OTHER THAN PRESIDENT MEET PERSON WITH POWER TO DIRECT IG, EACC, KWS, KRA IN KENYA

Nairobi, Kenya 28th July 2020

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 30th July 2020

The new Guidelines on the decision to charge 2019 launched by Mr Nordin Haji the Director Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP in an event attended by Chief Justice and President of The Supreme Court of Kenya Justice David K. Maraga, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Dr. Fred Matiang’i, President of the Law Society of Kenya LSK Mr. Nelson Havi and Inspector General of the National Police Service Mr Hillary Mutyambei and Deputy Director in the Office of Director of Criminal Investigations DCI Mr. Joseph Ashimala a few days a ago at newly established Prosecution Training Institute PTI – To be used for training of prosecutors – (Recently ceded by the National Police Service NPS) brought to the fore power that we would never have before imagined could be weilded by the bearer of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP or Persons acting on its behalf.

Director Office of Director of Public Prosecutions Nordin Haji left escorting Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (middle) after the launch of the guidelines. Image courtesy Whistling African.

Article 157(6) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 vests sole exercise of state powers of prosecution with the Director of Public Prosections who may (a) Institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court ( Other than a court martial) in respect of an offence alledged to have been committed.

Article 157 of the COK 2010 (4) States:

” The prosecutor may first guide investigations by first directing that investigations be carried out and secondly by providing legal advice and guidance. The ODPP or officers acting under his delegated authority may direct that investigations be carried out upon knowledge of alleged criminal conduct. Such direction shall be in writing to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commision – EACC, The Kenya Wildlife Service KWS, Kenya Revenue Authority or any other investigative agencies. It further adds that the directive will indicate the time limit within which the direction must be complied.

The new guidelines prepared in a period stretching two years and acknowledging the self evident truths in relation to the limited number of judges handling disputes brought before them and the pressure they face in giving timely judgements, the truth that poor decision making by the National Police Service or other investigative agencies, Office of Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP and various other offices involved in the criminal justice process as a whole can have adverse consequences (finanacial or other) on the lives of those accused of commiting various criminal offenses and it is in line with mitigating the effects of the same that the guidelines are developed to guide prosecutors in the performance of roles assigned to them.

SPORT DISPUTE TRIBUNAL HEAD ELEVATED TO SENIOR COUNSEL STATUS

Mr John M Ohaga, Managing partner of TripleOKlaw Advocates LLP |CLG and Chairperson of The Sports Dispute Triburnal. The Legal Body in Kenya Mandated with overseeing mediation of conflicts arising from various sports and sporting activities across the country was among the 24 newly elevated advocates with the new title of senior counsel.

Picture of Mr John M Ohaga. Managing Partner and Chairman of the Sports Dispute Tribunal. Image courtesy ICLG.com

In a circular from the office of the President Title; ” Notification of Presidential Action (11) -20-07/2020 conferment of the Rank and Dignity of Senior Counsel. The office of the president conferred O M Pakash Nagpal, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Wangari Karua, Fackson Wainaina Kagwe, Pravin Kumar Bowry, Charles Waweru Gatonye, Rautta Athiambo, Fredrick Ngatia, Mohammed Nyaoga, Philip Murgor, Albert Mumma, Beautah Alukhava Siganga, Kiragu Kimani, Judy Thangori, Taib Ali Taib Bajaber, Zehrabanu Janmohammed, Winfred Nderitu, John M Ohaga, Kioko Kilukumi, Patricia Mande Nyaundi, Dorcas Agik Odhong Oduor, Abdikadir Hussein Mohammed, Paul Otiende Amollo, John Mugwimi Chigiti.

Image of the Circular notice courtesy of State House Nairobi.

The letter ends by saying

” His excellency conveys his warmest felicitations to the twenty four advocates whose contributions to law and development have secured their place at the apex of their profession and at the highest level of national conscience. The date for the conferment ceremony will be scheduled and noticed in due course

signed by State House Spokesperson

Kanze Dena Mararo

State House, Nairobi

Mr. Ohaga is known cancelling Football governing body Football Kenya Federation FKF branch elections citing malpractice and disregard of procedures of elections instructing FKF to restart the process, a move that the current Football Kenya Federation – whose term expired in June 2020 – Head Mr. Nick Mwendwa Termed “overstepping of his (SDT) mandate.

Mr. Mwendwa continues to hold office despite the expiry of his term as President of Footall Governing Body Football Kenya Federation.

MEET MAN WHO BECAME CHIEF JUSTICE IN KENYA AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF GHANA

Along the Corridors inside The Supreme Court of Kenya are pictures of prominent individuals who have rose to become the Head of the Judiciary of the Republic of Kenya.

One notable figure is Justice Fres Kwasi Apaloo (1993-1994). Hon Apaloo who was of Ghanian origin had the distiction of serving as chief Justice in two countries.

Image courtesy the Supreme Court of Kenya

First He Served in Ghana between 1977-1986. He was later appointed for one year in 1993 as Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya during reign of the late former President of the Republic of Kenya Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi

Hon. Apaloo was against the death penalty.

Image courtesy the Supreme Court of Kenya

STREET CHILDREN ARE HAVING INCESTROUS CHILDREN SAYS FORMER NOMINATED MP

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 17th July 2020

In making her address yesterday morning at a press conference event organized by the National Fund For The Disabled of Kenya to receieve in kind donations of 100,000 white canes, face masks and other assistive devices from the Kaendi Foundation at the New Rehema House in westlands Nairobi, Tinderet member of Parliament Hon Betty Tett decried the sorry state of the lives of street urchins (Street children) who have made various town centres across the country their home.

Former Nominated Member of Parliament Hon. Betty Tett (Far right), Hon Josephine Sinyo (Middle), and Founder of Kaendi Foundation Dr. Japheth Kaendi far right) during the press conference. Image courstesy Whistling African.

“Having Sniffed glue and all manner of drugs that they take unaware somethings a brother and sister may find themselves…… and there are children born from this incestrous activities…”

Mr. Mohammed Yusuf Director Kaendi Foundation standing, Chair of Donations Prof Julia Ojiambo (Middle) And Kristina Kenyatta Pratt (Chair Board of Trustees – National Fund For the Disabled of Kenya) and Ms Josephine Sinyo Image Courtesy Whistling African.

Present at the event was Prof Julia Ojiambo (Chair of Donations), Kristina Kenyatta Pratt (Chair; Board of Trustees (National Fund For the Disabled of Kenya) who recieved the donation on behalf of National Fund For The Disabled of Kenya (NFDK), Mohammed Yusuf ( Director at Kaendi Foundation), Former Nominated Member of Parliament Betty Tett, Hon Josephine Sinyo

Local “Hospital Bed” Manufacturers To Benefit As Government Looks Them As Suppliers

Nairobi, Kenya 15th July 2020

By: President’s Delivery Unit (PDU)

Two young innovators behind locally manufactured hospital beds have a reason to
smile after the National Government ordered 500 of their beds to boost bed capacity
in public hospitals currently under pressure from Covid-19-related admissions.
Mungai Gathogo, 26 and Joseph Muhinja, 35 who are based in Githunguri, Kiambu
county and who rely on locally assembled material to make a standard hospital issue
bed have a month and half to deliver the beds following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s
personal intervention.
The President dispatched the President’s Delivery Unit (PDU) to Githunguri to assess
the beds and confirm the viability of the order after the innovation that has been
trending in social media was brought to his attention.
‘I have been sent by His Excellency the President to congratulate the young
innovators and to confirm the Government’s commitment to support local
innovations and products by providing a market for our own under the Buy-Kenya-
Build-Kenya policy,” PDU Secretary Adrew Wakahiu said.
Mr Wakahiu said the beds will be subjected to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
protocols on their suitability for hospital use. The Government will also rope in the
Numeric Machining Complex which is tasked with incubating engineering
innovations to help the budding entrepreneurs with equipment and to hasten the
production.
He said the Government was keen on promoting local innovators and manufacturers
in line with the manufacturing pillar of the Big Four Agenda
The locally manufactured bed features standard hospital design including a reclining
frame, height adjuster and a retractable serving extension. But the innovation that
was inspired by the COVID 19 pandemic also features a portable gas cylinder and a
drip stand. It is also to easy dismantle for ease of transportation.

The purchase of the beds will be a vital boost to public hospitals that are reeling
under the strain of COVID-related admissions. Already, many public hospitals have
run out of beds after the pandemic patients took up majority of those available.
Besides hospital beds, the virus spread has, ironically, spurred a number of
innovations and adaptations in the country including sanitizers, masks, ventilators
and a contact-tracing app.
Gathogo and Muhinja said the government assistance and the purchase order will
boost their production capacity and promised to exclusively hire more youth to
attend to the growing demand.
The entrepreneurs who previously tried their business luck with local production of
sanitizers and masks said they were forced to go back to the drawing board after
competitors flooded the market.
Already, they have sold one bed to a home-care client and employed seven people.
Their bed retails at around Ksh.65,000 compared to the Ksh85,000 for the cheapest
available import

Lifes Good Upgrades Washing Machines with New AI Technology

Powered by big data and upgraded TurboWash 360 washing effectiveness, reduce washing damage

Nairobi, July 15, 2020 – LG Electronics (LG) is launching its latest front-loader washing machine, designed to produce improved laundry results. Powered by the company’s new Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive (DD) with deep learning, it delivers thorough yet gentle care, determining the softness of the fabric and big data volume of each load to reduce fabric damage. And, with upgraded TurboWash 360, LG’s advanced front-loader gets clothes cleaner and completes cycles in less time.

Featuring the enhanced DD motor, the new appliance expands the definition of ‘great washing perfomance’ to include fabric care. Using deep learning – which draws on a vast amount of data collected by LG – the AI DD enables finely-tuned washing patterns, automatically detecting the weight of laundry and accurately assessing fabric softness. This guarantees exceptional results every time, and reduces the occurrence of fabric damage by 18 percent, prolonging the lifespan of favorite clothing items¹.

Thanks to TurboWash 360, the front-loader provides the convenience of Fast Wash, which takes just 39 minutes to complete – 34 percent faster than the conventional TurboWash option². The washer sprays jets of water and laundry detergent in four different directions to get clothes cleaner. Stem+(Steam Plus) completes this comprehensive laundry solution, neutralizing 99.9 percent of allergens through a special sterilizing cycle, and removing 30 percent of annoying creases via Wrinkle Care.

The new front-loader also showcases LG’s commitment to creating practical, user-friendly features. Durable and reliable, the new washer boasts an energy rating of A***- 50 percent and comes with a 10-year warranty. Boosting convinience, the LG ThinQ™ app lets users remotely control and monitor the washer from their smartphone

StanChart Bank Signs Emergency Medical Rescue Partnership With AMREF Flying Doctors

Nairobi, 15 July 2020:  Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors, to offer emergency medical evacuation service to Bank’s clients at preferential rate using a customized client system.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Kairiuki Ngari said the partnership with AMREF Flying Doctors was very timely during this COVID-19 pandemic and is one of the Bank’s many initiatives to aid the Bank’s clients and the general populace wade through the COVID-19 storm.

“The period before getting medical attention in an emergency is crucial, and more so during a pandemic like this one. As a bank we wouldn’t like to see our clients exposed beyond what they can be able to manage. AMREF Flying Doctors is a reliable emergency medical evacuation company for many years and we have chosen them as a partner to fulfil that need for our clients,” Mr. Ngari said. 

Dr Githinji Gitahi, the Group Chief Executive for AMREF Health Africa and Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer Kairiuki Ngari and AMREF Health Africa CEO talk to AMREF staff.

Among the benefits the partnership will afford the Bank’s clients is a negotiated pricing on the AMREF Flying Doctors flagship subscription product – Maisha Air Ambulance Plan which will cost between KShs 2, 000 and KShs 24, 000 per annum based on the number of countries in the cover.

“Under this partnership, our customers who opt for AMREF Flying Doctors Maisha cover packages will receive up to 20% discount for their annual subscription. For instance, for a KSh2, 500 package our customers who chose to buy the package will pay KSh2, 000 for the year,” said Mr. Ngari.  

Other benefits include access to 24-hour medical helpline from anywhere within the region for medical advice, unlimited evacuation flights per year for medical emergencies, unlimited ground ambulance transfers within Kenya, wide coverage of medical evacuation in countries such as Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & Ethiopia, and direct contact with AMREF Flying Doctors the medical professionals without having to go  through a third party.

Dr Githinji Gitahi, the Group Chief Executive for AMREF Health Africa, noted the organization has the capacity to provide emergency medical evacuation services not only from Kenya, but across Africa. In addition, AMREF Flying Doctors operates several Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ground Ambulances and a 24/7 Operations & Emergency Control Centre (OECC). The OECC provides state-of-the-art ICT systems and communication equipment for our medical and aviation professionals, who work hand in hand 24/7 to ensure aviation safety, quality, fast response and the finest of medical care to our patients.

“This is a noble initiative by Standard Chartered Bank and we welcome the bank’s clientele to subscribe to our evacuation services, which will come in handy more so during these trying moments,” Dr. Githinji said. 

Besides the access to emergency medical rescue services other supports the bank has extended to its clients during the COVID-19 pandemic include restructuring of loans by extending repayment periods, extension of credit at preferential rates, and removing transactions fees on selected services.

DARLING KENYA LAUNCH DRIVE TO CUSHION THE KENYA HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY

·       Hair and beauty sector hit hard by fears of transmission of COVID-19 virus

·       Category leader in hairdressing targets over 10,000 salons countrywide  with hygiene kits & education to aid in adherence to newly issued business operations guidelines

By Clive Ayuko

 

CEO Godrej Kenya, Rohit Vengurlekar, (R), handing over a Tuko-Set salon kit to Owner of Rachael Hair Salon in Umoja 1 Market, Rachael Mutua, (L).
 

Nairobi, July 14^th 2020 – Darling, Africa’s leading hair extensions manufacturer, has launched the “#SalonTukoSet” program aimed at supporting Kenya’s 25 billion-shillings hair industry meet the newly published guidelines for business operations.

Last month the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development issued a myriad of guidelines for business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The hair and beauty industry in Kenya has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Kenya has over 50,000 salons whose operations have faced a slowdown or closure due to fears of transmission of the virus.  Salon professionals work in close proximity with their clients thereby fueling the fears during the initial stages of the pandemic. 

As an industry-first initiative by any professional beauty brand, “#SalonTukoSet” program by Darling Kenya will have three pillars – free distribution of hygiene kits and sanitizers; education on safety and hygiene for salon infrastructure and services; and back-to-business support.

Godrej Kenya CEO Mr. Rohit Vengurlekar said that the company will provide salon owners with the necessary guidance, resources and updates to ensure safety and well-being of their staff and customers, as per the government protocols.

“Since March, the beauty and personal care industry in particular the salon industry has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the partial reopening of the economy, we at Darling are committed at empowering and uplifting the salon industry by ensuring they are business-ready with necessary protocols in place. With “#SalonTukoSet” program, we want to ensure that salons experience a smooth transition into the next phase of their business with a greater emphasis on hygiene, which is going to be the new normal, and make this migration easier for them,” said Mr. Rohit Vengurlekar.

Under the “#SalonTukoSet” program, Darling Kenya will be donating 100,000 re-usable masks, 20,000 litres of disinfectants, 10,000 litres of liquid hand wash and 3,000 face shields for the well-being of the stylists, all contained in a salon hygiene kit.

In addition, Darling Kenya has partnered with Rentokil Kenya to undertake weekly disinfection of Top hair markets synonymous with hair braiders including Kenyatta, Umoja, Kariobangi, Kahawa West and Ngara Markets.

The #SalonTukoSet program has been made possible through Godrej Kenya and its employee’s joint contribution to empower and support hairdressers.

“To further empower the salons, we have developed appointment scheduling tools that allow stylists to adhere to the new way of doing business post COVID-19. This will ensure they observe the safety and health measures around the salon including the clientele while safeguarding their source of income,” said Mr. Rohit Vengurlekar.

The guidelines issued are largely anchored on the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization directives and are meant to allow businesses to reopen, while strictly observing social distancing and other containment measures of the disease.

Due to the salon professionals in close proximity with their clients, COVID-19 has heavily impacted the salon industry with it leading to a complete halt of operations in some cases. It is estimated that the industry lost 20% – 30 In March 2020, the Kenyan government through the National Treasury announced that it would spend 53.7 billion Kenya shillings on a stimulus package to support businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

PERSONS NOT ON E-CITIZEN INELIGIBLE TO GET MARRIED SAYS STATE LAW OFFICE

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 10th July 2020

The Covid 19 pandemic has brought the Services of a number of State Organizations online. One such agency is the Marriage registry (Registra of Marriage) and oag.ecitizen.go.ke is will be the newest website through which the agency will process all matters relating to Civil Marriages.

This was made known by the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Office of the Attoney General Ms. Winnie Gichu earlier today as she officiated the launch of online marriage services in conjunction with ecitizen at the Sheria house earlier today.

Citing the rising number of couples who have since taken to the Office of the Registra of Marriage to seek marriage services, the CAS argued which has made it difficult to comply with the Ministry of Health Covid 19 health guidelines (social distancing and protection of Vulnerable officers working for the institution hence informing the move to the online platform. ( The agency has recieved 1,841 applications so far from which 779 successfully recieved re-applications.

Chief Administrative Secretary in the Office of the Attoney General Ms. Winnie Gichu ( In Yellow addressing journalists) Image courtesy whistling African.

The services provided by the portal will include:

1. Registration of marriage by notice

2. Registration of Marriage by special lincense

3. Application of a certified copy of No Impediment to marriage

4.Registration of existing Hindu Marriages

5. Application of a Ceritfied copy of a marriage certificate

6. Registration of new and existing customary marriages

7. Lincensing of Ministers of Faith

8. Issuance of marriage books

9. Registration of adoptions

10. Registration of Foreign marriages

11. Objections to marriage

One of the Couples Mrs. Salome and Mr Wilson who have successfully got married using the online process outside the state law office address journalists. Image courtesy whistling african

The CAS further stressed that payment for the marriage certificate will be done only through mobile money adding that couples who pay through cash will not get their marriage certificate.

STATE HAS NO PROGRAM TO HELP RISING UNDER-AGE PREGNANT TEENS

By Clive Ayuko – Clive is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi Kenya.

Nairobi, Kenya 9th July 2020

The rising number of under-age girls who have since become pregnant during the Covid 19 lockdown period will not get assistance from the state.

This was made known by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender Prof. Magaret Kobia who officiated over the handing over ceremony of essential goods donation to women leaders for distribution to vulnerable households early today afternoon at the National Youth Service Headquaters in Ruaraka area of Nairobi County.

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender Hon. Prof. Margaret Kobia flags off consignment of essential gooda to women leaders for distribution to vulnerable groups across the country at the National Youth Service Headquaters. Looking on is National Youth Service Director General Madam Matinda Sakwa and Alice Wahome in white (Looking On)

Responding to a question posed by the whistling African Prof Magaret Kobia during a press interview on what help the state would offer to the preganat teens who number approxiamtely one hundred thousand (100,000) she said; “The Government previously had a program in which under age pregant girls could be rehabilitated, counseled and re-enrolled back to schools to complete their studies but the program no longer exists”

Present at the event was Chief administrative Secretary from the same ministry Hon Rachel Shebesh, Kandara Woman Member of Parliament Alice Wahome, Kitui West Member of Parliament Hon. Edith Nyenze, Hon. Sarah Lakorere ( Laikipia), Hon Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Hon Rachel Nyamai ( Kitui South), Hon Lilian (Rangwe) and Eve Obara ( Kasipul Kabondo) and National Youth Service Director General Ms. Matilda Sakwa.