Author: David Wafula

Taylor Swift has rewarded her Eras Tour performers and crew with an impressive Sh197 million in bonuses on top of their regular salaries. The pop superstar, 34, appreciated the team members who brought her record-breaking tour to life, from dancers and choreographers to technicians and security staff. Over nearly two years, Swift distributed generous bonuses among many contributors, including her band members, hair and makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, truck drivers, caterers, and production staff. In August 2023, it was reported that Swift gave more than Sh55 million in bonuses following the conclusion of the U.S. leg of her tour. Each…

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Ben Affleck is not interested in dating as he navigates life following his split from Jennifer Lopez, sources close to the actor revealed. The 52-year-old Oscar winner is reportedly focused on his career, his children, and adjusting to single life amid the ongoing divorce. “Ben has no interest in jumping into another relationship at the moment,” an insider shared. “His divorce from Jennifer isn’t finalized yet, but even if it were, dating is just not where his head is at.” Lopez, 55, filed for divorce earlier this year, notably on the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding, which followed a…

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Beyoncé and Jay-Z proudly supported their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, at the premiere of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King in Hollywood on Monday. The family made a striking appearance at the Dolby Theatre, with the music power couple cheering as their 12-year-old posed solo on the red carpet. Videos shared by entertainment outlets captured the proud parents beaming and clapping for Blue Ivy, who dazzled in a metallic gold dress. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, was also present, seen adjusting her granddaughter’s gown before the photographers’ flashes. In an Instagram post, Beyoncé gushed about Blue Ivy, praising her voice-acting role in…

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The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced more than 30 job vacancies, inviting applications from qualified and motivated individuals. In a notice published in MyGov, HELB expressed its commitment to recruiting transformative, competent, and self-driven professionals to join its team. The available positions include one Director of Operations, six Deputy Directors across various departments, and eight Assistant Directors. Additional roles include Principal Officer (Legal Services), Principal Customer Experience Officer (Digital and Creative Services), Senior Customer Experience Officer (Digital and Creative Services), and an Internal Audit Officer. HELB is also hiring two drivers and 11 Assistant Customer Experience Officers. “The…

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The government has announced plans to establish decentralized offices of the Attorney General in 15 additional counties beginning January 1, 2025. This move follows the Attorney General’s request for Cabinet approval to extend the office’s services to all 47 counties. A government notice highlighted that the new offices will provide critical legal services, including civil litigation, public trustee functions, marriage registration, and national legal aid. “To this end, the Attorney-General sought Cabinet approval to establish offices in the 47 counties. On June 27, 2023, the Cabinet approved the establishment of decentralized offices of the Attorney General and Department of Justice…

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Google Tuesday December 10 revealed its Year in Search 2024 lists for Kenya, offering a glimpse into the interests that captured Kenyans throughout the year. Google’s Year in Search is an annual analysis that reveals the top trending lists and also spotlights what the world searches to see, learn and do. SHA leads the top trending news list for Kenyans this year. The Social Health Authority (SHA), a new healthcare system launched to replace the now defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the primary healthcare provider for Kenyans captured the interest of Kenyans. The Finance Bill 2024, a legislation…

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Chief Justice Martha Koome has agreed to meet with Professor PLO Lumumba to discuss a comprehensive roadmap to address corruption within the judiciary. This decision follows Lumumba’s letter dated December 5, 2024, in which he raised concerns about judicial officers allegedly receiving bribes to influence rulings, a situation he termed as placing the judiciary at a “critical crossroads.” In his letter, Lumumba cited remarks by Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, who had recently alleged on social media that a judge in Mombasa was using an agent to solicit bribes and manipulate court proceedings. On November 30, 2024, Abdullahi tweeted: “A judge…

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Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees’ body the PGMOL following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct. Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL (the Professional Game Match Officials Limited) on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media. A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer’s European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank…

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NARC Kenya leader and Senior Counsel Martha Karua has expressed disappointment following the Uganda Law Council’s decision to reject her application for a temporary practicing certificate. The certificate would have allowed her to represent opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in court. In a letter dated December 9, Karua addressed the council’s Secretary, Navakooza K. Margaret, raising concerns about the procedural fairness of the decision. The rejection letter, dated December 6, cited missing and unverified documents, including her practicing certificate, nationality papers, academic qualifications, and the practicing certificate of her Ugandan colleague, Erias Lukwago. Karua, however, argued that the council could…

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The hearing into the Premier League’s financial charges against Manchester City has officially concluded, according to reports. The club, accused of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, has faced a lengthy legal battle over allegations dating back more than a decade. Manchester City was charged with 115 alleged rule violations in February, later increased to 130 due to administrative revisions. These accusations include failing to accurately report finances from 2009 to 2018 and not disclosing full details of salaries for players and former manager Roberto Mancini between 2009 and 2016. The club is also accused of failing to cooperate with…

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The United States has imposed sanctions on the Houthi National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs (HNCPA), its leader Abdulqader Al-Murtadha, and Syrian ally Fawaz al-Akhras, citing serious human rights abuses and support for oppressive regimes. The HNCPA and Al-Murtadha were targeted for their alleged role in abusing prisoners in Houthi-controlled prisons in Yemen, where detainees, including minors, have reportedly faced torture, inhumane treatment, and medical neglect. Al-Akhras was sanctioned for aiding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in financial dealings and sanctions evasion. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the HNCPA operates detention facilities where prisoners endure psychological and physical abuse, including mock…

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The United States Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Kamlesh Pattni, alongside 27 other individuals, for alleged involvement in a global gold smuggling and money laundering network centered in Zimbabwe. The sanctions, issued by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), were announced to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. Pattni, who gained notoriety for his role in Kenya’s Goldenberg scandal in the 1990s, is accused of orchestrating a complex international network that facilitates bribery, money laundering, and fraudulent trade practices. According to the Treasury, Pattni’s schemes have exploited Zimbabwe’s natural resources for personal gain, enriching corrupt officials and criminal actors…

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Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced plans to introduce direct flights from Nairobi to London’s Gatwick Airport starting July 2, 2025. The move marks a significant expansion in the airline’s UK operations, increasing its weekly flights to London to ten. In a statement, KQ confirmed that the new route will operate thrice weekly—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—departing Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at night. The flights to Gatwick will complement the existing schedule to Heathrow Airport, giving passengers more travel options between Kenya and the United Kingdom. Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka described the new route…

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The nominees for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards included some former child superstars, along with some surprises. Actors Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut announced the 2025 slate of nominees which was led by the musical “Emilia Pérez” with 10 nominations. Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez, former child stars of Nickelodeon and Disney respectively, both scored nods – Grande for “Wicked” and Gomez for both the film “Emilia Pérez” and her Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.” The surprises included Pamela Anderson’s nomination in the best actress in a drama category for her performance in “The Last Showgirl.” In recent years, fans…

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Juan Soto he is set to sign what is reportedly the biggest contract in the history of sport after agreeing a $765m (£600m) deal over 15 years with Major League Baseball’s New York Mets. Multiple sources in the United States have disclosed details of the deal, although the Mets have yet to confirm it because the 26-year-old Dominican needs to complete a medical. The MLB website said, external Soto would get a $75m signing bonus, with no deferred money, in a deal that could eventually be worth up to $800m (£627m). The total value of the deal eclipses the $700m (£558m) 10-year…

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