In what is being hailed by many as a landmark moment for women’s representation in leadership, Kilifi County on Monday elected Catherine Kenga as the first woman Speaker of the County Assembly.

However, beneath the celebration of this milestone, a growing section of residents and political observers are raising quiet but pointed concerns about the broader governance landscape in the county, particularly the consolidation of power and the perceived erosion of institutional independence. The appointment of Catherine Kenga as Kilifi Speaker marks a milestone for gender representation, but public concerns over political interference and familial ties now dominate the governance debate.

Kenga’s election, while procedurally valid and commanding an overwhelming majority of 48 out of 51 votes, comes just weeks after the dramatic impeachment of former Speaker Teddy Mwambire, whose removal officially on grounds of incompetence and budgetary interference, has stirred allegations among some residents and civil society actors that the process may have been politically influenced, especially in light of his reported opposition to executive-driven budget initiatives.

At the heart of the concern is the close proximity of the new Speaker to Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s administration.

Prior to her election, Kenga held two influential executive roles, acting County Secretary and CEC for Roads, prompting questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Her swift transition from the executive to the legislative helm, within the same political ecosystem, has fueled perceptions of institutional capture, particularly among residents who allege that familial and political ties are playing an increasingly decisive role in shaping public appointments.

Further complicating the picture are claims increasingly echoed by disaffected factions that the county’s budget processes have become a flashpoint of power struggles.

These insiders argue that the ousting of Mwambire, who had reportedly resisted budgetary maneuverings, paved the way for a more pliant legislative environment.

That the new Speaker is not only a former executive insider but also allegedly related to the governor has amplified concerns over the shrinking space for dissent and checks and balances within the county’s governance structure.

Critics insist that these developments point not merely to political manoeuvring but to a deepening centralization of power that risks undermining the independence of County Assembly operations.

Some have cautioned that the symbolic gains of female political ascendancy should not obscure legitimate fears about transparency, public participation, and separation of powers in county governance.

As the interplay between power blocs grows more contentious, residents are now calling for a closer examination of the relationship between Kilifi’s executive and legislative branches.

Below is a message circulating among concerned residents, reflecting the depth of local frustration and raising serious allegations about power consolidation, familial influence, and the perceived erosion of democratic accountability within Kilifi County. "Good evening Nyakundi. Please help the residents of Kilifi. Mungaro's regime will finish us. The lady has been holding two dockets, apparently Mungaro's relative in the County Government of Kilifi. She has been both the CEC for Roads and the County Secretary. Apparently the Governor had issues with a Speaker by the name Teddy Mwambire about passing of budgets. One of the CECs for Health is his brother. When budgets were being questioned, the Governor facilitated the removal of the Speaker by way of impeachment after he bought the MCAs. Today Monday, she has ensured her relative is the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kilifi. We feel horrible." The intersection of political influence, familial affiliations, and institutional power within Kilifi County raises urgent questions about the integrity of governance at a time when the region faces critical fiscal and developmental crossroads.

Catherine Kenga’s ascension to the speaker’s position, while undeniably historic, is already shadowed by growing public skepticism, driven not only by the opaque circumstances surrounding her predecessor’s ouster but also by concerns over perceived executive interference in legislative affairs.

As she assumes office, the demand is no longer for symbolic representation alone but for demonstrable leadership that can restore institutional independence, enforce checks on executive overreach, and reaffirm public trust in the legitimacy of the county assembly.

Photo-sharing app Instagram is set to overtake Twitter as a news source, research suggests. The 2020 Reuters Institute Digital News report found the use of Instagram for news had doubled since 2018.

The trend is strongest among young people. It said nearly a quarter of UK 18-24-year-olds used Instagram as a source of news about coronavirus.

But social media platforms were also among the least-trusted sources.

Just 26% of people said they trusted social media as a source of information about the virus. A similar percentage said they trusted news that had been shared via chat apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

National governments and news organisations, by contrast, were both trusted by about 59% of respondents.

Instagram is now used by more than a third of all people who answered the survey, and two-thirds of under-25s. And 11% use it for news, putting it just one point behind Twitter.

“Instagram’s become very popular with younger people”, said Nic Newman, lead author of the report. “They really respond well to stories that are told simply and well with visual images”.

Stand-out visual stories in recent months have helped – climate change, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the coronavirus has all seen massive engagement on the platform.

Percentage of people who used the social network in the past week countries: UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy Denmark, Finland, Japan, Australia, Brazil.Source: Reuters Institute

“It’s not that one necessarily replaces the other,” Mr Newman said. “They might use Facebook and Instagram, or might use Twitter and Instagram.”

Instagram is owned by Facebook, which now reaches 85% of people each week. The company’s dominance in how stories are being told “remains incredibly important”, he added. The firm also owns WhatsApp.

The coronavirus pandemic also seems to have offered a temporary reprieve to a downward trend in how much news organisations are trusted.

Only 38% of people said they trusted the news most of the time. Less than half – 46% – said they trusted their favoured news source.

In total, 40 countries were surveyed. Only in six of them did a majority say they could trust “most of the news most of the time”.

The case was particularly poor in the UK, where only 28% of respondents backed the statement. That figure was 12 percentage points lower than the nation’s response in the 2019 report.

That plummet in confidence was only matched by Chile and Hong Kong, which have both seen violent street protests – and still rank more highly than the UK, on 30% each.

But things changed substantially once the coronavirus crisis hit.

A slightly differently worded question in April – about the level of trust in information about the coronavirus – saw news organisations surge to a 59% trust rating, on a par with national governments.

The report’s authors speculate the identical levels of trust as a result of news organisations amplifying public health advice.

But that sudden high has already started to fall.

[ad_1] The worst outbreak of desert locusts in Kenya in 70 years has seen hundreds of millions of the insects swarm into the east African nation from Somalia and Ethiopia. Those two countries have not had an infestation like this in a quarter century, destroying farmland and threatening an already vulnerable region with devastating hunger. “Even cows are wondering what is happening,” said Ndunda Makanga, who spent hours Friday trying to chase the locusts from his farm. “Corn, sorghum, cowpeas, they have eaten everything.” When rains arrive in March and bring new vegetation across much of the region, the numbers of the fast-breeding locusts could grow 500 times before drier weather in June curbs their spread, the United Nations said. “We must act immediately,” said David Phiri of the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), as donors huddled in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, a three-hour drive away. About $70m is needed to step up aerial pesticide spraying, the only effective way to combat them, the UN said. That won’t be easy, especially in Somalia, where parts of the country are in the grip of the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group. Even a small swarm of the insects can consume enough food for 35,000 people in a single day, said Jens Laerke of the UN humanitarian office in Geneva. Farmers are afraid to let their cattle out for grazing, and their crops of millet, sorghum and maize are vulnerable, but there is little they can do. About 70,000 hectares of land in Kenya are already infested. “This one, ai! This is huge,” said Kipkoech Tale, a migratory pest control specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. “I’m talking about over 20 swarms that we have sprayed. We still have more. And more are coming.” A single swarm can contain up to 150 million locusts per sq km of farmland, an area the size of almost 250 football fields, regional authorities said. One especially large swarm in northeastern Kenya measured 60km long by 40km wide. Kenya needs more spraying equipment to supplement the four planes now flying, Tale said. Ethiopia also has four. They also need a steady supply of pesticides, said Francis Kitoo, deputy director of agriculture in south-eastern Kenya’s Kitui county. “The locals are really scared because they can consume everything,” Kitoo said. “I’ve never seen such a big number.” The locusts eat the fodder for animals, a crucial source of livelihood for families who now worry how they will pay for expenses like school fees, he said. “They will lay eggs and start another generation,” he said. A changing climate has contributed to “exceptional” breeding conditions, said Nairobi-based climate scientist Abubakr Salih Babiker. Migrating with the wind, the locusts can cover up to 150km in a single day. They are now heading toward Uganda and fragile South Sudan, where almost half the country faces hunger as it emerges from civil war. Uganda has not had such an outbreak since the 1960s and is already on alert. The locusts also are moving steadily toward Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, the breadbasket for Africa’s second-most populous country, the U.N. said. “The situation is very bad but farmers are fighting it in the traditional way,” said Buni Orissa, a resident of Ethiopia’s Sidama region. “The locusts love cabbage and beans. This may threaten the shaky food security in the region.” Even before this outbreak, nearly 20 million people faced high levels of food insecurity across the East African region long challenged by periodic droughts and floods. As exasperated farmers look for more help in fighting one of history’s most persistent pests, the FAO’s Locust Watch offers little consolation. “Although giant nets, flamethrowers, lasers and huge vacuums have been proposed in the past, these are not in use for locust control,” the agency said. “People and birds often eat locusts but usually not enough to significantly reduce population levels over large areas.” [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] BEIRUT (Reuters) - Fugitive former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn said that he was brought down by a plot cooked up at the company, many of whose executives he named at a news conference in Beirut on Wednesday. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn gestures during a news conference at the Lebanese Press Syndicate in Beirut, Lebanon January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir Ghosn fled to Beirut last month from Tokyo, where he had been awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct.

Following are some of his comments:

RENAULT-NISSAN INTEGRATION

“I was ready to retire before June 2018... I unfortunately accepted this offer to continue to integrate the two companies (Renault and Nissan).

“Some of my Japanese friends thought that the only way to get rid of the influence of Renault on Nissan, was to get rid of me.” ‘A HANDFUL OF VINDICTIVE INDIVIDUALS’ “My unimaginable ordeal is the result of a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals.” BASELESS CHARGES “The charges against me are baseless.

“Why have they extended the investigation timeline, why have they rearrested me? Why were they so intent on preventing me from talking and setting out my facts?

“Why have they spent 14 months trying to break my spirit, barring any contact with my wife?

“(One reason) was that Nissan performance unfortunately started to decline at the beginning of 2017...in October 2016 I decided to remove myself from Nissan...because I signed a deal with Mitsubishi. I moved to Mitsubishi as chairman of the board.” DEPRIVATION, INTERROGATION “I was brutally taken from my work as I knew it, ripped from my work, my family and my friends.

“It is impossible to express the depth of that deprivation and my profound appreciation to be able to be reunited with my family and loved ones.

“(I was) interrogated for up eight hours a day without any lawyers present.

“‘It will get worse for you if you don’t just confess’, the prosecutor told me repeatedly.” HERE TO CLEAR MY NAME “I am not here to talk about how I left Japan... I am here to talk about why. I am here to shed light on a system that violates the most basic (human rights).

“I am here to clear my name. These allegations are untrue and I should never have been arrested in the first place. GREG KELLY “(Former Nissan colleague) Greg Kelly, an honorable man...Greg remains a victim of the Japanese hostage justice system.” PRESUMED GUILTY “I was presumed guilty before the eyes of the world.” DECISION TO FLEE “This (escape) was the most difficult decision of my life but I was facing a system where the conviction rate is 99.4%, and I believe this number is far higher for foreigners.” ARREST WARRANT FOR HIS WIFE, DAY BEFORE PRESSER “What a coincidence.” PROSECUTORS IN CONTROL “I thought the boss was the judge, the boss was the prosecutor. The judge - very nice guy, very polite - but the prosecutors did what they want.” FROM ROLE MODEL TO DICTATOR “For 17 years I was a role model in Japan. All of a sudden prosecutors in Japan (characterized me as a) ‘cold, greedy, dictator’.” ACCUSATIONS “There is no democratic country I know where you go to jail for this kind of accusation, even if they are correct.” Editing by Keith Weir and Hugh Lawson Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. [ad_2] Source link

[ad_1] The decision was made by a committee tasked by Sudan's transitional authorities with dismantling institutions linked to Bashir and his defunct National Congress Party. The ban covers the dailies Al-Sudani and Al-Ray Al-Am and satellite channels Ashrooq and Teeba along with their parent companies, according to committee member Taha Othman. "These institutions were funded by the state and we want to return the money to the Sudanese people," said Mohamed al-Fekki, a member of Sudan's transitional ruling council. By Tuesday evening, Ashrooq and Teeba channels stopped broadcasting. Diaa al-Din Belal, Al-Sudani's editor-in-chief, denied receiving funds from Bashir's government. "We operate under a private company and we did not receive any funds from a party or a government authority," he told AFP. Bashir was ousted last April after mass protests against his three-decade rule rocked Sudan for months. Sudan is currently ruled by a civilian-majority body formed after a power-sharing deal signed in August by protest leaders and the generals who ousted Bashir. In December, Bashir was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for corruption in the first of several cases against the ousted autocrat. He was charged with illicitly receiving millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia. [ad_2] Source link

Uganda blocks online access to Rwandan newspaper

The NTV family is mourning the death of NTV Uganda’s news anchor, Rose Nankabirwa, who took her last breath yesterday at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi. Rose has been battling with cancer for a while now and had to stop working due to her condition. She was hospitalized at Mulago Cancer Institute for months and later flown to Aga Khan Hospital where she has been on life support. Yesterday, her family decided to pull her off the life support system because she was not getting any better. Colleagues and friends are now busy fundraising to help the family in settling her hospital bill. Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has also joined in the fundraising process and below is a clip that was run by NTV announcing Rose’s death; The LINK>>>>

Bumula ward rep in Bungoma county is once again in the news for wrong reasons. This time round Henry Nyongesa who since he was elected has had his tenure embroiled in controversies allegedly slapped and kicked a lady clinical officer on duty atBumula Subcounty Hospital. Drama unfolded when the MCA reportedly drove in to the hospital compound with a lady member of his church who while giving a testimonyin his church had collapsed. The MCA is said to have rushed the lady to the hospital and on arrival jumped out of the car only to find theclinical officer attending to other patients and in a feat of anger shouted at the clinician for not giving attention to him. Witnesses of the incident narrated how the MCA assaulted the youthful clinical officer while shouting to express his prominence in the society which he said the lady clinical officer was underrating. As he unleashed this mayhem little did he know that the patient he had brought in had passed away in his car hence he was expecting the clinical officer to do the impossible. The husband of the clinical officer who on hearing the commotion in the hospital came out to check to his utter dismay found his wife being beaten by the clinical officer. Investigations have established there is a scheme to cover up the incident to block the clinical officer from taking legal steps against the rogue politician. It has since been established that although the lady reported the matter to Bumula Police Station and there after she obtained a P3 form indicating that she had been assaulted no steps whatsoever have been taken by Bumula police to arrest and charge the suspect with assault. Following the incident employees at the hospital downed there tools until the director of medical services in the county Dr Kubasu made a visit and pleaded with the workers to return to work promising that since the clinical officer had a P3 arising from the assault, they should allow the law to take its course while on duty. On the other hand the Bumula MCA’s latest predicament is just an addition to a litany of integrity issues which now threaten his continued hold on his seat as there is information that residents are already collecting signatures to eject him from office for continuously flouting chapter six of the constitution on leadership and integrity.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday met the Mo Ibrahim Foundation board and prize committee members who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi. President Kenyatta and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation delegation discussed a wide range of issues of national importance including governance and security.

The delegation was led by the foundation’s founder and chair, Dr Mo Ibrahim. He was accompanied by the former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, former Tanzanian Prime Minister Salim Ahmed Salim and former Botswana President Ketumile Masire among other board and prize committee members.

The foundation – established in 2006 – provides tools to support progress in leadership and governance to promote Africa’s transformation.

President Kenyatta said while the Government has improved security in the country, the situation at the regional level remained fragile because of the conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia.

The Head of State affirmed the Government’s commitment in fighting corruption and entrenching good governance.

The meeting was also attended by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru and other senior Government officials.

China’s official news agency Xinhua has re-launched its English-language presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, it announced – all of which are blocked in China. Like many official Chinese bodies, Xinhua is an avid user of Western social media despite their illegality in the country, and by January Xinhua had 30 accounts in different names across the three platforms, it said.

“The most influential are the official accounts on Twitter and Facebook, with 1.3 million and 740,000 followers respectively,” it said at the weekend. “These accounts have played a role in promoting understanding between China and the outside world.”

But it acknowledged that the parallel accounts “made it difficult for Xinhua to catch up with the world’s leading media”.

From Sunday it unified its output into one account for each service, all of them re-branded as “New China” – the English translation of the agency’s name.

The move “marks a new phase for Xinhua’s presence on global social media”, it said.

But the services are not directly accessible to China’s 648 million Internet users – the world’s largest online population.

As a key element of their grip on power Beijing’s Communist authorities maintain a vast censorship system known as the “Great Firewall”, which blocks all three of the social networks, among many other sites.

They can only be reached within the country using Virtual Private Network (VPN) software.

Chinese social media operators themselves employ large numbers of censors to weed out undesirable comments from their own platforms, where searches for sensitive subjects often return screens saying that results are not displayed “due to relevant laws, rules and policies”.

Xinhua made no mention of the restrictions.

Outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has won the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The award, known to be the most valuable individual prize globally, comes with a $5million (Sh457million) cash prize paid over a period of 10 years. The winner is thereafter given $200,000 (Sh18.2million) every year, for life.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says it will also consider granting a further $200,000 per year for a period of 10 years “towards public interest activities and good causes espoused by the Ibrahim Laureates.”

“This award from an African foundation is a celebration of achievement in African leadership on the African continent. The prize committee has decided to award the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership to President Pohamba of Namibia,” the chair of the prize committee Salim Ahmed Salim said during a ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The prize committee of the Ibrahim Foundation assesses democratically elected former executive Heads of State of government from African countries who have served their term in office within the limits set by their country’s constitution and have left office within the last three years.

First elected in 2004, President Pohamba served for two terms and is due to be succeeded by President-elect, Hage Geingob on March 21, 2015.

Pohamba has been recognised for his focus in forging national cohesion and reconciliation at a key stage of Namibia’s consolidation of democracy and social and economic development.

His deep commitment to the rule of law and respect for the constitution, in particular on the issue of term limit also impressed the prize committee.

The committee which consists of seven members also recognised Pohamba as a leader who laid emphasis on issues of gender equality which led to notable achievement of having a 48 percent representation of women in Parliament.

“During the decade of Hifikepunye Pohamba’s presidency, Namibia’s reputation has been cemented as well. Governed, stable and inclusive democracy with strong media freedom and respect for human rights,” Salim said.

Born in Northern Namibia, Pohamba, 79, is also known for his country’s independence through the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO). SWAPO has dominated politics by winning majorities in elections in Namibia.

President Pohamba follows Presidents Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007), Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008) and Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde (2011) as Ibrahim Laureates. The late South African President Nelson Mandela was made the inaugural Honorary Laureate in 2007.

The prize committee may choose not to award the prize, as was the case in 2009, 2012 and 2013.

A news agency describing itself as Africa’s “first syndicated multimedia content service”, has been launched by a group of leading African entrepreneurs, the agency said Monday. With an initial investment of $20 million and staff in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg the African News Agency (ANA) plans to expand into 15 African countries by July.

“We are very excited to be embarking on the first step of providing African news by and for Africans,” ANA chief executive Chris Borain said.

One of the main figures behind the new agency is Iqbal Surve, whose Sekunjalo Independent Media Consortium acquired Independent Newspapers, South Africa’s leading newspaper group, in 2013.

Also backing the project is Ladislas Agbesi, executive chairman of the Pan African Business Forum.

ANA “strives to provide credible and reliable coverage of politics, economics, business, sport and lifestyle stories from the African continent,” the agency said, noting that it ran its first stories on Sunday.

“ANA will also provide its subscribers with syndicated international text and picture content from partners like China’s Xinhua and Germany’s dpa news agencies,” it said.

ANA’s launch follows confirmation that the long-standing but struggling local news wire, the South African Press Association (Sapa), will be liquidated and cease operations on March 31.

Some former Sapa staffers will join the new agency, which will also recruit text, photo and video journalists across the continent, ANA said.

An editorial in the Cape Times, a member of the Independent Newspapers group, said Monday the new agency would challenge the domination of the major Western wire services in Africa.

“It is a matter not only of anger that this paper, like so many others, has had to rely on Europeans and others to provide it with news about its own continent…

“That is first and foremost a matter of shame.

“Now at last we Africans can tell our own stories in our own words,” the editorial said.

The death toll in a ferry accident in central Bangladesh soared to 69 on Monday, after more bodies were recovered from the overcrowded boat which sank within minutes of colliding with a cargo vessel. A salvage vessel fitted with a crane raised the sunken ferry from the water, allowing the divers from the navy and fire department to search inside the small two-deck boat, inspector Abdul Muktadir told AFP.

Rescue workers recovered more bodies, working through the night, a day after the collision on the Padma river which is one of the largest in the delta nation.

“This morning the bodies were found in the boat after it was raised and dragged to the shore. The death toll is now 69,” said Muktadir, adding the boat was salvaged 16 hours after it sank.

The toll would rise further as the rescue workers could only search one part of the MV Mostofa boat which was lying at a tilt onshore, he said.

“The other parts would be searched once the ferry is righted,” he added.

The sinking is the second deadly boat accident in a fortnight in the country, which has a history of ferry tragedies.

The government ordered a probe into the accident but the shipping minister, Shahjahan Khan, said the collision occurred as the boat was “in a race” with other vessels.

Officials said they did not know the exact number of people missing, but passengers said up to 150 people had been on board, while local police chief Rakibuz Zaman said 50 of those swam ashore or were rescued by other vessels.

Hundreds of people including relatives of the missing thronged the shore as rescuers searched inside the salvaged vessel and brought out the bodies.

A 15-year-old boy burst out in loud cries as the Red Crescent volunteers unzipped one of the white body bags.

Also at the scene in Paturia, some 70 kilometres (50 miles) west of the capital Dhaka, Kazi Anisur Rahman was carefully inspecting the faces of the dead to see whether they include his missing close friend.

“He is not among them. I spent the last 20 hours at the terminal looking at all the bodies,” said an exhausted Rahman.

“He did not know how to swim. So we fear the worst. Please Allah, help us find his body,” he sighed.

– ‘Sunk within two minutes’ –

Survivors said the MV Mostofa was overcrowded with passengers crammed into the upper and lower decks, leaving them scrambling to find their loved ones when the tragedy struck.

“I was holding my mother’s hand when the cargo boat hit our ferry from behind,” an 18-year-old who gave his name as Al Amin told AFP at the terminal on Sunday.

“Within two minutes the ferry was sunk. Before I realised I was washed away to the middle of the river.

“I swam and a ferry rescued me. But I don’t know what happened to my mum.”

Three people have been arrested including the master who was driving the cargo vessel.

Boat accidents are common in Bangladesh, one of Asia’s poorest nations, which is criss-crossed by more than 230 rivers. Boats are the main form of travel in remote rural areas, especially in the south and northeast.

Experts blame poorly maintained vessels, flaws in design and overcrowding for most of the tragedies.

Ferries do not normally keep passenger lists, making it difficult to establish how many are missing after an accident.

This month, at least five people were killed when an overloaded ferry carrying some 200 passengers capsized in an estuary in the south of the country.

And about 50 people were killed in August last year when a crowded ferry sank in rough weather.

A family affected by the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy has been thrown into deeper grief after the mother of one of the injured students died in a road accident while rushing to the school.

According to police reports, the woman lost her life in an accident along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway shortly after receiving news of the devastating dormitory fire at the school on Thursday morning.

The mother was reportedly travelling with her husband to the institution when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash at the Kariandusi area.

She died on the spot, while her husband sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Their daughter, who was among students caught up in the fire incident, survived but suffered injuries and is currently receiving medical care.

The heartbreaking development has left the family struggling to cope with the pain of two tragedies unfolding within hours of each other.

The fire at Utumishi Girls Academy claimed the lives of 16 students and left at least 79 others injured, according to the Ministry of Education.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday while students were asleep inside one of the dormitories.

Parents and survivors who visited the school after the incident alleged that some students were unable to escape quickly because one of the emergency exits was reportedly locked during the fire.

Holy Ghost Coptic Church founder Father John Juma Pesa has died, bringing to a close the life of one of Kenya’s most controversial and polarising religious leaders.

Sources confirmed that Father Pesa passed away on Thursday, May 28, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kisumu County. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed. His body was later transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation ahead of postmortem examination.

Father Pesa first rose to prominence in the 1970s after reportedly parting ways with the Roman Catholic Church under disputed circumstances. He went on to establish the Holy Ghost Coptic Church along the Kisumu–Kakamega Highway, which would later become widely known across the country for its unconventional practices and strong following.

Over the years, his ministry attracted thousands of believers seeking spiritual healing for a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and personal struggles. Supporters viewed him as a powerful man of God with rare healing gifts and unwavering spiritual authority.

However, his church was also frequently at the centre of controversy. Authorities and human rights organisations repeatedly raised concerns over alleged mistreatment of vulnerable individuals, including accusations of unlawful confinement within church premises.

In 2023, police officers together with officials from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) conducted a raid on the church compound, rescuing several individuals who were reportedly found locked inside rooms. Some of those rescued were believed to be persons living with mental health conditions, brought to the church by relatives seeking spiritual intervention.

Despite such allegations, Father Pesa maintained a loyal base of followers who defended him against criticism, insisting that he was a misunderstood religious figure targeted by external forces.

His name also occasionally surfaced in politically sensitive discussions. In 2020, he claimed his life was in danger following a visit to then-Deputy President William Ruto at his Sugoi residence in Uasin Gishu County. He alleged that he received threatening calls from unknown individuals demanding money they believed he had received during the visit—claims he strongly denied.

As news of his death spreads, reactions continue to pour in from followers and critics alike, reflecting the complex legacy of a man who shaped one of Kenya’s most debated religious movements.

Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa Mourns Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Victims

Former Defence Cabinet Secretary and DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa has joined Kenyans in mourning the tragic loss of young lives following the devastating fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

In a statement, Wamalwa said he had received the heartbreaking news with profound sadness, describing the death of the students as a national tragedy that has deeply touched the hearts of Kenyans.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, students, teachers, staff and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy community, saying the country stands with them during this painful moment.

Wamalwa also wished quick recovery to the injured students and prayed for strength, comfort and peace for all those affected by the tragedy.

“As a nation, may we stand together in unity, compassion and solidarity during this period of mourning,” he said.

He further prayed that God grants eternal rest to the departed souls and comforts all grieving families.

You took an Eazzy Loan from Equity Bank, and now it's time to pay it back. The good news is that you don't need to visit a bank branch or stand in any queue. You can repay your Eazzy Loan directly through M-Pesa from wherever you are, in less than two minutes. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it, what you need to know about repayment terms, and how to confirm your payment goes through without a hitch. Repaying your Eazzy Loan via M-Pesa is simple and fast. Use Paybill 247263, follow the steps, and keep your Equity Bank credit profile strong. Everything You Need To Know About Eazzy Loan Repayment Via M-Pesa Before you repay, it helps to understand the basics of how Eazzy Loan works. Equity Bank designed this loan to be fast, flexible, and mobile-friendly — and the repayment works the same way. Eazzy Loan Repayment Terms at a Glance Equity Bank gives you up to 30 days to repay your Eazzy loan. The loan amount ranges from Ksh 100 to Ksh 200,000 , making it accessible whether you need a small top-up or a larger emergency fund.

The interest rate depends on your credit history and banking profile: Credit Profile Interest Rate Strong credit history As low as 2% Average credit profile Up to 10% To qualify for an Eazzy Loan, you must have held an active Equity Bank account or an active Equitel line for at least 6 months . Once you qualify, repaying through M-Pesa is one of the fastest and most convenient options available to you.

Paying on time matters. Late repayments can affect your credit score and reduce the loan limits you qualify for in the future. So the moment funds are available, go ahead and clear the loan. Step-by-Step Guide To Repaying Eazzy Loan Via M-Pesa Follow these steps carefully to make a successful repayment. Make sure your M-Pesa account has enough funds before you begin. Steps to repay via M-Pesa Paybill: Open your M-Pesa menu on your phone. Select Lipa na M-Pesa . Tap on Pay Bill . Enter 247263 as the business number — this is Equity Bank's official Paybill number. Enter your Equity Bank account number that received the loan as the account number. Type in the amount you want to repay. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and press OK . Wait for a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa confirming your transaction was successful. Once M-Pesa confirms your payment, you need to update your Eazzy Banking App: Open the Eazzy Banking App on your phone. Go to the Loans section . Tap Make Payment and enter the amount you just paid. This final step inside the app ensures your loan balance reflects the payment accurately. Don't skip it. Key details to have ready before you pay: Your M-Pesa PIN Your Equity Bank account number (the account that received the loan) The exact amount you want to repay Equity Bank Paybill number: 247263 Tips To Avoid Common Repayment Mistakes Making a mistake during repayment can delay your payment or send money to the wrong account. Here's what to watch out for: Double-check the Paybill number. Always use 247263. A wrong digit sends your money elsewhere. Use the correct account number. Enter the Equity Bank account that received the loan, not any other account you may hold. Don't wait until the last day. Network issues or low M-Pesa float can delay payments. Repay a day or two early to stay safe. Keep your M-Pesa confirmation SMS. Save it until the loan reflects as fully paid on the Eazzy Banking App. Repay in full when possible. Partial payments reduce your balance but interest continues to accrue on the outstanding amount. Need Help? Contact Equity Bank Directly If your payment doesn't reflect after 24 hours, or if you run into any issues during repayment, reach out to Equity Bank's customer support team: Phone: 0763 063 000 / 0763 026 000 Have your M-Pesa transaction code and account number ready when you call. The support team will trace your payment and resolve the issue quickly.

Repaying your Eazzy Loan via M-Pesa is genuinely straightforward once you have the right details. Follow the steps above, confirm your payment on the Eazzy Banking App, and you'll keep your credit profile in good standing for even larger loans in the future.

If you have been saving for Kenya's Affordable Housing Programme but want your money back, you are not alone. Many Kenyans either choose to opt out of the scheme or do not get allocated a housing unit, and they want their savings refunded. The good news is that the government allows voluntary contributors to withdraw their savings through the official Boma Yangu Portal. This guide walks you through the exact steps to request your affordable housing savings refund, what you need, and what you should know about mandatory contributions before you apply. Withdrawing your affordable housing savings on the Boma Yangu Portal is simple and transparent. Log in, submit your request, and wait for your refund to arrive in your account. [Photo: Courtesy] How To Withdraw Your Affordable Housing Savings on Boma Yangu The Boma Yangu Portal is the official online platform that manages Kenya's Affordable Housing Programme. Contributors who save voluntarily through the programme can request a refund of their savings at any time. The savings always reflect on the Boma Yangu wallet, giving you full visibility of your balance before you make any decisions.

The most common reason people request a refund is when they apply for a housing unit but do not get allocated one in the current project cycle. When that happens, you can either wait for the next available project or request a full refund of your accumulated savings.

According to the State Department of Housing, anyone who opts out of the programme receives a full refund of their savings, including the Kshs 200 registration fee. Note: The government is currently developing a more seamless withdrawal platform in partnership with a telecommunications company to make the refund process even simpler. Step-by-Step Process To Request Your Refund Follow these steps to withdraw your affordable housing savings through the Boma Yangu Portal: Step Action 1 Log in to the Boma Yangu Portal using your registered ID number and password 2 Navigate to the savings or account section on your dashboard 3 Select the refund or withdrawal option 4 Fill out the declaration form and provide your reason for requesting a refund in writing 5 Enter your correct mobile phone number and bank account details 6 Submit your request online and confirm your details 7 Wait for processing — payment goes to your registered bank or mobile money account Once you submit your withdrawal request, the government reviews your application, verifies your account, and confirms your savings balance before releasing the funds.

The portal also keeps a full record of all your refund requests, showing: The date you submitted the refund request The date it was approved The date it was settled The amount refunded Additionally, the Boma Yangu wallet has a savings reminder tab that automatically alerts you about your savings frequency and current savings status — a useful feature to monitor your contributions before you decide to withdraw. Can You Withdraw Mandatory Affordable Housing Contributions? This is where many Kenyans get confused. Mandatory contributions are different from voluntary savings — and you cannot withdraw them on demand. Under the Affordable Housing Act 2024, employees contribute 1.5% of their gross salary to the Affordable Housing Fund, with employers matching that amount. These deductions go into a national pool that funds the construction of affordable housing projects across the country. The government does not treat these as individual savings accounts.

However, there are limited circumstances where the government may consider refunding mandatory contributions: Retirement Permanent disability Death (processed through next of kin) Failure to receive a housing allocation within a specified period These conditions follow government regulations and timelines, which makes mandatory contributions far less flexible than voluntary savings. Key Differences Between Voluntary and Mandatory Contributions Feature Voluntary Savings Mandatory Contributions Can you withdraw anytime? Yes No Refund includes registration fee? Yes (Kshs 200) Not applicable Where it goes Your Boma Yangu wallet National Affordable Housing Fund Refund conditions At will Retirement, disability, death, or non-allocation Processed through Boma Yangu Portal Government regulations If you saved voluntarily through the Boma Yangu Portal and want your money back, the process is online, transparent, and straightforward. Log in, select the withdrawal option, fill in your details, and submit. Your refund will land in your bank or mobile money account once the government processes and approves your request.

Losing your KCPE or KCSE certificate in Kenya is more common than you think — and far more stressful. These documents open doors to jobs, higher education, and life opportunities, so losing them can feel like a crisis. The good news is that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) allows you to replace a lost or damaged certificate. Lost your KCPE or KCSE certificate in Kenya? Follow these simple steps to replace it through KNEC with the right documents and fees. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — the requirements, the fees, and the exact steps to follow to get your replacement certificate without unnecessary back-and-forth. How To Replace A Lost KCPE and KCSE Certificate Through KNEC The Kenya National Examinations Council is the only body authorized to issue and replace KCPE and KCSE certificates in Kenya. If you lose your certificate, KNEC gives you one chance to replace it — the council only issues a replacement once , so handle the process carefully.

You can replace both KCPE and KCSE certificates through the same process. Before you start, gather all the required documents to avoid delays. Critical reminder: KNEC only replaces a lost certificate once . If you lose the replacement, the council will not issue another one. Documents You Need To Replace Your Lost Certificate Prepare all the following documents before you submit your application. Missing even one item will stall your application. # Required Document Notes 1 Copy of the lost KNEC certificate Mandatory — you must have this 2 Letter of recommendation from your headteacher Private candidates use a letter from the sub-county or county education officer 3 Sworn legal affidavit confirming your identity Obtain this from a Commissioner of Oaths 4 Letter of recommendation from your employer Addressed to KNEC 5 Police abstract for the lost certificate Must be recorded at the point of loss 6 Copy of your national ID, passport, or birth certificate For those under 18, use a birth certificate — names must match exam records 7 Original KNEC bank deposit slip Proof of payment of the processing fee Processing Fee KNEC charges a mandatory fee of Kshs 5,800 per certificate —that is Kshs 5,000 plus 16% VAT of Kshs 800. Pay this fee at any of the following banks: Co-operative Bank Equity Bank National Bank of Kenya Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Keep the original bank deposit slip after payment. KNEC will not accept a photocopy. Step-by-Step Process To Replace Your Lost KNEC Certificate Once you have all your documents ready and your fee paid, follow these steps: Step 1 — Download the replacement form Visit the official KNEC website at www.knec.ac.ke and download the certificate replacement form. Make sure you use the correct, current version of the form available on the site. Step 2—Fill in the form accurately Complete the form with all the required details. Double-check every entry — especially your name, index number, and year of examination — to make sure everything matches your exam records exactly. Errors will delay your application. Step 3 — Attach all supporting documents Compile your filled form together with all the required documents listed above. Include your original bank deposit slip as proof of payment. Step 4—Submit your application to KNEC Send the complete application package to the Council Secretary at KNEC . You can do this through: A postal office of your choice A courier service provider of your choice Address the package clearly to the Council Secretary, KNEC. Step 5 — Wait for processing KNEC takes approximately 60 working days to process replacement certificates. That is roughly three months, so plan accordingly. Step 6—Collect your certificate in person Once your certificate is ready, you must collect it in person at KNEC offices. No one else can collect it on your behalf. You have a 2-year window to collect it from the date it is ready. After two years, KNEC will dispose of uncollected certificates with no refund. Key Facts at a Glance Detail Information Issuing Body Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Certificates Covered KCPE and KCSE Processing Fee Kshs 5,800 per certificate (inclusive of VAT) Processing Time 60 working days Collection In person at KNEC offices Collection Deadline Within 2 years of readiness Replacements Allowed Once only — no second replacement Replacing a lost KCPE or KCSE certificate takes patience, but the process is manageable when you prepare properly. Gather your documents, pay the fee at a KNEC-approved bank, and send your complete application to the Council Secretary. Your certificate will be waiting for you in about three months.

Losing your national ID in Kenya is frustrating, but replacing it does not have to be a nightmare. Thousands of Kenyans lose their IDs every year, and many do not know where to start. The good news is that the government has made the process straightforward—and you can complete the whole thing at your nearest Huduma Centre. This guide walks you through every step of how to replace a lost National ID in Kenya, what documents you need, how much it costs, and what to expect after you apply. Replacing a lost national ID in Kenya is simple when you know the right steps. Head to your nearest Huduma Centre, report the loss, pay the small fee, and walk out with a waiting card the same day. Your new ID will be ready in about two weeks. [Photo: Courtesy] How To Replace A Lost National ID In Kenya at a Huduma Centre The National Registration Bureau (NRB) manages the registration and issuance of all national identity cards in Kenya. The bureau handles everything from first-time applications to replacements for lost or defaced IDs. You can replace a lost ID at a County Commissioner's office or a chief's camp. However, Huduma Centres are the best option for most people. They bring all government services under one roof, which means you get your police abstract, fill your form, and make your payment without stepping into multiple offices. Important note: Huduma Centres only process replacement (duplicate) IDs . If you are applying for a national ID for the very first time, you must visit the National Registration Bureau offices found countrywide. Follow these steps to replace your lost national ID at any Huduma Centre near you. Step-by-Step Process for Replacing Your Lost ID Step Action Details 1 Visit a Huduma Centre Go to any Huduma Centre in your county 2 Get a police abstract Request one from the police desk inside the Huduma Centre 3 Submit the abstract Present it at the registration desk 4 Pay the processing fee Pay Kshs 100 and keep your receipt 5 Fill the replacement form Complete the ID replacement form accurately 6 Give biometric details Provide your fingerprints and a passport photo 7 Collect your waiting card Use it as a temporary ID while you wait 8 Pick up your new ID Return with the waiting card after 10 working days Here is a more detailed breakdown of each step: Step 1 — Visit a Huduma Centre Walk into any Huduma Centre near you. Staff at the entrance will direct you to the right desk. You do not need an appointment. Step 2 — Get a police abstract Before anything else, officers at the Huduma Centre will send you to the police desk located inside the building. You will report the loss of your ID there and receive a police abstract. This document confirms that you officially reported the loss. Step 3 — Present the abstract at the registration desk Take your police abstract to the national registration desk. The officer will verify it and guide you through the next steps. Step 4 — Pay the Kshs 100 processing fee The government charges a flat fee of Kshs 100 to process a replacement ID. Pay this at the designated cashier and hold onto your receipt — you will need it. Step 5—Fill out the ID replacement form Officers will give you an ID replacement form. Fill in all the required details carefully and accurately. Errors on this form can delay your replacement. Step 6 — Submit your biometric information The registration officer will capture your biometric data, including your fingerprints and a passport photo . This information goes into the national database for verification purposes. Step 7 — Receive a waiting card After submission, you get a waiting card. Carry this card with you at all times because it serves as your temporary identification document while your new ID is being processed. Step 8 — Collect your new ID after 10 days The process takes approximately 10 working days . When you return to collect your new ID, bring your waiting card. Without it, officers may not release the ID to you. What You Need Before You Go Preparation saves time. Before heading to the Huduma Centre, make sure you have the following: Knowledge of the nearest Huduma Centre — find it via the Huduma Kenya website or ask locally Kshs 100 in cash or M-Pesa (confirm payment options at your specific centre) Patience — peak hours at Huduma Centres can be busy; go early in the morning You do not need to carry extra documents like a birth certificate for a replacement ID. The system already has your information from your original registration. However, it is always wise to carry any supporting ID you may have — like a passport or KCSE certificate — in case officers ask for additional verification. Key Facts at a Glance Detail Information Processing Fee Kshs 100 Processing Time About 10 working days Best Location Any Huduma Centre in Kenya Who Handles It National Registration Bureau (NRB) Eligibility Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above Temporary ID Waiting card issued on the day of application

Kenya's traffic police have the authority to hand you an instant fine on the spot—no court appearance, no warnings—and the amounts can leave a serious dent in your wallet. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) set these instant fines for minor traffic offences in Kenya to reduce road accidents and enforce discipline among drivers, riders, and even pedestrians. Whether you drive a personal car, a boda-boda, or a matatu, knowing these fines helps you stay on the right side of the law and keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket. Instant fines for minor traffic offences in Kenya help enforce discipline, improve road safety, and ensure drivers follow rules while avoiding unnecessary penalties and legal trouble daily. Complete List of Instant Fines for Minor Traffic Offences in Kenya The table below covers all 35+ categories of instant fines for minor traffic offences in Kenya that traffic police can issue at the roadside. Study them carefully because ignorance is not a valid defence when an officer pulls you over. # Traffic Offence Instant Fine 1 Driving without identification plates or plates not fixed in prescribed manner Ksh 10,000 2 Driving without a valid inspection certificate Ksh 10,000 3 Driving without a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle Ksh 3,000 4 Failure to renew a driving licence Ksh 1,000 5 Driving a PSV while unqualified Ksh 5,000 6 Failing to carry and produce a driving licence on demand Ksh 1,000 7 Driving on or through a pavement or pedestrian walkway Ksh 5,000 8 Failure to obey a police officer's direction (verbal or signal) Ksh 3,000 9 Failure to conform to traffic sign indications Ksh 3,000 10 Failure to stop when required by a police officer Ksh 5,000 11 Causing obstruction by leaving a vehicle on the road Ksh 10,000 12 Failure to display reflective triangles when vehicle obstructs road Ksh 3,000 13 Motorcycle rider carrying more than one pillion passenger Ksh 1,000 14 Driving a vehicle on a footpath Ksh 5,000 15 Pedestrian wilfully obstructing free passage of vehicles Ksh 500 16 Unlicensed person driving or acting as PSV conductor Ksh 5,000 17 PSV owner employing an unlicensed driver or conductor Ksh 10,000 18 Touting Ksh 3,000 19 PSV driver or conductor not wearing special badge and uniform Ksh 2,000 20 Motorcycle rider riding without protective gear (helmet) Ksh 1,000 21 Motorcycle passenger riding without protective gear (helmet) Ksh 1,000 22 Unauthorised person driving a PSV Ksh 3,000 23 PSV driver allowing an unauthorised person to drive Ksh 3,000 24 Learner failing to display 'L' plates front and rear Ksh 1,000 25 Vehicle owner failing to have seat belts fitted Ksh 1,000 per seat 26 Failure to wear a seat belt while vehicle is in motion Ksh 500 27 PSV conductor failing to keep seat belts clean and wearable Ksh 500 28 Vehicle not carrying reflective/warning signs (lifesavers) Ksh 2,000 29 Failure to fit prescribed speed governor (PSV/commercial) Ksh 10,000 30 Driving or operating a PSV with tinted windows/windscreen Ksh 3,000 31 PSV not carrying functional fire extinguisher and fire kit Ksh 3,000 32 Driver using a mobile phone while vehicle is in motion Ksh 2,000 33 Matatu/omnibus picking/setting down passengers at non-authorised stop Ksh 3,000 34 Passenger boarding/alighting at non-authorised bus stop Ksh 1,000 35 Travelling with part of the body outside a moving vehicle Ksh 1,000 Kenyan traffic police can fine you on the spot for over 35 offences. Know the instant fines and avoid costly roadside penalties today. How Speeding Fines Work in Kenya Speeding attracts a graduated penalty structure—the faster you go over the limit, the more you pay. The same structure applies whether you exceed the general urban speed limit of 50 kph or any other speed limit displayed on a traffic sign. Here is how the fines break down: Speed Over Limit Penalty 1–5 kph above limit Warning only 6–10 kph above limit Ksh 500 11–15 kph above limit Ksh 3,000 16–20 kph above limit Ksh 10,000 Notice that traffic police give you a free warning if you go only 1–5 kph over the limit, but the fines escalate sharply once you cross 10 kph. A driver caught doing 70 kph in a 50 kph zone pays Ksh 3,000 on the spot. Push it to 71 kph or beyond, and you hand over Ksh 10,000 immediately. High-Risk Offences for PSV Operators and Motorcycle Riders Public service vehicle operators and boda boda riders face some of the heaviest instant fines for minor traffic offences in Kenya. NTSA targets these groups aggressively because they carry passengers and contribute significantly to road fatality statistics.

PSV operators should watch out for these costly violations: Employing an unlicensed PSV driver or conductor attracts a Ksh 10,000 fine for the owner or operator. Failure to fit a prescribed speed governor in a PSV or commercial vehicle costs Ksh 10,000. Operating a PSV with tinted windows or windscreens draws a Ksh 3,000 fine. A PSV that lacks functional fire extinguishers and fire kits receives a Ksh 3,000 fine. Picking up or dropping off passengers outside an authorized bus stop earns the driver a Ksh 3,000 fine—and the passenger who boards or alights there also pays Ksh 1,000. Motorcycle riders face their own set of strict rules. Riding without a helmet costs both the rider and the passenger Ksh 1,000 each. Carrying more than one pillion passenger draws a Ksh 1,000 fine. Traffic police apply these fines instantly, so there is no room to negotiate on the roadside. Key Takeaways to Avoid Paying Instant Fines for Minor Traffic Offences in Kenya Paying a traffic fine is never pleasant, but the good news is that every offence on this list is entirely avoidable. Here is what you need to do to stay fine-free on Kenyan roads: Always carry your driving licence and ensure it covers the class of vehicle you drive. Wear your seat belt every time you sit in a moving vehicle and ensure all seats have working belts. Keep your vehicle inspection certificate valid and renew your licence before it expires. Obey all traffic signs and police officers' signals, and never use your phone while driving. If you own a matatu or commercial vehicle, ensure you fit a speed governor, carry fire extinguishers, and only hire licensed drivers and conductors. Motorcycle riders and passengers must always wear helmets — no exceptions. The cost of compliance is far lower than the cost of non-compliance. A Ksh 500 seat belt violation today can easily snowball into a pattern of carelessness that leads to accidents. Follow the rules and keep your documents in order, and you will never need to worry about instant fines for minor traffic offences in Kenya again. Note: Always verify the latest fine amounts with NTSA directly, as traffic regulations are subject to periodic review and update.

Weeks after this news outlet amplified complaints from workers at Crystal Africa Cleaning Services Limited , fresh reports emerged, adding new details on pay delays, statutory deductions, and work conditions at the firm, with former and current staff sharing what appears to reinforce earlier claims of workplace malpractices within the company. Crystal Africa Cleaning Services faces fresh claims from workers over pay delays, unsettled statutory deductions, and unstable job arrangements.

Workers had earlier described a pattern of delayed salary payments that often left them uncertain about when they would be paid, alongside claims that statutory deductions are made from their wages but not consistently remitted to the relevant authorities, with some employees only learning of the delays after following up with the management led by founder and CEO Anyiti Nanyama , who has built a public image as a champion of youth employment but now faced by growing criticism from her own staff. Anyiti Nanyama: Founder and CEO of Crystal Africa Cleaning Services Limited

The issue of unstable employment arrangements was also raised, with hiring and dismissal decisions said to be made abruptly without clear communication or formal notice, creating a sense of unpredictability around job security and day-to-day assignments.

Fresh questions are now being raised over the handling of client payments, with workers alleging that despite clients paying for services on time, salary payments to staff do not follow a clear or transparent pattern, a situation that continues to fuel uncertainty among employees about how revenue flows within the company.

Recent submissions also continue to reference grant-linked operations involving organizations such as CEWAS and OXFAM, with claims that staffing figures are reportedly presented in a manner that does not match ground realities, allegations which workers say are still linked to how accountability is being handled within the company structure.

New information now emerging from workers further points to what is being described as a growing list of client sites said to be under the company’s cleaning contracts, with locations mentioned as Komarock Heights, Komarock 5, Baraka Estate, Great Wall Mlolongo, Green Park, and Genesis Gym Imara Mall, with workers linking these premises to ongoing service delivery arrangements associated with the firm, where cleaning operations are said to be carried out across the listed residential estates and commercial facilities under its portfolio.

At the same time, additional reports from workers still in service describe a situation where end-month payments remain uncertain, with claims that staff often report working without clear assurance of when salaries will be issued, while also highlighting a disconnect between management conduct and worker welfare, with some saying morale remains low due to what they describe as persistent payment-related frustrations and strained relations within the workplace.

Workers now say the situation calls for urgent internal intervention by the company’s management, with demands centering on immediate settlement of pending wages, proper and timely remittance of statutory deductions, and the establishment of a clear and predictable salary structure that would restore consistency in payment schedules and reduce the uncertainty currently reported among staff.

Beyond internal action, they are also calling for engagement with relevant state authorities, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to review employment terms within the company, examine compliance with labour requirements on statutory deductions, and assess whether existing worker arrangements align with established employment standards governing private service providers operating within the sector. "Hello Cyprian. What you shared about Crystal Africa Cleaning Services Limited reflects what many of us are still experiencing at work. The situation on the ground has not changed in any meaningful way since those earlier concerns were raised. Salaries are still being delayed, and for most of us the pay remains around Ksh 10,000 after a full month of work, but even that amount is not guaranteed on time and is often released in a way that leaves workers waiting for long periods, sometimes in parts, and through M-Pesa transfers that do not follow a consistent schedule. Deductions from wages are still being made for uniforms and statutory obligations such as SHA, yet SHA contributions have not been remitted for several months despite those deductions continuing from salaries, and when workers raise the matter, they say responses from management are dismissive, leaving no clear explanation on what is happening internally. There is also continued concern over the link between client payments and salaries, especially because clients are said to pay on time, but workers do not see a clear or transparent connection between those payments and what they receive at the end of the month. The issue of unstable work arrangements remains present, with hiring, deployment, and dismissal happening without notice or formal communication, leaving workers uncertain about their status from one assignment to another and affecting even long-serving staff. There are also ongoing concerns among workers about how the company presents its operations in relation to grant-linked engagements, including references to organisations such as CEWAS and OXFAM, with claims that staffing figures do not reflect the actual workforce on the ground. Many employees say they are speaking more openly after seeing earlier reporting on the matter, as it mirrors what they continue to experience inside the company on a daily basis." Crystal Africa Cleaning Services is publicly presented as a structured facility management and cleaning firm built around systems, formal processes, and long-term service contracts, with its founder, Anyiti Nanyama, frequently described as an HR-trained entrepreneur whose profile is shaped by academic training and early exposure to both corporate and service environments.

Her academic background includes a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the United States International University–Africa (2019–2021), along with participation in the Future Females Empowerment Initiatives entrepreneurship programme in 2022, elements often used in her public positioning to frame her as a structured and systems-oriented leader.

Before this, she appears in records from Kenyatta National Hospital, Hillside Agencies Limited, and Kenya Airways, where she held roles in community service, financial administration, and credit control, respectively, forming a progression commonly cited in her professional profile.

Following these roles, she transitioned into entrepreneurship and became Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Africa Cleaning Services Limited in October 2015, a position she has held full-time for over a decade, operating from Nyoro Construction Building, First Floor, Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

Within the organisation, she presents herself in multiple senior capacities at once, including Business Administrator, Senior Sales Director, and Senior Marketing Director, concentrating operational oversight, commercial direction, and brand strategy under a single leadership structure.

However, workers now describe a sharply different internal reality, pointing to ongoing concerns around salary delays, statutory deductions, and employment stability, and saying that the same systems presented publicly as structured and efficient do not translate into predictable or transparent conditions in practice.

Employees contracted under Platinum Outsourcing & Logistics (EA) Ltd have come forward to expose what they describe as widespread exploitation and misrepresentation within operations linked to Africa Global Logistics (AGL Kenya Limited) and companies they serve, including East African Breweries Limited (EABL), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), CFAO Mobility Kenya, among several other clients. Workers under Platinum Outsourcing & Logistics disclose misrepresentation and unfair treatment while performing duties for AGL Kenya Limited and its contracting partners.

The complaints reveal a complex employment structure in which workers appear publicly as AGL staff through uniforms and branding, while legally holding contracts with Platinum Outsourcing. Exploitation Workers say this arrangement creates confusion for both staff and clients, contributes to delayed pay, inconsistent welfare provisions, and a lack of job security, and obscures the true nature of their employment, leaving them vulnerable to short-term contracts, low wages, and sudden termination with limited recourse.

AGL Kenya Limited, formerly Bolloré Transport & Logistics, rebranded in 2023 following acquisition by the MSC Group, is a major multimodal logistics operator in East Africa.

With over 1,500 employees across 14 sites in Kenya and operations in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu, AGL provides integrated port, maritime, and warehousing solutions, offering freight forwarding, customs clearance, and cargo handling for sectors ranging from coffee exports to automotive and general cargo.

The company manages logistics hubs, including a five-acre property in Mombasa, and operates joint ventures, such as with Yusen Logistics, to strengthen supply chains across the region.

While AGL presents itself as a professional, large-scale logistics operator capable of end-to-end solutions, the experiences reported by workers suggest that the human resources framework, particularly for outsourced staff, does not reflect the company’s public image or ensure accountability and welfare for all workers.

Platinum Outsourcing & Logistics (EA) Ltd, headquartered in Nairobi’s Kilimani Estate, is a privately held company established in 2010 that specializes in HR outsourcing, logistics, transportation, and warehousing services.

Operating in over 21 counties with a workforce between 1,000 and 5,000 employees, Platinum serves a wide range of clients, including B.A.T. Kenya and Del Monte, providing tailored staffing solutions, payroll administration, factory support, and pre-employment screening.

Workers under Platinum contracts claim that although they are deployed to perform critical duties for AGL and its clients, their legal employment remains with Platinum, which controls pay, contracts, and welfare provisions.

Employees argue that this structure, while designed to optimize operations and reduce costs, has created an opaque environment where accountability is limited and workers’ rights are undermined. Salary Concerns and Welfare Disparity Staff members describe short-term contracts that can be as brief as two months, leaving them with minimal job security while performing the same duties as formally employed AGL staff.

Delays in salary payments are common, and workers report spending more on transport than they earn in a day, a burden that affects both morale and productivity.

Beyond pay, the quality of meals and welfare provision is also problematic.

Contracted staff report receiving poorly prepared meals from outsourced canteens, which contrasts sharply with the better-quality food provided to internal staff.

Reports include hard or undercooked ugali, yellowed vegetables, and kidney meat of questionable origin, with some employees developing stomach ailments requiring medical attention.

Workers argue that if operational safety and standards are enforced rigorously to meet corporate targets, similar care should be applied to their well-being, as nutrition and welfare directly affect energy, productivity, and overall health.

The lack of transparency in contracts has had operational consequences for companies involved.

Workers point out that the loss of the CFAO Mobility contract has been linked to the failure to provide clear information on who is legally employed versus who appears on the ground as AGL staff.

Staff report that while documents verifying qualifications are shared with contract owners, the actual employment agreements signed by workers remain undisclosed, preventing proper oversight.

Workers further indicate that audio records and payment sheets exist that show how salaries are instructed, processed, and sometimes delayed or adjusted at different points along the chain, from principal companies to AGL, then to Platinum, and finally to staff.

This evidence provides concrete insight into the layered payment system and operational opacity, confirming complaints of delayed pay and strengthening the case for transparency and verification.

This creates a disconnect between performance and accountability, where external stakeholders assume staff are directly employed by AGL, but legally, the obligations, protections, and liabilities remain with Platinum.

Such a structure, workers say, not only undermines trust between contractors and clients but also exposes companies to operational risk and reputational harm.

Employees further suggest that some senior staff within the parent companies may be aware of or even benefit from these outsourcing arrangements. Performance Risk Workers describe a system in which Platinum’s role is deliberately obscured, leaving employees unable to challenge unfair treatment for fear of contract termination or non-renewal.

Staff report that this “hide-and-seek” structure allows the outsourcing firm to operate with minimal accountability while workers continue to meet operational goals under difficult conditions.

The combination of misrepresentation, low pay, delayed compensation, and welfare neglect creates an environment where workers’ efforts are not matched by recognition or protection, deepening frustration and dissatisfaction. Urgent Appeal Workers are calling on AGL Kenya Limited and its contracting partners to engage directly with operational staff, verify employment contracts on the ground, and ensure that welfare provisions and compensation align with the responsibilities of the roles being performed.

They argue that such oversight would not only safeguard employee rights but also protect corporate reputation and operational efficiency while closing the gap between public representation and legal employment.

In addition to urging corporate action, employees are calling on the Ministry of Labour to intervene.

The workers have also suggested that regulatory agencies such as the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) and the National Employment Authority (NEA) be involved to assess welfare standards, workplace safety, and contractual transparency.

By bringing these authorities into the process, employees hope to prevent future exploitation, hold outsourcing firms accountable, and provide a clear pathway for complaints and redress.

Staff have also raised urgent questions about equity in welfare provisions, citing that some personnel enjoy meal options such as chicken or meat with flexibility in choice, while other staff under the same AGL-branded uniform receive repetitive, basic meals like ugali and sukuma wiki daily.

This disparity has generated tension and frustration among staff, undermining morale and dignity.

Employees are urging principal contracting companies to conduct independent verification of employment agreements, audit payment chains, and review welfare parity among all staff performing similar duties, stressing the need for full disclosure of subcontracting structures and insisting that ethical labour standards are upheld across all operational levels.

Below is the statement submitted to this news outlet by affected workers under a request for anonymity. View document

The Media Council of Kenya has officially opened applications for its 2026 industrial attachment programme, giving journalism and communication students a direct path into the media industry. This three-month opportunity runs from May to July 2026 and targets final-year students across the country. If you want real newsroom exposure before graduation, this programme puts you inside top media organizations. This guide breaks down everything you need to know and shows you exactly how to apply for MCK Attachment without missing key steps. If you want a serious media career, stop hesitating and apply now, because opportunities like this reward preparation, speed, and attention to detail more than raw talent. How To Apply For MCK Attachment The application process is straightforward, but you must follow every requirement carefully. Missing even one document can cost you the opportunity. MCK runs this programme in partnership with recognized media houses, placing students in real working environments. You gain hands-on experience in print, broadcast, production, and digital media. Step-by-step application process Follow these steps to submit a complete and competitive application: Visit the official MCK online application portal Prepare and upload all required documents Use the correct subject line Submit your application before the deadline Important deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Required subject line Use this exact format when submitting: Industrial Attachment Application – May–July 2026 Failure to follow this instruction may lead to automatic disqualification. Eligibility and Requirements for MCK Attachment Before applying, confirm that you meet all the eligibility conditions. MCK is strict, and only qualified candidates move forward. Who qualifies You must: Be a final-year student Be pursuing a degree or diploma in a relevant course Require attachment as part of academic credit Accepted courses The programme targets students in: Journalism Media Studies Communications Digital Communication Corporate Communication Required documents Prepare the following documents before applying: Requirement Details Recommendation letter Issued within the last two months Academic transcripts Must be current Student ID Valid institution identification MCK Student Press Card Must be valid for 2026 Work samples Published articles, videos, or school projects Your portfolio matters more than you think. Strong samples increase your chances of placement. What to expect from the programme This is not a classroom setup. MCK places you directly into active media environments where expectations are high.

You will work in: Newsrooms Broadcasting stations Production teams Digital content departments This exposure builds real-world skills that employers look for immediately after graduation. Key benefits Practical industry experience Exposure to professional media workflows Networking opportunities with industry professionals Improved employability after graduation In some cases, MCK may offer a stipend to support students during the attachment period, although this is not guaranteed. Placement areas under MCK attachment MCK distributes successful applicants across various media sectors depending on their skills and interests.

These include: Print media Radio and television Digital publishing Content production Each placement is designed to sharpen specific skills and prepare you for the job market. Important tips to increase your chances Most applicants meet the minimum requirements, but only a few stand out. Here is how to give yourself an edge: Submit a clean, well-organised application Ensure all documents are up to date Include strong and relevant work samples Apply early to avoid last-minute issues Double-check your submission before sending If your application looks rushed or incomplete, it will likely be ignored. MCK attachment cycles you should know MCK does not offer this opportunity once a year. The council typically runs attachment programmes in three cycles: January to March May to July September to November If you miss this intake, you still have other chances within the year. Final thoughts The Media Council of Kenya attachment programme is one of the most practical ways to break into the media industry in Kenya. It gives you direct exposure, real experience, and a stronger CV before graduation.

Take the process seriously. Prepare your documents early, follow instructions exactly, and submit before the deadline. That discipline alone can set you apart from hundreds of other applicants.