Why Ruto Cancelled Adani’s Airport and Energy Deals:  A Story of Scandal, Pressure, and Politics

Why Ruto Cancelled Adani’s Airport and Energy Deals: A Story of Scandal, Pressure, and Politics

The Billionaire, the Bribery Scandal and A President’s Dilemma

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Kenyan President William Ruto canceling multi-billion-shilling deals with India’s troubled Adani Group has caused political and business circles to sit up. What caused this dramatic change of events and what lies in the Kenyan future after it?

Mounting Opposition: From Clergy to the Street

Street protests and demonstrations against the unpopular agreements on airport construction and transmission of power line crossed the country for months while the ruling elite stood firm to support those projects. However, the shoe was on the other foot when the American authorities charged Gautam Adani and six directors of his company with having conducted a $2 billion bribery and fraud conspiracy.

 

Realizing that, he entered the world stage and ignored demands for reforms at home while containing dissent within the limits. Was it an act of political survival or is it truly fight against corruption?

Adani Under Fire: Fraud, Bribery and Its Consequences Across the World

Adani was charged by the U.S. Department of Justice of offering $250 million in bribes to win the rights to develop and sell solar energy to the nation, extensive fraud to investors and the broader public, as well as obstruction of justice. Adani rejected the charges, described as false.

The fallout was immediate: Adani shares tumbled and Kenyan authorities started doubting that the conglomerate would be capable of fulfilling its commitment.

Sacring Kenya’s National Assets

Even more problematic to outsiders were questions to Adani’s ability to finance the deal – only 30 percent of the needed amount was assured. Even more disturbing was the belief that some important assets such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport might be sad if Adani used it as security and later failed to service international debts.

“And it seems we did not have much confidence about how Adani would finance these projects. Continuing would have strengthened corruption perceptions,” observed the senior official.

The Breaking Point: What Video Convinced Ruto To React?

The indictment held out to Ruto the perfect chance to turn the deals in his favor, regain the public’s trust while at the same time wooing foreign collaborators.

When the president scrapped the deals, he achieved severing ties with a firm entangled in corruption allegations as well as stimulating resurfacing concerns of Kenyan people’s loss of sovereignty over crucial assets.

 

No Compensation? Kenya’s Legal Safeguards

Fortunately for Kenya the the deals were still at preliminary stages, the government is thus not likely to incur penalties in case of termination. The integrity clauses enabled Kenya to get out of the agreement without paying the Indian company for losses as envisaged by Adani.

Human suffering and political and public scandal

The cancellation has attracted political lenses with influential politicians accusing Adani of entering Kenya to enrich some political players.

Speaking to The Independent, Barrack Muluka, a political analyst, said: “Adani is just a sovereign guise.” But the back bone is in the government.”

However, Nelson Amenya who leaked such deals has turned into a national icon thanks to his cries for radical openness.

 

What’s Next for Kenya?

The demise of the schemes is a concern to Kenya’s public-private partnerships and has left a-banter regarding future investors scrutiny.

Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi, at first a defender of the projects, is now in the firing line. President Ruto has fired a warning shot at all persons involved in corruption by promising to crack the whip hard adding that the sovereignty of this country and its integrity are something that he will not negotiate for.

The photographic history and the statistics of each reformist educate the viewer with a global lesson on accountability.

The Adani crisis gets worse internationally and it has presented the reality and significance of risk assessment while forming partnerships with overseas counterpart. In Kenyan context, it is a sad ode to the fact that the public good cannot be a subsidiary of private gain.

What do you think that is a recent great move by President Ruto? Creative policy-making, or mere accommodation of the highest state official’s vision or political necessity? So let us know in the comments below!

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Eric Bellinger Bridges Cultures with Afro-Inspired Album, It’ll All Make Sense Later

Eric Bellinger Bridges Cultures with Afro-Inspired Album, It'll All Make Sense Later

From Hitmaker to Global Artist

Commonly known as the Grammy award winner singer/song writer in the R&B and Hip Hop fraternity. Eric Bellinger appears to be the only one who can do both with so much efficiency. Most of them remember him from a viral video of him performing Usher’s ‘Superstar’ during NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

Reflecting on the impact of that performance, Eric shares:

It was a great privilege to be with Usher for the Tiny Desk concert, and naturally observing it gain the most votes is a blessing. It encouraged me to make songs with a purpose, songs that inspire and can relate with individuals across the globe,”

 

 

A Journey to Africa: Where Music and Culture Meet

In January of this year, Eric set off on a change mission to Cape Town, South Africa, plunging himself into the sonar, color and beat of the continent. The result? His latest album, It’ll All Make Sense Later—it is a 15 track album that complements R & B with Afro rhythmic elements.

“This project was inspired by my own life and identity,”, Eric comments. Meanwhile, the experience I earned in South Africa; it’s beaches, woods, and foods helped me concentrate on music without any distractions. He said: “It felt like a creative rebirth.”

The album features several other African artists, such as Ghana’s Afro-Fusion singer Gyakie, and Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Reekado Banks, Oxlade, Tempoe and Taves. These five tracks combine world music with the tunes which promote life, love, and the search for oneself.

 

Dancing to New Rhythms: Afro Meets R&B

To those that are familiar with previous albums and consistent with Eric’s R&B, this album may come as a shock. Eric describes this project as a celebration of triumph and joy:

“As much as I have been known to stick to the basics of R’n’B – bedroom music, slow lyrics and slow rhythms or fast rhythms to dance to this time I did. I wanted to celebrate. Afro was the first place my heart led me and I rejected what I deemed to be the norm for my music.

Some of these include Feelings Never Die and Shooting Star (Oxlade). Shooting Star is an R&B song that will have anyone grooving to it’s consistent rhythm while Feelings Never Die focuses on issues of heartbreak and one’s ability to recover from it.

I could not have asked for a better partner to work with on this project: Oxlade. This song Tyrant describes hope and going after your dreams and it’s all about victory according to Eric.

A run of countless hits and shifting genre: the experience of penthouse.

From charting hits for Chris Brown (new flame, champion), usher ( Lemme see), and Justin Bieber, G.O.A.T and VALET as an artist, Eric’s story is Unbelievable right from Compton to worldwide. In addition to being of music royalty as he is the son of Robert ‘Bobby’ Day the man behind songs for the Jackson 5, his music has earned him a Grammy Award in addition to the creation of more than 300 songs in 40 albums.

With It’ll All Make Sense Later, released now, Eric goes even further in exploring different fronts of electronic music, incorporating also Amapiano, Afrobeats and R&B.

 

The Future of Cross-Cultural Creativity

This album is just a start in a new phase of his relation with Africa, the motherland. That is why he is already contemplating a second trip to the continent next year, January 2025, to deepen the cooperation with African artists and promote cultural exchange.

 

This is how Eric philosophizes about this album: “I see this album as a faith walk.” It’s about believing that more is possible now than what one can see now. It’s my hope that my fans will be encouraged to trust their own processes.”

As Bellinger connects two continents with It’ll All Make Sense Later, the audiences globally can sing, twerk, and go beyond boundaries granted by the music. Could this be the beginning to a new generation of Afro R&B hybridity? Only time will tell.

Watch or Stream It’ll All Make Sense Later now, and let the story develop!

IEBC Selection Panel Takes Office

IEBC Selection Panel Takes Office

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in ceremony which officially established the seven-member Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel on Monday.

Panel Composition

President William Ruto appointed the panel members, who include:

Kiome Lindah Gakii

  • Prof. Oloo Adams
  • James Evans Misati
  • Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore
  • Amb. Koki Muli Grignon
  • Carolene Kituku
  • Dr. Nelson Makanda
  • Tanui Andrew Kipkoech
  • Fatuma Saman

Mandate and Expectations

A supreme responsibility of the panel is to manage the recruitment process of future IEBC commissioners to safeguard Kenya’s electoral process.

Chief Justice Koome emphasized the importance of selecting individuals with:

Unblemished integrity

Impartiality and independence

Professionalism aligned with constitutional principles

Koome pointed out to the panel that as the IEBC stands as Kenya’s electoral guardian they must maintain stringent standards.

Facilitation by Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula ordered the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to give the panel everything needed for effective operations. He requested that selection procedures complete their task swiftly to solve public anxieties and adhere to constitutional deadlines.

Court Clearance

A recent High Court decision cleared the path for President Ruto to move forward with his nominee selections after dismissing petitions against the panel’s formation.

Background and Context

Verification of the choice board formed to consider appointments became a matter of public analysis because of delayed processes and rumored institutional intrusion. The IEBC had to undergo major reforms because previous electoral processes generated numerous controversies and public pressure kept mounting.

The installation of the panel is expected to lead to the IEBC’s reorganization so public trust in the electoral system can be rebuilt before new polls arrive.

TikTok’s Evolution: From Fun, Free App to National Security Threat

TikTok’s Evolution: From Fun, Free App to National Security Threat

TikTok may be banned in the United States after the Supreme Court upheld a law targeting the app’s ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance. This brings years of concerns regarding its privacy issues as well as potential threats to national security to its peak.

The Rise of TikTok

Origins (2016-2017): ByteDance introduced TikTok worldwide after Douyin’s success in China and after acquiring the app of the same type, Musical.ly. The content of the platform began to engage global audiences as the original algorithms began to dominate its offering.

Pandemic Boom (2020): TikTok would become an overnight hit over the years of the COVID-19 outbreak leading to millions of users across the globe.

Growing Security Concerns

TikTok’s exponential growth was shadowed by suspicions of:

Data Privacy Risks: Concerns of users’ data being operated by the Chinese authority.

Addiction and Propaganda: App anxieties, especially its impact on users, especially the youthful population.

Geopolitical Implications: Increased privacy concerns owing to Sino-suspicion relationships with several countries such as India that recently banned the APP.

Targeted by the U.S.

Trump Administration (2020): Once learner and recently former President Donald Trump tried to block TikTok citing data harvesting and content moderation allegations but without subsequent proof.

Biden Administration (2024): A law was passed that ByteDance needs to divest TikTok and failure to do so was going to be banned due to risks of Chinese influence.

Legal case and controversy

Though ByteDance took steps like storing U.S. user data on Oracle’s servers, the company had never successfully shake the doubts. It continued with high profile hearings and lawsuits for ByteDance to challenge the U.S government over free speech.

Supreme Court Decision and Its Implication

On Friday the 15th of December 2024 the Supreme Court sided with the U.S. government as a law was approved to effectively ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells it to a company that is not connected to China. The app is planned to stop functioning in the United States by January 19, 2025, if no measure is taken.

What’s Next?

TikTok’s Stance: ByteDance has said that it has never provided user data to the Chinese government and urges for “comprehensive” assurances against shutdown.

Incoming Administration: Donald Trump the president elect has indirectly threatened to take an action concerning the matter.

Potential Impact: As it looks, leaving 170 million US users behind, TikTok’s departure will change the face of social media and reopen discussions on digital sovereignty .

Waiting for the final decision no more, the fate of Tiktok in the United States is now a testament of technology, political strategies and national securities.

 

 

Kabogo takes charge of ICT docket, sets tone on right use of social media

Kabogo takes charge of ICT docket, sets tone on right use of social media

The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy William Kabogo has called on Kenyans to approach social media more responsibly especially with increasing criticism of President William Ruto’s government.

While speaking in Nairobi on Saturday after receiving a Handover from the prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who had been the acting ICT minister, Kabogo stressed on ways to enhance sensitization of data privacy and rights of those in the digital sector.

Internet Etiquette

Kabogo said this is not in any way to curb freedom of speech but in order for people to act right on what they post online. He used an example of a recent deepfake video showing President Ruto in a coffin, while aiding from a recent AI technology trend.

“What maybe considered hilarious at 20 may have dreadful repercussions at a different age,” Kabogo noted, saying people needed to be held responsible for the decisions they take on the web.

Combating Misinformation

Kabogo further said that the ministry would defend laws prohibiting the abuse of technology as the freedom of speech was encouraged.

Dutch Royal Visit Unaffected

Speaking at his Vihiga backyard, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi also dismissed some of the concerns on the State visit, by the Dutch Royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima that is due in March 18th. Nevertheless, in relation to the trending hashtag #CancelStateVisit, Mudavadi came out to debunk information that the campaign would change diplomatic relations.

“We stand assured that this fellowship with the Netherlands is cordial,” Mudavadi said. “They do not reign state relations or invitations via official channels are issued over social media.

The president’s plan is aimed at improving international relations.

The appearance of the current Dutch royal couple in Kenya shows that the two countries have very good relations and trade with the Netherlands, investment and cooperation. Kabogo and Mudavadi stressed the fact that the constructive topical participation is needed in social media sites to help Kenya progress and gain a better worldwide image.

This change of guard symbolizes a new direction for the ICT docket managed by Kabogo with emphasis on the tension between Liberty of speech and being responsible citizens in the digital age.

Kenya Displays Diplomatic Achievements of 2024

Kenya Displays Diplomatic Achievements of 2024

Kenya has identified the year 2024 as a year of unprecedented diplomatic gains in a sign of the country’s growing influence on the international scene. The performance highlights were presented by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and, Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi during a session held at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs offices in Nairobi.

Building up the bilateral and multilateral cooperation

During the year, Kenya strengthened its multilateral relations through diplomatic diplomacy, led by President Ruto with key landmark initiatives. Notable highlights included:

  • A 15 billion Japanese shillings in the Olkaria Geothermal Project Project.
  • The decision on granting the Kenyan government a status of a major non-NATO Ally of the US in order to increase defense and trade partnership.
  • Bilateral infrastructure cooperation with Uganda and Tanzania, on SGR development and issues to do with barriers to trade.

These engagements bear testimony to the fact that Kenya has a strategic place in development of regional and International cooperation elements.

Economic Diplomacy: A Catalyst for Growth

Kenya used economic diplomacy to mobilize large amounts of capital that would be used to finance infrastructure projects and generate employment. Key achievements included:

  • Coca-Cola has agreed to pump $175 million in the business to grow its capacity.
  • This commerce deal is a $274 million credit with the China Development Bank hooked on the construction of rural roads.
  • Accessibility to cheaper funds through Kenya’s membership on Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

These investments are expected to increase capabilities and enhance the existence of Kenya as the beacon of growth in the entire region.

Leadership on Climate Change at the International Arena

Kenya reinforced its status as a leader in climate diplomacy through impactful initiatives:

During COP29 held in Baku, Kenya effectively PUSH for the Nairobi Declaration which would increase the flow of climate finance to $ 300 billion from $100 billion.

Organizing global major events like the ACS23 and UNEA6 demonstrated that Kenya is a leading actor in coordinating action on climate change.

Empowering the Diaspora

Kenya prioritized its diaspora, focusing on job creation and economic contribution:

The agreements established offer 250,000 employment in Germany, Austria, and other countries.

launching the Mukulimas Majuu programme and setting up of the NCLEX-RN test centre in Nairobi opened up employment opportunities in foreign health care and agriculture sectors for health care and agricultural workers.

Diaspora contribution in the form of remittance increased to $4.9 billion ,17% higher than the $4.15 billion of the previous fiscal year which highly benefited the country’s economy.

Regional Peace and Security

Kenya’s leadership in peacekeeping and conflict resolution remained steadfast:

  • The Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti with personnel count of over 600 proved Kenyan’s pledge in global peace keeping.
  • The Tumaini Peace initiative in South Sudan was maintaining stability within the region as expected.

To achieve this another policy innovation has to be adopted and these are as follows;

The new compounding of the Twiga Diplomacy policy was announced by the government with the intention of synchronizing the foreign policy with modern arising global issues. To increase public awareness of diplomacy, the “Foreign Policy Mashinani” stems from the notion that.

A Vision for 2025

As he closed his year, Dr. Mudavadi pointed out on the importance of Kenya in enhancing foreign relations and the development of Kenya through partnership. He offered hope for the future more particularly December festivity and wished fellow Kenyans a prosperous new year.

The major achievements in diplomacy in the year 2024 for Kenya signifies its growing international assertiveness coupled with commitment of putting its citizens as well as the global populace to their deserved positive standard of living.

Honoring Icons: President Biden Awarded Clinton, Fox and Others the Medal of Freedom

Honoring Icons: President Biden Awarded Clinton, Fox and Others the Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden recently honored a number of great people, bestowing on them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a sincere event that reflected the president’s core interests, major supporters, and lifelong role models.

Hillary Clinton: United States as a symbol of historical leadership

Hillary Clinton, who represented New York in the U.S. Senate and served as the Secretary of State under President Obama was honored for her many years in public service. Clinton, who has been a loyal donor and campaigner for Biden’s presidency and re-election until her departure in the beginning of the year, was applauded as she entered the White House. Her recognition proves her continuous contribution to the shaping of the America politics and diplomacy.

Michael J. Fox: An Advocate and Inspiration

The program had special features dedicated to beloved actor Michael J. Fox, who has not only starred in such films as back to the future, family ties, and Spin City, but also for raising a lot of money for Parkinson’s disease research efforts. Although Fox has been diagnosed with a condition and understandably displays signs of it, he held himself strong and got up and used the support to walk towards President Biden to receive his medal. That courage, and that optimism, touched the audience.

Edward M. Kennedy: A Political Hero Remembered

The Medal of Freedom was received posthumously by Sen Edward M. Kennedy who was a leading politician in the United States and a main advocate of progressive policies. President Biden who mentioned Kennedy as one of his “true political heroes” pointed to the fact that the senator spent most of his life in active service. Kathleen Kennedy, his daughter received the award for him and in her speech, she focused on the fight for justice and equality that her father had been fighting for.

José Andrés: Feeding Hope in Crisis

Food spots went to chef-philanthropist José Andrés, the founder of the World Central Kitchen that provides meal assistance to survivors of the catastrophes and wars. His organization has helped fed and give hope to millions of needy people; some of his team members were killed in Gaza Strip. Many of you may recall that the great soccer player, Andrés, immediately hugged the award when he received it, as this was, indeed, a result of compassion fought against cruelty.

Service Celebrations of Courage and Endurance

The Medal of Freedom award this year was not only awarded to them based on their accomplishments but also sweat, determination, and never tiring spirit of defending the country. The choices made by President Biden were consistent with the spirit of the endearment: perseverance, advocacy and unity and rallied the country to pay tribute to those who struggle to build a better world.

 

Ivory Coast Declares French Troops Out of the Country

Ivory Coast Declares French Troops Out of the Country

Since Ivory Coast’s current President Alassane Ouattara assumed power, he has publicly stated that France is to pull out their military personnel stating that his government is charting a new course regarding the security of Ivory Coast and this process corresponds more broadly with the changes in France’s military policies in West Africa.

A Transition in Security

Speaking in his end of year message, President Ouattara noted improvements by the Iovrian defence forces, adding that the move to sever the partnership with French forces in the country is due to the country’s confidence in its growing security strength. “Today, Ivoirians should be proud of their armed modernized forces,” he said adding that French contingent had indeed pulled out in a coordinated and organized manner.

Explaining the Decline of France’s Presence in the Region

This is in consonant with the general trend of France drawing down the number of its military deployments in West and Central Africa. According to sources, France intends to decrease the regional forces from about 2,200 to approximately 600. The withdrawal comes amid resentment of French presence and military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, through which Paris has already evicted its troops.

The recent announcement from Ivory Coast also put into evidence the declining hegemonic control previously dominated by France, which colonial rule ended in sixties.

Regional Implications

With the reduction of French forces local security becomes an issue with a number of insurgencies and militant groups present in the area. In November Chad, one of the most important counterterrorism partners in the West, terminated the defense cooperation partnership with France, which also is a new blow for the French military presence on the African continent.

Strengthening Local Forces

The recent statement that the president Ouattara made regarding Ivory Coast is an indication of its eventual desire to take alternative measures in ensuring its security. It still remains a complete package in preferring local forces than external interferences in African countries as they continue to manage the turbulent security and political situation in the region on their own.

A New Chapter

The latest pull out of French troops from the Ivory Coast is one of the major geo-political changes in West Africa today. It define new dynamics of the state formation process in the area as nations redefine their postcolonial relations and turn to nationalism and autarchy in search for solutions to insecurity threats.

US Sanctions Directed at Iranian and Russia Entities for Election Meddling

US Sanctions Directed at Iranian and Russia Entities for Election Meddling

The United States has targeted companies in Iran and Russia involved in campaigns of disinformation before the recent election. These activities are prohibited under the sanctions and those who engage in them will be made to face the music, the US Treasury says.

An Account of Disinformation

The Treasury Department said that the designated groups relied on fake videos, fabricated news and stories, and social media actions to turn the public and erode confidence in the American democracy. Several intelligence agencies have captured both the Iranian and the Russian governments in these coordinated efforts.

Russian Involvement

The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise is among the organizations on this list of sanctions. American authorities’ claims of the group’s activity include creating deep fakes and fake news sites to spread misinformation. The sanctions also target the director of the involved center, associated with Russian military intelligence attacks on Western structures.

The group is said to have used artificial intelligence in producing fake news and hired US firms in promoting positive sentiments about Russia on social media.

Iranian Operations

Also, Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center is a division of the Revolutionary Guard Corps that was also targeted. American officials say it engaged in promoting political polarization in the United States such as the protest in relation to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Iran has also been at the center of hack attacks targeting the US officials and fresh interferences with campaigns, one that has stretched the conflict between the two countries to another level.

Broader Election Interference

Labeled by intelligence as operations intended to sow distrust in the American electoral process, the meddling by Russia, Iran and other countries like China was targeted at the voters. Although Russia’s actions seemed to aid the winning candidate, Iran did not like Trump’s Presidential campaign because of his administration’s hostile actions against Iran, which include the exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and assassination of General Qasem Soleimani.

Official Denials

Russia and Iran have both denied the allegations. Russian embassy officials with the Russian today interfered in the internal affairs of their counterparts denying the allegations while Iranian representatives have not responded to the statement.

Implications

The sanctions show that the United States has no tolerance for outside interference with its democratic process. Another work that can be said is that they also perform as a threat to other countries planning to take similar actions, stressing possible diplomatic and economic consequences.

 

Building Kenya’s Future: President Ruto’s Vision for 2025

Building Kenya’s Future: President Ruto’s Vision for 2025

As usual in his New Year address, President William Ruto focused on the progress and problems of Kenya in 2024 and the numerous plans for 2025. His message focused on persistence, togetherness, and on building a better future, which should be considered as the program’s main themes.

Celebrating 2024 Achievements

President Ruto accepted the challenges that the nation has had to go through but appreciated the unity of purpose of the people of Kenya. Key achievements highlighted included:

Economic Stability: During the period there was an improvement in the exchange rate as the Kenya shilling gained more ground as well as sharp reduction in inflation to 2.7%. All these developments portend better practice in fiscal planning and increased investors’ enthusiasm.

Universal Healthcare: By rolling out the Taifa Care program the government also began the realization of the policy of universal health care.

Food Security and Housing: Efforts in the agricultural sector enhanced food stability and the dwelling scheme hit the million mark, which delivered 200,000 jobs for 873000 houses.

Ambitious Goals for 2025

In the future as presented by the President Ruto, Kenya had a vision that would seek to raise the standard of living of its people. His priorities include:

Economic Growth: Continual moves towards more growth of the economy and to generate more employment opportunities.

Agricultural Productivity: Improving on methods of farming or aeration and right food production to feed the starving and eradicate malnutrition.

Healthcare and Education Reforms: Enhancing the provision of services to increase the health and education literacy of the population.

Safety and Security: Strengthening measures aimed at the provision of security for people of Kenya in their everyday life and activities.

The President said that he expected these endeavors would help make Kenyans ‘better utilized in school and at work, and better fed, safer, and more secure’ in the forthcoming year.

Together We Stand! Together We Take Action: A Call to Minority Scholars for Collective Responsibility

Apart from progress in the economic and social fronts, which the president acknowledged, Ruto focused on the moral and societal vices. He encouraged Kenyans to adopt a culture of change – where every difficulty experienced was an opportunity for change for the better.

“It is therefore important that we all take our destiny into our own hands and exercise collective commitment in order to fashion out a united and prosperous Benguela,” he said, urging compatriots to embrace the culture of hard work, honesty and loyalty to the nation.

A Hopeful Future

Having said so, the President in his final remarks called on the people of the country to be hopeful and undertakings. “As one people, one country, Tanzania-Kenya/ Kenya-Tanzania, we shall realize the Kenya We Want,” he emphasized the capacity of the Kenya people in determination of their destiny.

The first leader to define the course of the Kenyan nation as it enters 2025 is President Ruto who’s vision of the future seems to inspire, challenge and demand the citizens’ cooperation in a continuing development process and construction of unity.

Controller of Budget petition reveals MPs’ expensive lavish travels.

Controller of Budget petition reveals MPs’ expensive lavish travels.

A recent audit by the Controller of Budget shows that the three arms of government have been indulging in over expenditure on travels with MPs leading in the list. According to the report, the populace has shown little respect to the measures of stringency announced by President William Ruto in the use of public resources.

Billions Spent on Travel

The first-quarter report shows that Ksh. 3.5 billion was spent on travels within the four-month period only. This amount was used in domestic travels since it cost Ksh. 2.5 billion while foreign travels cost Ksh. 1 billion.

MPs Lead in Extravagance

The MPs have been described as being ‘honourably extravagant,’ with members of the National Assembly topping the spending list. They spent Ksh. 870 million on local business travels, and Ksh. 173 million on international travels in the review period. The Senate was very close spending Ksh. 345, 700, 000 on local travel and Ksh. 80, 600, 000 on international travel.

Other Parliamentary Organizations also could be held held responsible for this high expenditure of course. The Parliamentary Service Commission incurred a total of Ksh. 10.7 million in the costs of travel and another Ksh. 94.6 million by the Parliamentary Joint Services.

State House Travel Costs

The report also highlighted the travel expenses in the Institutional Executive branch. Domestic transport costs by the Office of the President amounted to Ksh. 11 million, and the foreign transport costs amounted to Ksh. 1.3 million. On the other hand, State House expenditure disclosed further spending of Ksh. 43 million on domestic travelling and Ksh 5.8 million on International travelling during the period July —October.

Breach of Austerity Measures

The flagged expenditures are shocking and contrary to the President Ruto’s austerity measures aimed at reducing wastage of taxpayers’ money. The report stressed the inability of accountability mechanisms in the country to discourage the misuse of public resources.

Call for Financial Prudence

The revelations made by the Controller of Budget especially concerning expenditure priorities have of late elicited controversy across the country. As billions of shillings are being emulated on travels, there is increasing pressure for improved scrutiny and a change of direction more towards the current real and fundamental needs of the nation such as health, education and physical infrastructure.

The revelation of these spending habits is the revelation of how expenditure ought to reflect the priorities of a nation, and how the money collected from the common populace is spent in the interest of such populace.

 

President Ruto assert commitment to national unity

President Ruto assert commitment to national unity

President William Ruto has been keen on the unity of Kenya and encouraged citizens and leaders to work together for the progress of the country. During a church service and later a road side rally in Bomet County the head of state laid a vision of unity and prosperity, and decried on rightfully politicized history.

Appeal for National Unity

He said, embracing the theme focused on cooperation, leaders need to set priorities and offer direction on how to run the country for the benefit of every citizen. He also called on all citizens to refrain from further polarization and embrace to gather as one since the unity of the country is important.

The President said: I have decided and am determined to unite Kenya to realise that the progress of this nation depends on all of us.

Development Agenda

Listing the achievement of his administration, Ruto urged Kenyans to support the government’s development course. He acknowledged improvement in many sectors, such energy, infrastructure, health care as well as education. The President called on citizens to support these projects that he said could potentially provide employment for the youth and develop the nation.

To make his remarks, Ruto also touched on the progress of other projects that he partly started including the housing sector projects which are on the process of establishment in various market areas in the country. He came out to tell Kenyans that, there were more developments that would happen in the following year.

A Call for Spiritual Renewal

While preaching at Koiwa AIC church the President called on Kenyans to have faith in God and work hard in his service. He urged the congregation to pray for the country peace and success as they plan for the new year-2025.

In his New Year address, Ruto noted that ‘Besides daily endeavors there is God in heaven who has a very big role to play in success, ‘ saying that Kenyans need to think about the challenges conquered and milestones registered in the New Year alone.

Looking Ahead

Looking at the new year message of President Ruto directed especially on unity, development, and spiritual strength will in deed capture the heart of many Kenyans. He said everyone should work together towards the achievement of the goals leading to a prosperous Kenya come year 2025 emphasizing on unity, hard work and faith.

From this point of view, the willingness of people to stay united and continue development is a part of the President’s vision of creating the nation which implies everyone’s contribution to its peaceful and successful evolution.

 

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