Author: NLM Correspondent

Tragedy struck Mradi Village in Embakasi, Nairobi, as a gas plant explosion rocked the peaceful community. The aftermath revealed a grim toll: three lives lost and 222 individuals injured. Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, in a statement, explained that the incident occurred around 11:30 pm, triggered by a lorry carrying gas cylinders that erupted into a massive fireball, causing widespread destruction. “Yesterday (Thursday) at around 11:30 pm, there was a huge explosion at Mradi area, in Embakasi, Nairobi County. One Lorry loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely,” Mwaura said. The impact extended beyond the…

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has addressed the recent delays in passport issuance, attributing them to printing machine failures and a surge in demand for travel documents. On Thursday, February 1, Mwaura acknowledged challenges with the existing printing machine at Nyayo House and announced the procurement of two new machines to tackle the issue. The spokesperson urged Kenyans to be patient, assuring that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki would launch the new machines soon, facilitating the issuance of 100,000 passports. Mwaura emphasized the significant backlog faced by the Ministry of Interior, highlighting the high demand for passports and the need to…

A petition filed with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has thrust Chief Justice Martha Koome into a contentious spotlight, as petitioner Michael Kojo Otieno demands her removal from office, citing alleged legal violations. In the petition seen by Nairobi Law Monthly, Otieno contends that Chief Justice Koome failed to adhere to the law in the appointment of members to the tax appeal tribunal. He further emphasizes the critical need for judicial officers to uphold a special and revered position, calling for scrupulous care in adhering to the judicial code to maintain the integrity of the Judicial Service. The petitioner, Kojo,…

The government has issued a set of stringent orders for operators of short-term rentals, including popular platforms like Airbnb, in response to recent safety concerns. In the meeting chaired by the Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, the statement indicated that security guards would be required to also note the time of entry and exit, along with the temporary retention of visitors’ identification documents. These directives outlined in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 31, indicated that effective immediately, security guards at short-term accommodations should record the identification details of every individual entering the premises. To…

The Nairobi County Assembly is facing backlash for its intention to spend Sh30 million on acquiring a new modern mace and a security vault. Tender documents obtained by the Nairobi Law Monthly reveal that the assembly is set to purchase an 18-carat gold-plated mace, drawing sharp public scrutiny. The official tender notice issued by the Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board outlines the procurement objectives, stating, “proposed construction of an armory, and acquisition of the state-of-the-art mace and security vaults for the Nairobi City County Assembly.” The mace, according to specifications, will weigh between 10kg to 10.5kg, standing at approximately…

State House and the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) have emerged at the forefront of a damning report on government entities plagued by the presence of ghost workers. The report, released recently, points to a concerning trend of unauthorized personnel within these prominent institutions. Contrary to New KCC’s clarification that the alleged ghost workers were on fixed-term contracts, the report exposes a widespread issue across various government agencies. A staggering excess of 19,467 personnel beyond the approved filled vacancies was identified through scrutinizing staff registers. The financial implications of this ghost worker phenomenon are alarming. For the 2023/2024 financial year, the…

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has applauded the government’s plan to extend the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) from Nakuru to Kisumu. He expressed his anticipation of a flourishing lake transport system. In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Nyong’o emphasized the potential of this initiative, spearheaded by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, to invigorate businesses throughout the region. He highlighted that the extension of SGR to the lakeside city will significantly enhance transport services in Lake Victoria, fostering both everyday travel and commercial activities. “This is good news because the project will greatly improve transport services between Kisumu and Uganda besides supporting…

The U.S. military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) has presented the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) with advanced protective equipment valued at Sh220 million (USD $1.38 million). The handover ceremony, held at Kahawa Barracks, on Tuesday, January 30, featured the delivery of 6,730 cutting-edge pieces of equipment designed to elevate the safety and capabilities of KDF service members. The donation comprises soft body armor and ballistic helmets, strategically engineered to safeguard against small arms fire. Additionally, the inclusion of ballistic plates, capable of withstanding heavier ammunition, enhances the protective capabilities crucial for the security and efficiency of Kenya’s military personnel. These advanced items…

A recent Afrobarometer report sheds light on Kenya’s struggles in combating crime compared to its East African counterparts, Tanzania and Uganda. The comprehensive survey aimed to gauge citizens’ sentiments on various aspects of law enforcement, including police presence, professionalism, corruption, criminal activity, police brutality, and overall police performance. The outcomes suggest that perceptions of police professionalism are not significantly correlated with police presence, contact during officer-citizen interactions, or other factors. When evaluating police presence, Uganda scored 70 percent in urban regions and 40 percent in rural areas, slightly outperforming Kenya, which scored 68 percent in urban and 40 percent in…

Recent revelations from the Public Service Commission (PSC) expose a pervasive trend where 202 out of 650 civil servants used forged academic documents to secure jobs. This has forced the Kenya Railways (KR), Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to take stringent actions against the implicated employees. In the year leading up to June 2023, an additional 58 individuals caught with fake academic papers chose to resign, according to the PSC. Startlingly, the report exposes a prevalent trend where civil servants managed to secure jobs and promotions using falsified academic and professional credentials. Kenya…