Moi University has issued a redundancy notice to employees and their unions, citing financial difficulties that have made it unsustainable to retain its current workforce. In a notice signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, the university stated that the retrenchment would affect members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), in line with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Kenya’s Employment Act of 2007. “The university formally notifies you of an intention to declare redundancy affecting a number of employees who are members of your union,” the notice read. The decision, according to the university, has been…
Author: David Wafula
Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Hiroshi Matsuura has announced plans to expand Toyota’s business operations in the country, a move expected to improve the availability of spare parts and boost Kenya’s automobile industry. Speaking during a courtesy visit to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Matsuura highlighted the vast potential for growth in Kenya. “Toyota is planning to expand its production in Kenya because there is a huge potential for growth in the country,” he stated. Wetang’ula welcomed the initiative, noting its economic benefits, including job creation and reduced vehicle importation costs. “This will create jobs and also lower the cost of…
Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia has claimed that the government is unable to fully fund higher learning institutions, citing prolonged delays in the disbursement of capitation. The funds, which cover more than 70 percent of students’ needs, have been significantly delayed, sparking concerns among university and technical college administrators. Nzambia made these remarks during a Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education meeting chaired by MP Jack Wanami Wamboka. The session, attended by university vice chancellors and principals, highlighted the financial struggles facing institutions such as the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), which are grappling…
Airbnb has announced that its Community Fund will donate more than Sh1 billion ($8.5 million) to nonprofit organizations worldwide in 2025. The beneficiaries include over 160 organizations across more than 30 countries, focusing on economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation. The Airbnb Community Fund, launched in 2020, is a Sh12.9 billion ($100 million) initiative aimed at directly supporting local communities. Each year, Airbnb selects organizations that strengthen and uplift communities globally, often in collaboration with local Airbnb hosts. The 2025 Community Fund grants will support nonprofits working in three key areas identified by the Airbnb Host Advisory…
Authorities have launched investigations into two separate road accidents involving students in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, which left three learners dead and several others injured. The accidents, which occurred in the morning, involved students from Ober Boarding Comprehensive School and Mbita High School. In the first incident, a matatu carrying students from Ober Boys Boarding School crashed into a lorry at Kibuon along the Sondu-Ahero road. The impact of the collision resulted in the deaths of three students, while three others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed on Wednesday evening that the…
A multi-agency team led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized a major consignment of bhang in Kisii County. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Mwamogeza Village, uncovered large quantities of the illegal substance hidden in rental houses. During the raid in Kiamuasi Location, Daraja Mbili sub-location, officers recovered seven 50kg sacks, four 90kg sacks, and two large carrier bags of suspected cannabis sativa. However, the prime suspect, Geoffrey Nyabira, alias Jeff, managed to escape. Authorities have identified him as a high-priority target and are intensifying efforts to apprehend…
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed allegations by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa that he is interfering with the ongoing selection of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials. In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 2, through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila rejected claims made by his former running mate, Kalonzo, who had suggested that the process was unconstitutional. On Tuesday, Kalonzo, alongside DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and PLP party leader Martha Karua, argued that Raila’s recent agreement with President William Ruto disqualified him from the opposition. The Wiper leader also alleged that the foundational…
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has dismissed claims by President William Ruto that he was fired for absconding duty, instead insisting that his dismissal was linked to his position on extrajudicial killings. Speaking during a television interview on March 31, Muturi said that on January 12, 2025, he issued a statement calling on the government to take action against the rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings following the Gen Z protests and criticism of the administration. He noted that his son was among the victims. Two days later, on January 14, he recorded a statement with the…
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has informed the National Assembly that nearly 5,000 Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia are ready to return home. Speaking in Parliament, Mudavadi said the refugees, known as the “Kenya Borena Refugees,” have been living in Ethiopia’s Magatho and Dilo towns since 2005/2006 after fleeing inter-ethnic conflicts in Marsabit County. The refugees, primarily from the Borana community, were displaced due to clashes between the Borana and Gabra ethnic groups over natural resources, grazing lands, and territorial disputes. Most of them originate from Marsabit County, specifically from Saku, North Horr, and Moyale…
The position of a village elder in Kenya is an essential role in maintaining peace, governance, and community welfare at the grassroots level. The government, through the Ministry of Interior, is working on a policy to formalize the recognition and integration of village elders into the National Government Administration Infrastructure. This policy outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, and the role of village elders in local governance. Here is how to become a village elder in Kenya. Eligibility Criteria for a Village Elder To qualify as a village elder, an individual must meet several requirements. They must be a Kenyan citizen of…
President William Ruto revoked the appointment of Irungu Nyakera as the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson after he skipped the president’s Mt Kenya tour. In a gazette notice dated April 1, 2025, Ruto has appointed Samuel Waweru as the new chairperson. “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Samuel Waweru Mwangi to be the Chairperson of the Board of…
The National Assembly has approved nominees to 63 National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) Committees, paving the way for the disbursement of bursaries and implementation of constituency-level development projects. While moving the motion, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, who chairs the Committee on NGCDF, stressed the urgency of the appointments, noting that delays in constituting the committees had stalled access to crucial funds. “These names are necessary for the operationalization of the NGCDF, especially since the board has already released some funds for bursaries. However, these funds remain inaccessible as the terms of previous committees have expired, leaving us without…
The government, through the Ministry of Cooperatives, has announced plans to launch a new youth fund aimed at empowering young Kenyans across the country. The initiative, called the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, will provide Sh50,000 to selected youths to help them start or expand their businesses. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Trade and Cooperatives, officials from the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) outlined the project’s objectives, emphasizing its role in increasing youth employment, boosting incomes, and promoting savings among vulnerable groups. MSEA Project Coordinator Caroline Kioko, alongside Senior Enterprise Development Officer Evans Ballut, explained…
The University of Nairobi (UoN) leadership is under scrutiny as the National Assembly Committee on Education questions the institution’s financial struggles, governance issues, and leadership instability. Appearing before the committee, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson faced tough questions regarding the legality of certain administrative positions and prolonged vacancies in senior roles. Lawmakers expressed concerns over unapproved management positions, the Sh13.6 billion in pending bills, and key officials holding acting roles for extended periods. “This university operates under a legal framework. Is it right to be referring to offices that were created outside of this framework?” asked MP Nabii Nabwera. Prof.…
Val Kilmer, best known for movies such as Top Gun and 1995’s Batman Forever, has died. He was 65 years old. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times he died of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, she added. The actor’s death comes after he made a rare public appearance for his TwainMania Foundation in early June 2019 after taking a step away from the spotlight following some recent health battles. The actor’s 23-year-old son Jack was also in attendance that night. The appearance came as Kilmer prepared…