Posts

Showing posts from May, 2024

Justice Smoking Wanjala Discusses Sanctions Office Structure and Effectiveness

Image
By Grace Mwende  In a comprehensive address, Kenyan Judge Smoking Wanjala detailed the operations and challenges of the sanctions office within a prominent international banks, emphasizing the importance of integrity and robust investigative practices in combating corruption. Judge Wanjala, appointed as a sanctions commissioner in 2019 and reappointed in 2022, outlined the office's reliance on the bank's corruption department and its investigative unit, known as PIAC (Presidential Investigative Arm on Corruption).  PIAC investigates allegations of corrupt practices by entities funded by the bank, focusing on corruption, collusion, and obstruction. Upon concluding its investigations, PIAC submits its Findings of Actionable Practices (FOSB) to the sanctions office. The sanctions commissioner then evaluates the evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that the entity engaged in corrupt practices. If the evidence is compelling, the commissioner issues a

Azimio Warns the Government Over Punitive Finance Bill 2024, Threatens to Call for Mass Demonstrations

Image
By Grace Mwende  Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders are urging all allied Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2024, labelling it as punitive and harmful due to taxes that will make life unbearable for citizens. Led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition warned the government to withdraw the Bill or face nationwide mass demonstrations.  During a visit to victims of demolitions in Kamukunji Constituency in Nairobi on Saturday, the leaders called on their MPs to vote against the Bill. “All our MPs, you have been instructed to vote No...This is the time to stand with your people,” Kalonzo declared. Azimio leaders argue that passing the Finance Bill 2024 will worsen the already dire economic situation in the country. “We have been telling Ruto to stop burdening Kenyans with taxes, but he refuses to listen,” Kalonzo stated. Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa reinforced the call: “We are telling our MPs you are the last line of defe

Kitengela Furaha Children's Academy: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Children

Image
Since its inception in 2021, Kitengela Furaha Children's Academy has been a beacon of hope for orphans, destitutes, and other less fortunate children in the Kitengela community. Established by Saidia Furaha Children's Home, the school has provided a much-needed lifeline, encouraging vulnerable children to embrace education and its transformative power. Mr. Katsumi Arakawa, a dedicated Japanese volunteer affectionately known as 'Uncle' by the children, highlighted the school's mission: "Saidia Furaha Children's Home, through this school, is committed to ensuring that children from less privileged backgrounds receive the same developmental opportunities as their more fortunate peers." Mr. Dennis Kodhe, Chairman of Saidia Furaha Children's Home and Director of Kitengela Furaha Children's Academy, emphasized the crucial role of education. "Education is the key to the future. It's the only investment and insurance that children

DCI Unmask Fake Commando After He Tried to Evade Alcoblow

Image
Three grenades, a firearm, rounds of ammunition, and a sniper ghillie suit (camouflage) among other military gear have been recovered in a sting operation implicating a suspect who personated a KDF Captain to evade alcoblow tests at Museum Hill, Nairobi. In the case that has so far set three suspects into police lock up, Koffi Bill Atinda alias Don was arrested Wednesday 15th at the said roadblock after obstructing traffic police officers while on official duty by refusing to roll down his car windows for the test like all other motorists. The furious suspect had instead stepped out of the car and identified himself as a KDF captain, pointing at a KDF sticker displayed on the windscreen of his black Toyota Prado TX Reg No. KDL 100G. Unable to formally identify himself with the requisite certificate of appointment nor convince the officers why he should not be given the same treatment as all the other motorists, the suspect sought the intervention of a serving military capta

TradeMark Africa and Foundation for Civil Society Launch a TZS 2.3Billion Project to Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in Tanzania

Image
  The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and TradeMark Africa have today sealed a grant agreement to launch a project dubbed Private Sector and CSOs for Inclusive and Greening Trade that will drive sustainable economic growth and inclusive trade practices, addressing the significant systemic challenges in Tanzania’s trade sector.  Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ireland, and Norway, the TZS 2.3billion ($ 900,000), the project seeks to integrate the strengths of private sectors and civil society organisations to promote green economic growth.  Many women in Tanzania, remain in the informal trading sector facing top barriers such as limited access to finance, and inadequate training in trade-related skills. This initiative aims to dismantle these barriers, creating a trading environment that is inclusive and fosters prosperity for all.  The project, which starts immediately, is designed to leverage the unique strengths of the private secto

IDEA for Africa Invited to the 2024 G20 Interfaith and PaRD Summit

Image
The Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa ( IDEA for Africa) has been invited to attend the 2024 G20 Interfaith and the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) Annual Forum on Religion and Sustainable Development to be held in Brasilia in Brazil August 19th-22 2024. Speaking to Opera news IDEA for Africa's Denise Kodhe noted that the forum will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders including governments, multilateral entities, academia, religious and Civil Society organizations and other non-state actors across the World. Since its inception in 2014, G20 like PaRD has been instrumental in shaping global policy agendas by offering insightful recommendations on the role of Religion in enhancing and promoting sustainable Development. 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet" is the theme of the forum whose key points are aligned to the priority areas of the 19th G20 Summit to be held on November 18th-19

AMREF Kenya Partners With 4Life Solutions to Help Support Mai Mahiu and Tana River Flood-Affected Communities

Image
By Grace Mwende 4Life Solutions SEZ (4LS), a leading provider of sustainable water treatment solutions, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Amref Health Africa in Kenya, the largest Africa-based healthcare non-governmental organization (NGO).  This collaboration aims to address the critical need for safe drinking water in the flood-affected communities of Mai Mahiu and Tana River, while also helping to curb the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera outbreaks. "We stand by the flood victims and acknowledge their plight during these difficult times," said Dr. Benjamin K. Nyilitya, Chief Science Officer and Emergency Response Champion at 4Life Solutions SEZ. "Access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right and is essential for survival, and we are excited to join forces with Amref to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the Mai Mahiu and Tana River communities." As part of this collaboration, 4LS will donate 1000

Naivas Commits Ksh.5 Million in Kind Towards Floods Relief Efforts

Image
Kenya’s leading supermarket chain, Naivas, has committed to extend support in the ongoing flood relief efforts through donations in kind. The support will be channelled through the Kenya Red Cross who have been at the forefront of these efforts.  Presently, the Kenya Red Cross is looking to support 4,500 households and Naivas will donate 4,500 care packs bearing an assortment of dry food items as directed by the humanitarian agency. The donation is to the tune of Kshs. 5,000,000. “We understand that time is of the essence given how dire the situation is and continues to be and as such, extending this support in the shortest timeframe has been our priority. As we always say, as a homegrown brand whose DNA is Kenyan, we have a duty to the communities in which we operate, and this is one of those times when we must stand to be counted. This is not a one-off initiative, but we are looking at other ways to leverage our network to keep playing our part in supporting those impacte

Dettol Unveils Sarah Hassan as Brand Ambassador for Their Newly Relaunched Skincare Soap

Image
Kenya’s leading hygiene brand, Dettol, has announced celebrated and beloved actress and producer Sarah Hassan as the brand ambassador of Dettol Skincare enriched with 2X moisturisers. The super-talented actress, who last month scooped Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama for her during the Kalasha Awards, has risen to be one of the most revered in the entertainment industry. Sarah has become a household name due to her starring performances in several popular TV shows such as Tahidi High, Zari, Just In Time, Crime and Justice, among others. The newly reformulated Dettol Skincare soap with 2X moisturisers leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth and with a beautiful fragrance. It ensures a high level of moisturization, keeping your skin beautifully hydrated and healthy while protecting it from 99.9% of germs. “I remember using Dettol soaps since my childhood; it feels like home for me. Dettol has remained a top brand over many decades, and that is a testament to how much work goe

Naivas Makes a Return to Buruburu 90 Branches Later With Store 104

Image
   Kenya's number one supermarket chain, Naivas, has officially opened its 104th branch countrywide, strategically located as the anchor tenant in the bustling T Square Mall in the ever busy Buruburu shopping center located in Buruburu Phase 4 one of the oldest and most populous estates in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.  This latest addition marks a significant milestone in the retailer's commitment to providing convenient access to quality products and services for our valued customers. this brings the number of outlets in the greater Eastlands region to 12.  The trading space is split into two floors showcasing a wide array of products and services, and as is our standard, customers will find everything they need in one convenient location.  The branch features dedicated sections for electronics, home goods, clothing in addition to fresh, commodities and fastmoving consumer goods which you can expect will be priced just right to save you money.  "We are thrilled t