Category: News

 

By Samuel Owino.

President William Ruto issued his first state of the nation address at the parliament on Wednesday, November 9, 2023.

The address has come 14 months after he was sworn to office to address the nation on what the government, under his control, has done for the past one year. This is according to the constitution that requires him to deliver an address at least once a year.

The president commented on the projects that the government is handling according to the bottom up agenda and he is confident that they are on the right path.

He noted that the hustler fund, launched on 30^th November 2022, is helping Kenyans settle loans and fund their small business enterprises.

“We committed to provide affordable and accessible credit and restore small business owners to good standing with credit rating agencies,”

Dr. William Ruto, commented on fertilizer subsidy. He said that the cost of fertilizer for farmers has decreased from 6500 shillings to 2500 shillings. He says that as a result of these interventions, a two kilogram packet of flour ranges from 145 to 175 shillings according to the brand bought and a gorogoro of maize costs between 60 and 75 shillings.

On affordable housing, the president noted that the construction of 47,000 houses is underway and another 40,000 to commence in the coming weeks.

During an interview on Citizen television, the Attorney General, Justin Muturi, was asked on the rise in cost of a marriage certificate, he said that he was also surprised and that a lot of consultation is happening. “Kenyans have been heard and they should have faith” he said.

By Janet Wambua

 

In recent years, Jimmy Donaldson, alias MrBeast, a popular YouTuber and philanthropist, has made headlines worldwide for his extraordinary acts of charity and generosity. Known for orchestrating grand gestures like giving away cars or building elaborate houses for the homeless, MrBeast’s philanthropic efforts have inspired many.

 

However, his latest project in Kenya is shining a light on a different aspect of his generosity and is prompting Kenyans to question the government’s commitment to providing essential services.

 

MrBeast’s latest endeavor in Kenya revolves around the construction of about 52 boreholes to provide clean and accessible drinking water to underserved communities. Unlike his previous high-profile projects, this one has been notably discreet.

 

Boreholes were drilled in locations like Toroplongon, which is part of the Keiyo South Constituency in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, as well as Nairiri in Tigania West within Meru County.

 

During the exhilarating 10-minute video on his YouTube channel, a captivating moment unfolds as the boreholes are being completed. Notably, the philanthropic team also undertakes an impressive array of activities to uplift local schools. They introduce state-of-the-art computers, refresh classrooms with new furnishings, set up storage shelves stocked with new fresh books, generously donate soccer balls to students, and even install modern whiteboards and projectors.

 

He recently took to the X platform and shared about his initiative. He did, however, also candidly express his concerns about the possibility of facing backlash or cancellation for his actions.

 

“I already know I’m gonna get canceled because I uploaded a video helping people, and to be 100% clear, I don’t care. I’m always going to use my channel to help people and try to inspire my audience to do the same,” he wrote.

 

The Kenyan government has frequently promised to address the country’s water crisis by building boreholes and improving access to clean drinking water. However, the reality on the ground often falls short of these grand promises. Many Kenyan communities still lack access to safe drinking water, with the government’s efforts appearing insufficient at best and insincere at worst.

 

MrBeast’s quiet actions have terribly exposed the government’s “bare minimum” approach to addressing the water crisis in the country. While Kenyan politicians make speeches and issue press releases about their commitment to improving access to clean water, it often seems like their actions do not align with their words.

 

However, MrBeast’s silent philanthropy in Kenya has triggered a significant online conversation within the country. Kenyans are now taking to social media platforms to express their frustration with the government’s perceived inadequacies. They question why a foreign philanthropist can quietly and effectively address a pressing issue while their elected officials fail to do so transparently and efficiently.

 

“The thing is, these things are possible. Kujenga barabara, digging up boreholes, building schools etc. Development can actually happen in 1 year,” one wrote.

 

“Great initiative from Mr Beast. Although this is humiliating in a governance perspective. Why don’t school children and hospitals have access to boreholes. These are the most basic forms of water access. Yaani borehole tunachimbiwa na YouTubers.”

 

Another X user said; “52 wells, A bridge, projectors, computers, Desks that’s what MR Beast Singlehandedly did for Kenya, am sure he did more kushinda Kenye imefanywa na governors wote hii mwaka.”

 

Kenyans’ vocal criticism of the government’s perceived inaction shows that they are eager for change and expect their leaders to fulfill their promises.

 

As this story continues to gain traction online, it remains to be seen whether the Kenyan government will take notice and take more concrete actions to address the water crisis in the country. Regardless of the outcome, I believe MrBeast’s actions in Kenya have already left a lasting impression, encouraging others to scrutinize the actions of their governments and advocate for change when necessary.

By Janet Wambua

 

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kithure Kidniki, has announced an extraordinary day of action. November 13, 2023, will be a public holiday to encourage widespread participation in a nationwide tree-planting campaign.

 

This remarkable initiative is part of President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to grow 10 billion trees by 2032. In a bid to address the pressing issue of Climate Change, and restore the nation’s ecosystems.

 

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Monday, 13^th November, 2023, a public holiday in which the public shall be engaged in tree growing countrywide,” as detailed in part of the notice.

 

Professor Kindiki, in an official gazette notice issued on November 6, stated that the President,(Dr.) William Samoei Ruto, would take the lead in this significant tree-planting initiative. It’s not just a one-location event, the tree planting initiative will span across all 47 counties, with Cabinet Secretaries and Governors presiding over the ceremonies with the expectation that every Kenyan Citizen will actively participate.

 

“The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme–Towards the Growing of Fifteen (15) billion trees. There will be a designated National venue for the tree planting presided over by His Excellency (Dr.) William Samoei Ruto.”

The decision to declare November 13 a public holiday stems from the Cabinet’s gathering in Mombasa on November 3, 2023, where the urgent need to combat the devastating impacts of climate change was discussed and acknowledged.

 

While it’s a day for environmental action, this unique holiday is a chance for all Kenyans to contribute to the country’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, aiming to grow a total of fifteen billion trees.

 

In a bid to make Kenya a greener place, come November 13,2023, Kenyans will come together to enhance their nation’s environmental sustainability, planting trees one at a time.

By Samuel Owino.

The fate of the besieged Meru governor, Kawira Mwangaza, will be decided by the senate plenary instead of the senate committee.
This came after a heated afternoon session on Tuesday in which a motion to create a senate committee was defeated.
“The impeachment motion against Kawira Mwangaza, Governor of Meru County, brought to the Senate by the County Assembly of Meru will be heard and determined by way of a Plenary,” ruled Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

The motion to have a senate committee was moved by Narok senator, Ledama Ole Kina. He argued that the committee way was better for the governor and her people, and thorough.
“I don’t care how people will vote but I want to pass with you that a committee route will give you and myself an opportunity to read a report already investigated by the committee,” Ole Kina proposed.
The proposed 11 member committee would have included; Boni Khalawale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated), Ali Roba (Mandera), Peris Tobiko (Nominated), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Abdul Haji (Garissa), Okiya Omtatah (Busia), Crystal Asike (Nominated) and Shakila Abdala (Nominated).
On the other hand, led by Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot opposed the motion to have a senate committee and instead voted for the plenary way. In a plenary, the governor will defend herself before all the senators.

“There is no method that is better than the other and anybody trying to peddle that kind of argument in my opinion, Mr Speaker, is misleading the House. I say this as a ranking member,” Aaron Cheruiyot says.
The governor faces seven charges levelled against her that will take ten day trial period.
Should the senate uphold the motion, Kawira shall cease to hold office. According to section 182 of the Constitution, if a vacancy occurs, the deputy governor shall assume office for the remainder of Mwangaza’s term.