NEWS - Page 5 of 8

Solving Japan’s Demographic Disaster

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

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.

Spotify Wrapped 2024: Bien dominates Kenyan artists streams

Spotify Wrapped 2024 has placed Bien Aime-Baraza, the former lead singer of the band Sauti Solo as the most streamed artist in Kenya, thus a revolution in Kenyan music. Bien’s rise dislodged the year’s previous wunderkinds, the rap trio Wakadinali who now occupy second place with Sauti Sol in third place.

Bien’s Dominance

Bien is still enjoying his solo life performance as he has positioned himself to have four among the most streamed Kenyan songs. In lifestyle and Inauma, he was at his best and shows he’s a man for all seasons. They also received popularity in his features such as Extra Pressure with Bensoul.

Top Streamed Kenyan Tracks

Lil Maina, sosatheprodigyy, – NAKAM SAI

Bien – Lifestyle

Bensoul/Bien – Extra Pressure

From The Hood Music – Anguka Nayo

Bien – Inauma

Bien – Ma Cherie

YBW Smith – Lele

Dyana Cods – Set It

Matata – Oversized T-shirt

Fancy Fingers Featuring Kudade – Kudade (Fancy Fingers Refix)

Global Music Scene

Globally, Taylor Swift remained on top of list of the most streamed artists, while the second most streamed artist is The Weeknd followed by Bad Bunny.

Podcasts and Kenyan Content

Some of the most listened to shows included The 97s Podcast for Kenya, So This Is Love and The Mkurugenzi Podcast. Internationally and finally, The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett was notable as well.

Kenyan Genres Shine Globally

There has been an increase in the release of Kenyan music, and Spotify Wrapped 2024 was such a great reminder. Afro Beat, Gengetone, and Afro Pop festivals made it to the charts.

Bien’s triumph is not only a feather in his cap but also a sign of change that Kenya’s music industry experiences in retaining its influence in attracting the audience locally, and internationally.

Nairobi county has not recorded any development spending as it struggles to clear outstanding bills.

A report from the CoB disclosed embarrassing trends of financial practices within Kenyan counties as it was established that Nairobi County made no provision to spend on development in the first quarter of the financial year ending October. This puts it in the basket of ten counties, such as Kajiado, Baringo, Lamu, and the rest that did not allocate for development projects during the period.

On this note, we examined the Development Expenditure of the selected countries with a view to identifying contrasts.

While Nairobi County made no improvement in development expenditure, other counties showed good investment on development. Narok led by Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu accounted for Ksh.477 million, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru Ksh.378 million and Busia Paul Otuoma Ksh.328 million. These allocations reveal inequality with regard to the priority that different counties accord to governance.

The Burden of Pending Bills

Prevailing unpaid invoices rates stand at Ksh.121 billion while Nairobi County has the highest figure in the country. Other counties also feel the bite of huge debts, with Garissa leading at Ksh.6 billion, Kiambu at Ksh.5.9 billion and Turkana at Ksh.4.8 billion. The Senate has said that before governors pay for other expenses, they should meet all their bills that are in the pipeline.

Call for Accountability

The CoB’s report has also revealed that most county governments require increased supervision and timely fashioning of sound financial management practices. Given that development expenditure is paramount to enhancing infrastructural and service delivery, lack of investment by counties poses a big slope towards stagnation of growth and loss of public confidence.

Governor Johnson Sakaja and other leaders on the receiving end are between the devil and the deep end on how to tackle monumental inefficiencies and guarantee that public resources deliver value to their people.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: Namibia’s First Female President

Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was recently elected through a victory that saw her clinch 57 percent of the votes. Such is the life biography of this woman who went from being a freedom fighter to a head of state.

Analyzing the Life of a Strong Activist and Political Reformer

Nandi-Ndaitwah who was born in Onamutai, Namibia, then under South Africa occupation in 1952 started participating in the liberation movement Swapo at the age of fourteen years. It has to be mentioned that as a member of Swapo’s youth league she was engaged in the fight for Namibia’s liberation. Her activism caused her to be arrested and later exiled from Swaziland, she continued the struggle from Zambia and Tanzania before she pursue a degree in International Relations in the United Kingdom.

Back in Namibia after independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah served in numerous minister positions in the Swapo party administration, among them in foreign affair, tourism and social welfare ministry. She is recognized for her campaigning on women’s issues; she supported the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002.

Challenges and Vision

Election of Nandi-Ndaitwah is not without controversy. Her main challenger, Panduleni Itula, has dismissed the outcome attributing his loss to organisational problems and has vowed to seek legal redress. Nonetheless, she is the first female president, and thus a prime example of the scarce female presence in the Namibia’s heavily manned political field.

Leadership and Legacy

As a pragmatic leader, she has vowed to steer development of Namibia’s economy, Thompson added. One of Namibia’s fiercest critics of sexism, she once publicly rebuked her male colleagues for Swapo’s constitutional obligation of gender equity. Her hands-on approach resonates with her declaration: That is why I am not a storyteller but an implementer.

Namibia has finally entered a new era with Nandi-Ndaitwah becoming the first female president of the nation.