The Elite Brands Awards International, a prestigious ceremony celebrating excellence across various industries in Africa, was held on December 13, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa, the event recognized companies and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and societal impact in their respective fields. In his keynote address, Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa, highlighted the importance of acknowledging industry leaders who go beyond business success to drive meaningful change. “This event is not just a celebration of individual and organizational achievements; it is a recognition of…
Author: David Wafula
The European Commission has officially banned Air Tanzania from operating in European Union (EU) airspace, citing safety concerns. The announcement, made on December 13, 2024, places Tanzania’s national carrier on the EU’s blacklist of airlines deemed unsafe to operate in the region. “Following today’s update, Air Tanzania has been included on the list. The basis for this decision is safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These also led to the decision not to grant Air Tanzania a Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization,” read the statement from the European Commission. Air Tanzania joins a total of…
A senior police officer was arrested after he was found carrying 20 bags of charcoal along Nakuru-Mogotio road, Nakuru County. The Chief Inspector of police officer who is the commander of Tiaty West Sub County Criminal Investigations Office (SCIO) Benjamin Wasike was chased for several kilometers before his car was intercepted in Nakuru Town. The Toyota Land Cruiser was found carrying 20 bags of charcoal, police said. The police officer was later on December 13 charged with offenses of unlawful using motor vehicle and movement of charcoal without authority contrary to the charcoal rule of the forest charcoal rule 2009…
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has made significant changes to his cabinet, effective December 9, 2024. The changes were announced through a gazette notice dated December 13, 2024. “IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 179 (2) (b) of the Constitution as read with sections 30 (l) and 31 (ba) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I, Fernandes Barasa, Governor, Kakamega County, appoint the persons named in the first column of the Schedule to be members of the County Executive Committee of the County Government of Kakamega, responsible for the matters respectively specified in the second column of the…
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has revoked the appointment of Joel Kibe as a member of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council. The decision announced through a gazette notice dated December 13, 2024, takes immediate effect. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 36 (1)(d) of the Universities Act, 2012, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education revokes the appointment of Joel Kibe as a member of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from December 13, 2024,” the notice informed. The revocation coincides…
President William Ruto has extended the mandate of the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health by 60 days. The extension, announced through a gazette notice dated December 13, 2024, will take effect from January 5, 2025. “It is notified for the general information of the public that, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has further extended the period of the taskforce appointed vide Gazette Notice No. 3039 of 2024, for a period of sixty (60) days, with effect from the 5th January, 2025,” the gazette notice stated. The…
The government has formed a 10-member technical committee tasked with recommending the terms and conditions of service for officers and staff of the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU). In a gazette notice dated December 13, 2024, Public Service Commission Chairperson Anthony Muchiri announced the committee’s formation, which began its operations immediately. “It is notified for the general information of the public that, for purposes of Section 21 of the National Intelligence Service Act, the Public Service Commission has appointed a Technical Committee to recommend the terms and conditions of service for officers and other staff of the National Intelligence…
The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has announced significant changes to the leadership of the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) through a gazette notice dated December 13, 2024. Percy Opiyo has been appointed chairperson of KASNEB for a three-year term, effective immediately. She will be assisted by Joseph Kanyi, whose appointment as deputy chairperson will last for two years. In addition, seven new members have been appointed to the KASNEB board for a three-year term. The appointees include Stephene Ogenga, Elizabeth Muvui, Philip Kakai, Joshua Wambua, Judy Olive, Percy Opiyo, and Samantha…
NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss has disclosed that he has been quietly battling cancer. The former wide receiver, 47, revealed his diagnosis during an emotional Instagram Live video on Friday, where he announced he is now a cancer survivor. “I’ve been battling something internally,” Moss shared. “Your boy is a cancer survivor. I’ve been in the hospital for six days. I just got out today — thank God!” Randy Moss Health Moss explained that his ordeal began when doctors discovered his body waste was leaking into his urine. This led to a diagnosis of cancer located in the bile…
Actor Ben Affleck joined his exes Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Garner to watch their children perform in a school play in Los Angeles on Friday. The trio came together to support Garner and Affleck’s daughter, Seraphina, 15, and Lopez’s child, Emme, 16, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Photos captured by TMZ showed Affleck, 52, arriving at the event in a dark suit, while Garner, also 52, opted for a casual look with jeans and a black jacket. Lopez, 55, stood out in a white coat with fur trim, a red top, jeans, and heels, carrying a bouquet of…
Electricity costs in Kenya are expected to increase this December following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) decision to raise the water levy. In an official notice dated Friday, December 13, 2024, the government announced an additional charge of Sh1.35 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on electricity bills. The hike stems from an increase in the levy collected by the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA). “Pursuant to Clause 5 of Part III of the Schedule of Tariffs 2023, notice is given that all prices for electrical energy specified in Part II-(A) of the said Schedule will be liable to a Water…
Kenya Airways has issued a warning about heavy winds and rains anticipated in several African countries along the Indian Ocean due to Tropical Cyclone Chido. In a statement released on Saturday, December 14, 2024, the airline announced the cancellation of flights to the affected areas, prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff. “Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to hit the islands of Comoros and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, as well as other countries, starting today. Government authorities in these regions have issued alerts regarding the cyclone, which is forecasted to persist until Monday, December 16, 2024,” Kenya Airways stated.…
Kenya’s healthcare system is on the brink of disruption as doctors prepare for a nationwide strike set to begin at midnight on December 22, 2024. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) announced the industrial action, citing frustration over the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances and honour previous agreements. In a statement shared on Saturday, December 14, 2024, KMPDU expressed its dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction, warning of severe consequences if their demands remain unmet. “Court orders ignored. Agreements violated. Respect lost. STRIKE begins at midnight, Dec 22, 2024. No more empty talks. No more broken promises.…
In the world of entertainment and celebrity culture, rumors and controversies often surface, stirring intrigue and speculation. One such topic that has captured public attention is the notion of “Freak-Off” parties, alleged gatherings linked to extravagant lifestyles and darker allegations. While much of what is said about these parties remains speculative or unproven, the term has become a subject of fascination and debate. Origins of ‘Freak-Off’ Parties The term “Freak-Off” parties is believed to originate from the hip-hop and R&B scenes, referring to exclusive, lavish gatherings hosted by celebrities or industry insiders. These events reportedly feature a mix of opulence,…
Actor Will Smith has firmly denied online rumors linking him to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ infamous “Freak-Off” parties, events alleged to have involved criminal activities, including sex trafficking. Speaking during a performance at The Observatory North Park in San Diego on Thursday, the 56-year-old star addressed the viral memes and speculation. “I see the memes. Some of it’s funny,” Smith joked, according to footage obtained by TMZ. “But let me say this very clearly: I don’t have [anything] to do with Puffy. Y’all can stop all them memes and all that [nonsense]. I ain’t been nowhere near no damn ‘Freak-Off.’” Adding…