Author: NLM Correspondent

The Moja Expressway Company, responsible for managing the Nairobi Expressway, has temporarily suspended toll services at the Mlolongo, Syokimau, and SGR Toll Stations. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing demonstrations in the area. In a statement shared on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the company assured its clients that efforts were underway to restore normalcy to the affected expressway section. Amidst the protests, a group of demonstrators succeeded in pulling down the barrier near Mlolongo, Nairobi, disrupting the flow of traffic along the expressway and further increasing accidents risk. This act has further complicated the situation and prompted authorities…

The use of the country’s national anthem, flag or any other national symbol for professional and commercial purposes may soon be a crime punishable in court, if a Bill seeking to safeguard them from abuse is approved by Parliament. The Senate, in a Bill sponsored by Baringo senator William Cheptumo, wants all individuals or entities found misusing the national anthem or the national flag penalized, fined or punished in court. Cheptumo, who is also the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence, argues that both the anthem and the flag are symbols of national unity and…

Kenya has been in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent times, with growing inflation making livings costs unbearable for most, soaring interest rates, and runaway joblessness as macro-economic factors drive businesses down.  Many Kenyans are now actively looking outside the country’s border for better personal and business prospects, with the country’s uber rich opting to leave the country to settle elsewhere. Kenyans are demanding more and better from their government but the government does not seem to have many options – recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it was implementing a plan to help Kenyans get jobs abroad. …

Former Health Principal Secretary Peter Tum, currently serving in the Youth Affairs and Sports docket int he same capacity, has denied any involvement in the controversial Ksh3.7 billion procurement scandal that engulfed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).  Testifying before the Senate Committee on Health that is currently investigating alleged irregularities in the purchase of mosquito nets, Tum distanced himself from the tendering process, which was abruptly terminated after it was revealed that Kemsa had selected an unqualified bidder for the Global Fund. Tum said that the responsibility for the procurement fell squarely under the State Department for Public Health…

‘Creation of additional Chief Administrative Secretary posts did not adhere to the democratic principle of public participation’ In the second high-profile case in as many weeks, the High Court has declared the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) unconstitutional. Justice Hedwig Ong’udi’s decisions is pegged on the lack of public participation in the appointment process of 27 additional CAS posts, highlighting a failure on the part of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to fulfill its mandate. The absence of public involvement, Justice Ong’udi ruled, signals a violation of constitutional principles. Public participation is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, ensuring…

Auditor-General’s report raises important questions on the accountability and sustainability of Kenya’s public debt expenditure In a recent series of audits, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has raised the alarm on the non-accountability and sustainability of Kenya’s public debt expenditure, pointing to, among others, the payment of commitment fees on undrawn amounts and the non-disclosure of various financial obligations. According to a House committee report obtained by Nairobi Law Monthly, one of the critical issues highlighted by the Auditor General is the inclusion of public debt as a mere annexure in the Consolidated Fund Statement of Expenditure, without comprehensive financial statements providing…

Respondents to a recent survey feel Russia’s is committing war crimes in Ukraine, contrary to International law Most Africans believe that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is against the principles of international law. This is according to a study conducted by research company Ipsos which showed that about 76% of those polled believe the invasion was unjustified. The poll was conducted ahead of the African Peace Initiative visit to Kyiv and Moscow, the upcoming Russia/Africa meetings in St. Petersburg, and the BRICS Summit in South Africa in August. Ipsos argues that of those interviewed, a majority felt that the Russian invasion…

Osinde’s mutilated body was recovered from River Kuja three days after he was reported missing but identity remained unknown until kin verified it The decomposing body of Tom Osinde, a former National Treasury employee who had been missing for days, was discovered in the Kuja River in Migori County. Police confirmed that Mr Osinde’s body was recovered on June 22, 2023, three days after he was reported missing. However, the officials at the mortuary had been unaware of his identity upon receiving the body. Enock Nemwel Osinde, Osinde’s younger brother, verified that the body found indeed belonged to the former…

The newly launched Convicted Sexual Offenders Register marks a significant boost towards curbing sexual crimes. The initiative, which falls under the third pillar of the judiciary’s transformation agenda, aims to enhance accountability, expedite justice, and protect vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders. The Sexual Offenders Register, established under the Sexual Offences Act, has long served as a critical database containing records of all convicted sexual offenders. However, the lack of reliable and accessible data on these crimes’ prevalence, patterns, and trends and their perpetrators has posed a significant challenge in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child abuse. Chief Justice…

Regulator announced a sharp rise in the base interest rates to fight inflation pressure The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Kenya’s Central Bank is set to raise the Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 9.5% to 10.5%, in response to persistent inflationary pressures and global uncertainties. According to a statement signed by CBK governor Kamau Thugge, the decision was made during the MPC meeting held on June 26, 2023, where the committee reviewed the outcomes of previous measures implemented to mitigate economic impacts and financial disruptions. Inflation in Kenya has been on the rise, reaching 8% in May 2023 compared to…