Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed that employees of the now-defunct Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) be absorbed into various sections of the ministry. In a statement issued Friday, December 13, Duale confirmed that KWTA ceased all operations a month ago. This marks the first public announcement about the disbandment of the agency, which was responsible for overseeing the protection, rehabilitation, and sustainable management of the country’s critical water towers. Duale explained that KWTA was dissolved following the expiry of the Executive Order that established it in April 2012. The agency’s board was disbanded last month, with its chairperson…
Author: David Wafula
Rwanda is bidding to host a Formula 1 grand prix, the country’s President Paul Kagame says. F1 is keen to hold a race in Africa and talks with Rwanda have been known about for some months. The FIA, F1’s governing body, is hosting its general assembly and prize giving in the Rwandan capital Kigali, and Kagame chose its opening to put his official seal on the grand prix project. Kagame said: “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix. “A big thank…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chaired his first Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting on Friday at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi. The 25th Ordinary Session of IBEC brought together senior officials from the national and county governments, including Cabinet Secretaries and Governors, to deliberate on critical issues affecting devolution and service delivery. One of the key resolutions from the meeting was the need to expedite the unbundling and transfer of functions already agreed upon between the two levels of government. This process is expected to be concluded and gazetted by December 13, 2024, to ensure the smooth operation…
Amazon is set to contribute $1 million in cash to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, along with an additional $1 million in services to stream the event on Amazon Video, the company confirmed on Thursday. Founder Jeff Bezos is also expected to meet with Trump in the coming days as tech leaders strive to build stronger ties with the incoming administration. This move signals a warming relationship between Bezos and Trump. The two reportedly spoke over the summer, and Bezos publicly praised Trump after an assassination attempt earlier this year. “Our former President showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire…
A former Chinese soccer star and national team coach, Li Tie, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption, state media reported on Friday. Li, 47, who once played for Everton in the English Premier League alongside Wayne Rooney in the early 2000s, is the most prominent figure to face punishment in China’s extensive crackdown on corruption within its professional soccer league. Li’s downfall is part of an anti-graft campaign launched by China’s government, which has targeted bribery and match-fixing in the sport. Despite President Xi Jinping’s aspirations to make China a global soccer powerhouse, the country’s professional…
Taylor Swift celebrated her 35th birthday early in spectacular fashion by winning 10 trophies at the Billboard Music Awards on Thursday night. As you continue reading, we will provide a full list of 2024 Billboard Music Awards winners. The pop superstar’s victories not only solidified her dominance in music but also made her the most decorated artist in the awards’ history, with a total of 49 wins, surpassing Drake’s previous record. Swift swept categories including Top Artist, Top Female Artist, and Top Billboard 200 Album, among others, underscoring her unparalleled influence in the industry. In a heartfelt video message during…
Kim Kardashian proved nothing can hold her back, not even a broken foot, as she attended the grand opening of her Skims flagship store in New York City. The reality TV star and entrepreneur was photographed at the event on Thursday using a knee scooter to navigate the store, but she refused to part with her signature high heels despite her injury. Kardashian, 44, stunned in a white leather jumpsuit with a plunging neckline, accessorized with a mini white purse and long pink nails featuring the Skims logo. She completed the look with a full face of glam, ensuring all…
Global superstar Taylor Swift paid a surprise visit to Children’s Mercy Kansas City on Thursday, spreading cheer just before her 35th birthday. The singer, known for her chart-topping hits and compassionate gestures, was accompanied by NFL star Travis Kelce during the heartwarming visit. Swift spent time with patients, staff, and even the hospital’s specially trained facility dogs, making the day unforgettable for many. Among those she met was Rylie, a young patient whose grandmother, Anita Belt, shared the experience on Facebook. “Children’s Mercy Hospital does their best to nurse seriously ill children, comfort families, and bring a little joy when…
Max George, the lead singer of the British-Irish boy band The Wanted, has been hospitalized after experiencing heart complications, two years after losing bandmate Tom Parker to brain cancer. George, 36, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the news, posting a selfie from his hospital bed with a thumbs-up gesture. “Yesterday, I felt really unwell and was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, tests revealed issues with my heart,” he wrote. The singer disclosed that more tests are underway to determine the extent of the condition and the necessary surgery to aid his recovery. While acknowledging the challenging times ahead,…
The Kenyan government has introduced a new strategy to ensure all school-going children are registered under Taifa Care, a universal health coverage initiative. Speaking during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, President William Ruto urged parents to accompany their children when schools reopen in January to facilitate registration. “Taifa Care wants every Kenyan child to have health insurance. When parents take their children back to school, they should accompany them so we can register all Kenyan children and plan for their health,” Ruto said. Over 16 million people have registered so far, two months since Universal Health Coverage…
President William Ruto has announced that Kenya has signed seven bilateral labor agreements with other countries, with two more agreements awaiting signatures. The agreements are part of the government’s broader Labor Mobility Program, which aims to send over 2 million Kenyans abroad for job opportunities. “So far, we have completed bilateral labor frameworks with seven countries, while agreements with two more nations are awaiting signatures,” Ruto said. Speaking during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Ruto highlighted the success of the country’s job creation efforts. He noted that through various initiatives, more than 243,000 Kenyans have already secured…
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new Prime Minister upon returning from a one-day trip to Poland on Thursday, December 12, following last week’s dramatic collapse of the government. The political impasse began after Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration was ousted in a no-confidence vote over his cost-cutting budget, leaving Macron to navigate a fractured lower house split between leftist alliances, centrists, conservatives, and the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). Macron had pledged to name a new Prime Minister within 48 hours after meeting party leaders earlier this week, but the decision remains fraught with challenges. Key issues…
The 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday were infused with old-school vibes as Kenyan music legends took the stage, rekindling memories of the early 2000s. President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and First Lady Rachel Ruto were among the dignitaries seen dancing to the nostalgic tunes. Dennis Kaggia, famously known as DNA, energized the crowd with his hit song Fimbo ya Pili, bringing everyone to their feet. The excitement continued as Esther Wahome performed her iconic gospel track Kuna Dawa, eliciting heartfelt reactions from the audience. Other celebrated artists, including Jua Kali, Collo, Mejja,…
Luanda Villa Soccer Club has refunded Sh50,000 to Cleophas Shimanyula, Chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club, following a failed bid for the FKF presidency. In a statement, Luanda Villa CEO Steven Munala confirmed the refund, which was requested by Shimanyula. “The amount was initially sent by Shimanyula to assist the team in traveling to Mombasa for a scheduled match. However, following the FKF elections and subsequent developments, Shimanyula requested that the funds be reimbursed,” Munala said. “Luanda Villa Soccer Club appreciates the initial support extended by Shimanyula and acknowledges his request for a refund.” Maybets Company Boosts Luanda Villa with…
Skyward Express has introduced direct flights between Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking another milestone in the airline’s regional expansion. The inaugural flight took place on December 11, 2024, during a ceremony officiated by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir. Speaking at the event, Governor Nassir highlighted the route’s potential to boost ties between Kenya and Tanzania. “This significant development enhances connectivity between Kenya and Tanzania, fostering increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. As we strengthen our regional ties, we open doors to shared prosperity and mutual growth,” he said. Skyward Express has not yet disclosed flight fares or booking…