Hello, and welcome to The Kenya Times Weekly Roundup! This week has been a rollercoaster, filled with monumental announcements and some heart-wrenching news.
From President William Ruto‘s ambitious job creation scheme to the revelations about a proposal by Indian firm Adani to oversee Ksh117 billion electricity transmission projects, and a tragic school fire in Nyeri, we’ve got all the key highlights that made waves. Let’s dive into the stories that shaped our week.
Ruto’s 200,000 Jobs for the Youth
In a significant move aimed at addressing youth unemployment and climate change, President Ruto launched the Climate Resilience Service Program dubbed the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative.
This ambitious CRSP is set to create over 200,000 job opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Announced on September 12, 2024, at Korogocho in Nairobi, the initiative will kick off on October 1, 2024, with 20,000 youths focused on improving the Nairobi River ecosystem.
Ruto declared, “Every young person across Kenya, as soon as I finish this statement you can begin to apply.”
The program will first target Nairobi and, in a month’s time, extend to Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru.
It aims to enhance infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and prepare participants for future careers or education.
Interested youth can apply through the CRSP website, where you’ll be required to enter details such as personal and educational background information to join this transformative effort.
Tragic Fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy Claims 21 Lives
A heart-wrenching fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County has left the nation in shock and mourning.
On the night of September 6, 2024, a blaze erupted in a dormitory, claiming the lives of 21 young pupils, with the National Police Service’s Dr. Resila Onyango confirming the incident to The Kenya Times.
Police reported that 19 learners were burnt beyond recognition, with two more succumbing to injuries in the hospital.
President Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed deep sorrow, with Ruto calling for a thorough investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives,” Ruto stated.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga also extended his condolences and called for adherence to safety measures in schools.
The Ministry of Education has been coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to investigate the cause of the fire and manage the situation.
The affected dormitory housed boys from Grades 4 to 8, and the tragic event has led to an outpouring of support and calls for improved school safety protocols, with cases of school fires rising over the period.
JKIA Strike and Adani Takeover: Aviation Workers’ Strike Disrupts Kenya’s Busiest Airport
On September 10, 2024, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was significantly disrupted by a strike led by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The strike began at midnight in protest of the proposed takeover of the airport by Indian firm Adani Group Holdings.
Passengers were seen stranded with long queues and their luggage due to the strike. National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) and Jambojet reported widespread flight cancellations and delays.
KQ warned of possible cancellations for both departing and arriving flights, while Jambojet advised passengers to postpone their travel until further notice.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema had issued a strike notice opposing the planned leasing of JKIA to Adani.
The union raised concerns about potential job losses, the introduction of foreign workers, and deteriorating working conditions.
They also demanded the resignation of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board and Kenya Airways security managers, citing alleged misconduct.
The strike not only disrupted flights but also affected operations at JKIA, including air traffic control. Several flights, including those of Kenya Airways, were either canceled or delayed, leaving many travelers stranded.
Players from the national men’s soccer team, the Harambee Stars, were stranded in Johannesburg due to the strike, affecting their return from South Africa where they played in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier win against Namibia.
However, the situation at JKIA was resolved after KAWU called off the strike following the signing of a return-to-work agreement with the government.
The agreement included commitments from the government and KAA to engage in dialogue with the union, address their concerns, and expedite pending Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for workers.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir clarified that no formal agreement has been signed with Adani regarding the JKIA deal, acknowledging some communication lapses but emphasizing that no binding contract exists yet.
Still on the JKIA-Adani deal, The Kenya Times compiled the profile of Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower behind the deal who exposed details of the proposal on July 11, 2024.
His disclosures about the deal’s terms and the potential implications sparked significant public and union reactions.
Adani’s Broader Engagement
Amid the ongoing controversy over the proposed takeover of JKIA, reports also emerged that Indian firm Adani through another subsidiary is set to be involved in significant energy infrastructure projects in Kenya.
Adani Energy Solutions has submitted a proposal to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) for several key power transmission projects.
This deal aims to improve Kenya’s power reliability by constructing key transmission lines and substations.
Details of the Proposal: Adani proposes to build three major transmission lines totaling 371 kilometers and three substations.
The lines include the 197-kilometer, 400kV Gilgil-Thika-Malaa-Konza line, a 101-kilometer, 220kV Rongai-Keringet-Chemosit line, and a 90-kilometer, 132kV Menengai-Olkalou-Rumuruti line.
Additional Infrastructure: Adani has also proposed to construct 400/220kV substations at Lessos and Rongai, and a 132/33kV substation at Thurdibuoro in Kisumu. The overall investment these projects by Adani is estimated at $907 million (approximately Ksh117 billion).
The projects are part of Kenya’s strategy to address frequent power outages and underinvestment in transmission infrastructure.
The government has turned to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to fill a significant funding gap, estimated at Ksh492.7 billion ($3.8 billion) over the next two decades.
Negotiations and Future Steps: The National Treasury has already approved these projects, and negotiations on the proposals are ongoing. The aim is to enhance the reliability of Kenya’s power supply while managing national debt and budget constraints.
TSC Announces Changes for KCSE & KPSEA Exams
And to some education news now, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) introduced new measures for the administration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) to ensure greater exam integrity.
Among the key changes is the revised selection criteria for center managers, supervisors, and invigilators to minimize cheating and malpractice. The changes follow growing concerns over exam credibility in recent years.
The 2024 KCSE exams will take place from October 22 to November 22, with rehearsals beginning on October 18. KPSEA will run from October 28 to October 30, with rehearsals on October 25.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) also announced that KCSE exam papers will be customized for each candidate.
These changes aim to protect the fairness and credibility of Kenya’s national exams system.
Massive Disruption as Nairobi Traders Protest Relocation
Nairobi’s Wakulima (Marikiti) market traders disrupted normalcy in the city with early morning protests against Governor Johnson Sakaja’s directive to relocate them to Kangundo Road Market.
The demonstrations, which began at 3 am, saw traders block major roads, lighting bonfires, and causing heavy traffic disruptions along the Haile Selassie Avenue and Jogoo Road.
Police intervened with teargas to disperse the crowd, but the protests continued as traders opposed their relocation, citing the move as unfair and disruptive to their businesses.
The county government defended its decision, citing overcrowding, poor waste management, and health risks at Wakulima Market. Sakaja explained that the market, originally designed for 1,200 traders, now accommodates over 3,000, causing severe congestion.
He assured that the Kangundo Road Market, with a capacity of over 5,000, would offer better business opportunities and improve market conditions.
However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the decision, urging Sakaja to engage traders in dialogue before enforcing the relocation. The DP warned Sakaja against disrupting their livelihoods without public participation.
Still on DP Gachagua, a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Mt Kenya region ditched the man from the mountain and in turn declared that they are backing of Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki to be the region’s political leader.
In a meeting held on Thursday, September 12, another 48 MPs legislators signed a declaration, known as the ‘Nyahururu Declaration’ supporting Kindiki’s leadership just days after eleven elected leaders from Mt. Kenya East unanimously did the same totaling 69.
The MPs unanimously resolved to support Kindiki to act as the link with the executive on matters of development and lead the region’s engagement with parliamentary leaders and other government agencies.
Kenya’s ‘Gen Z Goliath’ Lands Job Offer in Europe
Bradley Marongo, better known as the “Gen Z Goliath,” due to his towering height was offered a job opportunity in a Serbian company.
Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu revealed the news, sharing that the company expressed interest in hiring Marongo, with an offer to cover his travel expenses to Serbia.
Marongo rose to fame during anti-government protests earlier this year, where his extraordinary height made him a viral sensation.
Since then, he has become a household name in Kenya, gaining attention from brands, media outlets, and now international employers. This new development could mark the start of an exciting chapter for the Kenyan man.
Also Big This Week
- Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti refuted claims that she was stranded in the United Kingdom (UK) after banks allegedly blocked a transaction involving millions of shillings. The allegations suggested that her son was detained smuggling Ksh679 million. Ndeti dismissed the allegations terming them politically motivated propaganda designed to distract her from her work in Machakos.
- Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei’s ex-lover Dickson Ndiema died at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret where he had been admitted to the Intensive care unit (ICU) after attacking the Ugandan Athlete by dousing her with petrol and setting her on fire.
- Directline Insurance Company which commanded the lion’s share of the motor commercial Public Service Vehicle (PSV) insurance market in Kenya announced that it will stop issuing insurance services with immediate effect
- Reports emerged that ex Presidential Candidate Mohamed Abduba Dida was incarcerated in a jail in the United States of America where he is serving seven years in prison after finding himself on the wrong side of the law following his conviction over two guilty offences of stalking and intimidation.
- Eight Kenyan athletes were among 22 individuals travelling in a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) matatu that collided with another PSV along the Eldoret- Nakuru Highway in the Ngata area, claiming the life of two individuals while 20 others sustained injuries.
- The fate of the ongoing Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti now hangs in the balance following reports that the United States (US) plans to have it replaced by a peacekeeping operation led by the United Nations (UN), with The Associated Press reporting that the US and Ecuador circulated a draft resolution asking the UN to begin planning for a peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led mission.
- Ruto flew out to the Federal Republic of Germany for a two-day official visit. State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement said that this visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relations between Kenya and Germany spanning over 60 years and is aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties.
Thank you for reading this week’s roundup! Stay tuned for more updates and keep engaging with us for the latest developments. Until next time, stay informed and stay inspired!
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