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President Ruto inaugurates LPG initiative to move public schools to clean energy

Kenyan President William Ruto has launched the LPG Initiative for public schools, where Washington International School is participating, as the program that is firstly beginning to use cleaner and sustainable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) energy instead of biomass-based fuels such as firewood.

The launching event which took place at Jamhuri High School shows government’s seriousness in eradicating environmental vices, enhancing people’s healthy living together with ascertaining fast and accelerated economic development through enhanced adoption of clean energy.

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In the course of the LPG Initiative, the following points were highlighted:

Environmental Benefits

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It will eliminate the continued use of firewood and burning of charcoal hence eliminating deforestation and pollution, which creates a high biomass requirement, which the world needs to fight in afforestation.

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The initiative is in line with the national environmental objectives on improving forest cover with a view to addressing effects of climate change.

Economic and Health Impacts

Improved Learning Environments: Renewable energy will lessen pollutants affecting the indoor air quality and thus improve the general safety of the learning environment of students.

Economic Growth: Increase in investment in LPG sector will open employment opportunities and the economy of Kenya will improve.

Affordability: The government has come up with measures that include removing taxes on LPG and enhance on the storage methods of LPG to reach more families including the less fortunate ones.

Strategic Objectives

From the current level of 6.5kg per capita raise The LPG per capita usage to fifteen (15) by 2028.

Ensure that LPG reaches 70% population Coverage.

This pilot involves 20 schools across the country with the goal of expanding the program to all the boarding schools in the country within a year.

Speaking at the Gusii Institute of Business and Management, President Ruto said public-private partnerships would be crucial in the success of the idea. These collaborations will focus on:

How to promote the LPG imports and minimize its costs.

This partly involves /availing of information, formally through a national LPG awareness campaign to reduce incidences of explosion due to lack of knowledge and acquaintance with the product’s advantages in terms of a cleaner fuel.

Broader National Priorities

The shift to LPG aligns with Kenya’s long-term goals, including:

Reducing the cost of living: This means that anyone who needs energy to run an institution or home, and is also struggling financially; will benefit significantly from clean and affordable energy resources.

Improving food security: Improved cooking energy also leads to better food preparation and improved health in school going children.

Promoting environmental conservation: A decrease in biomass use thus results in afforestation and sustainable practices.

President’s Vision

Speaking at the launch, President Ruto emphasized the transformational potential of the initiative:

“Today’s launch therefore ushers in a new paradigm shift that change the learning environment for the betterment of children and at the same time would contribute to conservation of the environment.”

Working on prioritizing LPG as a more safer and sustainable option the government is to solve the number of social, economical, and environmental obstacles so to think about a brighter and greener tomorrows of Kenya.

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China’s export growth rate declines, imports fall ahead of Trump’s additional tariffs

According to exports and imports data that China released for November, export expansion has considerably decelerated far quicker than analysts had estimated while imports shrank prominently than what was anticipated earlier as Trump prepares to bring back unfriendly trade practices.

Key Trade Figures

Exports Growth: Increased by 6.7%, less than estimates of an 8.5% increase and below October when the figure was 12.7%.

Imports: Sinking by 3.9%, it was the lowest increase in nine months, in contrast to the forecast of a 0.3% rise.

Trade Surplus: Rose to $97.44 billion in November from $95.72 billion October owing to lower import levels.

Tariff Tensions Loom

Trump has said he will slap a 10% tariff on Chinese products to deal with the issues such as trafficking of precursor chemicals for fentanyl, which may lead to tariffs above 60%. They go a long way in aggravating the trade war between the two countries, unlike China which relies so much on exports.

China also perceives rising trade tensions with EU, where chargers ranging from 17.5% to 45.3% on imported electric vehicles from China is indicative of another potential trade war.

Internal Factors and Micro Level Forces

China’s economy is already grappling with:

An extended property market plunge, which has undermined hoping among homeowners and firms.

Slow global demand recovery as marked by subdued export numbers from other competing economies such as Korea and Vietnam.

Reduced import numbers that have been attributed to a decline in commodity prices.

Commodity Imports: Mixed Signals

Despite the overall drop in imports, specific commodities showed resilience:

Crude oil imports were up by 14.3% annually for the same reasons including low Middle Eastern oil prices and stockpiling.

Coal imports increased by 26% to new record levels because it is cheaper than domestic products.

There were mixed opinions on when copper imports could return to the levels before their decline in May, but they edged up to their highest in a year, which could have contributed to more optimistic signs in property and construction markets.

Policy Outlook

Ministers and other consultants are urging more potent fiscal measures at home to counter any negative effect of the new tariffs from the United States. Proposed measures include:

Specifically, it has sustained the growth rate to 5% in 2024.

Promoting the domestic consumers as a way of avoiding over dependence in exports.

Oasis for the local governments and the troubled property market.

Industry and Market Reactions

Manufacturers said business conditions have recovered in November at the highest level in seven months, albeit export orders remain subdued. They are storing products in foreign premises, a trend set to rise, thanks to exporter’s inventory management strategies.

Xu Tianchen, a senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, cautioned that whether due to front-loading of imports prior to Trump’s tariffs, the real consequence has not started yet and will begin to emerge in the coming months.

Global Trade Context

China’s imports and exports have decelerated in line with other big exporters such as South Korea where exports to China shrank for the first time in eight months presumably due to slump in demand for re-exported components.

There are many factors that negatively affect China’s economy, which come from global and internal environment. As Trump has continued a tariff on China’s exports, Beijing has to manage increasing trade risks internally in order to support the economy. Biff Economic and Politics With China’s economy under tremendous pressure, investors and policymakers are waiting for signals from the Politburo based on upcoming Politburo meetings.

Bitcoin Surges to Ksh. 13 Million as Expectations on Trump’s Crypto Plan Rises

The red-tracking digital currency raced through the $100,000 (around Shs13 million) for the first time on Thursday, fuelled by positive vibes on Trump’s incoming administration policy on the virtual money. This hallmark is indicative of increasing institutional acceptance fees, regulatory certainty, and optimism over the futures of digital resources under Trump’s presidency.

Since Trump’s election win, the digital currency has risen more than 45 percent due to optimistic view on less smokey and Trump’s promise to make America a hub for bitcoins.

Institutional Adoption and Regulatory verde

Entrepoeneurs of the crypto industry such as the CEO of Galaxy Digital Mike Novogratz said the price increase signified a ‘paradise shift’ and digital currencies were set to become mainstream within financial systems. Market demand supported by institutional investors has provided traction to it along with high-profile developments in the blockchain and tokenized financial economics.

Confidence has also found its footing from the expectations for Trump’s deregulation plan. The appointment of Paul Atkins for nomination as the director of the SEC is an indication that Owen will now relax the polices implemented by the current SEC Chair, Gary Gensler.

Over $4 billion has been invested in Bitcoin ETFs that are listed in the United States since the election, and acceptance is now ramping up. Such ETFs have provided institutional and retail investors opportunity to invest in the Bitcoin and therefore contributed to the market activity.

Trump’s Crypto Agenda

Trump has promised to transform the United States into the “crypto capital of the planet,” highlighting plans for:

National Bitcoin Stockpile: Trump has suggested the country should start stockpiling Bitcoin.

Crypto Advisory Council: As the struggle for influencing the regulatory framework continues, major industry actors such as Ripple and Circle are ready to step into the center of the fight.

Business Investments: Trump World Liberty Financial and his media company’s proposed purchase of crypto trading firm Bakkt establish him as a player in the industry.

They have also been backed by Elon Musk, a Trump friend and a crypto enthusiast.

Market Reactions

Bitcoin’s rally has lifted other crypto-related assets:

Some stocks related to the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies such as mining firms including MARA Holdings gained 65% in November.

Trading of options on crypto ETFs has increased, and call options have dominated puts.

Crypto gurus are also bullish with some expecting Bitcoin to cross $120,000 before Christmas.

Caution Amid Optimism

Despite the optimism, critics warn of potential risks:

The extraction of bitcoins is still an energy-consuming process.

The industry is still in a process of overcoming numbers of scandals, especially FTX and new restrictions and bans.

Speculative activity can cause the stock market cycling up and down, and generate bracketing of stocks for quick profits.

Market participants are waiting to see how Bitcoin will handle above $100,000 with prognoses that such a level could attract more institutional investors.

The Road Ahead

Breaking the Ksh.13 million mark, provided further bullish signals for the cryptocurrency market, with each new price rise giving a thumbs up for mainstream adoption. That Trump administration is set to push through drastic changes in regulating cryptocurrency means that the situation remains ripe for increased growth within the sector although it’s not without controversy and opposition.

President Ruto Optimistic on Addressing Taifa Care Challenges

President William Ruto on Monday seek to reassure Kenyians that the problems observed in the migration from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) now called Taifa Care will soon be ironed out.

President Ruto, while addressing the 11th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at the State House, Nairobi said he was aware that citizens were struggling to seek medical services under the new system. These problems he laid blamed on the ‘scale and ambition’ of the Taifa Care programme.

“On record, Taifa Care is enormous in scale, ambitious in undertaking, and historically unprecedented, however, we trust available solutions to multiphase the hitches soon,” Ruto said. On this, he said that the government was determined to provide affordable health care for all the citizens, through ensuring that all citizens of Kenya can have a right to quality health care services at an affordable cost regardless of their wealth.

The problem of Taifa Care and Government’s Defense

Since its inception, there are numerous complaints in regard to compensation at Taifa Care and their ability to getting proper health care. Several Kenyans have also been aggrieved by the working difficulties arising from the shift as a result of the scheme from NHIF.

However, President William Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa have stood firm in support of the program, stressing on Kenyans patience as the government sorts out the efficiency of the program.

To support the implementation of Taifa Care, Kenyans are expected to make a contribution of 2.75% of their earnings with a cap of Ksh.300 per month.

Enrollment Progress

In his Seat of the Nation Address that was delivered on the 21st, President Ruto stated that over 15 million Kenyans had registered to the Taifa Care program. He especially pointed out that the given initiative could dramatically shift the healthcare accessibility in the whole country.

Looking Ahead

While the government is working to overcome the technological and operational challenges affecting Taifa Care, Kenya’s president Ruto has urged patient to wait since his regime is committed to implementing the bottomed promise of delivering quality and affordable healthcare to every citizen.

Trump Picks Devin Nunes and Richard Grenell for Top Positions

Donald Trump has made new appointments prior to his inauguration on the 20th of January, signaling that he continues to bring in individuals that have supported him throughout their campaign and early into his presidency.

The White House has scheduled Devin Nunes, the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, to head of the intelligence advisory board.

Trump chose Devin Nunes, CEO of Truth Social and the former Republican Congressman from California, for heading the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB). Nunes is best known for his loyalty to Trump, especially when he was head of the House Intelligence Committee, serving as the main defender of Trump in cases of meddling by Russia in the presidential campaign.

Trump praised Nunes for the work he did in what Trump called a “Russia hoax” and his leadership in the matter of holding intelligence accountable. Nunes will continued to serve as the CEO of Truth Social where he will also sit in the advisory board.

For instance, the PIAB is an autonomous body formed mid 20th century that oversees and reports on the intelligence operations. Trump plainly defined its role as convening individuals who are part of America’s elite outside of the federal government to advise on the functioning of intelligence agencies.

Former acting director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, appointed Presidential envoy for special missions

In another glamorous appointment, Trump appointed Richard Grenell, a staunch supporter of Trump and his administration and a former US ambassador to Germany as special presidential envoy for missions. Grenell, who came out as the first gay member of the cabinet in presidential history in 2020 when he served as Acting Director of National Intelligence wants to explain pressing global matters in regions such as Venezuela and North Korea.

Now Grenell is firmly within Trump’s orbit and ardently denying the results of the 2020 election.

Kash Patel is Nominated for FBI Director Position

The announcements come on the heels of Trump’s recent nominations of Kash Patel as FBI director, Wray’s replacement. Patel, who has worked in national security at the Pentagon and has ties to Nunes and Grenell, has been highly critical of the intelligence community and is part of the cohort of Trump allies who oppose the ‘deep state’.

Tightening Loyalists in Strategic Places

Some of Trump’s recent appointments show that as he gears up for the second term, he is aiming at filling key positions with people he trusts. Many of these individuals have publicly endorsed Trump’s claims of fraud in the recent election and doubts about federal agencies meaning that the US intelligence and diplomatic posture may shift in the next administration.

China Wakes up to the Thought of Talks as Trump’s Threatens Tariffs

While Donald Trump increases threats to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing is devising a more sophisticated tactic that involves rewards as well as sanctions to encourage the US counterpart to the negotiating table. Citing this, they say it is to avoid a full-blown trade war and focus on stabilizing relations if Trump returns to power in 2021.

China’s Strategy: Negotiation Over Escalation

Drawing from lessons of the 2018 trade war, China is taking proactive steps, including:

The Chinese regulators preparing to launch an investigation against U.S. chipmaker Nvidia for supposed antitrust offences.
Enlarging measures to ban leading American industries from importing strategic materials, including some rare earths used in hi-tech industries.

According to Fred Neumann, HSBC’s Chief Asia Economist rounding it off that these moves indicate China’s ‘opening bid to encourage negotiations rather than engage in a tariff battle.

Economic Readiness and Strategic Coexistence
China is in a better situation than before to face tariffs with new developments in areas such as electric vehicles and clean energy. However, the fact that requires import of high technology products especially advanced microchips from the US is its weakness.

George Magnus of Oxford University’s China Centre highlighted that despite the opening up of the economy and decrease of reliance on products such as Boeing jets from the United States, a new round of trade war would still be disadvantageous to China.

Main Factors to Inspire Those Involved in Negotiation

China aims to:

Prevent Additional U.S. Export Controls: Indrade restrictions to critical input such as microchips can greatly affect especially the Chinese technology industry.
Renew Scientific Cooperation: An area of concern is that the U.S.- China Science and Technology Agreement expired in August:It also supports joint research.

Although companies such as China’s Huawei has ramped up efforts to have chipmaking capabilities onshore, it is yet to prove sustainable on the market.

Trump’s Position and Leverage

Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 % for economic and political factors such as curbing in fentanyl smuggling to the U.S and Beijing considers this as political making the likelihood of reaching an agreement highly unlikely.

However, the probable US increase of its own oil and gas production, Trump might find it suitable to gain enhanced Chinese imports of energy exports, and in line with his “drill baby, drill” campaign.

The Business Climate

The current difficulties of U.S. companies located in China continue to grow and business confidence has hit lows not seen since 1999, per the American Chamber of Commerce. Trade imbalances have forced Washington to act over issues to do with market access and regulatory measures.

Outlook

Indeed both countries have grounds that compel them to engage in talks but given their politically and economically charged relationship any talks would be far from easy. Reference to political objectives like human rights or fight against drug trafficking complicates trade relations and their settlement.

China’s moves reflect a dual strategy: negotiating with promises to get the best deals while admitting strategies if negotiations collapse. The decision making in the current matrix depends with both the economic view of the two players, and the politicking involved.

Good News for Motorists as EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices

The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has given some respite to motorists in Kenya by providing a list of low prices that are to be implemented in the country for the month of December in its latest roller coaster.

Price Adjustments

Effective at midnight, the pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene have been reduced as follows:

Super Petrol: Reduced by; Ksh. 4.37 per litre.

Diesel: Reduction by Ksh.3.00 per litre.

Kerosene: Reduce for Ksh.3.00 per litre.

The new prices in major cities include:

Nairobi: Super Petrol – Ksh.176.29, Diesel – Ksh.165.06 and Kerosene – Ksh. 148.39.

Mombasa: Super Petrol at Ksh, 173.05, Diesel at Ksh 161.82 and Kerosene at Ksh 145.15.

These prices are in line with the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) policy in the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020, and Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020 adjustments to inflationary excise duties.

Reasons for the Drop

EPRA attributed the price reduction to a decline in the landed costs of imported petroleum products:

Super Petrol: This is quite a drop from the US$ 641.14 recorded per cubic metre in October to US$ 612.53 in November, 4.46% decline.

However, for Diesel and Kerosene products, the landed cost experienced a slightly higher increase thus Diesel by 5.76% and Kerosene by 1.87%.

Context and Impact

This is the second time that the prices of fuel have been reduced in a row – good news for consumers after months of having to pay steep fuel prices. Lower fuel prices should impact the rest of the commodity cycle and I believe it would impact transport costs thereby decreasing the inflation rate on goods and services.

Still, EPRA’s review corroborates such tendencies and proves the virgin intention to adhere to fair pricing strategy which corresponds to the international fuel costs and local taxes.

High Court directs Treasury to reveal deals on Kenya’s debt

A High Court of Kenya has recently made a ruling that will compel the National Treasury to produce all records of debts contracted on behalf of Kenya including sovereign bonds and the exact expenditure of borrowed funds alongside it within 45 days

He also accused the government of unconstitutional treatment of secrecy in public finance.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi went further and opined that denying this information is un-constitutional under Article 35(1). He also accused the government of obscurity in the management of sovereign bond and debt saying this was against the principles of the constitution of Kenya on financial freedom.

According to Justice Mugambi, ‘’It is unconstitutional not to avail treaties and agreements entered into by Kenya; There is need for transparency in financial docket.”

This comes after a two-year legal case pursued by the Institute of Social Accountability and the Kenya Human Rights Commission over accountability on the rising debts in Kenya.

Impact of the Ruling

The ruling mandates Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to disclose:
Financial bilateral relations between Kenya and other parties inclusive of foreign states and financial institutions through debt instruments.
Sovereign bonds issued on the market in the past nine years.
The loan proceeds broken down in detail to show how they were used.

Further, these orders should be complied within the set time failure to which one is liable to be charged with contempt of court as Advocate Evans Ogada noted.

Controversial Task Force Shut Down

The ruling arrives several months after president William Ruto exclude an independent task force that is supposed to audit Kenya’s debt. As it will be seen critics opined that the task force duplicated the function of the Auditor General as provided in the Constitution, a contention that Justice Mugambi agreed with.

Kenya’s Debt Burden

The petitioners noted that Kenyans struggle because of the general lack of disclosure relating to public debts. Kenya has been among the fastest-growing economies growing from Ksh. 1.8 trillion in the fiscal year 2013/2014 to Ksh 10.6 trillion in the fiscal year ending June 2024, however, the ballooned debt has raised eyebrows over mismanagement.

In his advocacy, Ogada accused previous governments of perpetuating the begging culture and hiding pertinent information about the debts from the public, making citizens to pay the debts.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of this decision is believed to provide direction as to the level of indebtedness and borrowing that Kenya should undertake. It also re-emphasises the judiciary in the fight for accountability in the management of the nation’s financial resources and empower the people of Kenya with information concerning decisions made on their economic lives.

Given 45 days to act, the Treasury is under pressure to disclose materials that could redefine Kenya’s debt strategy.

Enzo Maresca Hails Cole Palmer ’s Ability as Chelsea Eye Premier League Championship

Chelsea’s boss Enzo Maresca has come out to shower his praise on Cole Palmer, informing his audience that the young 22-year-old is a ‘different’ player whose abilities have greatly enhanced Chelsea to second place in the too much competitive English Premier League this season.

Palmer has been Chelsea’s leading striker and the team’s principal playmaker; he has scored 11 goals in 15 from the team this season and provided 6 assists. Collectively, composed and confident performances Jones’s excellent chipped penalty in the Chelsea match against Tottenham has made him to a standout performer.

Pride of Maresca received from Palmer

Maresca, who landed at Wolverhampton in 2012 from Manchester City where Palmer was once part of its Elite Development Squad told media how proud he was to be associated with the Englishman. He expounded on Palmer’s prefrontal and psychological performance and relaxation in key match situations, something typical of top talent.

Cole is another one out of the lot. Most top players have that kind of a demeanor, and it affords them liberty. Cole was like this five yeArs ago and he is still like this,” added Maresca.

Maresca fell short of anointing Palmer the best player in England, though he had huge words for the young footballer.

And at this moment, he could be that, but the fact is that England is blessed with a wealth of talent. Absolutely stated, Cole is one of them and may be, can be world-class. But he is just 22 and there is always time to learn and memorize the lessons,” he further pointed.

Chelsea’s Title Hopes and Champions League Chances

Chelsea, now four points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the title race and the fight for Champions League football.

Maresca is confident that Palmer will also help Chelsea to continue its winning streak, but he also listed the obstacles the young forward has to overcome, namely man-to-man marking and physicality in the Premier League.

Palmer’s sterling performance at the beginning of the season has now firmly established him as part of the reason for Chelsea’s revival, with Maresca citing how the player relishes under pressure and keeps improving.

EPL followers and Chelsea lovers in particular will be looking forward to whether Palmer will continue with his brilliant form to help his side to clinch a trophy this current season.

Raila Odinga calls for Africa’s inclusion in the United Nation’s Security Council.

Kenya’s Former PM Raila Odinga has provided strong justification for Africans to be granted two non permanent veto seats in the United Nations Security Council if he becomes the AU Commission Chairman in February 2025.

In the Mjadala Afrika debate held at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Raila underlined that the non-membership of Africa in the UNSC weakens the continent’s input within the central decisions related to international security.

Main Issues from Raila’s Proposal

The Structure and Working of UNSC, Veto Power

Raila said that Africa having no seat as permanent UNSC member is colonial hangover that leaves most African states as colonial mortuary.

He remains unyielding that Africa’s 55 nations deserve two permanent seats with voting right and voice, and with veto right to protect their interests.

There are three representatives from Europe and there are no representantives from Africa. This proportion is unprecedented,” Raila said.

Reflections of Vision of President William Ruto

This statement of Raila is inline with President William Ruto’s calls for reshaping the global economic and financial structures. In the past Ruto has criticized Africans as being deemed as high risk borrowers even with the continent endowed with natural resources and has called for the African Union Commission to lead on economic diplomacy.

Amendment of the international financial system

Raila condemned the international financial system, which, according to him, imposes unreasonably high interest rates for African countries.

He recommended establishment of African financial triangle of development that will offer member state low interest funding to unlock their potentials.

Africa filled with natural resources but lacking in living conditions. He further said, “There is a huge imbalance here, which requires us to reform the international financing systems.”

Speaking during the breakfast meeting in May 2024 Ruto called for the construction of fairer international development finance architecture and the transition of the AU from its being liberation bona fide organization to one that responds to today’s challenges.

The Larger Vision

Both leaders are advocating for Africa to be a more active member in the global governance structures which is a typical African agenda in security, finances and development.

In case Raila ascends to the AUC Chairpersonship his lobbying additional UNSC representation and paragon for fiscal reformation may become a watershed in Africa map within the international system.