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Parliament Approves Douglas Kanja As Inspector General Of Police

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On September 18, 2024, Kenya’s Parliament officially approved the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General (IG) of Police. Kanja’s appointment comes at a time when the National Police Service faces significant scrutiny due to concerns about police impunity, misconduct, and the rule of law.

His approval was met with praise from various members of Parliament, who highlighted his vast experience in law enforcement, including his previous role as commandant of the General Service Unit.

Several MPs called on Kanja to address pressing issues within the police force, such as improving the welfare of officers and ensuring accountability, especially in light of recent controversies involving the police. Kanja’s predecessor, acting IG Gilbert Masengeli, was recently sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court after failing to comply with court orders regarding the disappearance of individuals, further increasing the pressure on Kanja to restore public trust in the police service​.

Kanja is now set to be sworn in by President William Ruto, and many hope he will spearhead reforms that will enhance professionalism and transparency within the force.

Adani says they paid Ksh. 6.5m to Kenya Government for JKIA Takeover proposal

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Adani Airport Holdings Limited revealed that it paid Ksh. 6.5 million (USD 50,000) to the Kenyan government as a review fee for its proposal to take over and upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

This payment was made to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Facilitation Fund, as required by law. The company’s proposal, submitted in March 2024, aims to address infrastructure issues at JKIA, and it includes a feasibility study on the project’s financial, social, and environmental impacts.

The project has sparked controversy, with opposition from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who argue that the process lacked transparency and public consultation. As a result, the High Court suspended the project on September 9, 2024, pending further review. The case is scheduled for a mention on October 8, 2024. Despite these legal challenges, Adani claims the proposal aligns with Kenya’s infrastructure priorities and promises to deliver value to the public.

Upon submission of the PIP, the 5th respondent (Adani Airport Holdings Limited) duly paid a review fee of USD 50,000 to the Public Private Partnership Facilitation Fund as required by the law,” the company submits through its lawyers.

Kibabii University Staff On Strike Due to Unfulfilled Commitments In CBA

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Lecturers and staff at Kibabii University, along with 34 other public universities in Kenya, commenced a nationwide strike on September 18, 2024, disrupting learning activities across the institutions.

The strike was organized by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) following their unresolved grievances with the government regarding the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This dispute has been brewing for several years, with university employees growing increasingly frustrated over unmet salary demands and delayed negotiations.

Reason for the Strike;

The primary reason behind the strike is the failure of the government to finalize, register, and implement the 2021-2025 CBA, which was meant to address salary and allowance adjustments for university staff.

Despite proposals being tabled as far back as 2020, little progress has been made, and the unions accuse the government of neglecting university staff while other public sector employees have received salary increments and improved benefits. This discrepancy has eroded the purchasing power of lecturers and other university employees, exacerbated by the declining value of the Kenyan shilling, increased taxation, and the rising cost of living.

The Chairman of KUSU Kibabii branch Prince Augustine Wafula asked the government to put in place proper ways to coup the alleged strike.

“We are urging the government to put in place robust measures to actually switch that they have addressed these issues. We need to fight, we strike a deal before these things end”, said Mr Wafula.

The unions, representing around 30,000 employees, argue that university workers are being unfairly treated compared to their counterparts in other sectors. For example, while public servants have received salary increases ranging between 7% and 10%, university employees have been excluded from similar adjustments.

This has heightened the frustration within the academic community, prompting UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga and KUSU Secretary-General Charles Mukwaya to declare that university staff can no longer bear the burden of economic hardship caused by government inaction​

Impact on students;

The ongoing strike at Kibabii University has had significant negative effects on students. Academic programs have come to a halt, leaving students unable to attend classes, access lectures, or complete coursework. With the indefinite strike, many students fear delays in their graduation timelines, particularly those who were close to completing their studies or sitting for their final exams.

Fire incident at Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi

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On September 16, 2024, a massive fire broke out in Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums near Muhindi Mweusi in Nairobi. The fire rapidly spread through the densely populated informal settlement, causing widespread panic among residents.

Many homes and belongings were destroyed, with families evacuating to escape the flames. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have started from a cooking accident, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Emergency services, including the Kenya Red Cross, responded to the scene, but there were concerns about the delayed arrival of firefighting equipment, which exacerbated the situation. Community members worked together using makeshift tools and water to try and contain the fire, but the lack of formal resources left them vulnerable.

Any injuries reported?

The recent fire incident at Mukuru Kwa Njenga has caused extensive damage, leaving numerous families homeless and resulting in injuries. At least 10 individuals were taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the chaos, including burns and smoke inhalation. Residents reported the fire spread rapidly through the densely populated area, with limited help from the authorities, as firefighting services arrived too late to prevent the destruction.

Dagoretti High School Closed after 11 Students Injured

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Dagoretti High School in Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following a violent altercation that left 11 students injured.

The unrest occurred on the night of September 15, 2024, stemming from a basketball game dispute between two groups of students—Sudanese and Kenyan. The match escalated into a broader confrontation that took on religious overtones, fueling tensions and resulting in extensive damage to school property.

The initial fight, which began during the basketball game, quickly spiraled out of control. Students began attacking one another with stones and sticks, and the conflict raged throughout the night. Police were called in to quell the violence and restore order as the situation intensified. Several students sustained injuries, with 11 being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, though all were reported to be in stable condition​

In a statement issued by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, the unrest caused some damages to school.

The incident at Dagoretti High School has caused considerable damage as the Boys went on rampage at night. Thankfully, even with the cases of injuries that are being attended to, there are no fatalities or burning. All necessary actions and procedures forward have been activated,” Kiarie said.

Local authorities, including the police and education officers, are now investigating the underlying causes of the conflict, particularly the role that religious divisions played in heightening the violence.

Community leaders have called for an urgent resolution to the issue, stressing the need for reconciliation and a return to peace within the school.

The indefinite closure of Dagoretti High School underscores the severity of the unrest, and authorities are expected to release further updates once investigations are complete.

 

Newcastle United Make It 10 Points in Four Games

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Newcastle United has made an excellent start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, amassing 10 points from their first four games. This strong form is particularly notable given the challenges they faced last season, where an injury crisis severely affected their performance.

The team finished seventh in the 2023/24 campaign, eight points shy of a Champions League spot, largely due to an unprecedented 41 separate injuries that derailed their momentum. Key players, such as Sandro Tonali, also missed large portions of the season, further exacerbating their struggles

However, this season Newcastle has come out looking refreshed and ready to challenge for top positions once again. Their solid start has been supported by key performances from returning players like Tonali, as well as new additions, including Harvey Barnes.

Barnes has already contributed significantly, with both a goal and an assist in the opening fixtures. These additions, combined with a much healthier squad, have reinvigorated Eddie Howe’s side, allowing them to deliver some impressive early results.

As the season progresses, the Magpies will be aiming to maintain this form, with hopes of breaking into the top four and securing a Champions League spot, something they narrowly missed last year.

A nice start!

Bradley Marongo Mtall steps in with a new suit

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Bradley Marongo steps in, cutting a striking figure in his brand-new suit. The room seems to pause as he enters, the tailored lines of the suit accentuating his every move with a quiet authority.

His suit, a deep charcoal gray with a subtle pinstripe, is immaculately fitted, tailored to perfection to hug his broad shoulders and taper at the waist. The fabric has a slight sheen, catching the light just enough to reflect his attention to detail.

As he takes another step, Bradley exudes an effortless charisma, the suit not just an outfit, but a powerful statement of sophistication.

Ten Hag: “Ronaldo is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester”

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Cristiano Ronaldo reignited his feud with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag by criticizing his leadership in a recent interview. Ronaldo accused Ten Hag of lacking ambition, specifically mentioning that a United manager should never downplay the club’s potential to fight for major titles like the Premier League or the Champions League. Ronaldo also called for a complete rebuild of the club and suggested that Ten Hag does not fully understand the scale of Manchester United

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In response, Ten Hag dismissed Ronaldo’s comments, emphasizing that they did not affect him. He pointed out that Ronaldo is far removed from Manchester, playing in Saudi Arabia, and reiterated that everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 The tension between the two dates back to Ronaldo’s departure from the club in 2022, following a public fallout with Ten Hag.
“He said that Man United can’t win the Premier League. He said this, if you read the article very well.”
“Ronaldo is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone have an opinion. It’s ok!”. He said
Ronaldo further stressed that Manchester United needs a complete overhaul, suggesting that the club’s issues go beyond just managerial decisions. He hinted that the failure to integrate former players into advisory roles has contributed to United’s struggles. Ronaldo pointed to club legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, and Ferdinand as figures who could help guide the team back to glory, believing that their experience and understanding of the club’s values are sorely needed​
This exchange is part of a larger narrative surrounding Ten Hag’s leadership, especially as Manchester United faces challenges on the pitch. Ronaldo’s comments have further highlighted the pressure Ten Hag is under, raising questions about whether the club will heed any of Ronaldo’s suggestions or continue its current trajectory.

Fire Razes Wamy High School In Isiolo County

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On September 11, 2024, a fire erupted at Wamy Secondary School in Isiolo County, specifically affecting the school’s dormitory in the Kambi Garba area. The incident has raised alarm as it marks the third fire in a school within the county in less than a week, following similar incidents at Isiolo Girls and Isiolo Boys High Schools.

Authorities and emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, quickly mobilized to contain the situation. The Red Cross confirmed that an action team had been dispatched to the scene to assist in managing the emergency, though no casualties have been reported so far.

The cause of the fire at Wamy Secondary School remains unknown as investigations are ongoing. However, the recurrence of such incidents across multiple schools in Isiolo County has caused concern among local authorities, school administrators, and parents.

Fires in boarding school dormitories can be particularly dangerous due to the large number of students housed in close quarters, and officials are investigating whether these recent incidents might be connected.

In the wake of these events, the immediate priority is ensuring that all students are safe, and that measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences. Further details about the Wamy Secondary School fire, including the extent of the damage and the results of the investigation, are expected to emerge as authorities continue to assess the situation. For now, the community remains on high alert as they await answers and solutions to what appears to be a growing crisis within Isiolo County’s education sector.

This marks the third school fire in Isiolo County within a week, following similar incidents at Isiolo Girls and Isiolo Boys High Schools​

Harambee Stars Take Down Namibia in AFCON Qualifier

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The Harambee Stars of Kenya secured an impressive 2-1 victory against Namibia’s Brave Warriors in a 2025 AFCON qualifier, played at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg. John Avire opened the scoring for Kenya with a stunning free kick in the 58th minute, giving the Stars a crucial lead.

The match began cautiously, with both sides failing to break the deadlock in the first half. Kenya, coached by Engin Firat, made strategic changes from their previous match against Zimbabwe. Jonah Ayunga was handed his debut, replacing Eric Johana, while John Avire and Amos Nondi were recalled to the starting lineup. These adjustments paid off in the second half.

Duke Abuya then doubled the advantage in the 75th minute, finishing a swift counterattack set up by Erick Ouma’s run down the left wing. Namibia managed to score a consolation goal in injury time through Deon Hotto

Namibia’s goal in their 2-1 loss to Kenya was scored by Deon Hotto during injury time

This victory against Namibia has revived Kenya’s hopes of qualification for the prestigious continental tournament. The team’s focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and securing more positive results in the upcoming fixtures.