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The government has confirmed 71 fatalities from the flash floods in the Mai Mahiu region on Monday, as per Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.  Speaking via phone on a local FM station, the DP mentioned additional individuals who are unaccounted for following the incident, as search and rescue efforts extend into the second day. He mentions that the government plans to deploy Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, wherever feasible, to aid other agencies in the search operation. "We have 46 people in the mortuary, but we have more bodies being taken there so they will be about 71. There are many others who are still missing, and a search is ongoing. We pray that we find them alive. If they are dead then we will say God is never questioned," Gachagua stated. These events coincide with President William Ruto calling for a special cabinet session at State House to tackle the country's flood crisis, which has already resulted in over 160 fatalities.  The flash floods occurred o...

Innovations and Progress in Addressing Healthcare Challenges in Kenya In the heart of East Africa lies a nation of resilience and determination: Kenya. From the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of the Maasai Mara, Kenya is a land of contrasts and complexities. Yet, amid its beauty and vibrancy, lies a pressing issue: healthcare. In a country where access to quality healthcare has long been a challenge, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle this issue head-on. Join us on a journey through the healthcare landscape of Kenya, where innovations and progress are shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Health CS Susan Nakhumicha speaking at the ongoing AmCham Business Summit The Healthcare Landscape in Kenya: A Tale of Challenges and Opportunities    - Imagine navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi, where the pulse of the city reverberates with life. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle, lies a stark reality: healthcare challenges abound. From inadequate in...

As the pulse of Africa quickens with the rhythm of urbanization, the continent stands at a crossroads, facing both the promise of progress and the challenge of preserving livability. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the vibrant markets of Lagos, African cities are undergoing unprecedented transformation. But amid the skyscrapers and traffic jams lies a critical question: How can these cities balance the imperatives of development with the need to maintain a high quality of life for their residents? 1. The Rise of African Megacities: A Tale of Opportunity and Challenges    - Imagine standing at the heart of Nairobi, surrounded by towering skyscrapers that pierce the sky. This is the new face of Africa, where megacities are emerging as engines of economic growth and centers of innovation. But with rapid urbanization comes a host of challenges, from overcrowding to inadequate infrastructure. How can African megacities harness their potential while mitigating the pitfalls o...

Siaya Governor James Orengo has responded to Twalib Mbarak, the head of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, who implied that Orengo's county was being investigated for suspected corruption. Orengo in a strongly worded response to Mbarak termed his comment as, "reckless, irresponsible, unjustified and legally inexcusable."  Orengo replied to the CEO's comments made on Thursday evening, refuting any suggestions of political bias in the arrest of former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani.  Mbarak had defended the arrest of both the former CS and the current Marsabit Governor Ali Mohammud, citing ongoing investigations into whether Sh8.2 billion was misappropriated during Yatani's tenure as governor in the North Eastern county. Successful YouTubers are Using this to Excel. Check it Out! Yatani was apprehended but subsequently released on Wednesday. Orengo, along with Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, represented him. T...

The iconic Hilton Hotel building in Nairobi's city center, currently up for sale, might undergo repurposing for retail shops and student accommodation if a proposal by its owners is approved. The government and Hilton International Limited, who jointly own the property, stated that the building's utilization could shift towards other activities to adapt to evolving market conditions and occupational demands. “The key investment characteristics that highlight the capital value of the property and the asset management opportunity presented by the former Hilton Hotel are the opportunity to configure the retail space to provide more floor area for additional retailers,” the pair announced jointly.  Hilton Hotel in Nairobi CBD closed shop over a year ago leaving the building shut and unused. On Tuesday17 April 2024, both the government and Hilton International Limited individually called for expressions of interest from investors interested in acquiring the entire equity stake in t...

President William Ruto has officially opened the 28-story Bunge Tower despite the ongoing controversies surrounding its construction. Originally budgeted at Sh5.89 billion and constructed by China Jiangxi International Company, the project's costs escalated to Sh7.1 billion, inclusive of financial claims totaling Sh1.1 billion and late payment interest of Sh225.2 million. To date, the total expenditure on the building Sh9.6 billion.  The tower, envisioned back in 2019 stands as a significant addition to the parliamentary infrastructure., catering to the expanded Bicameral Parliament comprising 349 MPs and 67 Senators. The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has stated that the design of the Bunge Tower draws inspiration from Parliament's Shield emblem. "The shield, with its intricate design, has been a symbol of protection and unity for centuries in Kenyan culture. It represents strength, resilience, and the collective identity of diverse communities coming together und...

Several days following the burial of the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla, a video has surfaced depicting his near resignation from the military 26 years ago. The late Ogolla had participated in the memorial service for the late retired Air Force commander Lieutenant General Nick Leshan at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi on September 8, 2021. During his tribute, the late Ogolla recounted how Leshan persuaded him not to resign from service, reassuring him that he possessed the qualities necessary to rise to the position of Air Force commander. "In 1998, I resigned from the military and so as protocol requires, I was taken to him for an interview," he recounted. "I thought the interview would take 10 minutes and then he would sign my papers. He talked to me for three hours and when he finished these were his words: Francis, you have the potential to be the Air Force Commander, go back and work." At that moment, he recounted deciding to ret...

The Government can't seem to settle on what needs to be celebrated during what is formally 'Moi Day' in the KANU regime. In its most recent changes to the public holiday, the Government has renamed Utamaduni Day, which is celebrated on October 10 to Mazingira Day. The changes were effected after President William Ruto on Wednesday assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill amending the Public Holidays Act. The decision has been influenced by the importance of instilling a culture of environmental stewardship among Kenyans. Prior to signing the bill, President Ruto was briefed on the suggested alterations and the reasons behind the necessity to rename the holiday once more. "The National Assembly was informed that the name Mazingira Day encompasses aspects of Huduma, our tradition which is Utamaduni which were in the previous naming," stated the briefing in part.  "The Bill amends the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) to substitute Utamaduni Day ...

As heavy rainfall persists in various regions of the country, at least 23 counties are grappling with flash floods. According to a statement released by the Kenya Red Cross on Tuesday, the downpours have impacted Nairobi, coastal areas, and the central region. Additional areas affected by the intense rainfall include the Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern regions. "Since the onset of the March-April-May (MAM) rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected, displacements, establishment of displacement camps, submerged arable land, impacted businesses and livestock deaths," KRC said. According to data from the Red Cross, 24,741 households have been significantly affected, with 11,206 being displaced due to the floods. The Kenya Red Cross also reported that over 27,716 acres of land have been submerged, and there have been 4,824 recorded deaths of livestock. The Red Cross has repo...

The C onnected Africa Summit 2024 is underway in Nairobi.  Government delegates from across Africa, alongside ICT officials and representatives from international organizations, have convened in Nairobi for the Connected Africa Summit. The summit aims to delve into the future of technology, unlocking growth opportunities beyond mere connectivity, and tackling the various challenges and prospects within the continent's information and technology sector. On Monday, 21 April, President William Ruto ceremonially inaugurated the first Connected Africa Summit 2024, held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. During the opening ceremony, President Ruto emphasized the pivotal role of African youth in driving the continent's digital transformation agenda. He highlighted them as essential contributors and beneficiaries of a digitally empowered society, crucial for the overall success of the continent. President Ruto underscored the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of African youth, positionin...

UNCTAD has cautioned developing nations with a significant risk of debt distress against further issuance of Eurobonds.  According to the latest Trade and Development Report (April 2024) from the UN agency, issuing high-risk bonds, also known as non-investment grade or junk bonds, results in substantial costs due to the risk premium demanded by investors. This, the report states, has significant ramifications for the debt dynamics of countries experiencing low economic growth rates. "Implicit borrowing costs, gauged by yields, are substantially above existing borrowing costs, as measured by the average weight of existing bond coupons. The difference is especially large for non-investment grade countries," reads the report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.  "Consequently, countries capable of issuing bonds do so at higher coupon rates, compared with bonds being currently repaid. This has detrimental effects on debt dynamics, especially in a contex...

Six individuals accused of the 2013 murder of former Juja Member of Parliament George Thuo have been found guilty.  On Friday, Paul Wainaina Boiyo, the owner of Porkies club, along with his five employees, was found guilty in the murder case. Boiyo alongside his employees Christopher Lumbasio Andika, Andrew Karanja Wainaina, Samuel Kuria Ngugi, Esther Ndinda Mulinge, and Ruth Vanessa Irungu will now need to present mitigating factors before the court for consideration before sentencing.  Paul Wainaina Boiyo, Christopher Lumbasio Andika, Andrew Karanja Wainaina, Samuel Kuria Ngugi, Esther Ndinda Mulinge, and Ruth Vanessa Irungu in court on April 19, 2024. Justice Roselyn Korir reached this verdict after determining that the prosecution had demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt their connection to Thuo's death. According to her, all six individuals were aware of Thuo's poisoning. Justice Korir noted that Boiyo had conversed with Thuo over the phone on November 19, 2013, before Th...