13 bodies found, 50 feared dead in Nakumatt fire

By our correspondents, Jan 30, 2009
At least 11 bodies have today been retrieved from the scene of the Nakumatt supermarket inferno. The bodies were discovered at a particular corner of the supermarket by Red Cross emergency recovery team. The recovery team who have been on sight since Wednesday were seen entering the razed building carrying body bags. More>>>

Personal tale of bravery: Mr Jeremiah Omoyo, 28, escaped death narrowly by jumping from the roof of Nakumatt Downtown supermarket. More>>>

How coach James Nandwa cheated death

By Robin Toskin, Jan 30 2009
For James Nandwa, January 28 would be etched in his memory for a very long time. The Tusker FC coach and immediate former Harambee Stars assistant coach, cheated death by a whisker, but not before a daredevil effort to wriggle out from the inferno that consumed Nakumatt. More>>

Wajackoyah's Jewish date: Professor George Wajackoyah has been invited to speak on the "Causes of Poverty in Kenya" at the Congregation of B'nai Israel in California on March 14. More>>>

World Bank to fund Mumias water project

By Joel Okwayo, Jan 30 2009
The World Bank will spend Sh1.1 billion on a water and sanitation project in Mumias municipality. Mumias District Development Committee (DDC) has mandated the Ministry of Water and a local sewerage company to implement the project, set to begin in June, after identification of a contractor. More>>>

Mt Elgon leaders want land allocations nullified

By Bernard Kwalia, Jan 30 2009
Mt Elgon leaders want all land allocations at the entire Chebyuk Settlement Scheme nullified. They also want the government to vet squatters afresh to end land-related clashes in which more than 1,000 people were killed recently. Members of the clergy, council of elders, professionals and other leaders told a taskforce appointed to look into land disputes in the area that it should concentrate on Phases I and II of the settlement. More>>>

Children die as a nation starves and a city mall burns

By our correspondents, Jan 29 2009
Four children are said to have died of hunger in Wajir and Mwingi districts in the past week. Kenya Red Cross statistics indicate that three cases of starvation were reported in Wajir six days ago. More>>>

Fire guts city mall: Meanwhile the latest number of people missing from the Wednesday fire at a Nairobi supermarket has now risen to 34. Police say that they are investigating only four cases so far. More>>>

Pamela Mboya is dead

By our correspondents, Jan 27 2009
Pamela Mboya, widow of Tom Mboya, died yesterday in a South African hospital where she had been undergoing treatment, family members said. Pamela, 70, died 40 years after her husband, then Economic Planning Minister, was assassinated in one of independent Kenya’s most enduring murder mysteries. More>>>

Pamela's death a setback to unravelling Mboya's assasination

By our correspondents, Jan 28 2009
The death of Pamela Mboya could be a setback to efforts to unravel the murder of her husband. Relatives and friends of former Planning Minister Thomas Joseph Mboya yesterday said Pamela was planning to push for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission so that Kenyans could finally get to know why Mboya was murdered in cold blood in July 1969. More>>>

The late Pamela Mboya who died in South Africa on Monday while undergoing treatment. She was 70.

Journalist goes missing

A freelance journalist has gone missing. The disappearance of Mr Francis Kainda 13 days ago in Nyamira has caused panic among relatives and his colleagues. His disappearance has been reported to Nyamira Police Station. More>>>

300 families starving in Bunyala

By Stephen Makabila, Jan 27 2009
Over 300 families displaced by floods in Bunyala District last November are faced with starvation. The families, camping at Budalangi Primary School, said they received the last relief food on Boxing Day, last year, and claimed the Government had abandoned them since then. "Each family was given four kilogrammes of rice and that was the last time we received relief food," said Mr Thomas Ouma, on Monday. More>>>

A nation starves amid scandals

By our correspondents, Jan 28 2009
The frail woman can neither sit nor stand, apparently drained of all energy due hunger. Ms Ethuuko Nangole, whom our team met on the Lodwar-Kalokol highway, with all the energy she can muster repeatedly whispers: "I haven’t eaten for the past three days". More>>>

History as Justice Aluoch goes to the Hague

By Susan Anyangu, Jan 26 2009
Kenya’s Appellate Judge Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch has been appointed as a judge to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Justice Aluoch trounced renowned judges from across the world to capture one of the highly coveted positions. Speaking from New York, Aluoch expressed delight and shock at the appointment. Said she: "I do not know what to say. This is God’s miracle." More>>>

Raila not paid salary for nine months

By our correspondents, Jan 26 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has worked for nine months without pay following a dispute in top government administrative circles over his salary scale, the Nation can reveal. The embarrassing situation is also being blamed on failure by MPs to give direction on the trappings of the Prime Minister’s office. More>>>

Khalwale, Namwamba lead onslought against Kimunya

By our correspondent, Jan 26 2009
Parliament will petition House Speaker Kenneth Marende to rule on the return of Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya to the Cabinet. Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale said he would seek the Speaker’s ruling on the legality of Kimunya’s return despite the fact that the Cockar Commission had agreed with a decision taken by a House committee. More>

Youth campaign against negative ethnicity

By our correspondents, Jan 26 2009
Youths who lost parents and relatives to the post election violence in Molo district have launched a campaign against negative ethnicity. At a ceremony held at Ngenia Farm on the boarder of Molo and Kuresoi constituencies, the youths resolved to address communal and social disputes, ethnic hostilities and mistrust between their communities through dialogue. More>>>

Ruto dissolves cereals board amid scandals

By Oliver Mathenge, Jan 26 2009
The government has dissolved the National Cereals and Produce Board after carrying out an audit on its operations and structure. All current managers have also been sent home and the management structure reduced from 14 to four. Five new members have been appointed to the board. They are: Andrian Wekulo Mukhebi, Elias Barree Shill, Rozaah Akinyi Buyu, Mohamed Islam Ali and Timothy Kipkorir Busienei. More>>>

Namwamba denies role in maize scandal

By our correspondent, Jan 26 2009
Legislators Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i) and Joshua Kutuny (Cherengany) say they are not involved in the maize scandal and called on police to conduct thorough investigation. The MPs said at the weekend the rumours linking them to the theft were politically instigated by people out to assassinate their character. More>>>

Kibaki nearly sacks Wekesa

By Joseph Murimi, Jan 23 2009
Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa has apologised to Prime Minister Raila Odinga for linking him to the country’s food crisis. Dr Wekesa had on Wednesday asked Raila to resign, saying he had neglected his duties and failed the country over the maize scandal. But yesterday, Wekesa made an abrupt withdrawal of the statement after he was allegedly reprimanded during the Cabinet meeting. More>>>

Sack corrupt ministers - Envoy

By our correspondent, Jan 23 2009
The Canadian High Commissioner has urged the Government to address corruption allegations against public officials. Mr Ross Hynes yesterday urged the Government to investigate those behind scandals. More>>>

Three ex.MPs on corruption charges

By Judy Ogutu, Jan 23 2009
Former Government Chief Whip Norman Nyaga and three former MPs have been taken to court for allegedly paying themselves allowances amounting to Sh14 million. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) swung into action this week and filed civil suits against former MPs Nyaga (Kamukunji), Mr John Sambu (Mosop) Dr Abdullahi Ali and Mr Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache). KACC says the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) paid the former legislators. More>>>

Kimunya returns

By Anthony Kariuki, Jan 23 2009
Former Finance minister Amos Kimunya has returned to Cabinet to head the Trade docket in a reshuffle. The President, in consultations with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has also named Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta as Finance minister. Orange Democratic Movement's Franklin Bett becomes Roads minister. More>>>

UK economy in recession

The UK is now in recession for the first time since 1991, official government figures have confirmed. More>>>

Kenya now a 'superpower' - Wetangula

By our correspondents, Jan 22 2009
The inauguration of President Barack Obama was celebrated at an all-African party in suburban Washington at which Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula joked that Kenya is now seen by some as a “superpower” because “our brother has ascended to the highest office on the globe.” More>>>

Ingwe Open Day planned

By our correspondent, Jan 22 2009
A major member recruitment drive is planned for Saturday 31st January 2009 during the first Ingwe Open Day to be held at Nairobi Railways Club starting 9am till 5pm. The all day event will also showcase AFC Leopards recently unveiled products and programs to members of the public and the entire AFC fraternity. More>>>

Fish stocks dwindle in western

By Cosmas Butunyi, Jan 22 2009
Lake Victoria’s fish stocks are under threat as fishermen have enhanced their operations to alleviate hunger. There have been a significant increase in pressure on the lake in the recent past according to assistant fisheries director in western Kenya Michael Obadha. He said there were more fishermen and fishing crafts in the water body, which is faced with the problem of dwindling fish stocks. More>>>

Teachers arrested

By KNA, Jan 22 2009
Three Kenya National Union of Teachers Nandi Central branch officials were yesterday arrested in Kapsabet town after a rally they were holding was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Sylvester Talam, Reuben Kemboi and Zipporah Kering were seized outside KNUT offices in Kapsabet. More...

Obama warns corrupt African govts

By our correspondent, Jan 21 2009
President Barack Obama’s inaugural speech carried stinging pointers to corruption that could have given Kenya’s coalition government discomfort at a time when it is reeling from several scandals. Obama’s inauguration, significant to Kenya because of his ancestry that is traced to K’Ogelo village in Siaya District, had unflattering words to any government that dabbles in corrupt activity. More>>>

Cometh the moment: President Obama talks to his step mum, Kezia at Capitol Hill after enthronement as the 44th US president.

Click here to read Obama's full inaugural speech

Western schools paralysed by strike

By our correspondent, Jan 21 2009
Teachers took to the streets in Kakamega, Bungoma and Mumias towns as learning in public schools was paralysed. In Bungoma, anti-riot police tried to block demonstrating teachers from making their way to Bungoma South DC’s office. More>>>

Aggrey Kisanya is dead

By our correspondent, Jan 19 2009
Former Kenya Revenue Authority Assistant Commissioner Aggrey Kisanya is dead. Mr Kisanya was laid to rest at his home in Lunya village, Sabatia, Vihiga District. Speaking during the burial, area MP, Musalia Mudavadi who is also deputy Prime Minister and minister for Local Government petitioned the Government to suspend some development projects and re-direct the resources to fighting famine. More>>>

Just who is a Luo?

By Philip Ochieng, Jan 18 2009
On Tuesday, a “Luo” individual will become the most powerful man in the world. A Luo? Of course. Why else would Kenya’s lakeland community be so electrified by Barack Obama’s impending anointment as the commander-in-chief of the world’s only superpower? More>>>

Teachers strike turns rowdy

By our correspondent, Jan 19 2009
An effective strike by teachers nationwide began to take its toll on Monday as teachers boycotted work to demand a two-phase salary increment. The strike in Nairobi turned chaotic as pupils in Muslim Primary in Kawangware went into rampage smashing windows and destroying property of unknown value. Two pupils were injured and taken to nearby hospital by their parents. More>>>

It doesn't get bigger than this for anyone

By our correspondent, Jan 19 2009
An unprecedented security operation has been launched in and around Washington DC as Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the first American black President . More>>>

Two policemen killed

By our correspondents, Jan 19 2009
Two police officers were at the weekend killed in separate incidents in Nairobi. A traffic policeman was run over by a speeding matatu at the Globe Cinema Roundabout yesterday at about 7am, as he approached an accident scene. The second officer, an Administration Policeman, was stabbed to death in a robbery in Kibera slums. More>>>

Corruption in Form One

By our correspondent, Jan 19 2009
Principals of national secondary schools have been instructed to submit five blank admission forms to Ministry of Education officials, The Standard has learnt while provincial schools have been instructed to submit between 15 to 20 blank forms. More>>>

Ex Kamusinga principal appointed envoy

By INGONEWS & agencies, Jan 15 2009
Mr Simeon Nabukwesi, a former Kamusinga High School principal has been appointed Kenya's High Commissioner to Canada in a long overdue diplomatic reshuffle that also saw Mr Anthony Andanje promoted to the level of ambassador based at the ministry of foreign affairs where he will also be director, International Organisation Divisions. The changes in the diplomatic service have attracted scrutiny and controversy with ODM crying foul over imbalanced appointments in favour of PNU. INGONEWS understands that some diplomats in Europe are resisting moves to retire or recall them back to Kenya. Last weekend, the principal counsel at the Kenya High Commission in London, Dr Abel Kenyoru was put on a plane back to Nairobi at Heathrow after his diplomatic visa was cancelled under circumstances that are yet unclear. More>>>

Stock market bearish as CMA chief quits

By James Anyanzwa, Jan 15 2009
Professor Chege Waruingi has resigned as chairman of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). His abrupt departure comes amid falling investor confidence in the equity market, barely two months after the exit of Chris Mwebesa as the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) boss. More>>>

Cracks appear in Kuppet

By our correspondents, Jan 15 2009
The West Pokot Kuppet branch has accused the national office of making rogue decisions on the teachers’ salary debate. Branch officials claimed Kuppet entered an ‘illegal’ agreement with the Government. More>>>

Team to manage coalition named

By Bernard Namunane, Jan 15 2009
A top-level 12-member team was on Thursday named to streamline the affairs of the Grand Coalition Government amid fears that it could collapse before 2012. The decision by the President and the PM to appoint the high-powered team drawn from coalition partners - the Party of National Unity and the Orange Democratic Movement - comes against a backdrop of teething problems and differences that have threatened to tear apart the fabric that has held the Government together for the last nine months. More>>>

Scramble for petrol in Western

By Barnabas Bii, Jan 15 2009
There was scramble for petroleum products in western Kenya on Tuesday as oil dealers rushed to stock the commodity amid fears of looming shortage. The demand for fuel in the region rose from 7.5 million litres to 9 million litres. “Most dealers rushed to purchase fuel resulting in an increased demand of 1.4 million litres,” Kenya pipeline acting manager in charge of the region Xavier Baraza disclosed. More>>>

Hierarchical tree of Manyala's Balubanga clan published

By Otiato Opali, Jan 14 2009
A hierachical study of the Balubanga clan of the Manyala people of Busia has been compiled by Otiato Opali. The Manyala border the Luo of Siaya district, Nyadorera village and spread all the way to the calm shores of Lake Victoria at Port Victoria in what is known as the Budalang’i division. They are legendary fishermen just as they are good agrarians and livestock keepers. Among the Manyala, there exists several clans. These include the Bamurembo, Babongo, Balubanga, and Basinyama among others. The Balubanga are spread in sizeable pockets across Budalang’i and some are even said to be in Uganda. More>>>

Kakamega hospital to get Chinese help

By PPS, Jan 14 2009
Kakamega Hospital is among the beneficiaries of Shs380m Chinese grant to upgrade hospitals across the country. Yesterday, President Mwai Kibaki thanked China for its willingness to build a hospital in Eastlands, Nairobi which will de-congest Kenyatta National Hospital and serve as a modern anti-malarial centre for the densely populated eastern parts of the city. Other beneficiaries are Nyamira, Nyeri and Malindi hospitals. More>>>

Interpol enlisted in hunt for Triton boss

By our correspondents, Jan 14 2009
Police have launched a manhunt for Triton Oil Company boss in connection with the Sh7.6 billion scandal on the day President Kibaki summoned the Energy minister to discuss the issue. Also being sought is a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) manager who ordered last year’s stoppage of fuel pumping for stocktaking in December. As the saga continues to unfold, The Standard has established that KPC is currently holding 76 million litres it says belong to the National Oil Company, but our investigations indicate the consignment belongs to a foreign company. More>>>

House to probe maize scandal

By our correspondents, Jan 14 2009
Parliament will probe the alleged multi-million shilling scandals involving maize starting next week. It also emerged the Government was planning a purge in the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to pave way for investigations. An official at the Ministry of Agriculture hinted yesterday at the impending changes that could see some top officials at the NCPB fired. More>>>

The high, the mighty and the corrupt: Mr Yagnesh Devani (second right) with from left PM Raila Odinga, former VP Moody Awori and Deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta when Triton company launched its operations in Kenya in 2006.

Just who is Yagnesh Devani?

By our correspondents, Jan 14 2009
The man whose extradition is being sought by the Government in connection with the Sh7.6 billion oil scandal is a 43-year-old businessman whose ambition was to join the elite club of the richest people in the world. Mr Yagnesh Devani (left) told friends that he aspired to emulate the achievements of the Reliance brothers with a fortune estimated to be $49 billion (about Sh3.7 trillion). More>>>

One dead, 10 homes torched in Manganga village

By Benson Amadala, Jan 14 2009
Police are holding 12 people in connection with an incident in which a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death and 10 houses set on fire at Manganga Village in Kakamega East District. . The incident took place at Manganga Village in Ileho Division at the weekend. More>>>

Violence tribunal hits a snag over 'guilty' ministers

By our correspondents, Jan 14 2009
The Serena team that negotiated the agreement that ended post-election violence after the 2007 General Election ran into a roadblock when they met to fine-tune the law that will guide the formation of a tribunal to try post-election offenders. Four of the eight members of the team had met yesterday to finalise the tribunal’s legal framework, but the meeting ended abruptly over what Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua called "weighty issues". More>>>

Outrage as Eldoret water firm ups tariff

By Vincent Bartoo, Jan 14 2009
Outrage has greeted an increase in water tariffs by the Eldoret Water and Sewerage Company (Eldowas). Residents protested at the move, which is aimed at harmonising tariffs of water companies under the Lake Victoria North Water Services Board. Other firms in the harmonisation programme include Nzoia, Western, Amati and Kapsabet Water Services companies. The board’s Chief Executive Officer Diru Magomere ordered the increments in a letter to the six companies. More>>>

Mumias gets 'cheap' maize

By our correspondents, Jan 13 2009
The National Cereals and Produce Board will supply 40,000 bags of maize to Mumias residents at a subsidised price of Sh19 per kilogramme. On Monday, NCPB opened a maize depot in the area, where it started selling 2,000 bags of the initial consignment of the cereal to wananchi at the old Mumias Municipal Council offices. District commissioner Ann Ng’etich officially launched the new depot, where the public was restricted to buying only one bag of 50 kilogrammes at Sh950. More>>>

Oil crisis looms as Kenya Pipeline faces bankruptcy

By our correspondents, Jan 13 2009
The country’s oil industry was on the brink of a major crisis on Monday as the Government made frantic efforts to protect Kenya Pipeline Company from possible bankruptcy proceedings. The pipeline is critical to operations of oil industries in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and eastern Congo. Three major international oil trading companies that finance petroleum imports into the region risk losing Sh7.6 billion. More>>>

Cabinet is corrupt - Karua

By Muchiri Gitonga, Jan 13 2009
Justice minister Martha Karua has accused her Cabinet colleagues of corruption. She said the (anti-corruption) law was never followed during the formation of the grand coalition Cabinet, resulting in a mixture of good and bad leaders in the present Government. Ms Karua, who was speaking at Red Soil ACK church in Mwea Division on Sunday, said the Government must bring to an end cartels in maize, energy and other sectors. The minister said the conflict between Raila and Muthaura was unfortunate. More>>>

Wetangula to miss Obama inauguration

By our correspondents, Jan 13 2009
Six MPs who will travel to Washington, DC, will not witness the installation of US President-elect Barack Obama. The team, to be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula, will be restricted only to side events, as they have no official invitation. On Monday, Wetangula said the MPs would only attend the African bash, organised by African diplomats in Washington. More>

Mt Elgon widows tell tales of destruction and death

By Anderson Ojwang, Jan 13 2009
Months after a sustained military operation in Mt Elgon, a dark cloud hovers over most homesteads. The exercise to mop up suspected militias left in its trail widows as the heads of almost every other household. They say their husbands were either killed by the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia or by the soldiers who carried out Operation Okoa Maisha. The widows tell stories of grief and fear. More>>>

Vegetable prices go up by 150% in Kisumu

By Winsley Masese, Jan 13 2009
The cost of vegetables has risen by more than 100 per cent in Kisumu. The price increment comes at a time when residents are coming to terms with high cost of maize flour. The Standard has learnt that a bunch of kales (sukuma wiki) that cost Sh20 in November last year, now costs Sh40. A cabbage that went for Sh10 is now retailing at Sh25 while a sack of sukuma wiki has risen from Sh700 to Sh2,200. More>>>

A client in a modern salon and Flora Health and Fitness salon wing.

Modern salon for men and women

The FH&FC offers affordable rates to enable many to enjoy the facility. It opens from 8am to 9pm every day except weekends and public holidays when the doors open at 10am and close at 8pm. There is ample security and parking. It is centrally located and suitable for all types of clients irrespective of age, gender or race.

Who says you can't keep fit in Kakamega? Modern gym facilities at Flora Health and Fitness Club.

Journey of a thousand miles begins with...

By George Olwenya, Jan 12 2009
Mama Sarah Obama has started her journey to the US to witness the swearing-in of her grandson Barack Obama as the 44th American President. And she is not travelling empty-handed. As a grandmother, she is carrying special gifts for her grandson - a Luo traditional three-legged stool, a flywhisk and a shield, which are symbols of leadership. "I wanted to give him a spear too, but I have been told that due to security reasons, I will not be allowed to board a plane with it," Mama Sarah told The Standard. More>>>

Busia APs housed

By our correspondent, Jan 12 2009
The first phase of the construction of houses for Administration Police officers in Busia District has been completed. Area district commissioner Gitonga Mwiandi said the Sh1.6 million houses would be occupied by 10 officers. More>>>

Obama's granny, Sarah begins her journey at Kisumu airport to US to bear witness to the historical inauguration of her her grandson as the 44th US president.

Saitoti for president

By Peter Opiyo, Jan 12 2009
Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has declared his intention of vying for the presidency in 2012. More>>>

Farmers uneasy about maize imports

By Jackson Okoth, Jan 12 2009
The arrival of cheaper imported maize in the country is expected to push down retail prices, providing relief to cash strapped consumers. But this news is causing discomfort and drawing sharp criticism from farmers and key stakeholders in the cereals sector. More>>>

Toxic cassava poisons Mumias family

By our correspondent, Jan 12 2009
A mother of seven and her children, the oldest of who is 12 years, were admitted to a Mumias hospital after they ate toxic cassava. Ms Jackline Auma, a widow, and the children became unconscious soon after consuming the cassava meal for lunch. It is then that villagers took them to the Ahmaddiya health centre in East Wanga Division. Dr Idd Hussein, who attended to the victims, said the cassava had toxic substance. More>>>

Two parastatal MDs sacked

By our correspondent, Jan 12 2009
Kenya Pipeline Company managing director George Okungu and his Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) counterpart Ong’ong’a Achieng’ were sacked on Friday over allegations of financial irregularities in the two organisations. And as the Government promised investigations, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, Dr Bonny Khalwale, argued that the net should be widened so that culpability was shared by accounting officers of parent ministries of the parastatals under investigations. More>>>

Top diplomat deported

By KLN, Jan 12 2009
The Principal Counsel at the Kenya High Commission in London, Dr Abel Kenyoru, recently retired from his position as Deputy High Commissioner was on Friday night put on a plane back to Nairobi after arriving back from a Christmas break at home. More>>>

Shs600m looted from Nzoia Sugar

By Robert Wanyonyi, Jan 9 2009
Internal auditors at the Nzoia Sugar Company (NSC) are investigating the alleged disappearance of more than Sh600 million from the firm’s reserve account. The loss is believed to have occurred in the past year. The company’s reserve account, which has since been closed pending investigations, had over Sh800 million but now has Sh200 million. More>>>

Nzoia Sugar MD sacked over fraud

By our correspondent, Jan 9 2009
Mr Francis Oyatsi has been been sacked as the managing director of Nzoia Sugar Company following allegations that a whooping shs600 million disappeared under his management. He has been replaced by Mr Saul Wasilwa, previously company secretary. It is understood that between February and July last year, the company overdrew Sh600 million cash from its fixed deposit account without approval from the board. In replacing Oyatsi, Board chairman Burudi Nabwera said the company had taken into consideration the operating debt of the company as well as other matter touching on the firm’s finances. More>>>

Fury as it emerges ministers guarded by prison warders

By Cyrus Ombati, Jan 9 2009
Prison warders seconded to ministers and other VIPs as bodyguards and drivers have been recalled. The warders will be required to perform other duties at the prisons department, officials said yesterday. The close to 200 officers have been given up to next week to report to prison headquarters for re-allocation of duties, a circular seen by The Standard read in part. Sources said the warders have been performing duties not meant for them. More>>>

E-service for IDs, passports launched

By Oliver Mathenge, Jan 9 2009
The Government has launched a new electronic service to track the application of identification cards (IDs) and passports. The project known as “e-service” allows one to query the issuance of IDs and passports by sending a short message service (SMS) to the tracking number 2031 or 2032. From the SMS, Kenyans will know what is needed to apply and also track the processing of the documents. More>>>

Money divides and rules teacher unions

By our correspondents, Jan 9 2009
The stage is set for a split between the two teacher unions over the Government’s Sh17.3 billion salary increase offer. And the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), the bigger of the two unions, may finally have met its match in Education Minister Sam Ongeri. The union rejected the minister’s salary offer that was to be paid in three years and called its members on strike from January 19. Its rival, Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), which had set a strike date for January 15, has accepted the pay raise. More>>>

KQ man charged with drug smuggling in UK

By our correspondents, Jan 9 2009
A Kenya Airways crew member has been charged with attempting to smuggle cocaine into the UK through Heathrow Airport. Mr Jack Onyango Gradus, 29, was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency when he arrived on a flight from Kenya last Saturday. He was accused of carrying seven and a half kilogrammes of cocaine worth £300,000 (Sh35.1 million) in his luggage. More>>>

Security alert: Beware spiked business cards

Torbay, Jan 8 2009
A man came over and offered his services as a painter to a female putting petrol in her car and left his card.  She said no, but accepted his card out of kindness and got in the car.  The man then got into a car driven by another gentleman.  As the lady left the service station, she saw the men following her out of the station at the same time.  Almost immediately, she started to feel dizzy and could not catch her breath.  She tried to open the window and realized that the odour was on her hand; the same hand which accepted the card from the gentleman at the service station. She then noticed the men were immediately behind her and she felt she needed to do something at that moment.  She drove into the first driveway and began to honk her horn repeatedly to ask for help. The men drove away but the lady still felt pretty bad for several minutes after she could finally catch her breath.  Apparently, there was a substance on the card that could have seriously injured her. 

Rite of passage dons for young Kiboi:
A group photograph of the guests invited to witness the rite of passage for young Santos Kiboi Ngeywa who has fulfilled the cultural requirements to be admitted into the men's club. Santos, 8, is the the first born of Mr Leonard Boiyo from Mt Elgon and Veronica Boiyo (nee Mukuna) from Ebutongoi in Bunyore. To celebrate Santos big day, his parents hosted lunch for friends and family at their London home on Sunday, January 4 2009.

CLICK HERE to view more photos

New media law to be scrapped

By our correspondents, Jan 8 2009
Information minister Samuel Poghisio got an unlikely chance on Wednesday to redeem his dented image of an anti-media crusader - courtesy of the President. For the second time in as many years, President Kibaki heeded the calls of Kenyans and the media fraternity, and stepped in to renew hope for a free Press in the country. More>>>

Used car parts dealers get reprieve but only just...

By our correspondents, Jan 8 2009
The Government has suspended a ban on used car parts for two months. It gave the stakeholders the grace period to dispose of stock. The Government also announced a two-month study on how to phase out the used spare parts from the local market. More>>>

Man nabbed over military jobs scam

By Fred Mukinda, Jan 8 2009
Police have arrested a man behind a scam in which many lost millions of shillings in a bogus military recruitment. The man being held in Nakuru is alleged to have staged a countrywide operation which ran parallel to the genuine drafting in July last year. Police say the illegal network had been traced to Nandi Hills, Kisumu, Nairobi, Kitale and Mbeere. More>>>

Cheap maize that was not to be. The government has admitted the policy was crap.

Kogelo villagers get US visas for Obama's big day

By Walter Menya, Jan 8 2009
The US embassy has granted visas to eight members of the Kogelo community to attend the inauguration of Mr Barack Obama as President on January 20 in Washington DC.The number excludes five immediate family members of Mr Obama who will also be travelling to the US. A community representative, Mr Nicholas Rajula, said the eight-member party would be leaving for the United States on January 16 for an 11-day stay. More>>>

Rifts in govt worry businesses

By Peter Orengo, Jan 8 2009
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) has raised concern over the wrangles in the Grand Coalition Government. The business umbrella body warned that differences in the coalition could cripple the economy. Kepsa Vice-Chairman Patrick Obath, said: "These developments are eroding the gains and confidence that have been made over the last six months in the coalition government." More>>>

Two tier maize price policy flops

By our correspondents, Jan 8 2009
The Government appears to admit that the plan to provide cheap maize flour has, after all, failed. Justice Minister Martha Karua on Wednesday said people in the rural areas were not likely to taste the flour, which was meant to help low-income earners cope with the high cost of living. More>>>

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (centre); Barack Obama's grandmother, Sarah Obama and US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger- all set for Obama's big day.

Sabaot militiamen arrested

By Robert Wanyonyi, Jan 7 2008
Military officers in Mount Elgon District have arrested four people among them two suspected commanders of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF). The suspects, who were arrested at Chebwek area on the Kenya-Uganda border, are among most wanted criminals in the district. They were said to be on a recruitment mission. More>>>

Fraud in Migori council

By Nick Oluoch, Jan 7 2009
Migori Municipal Council cannot account for more than Sh6.5 million from the Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATF). A probe committee investigating the council’s finances says the official could only account for Sh2.5 million. Led by Milimani councillor George Bonyo and comprising chief officers, the team was appointed in December last year, to investigate how the council spent the LATF money. More>>>

Man dead, 20 houses burnt

By Benson Amadala, Jan 7 2009
Police are holding 12 people in connection with an incident in which a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death and 10 houses set on fire at Manganga Village in Kakamega East District. Kakamega police chief John Mwinzi said four of the suspects were arrested in connection with the killing. More>>>

Commuters jostle on the only ferry working in Mombasa as two Likoni ferries broke down causing injury.

Commuters injured as two Likoni ferries break down

By our correspondents, Jan 7 2008
A number of commuters were injured on Tuesday as they struggled to enter a ferry operating between the South Coast and Mombasa Island. One of the three ferries that operate on the Likoni Channel broke down early in the morning causing commuters to fight for space in the only operational vessel. The third ferry had broken down earlier. More 170,000 pedestrians and 3,000 vehicles cross the channel every day. More>>>

200,000 Pokot face starvation

By our correspondents, Jan 7 2009
Looming hunger is threatening the lives of more 200,000 people in West Pokot District. Local leaders, led by Sigor MP Wilson Litole, termed the situation "life threatening" and appealed for urgent intervention. Pokot County Council Chairman David Moiben said some people are relying on wild fruits, known as lomwo and karos, for survival. More>>>

Kibaki caves in over media law

By PPS, Jan 7 2009
President Mwai Kibaki has today directed the Attorney General and the Minister for Information and Communication to study amendments members of the media have proposed made to the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act 2008 and the Kenya Communications Act 2008. More>>>

Ghost candidates awarded marks

Smokin Wanjala's father dead

By our correspondent, Jan 6 2009
The father of Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission deputy director, Smokin Wanjala is dead. Mzee Antonio Wanjala was laid to rest at his home in Sifuyo village, Samia. Among those attending the burial were KACC director, Aaron Ringera . More>>>

A section of head teachers country-wide follow the proceedings during the official pening of the 33rd Kenya Secondary School Heads Association. - Nation

School heads collide with govt

By Benjamin Muindi, Jan 6 2009
Public secondary school administrators are on a collision course with the Government over fee increments. The school heads argue that the State guidelines issued in January last year are not in tandem with the current economic reality. Speaking to the Nation over the weekend, Education minister Sam Ongeri maintained that the funds were sufficient. And now, the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association has given the Government a red alert on watering down the quality of education that students will be receiving if the free education kitty is not boosted urgently. More>>>

Bifwoli chased away from funeral, blames Wetangula

By Robert Wanyonyi, Jan 6 2009
Political rivalry in Ford-Kenya intensified when Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli fled from an irate crowd at a funeral. He was forced to leave before addressing mourners at the burial of a teacher, Peter Sibollo, at Nangili village, Sirisia constituency in Bungoma District. Youths claiming to be Cabinet Minister Moses Wetangula’s supporters accosted Wakoli and accused him of trying to sabotage Wetangula’s presidential bid by making "unnecessary inroads in the constituency". More>>>

Fraud in Kakamega police flats

By our correspondent, Jan 6 2009
The award of a tender for the renovation of 25 flats at Kakamega divisional police lines has been questioned. A report by the Controller and Auditor General faults the technical and evaluation team for flouting regulations by awarding the contract to the lowest bidder from among the original six and failing to invite fresh tenders for the project. The technical and evaluation team increased the amounts quoted by the bidders by Sh8,168,889. More>>>

Crisis as Kibaki backstabs Raila

By our correspondents, Jan 5 2009
The Orange Democratic Movement top leadership meets in Nairobi on Monday to assess its position in the Grand Coalition Government amid complaints that the party was being sidelined in crucial national decisions. The meeting on “mistreatment” of the party by its coalition partner, the Party of National Unity (PNU), has been called by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and will be attended by the Pentagon and key leaders to discuss the way forward on the National Accord that brought together the two parties to end last year’s post-election violence. More>>>

Mayaka makes it big in Japan

By Elias Makori, Jan 5 2009
Last year, an interesting incident was reported in Tokyo when, on a morning jog, a Kenyan athlete lost his way in the city’s concrete jungle and ended up taking refuge at a local police station awaiting help. But when the athlete mentioned the name Stephen Mayaka, the Tokyo police officers finally got the clue they needed to help him out of his predicament.More>>>

Food crisis in schools

By our correspondent, Jan 5 2009
Parents may dig deeper into their pockets as school heads have renewed plans to raise fees to meet the rising cost of food, fuel and learning materials. In the backdrop of this, Education Minister Sam Ongeri is expected to tomorrow meet the Kenya National Union of Teachers officials who have called a national strike for January 19 to push for higher pay. But the most immediate worry for parents is the proposed fees increase that could come into force this week. More>>>

Kibaki muzzles press freedom

By our correspondent, Jan 5 2009
There was no let up on the barrage of anger and disapproval of President Kibaki’s assent to the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill into law, even as Prime Minister Raila Odinga told media practitioners not to despair. Condemnation of the President’s surprise move to append his signature to the Bill continued to pour in yesterday. More>>>

Western loses out in education

By INGONEWS Reporter, Jan 2 2009
In the KCPE performance league for 2008 on the right, you have to scroll to position nine (shared by 10 others) to find a name from Ingo. Congratulations to Ounza Nixon bin Makutwa who scored an impressive 450 points in last year's KCPE exams pipped to the 1st position by Monica Wairimu Mutinda who scored 460 marks to emerge national academic champion. There are about 10 Luhya names in the top 100. Kudos also go Joseph Amunga who emerges as 23rd best candidate in the country.

The poor performance of Luhya pupils is directly related to the economic circumstances of western as a whole where poverty levels are among the highest in the country. More>>>

New Bungoma town clerk blocked from office

By Bernard Kwalia, Jan 2 2009
Councillors and employees of Bungoma Municipal Council on Monday blocked the new town clerk from taking over office. The civic leaders and the local branch of the Local Government workers’ union blocked Mr John Masongo from assuming his new role, claiming that he had been imposed on them by ministry officials. Former clerk Ainea Indakwa was posted to Mbeere County Council. More>>>

Teenager kills cousin in Ikolomani

By our correspondent, Jan 2 2009
New Year’s Eve celebrations in a village in Ikolomani turned into mourning when a teenager killed his cousin. Derrick Muhanji, 17, attacked Dennis Wiyema, 26, with a panga, killing him on the spot. Area chief Aggrey Khasiya said police officers could not immediately establish why the cousins disagreed. Muhanji was arrested at Akasa chief’s camp, where he turned himself in. More>>>

Nabongo cultural centre launched

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (centre) and his deputy Musalia Mudavadi wave to the public accompanied by King Peter Mumia the second (right) after launching Nabongo Cultural Centre at Eshiembekho in Matungu constituency

By John Shilitsa and Walter Menya, Dec 30 2008
Tucked away among plantations of sugarcane, the Wanga community has struggled to retain its identity as other kingdoms wither from the onslaught of Western culture. And two weeks ago, the community celebrated a milestone in the old kingdom. It was the opening of the Nabongo Cultural Centre and shrine in Matungu constituency, Western Province, where the community’s cultural artefacts and age-old habits have been preserved. More>>>