The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has welcomed the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) recent changes to payslip deductions, calling them a significant relief for salaried workers. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, KRA announced that deductions for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Housing Levy, and post-retirement medical funds would no longer be factored into the calculation of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax starting this December. In a statement issued Friday, December 20, Atwoli applauded the decision, noting that it addressed long-standing concerns about double taxation raised by Kenyan workers. “The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K),…
Author: David Wafula
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has advised travellers to avoid the Nairobi-Nakuru highway due to heavy traffic congestion. In a statement, KeNHA Director-General Ngungu urged motorists to use alternative routes, including the Nairobi-Naivasha and Gilgil roads. “The authority, with the support of traffic police, is working to manage the situation and provide necessary guidance to ensure travellers reach their destinations safely and without delays,” the statement read. The congestion comes as thousands of Kenyans travel to their rural homes for the festive season, a tradition that often sees increased traffic on major highways. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has…
President William Ruto has appointed Mary Wanjira Kimonye as the Vice-Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) alongside six new members. Kimonye was selected after a rigorous recruitment process that involved 57 applicants. She was shortlisted among nine candidates for the membership position following interviews conducted by a panel chaired by Arthur Osiya. The interviews, held between November 18 and November 27, were aimed at filling upcoming vacancies in the commission. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed on Friday that the positions will be officially filled in mid-January 2025, with an additional vacancy expected to be addressed in April…
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has summoned Naivasha MP Jane Kihara to appear before its disciplinary committee following her critical remarks about the ruling party. In a letter dated December 18, 2024, the committee referred to a viral clip in which Kihara was heard criticizing the party and the current administration. “I usually say the only UDA thing I can buy is tissue paper… yellow tissue paper because I’ll use it and throw it in the toilet,” she reportedly said in the clip. She also lamented, “UDA said money in the pocket, but nowadays, even the one in the pocket…
Mama Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula, the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, and Fred Wetang’ula, has passed away. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka mourned her death, describing her as a devoted Catholic who dedicated her life to serving the church and nurturing strong moral values among children. “I have received the sorrowful news of the passing of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula, the beloved mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Fred Wetang’ula, and others,” Lusaka shared on his social media platforms. Mama Anne was hailed as a remarkable community mobilizer, mentor, and family…
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has expressed his gratitude following his nomination as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy. Kabogo thanked President William Ruto and Kenyans for the opportunity to serve. “Grateful to President H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto for the trust and honour of nominating me as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication & Digital Economy. Thank you, Mr. President and the people of Kenya, for this opportunity,” Kabogo wrote on X (formerly Twitter). If approved by the parliament, he will replace Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u who has been appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Ghana. Who is William…
President William Ruto has issued a clarification on recent changes in the nation’s Cabinet, foreign service, and State corporations. According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Zimbabwe is Amb. Gertrude Angote, not Dorothy Angote as previously announced in an official dispatch. “Amb. Gertrude N. Angote is currently serving as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and has now been reassigned to the Republic of Zimbabwe,” Mohammed said. Amb. Angote has been serving at UNEP since May 2024. Her reassignment means that former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba will take over…
Intern doctors in Kenya will now earn a monthly salary of Sh206,000, up from Sh70,000, following the signing of a new agreement with the Ministry of Health. The pay adjustment is in line with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). The announcement comes as a relief to the medical fraternity, with the nationwide strike initially planned for December 22, 2024, officially called off. KMPDU Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, emphasized that the meeting with the Ministry also resolved to pay basic salary arrears owed to medical interns.…
Sir Paul McCartney has reunited with his former Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr during a gig at London’s O2 Arena. The drummer was brought on stage to thunderous applause before the pair launched into classics Helter Skelter and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “I’ve had a great night and I love you all,” Sir Ringo said later as he walked offstage. Thursday’s performance was the last in Sir Paul’s Got Back tour, which saw the 82-year-old play in France, Spain and Brazil. Sir Ringo was not the only musical guest appearance on Thursday night. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood…
Rihanna and Mariah Carey belong together. Rihanna was part of a star-studded crowd at the Barclays Center in New York City this week, where Carey hit the stage for the final performance of her Christmas Time show. Social media was thrilled by footage from the evening that showed Rihanna jamming to the tunes, including Carey’s 2005 hit “We Belong Together.” Rihanna, who was with her longtime love and the father of her sons, rapper A$AP Rocky, is seen dancing and singing along in the audience of Carey’s fans, affectionately nicknamed Lambs. She also has a moment shared on social media by…
Legendary musician Phil Collins, 73, has shared a rare update on his health and life after retiring from drumming due to physical challenges. The Genesis drummer, who stepped away from performing in March 2022 after a 50-year career, opened up about his journey in the newly released documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, now available on YouTube. “It’s still kind of sinking in,” Collins admitted in an interview featured in the documentary. “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.” Collins, who first picked up drumsticks at the age of five,…
Brittany Furlan, wife of Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, has revealed that her husband showers only once a week — and she doesn’t mind. Speaking on the “Off the Vine” podcast hosted by Kaitlyn Bristowe, the 38-year-old former Vine star shared insights into their relationship and Lee’s hygiene routine. “My husband’s very neat, which people wouldn’t expect from someone who’s a musician,” Furlan said. “He doesn’t shower a lot, but he’s very neat.” Furlan explained that Lee, 62, attributes his infrequent showers to his upbringing in Athens, Greece, where daily bathing wasn’t a common practice. “He said growing up… that…
Kenya Railways has announced a temporary suspension of its commuter train services, affecting scheduled travels over the festive season. In a notice dated December 19, the transport provider confirmed that commuter trains will be unavailable from December 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025. “We wish to notify members of the public that commuter train services will temporarily be suspended from December 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025,” the notice read. However, the company did not provide specific reasons for the suspension. Despite the disruption, Kenya Railways assured passengers that the suspension would not affect key services, including the weekly Safari…
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Anthony Mwaura has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei made the announcement and detailed the latest changes in senior government positions. “His Excellency the President has today made nominations, reassignments, and appointments to the senior ranks of the Executive,” Koskei stated in an official release. President William Ruto has also appointed former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi to take over the role of KRA Chairperson. Also Read: Former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi Appointed KRA Chair Muriithi, an economist and financial markets expert…
Former Deputy Speaker of the Senate and ex-MP Kembi Gitura has been named Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). The announcement was made by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who outlined the latest changes in senior government positions. “His Excellency the President has today made nominations, reassignments, and appointments to the senior ranks of the Executive,” Koskei stated in an official release. The KUTRRH board had been dissolved on December 3, 2024, following demonstrations by staff protesting the alleged cancellation of their medical insurance and poor working conditions. Also Read:…