A look into some of the appointments for this week

Legislative Supplements, 2023         The Public Order (Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu and Laikipia Counties) Curfew Extension Order No. 3 of 2023;         The Public Order (Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu and Laikipia Counties) Extension

Use of multiple bank accounts declines to 48pc

The number of Kenyans using multiple accounts fell further to 48.2 percent last year, down from 62 percent in 2021 as customers cut back on the costs associated with more banking relationships. A Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) customer satisfaction survey found that 48.2 percent of

1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO

Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published Tuesday by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality

BRICS at a glance: Funding opportunities for Africa and the risks

The new world order known as BRIC, a group acronym referring to Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has been trying to take over economic dominance from the West and have more sovereignty and autonomy.  The acronym BRIC created in 2001 was predicted to be one

Cynthia Liavule Aswani appointed as a member of the Mediation and Accreditation Committee

More on this week’s Kenya gazette: Bills & Legislative Supplements, 2023   Senate Bills, 2023 The Coffee Bill, 2023   National Assembly Bills, 2023 The Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Regional Development Authorities Bill, 2023 The Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2023   Legislative Supplements,

President Ruto saves Airtel Kenya, Amazon from forced stake sale

Kenya President Ruto saves Airtel Kenya, Amazon from forced stake sale Airtel Kenya has been saved from forcibly selling a third of its stake to local investors after US tech giant Amazon successfully lobbied President William Ruto to drop the foreign ownership rules as a

What Joe Biden’s envoy told Raila, Gachagua

Kenya What Joe Biden’s envoy told Raila, Gachagua Opposition leader Raila Odinga stuck to his guns in a meeting with a United States delegation seeking a truce, as it emerged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua flatly rejected any overtures to have him join the government. While

Adopting beneficial ownership transparency to tame financial secrecy

Several African states have taken steps to curb financial secrecy by adopting beneficial ownership transparency where the ultimate owners of an entity such as a business, are disclosed through a central public registry. The ultimate owners are natural persons who ultimately have the right to

Ex-CoB Agnes Odhiambo, former solicitor-general Ken Ogeto land jobs in Ruto’s govt

Kenya Ex-CoB Agnes Odhiambo, former solicitor-general Ken Ogeto land jobs in Ruto’s govt Former Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo and immediate-former solicitor-general Kennedy Ogeto have landed new roles in President William Ruto’s government.  Ms Odhiambo has been named the head of Government Delivery Services while

Safaricom confirms Fawzia Ali as Chief Consumer Business Officer

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has appointed Fawzia Ali as Chief Consumer Business Officer effective 15th March 2023. Ms Ali has held this role in an acting capacity since July 2022 and has provided exemplary leadership and inspiration to the team during this period. In a

What happened in Parliament this week?

The National Assembly  Tuesday, March 14, 2023 MOTIONS Report on the Consideration of the 2023 Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy. Report on the Consideration of the Draft Salaries and Remuneration Commission (Remuneration and Benefits of State and Other Public Officers) Regulations, 2022. Report of Sessions of

Taxpayers’ burden of keeping Kenya Kwanza CASs in office

Kenya Taxpayers’ burden of keeping Kenya Kwanza CASs in office Kenyan taxpayers will spend more than half a billion shillings annually on salaries and benefits for the 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) whose names were forwarded to Parliament for approval on Thursday, putting more strain

Govt won’t allow loss of life, destruction of property

Kenya Govt won’t allow loss of life, destruction of property President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that they have nothing to worry over threats by opposition leaders to hold countrywide demonstrations next week. President Ruto said Kenya is a country governed by the rule of

Statement on the update of WHO’s working definitions and tracking system for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest

WHO has updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better correspond to the current global variant landscape, to independently evaluate Omicron sublineages in circulation, and classify new variants more clearly when required. SARS-CoV-2 continues to

Importation of cheap food by state firm is not without ripple effects

The  Kenyan government announced that it will import large quantities of rice, cooking oil, sugar, wheat and beans duty-free through the Kenya National Trade Corporation (KNTC) as part of efforts to tame the rising cost of essential commodities in Kenya. The KNTC is a State

Governor Irungu Kang’ata appoints Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company Board

County Developments Murang’a The Governor of Murang’a County has appointed members to the Gatanga Water and Sanitation Company Board, for a period of three (3) years. Makueni Governor of Makueni County, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, has appointed members of the Makueni County Environment Committee. Migori Governor

President William Ruto appoints Board members of key government bodies

Legislative Supplements  The Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023  Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2023   Schedule of Electricity Tariffs  The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has issued a schedule of tariffs 2018 for electricity tariffs, charges, prices and rates.

Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action

Kenya Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of an ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza government. Azimio has also launched the

Impact of climate change on health in Kenya and possible way out

Climate change is the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming, for example, warmer, wetter, or drier over several decades or longer. Impacts related to climate change are becoming more evident across regions and in many sectors important to society such as human health, agriculture

Only time can tell whether gov’t efforts to tame biting cost of living and inflation will bear fruits

The cost of living in Kenya has escalated in the past few years due to a combination of factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, changing weather patterns, drought and increase in the price of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs. Annual inflation in Kenya went above

Competition Authority of Kenya to carry out a study into the Online Food Delivery and Groceries Platforms in Kenya.

THE SUPREME COURT The Chief Justice/President of the Supreme Court of Kenya has gazetted that the Supreme Court Easter recess will commence on Thursday, March 30, 2023, and terminate on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, both days inclusive. The duty judge will be available during recess

Time is ripe period poverty and period shame in Kenya

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba unorthodox bid to raise awareness on the scourge of period shame and period poverty was the talk of the country on Valentine’s Day 2023. Orwoba caused a stir as she attended parliamentary proceedings in a white ‘blood-stained’ suit. The Senator drew

24th February 2023 Political and Regulatory Round Up

Kenya Revealed: How President Ruto got Raila ‘fired’ from AU job Yesterday, what was not contested was the announcement that Mr Odinga’s tenure as the commission’s high representative for infrastructure development in Africa had ended after nearly five years. But a cloud of controversy swirled

Globetrotting CS: Eyebrows raised after Moses Kuria meets 10 presidents in a month

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has met 10 sitting presidents and a former president in an interval of one month, igniting speculations of clashing roles with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under CS Alfred Mutua. Even though Mr. Kuria on Monday

17th February 2023 Political and Regulatory Round Up

Kenya How Israeli hackers hit Ruto strategists, IEBC officials days to polls A consortium of journalists across the world has been investigating how Israeli national Tal Hanan led a team of disinformation experts in manipulating dozens of elections across the world. The journalists posed as

An overview of the Tax Procedures Act (No. 29 Of 2015) (Common Reporting Standards) Regulations, 2023

The Tax Procedures (Common Reporting Standards) Regulations, 2023 took effect on January 1, 2023. The Regulations are significant steps towards the global movement to increase tax transparency due to the increase in cross-border transactions that at times may lead to tax evasion and tax planning.

10th February 2023 Kenya Gazette

New Appointments The New Kenya Co-Operative Creameries- David Maina Kamiru (Chairperson) The New Kenya Planters Co-Operative Union- Daniel Chemno (Chairperson) The Kenya Industrial Estates- Lily Ng’ok (Chairperson) Kenyatta National Hospital- Samier Muravvej (Dr .) (Chairperson) The National Housing Corporation- Yusuf Chanzu (Chairperson) Competition Authority- Shaka

Health care in Kenya requires bold steps to address the issues and restore public confidence

The health system in Kenya has for the longest time been of great concern to many. A section of Kenyans have complained about poor services in hospitals where some have lost their loved ones due to alleged negligence by caregivers. Some cases have been taken

Sensible or an overkill: Where do the NSSF increments fall?

When the fourth president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, assented to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Act, 2013 early on in his first term, he may never have envisioned the controversy that was ahead. A decade later, the NSSF Act 2013 is yet to be

Agression against ODM’s 9 lawmakers speaks doom for the party

If the petition by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch goes through, the Orange Democratic Movement will start the process of expelling nine of its members who visited State House without authorisation. Removing someone from a party is hard, especially if that person is an elected representative.

National Treasury Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework

The National Treasury recently published the Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework “the Framework” to steer Kenya’s economy onto a desired low-carbon climate-resilient green development which is critical in achieving a green economy. The Framework sets out actions and economic mechanisms to be undertaken by

3rd February 2023 County Round Up

  TRANZOIA The Governor has extended the term for the taskforce appointed vide Gazette Notice No. 12643 of 2022, for a further period of thirty (30) days. Further, he appointed several persons to be Committee Members of the Taskforce Inquiring into Issues Pertaining to Public

3rd February Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya EPRA reveals second plan to increase cost of power The Water Resources and Management Authority (WARMA) is the latest State entity to seek a bigger pie of the electricity bills in what looks set to further increase the cost of power. WARMA has applied

3rd February 2023 Political and Regulatory Round Up

Kenya This is not politics, IG Koome says on scaling down of Uhuru’s security The Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome on Friday confirmed the scaling down of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security detail adding that officers of senior rank have been recalled. Mr Koome, who

African leaders unite in pledge to end AIDS in children

    News Release Ministers and representatives from twelve African countries have committed themselves, and laid out their plans, to end AIDS in children by 2030. International partners have set out how they would support countries in delivering on those plans, which were issued at

Drawing positives from the recent KCSE results debacle

The recently released KCSE exam results have elicited both positive and negative reactions. On one hand, institutions and students who posted good results are in an exultant mood, and on the other, those who failed to meet their expectations are in a sombre mood. In

27th January 2023 Parliamentary Round Up

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The National Assembly adjourned on December 2, 2022,  for a two-month long Christmas break.  THE SENATE The senate had a special sitting on 19th January, where the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights considered  the Independent Electoral and Boundaries

27th January 2023 Kenya Gazette

Legislative Supplements, 2022   The Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022  The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023   Designation of Companies Registry   The Attorney-General has designated the establishment of 316, Upper Hill Chambers, to be the Companies Registry for

27th January 2023 Political and Regulatory Round Up

 Kenya President Ruto’s doublespeak on opposition President William Ruto’s move to woo Jubilee Party MPs as he seeks an absolute majority in Parliament has exposed his doublespeak in regard to his calls for a vibrant opposition. Kenya Kwanza has gone on a charm offensive against

Understanding the Cytonn Schemes under liquidation

After a recent court ruling on Cytonn’s two funds, the CEO, Mr. Edwin Dande, has had occasion to shed light on what happened with the two portfolios that are to be liquidated and the challenges attending to this process.  Cytonn High Yield Solutions (CHYS) and

Meet Wilkister Simiyu a new KRA Board Member

        Wilkister Simiyu Ms. Wilkister Simiyu is the Company Secretary and Head of Legal Services at the Kenya Seed Company. She has over 10 years’ work experience both as a practicing advocate and an in- house counsel having worked with Kitiwa &

20th January 2023 Kenya Gazette

 Legislative Supplements, 2022    The Insurance Act – Exemption The Water Act—Commencement of Section155, The Competition Act – Exclusions   Senate Bills, 2022   The Tea (Amendment) Bill, 2023 Konza Technopolis Bill, 2023 The Gambling Bill, 2022 The Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2022  

13th January County Round Up

  BOMET The Governor of Bomet County has gazetted the County Pending Bills Ad Hoc Committee, 2022, to verify and audit pending bills, advise and guide the county government on settlement of the said bills and prepare a report. BUSIA The Speaker of Busia County

16th December 2022 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya KRA in dilemma over Ruto directive on seizing property The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) faces a legal dilemma in the wake of President William Ruto’s directive to the taxman to go slow on issuing distress orders that trigger asset seizures of suspected tax evaders.

9th December 2022 Kenya Gazette

PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments: Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki, has appointed: Silas K. Sachida, Masika M. Mukuyuni, Geoffrey Wanyoike, and Moses Mucheru Hopkins M. Hoyt to be fingerprint experts.   Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Zachariah Njeru,

9th December 2022 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya KRA starts crackdown on hidden employee perks The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has started a crackdown on firms under-declaring their payrolls in what will see thousands of employees pay taxes on items like overtime, leave pay and per diems. The taxman is targeting a

Tips for mainstreaming sustainability among employees

To enjoy success, every organisation must ensure that its employees understand, own, and support its sustainability agenda. Companies must, therefore, engage their employees and carry them along the journey as ambassadors and champions of the sustainability agenda. As Doug Conant – former President and CEO

Kenya’s Digital Agenda: Journey towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Kenya will be marking its 59th Independence Day on Monday, December 12, 2022. This year’s Jamhuri Day Celebrations, dubbed “Innovation Jamhuri Day,” will focus on technology and innovation. A departure from prior years’ celebrations, this year’s Jamhuri is poised to look back at Kenya’s digital

At a glance – Issues before the Supreme Court for determination

Outcome 1 – Presidential election upheld If the Supreme Court issues a ruling that declares the presidential election as valid, the President-elect will be sworn in on the first Tuesday, 7 days from when the court issues its ruling –  September 13, 2022. Outcome 2

New governors hit the ground running by putting County Public Service Boards on the spot

A section of newly-elected governors across the country are all over the place unearthing incredulous Human Resource (HR) issues in their respective counties. These governors have hit the ground running and all seem quite focused. They want to keep the promises they made in their

Finger on the Pulse: Post-Election Snapshot

Significant political event of the week: On Monday, August 22, the Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate. Raila Odinga filed his petition challenging the presidential results announced by IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati.  The case will be heard and determined by September 4, 2022. Two voters moved

After the hard work to woo Kenyans, the harder work to deliver begins

William Ruto this week took to his new status with authority and political wiliness. In his first meeting with elected leaders and representatives from his coalition, he made assurances on the freedom of expression and association and sought to bring everybody together. Dr Ruto also

Transitioning the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto to Policy Instruments

The Kenya Kwanza coalition will need to develop close to 200 policy instruments to implement its manifesto if it manages to take over the Government.  An analysis of its key interventions by Vellum indicates that the coalition would need to implement 195 policy instruments to

Women leadership in Kenya gains traction after big wins in 2022 General Election

For long, Kenyan women have been waiting for the day they will have opportunities to take up positions initially dominated by men. With the 2022 General Election, Kenyans’ perception of women leaders seems to have changed; this is evident from the number of women governors,

19th August 2022 Kenya Gazette Review

PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed: Levi Franklin Mghalu to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Shipping Line, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from 5th August, 2022. JUDICIARY

Finger on the Pulse: Post-election snapshot

On Monday, August 15, IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati declared UDA presidential candidate William Ruto as President-elect with 7,176,141 votes against his main challenger, Mr. Raila Odinga, who got 6,942,930 votes. Upon announcement of the presidential winner by the IEBC Chairman, four IEBC commissioners disputed the

Election Countdown: 3 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 General Election day 9th August, 2022 Significant political event of the week: On Monday, August 1,  Education CS George Magoha directed schools to release learners for a break ahead

Election Countdown: 10 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 General Election day 9th August, 2022 Significant political event of the week: The IEBC denounced claims  that government security agencies at JKIA had detained ballot papers allegedly imported outside

Management of public land in Kenya and what the KU case reveals

There has been a push and pull between the government and the management of Kenyatta University after the university’s management failed to release title deeds for the track of land that the State wants subdivided for different purposes. The government’s plans on the 1,000-acre land

Delay by Government Press to gazette House sitting exposes its soft underbelly as the country heads into the elections

The Government Printer has come under increased scrutiny this week after the Speaker of the National Assembly called off a special sitting following the failure to gazette the special sitting. Speaker Justin Muturi had called for a special sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday,

8th July 2022 Kenya Gazette Review

ACTS, 2022 The County Allocation of Revenue Act, 2022 The Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Act, 2022. The Appropriation Act, 2022 The Finance Act, 2022 The Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2022 PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed Joanne Yelbert to be the Chairperson of the

Election Countdown: 38 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the names of the County Tallying Centre Election Agents 25th July, 2022 For presidential elections, political parties and

Kenyans shoulder a heavy burden in the largest Public-Private Partnership project

The Public Investments Committee of the National Assembly has called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) management over delays in the construction of a transmission line to connect the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant to

Sounding the alarm on irregular appointments to public boards in Kenya

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has recently quashed the appointment of board members of certain state corporations, citing a lack of transparency and competitiveness in the recruitment process. The latest casualties include the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards

Election Countdown: 94 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates    13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or

Details of the newly launched National Digital Master Plan expected to accelerate socio-economic growth

Information Communication Technologies are developing so quickly that there is a need to design a way to allow constant growth in the economic system and community. This is why the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Mr Joe Mucheru,  launched the Kenya National

Kenya Power shining bright

Kenya Power has reported a net profit before tax of Shs.5.659 Billion in the half year trading period ended 31 December 2021, compared to Shs.332 Million realised in a similar period last year. This growth is mainly attributable to an increase in sales, enhanced system

The die is cast for over 20 state officers after resigning to join 2022 poll contest

The biggest surprise in the Cabinet resignations earlier in the week is perhaps the low number of Cabinet Secretaries that resigned. It had earlier been rumoured that more than half of Cabinet Secretaries would resign with a majority being allied to DP William Ruto’s United

Government business continuity following anticipated mass resignation of key public officers

Succession in government offices has been making headlines following the announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that public officers seeking elective posts should resign.The IEBC has gazetted notice that public officers vying in the August elections, should resign from public office on

IEBC releases 2022 election timelines

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has given notice through a press release that the General Elections shall be held on Tuesday, 9th August, 2022.  The following election dates/ timelines are universal amongst all categories of candidates vying during the 2022 General Election: UNIVERSAL TIMELINES

Highlights of the Access to Information Regulations, 2021

Before the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the phrase “Serikali ni siri kali” (Government is a big secret) commonly described the futility encountered in attempts to receive information from public institutions.  Article 35 of the Constitution tore that veil of secrecy as it

Public Bodies and data protection: What you need to know

Public bodies are expected to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2019. The Act defines a data controller as a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of

BACK TO SCHOOL

Learners in Kenya are back to school for in person learning  after nearly 10 months of virtual learning in the wake of the COVID-19. The government  ordered a phased reopening of schools in 2020 where about 3 million students, who were exam candidates reported to

Proposed administrative reforms under the BBI

The BBI Taskforce Report posits that a majority of Kenyans want things done differently. It highlights many factors that impede the implementation of administrative action such as: Negative attitude/ lethargy/ poor behaviour within the public service; Systems that are created to fail; Inadequate funding Lack

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer at the Capital Markets Authority

On 19 th November, 2020 it was confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury & Planning, Hon. (Amb.)Ukur Yatani, EGH, had approved the appointment of Mr. Wyckliffe Shamiah as the Chief Executive Officer of theCapital Markets Authority, a role that he has been acting

Summary of the consolidated government investment report 2019/2020

Introduction The Consolidated Government Investment Report 2019/2020 (“the Report”) is put together in accordance with Section 89 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2012.  The Section requires the Cabinet Secretary for Public investments to submit to Parliament, a detailed status of Government Investments for each

The Public Finance Management (Credit Guarantee Scheme)Regulations, 2020 Highlights

The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning has published the Public Finance Management (Credit Guarantee Scheme) Regulations, 2020. These Regulations will establish a Scheme that will be known as the Credit Guarantee Scheme. The funds of the Scheme shall consist of monies appropriated by Parliament, proceeds of the Scheme, income from investments made by the Scheme grants, donations, bequests or other gifts and monies from any other source as may be approved by the Cabinet Secretary.

Launch of the Public Service Superannuation Scheme Fund

The Public Service Superannuation Scheme Act, 2012, was assented to on 9th May 2012. The Act established the contributory Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS) to provide retirement benefits to public servants. The law requires that the Cabinet Secretary appoints and gazettes the commencement date of the scheme. Despite numerous challenges that has occasioned the delay, the Cabinet Secretary gazetted the 1st January, 2021 as the commencement date of the Act.