NEWS - Page 5 of 8

List of Nationals Awarded During Jamhuri Day

More than 500 Kenyans were honored with the presidential awards to mark this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations that were held at Uhuru Gardens on Thursday. President William Ruto awarded citizens from the different fraternity for their efforts and work towards the nation demonstrating Kenya’s recognition of hard work and commitment.

Highlights of the Honorees

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Head of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS)

Out of the seventy four distinguished awardees this year, one of them was Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

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The Order of the Burning Spear honor comes in three classes: Chief Burning Spear (CBS); Elder Burning Spear (EBS); and Moran Burning Spear (MBS), and is bestowed on public dignitaries, professionals and members of public service who have distinguished themselves.

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Other beneficiaries were a Luo Ohangla musician Prince Indah, and actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Wairimu.

The Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) is received for the service and mostly for brave and selfless people.

Moran with the Honorary Membership of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH)

Praising Douglas Kanja, Inspector General of Police and Other Five Members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), this was the third category of honor, in the Order of the Golden Heart.

Grand Prior of the Sacred Tribunal of the Order of the Golden Heart (GPH)

The second tier dignity was received by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, its recipients usually include Deputy Presidents, Speakers of Parliament and senior public servants.

Order of the Burning Spear: CBS, EBS, MBS.

Order of the Golden Heart: Lastly, Chief (CGH), Elder (EGH), Moran (MGH).

These are: Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO), Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star and the President’s Commendations for military and civilian formations.

Purpose of the Awards

These honors are awarded during national events to reward individual’s devotion to the country with the intention to promote such services throughout the country as the government demonstrates its support to recognizing accomplishment in services, arts and security.

The event was a testimony that there exist a lot of talent in the Kenyan society, as well as the fact that Kenyans are the backbone of the country’s development.

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President Ruto: A Reflection on Leadership Accomplishments and Issues

Addressing the Nation during the 61st Jamhuri Day Celebrations held at the Uhuru Gardens, President William Ruto admitted that his government has not delivered on the expectations of the people of Kenya since he assumed power in September 2022. These notwithstanding he quantified some degrees of improvement on several fronts, an indication of his fervor towards the Bottom-Up transformative agenda.

The Importance of Recognizing Deficiency and Achievement

President Ruto bluntly admitted that Kenya is yet to fully realize the desired dreams because the administration is yet to properly execute on all foisted obligations.

The president focused on the areas of reform and change that have boosted livelihoods in areas of population feeding, health care, opportunity creation, and safety and freedom.

Key Achievements

Economic Reforms: Measures that seek to flatten the economic curve and bring conditions that are suitable for operation in the economy.

Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): Introducing Taifa Care to enhance access to healthcare.

Affordable Housing Projects: More housing units underway with indications that key handover to owners will commence in the following weeks.

Job Creation: Creating opportunities in local and international job markets including placement of 300 youths for overseas employment.

Addressing Critics

The president asked the critics to stop ranting and instead to start speaking facts because even he stated that there has been progress.

“How long will the cynics use Kenyans to mobilize them to ignore facts that are tangible, facts which people can embrace through their bare vitrual.”

He stated confidence that policy anew such as the BBI, affordable housing and job creation will help Kenya solve its age old problems and impart confidence among the citizens.

Vision for the Future

President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to achieving Kenya’s aspirations through unity and a shared sense of purpose:

“When we all come together for that common thing we call a dream, to build the nation, then we shall build a great nation.”

Outlook

Although President Ruto embraced the fact that there is still a lot that could be done better his government has confidence in touching up the country’s transformation. His leadership vision focuses on endurance, teamwork, and on the development of sustainable person-centered solutions.

Nairobi gets Ksh 43 Billion for the Development of BRT Project

Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has gained Ksh.43 billion funding from foreign partners to resurrect the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project that has stagnated. After completion of consultations with the European Investment Bank, the European Union, and Avec the French Development Agency this funding is going to further the constructions from Dandora to CBD and Ngong.

Revitalizing Urban Transport

Flying from Nairobi’s South B terminal, BRT targeted to begin by August this year in a project that seeks to improve traffic flow by having well-developed bus lanes and better-designed bus stations in Nairobi’s public transport system. The leader of the day, Governor Sakaja said during Jamhuri Day celebration that development will be manifested early next year.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

Besides the project of building the BRT, plan of the county government in conjunction with the national government is to rehabilitate the worn out roads within the city.

High impact tarmac roads that include Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way are targeted for repair and under body makeover as CS – Roads Davis Chirchir disclosed during a tour recently.

All these are endeavors that fall under broader initiatives to increase movement and mobility solutions in Nairobi.

This work is therefore aimed at examining cultural recognition in City Development.

The Governor in making his speech announced ideas of renaming city roads after Kenyan artists. For instance a road in south c will be renamed e-sir Issah Mmari, a Kenya hip hop artist, whose impacts are still essential in the Kenyan music industry.

Impact and Future Outlook

Besides roads, the BRT project is a sign of the authorities’ attempt to develop Nairobi and solve transportation issues that have been around for decades. The cultural acknowledgments also go along with the intentions of the city to incorporate community pride into the process of urbanization.

Solving Japan’s Demographic Disaster

Tokyo to offer Free Daycare as the Government Strives to Promote Birth Rates

Tokyo’s Government says it will offer free early-years childcare from September for all preschool children. This historic project spearhead by the Governor Yuriko Koike, seeks to reduce Japan’s low fertility rate through the reduction in the family’s economic burden.

Even free daycare available before was only available for the 2nd born and other subsequent children, while free daycare for first born children under this new policy will support all families adequately.

Solving Japan’s Demographic Disaster

The population density of Japan has has been on a decline for many years and when compared to many developing countries has one of the lowest birth rates. In her speech, Governor Koike was stressing on the severity of the problem referring to it as a crisis and urging people to act immediately.

Japan has an increasingly aging population ranked second oldest in the world, and limited immigration is a push factor to labor and other economic concerns. Policy makers have however increased efforts to reverse this trend with Tokyo leading by examples such as free daycare.

Broader Policy Shifts

Work-Life Balance

Koike has suggested the transition to the 4-days-a-week work for the officials with government agencies as a part of the national initiatives that would promote parenting by providing better working conditions.

Expanded Access to Daycare

There is already considerable public daycare for working parents but planning is under way to extend to access to all families in the supported society for the Japanese government.

Social Welfare Enhancements

As for the rest of Koike’s social-democrat driven agenda, she has focused on such aspects as social welfare benefits due to high inflation and financial problem of families.

A Regional First

This policy can be regarded as the first in terms of regional policies of its type in Japan, which proves that Tokyo is ready to take the leadership in addressing the demographic problems of the country. The capital has 14 million people, and its measures could become a reference for other areas of the country.

Outlook

Koike’s move is a sign of a new realization that sharp-edged, family-oriented policies are needed to address the impending demographical challenge. If successful, it is conceivable that Tokyo’s measures may give direction on how to control similar problems in the remaining sections of Japan or other countries.

DP Kindiki Outlines Complex Government Jobs Creation Plan

Kenyan Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has outlined a government elaborate plan to address unemployment and increase household income. The areas to focus on are International Labour Mobility, Digital Jobs, Local labour market Employment & Climate works programme.

The Deputy President disclosed these initiatives during a briefing at his residence in Karen through communication with the leadership of the government that includes the Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and agency heads.

Key Interventions

Labour Cross-Border Mobility and Bilateral Treaties

Through bilateral labor relations, the government is working hard to secure proper jobs abroad to qualified Kenyans. It is also creating the national skills database for the purpose of integration of the workforce with the international labour market requirements and enhancing the private employment agencies standards.

Digital Jobs and ICT Hubs

To spur on the Kenyan Digital economy, the government intends to set up 1,450 ICT facilities one for each ward.

Progress: There are already 272 ICT hubs running in the country.

Focus Areas: Writing, transcription services, telecommuting, freelancing.

Kindiki also said that the program was crucial in achieving the delivers set in the administration’s docket before 2027.

Public Sector Placements

In the last two years, the government has hired:

72,000 teachers.

3,300 TVET instructors.

Employees using the blue economy products and services like the seafarers.

Portfolio Assessment Based on Prior Learning (PAPL)

In order to provide a formal qualification that the learner has gathered most of her knowledge from workplace experiences, the government has developed a programme known as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification.

2,900 people qualified through RPL.

Additionally 4,000 certifications have been issued through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

Commitment to Job Creation

Even as DP Kindiki noted a number of achievements, he also observed that much more needs to be done and that progress needs to be stepped up. This brings out the aspect of review where progress will always be checked in order to keep on/in track.

“On job creation the government is keen and it is taking the issue as being solved through a holistically approach,” Kindiki said, calling on Kenyans to support these efforts.

Such a strategy mirrors the administration’s vision to steer Kenya to the path of economic revolution in terms of domestic and export markets as well as digitization of innovation and public sector projects.

President Ruto And Former President Kenyatta Holds Gatundu Meeting To discuss National and Regional Issues

Going a long way in the direction of building bridges, William Ruto made a trip to the home of former head of state Uhuru Kenyatta. It covered core national and regional concerns, which was their first confrontation since the pre-2022 General Election controversy.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

National Unity and Economic Dilemma
They debated about the national question and current problems of the Kenyan economy. They acknowledged the global economic disruptions caused by:
COVID-19 which greatly impacted the health systems and the economies.
The conflict in Ukraine that stopped supply chains and raised the cost of commodities.
High currency risks and a generally unfavourable macroeconomic environment.

They welcomed the achievement made in stabilizing food prices, bringing down the inflation rate, and shilling while at the same time call for fast tracking of economic activities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The agenda of the meeting included

Food security programs.

Insurance where the coverage is for everyone in particular region or country.

Constitution of IEBC Panel

At home they agreed that it was time to address the legal issues concerning the IEBC selection panel to usher in new commissioners to enhance public credible electoral practices.

Low cost houses.

Support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) promotion.

Progress in infrastructure and Education, changes.

Collaboration and Patriotism

Hear both leaders called for love for the country and unity of effort involving government, civil society and religion for stability for the purpose of development.

Endorsements for Raila Odinga’s Bid to Chair AUC

The leaders canvassed for support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his bid for the AU Commission Chairmanship saying that it was an opportunity for Kenya to lift its status in the continent.

Old Regional Approaches to Peace-building

It may be noted that the leaders appreciated Kenya especially for its contribution in peace making in the East African region. Speaking to the press after the wedding ceremony, President Ruto praised former President Kenyatta for continuing to support facets of peace-making initiatives that have been helpful in the settlement of conflicts within the region.

The Rise Through Partnership and Teamwork

President Ruto thanked his predecessor for the steady foundation which he has put in place hence leading to support of key government working plans.

It is a rare and very meaningful step towards reconciliation in which both leaders agree on development objectives as well as asserting the stability of the region, which will write a new page in political relations between Kenya.

CBK Cuts Interest Rate on Loans to 11.25 percent

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has lowered the benchmark lending rate by 75 basis points to a record-low of 11.25% to sweat the third time in the 2024 financial year. The announcement was made at the last MPC meeting for the year led by CBK governor Dr. Kamau Thugge.

Reasons for the Rate Cut

The CBK cited the following factors influencing the decision:

Lowering inflation to demask a deceleration of prices within an economy or relieve cost burden.
External factors: moderate volatility of the domestic currency, the Kenyan shilling in particular, and respective risks’ containment.
Fiscal performance which factors a slower economic growth rate in the first half of the year and the need for monetary boost.

Call to Action for Banks

Commercial banks have also remained quiet, from the multiple rate cuts and have failed to reflect the same on the borrowers according to Dr. Thugge.

“Of course, the banks have been slow to cut their interest rates… I think they know that they have to begin taking bold measures to reduce interest rates to consumers now”, he said.

As reported recently, CBK has been holding meetings with banking CEOs discussing the problem of a weak transmission of monetary policy.

Enhanced Circumstances for Rate Revisions

The CBK emphasized a reversal in conditions that previously constrained banks from lowering rates:

The yield of 91-day Treasury bill decreased from 16 % to 10.45 % a move that has effectively decrease the cost of funds to banks.

More attractive deposit rate means that the banks ape to reduce their lending rate without reducing their margins.

The regulator called on banks to lower credit to government by extending credit to the private business more and more. Dr. According to Thugge, this shift is important in order to spur growth in economy and create job opportunities.

Economic Outlook

The CBK expects that reduced lending rates will:

Reduce interest cost in business and personal borrowing.
Promote credit expansion on private sector line, a vice that was stagnated.
Promote employment generation by kick starting the stagnant or declining economy.

The Monetary Policy Committee will meet again in February 2025 to review the economic conditions to see next course of action.

President Ruto Resuscitates SGR, Vows to Extend it to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC

The president of Kenya, William Ruto, has stated his government is plotting to expand the SGR from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a strategy to deepen integration of the East African region.

When opening the 14th East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Ruto urged that the cross border tourism infrastructure project of the-needed enhancement to regional trade and relations. He lauded the development pointing out that the agreement has been made with other countries within the East Africa region to ensure infrastructure from Mombasa to the DRC was continuous adding that the project is more of regional integration.

Cost Efficiency and Progress

At the same occasion, Ruto encouraged Kenyan MPs to embrace use of SGR while on official duties to Mombasa as it costs about Ksh.6.5 million less than flying. He used this to showcase the effectiveness of the railway transport by being cheap as well.

“I have some better things to tell you more today. Our neighbours Uganda, Rwanda and DRC have agreed with us that the SGR will be extended…So in the next few years they also can use the SGR when they want to come to Mombasa,” Ruto said.

Effectiveness of eliminating subsidy on regional trade and tourism

The SGR extension is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for the East African region by:

Trade liberalization is the creation of new trading links specifically for the transport of goods and services.

Providing a means of easy access to tourist attractions that used to be a challenge to access.

Shortening of delivery time for the goods as illustrated by Uganda’s vision to shorten delivery time between Kampala and Mombasa from the current 14 days down to 24 hours.

Schedule of Projects and Executions

Currently, Uganda is preparing the groundwork for its segment of the railway as construction of the Malaba to Kampala leg starts in January next year. The 272 km line should last a 48 month construction period.

It is also preparing to commence construction of the Naivasha-Malaba stretch in order to ensure the timelines are well coordinated between the 2 nations. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda emphasized the collaborative efforts, stating:

”The two countries have agreed on the time table of the projects in order to progress on the transport of trains from Kampala to Mombasa.”

It is expected that this project will revolutionize Eastern African economic structure by creating trade incentives, decreasing the costs of doing business, and foster regional integration amongst the East African community member countries.

Equity CEO Dr. James Mwangi Voted to the World Bank Jobs Advisory Committee

Dr James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO Equity Group Holdings has been named on the World Bank Group’s High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs. The council was launched formally in 2024 World Bank Group IMF Annual Meeting and is responsible for responding to global job creation deficit with special focus on youth and women employment in the developing world.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Mwangi said:

It has been a privilege to be invited to sit on the World Bank Global Jobs Council in a bid to help create employment for the youths of Africa. Young people are the future and agents of change for sustainable development for the continent.”

He brought awareness about this role and its correlation with Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan through which the company seeks to generate 50 million jobs across Africa within 2030. Dr. Mwangi intends to use this program with recommendations on the same from the council to have the best results.

Roles and Purpose of a Council

The council is co-chaired by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. The program is meant to respond to the escalating levels of unemployment in the Global South as the region is expected to welcome 1.2 billion working-age population by 2030. In this regard, using winning strategies that are easily expandable, the council aims at facing poverty and unemployment issues as well.

The World’s Resources to Enhance Our Region

Dr Mwangi is among newly elected 14 leaders on the council who shall bring their experience in policy making for changes in employment spheres globally. In their invitation, the council’s leadership emphasized the importance of his contributions:

“We would be immensely grateful to receive your insights and experience coming right from the Council membership.”

Dr Mwagi’s involvement further confirms that Africans able to capitalize on demographic dividend and Equities groups believe in empowering youths for sustainable development throughout Africa.

Premier League Round-Up: Liverpool Stay Top, Arsenal Bridge the Gap

Liverpool’s Premier League lead has now been reduced to seven points after squandering a three-goal lead to secure just a draw at Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park. Mohamed Salah scored twice and took his goal tally for the season to 15 goals at Anfield but Caoimhinn Kelleher’s blunder in the final minutes gifted Fabian Schar the equalizer. Liverpool, who went into the match as the underdog, had their 15-game winning streak in league and domestic cup competitions under Arne Slot snapped for only the third time of the calendar year at Anfield.

Arsenal Take Advantage

Liverpool’s slip out was well exploited by Arsenal who went on to beat Manchester United 2-0, this was the first loss for Ruben Amorim who was United’s new manager. Two out of the three goals which include a goal by Jurrien Timber and the second goal by William Saliba where from set- pieces and demonstrated Arsenal’s strengths in aerial duels. Manager Mikel Arteta attributed the team’s form to say, “We scored two set-pieces, but we could’ve scored from open play many more.”

Chelsea’s Dominant Display

Chelsea rose to the second place with a comfortable 5-1 victory over a ten-man Southampton. Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho put Southampton to the sword with a devastating display with the icing on the cake being a bizarre red card for Jack Stephens for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

Manchester City finally escaped the grasp of a record-equaling string of games without a victory.

Kevin De Bruyne came back and spearheaded Manchester City to a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest to break the seven-game losing streak. De Bruyne set up Bernardo Silva and put in a goal himself before a Jeremy Doku goal to make it 5-2. Manager Pep Guardiola hailed the performance of the Belgian, adding that the result was the team’s way of ending their struggling streak.

Other Results

The Bosman cleared its winless record with a 3-1 win over Brentford after goals from Morgan Rogers, Olufela Olamide, and Matty Cash.

Everton won 4-0 against Wolves helped by two own goals by Craig Dawson helping Everton to 5 points away from the relegation zone.

The fascinating matchday has established the battle line and will see the league entering the half-way move with plenty to fight for.