Smart Times

  NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 30... Suspension of Kenya Airways flights to Kinshasa comes as a result of countinued detention of KQ staff by Millitary intelligence unit in Kinshasa as the Kenya's National Carrier says its unable to support its flights without personel effectively. "We reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa effective 30th April 2024 until we can effectively support this flights" reads a statement by KQ. "The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities and generally ensuring safe, secure and efficient operations" the statement reads further. Kenya Airways adds that its cooperating with investigating Agencies and relevant government entities in both DRC and Kenya to ensure that the matter is resolved. "We ask the military court's direction that they be released to allow due process to be r

NAIROBI, Kenya , Apr 29... The government through the Ministry of Education has issued a statement extending opening dates for learners to resume their second term. This comes as the Ministry, corroborated with data from other relevant government agencies showed that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the ongoing rains. Second term opening dates were scheduled on  April 29 2024 but have been pushed to May 6 2024. "The devastating efffects of the rain in some of the schools is so severe that it will be imprudent to risk lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety of all affected school communities" reads a statement by Ministry of Education. "Based on this assessment Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week to 6th Monday 2024". Weather man on his part adds that rain will countiue to

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 28... The two employees at KQ Airport office in Kinshasha were arrested by Detection Millitaire Activities Anti patrie (DEMIAP) Millitary intelligence. "During the arrest their phones were seized and al access to them has been denied" reads a statement by KQ. The reason for their arrest was alledged missing custom documentation on valuable cargo that was to be transported on a KQ flight on April 12 , the said cargo was not uplifted or accepted by KQ due to incomplete documentation. On April 24th 2024 KQ filed an application in the millitart court for tye two to be released unconditionally , the court heard the matter on April 25 and granted KQ request that two staff members be released in due process.

PHOTO: Tano Digital Solutions Group CEO and Chairman , Wallen Towanda Mangere speaking during the launch at Nairobi Serena Hotel. NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 25... The digital service provider Tano has been in the journey of rebranding across Africa aiming to foster relationships, experience that build on driving digital experience while safeguarding its clients investments. The launch brought together industry leaders, CEO's and experts to discuss pressing cybersecurity challenges and share strategies for success in an increasingly digitized world. "Today 98 percent of Kenyans use mobile money and 65 percent have access to internet, Tano digital entrance into the Kenyan market signifies a pivotal moment in our nations digital journey" reads the speech of Paul Okwiri, CEO Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA). "With their innovative solutions, Tano digital will spearhead enhancement of digital trust in Africa due to their Pan-African resources and their experie

PHOTO: During the awards ceremony at Safari park hotel, Nairobi. NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 24... The award ceremony held on 23rd April 2024 at Safari park hotel, Nairobi marked the successful campaign and achievements featuring recognition and rewards for outstanding contribution from schools and pupils. Since its inception in June 2023, Step up and Shine campaign has played a pivotal role in educating students and pupils empowering them with valuable knowledge and skills while dedicated to promoting cleanliness and shoe care across the country. "This impactful school program has not only reinforced KIWI's commitment to product excellence but also to social responsibility and community engagement" said Kiwi team from SC Johnson. St George's primary school in Ruiru, Kiambu county emerged position one getting fully kitted computer lab, Joel Omimo primary school from Kisumu county came 2nd getting a school facelift. Furthermore, Mtomondoni primary school in Kilifi

PHOTO: Containers at the Port of Mombasa  NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 23... The Ports Authority in a notice to its customers said its Undertaking a port clean up exercise to free the yard areas and to maximize use of all spaces to enhance safe and efficient operations. "Following an equipment survey exercise conducted in the port of Mombasa, it has been observed that there are privately Owned idle equipment, stalled vehicles,tools and long stay empty containers lying idle within port premises and in sick bays" reads the Customer notice. Owners have been urged to make arrangements for their evacuation from the port premises within 14 days from the date of the notice and required to make payment of all charges due to the Authority prior to their evacuation. "Failure to comply with the notice, The ports Authority will dispose off the equipment, long stay containers in accordance with the Kenya ports Authority Act to defray any charges due in their respect without any fu

PHOTO: During the launch of Electric vehicle (EV) Charging station at Stima Plaza, Nairob i. NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 22... The investment is set for the next three years to drive the uptake of electric vehicles in the country ,it also includes cost of setting up charging stations of various locations across the country and the purchase of electric vehicles and motorbikes to aid company operations. In addition the company has launched an electric vehicle (EV) charging station located at stima plaza which has been set up at a cost of kshs 6.5 million, the charging station comprises two charges a 50 kW ( 1 hour charging time) and a 22 kW AC ( 2 hour charging time) charger it is the second EV charging station owned by Kenya power after Ruaraka depot which hosts the company's transport section. "Alongside our need to charge our electric vehicles we intend to use our EV charging stations to collect data that will inform the next steps of our support to the growin

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 19... Kenya Railways has notified the public that heavy rains has affected Thika- Mitubiri railway line. "As a result the Nanyuki safari train will not run on friday 19th April 2024, Our technical teams are on the ground to address the situation and restore the railway line for normal operations to resume" reads a statement by Kenya Railways. "The safety of our passengers is of paramount importance to us and we are doing everything to ensure the network is safe for operations".

PHOTO: A Fuel attendant fueling a vehicle. NAIROBI, Kenya  Apr 15... The maximum retail prices of petroleum products is set to be in force from 15th April 2024 to 14th May 2024. In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decrease by KShs.5.31 per litre, KShs.10.00 per litre and KShs.18.68 per litre respectively. Super Petrol set to retail at Ksh.193.84 per litre, Diesel Kshs.180.38 per litre and Kerosene Kshs 170.06 per litre. "The prices are inclusive of the 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020" reads a statement by EPRA. Reduction in fuel prices comes as Shilling countinues to gain against the dollar. President Ruto has further urge Kenyans to expect a massive drop in fuel prices in upcoming review by Energy and Petroleum

PHOTO: During the launch of Tujengane Campaign  NAIROBI,Kenya  Apr 12... The campaign is set to run from April to June 2024, seeking to reward and celebrate consumers by providing them with exciting opportunities to enrich their lives. "We are deeply committed to working closely with regulatory authorities to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of every product we offer".reiterated Mark Ocitti, Managing Director  KBL. Consumers above 18 years and National ID holders are invited to purchase any of the participating EABL spirit brands, that include Kenya Cane, Orijin, Triple Ace, Smirnoff, Kane Xtra, Chrome Gin, Chrome Vodka, Gilbey’s and Captain Morgan.  Each bottle has a unique code that consumers will be required to submit via the SMS number 20405, to enable them enter into a draw for a chance to win a range of prizes. “The prizes we are offering, represent our commitment to providing tangible benefits to our consumers.

PHOTO: NCCK During the Press briefing at Christian Students Leadership Centre, Ufungamano House Nairobi. NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 10... National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) led by General secretary Canon Chris Kinyanjui on 9th April 2024 held a press briefing on anticipated governance and electoral reforms proposed by National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recently passed by parliament and ready for its implementation. National Assembly Moses Wetangula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi have been urged to have the report published in a manner accessible to Kenyans. "The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in all counties to receive feedback from kenyan citizens and thereafter review parliamentary bills attendant to NADCO report to reflect wishes of people" reads a statement by NCCK. Furthermore the council call out National Assembly and The Senate over Non- adherence to Two-third gender rule. "We reiterate that failure to constitute Independe

PHOTO: Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary State Department of Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs addressing the media during a past function. NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 8... Payment set to commence on 8 April 2024 with 2.07 billion to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamiii programme and further 4.99 million set for Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) which is a complementary programme. Following a Presidential directive Inua Jamii Beneficiaries will be receiving their stipends through M-pesa as it started with orphans,vulnerable children and persons with severe disabilities Caregivers who acess their stipends by dialing *222#. Older persons Cash transfer beneficiaries will cointinue receiving their stipends through their Inua Jamii bank accounts. The Government programme 'Cash transfer initiative' Supports most vulnerable members of the community by providing them with stipend to cushion them from poverty ,hunger and improve their li

PHOTO: Head of Programming, MultiChoice Africa Holdings East, West and Southern Africa, Timothy Okwaro (L) Public Relations Manager MultiChoice Kenya, Elisha Kamau (C) ,Capacity Development Officer, Kenya Film Commission, John Kyalo (R). NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 5... Multichoice Kenya a leading entertainment and pay TV provider has called on more kenyans to support and grow local content during 2024 media showcase content. Some of the top local shows that have been recognized in the last few weeks include 'Kam U Stay' the best Tv comedy, Zari, for the best Tv drama and " The death of a Kenyan Heiress" episode of 'The last door' show by veteran journalist John Allan Namu that won in the best documentary feature. "As Kenyas most loved storyteller ,we are dedicated to spotlighting the increadible creativity and talent inherent in our nation ,we are witnessing a shifting trend in our viewers preference towards locally produced content" said Multich

NAIROBI,Kenya Apr 3... The whole of the Nation Approch Committee converned on 21st March 2024 and subsequently on 27 th March 2024 address the long standing matters that has bedeviled country's healthcare. "Nation Approach Committee isolated nineteen issues raised in the Notice for Industrial Action and thereafter classified and prioritize each issue ,further assigning responsibility to each tier of government" reads a statement. Six issues were classified to relate to National government mandate while nine issues were categorized to relate to county governments and four issues fell under concurrent mandate. Chief of staff and Head of public service Felix Koskei added that county governments are at various stages of addressing issues raised in respect to respective counties ,on the other part National government measures set out have been undertaken in fulfillment of its obligation.  Facilitated payment of Basic Salary Arrears accrued by National government an