Sound Candid Talk

President William Ruto has signed the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2024 and the Division of Revenue Bill 2024 into law. He signed the bills on Monday at State House in Nairobi. The Division of Revenue Bill 2024, sponsored by Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee Ndindi Nyoro, was read for the first time on March 12, 2024. The Bill was then considered by the National Assembly and passed without amendments on March 20, 2024. It was subsequently forwarded to the Senate, which passed it with amendments on May 2, 2024, and referred it back to the National Assembly for concurrence. On May 13, 2024, the National Assembly considered and rejected the Senate's amendments. The Division of Revenue Bill 2024 aims to allocate nationally raised revenue between the national government and county governments for the Financial Year 2024/25. Inside the Bill:  The government has reduced this financial year’s budget by KSh132.46 billion to KSh3.848 trillion, a 3.3% decrease. This a...

In the heart of Africa, a silent revolution is taking place. Women in Kenya are rising against longstanding barriers, forging paths that promise a brighter future for themselves and their communities. As the country grapples with socio-economic challenges, the empowerment of women stands out as a beacon of hope, signaling transformative change. This article delves into the inspiring stories, policies, and initiatives that are driving women's empowerment in Kenya, showcasing a journey of resilience and progress. 1. Historical Context: The Roots of Gender Inequality Unveiling the Past Kenya’s history, like much of the world, is marked by patriarchal norms that have relegated women to the periphery of social, economic, and political life. Traditional roles confined women to domestic duties, limiting their opportunities for education and career advancement. However, understanding this historical context is crucial to appreciating the strides made and the obstacles still to be overcome....

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that his African National Congress party will pursue a national unity government after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that his African National Congress (ANC) will aim to form a coalition government of national unity. The party's National Executive Committee convened in Johannesburg to address internal divisions regarding their future direction. Although the ANC lost its longstanding majority in last week's election, it remains the largest party and now requires an agreement with other parties to govern Africa's most industrialized nation. The ANC has signaled a preference for a government of national unity, which would involve a broad agreement among multiple political parties, rather than forming a direct coalition with the main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA). Top left: ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, Top right: D...

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has entered the debate over the one man, one vote, one shilling revenue-sharing formula, asserting that it is the correct approach. Raila emphasized that he is not driven by populism and is approaching the discussion with an open mind, stating that the country should engage in this conversation. The opposition leader Raila Odinga endorsed the 'one man, one shilling' initiative after meeting with the organizers of the Limuru III conference. The meeting, held at Chungwa House on June 6, included National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, and former Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, among others. Odinga expressed his support for the formula advocated by the Limuru III convenors, noting its similarities to the proposals of the rejected Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). "“I want to agree with the phrase one man one vote one shilling. I agree totally with this," Raila stated during a media b...

The government has launched a strategic campaign machinery to support the election of Azimio leader Raila Odinga as the next African Union Commission chairperson ahead of the February 2025 polls. Kenya plans to submit former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) by June 30, as announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday.  Mr. Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS, mentioned that the government is establishing a secretariat to lead the ODM leader's campaign efforts. “Overall, the campaigns are led by the State with highly experienced and knowledgeable officers. The State Department for Foreign Affairs has established a campaign Secretariat which includes the candidate’s strategy team,” Mr. Mudavadi stated. He noted that the secretariat will prepare all briefs for the candidate, create campaign materials including a digital presence, and get ready for the public debate to be broadcast to Af...

The 19-year-old university student suspected of being the assailant captured on camera assaulting a police officer has been charged with robbery with violence. Ian Ngige Njoroge is also facing charges of causing grievous harm and resisting arrest. He has denied three allegations: robbing Corporal Jacob Ogendo of a mobile phone valued at Sh50,000, stealing a police communication gadget battery, and resisting arrest. The first-year student at the Technical University of Kenya denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi at the Milimani Law Courts. The incident, which went viral on social media, took place on June 2, 2024, on Kamiti Road in Kasarani, Nairobi County. The court heard that the accused committed the offense alongside others who have not yet been arrested and charged. The court has heard that Ian Njoroge, accused of attacking a police officer on Kamiti Road and stealing a communication device, was subdued by police. Ian Njoroge, who faced Milimani Princ...

Yesterday, a Kenyan woman who made history by winning a councillor seat in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, was officially sworn in. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, sister of Senate Minority Whip Olekina Ledama, has made history as the first black mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council in Northern Ireland.  Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi and Tabitha Karanja, Senate Deputy Majority Leader, were extended invitations to attend Seenoi-Barr’s inauguration ceremony at the Guildhall in Derry on June 3, 2024.  The Social Democratic and Labour Party expressed their confidence in Seenoi-Barr's ability to serve as an exceptional mayor for all constituents in a letter addressed to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. Senator Edwin Sifuna stands alongside both outgoing Mayor of Derry City, Patricia Logue, and incoming Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr. "This is a reflection on Lillian's outstanding achievements as a human rights activist, her work for the entire community and her unstinting dedicati...