Man’ EP by 1005 Songs & More at Weston Hotel on Saturday.

    Emphasising the importance of prayer, Mama Rachel emphasised that it’s crucial for the officers to be covered in prayer before their deployment to Haiti.

    “We have come together to say we want to form a prayer strategy, and we would like you to join us in praying for this great country of Haiti because we know the Lord can transform Haiti. We have seen what God has done for the nation of Kenya, and we believe God can do the same for nations of the world.

    “We cannot allow our police to go to Haiti without prayer. We had pastors from Haiti and America, and we are seeing how these three countries can come together to pray because we believe with prayer everything is possible,” First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto stated.

    She urged everyone to join in prayer for Haiti, expressing faith in God’s transformative power for nations.

    The initiative follows President William Ruto’s recent discussions with international leaders regarding the situation in Haiti, including plans for Kenya to deploy a reconnaissance mission once a viable administration is established.

    Mama Rachel highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with pastors from Haiti and America, underlining the unity in prayer across nations.

    As diplomatic efforts intensify for a UN-backed deployment to Haiti, Kenya remains committed to supporting Haiti during this challenging period.

    See post below: