US President Joe Biden has blocked the takeover of US Steel by a bigger Japanese firm, delivering on a political promise despite fears the move could hurt Washington’s relations with Tokyo and scare off other foreign investors. Biden cited threats to national security in rejecting the Nippon Steel purchase, saying US ownership was important to keeping the US steel industry and its supply chains strong. His intervention follows pressure from the United Steelworkers union, which had opposed a transaction that was a sensitive political issue in the 2024 US presidential campaign. The Japanese government has called Biden’s decision “incomprehensible”. Nippon…
Author: David Wafula
Microsoft is planning to invest about $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers to train artificial intelligence models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications, the company said in a blog post on Friday. Investment in AI has surged since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, as companies across sectors seek to integrate artificial intelligence into their products and services. AI requires enormous computing power, pushing demand for specialized data centers that enable tech companies to link thousands of chips together in clusters. Microsoft has been investing billions to enhance its AI infrastructure and broaden its data-center network. Analysts expect Microsoft’s fiscal 2025 capital expenditure…
Meta promptly deleted several of its own AI-generated accounts after human users began engaging with them and posting about the bots’ sloppy imagery and tendency to go off the rails and even lie in chats with humans. The issue emerged last week when Connor Hayes, a vice president for Meta’s generative AI, told the Financial Times that the company expects its homemade AI users to appear on its platforms in much the same way human accounts do. “They’ll have bios and profile pictures and be able to generate and share content powered by AI on the platform… that’s where we see all of…
Andrew Garfield has addressed ongoing speculation about his involvement in the next installment of Marvel’s Tom Holland-led Spider-Man franchise. Speaking to GQ UK in an interview published Thursday, the actor firmly denied the rumors, saying, “I’m gonna disappoint you. Yeah, no. But I know no one’s gonna trust anything I say from now on.” Garfield’s remark referenced his past denials of involvement in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), where he made a surprise cameo despite a year of repeated public denials. In the film, Garfield reprised his role as Spider-Man from The Amazing Spider-Man series (2012, 2014) alongside Tobey Maguire,…
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released safety and compliance guidelines for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators ahead of the reopening of schools next week. In an advisory issued on Friday, January 3, NTSA emphasized the need for PSV operators to ensure that their vehicles meet all regulatory requirements before ferrying students. Operators were reminded to carry valid documentation, including inspection certificates and insurance covers. Additionally, the advisory stressed the importance of having updated driving licenses and PSV operator permits. Vehicles must also ensure their speed limiters are operational and transmitting data to NTSA’s Intelligent Road Safety Management…
Managing your budget effectively is a cornerstone of financial stability. With the right tools and strategies, you can track your income, expenses, and savings seamlessly. Excel is one of the most powerful tools for managing budgets, thanks to its flexibility and ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your financial tracking skills, Excel provides a platform for detailed and organized budgeting. Below is how to manage your budget In Excel. Setting Up Your Budget Template The first step in managing your budget on Excel is to create a template. Start with a blank Excel spreadsheet and…
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hit back at political leaders who accused him of abductions and killings during his tenure as Regional Commissioner. The allegations were made during the funeral of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetangula, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, in Kabuchai, Bungoma County. In a statement on Friday, January 3, Governor Natembeya dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, asserting his commitment to serving Kenyans with integrity. “Some political leaders alleged that I am an abductor and murderer responsible for the deaths of innocent Kenyans during the previous regime. Let it be known that I…
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has disbursed Sh7.3 billion in health claims since its rollout on October 1, 2024. SHA CEO Robert Ingasira said the funds include Sh1.3 billion under the Primary Health Care Fund and Sh6 billion for Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) claims. “The most recent disbursement of Sh1.12 billion was made on December 23, 2024, bringing the total number of facilities paid to 5,000,” Ingasira announced. He urged healthcare providers and facilities that are yet to receive payments to contact SHA for support at claimsmanagement@sha.go.ke. Government to Partner with Counties for SHA Mass Registration Drive The national…
The government reported technical hitches on the eCitizen platform early Friday morning, temporarily disrupting access to its services. In a statement, Director General Isaac Ochieng attributed the issue to an internal network problem that affected the operating system. “We would like to notify our clients and the general public that early today, our online platform experienced hitches that affected the normal access to our services,” read the statement. Ochieng confirmed that the issue has since been resolved, and normal operations have been restored. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our clients and appreciate their patience and support while resolving the…
Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang has dismissed allegations of delays in releasing the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results to manipulate outcomes in favor of national schools. Speaking in Mombasa during an education tour ahead of school reopening next week, Dr. Kipsang assured stakeholders that the timeline for releasing the KCSE results remains consistent with the previous year. “This is the second year we are releasing results at the beginning of the year,” said Dr. Kipsang. “When we used to release results in December, people claimed we were rushing. Now, we’re taking time to ensure…
Kenya Police FC defender Abud Omar has been appointed captain of Harambee Stars as they gear up for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, set to begin this weekend in Pemba, Zanzibar. Omar, 31, brings extensive experience to the role, having been a key member of the national team for several years. Speaking after his appointment, Omar expressed pride in leading the team and outlined their ambitions for the tournament. “It’s an honour to be named captain,” said Omar. “Having been part of the national team setup for a long time, I understand the responsibility this role carries. Winning the Mapinduzi Cup…
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has criticized police in Nyandarua over their handling of a chaotic incident during a thanksgiving event attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in December 2024. In a report released on Thursday, January 2, IPOA confirmed that its investigation into the teargas incident at Shamata Stadium revealed unprofessional conduct by officers on duty. What Happened The event turned chaotic when a teargas canister exploded near the dais during a speech by Nyandarua Senator John Methu. Video footage showed Methu continuing with his address despite the disruption, but panic ensued among attendees, including prominent politicians,…
A mob raided Chemase Police Post in Nandi County and flushed out a murder suspect before stoning him to death. The mob also set on fire the body of the suspect, went back to the police Post and vandalized it before setting it on fire. They also stole a number of property and burnt the station vehicle in a macabre drama on Thursday January 2, police said. Police said a murder suspect had been arrested and detained at the police post on January 1 after a dismembered body was discovered on the roadside and the head in a borehole. This…
More than six years after his death at the age of 28, the life of the Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Avicii is being celebrated in a new documentary, “Avicii- I Am Tim” is now streaming on Netflix. Avicii, who was born Tim Bergling, narrates the film through archival footage. “Before Avicii, there was Tim,” reads the Netflix description of the project. “Through his own words, witness how a prodigious musical talent became one of the defining artists of his generation.” The film’s director, Henrik Burman, explained to Billboard why he told the story in Bergling’s own words. “When I determined that he’d…
Two people have died and 18 others were injured after a small plane crashed into a commercial building in southern California, officials say. Ten people were taken to hospital with injuries, the Fullerton Police Department said in a post on X on Thursday afternoon. Eight others were treated for injuries and released at the scene. The single-engine Van’s RV-10 crashed at 14:15PST (20:15GMT), according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials have provided no further details about how the crash occurred. It is unclear whether the two people who died were workers or were on board the plane. Police say they…