Omanyala suffers second defeat, finishing behind Jamaican rival in Italy PG 29 Rigathi hits out at Opposition as he opens ASK show Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi (in green shirt), and KPA board chair Benjamin Tayari (far right) join traditional dancers at the Mombasa showground where he presided over the opening of the Mombasa International ASK show yesterday. The show has attracted over 160 local and international exhibitors this year. Gachagua waded into the debate over whether Opposition politicians should recognise President William Ruto or not, arguing that those who do not are living in denial. - DPCS STORY PAGE 6 NO. Friday, September 8, 2023 www.pd.co.ke // www.epaper.pd.co.ke 07894 Finance law in the balance: Supreme Court will this morning make far-reaching ruling on whether KRA can continue collecting revenue as directed by Treasury in ground-breaking petition filed by Senator Omtatah. What will this mean? PAGES 4-5 To tax or not? All eyes on judges Kenya’s Newspaper NO1. FREE Give us 11 counties now, minorities tell Bomas talks team News >>Pg 2 Senator Okiya Omtatah Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u
2 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 Boundary review in focus as legislators call for 11 counties by Mercy Mwai and Rawlings Otieno @PeopleDailyKe The battle for boundary review has commenced with some 26 MPs calling for creation of additional 11 counties in the devolved structure of governance. The lawmakers argued that the existing boundaries, which provisionally adopted districts as counties, have inadvertently led to economic, social and political marginalization. Led by Additional Counties caucus chairman Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East), the lawmakers want the creation of Kuria, Teso, Mount Elgon, East Pokot, Mwingi, Gucha, Suba, Ijara, Nakuru West, Wajir South and Nyambene counties. This means that should the proposal be passed and adopted by Kenyans, there will be 58 devolved units. In a Memorandum presented to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), the 26 lawmakers argued that the Committee of Experts (CoE) provisionally adopted delineate in 1992 as the 47 proposed counties, emphasizing their role as lawfully recognized administrative units under the District and Provinces Act. The clamour for additional counties comes after MPs approved a report of the Budget and Appropriation Committee (BAC) that proposed a Sh7.9 billion allocation to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). “We conclude that the provision of the initial 47 devolved units was not final but a basis for starting a new dispensation pending a more deliberative, consultative and rationalized delimitation process for administrative units,” said Kitayama. Proposed framework According to the caucus, by expanding the number of counties, the proposed framework aims to enhance representation, foster inclusivity, strengthen Local governance and promote economic equity. Yesterday, after submitting the Memorandum to NADCO, Kitayama argued that If the proposal be passed and adopted by Kenyans, there will be 58 devolved units the creation of additional counties presents a compelling solution to mitigate the effects of marginalization. “We recognize that the provisional adoption of districts as Counties has resulted in economic, social and political marginalization. This has led to unequal access to political processes, restricted access to resources and inadequate service delivery, which undermines the promotion of national unity and inclusivity,” said Kitayama. He went on: “We urge the National Dialogue Committee to support the proposal to delineate 11 additional counties of Kuria, Teso, Mount Elgon, East Pokot, Mwingi, Gucha, Suba, Ijara, Nakuru West, Wajir South and Nyambene as a means to address critical constitutional matters.” Proposed parameters Teso South MP Mary Emase proposed that parameters need to be put in place to determine the counties that will be added. “We know many would want to have additional counties and that is why we are proposing that parameters that will guide this process be put in place. To this effect I want to say that we have submitted out petition before the committee because we believe that this is the time we need a review of our boundaries,” said Emase Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said that in the initial constitutional making proves, some of the deserving areas were left out yet they have so many constituencies under. He claimed that some counties in Nyanza were actually short-changed as the initial proposal had Kuria and Suba as counties. “We make a call for the future and that is why we want a review of our boundaries. The 47 counties were actually provisional and now the time is right for us to do the right thing,” he said. The MPs further argued that the Constitution outlines recognition of diversity, the right of communities to manage their own affairs and further development and the promotion of the interests and rights of minorities and marginalized communities as foundational objectives of devolution. “All the elements must be balanced into equipoise when determining the establishment of counties,” reads part of the referendum. The caucus argued that the constitution does not expressly provide that ethnicity should be a factor that informs the demarcation for the boundaries of the counties, adding that the boundaries of the counties were demarcated along the boundaries of former districts which were based mainly on the colonial districts that were demarcated along ethnic lines. “Despite a decade having passed since the promulgation of the Constitution, certain communities continue to experience marginalization on various fronts. Marginalization is characterized by systematic exclusion and limited participation, resulting in unequal access to resources, services and opportunities. MPs Caroli Omondi of Suba South, Kuria East’s Marwa Kitayama (centre) and Mary Emaase (Teso South) address a press conference on the creation of 11 new counties yesterday. PD/ KENNA CLAUDE Worldcoin automatically deleted all data mined, CEO says by Anthony Mwangi @PeopleDailyKe All images and data mined by American firm Worldcoin were automatically deleted after registration, its directors told MPs yesterday. Tool for Humanity, a firm mandated to conduct business for Worldcoin in Kenya Chief Executive Steve Blania (pictured) told the lawmakers that the scanning of iris was necessary as it was the best way to distinguish individuals. It also emerged that the Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kasait had revoked the licence to Worldcoin. Appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee of the National Assembly probing the firm’s operations in the country, Blania revealed that part of the data collected was stored in the blockchains in South Africa and Italy. “We do not seek to harvest data and monetise it. The agenda is to protect privacy. Our goal is not to create an environment that identifies the user,” he told the committee. “Images of a person’s iris are immediately deleted from the orb device. It is the nature of the AI models that we need data to train the model to distinguish people,” said company lawyer Thomas Scott. The information contradicts Communication Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezra Chiloba who had told the committee that the data was stored in Amazon, USA. The Ad Hoc committee is investigating whether there were any unlawful operations of the company which has been accused of mining data from Kenyans. In yesterday’s edition of the People Daily, we erroneously reported that Members of the Kiambu County Assembly rejected a Sh21 billion budget presented by Governor Kimani Wamatangi. We have since established that the MCAs walked out of the chamber, frustrating debate on the Finance Bill, which outlines the county’s tax measures. The mix-up is regretted. Tens of youths in Naivasha are set to book their slots in the military after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ceased to consider teeth discoloration criteria, which has in the past locked out many from joining the military. For years, youths from Naivasha were turned away by recruitment officers due to their discoloured teeth caused by high concentrations of fluoride in major water sources in the area. However, according to Lt. Colonel Pius Leshan, the officer in charge of the recruitment, all the youths who met all the physical, mental, age, and academic requirements will be considered to join the service. Leshan said no recruit was turned away because of their teeth’s discoloration, but a section of them were disqualified due to missing teeth or decayed cavities, among other criteria such as mismatch in identity names, lack of original certificates, age, height, and physical anomalies. The Lt. Colonel said the service had tightened its noose on corruption loopholes such as bribery, noting that all those who turned up for consideration into cadet and service member units would be subject to scrutiny and verification to ensure fairness. “KDF conducts a thorough security and identity check on all the recruits to tame infiltration into the service by indoctrinated officers with ill intentions for the country,” said Leshan. soluptas voluptibus dendanto int eictur, sequae net ulloribusae sit, to estota quo dolorem comnimus. - KNA Joy for tens of youth as KDF drop teeth tint Caroli omondi We make a call for the future and that is why we want a review of our boundaries. CLARIFICATION WORLD NEWS Page 19 Crisis point as 5 million displaced by Sudan strife OPINION Page 11 Ketraco infrastructure key to climate change shocks POINTERS WEATHER TODAY Nairobi 21° Mombasa 29° Kisumu 28° Nyeri 21° Kitui 26° Wajir 36°
by PD Reporter @PeopleDailyKe Kenyan students shone in a continental essay writing competition on nuclear power in Africa’s future and her efforts to attain two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Kenyan students were feted for excelling on SDG numbers seven and nine on access to clean and affordable energy, and promotion of sustainable industrialisation. Organised by RePlanet Africa, a grassroots NGO that advocates for science-based solutions to the challenges of present time, the competition that sought to ignite a dialogue on and encourage innovative thinking regarding nuclear energy, saw two Kenyans among the top winners. At event held on Monday evening on the sidelines of the Climate Summit in Nairobi, Mike Felix Okoth Ochieng’, a fifth year student of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology picked the top honours. Sandra Olang’o, a fourth year student of BSc in Radiography at JKUAT came fifth. The other three were Connor Dalen, a first year student of Physical Sciences at the University of Pretoria in South Africa was the first runners-up and Chiahanam Joseph, a 5th year student of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria came in as the second runners-up. Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya recorded the highest entries at 38, 36 and 33 respectively. Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 3 services,” he said. That is how on July 13, 2016, Swahili Village unveiled its first restaurant in Beltsville, Maryland, and it marked the beginning of the restaurant’s journey, focused on offering not only food and drinks but also authentic African experiences. However, Swahili Village goes beyond just serving food. “We call ourselves the true taste of Kenya,” he says. Kenya’s strength is in serving and this has led us to a place where we transcend into America which is service oriented. And food service is a big thing in America”. Swahili Village aims to connect people with African culture and its richness. It offers cuisines not commonly found in African restaurants, distinguishing itself by introducing Kenyan delicacies like nyama choma (marinated goat meat or beef) to American diners. To make it a unique African offering, he also offers the popular jollof rice with a twist of Kenyan flavours. In 2020, the Washington DC branch was by Fred Aminga @PeopleDailyKe Had the hand of fate not intervened, Kevin Onyona would have ended up as a priest, serving spiritual nourishment to his congregation. However, he found himself a girlfriend… and she invited him to the US, where he now runs an African-themed restaurant. And that is where his journey first into entrepreneurship and later into the food business started some time in 1999. Today, he is more of a connoisseur of African cuisines and cultural ambassador, thanks to his passion for serving African dishes through his restaurant, Swahili Village. The investor, who is currently in Kenya, says he is seeking partnerships from cooperatives that can export traditional vegetables and foodstuffs to the US. As long as the suppliers can pass the stringent tests and meet specified import requirements, they have a window of opportunity to leverage the growing demand in the US for Kenyan food. “We are talking to cooperatives in Kericho and Kakamega on how they can scale and ensure these products satisfy us and the greater Kenyan community in the USA,” he says. After leaving his aspirations of priesthood behind, Kevin delved into a sales career, initially in Kenya with Associated Motors and General Motors before relocating to Maryland to join Home Depot. But it is his passion for the hospitality sector that saw him ignite a flame after enduring below average services at African restaurants. Kevin’s “aha” moment occurred when he realised that African restaurants were lacking in both hospitality and culture. His wife encouraged him to stop complaining and create a unique offering that met his high standards. This led to the birth of the Swahili Village concept, which was solidified during a family dinner outing in Maryland. Fuelled by the desire to create a dining experience that combined fine cuisine with clean facilities, Kevin who was working as a sales executive at Home Depot, quit for the unknown, driven by the aspiration to offer something unique from the existing African restaurant landscape in Maryland. “I went about it with the knowledge that if you turn around a space and make it more desirable, you are halfway there,” he said. Kevin says he was lucky to have been entrusted with money from friends and families, coupled with his savings to start his first restaurant in Maryland. Ugali omena Without any formal culinary training, the self-taught chef who was inspired by the memories of his grandmother’s cooking, particularly her fish dishes, hit the road running. Despite his culinary skills, however, he recognized the need for expertise in running a restaurant. So he hired a consultant. “The mistake most Africans make is that we just wake up one morning and start making food and call it a business,” he quips, noting that the work of the consultant was to guide him in navigating the restaurant business. I was cooking food like ugali with omena which the chef didn’t relate with. But he prepared Kevin on finer details such as making orders according to the traffic of the day or when to order, the amount of order among others. “I paid him for his services for three years. After four years, he came to me and told me that I was qualified to be called a chef. It was like doing a course in culinary Chef takes Kenya culture to the US restaurant scene Swahili Village serves authentic African dishes and experiences through several outlets Kevin Onyona who runs the Swahili Village restaurant in the United States. PD/ROBIN KISAVI Kenyan students excel at climate action essay writing competition SWAHILI VILLAGE On July 13, 2016, Swahili Village unveiled its first restaurant in Beltsville, Maryland. The restaurant offers dishes not commonly found in African restaurants, distinguishing itself by introducing Kenyan delicacies like nyama choma opened then then President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced temporary closures, but Kevin says he used the downtime to renovate and reopen the restaurant in 2020. Although challenged by remote working trends affecting the nearby workforce, Swahili Village was determined to thrive. Further, he envisions the possibility of growing beyond the current brand and aspires to open more branches across the United States, aiming to introduce even more people to the richness of Kenyan culture and cuisine. Kevin plans to open other outlets in New Jersey, Atlanta and California. The plan is to open a branch every financial year. Foot traffic Now an established brand that already promotes Kenya through food and culture, he says that Americans and other nationalities who visit his restaurant can be converted to tourists for Kenya. “It’s important to note that currently each location has 5,000 foot prints per week, which accounts for 15,000 people per week or an estimated 60,000 per month. The average ticket spend (ATS) is between $50 to $100,” Kevin notes. Kevin wagers that if the brand can manage to convert the footprints to Swahili Culture into potential tourists to Kenya, even at 10 per cent per annum, this can go a long way towards supporting the Kenyan tourism circuit. Asked about a case in which he has been sued for violating Washington DC’s minimum wage law and other worker protections, Kevin says the case was being handled by his lawyers. The matter is in relation to tips that Swahili Village ought to have paid employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mike Okoth Ochieng the overall winner of essay contest receives laptop from Nema vice chair Sophie Takaria. PD/COURTESY
by Nancy Gitonga @PeopleDailyKe All eyes will be at the Supreme Court today as judges rule on whether they will reinstate temporary orders blocking the government from implementing the Finance Act, 2023 pending the hearing of a lawsuit challenging its legality. The judges, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, are expected to decide an appeal by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and three other activists who are seeking to set aside the orders by the Court of Appeal that reinstated the provisions of the Finance Act, 2023. The appellate court had disagreed with the High Court, which had suspended the implementation of the tax measures as proposed in the Finance Act, which President William Ruto signed into law in June. In a communique to all parties in the case, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Letizia Wachira, said that the judges will deliver their decision on the application by Omtatah today at 10am. “Take notice that the ruling on this matter (between Omtatah and three others versus the Cabinet Secretary Treasury and 10 others) will be determined via email on Friday September 8, 2023 at 10am before the Supreme Court of Kenya,” Wachira said. The Supreme Court decision today comes after all parties including the Attorney General Justin Muturi and Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, National Assembly and Senate and KRA filed their written submissions on whether the court should reinstate the High Court orders barring National Treasury’s plan to raise more taxes to implement the Sh3.6 trillion budget pending the determination of the Omtatah’s suit. The Senator has pleaded with the Supreme Court to suspend orders of the Court of Appeal that set the stage for the implementation of the Finance Act. The appellate court lifted the suspension on July 28 which had been stayed by the High Court on June 30. While lifting the orders, appellete court Justices Mohammed Warsame, Kathurima M’Inoti and Hellen Omondi ruled that the Finance Act has a life span of 90 days beyond which the next budgetary cycle is set in motion. “We have no doubt in our mind that the Finance Act and the Appropriation Act are interdependent. While the former provides for generation of the funds, the latter provides for the expenditure. There can be no expenditure where the mode of generation of the funds has not been provided for,” the judges said. Aggrieved by the move Omtatah moved to the Apex Court contending that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to interfere with the orders that the High Court had issued halting the implementation of the Act. Irreparable harm “Unless the Court of Appeal’s Ruling and Orders made on July 28, 2023 are suspended, the hearing and determination of the amended petition by a three-judge bench in the High Court will be a mere academic exercise,” says Omtatah. While seeking the suspension of the act by the Supreme Court, Omtatah says it will be impossible to undo the damage caused by continuous implementation of the Finance Act once they successfully demonstrate to the Court how Kenyans were subjected to an unconstitutional tax regime. According to the Senator, Kenyan taxpayers are being subjected to losses that cannot be remedied should the Petition pending in the High Court succeed. “Kenyan taxpayers will be subjected 4 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 Supreme Court set to rule on fate of controversial tax law to irreparable harm should the Petition pending in the High Court succeed and it is demonstrated that they were subjected to an unconstitutional tax regime,” says Omtatah. Treasury CS Ndung’u argued before the court that the government lost half a billion shillings daily following the suspension of the Act. Ndung’u has urged the Apex court not to uphold the Court of Appeal decision that allowed the government to further implement new taxes law. Through lawyer Githu Muigai, Ndung’u’s together with the Attorney General Justin Muturi to the Apex court that the reinstatement of the orders by the court will create a budgetary crisis to the country. “When the orders suspending the implementation of the new law had been in force the same crippled the government operations in terms of revenue collections and the state was not able to withdraw funds from the consolidated funds. Kindly do not reinstate the same,” Githu told the Apex court judges in his written submissions. The Apex court ruling comes days before the hearing of the main suit filed at the High Court seeking to declare the Finance Act 2023 null and void and unconstitutional on Wednesday next week (September 13, 2023). Justices David Majanja, Christine Meoli and Lawrence Mugambi of the High Court set the hearing date of the petition on August 7, 2023 following a pre-trial conference. Should taxman continue to collect revenue or not? That is the question before top court judges this morning Apex court to deliver verdict on LGBTQ groups registration dispute by Nancy Gitonga @PeopleDailyKe The Supreme Court is today expected to hand down a major ruling on whether it will reverse its earlier decision compelling the government to officially register gay and lesbian lobby groups. The ruling comes after Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma lodged a review application at the court seeking to have the judgment delivered on February 24, 2023 overturning the government’s refusal to register the groups associated with same-sex relationships set aside. He is aggrieved by the court’s finding that “just like everyone else, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) persons have a right to freedom of association which includes the right to form an association of any kind”. In a communication to Kaluma dated September 4, Supreme Court Registrar Letizia Wachira stated; “Take note that the ruling in this matter will be delivered via e-mail on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10am before the Supreme Court of Kenya,” she said. The contested judgment was delivered by a majority of three judges against two. The majority judges, Philomena Mwilu, Smokin Wanjala and Njoki Ndung’u ruled in favour of the LGBTQ groups and dismissed the government’s appeal to disallow registration. Promote illegalities While allowing the registration of the groups, Justices Mwilu, Ndung’u and Wanjala argued that the constitution guarantees the right and freedom to associate and that it was discriminatory for NGO Coordination Board to reject the application of LGBTQ groups for registration based on sexual orientation. The judges also noted that the government through the NGO Coordination Board had condemned members of the LGBTQ fraternity unheard by refusing to register them. Justices William Ouko and Mohamed Ibrahim, in their dissenting opinion, noted there was no point in registering an organization that would promote illegalities. According to Kaluma, the Supreme Court “by its judgment usurped the sovereign power of the people of Kenya and purported to amend Article 27(4) of the Constitution without reference to the people”. “The Supreme Court insidiously usurped the legislative role and authority of Parliament as stipulated under Article 94(5) of the Constitution,” he adds. Supreme Court judges Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (deputy Chief Justice), Martha Koome (Chief Justice), Mohammed Ibrahim, Njoki Ndung’u and William Ouko at a past event. PD/FILE by Nancy Gitonga @PeopleDailyKe Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (below) is not a lawyer by profession, but many see him as the country’s public defender number one because he has filed some of the biggest public interest cases that have shaped the economic and political landscape. His quest for a just society has seen him get into trouble with law enforcers, some of who see him as a vexatious litigant. But this does not stop his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fighting corruption. Before he was elected as the Senator of Busia last year, Omtatah was human rights activist who has been a thorn in the flesh of the Government for years. Following his election, many people thought he would slow down in suing and questioning the government over its decisions and actions but Omtatah has remained true to his beliefs as he did not relent his commitment to fight for obedience to the rule of law. Some see him as a hero while to others he is a villain and a gun for hire. He is to many perhaps the last line of defence against the persons or institutions seeking to contravene the law of the land as well as the proverbial cat among the pigeons having been elected into office. In the recent past, Omtatah has been the talk of town after engaging in a fierce court battle with the government over the implementation of the controversial Finance Act 2023, and the collection of new taxes. The Senator challenged the legality of the new tax law introduced by Kenya Kwanza administration days after President William Ruto had pleaded with him not to do so during a tour of Busia county. Omtatah: Defender of the people or too litigious? GITHU MUIGAI When orders suspending implementation of the new law had been in force the same crippled operations
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 5 by PD Team @PeopleDailyKe The government will be hoping the Court of Appeal today, for the second time, will throw out a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Finance Act 2023 to allow it continue collecting extra revenues smoothly. The new tax law, primarily viewed as hard-hitting to households and businesses, seeks to collect a staggering Sh2.6 trillion in ordinary taxes for the current financial year to support core obligations like supporting the government’s growth agenda and paying off debts. Should the court fail to throw out the petition, the only setback to the Kenya Kwanza administration will be the extra Sh460 billion in revenue targeted through the new tax measures under contention. The National Treasury tasked the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to collect Sh2.6 trillion in ordinary revenue for 2023/24, which is Sh460 billion more compared to the Sh2.14 trillion target in the previous year that ended in June 2023. “It will only affect on the incremental bit. The Finance Act just affects very few sections, and effectively, the suspension will not stop the government from collecting the revenue. Those amendments that are carried in the current Finance Act are the only ones which will not be effective,” says Caleb Mokaya, Finance and Tax committee member at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Among the tax proposals likely to be scrapped if the court rule in favour of the petitioner includes the highly-disputed housing levy set at 1.5 per cent of every worker’s gross monthly salary. Further at risk is the income tax amendment, which introduced higher tax bands of 35 per cent for high-income earners with salary exceeding Sh800,000 per month. Those earning between Sh500,000 and Sh800,00 are now being deducted Pay-AsYou-Earn (PAYE) at a 32.5 per cent rate. But one of the most significant tax policies whose abolishment will hit the government revenue ambition is the 16 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on fuel that risks being revised downwards to the previous eight per cent rate. Collect taxes “The Act 2023 in itself is not a standalone Act. So, the provisions in those substantive Acts will continue to be in force, and the government will continue to collect taxes as if the Finance Act (2023) never existed. The government was collecting tax prior to the current Finance Act,” adds Mokaya. Other fresh amendments in the Act are a 17.5 per cent Export and Investment Promotion Levy, a 10 per cent export levy, and a three per cent Digital Service Tax (DST). KRA defines the digital service tax as anything identifiable that is created and stored digitally and has or provides value. HUNTING FOR TAX KRA was more aggressive in its quest to meet the previous year’s target of Sh2.273 trillion, a figure it still missed by Sh107 billion when the year closed in June. The regime wants to ride on these aggressive measures to sustain a month-on-month rise in collections. KRA is now using technology to intensify hunting its share from investment gains, betting companies, rental property, and VAT, which is often placed on selected supplied or imported goods such as fuel. What Finance Act ruling means for the State The Government hopes the court throws out the petition, allowing them an extra Sh460b in revenue National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu addresses the press in the past. PD/FILE These three levies became effective this month in the second round of the Act’s implementation, affecting several products, including steel, cement, digital economy, paper, entertainers, and content creators. The taxes have the potential to increase the cost of production and reduce the profits for those operating. KRA has been collecting some of the taxes since July despite the court injunctions. “The abolishing will have a significant impact on revenue depending on which sections are abolished,” says Robert Waweru, tax policy expert at Ichiban Tax and Advisory firm. The High Court had on June 30 temporarily suspended the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023, which doubled the VAT, but the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) still went ahead to affect the tax. The Court of Appeal has since allowed implementation of the Act, but Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah appealed the decision, which now awaits final determination today. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu disclosed that the government was losing about Sh500 million a day due to the initial temporary court injunction. But Kenyans and businesses are also at risk of being handed a blow by the suspension of the Act, especially regarding sections touching on the State’s attempts to reduce the cost of cooking gas and offer tax reliefs. For instance, the one-year amnesty relief on interest and penalties up to December 2022 might be affected if the section is scrapped under the tax procedure.
6 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 & Company advocates, Ojienda told ODM to provide him with various documents including the Resolution by the ODM NEC to expel him, the recommendation by the ODM Disciplinary Tribunal to expel him, the minutes of the meetings held by ODM NEC, Central Committee, and National Elections Board with regard to his expulsion as well as the typed proceedings of the ODM Disciplinary Tribunal with regard to the matter. Reads the letter: “We note that despite this being an extremely adverse decision against our client, you have not yet issued any communication to him in person with regard to his expulsion. In light of the above, we are writing to request that you immediately issue us with the following documents.” Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has also indicated he will challenge the NEC’s decision at the PPDT. Comedian cum politician Felix Odiwuor on his part shared an old image of him carrying evidence boxes to the Supreme Court, when Azimio la Umoja was challenging President William Ruto’s election in court. “No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it. CORINTHIANS 10:13,” the Langata lawmaker said. by Mercy Mwai and Barak Oduor @PeopleDailyKe The five MPs expelled from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday remained defiant over the move with some of them threatening to appeal the said decision in the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal. Speaking separately, the MPs said that the decision of the party will not interfere with their mandate as they vowed to continue serving their constituents. The ODM’s National Executive Council on Monday resolved to expel Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator), Felix Odiwour (Langata MP), Caroli Omondi (Suba South MP), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo MP), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem MP) over gross misconduct. The five expelled MPs are among eight opposition lawmakers who have been selling the Kenya Kwanza agenda despite Azimio’s stand that they do not recognise Ruto as President. The others include Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who was directed to pay a fine of Sh250,000 to the party, Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Mark Nyamita (Uriri)who were reprimanded and fined Sh1 million each to be paid within sixty days. The party accused the members of violating Article 11(1) (e) of the party constitution and Section 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political party and opposing lawful decisions/resolutions made by the party organs. “The NEC has resolved to expel Hon Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Sen Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Hon Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Hon Felix Odiwuor (Langata), and Hon Caroli Omondi (Suba South) for defying party position and gross misconduct. The party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party,” ODM said in a statement. But yesterday Ojienda, Omondi, Odiwuor and Ochanda said that they are not shaken and are still serving their constituents. Ojienda who was the first to speak on Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda Langata MP Felix Odiwuor Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo Suba South MP Caroli Omondi Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris Defiant expelled Orange MPs fight to retain their positions Legislators say the party decision will not interfere with their mandate as they threaten to appeal the matter said that he does not regret aligning with the government of the day, and will continue to do so despite being kicked out by the opposition party on whose ticket he clinched the Senate seat. “My party has today expelled me for working with President William Ruto. I have no apology and will continue to work with the President,” Ojienda wrote on social networking site X, formerly twitter. Singled out Speaking in a local vernacular radio station, Ojienda wondered why the Party singled them out while several of elected leaders in the party including Party Leader are meeting with the President. According to him, it was discriminatory to single them out when many MPs, Governors elected on Azimio ticket have even close dalliance with the government of the day. He defended his close links with President Ruto’s administration insisting that is the only way to win development for the region. “We don’t have an apology for working with the President because we are working with the government for the sake of development in the region,” he said. And immediately he was done, his law firm, Prof Tom Ojienda and Associates wrote to the ODM NEC Chairperson requesting for proceedings with respect to his expulsion. In his letter that was also copied to Havi by Mercy Mwai @wangumarci MPs are set to convene for a special sitting next Thursday to consider President William Ruto’s nominees for the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Chairman of the board of Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The lawmakers will debate the report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that vetted Renson Mulele Ingonga for the position of DPP and that of Finance and National Planning and the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget on that vetted former Jubilee Party National Elections Board (NEB) Andrew Musangi for the position of CBK chairman. This came even as MPs of both committees, who did not want to be named, said members would unanimously approve the nominees. The lawmakers will also consider the Joint Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the Memorandum by the National Treasury and Economic Planning on Action Plans to Revive and Commercialise Five State- Owned Sugar Companies. This follows a request by the National Treasury to write off loans and tax penalties worth Sh117.64 billion accrued by the five sugar companies namely Nzoia Sugar Company, Chemelil Sugar Company, Miwani and Muhoroni sugar companies currently under receivership and South Nyanza Sugar Company. Under receivership Already the joint committees have been conducting stakeholder engagement in western and Nyanza region as part of its efforts to clear the way for the government to revive the said companies. The special sitting came after speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula (pictured) said he had accepted a request from the Leader of Majority Kimani Ichungwa to have the sitting. Said Wetangula: “Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 29(1) relating to Special Sittings of the National Assembly, I have received and acceded to the request from the Leader of the Majority Party for the National Assembly to hold Special Sittings on Thursday, September 14, 2023,” he said. House to have special sitting Thursday to deliberate on Ruto nominees EXPELLED The ODM’s National Executive Council on Monday resolved to expel Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator), Felix Odiwour (Langata MP), Caroli Omondi (Suba South MP), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo MP), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem MP) over gross misconduct. The five expelled MPs are among eight opposition lawmakers who have been selling the Kenya Kwanza agenda. by Harrison Kivisu @PeopleDailyKe Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (pictured) has slammed a section of Azimio leaders who he said were doubtful about President William Ruto leadership and asked them to stop living in denial. A section of Azimio leaders has vowed not to recognise President Ruto legitimacy following the disputed presidential elections in August 2022. But according to Gachagua, Kenya will continue to be the voice of unity through the sound leadership President Ruto. “We want to congratulate our president for showing sound leadership and uniting Africa in the just concluded climate change conference in Nairobi, Africa is united because of our unity that has seen the president respected globally,” said Gachagua. Speaking in Mombasa after officially opening the Agricultural society of Kenya ASK show Gachagua, without mentioning names said leaders should know the country has a legitimate president who is respected by the world. Global leader “And we want to ask our local leaders in the country to see how the president has been respected by other leaders in Africa and the globe. The few leaders who are still in doubt, should know that president Ruto is now a global leader,” said Gachagua. The deputy president who read president’s speech during the opening of the ASK show in Mombasa, he reiterated the government’s commitment to lower the cost of living that has continued to hit Kenyans hard. He said the government will continue to support farmers with fertiliser subsidies and allowing the continued importation of duty free maize, rice sugar and raw materials for livestock. Respect the president, DP tells section of Azimio leaders
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 7 by Milliam Murigi @millymur1 Over 500 civil society organisations have rejected the African Leaders’ Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change which heads of State and government adopted on Wednesday. Speaking while launching the People’s Declaration to counter the official declaration of the summit, the organisations said that the meeting failed to deliver on African solutions for a clean energy future. They argued that though the overarching sentiments during summit were about how the continent has become a hub for clean energy and a leader in low-carbon economy-based development, the main concern is about the agenda on false solutions such as carbon markets, carbon credits and the use of technology as a viable alternative to phasing out harmful fossil fuels. Extraction hub These concepts, according to them, are informed by the interests of the Global North and are being marketed as African priorities when in reality they will embolden wealthy nations and large corporations to continue polluting Africa. “The Declaration insists that Africa has a chance to be part of the solution with its renewable energy potential. African civil society has known this and has been demanding a 100 per cent renewable future for Africa. At the same time, we see that Africa has been and is currently still being used as an extraction hub for gas and other fossils to close energy gaps in the Global North,” said Thuli Makama, Africa Senior Advisor, Oil Change International. According to him, the declaration also mentions biodiversity hotspots, but these areas are not being spared in the quest for more oil and gas by the fossil fuel industry. He said deltas in Namibia and Senegal are set to become regions of environmental degradation and human rights violations just like the Niger Delta after it was pummeled by oil extraction. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is cutting through trans boundary protected sites, he added. False solutions “The Declaration of the African Climate Summit barely escaped living up to its billing as a carbon stock exchange jamboree. It is loaded with platitudes pandering to worn ideas of the carbon market, green growth and the so-called land degradation neutrality and other false solutions. “The declaration is an open route for green colonialism that could render the continent a vast carbon sink and experimental grounds for polluting nations and corporations. It makes no mention of the need for the payment of climate debt, a key source of climate finance,” said Nnimmo Bassey, Founder, and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF). According to Bassey, civil society organisations were particularly shocked that despite the declaration acknowledging that 60 per cent of the population are small-scale farmers, very little is said about supporting them and nothing is said of enhancing the practice of agroecology, which Activists fault African leaders on climate talks CONCERNS OF LOBBY GROUPS Activists say resolutions reached in Nairobi were informed by the interests of the Global North being marketed as African priorities when in reality they will embolden wealthy nations and large corporations to continue polluting Africa. The lobbies said that despite the declaration acknowledging that 60 per cent of the population are small-scale farmers, very little is said about supporting them. Environment lobby groups warn that the resolutions reached by leaders will only encourage green colonialism is a real climate solution. “The Declaration is a disappointment and portends a doleful outcome from COP28,” adds Bassey. According to Muhammed Lamin Saidykh, Head of Building Power, CAN-International, it is crucial for Africa to prioritize building renewable energy systems, electrification, infrastructure and technologies. However, he said, some climate solutions made were driven by Western interests rather than truly benefiting Africa. Concrete actions “We need to reshape our agenda and involve African experts who understand our unique challenges. I’m particularly concerned about the promotion of what I see as false solutions, like carbon credits and geo-engineering. “These approaches may serve the interests of wealthy nations and corporations, allowing them to continue polluting while claiming to be part of the solution. We should prioritise Africa’s interests and Pupils under the Umbrella of Climate Advocates Voices (Unidas) learn on how to maintain trees during the Climate Africa Summit. PD/KENNA CLAUDE by Reuben Mwambingu @reubenmwambingu Wycliffe Mwele swiftly glides his Tuk Tuk along the links road in the balmy Nyali area, before finally coming to a stop at an E-mobility yard. Here, the three-wheeler will be charged for the next four hours before the driver returns to pick it for another round of operation. The electric tuk tuk is one of eight “go green” three-wheelers that were launched in Mombasa three months ago as part of efforts to embrace clean energy. Unlike the diesel and petrol powered tuk tuks, the electric alternatives offer a smoother ride and produce minimal noise. “Most of our clients find the vehicle friendly, free from the usual noise and the shaking,” Mwele said adding the model is cost effective since it does not need fueling. “Once you charge at night, that’s it. Unless you want to boost your charge,” said Mwele. Peter Makowe, the manager in charge of maintenance at the charging yard, says the electric three wheelers operate with two batteries; a 51 voltage and a 12 voltage. The 51V battery, he says, runs the motor and the gearbox while the 12V, which is also supported by a small solar panel located on the windscreen, runs the lights and alarms. Currently, according to Makowe, the electric Tuk Tuks in Mombasa rely purely on electric power as they do not have backup power systems to compliment electricity. In the event of a prolonged power blackout, Makowe says it becomes a big challenge as the three wheelers are unable to operate. He said plans are on course to add more electric tuk tuks in the next few months, noting that with the additions, the demand for more power will increase and so will be the need for additional backup. Demand for power “We are planning to install solar panels to serve as backup such that we don’t plunge into crisis in the event of a power outage. We understand with more vehicles coming the need is likely to increase,” explained Makowe. The government has demonstrated commitment to enhancing Kenya’s climate action by adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems. President William Ruto has said the government will adopt innovative, clean and Electric tuktuks game changer in Mombasa public transport system transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner,” said Saidykh. According to Maimoni Mariere UbreiJoe, Coordinator, Climate Justice and Energy Program, Friends of the Earth Africa, existing policies in Africa can be effective if they are backed by concrete actions. “However, we cannot keep using the same old extractivist model and expect a different result,” he said. According to Ubrei-Joe, what Africa’s should be focusing on now is to stop the contributors to climate change at source and not look for shortcuts to keep extracting using the smokescreen of the carbon market, geo-engineering, and other false solutions. “Africa should champion a people-led and centered just transition to 100 per cent renewable energy with utmost care for the environment. African energy systems should be developed to meet the needs of the continent rather than thinking only of energy for export,” he said. Peter Makowe, manager in charge of maintenance at the Emos yard, demonstrates how an electric tuk tuk is charged. PD/RUEBEN MWAMBINGU sustainable energy technologies. He said this will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provide cheaper transport and spur the growth of the electric vehicle industry. Boost incomes The President noted that two and threewheeler vehicles comprise the largest share of the national fleet and are mostly used by those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid. “The adoption of electric mobility is a priority intervention to address the challenges of pollution,” he said. He made the remarks last Friday during the launch of the national e-mobility programme at Mama Ngina waterfront, Mombasa. President Ruto assured boda boda operators that the transition to e-mobility will significantly boost their incomes. “Electric bikes are cheaper to run than petrol.” The President said the government will phase out motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines. Kenya, he added, is committed to honouring its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
8 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 5, 2023 by Winstone Chiseremi @PeopleDailyKe A local amateur runner has surrendered to his area chief in Nandi North sub-county after he allegedly killed his estranged wife, local police have confirmed. The suspect, Benjamin Serem and a father of four children, walked to the Sang’alo’s assistant chief’s office to report that he had killed his wife Caroline Jerotich following a family dispute. Serem, a former Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) game ranger based in Kapsabet town, is said to have been upset by his wife’s action to ditch him over constant threats to her life. Nandi North police boss Simon Muli said that on the fateful Sunday, the suspect went with his wife to church and that as the preaching was going on, the deceased sneaked out while accompanied with another woman. Surrendered When her husband noticed that she was not in the church, he started to follow her quickly before catching up with her in a forested area. “He started beating his wife until she became unconscious despite pleas from the woman who had accompanied her to stop assaulting the deceased. He became wild and turned his anger on his wife’s friend forcing her to flee from the scene,” added Muli. On noting the magnitude of the injuries he had caused on his wife, the suspect ordered for a motorbike which ferried her to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital while in critical condition. The woman succumbed to the injuries a few hours later while receiving treatment. “When the chief informed us that a man had surrendered to his office in connection with the killing of his wife, I dispatched police officers to arrest him and then held him in custody at Kabiyet police station,” said Muli. According to the police, the deceased, 36, had deep injuries on the hands and neck. Recorded statements The accused, Muli said, has already been taken to court in Kapsabet for miscellaneous application pending investigations. The court has directed that the suspect be detained at Kapsabet Central police station until September 20 when he will be brought back to court for further directions. Police have recorded statements from several witnesses including the deceased’s mother and her uncle. by Douglas Dindi and Kepher Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Leaders from around the lake region counties of Western Kenya converge this morning in Kakamega for a two-day conference to discuss the revival of the ailing sugar sub-sector. Governors, Members of Parliament, industry players and farmers and national government officials are expected to also hold a special session to discuss troubled Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) and agree on what to include in the sugar bill, currently in the Third Reading at the National Assembly. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula told the press yesterday that 2,000 leaders drawn across 14 counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) are expected in the conference that has a full in-tray agenda. Savula stated that the conference, to be held at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Mmust), will discuss the Sugar Bill, problems bedeviling Mumias Sugar and its revival, sugarcane production and the cartels deeply entrenched in the industry. Sugar bill Said Savula: “The conference is expected to come up with a raft of resolutions including our position on the Sugar bill that is before Parliament and Mumias Sugar Company, which may not benefit from the Sh117 billion bailout plan because it is a private company.” Savula said a new law was key to curing the mess in the sugar industry, adding that the conference will offer leaders a chance to have their issues included in the sugar bill before enactment into law. “The meeting will have a special session on MSC, its revival, curing cane shortage and management wrangles that have become a spectacle in the firm,” he observed. “Mumias Sugar has debts, some of which are secured by a debenture, which can be redressed through an agreement between national government and the banks,” he explained. The bill sponsored by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe also proposes radical measures that include compelling those who messed up the industry be brought to book. The Bill, which is being debated in the National Assembly, has also calls for the revival of the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) with the mandate to regulate, develop and promote the fledgling industry. Disbandment of KSB was partly blamed for the woes facing the industry because its functions were taken up by Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) which also handles many other sectors. Ruto decree The conference is taking place when crushing of cane has been suspended leading to a hue and cry from farmers. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said yesterday that plans for the conference had been concluded. He said they expected leaders from Kericho, Nandi, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia counties, led by their governors. “We have also invited senior officers from the national government led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi,” he added. The meeting follows President William Ruto’s recent announcement of a government plan to write-off Sh117 billion worth of debts owed by stateowned sugar firms. In his recent visit Tension in Kerio Valley after bandits kill man Housing society fires nine directors over ineptness Court upholds revocation of Narok MCA nomination A man was shot dead by suspected armed bandits in the Kerio Valley, five years after losing his mother in similar circumstances. Joseph Betaki met his death after he was ambushed by the raiders at Chesegon area on the boundary of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. The family, through his brother Zephaniah Betaki, said they are yet to come to terms with Joseph’s death. “It is a sad day for us a family. We have not even healed from the loss of my mother who was shot dead in 2018. The pain is too much,” said Betaki. The deceased was described by neighbours as a humble and peace loving man who was in the forefront in preaching peaceful coexistence in the region. Local leaders led by Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich and Senator William Kisang condemned the killing which they termed as a big blow to peace efforts which were beginning to bear fruit in the troubled region. The leaders called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his Defence counterpart Aden Duale to step up security along the restive Valley to avert further loss of lives. – Wycliff Kipsang All the nine directors of the troubled Keiyo Housing Cooperative Society (KHCS) have been kicked out by members over alleged incompetence. The directors were hounded out of office during a highly charged meeting held at Chepkorio showground in Keiyo sub-county, Elgeyo Marakwet county. John Chemagut was elected unanimously as interim chairman of the 5,000 member society pending the election of new directors. The stormy five-hour meeting was officiated by Deputy Commissioner of Cooperatives Priscila Maranga.The removal of the former directors from the society with assets worth Sh130 million marks the end of a decade-long leadership feud that has revolved around a building in Eldoret town’s central business district. The dispute over the multimillion shilling property emerged after former directors led by Titus Korir struck a deal with a private developer to demolish the existing building, construct a mall and run it for 15 years without the consent and knowledge of members. –Winstone Chiseremi The High Court in Narok has nullified the nomination of a Jubilee MCA to the Narok County Assembly. The court upheld a decision by a trial court which ruled that Alice Kering was not a member of the Jubilee Party before her nomination. High Court Judge Francis Gikonyo ruled in favour of Josephine Torome, the petitioner, saying Kering was nominated by ODM to the Nakuru County Assembly between 2017 and 2022 and she never notified the Registrar of Political Parties of her defection to the Jubilee Party. Kering, aggrieved by the decision of the trial court had moved to the High Court to appeal the decision but the High Court upheld the lower court’s judgment saying that it was right to nullify the nomination. –George Sayagie 2,000 leaders in Kakamega for sugar meet IN BRIEF 2,000 leaders drawn across 14 counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) are expected to attend the meeting. The Sugar Bill sponsored by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe proposes radical measures that include compelling those who messed up the industry be brought to book. The meeting follows President Ruto’s recent announcement of a government plan to write-off Sh117 billion worth of debts owed by stateowned sugar firms. Stakeholders to discuss sugar bill and debt owed to sugar farmers in efforts to revive sector BRIEFLY Amateur runner detained over wife’s murder to Western region, President Ruto also ordered investor Jaswant Rai to leave MSC. Yesterday, Savula supported President Ruto’s ‘Mambo ni Matatu’ decree saying to win the war against the sugar cartels, the president had to be ruthless and crude. “Those saying that the president erred by issuing a threat to the investor are mistaken. That was an intervention. You cannot succeed by negotiating with a tough cartel. His approach has yielded in withdrawal of four cases against MSC, and the ground is softening,” he opined. But as the leaders converge in Kakamega this morning, there were reports that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was reluctant to write off the debts owed to the taxman by the sugar companies. Sources reported that the taxman was insisting that for the debts to be written off, the sugar firms must pay penalties estimated at Sh36 billion. The taxman is also said to be opposed to some of the proposed waivers. Farmers harvest cane. Stakeholders say a new law is key to curing the mess in the sugar industry. PD/FILE
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 9
10 PEOPLE SPEAK PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, May 8, 2020 What is the poverty story in Kenya? It is political. This goes back to the days of President Daniel arap Moi. “Siasa mbaya, maisha mbaya”, the self proclaimed professor of politics used to say. Of course, to the late president “siasa mbaya” applied only to those who held views divergent from his. Moi was rhetorically brutal when demanding conformity. He declared in his memorable statements in 1984: “I call on all ministers, assistant ministers, and every other person to sing like parrots. During the Mzee Kenyatta period, I persistently sang the Kenyatta tune… “If I had sung another song, do you think Kenyatta would have left me alone? Therefore, you ought to sing the song I sing. If I put a full stop, you should put a full stop. This is how the country will move forward. The day you become a big person, you will have the liberty to sing your own song, and everybody will sing it too.” The region that often sang a different tune was Nyanza, specifically the section settled by the Luo and from which Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, famed as the father of the opposition, hailed from. Odinga, and later his son, Raila, are in Kenya the posters of alternative views. Their backyard of Nyanza has often been punished with them and the letter “O” at the beginning of one’s name tends to be a marker for exclusion, icon of “siasa mbaya”. To make a point, Nyanza has been showcased to lack “development” and that lack attributed to “siasa mbaya”. But are the four counties of Nyanza – Odinga’s home county of Siaya, its neighbours Homa Bay, Migori and Kisumu, the poorest in the country, a poverty occasioned by their “siasa mbaya”? It is instructive that the grammar of siasa mbaya was not a preserve of President Moi. Successive politicians have dangled “development” as a tool to make Nyanza compliant with mainstream politics. Nearly every politician seeking to make a name has found advising Nyanza on what beliefs to assume a near sure path of access to media and free publicity and by extension access to state largesse. This has created a binary school of politics in Nyanza now divided into the “Joluo mowar” column – the saved Luos referencing the system compliant politicians and their opposites, “Joluo molal”, the ones who have not yet seen the light, with the former drawing from the Moi rhetoric of siasa mbaya notoriety and seeking to lead their people to the light – salvation, if you will. This grammar has become so dominant that even people who hail from regions that are doing much worse economically than the four Nyanza counties would rather focus on the presumed poverty of Nyanza attributed to “siasa mbaya” rather than structural frames that over the years have informed the allocation and pilferage of resources in the country. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, there are countries from both the larger northern belt of the country and the vast former Rift Valley Province that occupy the rungs of less prosperous than even the “siasa mbaya” Nyanza. Yet these regions have, if you like, always been in the column of the politically “saved” regions. Migori may be the worst placed county from a poverty index point of view among the Nyanza counties. But it is still more than a dozen places above the poorest of the 47 counties. It is followed by Kisumu sitting in the middle of the table. Just over a dozen counties are doing better than Homa Bay according to the last available KNBS data. Nyanza could do better, but it is not, and yes, politics may have contributed. But accountability needs to be made for poverty in other regions as well. Could the profiling of Nyanza as the home of the “lord of poverty” be a cleverly disguised rhetoric devised to label and cover critical questions that would otherwise lead to a proper assessment of the national spread of poverty? It may very well be that the “siasa mbaya” tag is itself the bad politics we should be running away from. — The writer is Dean, School of Communication, Daystar University ABU BAKR When knowledge is limited - it leads to folly... When knowledge exceeds a certain limit, it leads to exploitation. How to ensure carbon credits benefit Africa For decades, developed countries have been talking about how carbon markets are going to develop Africa. Even though majority of the countries are willing to adopt to these markets, they face a myriad of challenges, including lack of carbon market regulations to guide them. Carbon market refers to a trade in which carbon credits, also known as carbon certificates, are obtained and sold within defined standards for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In the just concluded Africa Climate Summit, President Ruto said that though carbon markets have the potential to raise billions of dollars to Africa, very few countries are benefiting because they lack mechanisms to regulate the sector. Lack of regulations has left many communities not benefiting from this trade. Currently, 80 per cent of the value of carbon credits are captured by intermediaries, leaving only a fraction for the communities undertaking the actual work. In Kenya, a tonne of carbon credit is sold at 10 US dollars while the World Bank prices the product between USD 40 to 80 per metric tonne. Evidently, these are enough grounds for African countries to come up with policies that will regulate the market if they are to fully maximize the full potential of carbon markets. By regulating the markets, Africa will play an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Having regulations will also help different countries access climate financing and attract investments for development projects. Regulatory frameworks will ensure funds are channeled towards initiatives that reduce emissions, enhance resilience and promote sustainable development. Further, controlling the carbon markets is essential as it will help to maintain the market integrity and prevent fraud, double-counting and other malpractices. Robust regulatory frameworks will ensure transparency, accountability and credibility in the carbon offsets system, thereby safeguarding the interests of Africa and its stakeholders. Having these policies, African countries will have the opportunity of collaborating with the international community in addressing climate change. This will foster partnerships, knowledge sharing and technology transfer, leading to improved climate solutions. The winner of these policies will be the communities surrounding forests that are storing carbon credits. It will help them cash-in more from their efforts towards the blue-carbon. Debunking ‘siasa mbaya, maisha mbaya’ myth THOUGHT OF THE DAY LEVI OBONYO “Siasa mbaya” tag is itself the bad politics we should be running away from. QUOTEDTODAY Our role as judges is not just adjudicating disputes but also enabling the social transformation aspirations of the Constitution. CHIEF JUSTICE MARTHA KOOME Researchers from Africa have an opportunity to provide solutions to water shortages and find minerals used to create batteries meant to reduce gas emissions. NAMIBIA VP NANGOLO MBUMBA If your politics is in conflict with the party that sponsored you, quit to face a by-election. To anchor multiparty democracy, political cannibalism and opportunism must end. FORMER MUKURWEINI MP KABANDO WA KABANDO EDITORIAL A PUBLICATION OF MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED KEN NGARUIYA: Group Chief Executive Officer MBUGUA NG’ANG’A: Managing Editor People Daily is published by MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 E-mail: [email protected] © Copyright 2023
SEND YOUR OPED TO: [email protected] Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPEAK 11 In the wake of recurrent climate change shocks such as droughts and floods, there is a clarion call towards a radical shift from the Businessas-Usual (BAU) scenario in developmental matters, and a serious re-think towards integration of environmental considerations as we put in place climate resilience electricity infrastructure projects. The precariousness of the environment, and socioeconomic impacts on animate and inanimate environments due to climate change are becoming increasingly evident. The UN Climate Change Conference COP27, that took place in Egypt, presented such a rethink towards adaptation, coupled with a strong commitment from the international community to safeguard vulnerable communities hit by impact of climate disasters. Climate change leaves diverse impacts on electricity transmission and even distribution infrastructure. Weather related events such as ice, high winds, flooding, and lightning are some of the causes of power disruptions globally. Development projects such as electricity transmission systems are critical assets in the world today. On the mitigation spectrum, they play a significant role in offsetting the carbon loads in the atmosphere by providing clean power for use, diversifying reliance from thermal power generation, and conserving forests which are essential carbon sinks. It is critical therefore to factor in the distinct levels of ensuring climate resilience in electricity infrastructure planning. This brings to the fore urgent need for integration of climate resilience financing into projects costs. Optimal level of service for strategic infrastructure and service sectors in Kenya such as ICT, banking, hospitality, health care, transport, education, among others, is dependent on an efficient and stable grid. Therefore, it is key to safeguard the integrity and optimal performance of these transmission infrastructure within their operational lifespan. Electricity transmission projects are indeed expensive public investments with an average operational life of 50-60 years if design thresholds remain constant. Their constituent hardware is designed to run and operate optimally under given climatic conditions. Changes to the design’s climatic thresholds lead to potential transmission interruptions and reduced performance with significant economic footprints. Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) Limited is building the grid to among other objectives achieve the principle of N-1, which is based on redundancy. This is a key aspect of resilience which ensures alternative infrastructural paths are available in the system. In selecting an optimal route for example, multifactorial approaches are employed to meet the technical, environmental, and socio-economic requirements of the transmission line. A hierarchy of measures are considered for areas that present a resilience – risk to the project including avoidance of the area, partial rerouting and engineering or naturebased solutions. Globally, climate change poses a considerable threat to current and future electricity transmission infrastructure. Extreme temperatures, cyclones, and floods can potentially negate progressive efforts made, leading to prolonged power outages, destruction of physical assets, destroyed livelihoods and even fatalities. Kenya has not been left out of its share of such climate-instigated disruptions. Hitherto, the brunt is minimal in comparison to other areas in the world. — The writer is consulting engineer and the managing director, Ketraco Nairobi summit exposed intellectual poverty in newsrooms Infrastructure crucial in mitigating climate change shocks “Thank God imekwisha,” a colleague sighed as curtains fell on the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi. Covering the event was one hell of a nightmare for journalists. Many were reduced to bystanders. Matters were complicated by the good problem that we have a scientist as president who assumes that all Kenyans can tell the difference between the weather, environment and climate. We gather he wrote a thesis on the influence of human activities on land use changes on environmental quality of riparian ecosystems. Sample the scientific and money lingo that has been rolling out of tongues at the conference. President William Ruto spoke of “reconfiguring of the global financial architecture”. Delegates spoke about ‘carbon credits’, ‘carbon sinks’, ‘just energy transitions’, decarbonisation and the divide between the global North and South. The declarations touched on the operationalisation of the “Loss and Damage Facility” agreed at Cop27. Many journalists found themselves in in the deep end, struggling to interpret the heavy jargon for their audience. The role of a journalist is translating observation into news copy. This is where accurate reporting, educated, disciplined analysis, wide reading and good training converge. Our soft underbelly and lack of stamina in reporting on technical subjects such as climate change was exposed. Ask journalists working for vernacular media to translate “carbon credit” for the audiences! It should be a sobering moment that our journalistic frailties consistently come to bare when reporting on subjects such health, especially mental health, science, history, technology, regional integration, labour mobility, global financing, energy, geo-politics and religion. Because of lethargy to explore these facets of knowledge and new conversations, reporting on the subjects is conveniently relegated to the womb sections of newspapers or at the tail end of bulletins as “roundups.” “Hard” subjects are assigned to the “soft” side of newspapers as part of “lifestyle” magazines in favour politics and the spectacle. The basis of this tradition is not easy to explain but maybe it has to do with the attitude of newsroom leaderships. It has been argued that many newsrooms sag with testosterone whose decision-making is inclined to the masculinity of such “tough” things as politics and big money on the front pages. The late veteran journalist Philip Ochieng always barked at what he considered to be intellectual poverty, barrenness in newsrooms which he attributed to lack of motivation for self-education. The revered wordsmith, who did not have a university degree, spent a fortune educating himself. “My line was to be literature, but I have educated myself in Chemistry, Physics and French. Math has probably been by biggest challenge,” he said. But he had a more contrarian view in the diminishing intellectualism and apathy in coverage of the sciences which he blamed on the fact that most Kenyan newsrooms are “led by students of the Arts”. Well, that was vintage Ochieng. When South Africa independence hero Walter Sisulu died, Nelson Mandela described him as the “the best among us, the greatest amongst that generation of great freedom fighters.” Here, when Weekly Review founding editor Hillary Ng’weno passed on in 2021, veteran editor Joe Odindo, mourned him as the “greatest of Kenyan journalists” and “one who did more for the profession than any has ever done.” Ng’weno, who became the standard bearer for political news reporting in Kenya, distinguished author and public intellectual, studied Nuclear Physics at Harvard. The dearth of media intellectuals like Ochieng and Ng’weno can be blamed on lack of self-education, poor pay and the near servitude in media houses that has seen many journalists leave newsrooms. But there is a solace. Schools of journalism should be encouraged to review their outdated curricula to include teaching on specialised reporting on subjects such as climate change, health, environment, integration, international financing and history. — The writer is the Political Editor at People Daily — [email protected] DR JOHN MATIVO It is not all doom and gloom. Massive development projects such as electricity transmission projects offers us an opportunity to shift and adapt. EMEKA-MAYAKA GEKARA It should be a sobering moment that our journalistic frailties consistently come to bare when reporting on subjects such health, science #TWEETS TO THE EDITOR / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily STREET TALK Man wrongly interviewed on air to sue BBC A man who became an internet sensation after being mistakenly interviewed by the BBC more than 17 years ago has said he will take the corporation to court over a lack of royalties stemming from the clip. When Guy Goma walked into the BBC for a job interview as a data cleanser in 2006 nothing would have prepared him for his ensuing stardom. Goma was put in the hot seat on BBC News 24 after staff confused him with an IT journalist called Guy Kewney who has been booked to speak on the subject of trademark rights and the music industry. Putting on a brave face, Goma answered presenter Karen Bowerman’s questions commenting on people “downloading [music] through the internet”. The blunder has amassed more than five million views on the BBC News YouTube channel, however Mr Goma has claimed in a podcast that he has not received any royalties from the interview mix-up. Speaking on podcast series Accidental Celebrities, Goma said he was “going to go” to court against the BBC because of the “money they made from [the interview]” and that he had not received “a single penny”. He claimed he had contacted the corporation but it “didn’t answer” Podcast hosts Josh Pieters and Archie Manners said his lack of compensation was “incredibly unfair” since his image and the clip had been seen worldwide. —Agencies ODDLY ENOUGH TRUTHIS: When God gives you an impossible task, it becomes possible. Africa’s commitment @lizwathuti: Good morning world! From the land of scenic landscapes fifi #ACS202 has defined that Africa is committed to be a solution to the global climate challenges The end of ACS marks the beginning of actioning ACS outcomes Align priorities @GeneWorifah: Good intentions, misplaced priorities In the meantime, a majority of Africans don’t have access to clean drinking water, electricity, food security, good roads, medicines, school infrastructure etc African priorities don’t have to be always aligned to those of the Western world Protect our planet @MikeHudema: “We are losing biodiversity at a rate unparrelled in human history ” Global wildlife populations have sunk over 60% since 1970 We are destroying ourselves and taking nature with us Time to protect people and the planet Hottest year on record @UNFCCC: HBusandi The world has just experienced the three hottest months on record It was the hottest August on record – by a large margin – and the second hottest ever month after July 202 , according to @ WMO Let’s work together to make #COP28 the turning point to course-correct
12 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 Joseph Atuma had fished in Lake Baringo in Kenya since he was 12 and, despite one or two encounters with hippos and crocodiles, none had ever attacked him until one evening in September 2018, when a hippo tore through his canoe, grabbed his left leg, and ripped part of it off. “It was hiding in the bushes, very near to the shore, a place where I wouldn’t expect a hippo to be. And it caught me by surprise,” the 42-yearold says. “It sank its teeth on to the wooden canoe and into my leg. Very little meat was left on my bone, between the knee and the foot,” he adds, as he shows the scars that remain. Fresh water lake Lake Baringo, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, is one of the country’s biggest freshwater lakes. From the main highway in the small town of Marigat, the beautiful golden yellow sun casts its rays on the waters as it rises, making the lake glimmer. The fishermen are already out, their boats dotting the calm gleaming water. Atuma says he has just resumed fishing in the lake, five years after the hippo attack. “This is my bread and butter. I have tried some odd jobs here and there, but I cannot sustain my family,” the father of four says. He says that water levels have risen over the years, and he now docks his boat on what used to be the foundation of the local church. It is now covered by the lake’s waters - just like homes, schools, hospitals, tarmacked roads and even the offices of the Kenya Fisheries Department. But you cannot really tell any of these buildings existed. They have all been swallowed by the lake, and communities have been pushed out, forcing them to live further away. Surviving crocodile and hippo attacks in rising lake Rising Lake Baringo exposes fisherfolk to attack dangers as full effects of climate change take toll 400,000 Farmers pledge to build resilience against the effects of climate change to help women, at-risk communities 2018 The year fisherman Joseph Otuma was first attacked by a crocodile while fishing on the lake Environmentalists say the lake has doubled in size over the last decade because of heavy rainfall linked to climate change. Climate crisis Acting on behalf of the community, 66 residents have now filed a law suit against the government, accusing it of failing to respond to the climate crisis. A similar lawsuit was filed last year, but it has not yet been finalised. The latest legal action coincides with the government and African Union (AU) co-hosting the first ever Africa climate summit in the capital, Nairobi, with President William Ruto arriving in an energy-saving electric car. At Lake Baringo, people who have moved further away still come back to it because it is their lifeline. Dozens of women walk down to fetch water in big yellow cans to take back home. Others are washing their laundry on the shores; and many others are cleaning up the fresh fish brought to them by the fishermen. All this as giant hippos and the stealthy, deadly predators, the Nile crocodiles, are in the water nearby. Residents say that with the lake getting bigger, the crocodile population has increased and the waters are now heavily infested with the predators. They say there has also been an increase in the number of hippos, who bathe near the shores and now even closer to people’s homesteads. This has increased the risk to the lives of people, and children have been dragged into the lake by crocodiles, never to be seen again. Winnie Keben, a mother of six, was lucky to survive a crocodile attack. She now wears a prosthetic leg attached to her left hip. “I had just finished fetching water from the lake and as I was washing my feet, I saw a crocodile. I jumped and shouted. I tried to escape but it attacked and grabbed my leg pulling me into the water,” she says. “I screamed and raised my hand so people could see me. My husband was nearby. As soon as he saw me, he rushed to my rescue. “As it had gripped my foot, we both attempted to fight it. It eventually released my foot and bit my thigh, breaking it. An onlooker grabbed a machete and rescued me from the crocodile but my leg was chewed off.” She stayed in hospital for six months, and when she was discharged, she found her home and land had been submerged by water. She now lives several kilometres away from the lake and has never gone back near its waters. - BBC Fisherman Joseph Atuma narrates his story to the BBC crew when they visited Lake Baringo. BBC JOSEPH ATUMA It sank its teeth on to the wooden canoe and into my leg. Very little meat was left on my bone, between the knee and the foot EFFECTS OF RISING LEVELS Water levels have risen over the years, and he now docks his boat on what used to be the foundation of the local church. Environmentalists say the lake has doubled in size over the last decade because of heavy rainfall by Oliver Musembi and Mathew Ndung’u @PeopleDailyKe African university students have been challenged to take a front role in research on climate change and find solutions to resultant consequences. Namibia Vice President Nangolo Mbumba said it is time the continent relied on its own resources on matters of scientific research and more so the human resource. Mbumba spoke during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the International University of Management (IUM), Namibia and Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika, Kiambu County meant to boost medical research between the two institutions. He said institutions of higher learning in Africa must collaborate in research and other areas of science so as to solve the problems facing their communities. “Now that we have passed the Nairobi Declaration on climate change, we must address the problems facing us in our respective countries on the continent and the world and more so the emission of gases that are contributing to global warming,” said the VP. The MoU signed by MKU ViceChancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi and Prof Peter Nyarango, Researcher and Coordinator School of Medicine, IUM Namibia covers various areas of staff and student exchange on medical courses as well as shared online teaching and learning programs. It also involves joint research and publications, community engagement and primary health care, telemedicine, sharing of online resource materials, joint grant writing and extra-mural rotations. “The MoU we have witnessed here is a clear indicator that institutions of higher learning in Africa must collaborate. We must exchange information in good practices and knowledge and we must train our youth to the best of their ability for them to become real scientists so that they can rescue their communities from all these problems including climate change,” said the VP. He added; “From the Nairobi Climate Change Summit, we have to tackle the challenges of global warming which is going to make life very difficult and cause problems in agriculture, food and water scarcity or even unknown diseases, Namibia VP dares African students on climate change
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14 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 by Dr Lubobi Shamala The current issues facing the food system will require a combination of strategies and actions. The first step in the production of food is the planting of a crop in a field, a greenhouse, or a backyard. The crop’s genetics are one aspect that, along with other factors, will affect how the plant develops and responds to pest and disease attacks, drought, heat, flooding and other environmental stressors. The genetics of crops have already significantly improved output and yield stability, according to historical statistics. Crop enhancement has transformed from conventional breeding to genetic engineering to genome editing techniques. This innovative method involves the introduction of specific traits into organisms through the manipulation of genes. For instance, it’s possible to cultivate insect-resistant corn by integrating an insecticidal gene from soil bacterium into corn plants. Similarly, plants’ genes can be fine-tuned to amplify specific attributes, eliminating the need to introduce foreign genetic material. While this technique holds tremendous promise for crop development, it has triggered a vigorous debate between proponents and critics of genetically modified (GM) technology here in Kenya, consequently impacting seed availability for farmers. Most genome editing applications in plants do not result in the insertion of foreign DNA into their genome. InGenome-edited crops have potential to fight hunger This innovative method involves the introduction of specific traits into organisms through the manipulation of genes stead, they only in669troduce changes that can occur spontaneously in nature or result from traditional breeding practices. This is a crucial distinction between genome editing and transgenesis. This is also why it is impossible to tell, without previous knowledge, whether such genetic mutation is the consequence of genome editing or traditional breeding techniques. Transgenesis has the potential to bring a new function to the plant that would not have been possible without it. Breeding techniques When a new function emerges through genome editing, it is typically one that was already present or might have developed naturally without human intervention. When genome editing is used to add a new gene to a plant’s genome, this method differs from transgenesis in that the new gene is inserted at a predetermined location in the genome rather than randomly, as is the case with transgenesis. A plant’s traits could be altered unintentionally depending on where insertion occurs and how it affects the function of the genes located there. Genome editing can help to improve crop genetics by using CRISPRCas tools in studies that aim to understand how genes function in intricate biological processes and by using these tools to introduce specific, desired genetic alterations into a plant. Genome editing is used by scientists to better harness genetic variety, understand how genes work, and identify candidate genes and genetic variants influencing desired traits. Genome-edited crops do not necessarily result from the knowledge gained through the application of genome editing in research. It can also be applied to guide traditional breeding techniques. Plant breeders will employ the breeding techniques they feel are most efficient for the problem they are trying to solve. Each tool has benefits in terms of effectiveness, swiftness and accuracy. Older breeding techniques may still be able to accomplish some breeding goals, albeit at the sacrifice of accuracy and speed. Conventional breeding can take nine to 11 years, depending on the crop type, before a new variety can be sold. The time it takes to create new varieties of fruit trees by conventional breeding is significantly longer. Genetic alterations This time to market can be considerably shortened through genome editing. Elite plant types can also receive particular genetic modifications using genome editing without also receiving unintended genetic alterations. Notably, genome editing streamlines the distribution of improved cultivars to smallholder farmers. Unlike traditional plant breeding that relies on backcrossing – a method to transfer traits from non-elite or wild relatives to commercial varieties – geNews Review Elite plant types can also receive particular genetic modifications using genome editing without also receiving unintended genetic alterations. PD/FILE SHAMALA Improved nutrition, enhanced food safety and reduced wastage are anticipated consumer advantages nome editing eliminates the need for this prolonged process. Against the backdrop of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically “SDG 2: Zero Hunger” and “SDG 13: Climate Action” – the emergence of gene editing presents the potential for a new Green Revolution. This innovation aligns with the overarching vision of the SDGs and offers a complementary pathway to achieving them. Leveraging this technology, crop genomes can be modified with unprecedented accuracy and predictability, empowered by the wealth of pangenome and wholegenome DNA sequences available for various crops. Biodiversity The applications of genome editing carry a multitude of benefits. Improved nutrition, enhanced food safety and reduced wastage are anticipated consumer advantages. At the same time, farmers stand to gain from disease, weed and pest resistance, cost-effective seed production and climate resilience, including drought tolerance. On a societal level, these applications promise ecosystem services such as heightened biodiversity in agricultural systems. Genome editing tools have achieved widespread availability, and while they are not a panacea, they could democratize the benefits of scientific progress. These tools can be applied to diversify agricultural systems, bolstering major and minor crops, including orphan crops. Public sector entities like KALRO and universities can utilize these technologies to create products that might not attract the profit-focused corporate sector, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers. Amid the promise of gene editing in plant breeding lies a global discourse touching upon legal and ethical considerations, which may vary based on the method employed. Central debates revolve around defining the regulatory framework for this technology and determining whether genome-edited crops should be classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or non-GMOs. The National Biosafety Authority and other stakeholders are pivotal in disseminating awareness about these differences, mitigating potential public resistance and ensuring that the nation harnesses the benefits of cutting-edge crop improvement technologies. -The writer is Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, part-time Lecturer Kibabii University HIGHLIGHTS The applications of genome editing carry a multitude of benefits. Improved nutrition, enhanced food safety and reduced wastage are anticipated consumer advantages. Farmers stand to gain from disease, weed and pest resistance, cost-effective seed production and climate resilience, including drought tolerance.
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Climate Change Amendment Bill, 2023 to provide a legal framework for the establishment and operation of carbon markets and enable Kenya trade in carbon credits. Private investors A voluntary carbon market is a marketplace where private investors, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses can voluntarily purchase carbon offsets to offset their emissions. The Sh2 billion grant by the EU sets Kenya on the path to developing a hydrogen capacity and achieve the country’s renewable energy goals, decarbonise its industries and attract investments as well as create jobs. “The Green Hydrogen strategy prioritises economic expansion, generation of job opportunities, and promotion of environmental stewardship and charts a course for Kenya to harness the potential of green hydrogen as a key driver of energy transition,” President Ruto said at the Climate Summit. Green hydrogen economy will enhance food security, including the expansion of green production of Kenyan tea, coffee, horticulture, floriculture, and grains, he said while unveiling the Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya. The realisation of the strategy will be carried out in collaboration with Global Gateway, Europe’s investment initiative for global sustainability. The EU package is expected to stimulate public and private investments in the sector. Global Gateway aims to invest €3.4 billion (Sh531.5 million) in climate and nature projects in Kenya from renewable energy development to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. The strategy targets $1 billion (Sh146 billion) in direct investment. It will also create an estimated 25,000 direct jobs and the avoidance of at least 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. by Noel Wandera @NoelWanderah Kenya has emerged from the inaugural Africa Climate Summit with a bag full of financial goodies that are expected to build the country’s resilience to climate risk and boost sustainable livelihoods. The country was able to draw direct investment, pledges and debt swaps from United States Agency for International Development (USAid), European Union (EU) and Germany The pledges made at the just concluded climate summit involve provision of financial resources for initiatives that will help mitigate the impact of climate change on the country’s economy and its people. Contained within the basket is a $1.4 million (Sh204 million) facility from USAid, to support the country’s development of a framework to support voluntary carbon market. The EU has also promised a €13 million (Sh2 billion) grant for investment in Kenya’s hydrogen strategy and roadmap, while the Germany government has pledged a $65 million (Sh9.5 billion) debt swap in exchange for commitment by Kenya to invest in green fund projects. The deals are a shot in the arm for President William Ruto’s ambitious plan for Kenya to ramp up its clean energy strategy by phasing out fossil fuels for electricity by 2030. During his inauguration last year, Ruto said that climate change will be key to his administration’s agenda and that Kenya must act urgently to keep global heating levels below 1.5 Celsius, help those in need and end addiction to fossil fuels. Part of the initiatives currently in the pipeline include an amendment to the Climate Change Act, 2016 through the Kenya’s basket of goodies from Africa climate forum Within the bag is Sh204m facility from USAid to help develop framework for a voluntary carbon market Boost for tea farmers as KTDA prepares to release bonus payout by Nicholas Waitathu @PeopleDailyKe Over 600,000 small-scale tea farmers affiliated to Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) are set to receive second and final payment next month. Chief executive officer Wilson Muthaura said the smallholder farmers will receive the payment popularly known as tea bonus in the second week of October. “Preparations for the disbursement to the farmers will kick off soon. We expect farmers will earn impressive proceeds despite challenges encountered in the last one year and thus be able to manage their financial obligations,” he told Business Hub on telephone yesterday. Muthaura said payment of proceeds conform to the provisions of the Tea Act 2020, which states that bonus payment should be paid three months after the end of every financial year. Directors from the 71 KTDA-managed factories will initiate meetings early next week to review and approve annual accounts for the 2022/23 financial year. “The meetings to determine the second payment will run from September 11 to 22 and will be followed by a formal declaration of the second payment rates confirmed,” said KTDA Management Services MD, Julius Onguso. The meetings come as preliminary data shows a marginal drop in green leaf production and sale prices at the tea auction in Mombasa. For example, tea prices at the auction recorded a slight dip of 3 per cent with the average price for all KTDAmanaged factories standing at $2.69 (Sh392.74) for year 2022-23 compared to $2.76 (Sh402.96) a year earlier. Reserve price Though the recorded prices this year are still above the reserve price of $2.43 (Sh354.78) set mid-2021 following a sharp decline of the same at the auctions past period. The agency stated that green leaf delivered to KTDAmanaged factories in the year ending June 2023 dropped 8.5 per cent to 1.146 billion kilos following severe drought that ravaged the country. In the 2021/22 production period tea farmers delivered 1.253 billion kilos. President William Ruto speaks during the Africa Climate Summit 2023 in Nairobi. BUSINESS HUB FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke 16 Friday, September 8, 2023 by Lewis Njoka @PeopleDailyKe Britam General Insurance has launched four aviation insurance covers targeting individuals and businesses engaged in the aviation industry. The solutions include Crew Personal Accident Cover, Airport Owners and Operators Liability, Hull All Risks Cover, Hull War and Legal Liability covers. “Our goal is to ensure that our aviation clients have peace of mind and can focus on their core operations knowing that they are well protected,” said Jackson Theuri, chief executive and Principal Officer of Britam General Insurance. “We understand the risks involved in this industry and are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive coverage and exceptional customer service,” he added. The solutions are targeted at airport owners, operators, transporters, and other individuals and corporates engaged in the aviation industry in Kenya. The four insurance aviation solutions cover direct physical loss or damage to the aircraft, damages, due to bodily injury arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the aircraft, and airport premises, hangars and products among others. Britam launches insurance covers, eyes aviation sector KRA, Kisumu to unlock Sh4b in revenue by Noel Wandera @NoelWanderah Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and County Government of Kisumu will partner to unlock Sh4 billion in own-source revenue from the current Sh1.2 billion. Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga (pictured) said the authority will support the county through capacity building and aligning their tax processes, in addition to identifying and activating other revenue streams to tap them into the revenue basket. “The Authority will participate in planning, forecasting of revenue targets, monitoring and accounting for revenue collected,” he said. Wattanga, who was meeting Kisumu County Governor Anyang Nyong’o yesterday said KRA data showed the county has the prospective to collect more revenue if correct structures are established and maintained. “KRA is ready to support the county. You only need to review your processes and embrace technology including a cashless system, to enhance tax compliance and seal revenue loopholes,” he said. Nyong’o said that the collection is bound to grow even higher, following the implementation of a cashless payment platform and the partnership with Safaricom in implementation of the tax system. HYDROGEN STRATEGY EU has promised a €13 million (Sh2 billion) grant for investment in Kenya’s hydrogen strategy and roadmap. Germany government has pledged a $65 million (Sh9.5 billion) debt swap.
by Kepher Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Bishop Phoebe Onyango, 45, is a woman of many firsts. When she is not proclaiming God’s word from the pulpit as Bishop she is out in the field teaching about agribusiness in Siaya County where she is a prolific farmer. Phoebe, is one of the few women in the villages who have embraced intensive farming as a source of food and nutritional security, adopting the multi-cropping farming practice to grow a variety of crops in the same piece of land each planting season. Each day, she works hard in the farm to improve nutrition, food safety and food security. The dynamics of poverty within rural areas, has shaped her, and directly influenced her active involvement in agricultural sector. Currently, it is estimated that 46 per cent of the population live on less than $1 a day while 36.5 per cent are food insecure. But Phoebe is out to change this narrative and break the glass ceiling in Nyamonye village, Bondo sub-county where her farm is. When we visited her rural farm, we found the woman of faith, busy weeding in her five-acre farm. Farming model Each day, Bishop Phoebe spends more than eight hours tending to her “one-stopshop farm”, with all the food items we need daily. Her farming model involves sowing 15 or more crops on the same plot, and harvesting them at different times. “We grow everything in this farm, ranging from kales, onions, tomatoes, sukuma wiki, beans, grains, and millets,’’ she explains. A walk into the farm, revealed exactly what she explained. Phoebe also grows nearly all types of edible plants and fruits and rears poultry bird and animals of various breeds for meat and milk production. Bishop Phoebe is the founder of Salem Ministries International, which has footprints in Nyanza. The church has branches in Kisumu and Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties. She says their members are indoctrinated to adopt new farming methods to ensure food and nutritional security. “Many of our followers or flock have today ventured into a massive agri-business Bishop delivers gospel of food security from pulpit PHOEBE We grow everything in this farm, ranging from kales, onions, tomatoes, sukuma wiki, beans, grains, and millets. Founder of Salem Ministries says members have adopted new farming methods to increase food production BRIEFLY farming system,’’ she reveals. They are taken to her farm to learn and borrow leaf and are supported with free seedlings and technical planting skills. She has employed an agriculture extension officer, who is helping her to shape the intercropping farming model. Currently, most of those who work in her farm are also mostly members of her church and feed from what they sow. They are given vegetables and onions in plenty each day and times even eggs, fish or fruits or meat if they slaughter a goat. The estimated 40 casual labourers buy food items at subsidised costs, on top of the freebies they get when they work on the farm and are paid. They are paid between Sh200 to Sh300 depending on the manual work done. Phoebe’s model of farming has kept her busy in her farm daily, walking round tending to her farm to ensure food security. For her, the intercropping system has helped her to double crop productivity and household income per capita. But, the selection of more crops for practicing multi-cropping, she notes, mainly depends on the mutual benefit of the selected crops. She says that threshing can at times be difficult in the inter-cropping systems where crops are harvested together. “This can take the form of double-cropping, in which a second crop is planted after the first has been harvested,’’ Phoebe adds At any interval, if they are not planting, then they are weeding or harvesting mature crops or milking cows or hatching eggs. Phoebe is one of the rare women of cloth, who rather than rely on praying for “manna” from heaven, is practical. “Prayers is good, for God to provide us with all we need, but we must also toil or work hard in the farms,’’ she explains. Bishop has been shepherding her flock to embrace farming as the only source of food and nutritional security. Traditional vegetables She encourages them, where possible, to adopt the farming practice which can help in reducing the food crises. Asked whether it was too expensive, she says not so much. “One can start in a small way with traditional vegetables and expand to other plants and poultry,’’ Phoebe adds. She claims that growing two or more than two crops on the same field reduces the cost of fertilisers and farm inputs. Risk of weed growth, pest and disease infestation also reduces because of mutual relationships within the crop. She relies both on rainfed agriculture and irrigation of the multi-cropped land. Phoebe’s farm is now being used as a model learning centre in Nyanza. China exports fall again as economy battle weak demand CHALLENGES: China’s exports have dropped for fourth month in a row as the “world’s factory” struggles with weak demand at home and abroad. Exports fell 8.8 per cent in August compared with a year earlier, while imports dropped 7.3 per cent, official figures show. However, those declines were not as bad as expected and an improvement on the previous month. China is facing several postpandemic challenges, including a property crisis and weak consumer spending. There has been a slump in global demand for Chinesemade goods in the wake of coronavirus and the ongoing trade dispute with the US. It is having a major impact on a key source of growth for the country’s economy. Imported goods On Wednesday, a new report by the US Census Bureau showed that China’s share of US goods imports fell to the lowest level since 2006 in the year to the end of July. The share of imported goods from China was 14.6 per cent over the period. That is down from a peak of 21.8 per cent in the year to the end of March 2018, before thenPresident Donald Trump ramped up the US-China trade war. Chinese authorities are also faced with a deepening slump in the country’s real estate market as some of its biggest developers are struggling financially. Beijing has so far avoided launching a large stimulus programme to boost the economy. Instead it has opted for introducing a series of measures in recent months to help support people and businesses. The country’s central bank has cut interest rates, while Beijing has announced plans to allow a dozen of the country’s biggest cities to cut minimum deposits for homebuyers. Lenders have also been encouraged to reduce rates on existing mortgages. Other measures have also been announced from increasing personal income tax allowances for children’s education to cutting the duty on share trading. – BBC Konza appoints insider as CEO Faulu offers new solutions to SMEs TRANSITION: Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has appointed an insider, John Okwiri (pictured) to the substantive position of chief executive officer. Prior to his appointment, Okwiri acted for 10 months as the CEO, in place of John Tanui who was appointed the Principal Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy last year. “John Paul Okwiri is a dynamic and visionary executive passionate about driving transformative change, with a proven track record in delivering large scale strategic infrastructure and innovative projects leveraging diverse resourcing models,” KoTDA said in a statement. In a related development, Crown Paints has also appointed Richard Muturi as the Group Chief Operating Officer effective August 15, crossing over from Coca Cola Beverages Africa where he was the managing director overseeing the Comoros & Mayotte Islands. The board expressed confidence that the company will benefit immensely from. Muturi’s skills, knowledge and vast experience. –Noel Wandera GROWTH: Faulu Microfinance Bank kicked off the rollout of its revamped solutions to customers across the country ensuring they understand and harness the benefits of its new offerings. Head of Business Growth at the bank Justus Kittony said Faulu recognises the integral role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in driving economic growth. “To support their endeavours, we have been conducting a series of Customer Engagement forums to demystify our revamped solutions, empowering our customers with the financial tools they need to succeed,” he explained. The key focus for this, Kittony stated while speaking during a customer forum held in Nakuru, is to offer working capital loans, trade finance, SME loans, including asset finance, to facilitate the expansion and sustainability of these enterprises. Last year, the bank conducted a product rationalisation exercise that saw it revamp its product offering in a strategic move to boost customer experience. – Janet Wangui PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 BUSINESS HUB 17 Bishop Phoebe Onyango in her Salem Farm in Nyamonye, Siaya county. She grows various edible plants and crops and also keeps poultry and livestock. PD/KEPHER OTIENO
18 Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY by BBC Arm, the UK-based chip designer, is hoping to clinch a market value of more than $50billion (Sh7trillion) in its first sale of shares to the public since 2016. The company, which designs chips for devices including smartphones and game consoles, is seeking to raise nearly $5bn in the listing in the US. Expected to be the biggest offering of the year, it is seen as a test of market confidence. It follows heavy lobbying from the UK government to list in London. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had personally intervened in talks before the decision to pursue the listing on the Nasdaq was announced earlier this year. Chief executive Rene Haas has said the company will keep its material intellectual property, headquarters and operations in the UK. Jamie Urqhuart is a cofounder of Arm and previously held chief operating officer and chief strategy officer roles at the business. London not right market He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it was clear that London was not the right market for Arm and the decision to not list here was “as an indictment of the economics” referring to the UK economic and labour outlook. Urqhuart also suggested that British export restrictions on technology risked holding back the industry going forward. A star of the British tech industry, Arm Holdings estimates that 70 per cent of the world’s population uses products that rely on its chips, including smartphones. The frim is owned by Japanese investment giant Softbank, which took over the company in 2016 in a deal that valued the firm at $32bn. Prior to the purchase, it was listed in both London and New York for 18 years. Softbank will continue to own 90 per cent of the company’s shares after the share sale. EXPANSION By expanding their agent networks, Saccos are not only enhancing customer satisfaction but also staying competitive with traditional banks. Members can now access banking services, make deposits, and withdraw funds without the need to visit a physical branch, saving time and effort. Arm said it was selling 95.5m shares in the deal at a price between $47 and $51 per share by John Otini @heraldaloo Commercial banks in Kenya are gearing up for heightened competition from Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) that have moved to recruit over 3,000 agents to deepen deposits. Unlike traditional banks that typically offer high-interest loans but provide relatively low returns on deposits, Saccos are an option for those eyeing lowinterest loans and attractive dividend payouts. While this strategic move by Saccos is aimed at reducing operational costs associated with the establishment of physical branches, the development also puts pressure on mainstream lenders. Third party agents “The use of Sacco agency is another alternative financial services delivery channel which has gained traction among the DT-Saccos in the recent past as an alternative to the establishment of the traditional brick and mortar branches which requires huge capital outlay as well as recurrent maintenance costs,” said the Sasra in a report. Kenya first introduced the concept of agency banking in May 2010, allowing commercial banks to engage third-party agents to provide specific services, including cash deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries on their behalf. This innovative approach to banking has since been a resounding success, bringing banking services closer to millions of customers across the country. Building upon this success, Saccos are now adopting the agency banking model to extend their reach and enhance accessibility to their services for their members. According to the Sacco Supervision Report for 2022, recently released by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), 36 deposit-taking Saccos have collectively hired a staggering 3,430 agents to facilitate customer transactions. In its efforts to regulate this burgeoning sector, SASRA has granted licenses to 176 deposit-taking Saccos and 183 nonwithdrawable deposit-taking Saccos. These Sacco-affiliated agents have played a pivotal role in enabling financial transactions for their members, handling a total of 1.89 million transactions valued at Sh26.50 billion during the year 2022 alone. Increased competition between Saccos and commercial banks is expected to benefit consumers by driving innovation, improving service quality, and potentially leading to better interest rates and financial products. Chip giant hopes for over $50b on share sales Orchids was the biggest mover on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) with a 9.42 per cent share price appreciation. The stock traded at Sh18 per share, up from Sh16.45 traded the previous session, after moving 500 units from a single deal. The Kenya-based company is engaged in the distribution of processed fruits, vegetables and other food products has a gross turnover of Sh9000 and a market capitalization of Sh232 million. Over the past three months, it has traded a total volume of 1,600 shares in 3 deals valued at Sh25,645, with an average of 25 traded shares per session. Orchards began the year with a share price of Sh10.40 but has since gained 73.1 per cent price valuation, ranking it third on the NSE in terms of year-to-date performance. - Noel Wandera STOCK OF THE DAY Bullish Orchids revs up bourse Saccos take deposits war to the banks Strategy set to rev up competition for customers in the financial services sector in Kenya MARKET WATCH NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE 14.50 10.00 Edwards Ltd Ord 1.25 13.45 450.00 240.00 Kakuzi Plc Ord.5.00 384.75 239.00 81.00 Kapchorva Tea Kenya Plc Ord Ord 5.00.. 197.25 510.00 320.00 The Limuru Tea Ca. Plc Ord 20.006.6: 397.75 31.40 17.90 Sasini Plc Ord 1.00 23.50 23.75 24.00 275.00 120.00 Williamson Tea Kenya Plc Ord 5.00.6. 196.00 196.00 196.00 AUTOMOBILES 6 ACCESSORIES 49.75 24.30 Car 6 General (K) Ltd Ord 5.00 37.00 37.00 37.00 BANKING 13.00 9.02 ABSA Bank Kenya Plc Ord 0.50 1125 11.75 11.75 36.95 26.50 BK Group Plc Ord 0.80 36.00 36.00 36.00 57.00 43.75 Diamond Trust Bonk Kenya Ltd Ord 4.00 49.25 49.40 47.10 53.50 35,00 Equity Group Holdings Plc Ord 0,50 38.20 38.70 3820 5.20 2.80 HP Group Plc Ord 5.00 4.50 4.55 4.70 21.50 15.80 UM Group Plc Ord 1.00 17.80 17.90 17.90 4400 23.00 KCB Group Plc Ord 1,00 23.25 23.35 23.30 41.00 23.30 NCBA Group Plc Ord 5.00 39.55 39.95 40.00 132.00 90.00 Stanbic Holdings Plc ard.5.00 106.00 110.00 110.00 172.50 121.00 Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd Ord 5.00 159.50 160.00 160.00 14.00 10.30 hTe Cooperative Bank of Kenya Ltd Ord 1.00 11.85 11.90 11.95 COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 0.45 0,45 Deacons (East Af rico) Plc Ord 2.50.. 0.45 1.88 0.59 Eveready East Af rico Ltd Ord.I.00 1.45 1.45 1.34 5.40 2.70 Express Kenya Plc Ord 5.00.. 4.16 4.66 4.66 Horneboyy Entertainment Plc 0.50.6. 4.66 3.83 3.53 Kenya Airways Ltd Ord 1.00 3.83 4.30 2.00 Longhorn Publishers Plc Ord 1.00.. 2.25 225 2.31 5.12 2.50 Nairobi Business Ventures Plc Ord. 0.50.. 2.99 2.99 2.86 23.00 14.00 Nation Media Group Plc Ord. 2.50 20.00 20.00 20.05 4.38 1,80 Sameer Africa Plc Ord 5.00 2,60 2.72 2.60 14.75 7.80 Standard Group Plc Ord 5.00 8.68 8.68 8.48 18.00 10.85 TPS Eastern Africa Ltd Ord 1.00 11.50 0.29 0.16 Uchurni Supermarket Plc Ord 5.00 ale 423 2.50 WPP Scongrroup Plc Ord 1.00 2.90 2.90 2.88 CONSTRUCTION A ALLIED 5.55 5.55 ARM Cement Plc Ord 1.00 5.55 39.50 22.40 Barnburi Cement Plc Ord 5,00 25.00 25.15 26.00 46.00 31.75 Crown Paints Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 38.50 38.50 38.50 1.32 0.72 E.A.Cables Ltd Ord 0.50 aee 0.89 0.87 8.80 5,38 E.A.Portland Cement Co. Ltd Ord 5.00 6.22 ENERGY 6 PETROLEUM 3.88 2.00 KenGen Co. Plc Ord. 2.50 2.25 2.31 2.30 2.11 1.30 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Co Plc Ord 2.50 1.47 1.49 1.50 4.20 4.10 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Plc 451 Pref 20.00 4.11 6.00 6.00 Kenya Power 6 Lighting Plc 751 Pref 20.00 6.00 26.40 17.30 TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 1750 1825 18.65 18.00 6.30 Umeme Ltd Ord 0.50 13.10 13.10 13.20 INSURANCE 7.50 4.01 Briton.. Holdings Plc Ord 0.10 5.50 5.54 5.60 2.30 1.60 GIG Insurance Group Ltd Ord.I.00 2.05 2.16 2.06 273.00 142,00 Jubilee Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 175.00 175.00 176.25 2.30 1.50 Kenya Re Insurance Corporation Ltd Ord 2.50 1.79 1.80 1.80 7.48 3.60 Liberty Kenya Holdings Ltd Ord. 1.00 3.99 4.00 3.99 15.00 7.20 Sanlam Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 INVESTMENT 12.80 7.60 Centurn Investment Co Plc Ord 0.50 9.00 9.00 9.00 0.41 0.27 Hame Afrika Ltd Ord 1.00.. 034 0.35 0.34 1500.00 1500.00 Kurwitu Ventures Ltd Ord 100.00.6. 1500.00 5.60 1.91 Olympia Capital Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 3.22 1.35 0,45 Trans-Century Plc Ord 0.50.. 0,53 0.53 0.53 INVESTMENT SERVICES 8.50 550 Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc Ord 4.00 5,86 5.96 5.90 MANUFACTURING ET ALLIED 85.00 65.00 B.O.0 Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 73.50 490.00 400.00 British American Tobacco Kenya Plc Ord 10.00 418.00 4,000 17.00 10.30 Carbacid investments Plc Ord 1.00 15.90 1,300 190.00 110.00 East African Breweries Plc Ord 2.00 134.25 5,000 1.54 0.90 Flame Tree Group Holdings Ltd Ord 0.825m. 1.22 700 15.00 10.40 Kenya Orchards Ltd Ord 5.00... 16.45 0.27 0.27 Mumias Sugar Co. Ltd Ord 2.00 0.27 35.00 15.00 Lingo Group Ltd Old 5.00 16.95 200 TELECOMMUNICATION 34.00 12.70 5aforicom Plc Ord 0.05 15.10 23,586,000 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 10.00 5.00 ILAM FAHARI Ord.20.00 9.34 40,700 20.00 20.00 LAPTRUSTIMARA I-REIT Ord.20.00 20.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 2560.00 1880.00 ABSA New Gold ETF 2525.00 SECTOR VWAP PREVIOUS TOTAL HIGH LOW AGRICULTURAL PRICES SHARES NSE ALL SHARE INDEX: Down 0.03 points to close at 97.98 NSE 20-SHARE INDEX: Down 1.25 points to close at 1542.04 NSE 25-SHARE INDEX: Down 1.32 points to close at 2555.39 CBK KEY RATES CURRENCY MEAN BUY SELL US DOLLAR 146.0412 145.9412 146.1412 SW KRONER 13.1337 13.1217 13.1456 STG POUND 183.3441 183.1912 183.4971 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 107.0016 106.9244 107.0788 SAUDI RIYAL 38.9350 38.9062 38.9637 SA RAND 7.5915 7.5840 7.5990 S FRANC 163.7325 163.6112 163.8538 NOR KRONER 13.6093 13.5959 13.6228 KES / USHS 25.5408 25.4891 25.5925 KES / TSHS 17.1527 17.1067 17.1987 KES / RWF 8.1683 8.1045 8.2321 KES / BIF 19.3892 19.2698 19.5086 JPY (100) 98.9540 98.8761 99.0318 IND RUPEE 1.7561 1.7548 1.7574 HONGKONG DOLLAR 18.6253 18.6126 18.6381 EURO 156.7424 156.6106 156.8741 DAN KRONER 20.9908 20.9755 21.0060 CHINESE YUAN 19.9394 19.9248 19.9540 CAN $ 106.9624 106.8853 107.0396 AUSTRALIAN $ 92.9917 92.9207 93.0627 AE DIRHAM 39.7618 39.7292 39.7945 Central Bank Rate 10.50% 09/08/2023 Inter-Bank Rate 12.41% 06/09/2023 CBK Discount Window 14.50% 10/08/2023 91-Day T-Bill 14.234% 11/09/2023 REPO 8.94% 11/08/2023 Inflation Rate 6.73% August,2023 Lending Rate 13.31% June,2023 Savings Rate 3.48% June,2023 Deposit Rate 7.82% June,2023 KBRR 8.9% 27/07/2016 KEY CBK INDICATIVE EXCHANGE RATES 07/09/2023
Activists on receiving end A ship crew member hoses water on Greenpeace activists protesting against the laying of a liquefied natural gas pipeline between the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen and the mainland in Lubmin. The German government has backed the swift construction of several LNG import terminals in a bid to replace Russian gas imports that were halted after the invasion of Ukraine.. PD/KESVSVS by Khartoum, Thursday @PeopleDailyKe Five million people have been displaced by civil war in Sudan, which is facing a rapidly mounting humanitarian emergency after months of serious fighting between the military and a rival paramilitary force. The displacement figure, provided by the International Organization for Migration, echoes a warning from the UN’s main refugee agency, UNHCR, that more than $1bn would be needed to support those fleeing the violence into neighbouring countries. According to the IOM, more than 4 million people have been internally displaced in Sudan since the fighting erupted in midApril between the army, led by Gen Abdel Crisis as war in Sudan displaces 5 million citizens Migration agency says half of country’s population now in need of aid and protection after months of violence Libreville, Thursday Gabon’s former president Ali Bongo, who was ousted in a putsch, is free to leave the country and travel abroad the leader of the coup that toppled him said on Wednesday. “He has freedom of movement... and can travel abroad if he wishes,” general Brice Oligui Nguema said in a statement read on state television. Bongo, in power for 14 years, had been under house arrest since the military coup of August 30, carried out without bloodshed less than an hour after his party proclaimed his re-election in a vote described as fraudulent by the putschists. “Given his state of health, the former President of the Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba has freedom of movement. He can travel abroad if he wishes to carry out his medical checks,” Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi said, reading a press release signed by Oligui took his oath as transitional president on Monday. Bongo suffered a serious stroke in October 2018 which left him physically impaired, with particular difficulty moving his right leg and arm. Bongo took office in 2009, succeeding his father Omar, who ruled the country for some 41 years, gaining a reputation for iron-fisted rule and kleptocracy. He was re-elected in bitterly disputed circumstances in 2016 but two years later suffered a stroke that weakened his grip on power. - Xinhua Military junta ‘frees’ ousted Gabon’s Ali Bongo Fattah al-Burhan, and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The agency said a further 1.1 million people had fled to neighbouring countries, more than 750,000 of them to Egypt or Chad.It said about 24.7 million Sudanese, roughly half the country’s population, were in need of humanitarian aid and protection. International efforts to mediate in the conflict have so far failed. There have been at least nine ceasefire agreements and all have broken down, while shortages of food, water, medicines and fuel have worsened due to the disruption of trade routes, which has also pushed up prices. On Tuesday, the UNHCR appealed for $1bn to provide essential aid and protection to more than 1.8 million people expected to arrive in five neighbouring countries by the end of 2023, amounting to a twofold increase on what it initially estimated in May. Africa has ‘not yet’ got G20 invitation Former Zambian First Lady released Rwanda police arrest man after bodies find The African Union (AU) has “not yet” received an invitation to this weekend’s G20 summit, at which India and the United States are seeking to integrate the pan-African organization, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. “So far, the AU Commission has not yet received an invitation to take part in the summit”, scheduled for September 9 and 10 in New Delhi, Ebba Kalondo, spokesperson for AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, told AFP. The G20 brings together 19 countries and the European Union, which together account for 85% of the world’s economy and two-thirds of its population. At the end of August, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his wish for the AU to become a member of the G20, which currently counts only one African country, South Africa. - BBC Former Zambia President Edgar Lungu’s wife, Esther Lungu, has been freed from police custody and will face court proceedings. She, along with four others, was arrested on Wednesday but was released in the evening, as confirmed by police spokesperson Danny Mwale. The charges against them include the theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a property certificate in Lusaka, and possession of property suspected to be linked to criminal activities. All the accused individuals have denied any wrongdoing. - BBC A suspected serial killer has been arrested after the discovery of more than 10 corpses in a pit dug in the kitchen of his Kigali home, Rwandan police and media reported on Wednesday. Police said the 34-year-old suspect met his victims - men and women - in bars and lured them to his rented accommodation on the outskirts of the Rwandan capital. “He operated by luring his victims, mostly prostitutes, to his home, where he stole their phones and other personal belongings before strangling them and burying them in a pit dug in his kitchen,” said Rwandan Bureau of Investigation (RIB) spokesman Thierry Murangira, quoted by local media. The Rwandan media claimed that more than 10 bodies had been found, and a source within the RIB told AFP, on condition of anonymity, that 14 victims had been counted so far. - BBC REFUGEE BRIEFLY CRISIS IN SUDAN More than 4 million people have been internally displaced in Sudan since the fighting erupted in mid-April between the army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah alBurhan The agency said a further 1.1 million people had fled to neighbouring countries, more than 750,000 of them to Egypt or Chad. In the western Darfur region – the scene of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s – the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias attacking ethnic African groups “The crisis has triggered an urgent demand for humanitarian assistance, as those arriving in remote border areas find themselves in desperate circumstances due to inadequate services, poor infrastructure and limited access,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, the UNHCR regional bureau director for the east and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes. “Partners active in this response are making every effort to support those who are arriving and their hosts, but without enough donor resources these efforts will be severely curtailed.” Balde reported a dire health situation among new arrivals in Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, including high malnutrition rates and disease outbreaks such as cholera and measles. Sudan was plunged into chaos almost five months ago when long-simmering tensions between the military escalated into open warfare. The fighting has reduced Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, to an urban battlefield, with neither side managing to gain control of the city. Meanwhile, in the western Darfur region – the scene of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s – the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias attacking ethnic African groups, according to rights groups and the UN. Formal peace negations mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia in the kingdom’s coastal town of Jeddah were adjourned in late June, with both mediators publicly calling out the RSF and the army for continually violating truces. - Agencies WORLD NEWS FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke 19 Friday, September 8, 2023
Spice Flavour your day 20 PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 @Manuel_Ntoyai I t is a fact that the creative industry is male dominated and this state of affairs is not only peculiar in Kenya, but world over. This dominance by the male gender has spurred the current discussions of how the fairer sex is represented in the industry and more so, how the copyright infrastructure plays a role in helping to sustain the material and economic inequality between the two genders. “Creatives need to be conversant with the kind of business they are in to make money. For a business to succeed, one (creative) may manage alone or with the assistance of a qualified personnel in the business. In the creative industry, the former applies, and we recently had a survey done and we found that most of the businesses are sole proprietorships and not incorporated. The survey, which was conducted in February 2023, indicates that women constitute less than 30 per cent of ownership,” says Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo) CEO Edward Sigei. He adds that few women are participating in Intellectual Property (IP) system, and that means too few women are benefiting from it. This is a bitter experience that Joyce Mumeita, an artiste and clergywoman based in Kajiado, has struggled with. Despite her hit song Matatu being a popular song in Maasai radio stations and other public spaces, she was shocked when someone set up a YouTube channel in her name, uploaded on the platform the song and others released in the same album. “When some of us started our music journey, there was little information on matters copyright or royalties and unscrupulous businessmen and promoters took advantage of this. Most of the married women in rural areas who are in music are funded mostly by their husbands, who also have no knowledge on such matters,” she tells Spice. Inclusion in creative spaces Professional model and creative activist Jennifer Waruingi says, “To empower women in music and art in general is noble and paramount. Many assume and overlook women’s inclusion in creative spaces hence limiting them from exploring and giving their best. As we all know, women are greatly talented at creating.” Jennifer says empowering women in the creative space will grant them the assurance that they are well protected and thus THE AFFIRMATIVE INCLUSION Kuiyu Xenia Manasseh In a male dominated industry, women creatives are now asking to meaningfully participate and control their Intellectual Property rights Jennifer Waruingi Agnes Nonsizi Diana Kayode
Genge icon Hubert Nakitare aka Nonini has hit out on music promoters from Kenya for undermining Kenyan musicians, especially in the international arena. His lashing came after what he termed as gross disrespect from a promoter who had offered him a deal to perform at Madaraka Festival USA Tour 2024. The major reason for his anger was the Sh73,000 (US$500) performance fee he had been offered. “How do you even offer any musician that? And they will gladly pay foreigners over US$10,000 (Sh1.4 million). And you are a Kenyan promoter with a Kenyan themed event and you offer your fellow Kenyan US$500. That is a spit in the face really!” Nonini exclusively told Spice. He added that promoters have been among the major reasons Kenyan musicians have been struggling to keep up with their peers from other countries. “Respect Kenyan musicians; all of them not just your friends. Feel proud when empowering and paying your own people. This art we do is expensive and we invest so much into it everyday that you would rather not even call a musician than to offer such paltry amounts. Nigerian promoters feel proud empowering their own people. The minimum a newbie artiste can start with is US$15,000 (Sh2.2 million). See the reason why they are doing better than us,” retorted the Keroro hitmaker. Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY SPICE 21 I embarked on a fascinating journey to the Buxton Tunnel in Limuru, and it left an indelible mark on my memory. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Limuru countryside, this historical marvel is a testament to both Kenya’s colonial past and its enduring natural beauty. Named after Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, it was originally constructed to facilitate the transportation of tea and coffee from the highlands to Mombasa. Walking through the tunnel was like traversing a time portal as shafts of sunlight pierced through openings in the tunnel ceiling, creating an enchanting interplay of light and shadow. Greeted by a breathtaking view of the Limuru landscape, with rolling tea plantations and mist-covered hills stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a humbling experience, standing there at the intersection of history and nature. Blend of history, culture and nature THEJOINT WITH IAN GITOBU Respect our hustle, Nonini tells Kenyan promoters SWEETNSOUR By Elly Gitau Excitement is building to fever pitch among fans of African and Afro-inspired music, as Trace reveals the first performers in the starstudded line-up for the forthcoming Trace Awards 2023. African and Afro-inspired musicians from around the globe are set to perform at the live event at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 21. Among the music stars on the line-up are Kenya’s Janet Otieno, Nigeria’s Davido, Asake and Kizz Daniel, Bamby (French Guiana), South Africa’s Benjamin Dube and Blxckie, Black Sherif (Ghana), Rwanda’s Bruce Melodie and Bwiza, Ivory Coast’s Didi B and Josey, Dystinct (Morocco), Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde) and Cameroon’s Locko. Others are Reunion’s Mikl, Perola (Angola), Plutonio (Mozambique), Princess Lover (Martinique), Ronisia (France), Haiti’s Rutshelle Guillaume, Soraia Ramos from Cape Verde, Tayc (France), Terrell Elymoor (Mayotte) and Senegal’s Viviane Chidid. Other performers will be announced at a later date. Janet Otieno in Trace’s first batch of performers lawyers in the arts industry including Wandiri Karimi, the co-founder of African Women’s Orchestra, whose mission is creating a safe space for women to create and share their creativity with the world. Makueni County Director for Culture, Music and Arts, Mutua Mulonzya, says one of the ways the county has employed to help women stakeholders is by having a database that helps them address equality amongst the creatives. “We maintain this in excel formats and keep updating it, from musicians to fi lmmakers. For the latter group, we have gone further into categorising them from camera people to directors, and this helps us to expose them to opportunities that come our way including trainings in collaborations with national government agencies such as Kecobo,” he says. Music publicist, Agnes Nonsizi, says in today’s rapidly evolving creative industry, fostering inclusivity for women is undeniably pivotal. It is imperative to recognise that the unique challenges faced by women within this realm can only be effectively articulated and addressed by women themselves. The key to this empowerment lies in women actively engaging with and understanding their worth in the creative landscape. “When women in creative spaces are empowered, they gain invaluable insights into the industry’s intricacies, allowing them to navigate its diverse spheres more effectively. Empowerment equips them with a profound understanding of their creative rights and copyright issues, enabling them to make informed and strategic fi nancial decisions. “Women in the creative sector should not confi ne themselves solely to the creative spaces; they must actively seek inclusion at the decision-making tables that shape policies impacting creative communities. It’s imperative to witness women creatives stepping forward to contend for leadership positions and policy roles. The absence of female representation in these spheres is a pressing concern that demands attention and this includes in policy that has been subjective to them such as copyright laws that protect their IP,” says Nonsizi. Beyond gender and genre As a female fi lmmaker in Kenya, Diana Kayode believes that including women in the creative spaces and empowering them in music and copyright matters could make the arts industry better. She says, “Regardless of their gender and genre of their music, women contribute to the vibrancy of the music industry not only in Kenya but globally. A good example is the 21-year-old musician Nikita Kering’ whose R&B/Afro-pop music is making waves worldwide.” She adds, “Similar to fi lmmakers, understanding your artistic copyright rights is vital in protecting IP. Our creativity and hardwork is protected and in turn, generation of a well-deserved income is achieved. As female creatives, we are enlightened on ways to avoid, identify and to deal with copyright infringements whenever they occur. Government bodies such as Kecobo and Music Copyright Society of Kenya and the other Collective Management Organisations are pivotal in supporting fi lmmakers and musicians, respectively, on matters copyright.” In conclusion, Diana emphasises that inclusion of women, empowering them and protecting their rights in the creative industry will promote an industry that is diverse and vibrant, which is a step forward in creating a better arts industry in Kenya. Aylo Faiza Hersi encourage them to go the extra and stretch to their limits. “Women are mostly intimidated, looked down upon and many of them have to bow to hit the bar of success in art. When they are protected by the law, empowered to about their rights and copyrights it becomes much easy. They are the assured of ownership rights and other benefi ts on the industry thus growth all around. We hope to have more diversity, vibrancy and inclusion in creative spaces when women are served with justice in the art industry,” she adds. Being headstrong enough to deal with the non-issues and focus on the job at hand is one of the ways many women who have navigated the murky waters, where sexual favours have been made a normalised practice. The importance of personality and character rights being emboldened should be looked at as the industry metamorphoses. “One of the most uncomfortable discussions are based on split sheets, yet they save people a lot of later on and. The document explains who owns what when it comes to royalties,” says Wairimu Sisian, a producer, deejay and founder of music management company Such Good Noise. The company helps artistes navigate the industry in the realms of fi nance and amplifi cation of strategy management, contract negotiations and enforcement and artiste development. Taking the back seat Women in arts have for long taken the back seat on matters that greatly affect them, and this has hindered them from claiming a share of the Sh23.4 billion worth entertainment and arts industry, as indicated in the 2022 Economic Survey. There must be an emphasis on addressing the reasons that women do not have access and opportunity in the industry. One obvious explanation for this is that gendered aspects of copyright laws are viewed as secondary to other economic and social considerations. That disparity is, especially clear behind the scenes among the people who work in the studio as songwriters or producers. A closer look at what male musicians and actors earn versus their female counterparts tells it all. A number of initiatives have been undertaken to address the industry’s underlying problems, among them She Is the Music, a group co-founded by American singer Alicia Keys as an employment database and to empower women through efforts such as mentorship. In Kenya, such conversations have been led by a number of JOYCE When some of us started our music journey, there was little information on matters copyright or royalties Mutua Mulonzya encourage them to go the extra and Good Noise. The company helps Edward Sigei Faiza Hersi by American singer Alicia Keys as an employment database and to empower women through efforts such as mentorship. In Kenya, such conversations have been led by a number of
22 PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 PARTY ON MOVE by Mwangi Alberto Cognac brand Hennessy recently launched the #HennyOnTheMove, a movement aimed at celebrating its loyal customer bases while expanding the brand’s consumption at various high-energy outlets and beyond. The event, hosted at Gemini Lounge in Kilimani, Nairobi, was in collaboration with top deejays Ruffy, J Jamstar and Cibin, and lifestyle influencers such as Joe Muchiri and Aisha Opisa, amongst other cognac lovers. The movement will move to different cities and towns across the country, targeting clubs and consumers from varied geographical areas. PD/MWANGI ALBERTO Host Kui Kabala. Host Kui Kabala. Host Kui Kabala. Clique & Clicks Get Spotted Content Creator Kalekye Kakitu knows just how to party. by Alice Mburu An exciting golf tournament dubbed “Legendary” went down recently at the Ruiru Sports Club (RCS) much to the excitement of the hundreds of golf faithful. It was powered by Legendary Golfers, a multi-disciplinary group of professionals brought together by the beautiful game of golf. More than 260 golfers from different golf clubs in Kenya took part in the tourney that was sponsored by The Floorknight. Handicap 16 Dr Joseph Karienye took it home with 42 points. PD/ALICE MBURU It’s a gentleman’s game First Assurance MD Stephen Lokonyo in full swing. Hello gorgeous. Social media content creator and actor Linda Alexette. Hennessy brand ambassadors Tracy Otonde, Trusilla Matunda, Lorna Murage, Jackline Mundia, Edith Babu and Mitchelle Akinyi. Legendary Group chairman Elias Kariuki awards golfer Humphrey Njeriu. Cheers to us! Vanessa Nderu, Ms XX, Sparky Nderu, Jackie Ngacha and Aisha Moet Hennessy market manager Gboyega with African Elite Group PR manager Caleb Chuma. DJ Cibin keeps the party on the move from the ones and twos. Legendary member golfers Liz Mwaura, David Gitinga, James Njogu and Magdalene Mbugua. Digital content creator Aisha Opisa, Gemini resident DJ J Jamstar and Moet Hennessy trade and marketing manager Reagan Omwah. RSC chairman Dominic Chege, The Floornight chairman Lee Munene and RCS Captain Jessy Ndegwa. Immediate former RSC chairman and captain Peter Mwaura.
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 23 When you think about adoption what comes to mind? Is it grown up, probably misbehaved children who would probably ruin their adopting parents’ minds? Or are you more openminded and instead see cute children who have not been dealt the best of circumstances and would maybe thrive if given a chance plus a lot of love? Now imagine meeting someone from the second group who is able to totally convert someone who is from the first group. This person actually existed. Her name was GeorgiaTann. She was a crusader for adoption and single-handedly managed to change the opinion of most Americans on the fact that adoption can be good and that sometimes all it takes is love to nurture a great child. The twist is in that Georgia was not wholly good. She used to kidnap children from rural backwaters—any child from a low-income community that happened to stop by Memphis, or even children brought to hospital by impoverished parents. Together with her large network of criminals who included politicians, nurses and policemen, they would dupe fatigued mothers who had just given birth into signing forms that waived their rights to their children while they thought they were signing for their hospital bills to be waived. Because truth is closely linked with fiction, Lisa Wingate wrote the book Before We Were Yours to highlight the plight of the children that were kidnapped by Georgia and put up in her privately run and badly managed Tenessee Children’s Home Society. The story follows five sisters and a brother who are river gypsies. They are kidnapped and locked up in a home ready to be sold to the highest bidder. They are in, especially high demand since their hair is blonde and their eyes are blue. The children’s home owner comes up with different stories for each sister and sells them off to different homes. Though the sisters are separated, two finally make their way to each other when they are in their 70s thanks to the help of a meddling granddaughter and a devoted investigator. Though the characters in Wingate’s book are fictional, all the heart-wrenching things that happen to the characters are all true. Malnutrition, cruel and unusual punishments, sexual molestation, deaths and disappearance of children... it all happened. And not all characters get a happy ending where they reconnect like in Wingate’s story. For those who are able to reconnect and share the horrors they suffered at Georgia’s hands, Wingate teamed up with Christie to tell their story in the second book Before And After. I would recommend both books not so that you can explore the darkness of the human heart, but so that you can see the persevering goodness of love that cannot even be dimmed by circumstance. REVIEW OF THE WEEK The dark world of children’s homes and adoption Books & Leisure The Right Reads BY NJERI MAINA then submitted it to Frankline Sunday and asked if it made sense to DRR. I was lucky on that day it did. How was the editorial process? I am a difficult writer to edit because I am obsessed with detail and I use language for the benefit of a story and not editorial styles and stuck-upness. What was the motivation to include illustrations in your book and how did George, your son become one of the illustrators of the book? I love art. It’s amazing how visual artists can say so much with colour or the lack of it. But for Mtama Road, 90s were full of colour and it only felt right to incorporate illustrations. George is a really great artist, something he got from his dad. At only eight years, he has a very deliberate hand and a great imagination and some of his drawings matched the themes in the book, so we picked some and incorporated them into the artwork for the book. How did you meet Anita Kavochy — the second illustrator? I first met Kavochy through the artwork she has done for a number of DRR publications. And then we met in person to discuss ideas for the book. We looked at George’s drawings together and then started talking about the stories, how similar our experiences are and the rest is history. She is one of my favourite people now and I like going to her home for the conversation and tea and the art. I will definitely work with her again on another book project. How did George and Anita work with each other? They met and talked, he drew something random, then they painted something with a wonderful shade of pink that can be seen in one of the illustrations and then he was distracted by chickens! The paint stayed on his boots for a while. Both of them are entitled to some of the profits of the book as well as their paintings that were recently exhibited. How was the first launch of your book at the Soma Nami Book Fair? Really amazing. I appreciate everyone who came to the launch and felt seen through the readings and the discussion. Where can readers buy copies of Mtama Road? Go to the DRR website, downriverroad. org and place an order. Author brings the lively 90s back to life LINDA I took myself back to the small and big things that made growing up in the 90s a wonderful, but also jarring experience that only those who lived it can relate to. Linda Musita, whose first book – Mtama Road – is now out, chats with Peter Ngila about her writing life and his debut short story collection H ow long did it take you to write the seven short stories in Mtama Road? My first notes about the stories are dated August 5, 2021. Mtama Road was launched on August 4, 2023. It took me two years to write seven stories out of those notes. Before starting writing the stories in the collection, did you consciously map them out to be linked to each other? Yes, I was very deliberate about that. After reading David Mitchell’s novel, Cloud Atlas around 2010 and then watching the film adaptation in 2012, I was completely fascinated by the concept of linking stories. He has six wonderfully interconnected stories in the book. All in long form. Over the years, I have thought of ways to do something like that, but with short stories. More than 10 years later, I have accomplished it. Hopefully, Mtama Road will also inspire a film adaptation soon. What was your motivation to set Mtama Road during the 90s? How did you manage to create this memorable 90s vibe? Not much fiction exists about the 90s in Nairobi. All the nostalgia we have about that time is purely based on the music we heard. But there is no sense of place in that particularly because we didn’t have a lot of Kenyan music then. So, I took myself back to the small and big things that made growing up in the 90s a wonderful, but also jarring experience that only those who lived it can relate to. And those who came after it would read Mtama Road and walk away wondering if that stuff was ever possible. It was, too a much higher extent. I loved the unitalicised Kiswahili words and phrases in your book. Please speak a bit about the use of language in the collection. Kiswahili words or any African language words should never be italicised. That’s what I think. There’s absolutely no reason to shrink and bend our languages in our writing because we don’t do it when we speak. In the collection, I use language as an archiving tool. I try my level best to preserve language as it was in the 90s. Something that was largely inspired by Nyashinski and how he uses language in his music. For example, how he starts his song Finyo with, “Hodi kwa mama mtoto mkorofi…” That’s a total epic flashback for me, someone who was born in the 80s and heard “mtukutu” and “mkorofi” a lot, everywhere. Please speak a bit about your use of short(er) sentences. I am a shy inherently quiet person. That means that ever since I was a child, I used words in the most efficient and limited manner. But, I also read a lot because my mother worked as a librarian. I learnt how to write short sentences by reading a lot and talking less. I have also worked as a subeditor for a newspaper and there were times on a daily basis I had to reduce a 200- word story into 30 words without losing news value. What’s your favourite story in your book and why? No, I won’t say that in public. I don’t want to interfere with anyone’s reading experience. Same way parents don’t say out loud who their favourite child is! How did Down River Road (DRR) journal acquire Mtama Road? I pitched in a very Kenyan way. I knew that they were the only publishers who would understand the concepts of place and nostalgia in my book. Particularly because they had already published journals on these themes. So, I wrote with them in mind without their knowledge
energy for all,” she said. She continued, “housing settlements can be designed upfront to limit slums that are synonymous with crowding and nonhygienic living conditions. The cities can also be designed to provide eco-friendly mass transport systems that curb congestion and pollution due to heavy emissions by multiple individually owned vehicles.” Cities can also be planned to accommodate green spaces that help replenish the ecosystem through tree planting. These require a commitment to climate action plans both in terms of planning and financing as well as implementation. Building sustainable communities in cities not only offers climate solutions, but also eliminates poverty and boosts shared prosperity. “Cities can be laboratories for social and ecological progress, but this cannot happen on its own. Africa is reeling from a climate emergency that we did not cause, and for progress to be possible, international cooperation and climate reparations are essential,” she added. Energy consumption On emission reduction, Christine Muchiri an Urban Planner and Environmental Expert says that cities can keep their emissions in check by leveraging technology to obtain data on air quality, monitor energy consumption in buildings, manage traffic through smart systems, and sustain employee productivity through CHRISTINE To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, cities need to set easily traceable mitigation commitments. 24 PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 Boma Home of Property & Leisure by Milliam Murigi @millymur1 C ity planners have been urged to help mitigate the looming climate change effects through properly planned and designed cities that are resilient to extreme weather conditions. Speaking during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, Seble Samuel, cofounder Lem Ketema, an Ethiopian urban sustainability non-profit, said that rapidly expanding poorly planned and designed cities are hurting the fight against climate change. “Cities are home to the majority of humanity, the majority of global energy consumption, and the majority of carbon emissions. At the same time, cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” she said. She said urban areas have become a magnet for millions of people worldwide in search of economic and social opportunities, as well as those displaced by harsh climatic conditions, such as drought and floods in rural areas. The grand migration to urban settings is, however, causing a major concern among experts, because it stands to fuel emissions that would worsen climate change. Estimates have it that by 2050 some seven in 10 people will live in urban settings, signifying the magnitude of population pressure on cities and towns. An estimated 90 per cent of urbanisation over the next few decades will happen in cities alone. “Unplanned growth of cities due to the massive rural-urban migration leads to the proliferation of slums, congestion, pollution, greenhouse gases, lack of affordable housing, poor access to sanitation and waste management, and vulnerability to natural hazards, which are exacerbated by climate change,” she explained. Sustainable economies Seble said in Africa where most cities are still in developing stages, there is a perfect opportunity to build resilient cities through well-planned and designed master plans to accommodate the rapidly expanding ruralto-urban migrant populations. Cities can achieve this by transitioning to low-carbon sustainable economies through aspects, such as mass rapid transport systems, eco-friendly housing, green spaces, and proper waste management. “As fossil fuels set the world on fire, the African continent and African cities home to the highest renewable energy potential on earth, have the opportunity to become leaders in the just energy transition to clean Urban planning, designing at the front line of the climate crisis Experts at the just ended Africa Climate Summit have said properly planned and designed cities are among the most effective tools in mitigating the looming global warming effects Environment and urban planning experts say it is possible to maintain economic growth, while creating sustainable livable cities for all. PD/ COURTESY remote working. “In this era of internet of things, urban planners must optimise digital solutions to plan better and design for efficiencies in cities. This, includes promoting walkability and investing in reliable safe and convenient public transport,” said Muchiri. Additionally, employing densification as a tool to curb the environmental impacts of uncontrolled urban expansion comes with the benefit of reducing government expenditure on the provision of infrastructure to the masses. She said while harnessing the benefits of a compact urban form, cities must be well furnished with adequate public green spaces and commensurate infrastructural services. Due to the global awareness of the irreversible detrimental impacts of climate change, many cities are now intentional about curbing global warming by partaking in cleaner production techniques, exploring renewable energy sources, and imposing penalties or incentives to limit industrial emissions. “Salient to reducing the huge carbon footprint created by our cities is embedding environmentally significant actions into the urban planning policy-making process. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, cities need to set easily traceable mitigation commitments,” adds Muchiri. In pursuance of the Paris Agreement agenda to reduce global warming and build resilience to climate change, Muchiri says that cities must take radical measures in the use of energy, land, and natural resources. Cities also need to employ innovation and technological advancement to plan for population growth and design urban areas, buildings, infrastructure, and industrial systems to achieve the net-zero emissions agenda. by Rawlings Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Land and real estate investors will no longer lose their money to unscrupulous agents if a new bill is passed into law. This is because, every real estate agent shall maintain and preserve such books of account, records and documents in the prescribed manner and not facilitate the sale or rent of any parcel of land, apartment or building in a real estate project, which is not registered in accordance with the Act. The Real Estate Regulation Bill 2023, sponsored by Trans Nzoia County Senator Allan Chesang seeks to put in place mechanisms for the regulation of real estate agents and real estate projects. In order to protect purchasers from unscrupulous conmen, purchasers will be entitled to obtain the information relating to approved plans, and layout plans along with the specifications, approved by the competent authority. In addition, buyers will be entitled to know time schedule of completion of the project, including the provisions for water, sanitation, electricity and other amenities and services as agreed to between the developer and the purchaser in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement for sale. In addition, investors in the multibillion real estate sector will also be forced to seek for registration, licensing and plan approvals if the proposed law is enacted. In a raft of proposals, stringent penalties await persons who undertake a real estate project that is not registered. The first-time lawmaker proposes the establishment of a Real Estate Board whose functions shall be to advise the National and County Governments on the regulation and development of the real estate sector and regulate real estate agents and real estate projects. ”A person shall not practice as a real estate agent unless that person has been issued a practicing license by the Board of Directors and has complied with the requirements of this Act,” the bill reads. The Board will also be responsible for the registration of real estate agents, real estate projects, license real estate agents, maintain a public database with information on real estate agents and real estate projects registered and maintain a public database with information on real estate agents and real estate projects. In addition, the Board will prescribe standard fees and charges to be levied by real estate agents and developers, ensure compliance of the orders or directions made in exercise of its powers under this Act and perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. “A person who fails to comply with, or contravenes any of the orders or directions of the court issued under this Act commits an offense and shall, upon conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding Sh10 million or to both,” reads part of the bill. BRIEFLY Proposed law to protect citizens from land fraud
Timber is also short-lived and prone to pests, rot, and fungi attacks and will be unsuitable for long-term projects. Also, timber shrinks, swells, twists, cracks and bends over time and when this happens, the scaffolding system will be weakened or broken. It is more expensive to maintain wood than any other building materials. What are the various types of scaffolding in Kenya? In Kenya, there are several types of scaffolding, including tubes and couplers (clamps and connectors), which has a platform supported by tubing, and is erected with coupling devices connecting uprights, braces, bearers, and runners. H-Frame system scaffolding is a platform used in plastering works on interior wall and facade in construction. Supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support. Suspended scaffolds are platforms suspended by ropes, or other non-rigid means, from an overhead structure. Is scaffolding training a must for construction workers? Yes, training in scaffolding is essential for construction workers as working at heights is risky. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide training by a competent person to employees involved in erecting and disassembling scaffolds. In construction sites, training is done by competent personnel who’ve been doing the scaffolding job for several years and have experience in this fi eld. In Kenya, advanced construction fi rms and schools hire qualifi ed personnel Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY BOMA 25 WEKESA Scaffolding also allows unhindered, stable access to almost any area of a structure and puts workers on a fi rm footing, giving them the ability to balance themselves while working. In construction of every towering building, there exists a temporary structure, which plays the indispensable role of safely supporting workmen working at height to carry on erecting highrise buildings. Dancan Wekesa, shares some insights on these units Scaffolding: Providing an elevated solution for construction works THELOUNGE DÉCOR BY MALEMBA MKONGO Green home styling tips that keep climate change in mind It’s never been easier to find eco-friendly products. If you want to do your bit for the planet and you are planning to redecorate your home, make sure you choose these green alternatives to help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Reuse waste materials The intention here is to make use of buildings and other materials that get dumped mindlessly onto landfills. They remain intact degrading the environment. So instead of letting it be useless, find a creative way of using these to make textured feature walls, or repurpose them to be used as furniture or aesthetic elements of art. Colourful glass bottles can be reused as lighting fixtures to hold the lamps, for instance. Energy savings with the lights Replacing your lighting fixtures with LEDs can be another way of incorporating green home interior creation ideas. You can add in openings to maximise this and practice the art of drawing your drapes every single morning. That will let in an ample amount of light everywhere as well as provide the needed cross-ventilation. LED lights in the form of a statement edgy light fixture can make the space stand out, while string lights can bring in a subtle and fun vibe to the space. Decorate with plants Plants can not only add to the aesthetics of the space, but it comes with a set of functional benefits as well. Bringing in more plants directly means bringing in more oxygen to your living space and reducing the CO2 build-up. Today you have the option to hang the plant or fix them up on a wall, which increases the aesthetic aspect without compromising the functionality. by Lucky Oluoch @LuckyOluoch W hat is a scaffolding, and how is it used in construction? Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction, maintaining, or repairing buildings, bridges, and other man-made structures. To this day, scaffolding remain one of the most useful and effi cient ways for people to work at height. What other alternatives are there and have been used in Kenya before the introduction of steel scaffolding? Before the introduction of scaffolding, timber or wooden scaffolds were commonly used in Kenya. These were wooden structures joined with timber and nails to support the working crew and materials. The main disadvantage of timber scaffolding is that it lacks versatility and fl exibility due to its fi xed nature, hence limiting its usage to specifi c applications and may not be suitable for complex or irregular structures as compared to other systems. Erecting this type of scaffolding requires drilling of the wall for adequate support and when the scaffolding is removed the holes need to be refi lled hence leaving patches on the wall leading to more time wastage and indecency. from OSHA to offer this training for a period of one month and the trainers are offered a certifi cate in scaffolding safety, assembling and disassembling. Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries in construction. What are some scaffolding hazards, safety regulations, and tips to keep workers safe from accidents and falls? To prevent accidents and falls, employers should: Provide full protective gear to employees on scaffolds over 10 feet high, install toe boards, guardrails, debris nets, and catch platforms, ensure employees wear hard hats (helmets), and, place the scaffolds at least three metres away from electrical wires and poles. Working at more than 10 metres, the scaffolds are supported by a slanding scaffolding tube that connects the scaffolding system with the ground hence ensuring the scaffolding doesn’t fall back and remains fi rm in the whole construction process. In addition, the use of toeboards and guardrails ensures the user is working on a balanced, but elevated ground that he can walk in freely and work without staggering. The guardrails will protect the user from falling sideways as they will hold them and keep them between the working platforms. What are the other advantages of scaffolding in construction? Scaffolding offer effi cient access to elevated areas, enhances safety, is costeffective compared to the risks involved, improves productivity with a wider working platform, and reduces setup and dismantling time. Scaffolding also allows unhindered, stable access to almost any area of a structure and puts workers on a fi rm footing, giving them the ability to balance themselves in different positions while working. Scaffolding is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be put up and taken down fairly fast. How often should scaffolding be inspected for safety compliance? Scaffolding should be inspected during use and at least weekly to monitor its condition and performance. Look for loose or missing parts, sagging planks, bending putlogs, and broken clamps, and address any issues promptly. Are there any specific safety regulations related to scaffolding in Kenya? The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2007 in Kenya mandates the use of safety equipment and personal protective gear. Workers have the right to report unsafe conditions to relevant authorities to ensure workplace safety. For government projects, the government hires an offi cial from OSHA to inspect the safety of the scaffolding. For most sites in Kenya, there is a department that deals in scaffolding. The chief scaffolder who’s heading this department is obligated to inspect this scaffolding system’s safety. Briefly tell us about yourself I am the founder and CEO of DB Scaffolding Limited, a fi rm that rents scaffolding materials and services to its clients for construction, fi ttings and renovations. Eco-friendly materials Incorporate elements that are eco-friendly in themselves. This is an effective way to consciously put sustainability and green design forward. Buy materials that have gone through the least processing and that have a positive impact on the environment. For example, you can opt for eco-friendly paint for your walls.
PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 26 ENTERTAINMENT ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. Consider a trial separation if you and your mate just can’t come to terms. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) Do not overexpand if you have your own business. Sit tight. You’ll need to exercise control. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Snap out of it. You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner. CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Problems with colleagues are likely. Too much talk might lead to hassles. Be careful that you don’t overextend yourself. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) This might not be a day for hasty decisions. Someone you work with may be emotional. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Your energy will be high. Be sure to organize events that will keep the children busy. Generosity will put you in the poorhouse. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) You can win if you’re open and up front with your boss. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Focus on what’s important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. Be careful of the groups you join or the people you associate with. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 -FEB. 19) Curb any jealous its if your partner has been lirting with someone else. You may have dificulties with in-laws or family members. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Try to stay calm and do the best you can. Rewards for past good deeds will highlight your day. You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. HOROSCOPES LIFE’S LIKE THAT! | BY TUM Sudoku The aim is to ill the grid so that each row, column and every 3x3 shaded box contains only one of the digits 1-9. You need to reason out where to place the missing numbers by using the numbers given in the grid and a process of elimination. It is a game of logic not mathematical ability. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION ACROSS 1. Largely 5. Fees 9. Barmum 10. Crump 12. Niece 13. Outside 14. Resign 16. Gateau 19. Handgun 21. Koran 23. Ditto 24. Enough 25. X-ray 26. Pledged DOWN 2. Abate 3. Ginseng 4. Lemmon 6. Elusive 7. Subsequent 8. Scot 11. Unorthodox 15. Sinatra 17. Aykroyd 18. Unreal 20. Good 22. Rogue 2 9 1 5 8 1 6 1 7 9 5 4 8 5 2 8 4 7 2 5 9 1 8 9 3 5 8 6 4 1 3 2 5 8 6 9 1 8 6 2 7 9 4 5 1 3 7 9 5 6 3 1 8 4 2 9 2 1 8 4 5 3 7 6 6 8 7 3 2 9 1 5 4 5 3 4 1 6 7 9 2 8 2 5 9 4 8 6 7 3 1 1 4 6 9 7 3 2 8 5 3 7 8 5 1 2 4 6 9 5:00 France 24 5.05 Maombi 5:30 Gear Up 6:00 Good Morning Kenya 10:00 NewsCheck 1:00 KBC Lunch time News 2:00 Cynthia Nyamai 2:30 Disco Funk 3:00 Animation 5:00 Club 1 6:30 Drama 7:00 Taarifa 7:30 Maza 8:00 I Dare You To Leave 9:00 KBC Channel 1 News 10:30 The Rave 11:00 CGTN 12:30 France 24 5.00 Password Plus 6.00 Am Live 8.00 Better Living 9.00 On The Wings Of Love 10.00 Music Mix 11.00 NTV Today 1.00 NTV at 1 1.30 Music Mix 3.00 Blood Sisters 3.30 The Three Sides Of Ana - Rpt 4.00 NTV At 4 4.15 Password Plus 5.00 The Heat 6.00 It Had To Be You 7.00 NTV Jioni 8.00 Forever My Love 9.00 NTV Tonight 10.00 Movie 11.00 Music Mix 12.00 CNN 06:00 Your Motor Week 06:30 Command Your Morning 07:00 Afrimaxx 09:00 Tendereza 09:30 News Hour 10:00 Afriscreen 12:00 Amplify 12:30 The killer Bride 1:00 News Desk 1.30 Sports Legends 2:00 Afriscreen 3:30 Akili & Me 4:00 Mbiu Ya KTN 4:10 Winx Club 6:00 Prima Donnas 7:00 KTN Leo 7:30 Sports legends 8:00 Whats your story 9:00 KTN Friday Brieing 10:21 Movie 10:30 Movie 11:00 Baseline 1.00 Aljazeera 4:00 Pambazuka 05:30 PE At Home 06:00 Day Break 09:00 Cartoons Animation 10:00 Music Mix generic 15:00 Afrosinema 11:00 Sema Na Citizen 11:15 Afrosinema 12:15 Afrosinema 13:00 Sema Na Citizen 14:00 Mseto Africa 15:00 The Neighbour 15:54 Supa Sema 16:00 News Brief 16:15 PE At Home 17:30 Rubi 18:30 Machachari 19:00 Nipashe 19:30 Sultana 20:00 Vencer El Desamor 21:00 JK Live 23:05 Mis Fortuna El Marte 00:00 Afrosinema 01:00 News Night KBC CITIZEN NTV 5.00 Ime Ria Ruciini 6.00 Rikiratha 10.00 Kurekereria Kodi- Live 12.00 Ndurumeni Maturaini 1.00 Mohoro Gitau-Live 1.30 Kayu Ka Ruriri- Rpt 2.00 Thiririka 3.00 Kiengei Live- Rpt 4.00 Ririmbuka -Live 6.00 Maisha Bure- Rpt 6.30 Magerio- Rpt 7.00 Kameme Maturaini- Live 7.30 Mbugi Matu 8.00 Gatumia Karogi 9.00 Taranda 9.00 Mutamburuko Wa Mohoro- Live 10.00 Kigooco- Live 1.00 DW 5.00 Inuka 6.00 New Dawn 7.30 K24 This Morning 9.55 Wisdom Moments 10.00 Inuka- Rpt 11.00 Mchipuko 1.00 K24 News Cut 1.30 Jungu La Spoti 2.00 You Were There 3.00 Turning Point Intl.- Rpt 3.00 Ubongo Kids 3.30 Akili & Me 4.00 K24 Mashinani 4.30 Mchipuko Extra 5.00 Beatbox 6.00 Tangled Hearts 7.00 K24 Saa Moja 7.30 Aap Ke Aa Jane Se 8.00 Brazil Avenue 8.30 BBC- Focus On Africa 9.00 K24 Evening Edition 10.00 BBC- Dira Ya Dunia 10.30 Beat Box 11.30 Al Jazeera Timeout Sudoku solutions 6.00pm TANGLED HEARTS KTN ACROSS 2. Hard hat (6) 7. Habitat (4) 8. Avoid (5) 9. Nee (4) 10. Italian city (4) 11. Wander (5) 12. Rubbish (6) 13. Pig-fat (4) 15. Effigy (5) 16. Sadistic (5) 19. Play the lead (4) 21. Aboriginal (6) 22. Item of value (5) 23. Joke (4) 24. Cheers actress, _ _ _ Perlman (4) 25. Hot chocolate (5) 26. Smooth (4) 27. Deadly (6) DOWN 1. Trade union branch (6) 2. Messenger (6) 3. Sea-food delicacy (7) 4. Twining shoot (7) 5. Euphoric (8) 6. Tool used with a mortar (6) 14. Hiker’s bag (8) 16. Commercial TV channel (7) 17. Tombstone inscription (7) 18. Likelihood (6) 19. Follow-up (6) 20. Show remorse (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY CLASSIFIEDS / NOTICES 27 Duly instructed by our principals, we shall sell by Public Auction the following motor vehicles on Friday September 15th 2023 at 10:30am. The auction will take place at Startruck Storage Yard, Kiambu Road. 1. Make/Model: Toyota Hiace Registration No.: KAH 848T YOM: 1996 2. Make/Model: Toyota Isis Registration No.: KBT 632A YOM: 2005 CONDITION OF SALE 1. Cash at the fall of the hammer. 2. Sale subject to a reasonable reserve price. 3. The motor vehicle is offered for sale “as where is basis”. Auctioneers, Court Bailiff, Repossessors & Private Investigators Kenyattu Annex, Biashara Street, Kiambu, P.O. Box 31714-00600 Nairobi, Cell: 0722 277566, E-mail:[email protected] PUBLIC AUCTION FORM PLUPA/DC/3 (r. 3(3)(xi) INWARD WAVES AUCTIONEERS THE PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING ACT (No. 13 of 2019) PUBLIC NOTICE NOTIFICATION FOR PROPOSED CHANGE OF USE The owner of Plot Title No. DAGORETTI/RIRUTA/1711 (NAIROBI/ BLOCK 66/1711) located off Macharia Road in Kawangware Area, Nairobi City County, proposes to change its use from Agricultural to Residential Multidwelling Units (Apartments), subject to approval by Nairobi City County. Individuals, Institutions, Organizations etc. with objections or comments to the proposal are requested to forward the same in writing within 14 days of publication of this notice to: The CECM: Built Environment and Urban Planning, P.O. Box 30075-00100, Nairobi. Name of registered Planner: Silas Mbaabu Gichuru Reg.No.0249 Duly instructed by our principals, the Agents, on behalf of their clients, the landlord, we shall sell the undermentioned goods on Friday the 15th Day of September, 2023 at Pangani Auction Centre starting 10.30 am. A.) LANDLORD -vERSUS- CHEMOS MICHAEL Air fan, 2 tables, carpet, sofa set, Bed, meko cylinder, chair, plastic stand, water dispenser. B). LANDLORD -vERSUS- MINKARA LTD 2 desks, reception counter, 7 chairs, water dispenser, metal cabinet, coffee table, metal safe, 6 woods. C). LANDLORD -vERSUS- ABIGAEL WANjIKU/FLORID BRIGHT 37 plastic chairs, 2 plastic tables. D). LANDLORD -vERSUS- jOHN MBUGUA Tv, coffee table, wall unit, subwoofer, sofa set, carpet, bed, cooker. E). LANDLORD -vERSUS- SAMSON MUTUA vitron 43” Tv, Sony Hometheatre. ALL ARE WELCOME PUBLIC AUCTION ! PUBLIC AUCTION ! PUBLIC AUCTION ! PUBLIC AUCTION Duly instructed by our principals, we shall sell by Public Auction the under mentioned goods at Pangani Auction Centre, Muranga Road opposite Guru Nanak Hospital Nairobi on Saturday 16th September 2023 at 11.00 A.M. IN THE MATTER OF DISTRESS FOR RENT CAP 293 LAWS OF KENYA LANDLORD -VS- (A) SWIDYL LIMITED (B) WILSON GIKONYO KIMANI T/A KEDRACOM HOLDING LIMITED. (A) Executive ofie desk, 3 ofice chairs, 2 straight back chairs, ile cabinet, reception desk, 2 Epson printers, 2 complete HP computers, 2 keyboards, bontel T1000 phone, extension cables (B) reception desk, 4 seater reception seat +3 puff, 2 mettalic iles cabinet, 2 biege desk, 13kg G gas cylinder, 2 Von water dispenser, 8 assorted ofice chairs, metallic stool stand, 2 HP complete computers, Ricoh Aicio photocopier machine + stand, digitek ups, plastic chair, 6 Assorted wall clocks, 2 ofice desk. CONDITIONS FOR SALE 1. Strictly cash at the fall of the hammer. 2. Viewing can be done during working hours with prior arrangement with the auctioneer. HEAD OFFICE SPUR MALL, Second Floor Room S. 46, Nairobi-Thika Superhighway Exit 12/13 RUIRU P.O. Box 31242 00600 Nairobi Kenya Telephone: 0796 126812 / 0731 521931 0104 606161 / 0721 448087 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Sport Friday, September 8, 2023 The one-stop Sport shop... 28 WEEKEND GOLF DRAWS Kiambu: Today, Clubnite Sponsored by Britam; AM; 6:30 D Mugambi, DK Muthua, W Githua, Eva Njuguna; 6:40 Eng. A Mukui, P Nganga, K Mbugua, K Karani; 6:50 J Waruingi, I Kamutu(g), S Muchemi, E Ngigi; 7:00 V Kuria, N Mburu, P Gakure, S Maina; 7:10 N Gachoka, D Mukuria, A Mutua, I Wangeth; 7:20 D Kiriinya, SM Wambu, J Mwanza, M Thiga; 7:30 J Kimani, PK Nganga, JN Kimotho, N Kamau; 7:40 E Karanu, J Muchai, W Murage, Sam Wanjema; 7:50 F Gichomo, FN Ndegwa, BS Shah, E Kabugi; 8:00 J Wakahora, P Wakahora, S Warui, CW Mungai; 8:10 I Lande(g), P Githaiga, P Githuku, G Karanja; 8:20 CW Njoroge, P Chege, JN Mburu, F Mwangi; 8:30 B Kungu, JN Kinuthia, P Ndegwa, R Ngui. PM; 10:50 M Kimemia, Hon. Njakwe, SK Macharia, G Kibe; 11:00 S Ndichu, JM Kigathi, DN Muita, JS Gathumbi; 11:10 M Mwai, BK Kibiku, S Wangai, G Wambaa; 11:20 T Kimari, GG Nganga, K Njoroge, S Wainaina; 11:30 M Nyaga, Reserved, G Muiruri, SM Gathogo; 11:40 EN Chege, SN Gitau, A Ngunu, M Kamau; 11:50 N Mwangi, G Warukira, E Kingara, DG Wambugu; 12:00 F Mugendi, Dr. P Kaumbutho, K Chege, M Ndaba; 12:10 L Njue, D Nyaga, Dr. P Murumba, J Waweru; 12:20 M Mungai, R Kibugi, J Gathu, J Nderitu; 12:30 E Kuria(g), N Mbugua, A Wachira(g), H Kihara(g); 12:40 Captain’s Time; 12:50 B Mureithi, GW Kuria, M Nyaga, C Kimani; 1:00 D Mwaura, C Kieu, CN Kinyanjui, N Karanu; 1:10 M Murigi, J Karuga, S Wanja, Mwangi wa Purity, 1:20 C Kanugi(g), C Kadikinyi(g), B Kiemu(g), W Oroko(g); 1:30 B Kinuthia, T Kariuki, H Chege, S Mwitari(g). NOTEPLAYER’S TO OBSERVE DRAW TIME. Ruiru: Tomorrow, NCBA Golf Day; First Tee AM; 6:30 M Nzomo, K Muchiri, J Mureithi, S Mwitari; 6:40 J Kibogo, A K Wainaina, F Kamau, J Wangari; 6:50 T John, Jefferson K, Ano, Ano ; 7:00 C Ndegwa, N Gitonga, S Irungu ; 7:10 Sponsor x 4 ; 7:20 Ano, S Kingara, B Ndumu, J Gicheru ; 7:30 F Mwaura, Sponsor x3 ; 7:40 Sponsor x 4 ; 7:50 F Kinyanjui, P Njeru, P Theche, P Ngugi ;8:00 N Kingori, I Githinji, F Kungu, Suleiman K ;8:10 P Miitii, R Mukami, Ruth G, P N Waibochi ; 8:20 G Karuku, J Gitau, K Maina, A Muigai ; 8:30 Sponsor ; 8;40 Sponsor X 4 ; 10:40 Captain X 4 ; 10:50 Sponsor x 4. First Tee PM; 11;00 Dr F Mugambi, D Okova, D Mathu, N Mwaura ; 11:10 B Mwangi, M Kiambi, M Maina, L Wangari ;11:20 K Munyua, K Mwangi, H Mwaura, I Nguku ; 11:30 Sponsor x 4; 11:40 B Ngugi, L Nganga, J Maina, M Kairu ; 11:50 W Njenga, Eng J Mwaniki, S G Njuguna, J Kamiri; 12:00 D Muiruri, A Kimani, S Gichuru, J Wachira ; 12:10 P Wamae, D Kamau, T Kiiru, B Kimani ; 12:20 Sponsor x 4 ; 12:30 J Kilonzo, S Mureithi, J Wambugu, S Mukururi ; 12:40 P Kamau, P Ngugi, A Mwaura, G W Kuria ; 12:50 P M Mwangi, Sponsor x 3; 13:00 Dr Gachunu, E Wangeci, D Watunu. Tenth Tee AM; 6:30 G Wachira, S Mbochi, T Kiragu, J Wambugu ; 6:40 W Kimondo, A Kimondo, C Njeru, W Theuri ; 6:50 C Njoroge, G Ndungu, Ano ; 7:00 A Kariuki, G Gacheru, D Gateru, D Ngugi ; 7:10 Sponsor X 4 ; 7:20 Sponsor 4 ; 7:30 J Njeru, E Wainaina, L Gicheru 7:40 M Waititu, D Kabera, B Kanyi, E Njau ; 7:50 A Mwangi, B Waititu, J Mbugua, A Kamau ; 8:00 K Kimathi, B Mugo, J Ndungu, A Muthigani ; 8:10 L Mwangi, P Kamau, E Maina, A Ngugi ; 8:20 Sponsor x 4 ; 8:30 Sponsor x 4 ; 8:40 Sponsor x 4; 10:30 Sponsor x 4; 10:40 Sponsor X 4; 10:50 Captain X 4. Tenth Tee PM; 11:00 M Kariuki, R Kithuka, Brig Mohamed, Fr Gaitho, Fr J Mungai; 11:10 P Gichu, J Boro, D Chege, J Ngugi; 11:20 G Waweru, Sponsor x 3; 11:30 J Wairagu, T Thuku, F Munyua ; 11:40 E Mwangi, W Kagicha, B Waweru, S Njuguna ; 11:50 J Chege, J Kambo, J G Gichohi, J Wahome ; 12:00 J Njogu, D Gitonga, E Kariuki, S Mwaura ; 12:10 L Wachira, D Kibui, M Kairu, M Karimi ; 12:20 P Ngunjiri, A Gitu, Fr P Kimani, M Karunga ; 12:30 C Wambui, Dr P Murumba, D Mukei, W Kamau; 12:40 A Machocho, A K Ndungu, K Wangondu, D Waruinge; 12:50 C Njoroge, F Kiamba, C Karanja, E Gathu ; 13:00 A Wamahia, M Wahome, W Ngechu. Mombasa Golf Club: Tomorrow, ‘Sotet’ Golf Tournament; AM 7.08 E. Bett, K. Kemboi, B. Shah (pro), P. Jebet; 7.16 M. Ombura, G. Kasi, F. Muteti, S. Mundia; 7.24 A. Kimenye, Y. Oyaro, J. Lutta,T. Serem; 7.32 P. Muturi, G. Nesbitt, V. Gari,J. Mtahi; 7.40 J. Kitema, D. Shah, O. Wamaitha, J. Cheptoo; 7.48 S. Aboge, S. Ngeno, TBA, E. Karanja;7.56 S.A. Taib, D. Jetha, E. Kamau, E. Mose; 8.04 P. Cheruiyot, A. Korir, D. Mbugua, D. Night; 8.12 P. Kae, D. Mutero, D. Kikwai, M. Maarifa; 8.20 K. Kimundi, Dr. K. Kibet, G. Yego, N. Gracia; PM; 11.00 L. Odhiambo, C. Tollo, E.N. Ibua, F. Odumo; 11.08 L. Soo, W. Munene, Z. Mohamed,P.E; 11.16 E. Orina, R. Komen, N. Kimani, W. Ndunge; 11.24 V. Simbi, P. Koech, M. Oloo, S. Mwangi; 11.32 J. Gitonga(C), P. Munyao, T. Githaiga, G. Thama; 11.40 Hon. G. Yego, V. Ngari, Hon. C. Kositany, Maj. E. Lagat; 11.48 W. Bosuben, George Choge, Eunice Korir, Caroline Munyi; 11.56 H. Akello, W. Juma, E. Kiptoo, W. Sang; 12.04 G. Gachanja, A. Korir, P. Wango, P.E; 12.12 Sponsor,Sponsor, Sponsor, Sponsor; 12.20 Sponsor,Sponsor, Sponsor, Sponsor; 12.28C. Johana, F. Muteria, F. Wasike(Jnr), G. Kokoth; 12.36 C. Birgen, D. Biegon, J. Kimani, J. Wasike; 12.44 K. Mwangi, J. Wamunyua, F. Wasike(Snr), G. Githinji; 12.52 K. Nzioka, J. Waihenya, S. Kamau, D. Githinji; 1.00 K. Nicholas, A. Nandwa, M. Gedi, P. Kimondo; 1.08 M. Jezan, H. Kamau, K. Rob, D. Nthiwa; 1.16 M.G. Rob, B. Simiyu, W. Kinyeru, P. Kalee; 1.24 F. Muthamia, J. Mugo, J. Ongere, J. Mochanga. Railway: Tomorrow, Western Jazz Golf Day; AM; 6:30 Nathan N, D Kinuthia, M Malubi, F Kimanzi; 6:40 Sponsor*4; 6:50 A Ogola, J Kombo, Mururu K; 7:00 N Mwaura, O Chacha, N Mutai, A Omar; 7:10 O Obiero, J Kahi, F Githaiga; 7:20 M Oloo, R Njuguna, J Kagicha, N Musau; 7:30 J W Kung’u, L Gathungu, E G Wachira, 7:40 J Muigai, Ano, Ano, Ano; 7:50 D Kikwai, G Naserian, C Maroa, J Oyaro; 8:00 S Muraguri, R Wekesa, J Bore D Kyambadde; 8:10 M Cheboi, C Karoney, M Kairu, N Meely, 8:20 Sponsor*4; 8:30 B Kanyi, P Kimani, K Padam, L Migoye; 8:40 J Kiveu, W Ndegwa, W Ayienda, I Lande. PM. 11:00 F Kamau, A Mwangi, C Ndumai, A Rogo; 11:10 B Nyamongo, B Kiprop, W Oroko, C Otachi, 11:20 P Kabiaru, L Kinyori, J Oyaro, R Mwangi; 11:30 A Kihara, J Makau, P Wanjiru, F Ombura, 11:40 P Majau, J Karuga, N Njuguna, J Mutuota; 11:50 W Baraza, G K Maina, T Ruhiu, G Kamau, 12:00 G Orora, J Mapesa, M Nyaga, V Musalia; 12:10 L K Njagi, Wasala W, P Ndetei, Semenye; 12:20 J Nangah, V Ongera, M Miingi, M Kiplagat; 12:30 A Omooria, M Chirchir, D Kahoro, J N Mageto; 12:40 S Njoroge, S Muraya, F Mwanzi, S Kona; 12:50 O Ndegwa, Ano, Ano,Ano; 1:00 R N Maina, Ano, Ano, Ano;1:10 M Mello,M Rotich, S Onyambu, H M Obino; 1:20 F N Kung’u, P Wainaina, P Wahome, J Kinyua; 1:30 Sponsor*4; 13:40 J Marucha, R Omwansa, T Osoro, E Kinungi. Nyali: Tomorrow, Shell Kenya Golf Tournament; First Tee AM; 7:10 Kaguru J, Maina J, Krijnen P,Kamau S. M; 7:20 Jezani M, Wanjiku K, McClanahan T,Kalee P;7:30 Muthamia F, Muraya S, Ongere J, Mochanga J; 7:40 S. R S, Oyaro T, Kurt K, Kamau J; 7:50 Wahome M, Miheso A, Mugambi D, Ockotch C; 8:00 Dhutia V, Awdeer D,ANO, Soares D;8:10 Kaguta W,Sang W, Nager A,Akinyi E; 8:20 Kudrati I, Saeed M, Gulamali I, Chhabhiya C; 8:30 Malde J, Shah D, Sanghavi M, Arif N; 8:40 Sangoro M, Odoo C, Barnard P, Gachihi P. First Tee PM; 12:04 Ndegwa C, Gichara P,Kimeu J, Wahome A; 12:14 Gathunga N, Kaur N, Kinaro M, Kinyanjui R; 12:24 King’ori J, Wanyama T, Musyimi P, Githere J; 12:34 Retd. Gen. Kariuki P.M, Ngunjiri D, Kuria K, Macharia P. K; 12:44 Sheikh A, Dhanji Aa, Breitner H, De Jong Ann; 12:54 Middleton J, Smith J,Stokes J,Marshall I; 13:04 Kikuvi Aa, Macharia P, Davis S, Gitumbi W; 13:14 Wamunyua J,Dr. Muthuuri J. M, Gathuri P, Kandu M; 13:24 Sasan D©,Alibhai R, Gudka S, De Silva T; 13:34 Sheikh I, Shah R, Dr. Devani R, Butt K;13:44 Bajaber T, Bajaber F, ANO, ANO; 13:54 Muchai L, Karemu S, Soigwa T,Ombura M;14:04 Lewa O, Kimundi K, Ranpura V, Muhita R. Tenth Tee AM; 7:20 Kiptoo E, Njogu R, Maina E,Kimani J;7:30 Walji M, Molu A. J, Somji Q,Patel V;7:40 Kimani N, Ngweno N, Gachau T,Wanjiru H;7:50 Huma E,Bett K,Kakunu J, Akun B; 8:00 Nyambok S, Barnsley P, Jamal Aydan, Oketch L. Tenth Tee PM; 12:34 Singh T, Kemboi K,Ikhokoro H,P.E; 12:44 Gerber B, Zoab G, Gristwood L,P.E; 12:54 Kotecha S, Odoo T, Kunverji R, Winja J;13:04 Malde A,Dodhia S, Patel A, Shah R;13:14 Imtiaz Z, Breitner L, Dr. Patel J. C, Saeed F;13:24 Qamar N, Sudi J, Makrani S,P.E; Athens, Thursday @PeopleDailyKe The pressure is steadily mounting on FIA World Rally Championship leader Kalle Rovanperä as the Toyota Gazoo Racing star aims to keep his team-mate Elfyn Evans at bay during this week’s EKO Acropolis Rally Greece this weekend. Rovanperä, who made history in 2022 as the youngest-ever WRC champion, had his points advantage significantly reduced after a dramatic exit from his home event, Secto Rally Finland, last month. His Welsh colleague Evans, meanwhile, won the rally and slashed his lead by more than half. With only 25 points splitting the pair going into this tenth event of the 13-round season, any further mishaps could spell trouble for Rovanperä and potentially cost him the championship lead. Completing a four-strong GR Yaris entry are Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta and eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, who makes his first start since winning Safari Rally Kenya in June. “The Acropolis is a classic event and we have had some real highs and lows there in the past two years,” Rovanperä said. “It won’t be easy this time either as we will be opening the road again on Friday. But together with the team we have been working to improve for these conditions and we will definitely try our best to score some good points.” Renowned for its punishing rocky tracks nestled in the mountains north of Athens and its traditionally scorching mid-summer conditions, the ‘Rally of Gods’ has held its esteemed status as a WRC classic since its inception in 1973. However, unprecedented rainfall throughout this week has coated the stages with a thick layer of mud, presenting an extraordinary challenge for all involved. Nevertheless, every conceivable effort is being made to ensure the event proceeds as planned and in full. Thierry Neuville headed a 1-2-3 finish for Hyundai Motorsport here 12 months ago. The Belgian, third in the standings, trails Evans by 11 points and will be hoping that history repeats itself on Greek soil. Supporting his charge are fellow i20 N drivers Esapekka Lappi and Dani Sordo. M-Sport Ford fields a trio of Puma cars for Ott Tänak, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Greek privateer Jourdan Serderidis. Loubet, in particular, has fond memories of Greece, having clinched his maiden WRC stage win here in 2022. After Thursday afternoon’s start in Athens, a crowd-pleasing super special stage on the capital’s stunning seafront opens the action. Three more days of competition around Loutraki and Lamia follow, including a brutal Friday when crews face five speed tests with no opportunity for service. -WRC Drivers under pressure as action takes them to Acropolis Rally in search of crucial points Stakes raised in Greece M-Sport driver Ott Tanak powers his rally car during the Secto Rally Finland last month. M-SPORT
by Lucky Oluoch @LuckyOluoch Siaya County is set to kick off the Nyanza County finals of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament with an opening match between Jera Girls from Ugenya and VSA Girls from Gem, taking place at Siaya KMTC Grounds tomorrow. In the afternoon, the boys will battle it out as Ambira Mobimba Secondary School from Ugunja faces off against St Peter’s Wagai Mixed Secondary School from Gem. On Sunday, Kisii Queens will go head-to-head with Kenyenya’s Moteiribe FC, while Small Simba will face their rivals, Ichuni FC, at Sameta Grounds in Kisii County. Jerry Opondo, head coach of Ambira Mobimba team, expressed his excitement about the talent showcased in Siaya County and the tournament’s potential to cultivate football growth in Chapa Dimba fever hits Nyanza as Siaya, Kisii counties set the stage for the finals showdown by Shadrack Andenga @PeopleSports11 Kenya’s men’s national volleyball team (Wafalme Stars) finally got their first win on Wednesday during the CAVB Africa Volleyball Nations Cup against Ghana at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. Speaking after the victory, an elated Gideon Tarus was Wafalme’s remarkable comeback seals place in Africa Nations Cup Round of 16 Grassroots action Former Chapa Dimba players battle it out in a gracing match during the launch of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 4 at Camp Toyoyo Grounds in Nairobi. PHOTO/ COURTESY excited and still optimistic about advancing from Group C which has only three teams. “I am really impressed by our fighting spirit and now all focus shifts to the knock-out stage. We have to be very careful with our next opponents though and I will take time to study them before the game on Friday,” said Tarus who is the head coach for Kenya Wafalme Stars players celebrate a point during their friendly match against Morocco at Cairo International Stadium indoor hall on September 2, 2023. PHOTO/COURTESY adding that a good game plan will see them through. It was a tense moment as Kenya rallied twice from behind to beat Ghana 3-2, (23- 25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-17,15-11) when captain Enock Mogeni came off the bench in the fourth set leading the comeback assault on the west Africans. “This win is a big morale booster for us as we now plan for the next game. The fighting spirit was amazing for all of us which is the most important thing we need now,” said Mogeni, who has been used sparingly in this competition with Abiud Chirchir being preferred as the opposite, meaning that his opportunities are now as an outside hitter - a position he will have to share with Dennis Omollo. The win now means that Kenya finishes third in Group C with two points and will have to meet the secondplaced team in Group A which is Algeria on Friday in the round of 16. Kenya lost its first game against Cameroon and again lost to Libya in the second match of the group of death. Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 29 Kenya. “I am impressed by the talent I have seen since Safaricom Chapa Dimba was launched at the grassroots level in Siaya County. We hope to see more of such tournaments to cultivate the growth of football in our country to a level where we can export talent like our counterparts do in West Africa, he said. According to Opondo, their focus is not only on representing Siaya County at the regional and national levels but also on exporting talent internationally, similar to West African counterparts. The winning teams in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will receive Sh75,000, with the runners-up taking home Sh30,000. Exceptional players, including top scorers, the best goalkeepers, and Most Valuable Players (MVP), will be recognized and rewarded too. Each of them will receive Sh10,000, and the MVPs will also be awarded TVET scholarships to pursue courses of their choice, courtesy of Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations. The other Nyanza County finals (Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Nyamira) will be played in the upcoming weekends, leading to the intercounty play-offs. The Inter-County winners (four boys’ and four girls’ teams) will advance to the regional finals scheduled for September 30 and October 1. A total of 517 teams, comprising 354 Boys’ teams and 163 Girls’ teams, participated in the Nyanza region grassroots games from the ward level. These Nyanza County finals follow the recent Western Region finals, where Brenda Girls from Bungoma and Ebwali Boys from Vihiga secured their spots in the national finals set for February 2024.
NAIROBI: Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) president Reuben Nolo has been appointed the World Boxing Alliance Association (WABA) Governor. According to WABA, Ndolo’s appointment was necessitated by his sound track record while serving as the Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC) in early 2000’s. His appointment was made stronger following the backing of former Tanzania Professional Boxing Commission (TPBC) President Onesmo Ngowi who was among those who supported the Kenyan while vying for top CBC seat. “Tanzania under the auspices of the then president of TPBC and member of CBC Onesmo Alfred Ngowi stood by Ndolo who was contesting for the CBC Presidency,’’ read a statement. It added:” Fast forward nine years later, in 2023, WABA has given Ndolo the opportunity to be the new Governor of Commonwealth and Indo-Oceania. Under his governorship, he will administer British Commonwealth and OndoOceania titles even as the title was bestowed to his rich credentials in boxing governance matters. -Charles Thuku Madrid, Thursday @PeopleDailyKe Samu Omorodion needed just one game in the Granada CF first team and in LALIGA EA SPORTS to catch the eye of Atlético de Madrid. Born in Melilla in 2004 and raised in Seville, the 193-centimetre striker emerged as one of the stars of the opening round of the new season, as he scored at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano and made a great impression. A few days later, the team he scored his first goal against announced his signing. That capped off Samu’s meteoric rise, as just two summers ago he was still playing for AD Nervión’s Juvenil team in Seville. Samu came through the youth ranks at that Seville club, until Granada CF spotted his talent and snapped him up in the summer of 2021, signing him for their B team, Recreativo Granada. Last season, the forward helped them to win promotion to the Primera Federación, scoring 18 goals in 33 games, including four in the promotion playoffs. His progression was unstoppable and Paco López promoted him to the first team ahead of this season. In pre-season, Samu was the top scorer for Los Nazaríes and the coach’s plan was working, but the striker was so good that he only lasted one official game with the first team, because his brilliance made him a transfer target and Atlético de Madrid were quickest to react, securing this gem and then loaning him out to Deportivo Alavés. -La Liga Samu Omorodion (right) in action for Granada during a recent La Liga match. LA LIGA How Omorodion has convinced three different coaches 30 PEOPLE SPORT PEOPLE DAILY / Friday, September 8, 2023 INSIDE Sport RALLY pagE 28 Stakes raised as rally drivers rub shoulders at Acropolis Rally in Greece FOOTBALL pagE 31 Aldrine Kibet wins LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month award for August ahead of his Spain trip 1-1 LIBYA Taqtaq 80’ Afcon Qualifier EQUATORIAL GUINEA Elo’ by Dennis Mabuka and Agencies @PeopleDailyKe Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala suffered yet another defeat after finishing second at the 2023 Palio Citta’ della Quercia Rovereto in Italy on Wednesday night. It was Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, a relay bronze medal winner at the World Athletics Championships, who won the 100 m race with 10.00 (0.7m/s) to easily beat World Championships finalist Omanyala, who clocked 10.15 to second spot while France’s Mouhamadou Fall came third in a time of 10.22. Meanwhile, Michael Campbell of Jamaica was fourth in 10.29; with Jamaican national champion Rohan Watson, also a relay bronze medallist, seventh in 10.45. This was the second time in a span of two days that Omanyala was finishing second behind Seville since his disappointing display at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. On Monday night, the Kenya sprinter failed to sparkle as he lost to Seville at the Gala dei Castelli Bellinoza meeting a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver level series held in Bellinzona, Switzerland. During the race, Omanyala clocked 10.04 seconds to finish second behind Seville. However, he was able to beat his African rival Akane Sambine, who finished third after clocking 10.13. The reigning Commonwealth Games 100m champion, who was the race favourite was among Team Kenya’s medal prospects heading to the Budapest event but despite becoming the first Kenyan to reach the final in the men’s 100m in the championships, he failed to finish in the medal bracket. During the hotly contested race, Omanyala returned home seventh as American Noah Lyles won the race while Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished second. Omanyala will now shift his attention to the Diamond League final in Eugene, USA, between September 16 to 17. Meanwhile, the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup gears up for another double header weekend in CanfrancEstación, a small mountain town in northeastern Spain. Several of the top-ranked athletes in the World Cup standings will be racing across the weekend, providing an opportunity for a shake-up as the series nears its conclusion. The vertical uphill race takes place on Friday evening (8). The 4km route takes the runners from 1455m at the Seta River all the way up to the summit of Tuca Blanca at 2313m. The path, which is very steep in places, kicks up right at the end for the final push. MADRID: Players in the top tier of women’s football in Spain will strike over pay and conditions. The new Liga F season is due to start on Friday but instead players will walk out for the first two games. The Spanish Players’ Association [AFE] said the strike was called because a “fair” deal could not be reached. Negotiations began a year ago, when Liga F turned professional, but the league said the players’ demands would lead to “economic failure”. The minimum salary was set at 16,000 euros (£13,700) last season but players are requesting the minimum wage should be 25,000 euros for the 2023-24 campaign, rising to 30,000 euros for the following season. AEF is the largest of several unions that are negotiating together on behalf of the players. “The aim is to make progress in these negotiations.”-BBC NEWYORK: China’s rising star Zheng Qinwen was stopped in the U.S. Open quarterfinals, losing to world number two Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday. Despite her loss, the 20-year-old has already made a breakthrough in her career by reaching the final eight of a Grand Slam event for the first time, although she revealed that the result did not meet her expectations. “If you just talk about the result, of course it’s not bad for me, but honestly, in my mind I really want to go farther,” she told reporters. “But honestly, there is still a lot of room for me to improve, especially she [Sabalenka] makes me think a lot that I have to go back and put some work on my tennis.” It took Sabalenka just 27 minutes to take the first set where Zheng admitted she needed some time to adapt to the conditions at the main court in Arthur Ashe stadium. -Xinhua FOOTBALL Spain’s top-tier women footballers strike over pay and conditions FOOTBALL Qinwen stopped in U.S. Open quarters, Alcaraz to face Medvedev BOXING KPBC boss Reuben Ndolo appointed in plum WABA position Bad day in office Omanyala beaten again by Jamaica’s Obligue Seville in Italy
Friday, September 8, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 31 by Lucky Oluoch @LuckyOluoch St Anthony Boys Kitale’s superstar, Aldrine Kibet, was yesterday honoured as the LG/ SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for August 2023. The 17-year-old football prodigy showcased exceptional talent throughout August, netting seven impressive goals, including a vital brace in the finals, during the Kenya National School Games held in Kakamega last month. Kibet’s stellar performance played a pivotal role in securing his school’s national title, earning him the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of the tournament. “This award is another tremendous boost, especially as I prepare to embark on trials at a football academy in Spain. I couldn’t have imagined receiving such recognition and reward from LG and the sports journalism community. I am sincerely thankful for this award and pledge to continue striving for excellence in my football career,” Kibet remarked while expressing his appreciation, after being feted. by Barry Silah @obel_barry Ahead of the 2023/24 FKF National Super League campaign, Dimba Patriots FC who were recently demoted to Division Three have now been cleared to take over the place of Taita Tavetabased Mwatate United FC. The Nairobi-based side will now ply their trade in the second tier after effectively merging with the Coastal side and now officially getting the nod from the League Management body. Initially, Mwatate, who have had financial woes for a better part of the past two seasons, had received a short-term sponsorship offer from a local sisal company but two factions in Management differed on the deal thus leaving the club at odds. One of the founders of the club, however, has now moved to FKF after agreeing a deal with Dimba Patriots on a merger arrangement. Under the terms of reference, the club will now have to move its base to Nairobi from upcountry which had its largest fan base. “Further to our meeting held on Friday, September 1, and the documents submitted, we wish to inform you that FKF has effected the change of management for Mwatate Football Club in line with the merger with Dimba Patriots and will in the coming days prepare a detailed response for all the issues that were raised,” an email from FKF Head of League and Competitions, Doreen Nabwire, read in part. In the 2021/22 campaign, Dimba Patriots had the misfortune of being relegated to the fourth tier of the Football Kenya Federation League for its failure to participate in the competition that season. This came against the backdrop of the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) declaring after its suspension was lifted that the season preceding under the then-appointed FKF-Caretaker Committee was null and void and therefore there would be no promotions or relegation effected across all divisions. Apart from Dimba, Mayenje Santos and Kona Rangers were also relegated to the third and fourth tier respectively. With a few days left to close the transfer deadline, the club is expected to go to the market for a couple of signings to bolster their squad. In the previous two campaigns, Mwatate United had all but survived the chop in the NSL. Football sensation feted as LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for August after an outstanding feat during the secondary school games, says the television reward would see her mum watch him play in Spain by Benson Mbare and Shadrack Andenga @PeopleSports11 National Sevens Circuit leaders Kabras Sugar, second-placed KCB, and Nondescripts will be in action this week as they seek to finish the league on a high note at the 33rd edition of the Kabeberi Tournament. This is after Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) released the pools for Kabeberi 7s which is expected to get underway this weekend at the RFUEA grounds. Newly crowned Tisap Sevens winners Nondies are in Pool A alongside varsity side Blak Blad, Kenya Harlequins, and Tessen Warriors. In Pool B, Strathmore Leos, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Impala are rivals. Tournament director Michael Mwanja said the event, which marks the final round of the Sports Pesa National Rugby 7s Circuit, will feature four parallel competitions. “We are in the last round of the circuit and we are all expecting a showdown. All teams here will give their all and so are we as the organizers,” said Mwanja. Kabras Sugar, who came in second in the just concluded Tisap 7s in Eldoret, are set to battle it out with Mwamba RFC, varsity side MMUST, and Daystar in Pool C. The Sugar Millers are the circuit leaders and will hope to have a successful outing in order to win the overall title. KCB, who also flopped at Tisap 7s, are in Pool D alongside Menengai Oilers, Catholic Monks, and Moi Arsonists. Heading to the final leg of the national circuit, there is only one point between Kabras Sugar and their rivals, KCB, as the former has 92 points compared to the Bankers on 91 points. Strathmore Leos who have been the ultimate surprise package also have a distant chance to win the overall title, given that they are third with 82 points. Leos have a chance of winning the overall circuit if they can be able to reach the cup final and hope Kabras and the Bankers all fail to progress to the quarter-finals for them to win the coveted title for the first time since 2009. Kakamega-based Kabras on the other hand can emerge as winners of the circuit if they simply finish the tournament ahead of KCB in the knockout phase of the tournament. Should the Sugar Millers manage to do so, it will be their first circuit title in six years. It’s do or die as Sevens circuit reaches climax with KabeKibet’s magical August Forward Elphas Adunga in action at the Christie 7s on August 12. PD/ALEX NJUE Dimba Patriots FC pose for a photo at a past event. COURTESY/ DIMBA PATRIOT Aldrine Kibet at his awarding ceremony as the LG/ SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for August yesterday in Nairobi. Kibet showcased his unique prowess during the just concluded Kenya National Secondary School games and at the East Africa level held in Rwanda. PD/ DAVID NDOLO Nairobi’s Dimba Patriots take over NSL spot Notably, this marks the first occasion a student has clinched the LG/SJAK monthly award since Benson Omalla, then a student at Kisumu Day and a player for Western Stima, received the honour in 2019. For his remarkable achievement, Kibet was bestowed with an LG 55” NanoCell TV valued at Sh118,000. Dongwon Lee, Managing Director of LG Electronics EA, lauded Kibet’s record-breaking performance this season, where he netted an impressive 25 goals throughout his school’s campaign. “Kibet has exemplified that dedication and discipline in sports yield remarkable results. It’s all the more impressive that Kibet is receiving an award that has traditionally been dominated by renowned senior sports personalities and superstars. His success on the football field serves as an inspiration to aspiring young footballers and the entire global sports community,” Lee affirmed. SJAK president James Waindi also expressed high hopes for Kibet as he embarked on his journey to Europe to refine his football skills. “SJAK congratulates Aldrine Kibet for winning the Sports Personality of the Month award. We encourage you to continue inspiring the youth with your exceptional talent. As sports journalists, we will persist in narrating the stories of our sports personalities as they etch history in local and international events. I’d like to convey to Kibet that Life’s Good with LG, as we extend our appreciation to LG for the enduring partnership that has consistently recognized and rewarded sports personalities every month,” Waindi conveyed, expressing gratitude to the SJAK selection panel for their commendable work. ALDRINE KIBET Thanks to LG and SJAK for the TV award. Now, my mum will be watching me playing football in Spain
Friday, September 8, 2023 / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily Download QR Code app on Google Play and scan this QR code with your smart phone for pictures, videos and more stories People Daily is published by Mediamax Network Limited at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi, Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 Fax: 2228503 Nairobi and printed at our Printing Division on Mombasa Road, Tel: 04522641. Circulation: Union Towers, 1st Floor, Moi Avenue. Tel: 2519168. Advertising 2227693, 2228493. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Ramos aims dig at PSG after sealing fairytale return to Sevilla MADRID: Sergio Ramos has sent a thinly-veiled dig at former employers Paris Saint-Germain when explaining his decision to return to Sevilla this summer. The Spanish legend started out with the Andalusian outfit more than two decades ago as a youngster, before emerging as a first-team talent at the age of 18. Ramos’ is one of the game’s most storied careers, lifting four Champions Leagues at Real Madrid and winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010, before a move to PSG two summers ago. But despite winning back-toback Ligue 1 titles and the French Super Cup, Ramos made only 58 appearances in all competitions across both seasons, with just 12 games in Ligue 1 in 2021- 22. Ramos’ departure at the end of last season saw one of the world’s greatest defenders of all-time leave as a free agent. -BBC PARIS: Johnny Sexton will play his first game since March after being named in Ireland’s team for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Romania in Bordeaux. Skipper Sexton, 38, is in a team which has 10 starters from the Grand Slam clinching win over England in March. That was the veteran fly-half’s last competitive game when a groin injury led to his second-half substitution. Sexton missed Ireland’s three World Cup warm-up games last month as he was serving a three-match suspension. The ban was imposed after Sexton was found to have been “confrontational and aggressive” towards match referee Jaco Peyper following Leinster’s dramatic Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle in May - a game the fly-half had been forced to miss because of his injury. Despite having no game time in nearly six months, Sexton, whose playing career will end at the conclusion of his fourth World Cup campaign, insisted that he “expects to produce a good performance” on Saturday. “There are no excuses in that regard,” said the 113-times capped fly-half. “Once I got over the injury, then came the three games off.” -BBC Johnny Sexton to start in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener against Romania opener Rugby World Cup begins with a uniquely close clutch of contendersrace Paris, Thursday @PeopleDailyKe Artificial intelligence may make us all redundant in the end, but asked this week who was going to win the Rugby World Cup, it sat on the firewall. Considering form, history and the rest, Opta’s supercomputer simulated the tournament 10 million times. Yet, still it was still unable to meaningfully split a fourstrong clutch of contenders. Ireland - reigning Grand Slam champions, historic Kiwi conquerors - were spat out as marginal favourites, with a 21.7% likelihood of lifting the William Webb Ellis Trophy on 28 October. Hosts France, humming with belief and a sense of destiny, were on 21.4%. Defending champions South Africa and perennial powerhouses New Zealand followed close behind on 20.5% and 20.2% respectively. They are a formidable quartet. Never before has a World Cup teetered so tantalisingly. As the megabytes expended proved, you can make a compelling case for all and absolutely no guarantees about what follows. Ireland have cohesion and cunning, backed by Andy Farrell’s doorstop of a playbook, as thick, intricately plotted and full of deception as a Dickens novel. Johnny Sexton, their 38-year-old totem, is dancing for the last time, with his rugby career ending whenever Ireland’s campaign does. Backed by Dan Sheehan, Hugo Keenan, Caelan Doris, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose and world player of the year Josh van der Flier it is undoubtedly his best, as well as final, chance of glory. There is no obvious weakness beyond a lack of experience at the business end of this tournament - Ireland, infamously, have never made it beyond the quarterRUGBY WORLD CUP FIXTURES: Today: France vs New Zealand 10.15pm Saturday: Japan vs Chile 2pm Italy vs Namibia 2pm Ireland vs Romania 4.30pm Austria vs Georgia 7pm England vs Argentina 10pm Sunday: South Africa vs Scotland 6.45pm Wales vs Fiji 10pm South Africa players celebrate after winning the last Rugby World Cup event. PD/ FILE finals, in nine previous campaigns. France have been deprived of fly-half Romain Ntamack, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament last month. But Matthieu Jalibert, his replacement, has a similar buccaneering streak and the services of his captain and world’s best scrum-half Antoine Dupont close at hand. A silky backline is matched by a steely pack, who marry piano-lifter heft with the hands of concert-grade ivory-tinklers. South Africa have added another dimension to their crash-and-bash stereotype, with the play-making skills of Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse unleashing Kurt Lee-Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe more regularly. A win over New Zealand at Twickenham in their final warm-up match last week was an ominous statement of their intent to retain what is theirs. And, that defeat apart, New Zealand, for once neither champions nor leading favourites, are coming to the boil nicely. They trumped the rest of the southern hemisphere in this year’s Rugby Championship and in wings Will Jordan and Mark Telea have electrifying threat out wide. So, any one of four? Wake us up come the semi-finals? Perhaps, if not for a draw as misshapen as a rugby ball itself. For not entirely clear logistical reasons, the pools were pulled in December 2020 - nearly three years before the tournament’s start. As if that wasn’t enough, the basis for the draw’s seedings was even older - drawn from January 2020’s world rankings. Back then, England and Wales were safely ensconced in the world’s top four. Ireland were fifth. France were seventh. It has skewed the show. There are two routes to the top of the world game. One wild with peril, the other mild with mediocrity. Scotland’s team is perhaps the finest in a generation. Their back-row depth is such that Hamish Watson, a British and Irish Lion against South Africa two years ago, may well be on the bench. But pitched into a pool with Ireland and South Africa, their hopes of a decent run have been badly compromised. By contrast England, for whom expectations have been chilled by three defeats in four warm-up games after a third successive deflating Six Nations, can afford to lose their opener to Argentina (a very real possibility given the Pumas’ success at Twickenham last year) and still qualify. Will Boks defend their title?