The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed concerns that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) lacks the capacity and readiness to manage the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new system. “SHA lacks the capacity and readiness to manage the transition effectively,” KNCHR said in its 2023/24 “State of Human Rights in Kenya” report. According to the report, SHA has neither absorbed NHIF staff nor recruited its own personnel, resulting in uncertainty and inefficiency in the management of the transition. The new health scheme officially began on October 1, 2024. However, the KNCHR…
Author: David Wafula
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported a significant increase in human rights violations over the past 18 months. According to the latest report, there have been over 60 deaths, 610 injuries, and 1,300 arbitrary arrests in the last five months alone. The Commission’s report highlights the tragic events surrounding the anti-finance demonstrations in June 2024, which resulted in 60 deaths. “The Commission regrets that, to date, no one has been charged in connection with these deaths,” the report states. The KNCHR also recorded 97 cases of femicides during this period. What is particularly concerning, according to…
South African football icon Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe has passed away at the age of 69. The legendary midfielder, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the country’s history, died on Tuesday night at his home in Atteridgeville. Moripe, who had been in poor health for some time, was using a wheelchair in his later years. He was known for his exceptional skills on the ball and earned the nickname “God of Football” or “Modimo wa Bolo” from fans during his illustrious playing career. Born in Atteridgeville, Moripe made his mark in South African football, starting his career with…
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns about Brian Ouma’s appointment as the Director of University Advancement and Institutional Development at the University of Nairobi (UoN). A letter from the UoN Council, dated November 7, 2024, and addressed to Ouma, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi, confirmed that EACC had advised the council to review Ouma’s appointment. “The University of Nairobi Council receives communication from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission advising the council to take administrative action on your appointment as Director, Advancement & Institutional Development,” the letter…
Moi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgei presented himself to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) this morning following summons over alleged embezzlement of Sh2.2 billion. Kosgei appeared at the EACC North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret to respond to accusations of corruption involving fraudulent infrastructural projects at the university. The EACC in its statement on Tuesday confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor is under investigation alongside three senior university officials. The probe centers on the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for development projects at the institution. “As part of ongoing investigations into reports of massive corruption and theft of public funds at…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced that the new Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 banknotes are now in circulation. This follows the earlier release of the Sh1,000 note, which was the first to be introduced after CBK announced updates to Kenyan banknotes on August 6, 2024. In a statement on Wednesday, CBK confirmed the progress of the currency release. “We wish to update the public that the release of Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 denominations is now in progress,” read the notice. While introducing the changes in August, CBK explained that the updated notes incorporate several new features.…
JoJo Siwa, the former Dance Moms star, has confirmed her breakup with Dakayla Wilson just a month after treating her to a lavish $30,000 trip to Hawaii for her 19th birthday. “We have gone our separate ways, but she is an amazing girl,” Siwa, 21, told People at the American Reality Television Awards on Monday. While she didn’t disclose the reason behind their split, Siwa expressed her support for Wilson, adding, “I’ve got my own fun holiday plans, and I know she’s spending the holidays with her family. I’m happy for her.” The couple’s relationship became public in August 2024…
Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler is reportedly engaged to Samantha Robertson, a mother of two, according to sources close to the couple. While neither Cutler, 41, nor Robertson has publicly announced the engagement, Robertson was recently spotted wearing a dazzling diamond ring during the premiere of Yellowstone Season 5B earlier this month. The couple first publicly announced their relationship in September 2023, when Robertson shared photos of them attending a wedding in France. Days later, she posted a snapshot of the pair enjoying a sunset in Montana, captioning the image, “Sunsets in Montana never disappoint.” Despite these glimpses into their…
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced vacancies for Principal Secretary (PS) positions, a move that has heightened speculation about impending government reshuffles. The advertisement, published in local newspapers and on the PSC website on Wednesday, invites qualified Kenyans to submit their applications before December 4, 2024. According to the PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri, applicants must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the roles. Candidates are required to hold a degree from a university recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Additionally, they should have at least ten years of experience, with a minimum of five years spent…
Former NTV journalist and ex-Director of Press Service in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Salim Swaleh, has publicly expressed his frustration over unemployment. Taking to his social media account, Swaleh shared a video showcasing his collection of suits and tagged prominent media outlets, including Citizen TV, KTN News, Mediamax, TV47 News, and the State House of Kenya, in a heartfelt plea for a job. “I miss putting on my suits and reporting to work every morning. Nipeeni kazi jameni (Please give me a job),” he wrote. In August, Swaleh revealed personal struggles following his arrest over fraud allegations.…
President William Ruto has called on Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) to take full accountability for meeting the targets set for their respective ministries to ensure efficient service delivery for Kenyans. Speaking during the signing of performance contracts at State House, Ruto emphasized the need for individual responsibility in achieving ministry goals, stressing that success in one sector is critical to the overall performance of his administration. He warned that failure in any ministry would not go unaddressed. “As we sign this second generation of performance contracts, let us reflect on our commitments and the immense responsibility we carry. We are bound…
Kristin Cavallari’s personal life became a hot topic after her best friend, Justin Anderson, playfully spilled details about her past relationships in an Instagram video on Sunday. Anderson humorously imitated a police scanner, revealing the former reality star’s alleged connections with actor Jason Statham and country singer Morgan Wallen. In the clip, Cavallari, 37, was seen laughing and attempting to dodge Anderson’s commentary. “Morgan Wallen hurt her feelings, and she kept going back,” Anderson quipped, referring to the singer-songwriter, 31, who was rumored to have had a connection with Cavallari in September 2023. At the time, Cavallari addressed the speculation…
The government has announced a nationwide recruitment drive for overseas job opportunities starting Wednesday, November 20. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua revealed that the exercise will kick off at the Machakos Training Institute for the Blind and aims to connect Kenyans with employment opportunities abroad. Mutua explained that the recruitment process will cover all 47 counties, with the initial phase focusing on 31 counties. Kenyans with the required qualifications are encouraged to visit recruitment centers in their respective counties to participate. Also Read: CS Alfred Mutua Announces Nationwide Overseas Job Recruitment Program The recruitment drive will focus on filling positions…
The National Treasury has denied allegations by the Council of Governors (CoG) that it owes counties Sh63.6 billion for October and November 2024. According to documents seen by Kahawa Tungu, the Treasury disbursed Sh30.8 billion on November 18, 2024, which is currently being processed. The records detail payments made to counties, including a Sh32.8 billion allocation disbursed on November 14 to cover September. Earlier payments for June, July, and August were made on July 26, September 24, and October 17, amounting to Sh30.8 billion, Sh32.8 billion, and Sh30.8 billion, respectively. In total, counties have received Sh158 billion for the current…
The Council of Governors (CoG) has urged the swift release of Sh9.1 billion in pending debts owed to county governments by the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi disclosed that only Sh3.8 billion of the Sh12.9 billion accrued debt by May 2024 has been paid. “We call upon the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expedite the payment of pending claims under NHIF and SHA. This will enable timely payment to vendors and ensure effective service delivery to patients,” Abdullahi stated. President William Ruto, addressing the issue on Sunday, pledged that Sh2.5 billion would be disbursed this…