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I Can Resolve Revenue Stalemate in Six Hours – Muthama Tells Uhuru
September 8th, 2020Former Machakos senator Johnston Muthama will solve the revenue sharing stalemate if given the chance.
Speaking to K24 TV on Tuesday, the ex-lawmaker said should he take President Uhuru Kenyatta’s place for six hours, the contentious revenue allocation formula would be a thing of the past.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta has the mandate to sit down with CS Treasury and senate and agree to release at least 50 per cent to allow counties to operate while senate is still debating on the remaining 50 per cent.
“Give me that seat for just six hours and it will take me only three hours to send money to the counties.”Further, the politician alleged that the government is bankrupt hence the delay to disburse funds to county governments.
He advised the president to summon the senators and reach an amicable solution.
“All these English being used on revenue allocation is unnecessary it is simple mathematics and I put all the blame on the Executive, the President should call senators and come up with a solution,” he said.
The legislators have for a record nine times deferred the revenue sharing debate prompting the formation of a 12 member committee led by Moses Wetangula and Johnson Sakaja. This comes as governors have threatened to shut down counties on September 17 over the lack of funds.
“If the prevailing situation persists, effective Thursday, September 17, Counties will have no choice but to shut down. Consequently, we shall release all county employees to proceed on leave until an amicable solution on the issue is reached,” they said.
The governors are also threatening to sponsor a motion that will see the Senate dissolved for failing to safeguard the interests of County Governments.
“To this end, we hereby forewarn the Senate that a Petition for its dissolution can be initiated by any member of the public through the High Court as provided for under Article 258 of the Constitution,” the statement said.
KAA on the Spot Over Ksh960 Million JKIA Tender
September 8th, 2020Contractors have accused the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) of flouting procurement laws in the award of a Ksh960 million tender for the repair of Terminals 1B and 1C at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The Ksh963,541,535 was awarded to China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation, but according to contractors, the firm is either non-existent or operated by state operatives.
In a complaint filed with the Procurement Administrative Review Board by Ms Flooring & Interior, which prepared a joint bid with other local contractors, the contractors say that the winning contractor trades under different names, which is against the law.
For instance, it is reported that China Jiangxi International Economic submitted bid for the tender, but China Jiangxi International Economic won the tender instead.
“Looking at the tender register, China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation did not submit a bid. However, another entity China Jiangxi International Economic is indicated to have submitted,” suit papers read in part.
Among the 15 companies that had submitted bids for the tender include Shaanxi Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering (Ksh960 million), China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (Ksh975million) and China Wu Yi Co Ltd (Ksh752 million).
“Its existence is in serious doubt thus necessitating the intervention of the Board to ascertain the true position and safeguard public interest and the interests of other bidders,” added the suit.
China Jiangxi International Economic is the same company that was demanding a Ksh6.9 billion compensation claim from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for the stalled construction of Hazina Trade Centre.
The suit states that KAA did not allow representatives from bidding companies on grounds that due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the tender opening would be done internally and the results made known to the bidders on notice.
The complainants want the winning bidder declared as a non-existent entity and one that did not submit its bid for the tender in line with the requirements of the tender.
Sonko to Take Fresh Plea in Graft Case After DPP Amends Charges
September 7th, 2020Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will take a fresh plea on Monday 14th after the Director of Public Prosecutions amended the graft charges facing him.
A new charge of abuse of office was introduced in the amended charge sheet.The DPP also ruled out the possibility of a plea bargain, saying that they have not been approached by the defence.
Twenty witnesses have been lined up to testify in the case, some are under protection and all are within the jurisdiction.
Anti-corruption Court Magistrate Douglas Ogoti while making the order said the case will be heard on a day to day basis. No applications or adjournment will be entertained during the hearing unless in unavoidable circumstances.
The prosecution has been told to supply a schedule of chronology in which they will call their witnesses within seven days of the hearing.
The case will be allocated five hours on a daily basis which translates to 28 days.Sonko is facing economic crimes, unlawful acquisition of property and irregular payments charges.
Sonko, in count one, is charged – alongside Fredrick Odhiambo alias Fred Oyugi, ROG Security Limited and Antony Otieno Ombok alias Jamal – of conspiring to commit an offence of corruption and dealing with suspect property in the sum of over Ksh 14 million in respect of a contract.
The embattled Nairobi Governor is also charged with another count of conflict of interest where he is alleged to have received Ksh 8.4 million from Fredrick Odhiambo alias Fred Oyugi, T/A Yiro Enterprises, through ROG Security Limited.
Kevin Oliech Dies of Cancer in Germany
August 17th, 2020Kevin Oliech, a former Mathare United and Thika United player is dead.
Kevin is a brother to Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech.
Family spokesperson Nixon Onywanda Oliech confirmed the sad news to AngazaNews Sunday evening.
Oliech had battled cancer for the last four years before sucmbing to the ailment.
Nixon said: ” For four years he’s been in and out of hospital. Last year he came back to Kenya then returned to Germany.”
More on the story to follow.
If interested, AFC Leopards will Sign Winger Thoing’o Even for KSh100M – Shikanda
August 14th, 2020The chairman was responding to Cleophas Shimanyula’s claims that Ingwe were too broke to sign the player.
AFC Leopards will get Kakamega Homeboyz’ Peter Thiong’o even for KSh100 million despite Cleophas Shimanyula’s pride, chairman Dan Shikanda has vowed.
Shimanyula had earlier claimed that Ingwe are a broke club who cannot afford to sign the highly-rated winger but Shikanda has responded and said nobody will stand on their way if the player is on their transfer wish list.
“The players we want we are hopeful of getting them and it all depends on the interest we have as AFC Leopards. If [Peter] Thiong’o is in my list of the players AFC Leopards want, we will surely get him,” Shikanda told Angaza Sports.
“Even if Shimanyula is going to ask for KSh100 million we will get him.
“We have not drafted any list of potential new signings so far and I do not know between Kakamega Homeboyz and AFC Leopards which side should be bragging of having more money than the other.
“Yes, you can brag you have got money when you have KSh1 million and another one may have KSh100 million and both can rightfully chest thump that they have got money.
“The word money is relative and it depends on what you are talking about. I wonder how much Shimanyula pays his players against what we pay our players so that he can brag that he has money and AFC Leopards have got no money.”
Shikanda, who is serving his second year as AFC Leopards chair, did not want to engage his Kakamega Homeboyz counterpart on the money debate.
“We are only interested in players that we want and if Shimanyula thinks AFC Leopards have got money or not is none of our concern,” he continued.
“So, I do not understand why somebody should tell me that AFC Leopards have got no money. Let him continue thinking he has got money and AFC Leopards do not but let me say if Thiong’o is in my list Shimanyula will cry in the washrooms.
“But if we are not interested in the player then that is it. I am just sorry for Shimanyula if Thiong’o is on our list.
“Time will tell. It is not important to debate who has got more money and who has got no money.”Article continues below
Shimanyula has been a critic of his rivals and when reports indicated Ingwe were in talks with Thiong’o, Derrick Otanga and Musa Masika, he quickly claimed the winger was above the purchasing power of the former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.
“AFC Leopards are simply broke and cannot afford to buy Thiong’o, they should try to sign players from elsewhere, they don’t have money to pay for the player and we all know they are struggling financially,” Shimanyula told Angaza Sports on Wednesday.
AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz are yet to sign any new players since the transfer window opened.
KRA to Start Collecting Tax from Google, Netflix Starting January
August 6th, 2020The Digital Service Tax (DST) will come into effect on January 1, 2021, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced.
The digital tax set at 1.5 per cent of the gross transaction value is targeting revenues from technology firms and individuals who market or sell their products or services online.
The taxman has already set up a special unit that will be tasked with tracking revenues from digital businesses.
The new unit is expected to facilitate tax payment from the previously unmanaged sector, as part of measures to boost revenue collection in the depressed economy.
“We intend to use transaction tracers through data-driven detection in taxing multinationals as we roll out taxes on digital businesses, ” Deputy Commissioner in charge of policy and domestic taxes, Caxton Masudi said in June.
The 1.5 per cent levy was imposed on the value of digital transactions although KRA acknowledged that some online transactions might
Most of the targeted companies operate without a physical address in Kenya but command a large presence in the digital market. This includes companies such as Google and Netflix.
KRA is also targeting Kenyans who shop for their goods and services online in line with the published draft Value Added Tax (Digital Marketplace Supply) Regulations 2020.
The taxable digital content includes downloadable products such as mobile applications, movies and subscription-based media, e-books, journals, magazines, new, streaming of TV shows, streaming of music, podcasts, and online gaming.
KRA noted that the criteria that would make the services taxable include payment using a Kenyan credit or debit card or using mobile money transfer and delivery to
The tax is contained in a Finance Act, 2020, that was assented into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 30.
Besides, the Digital Service Tax (DST), the Residential Rental Income Tax is also set to come into force in January next year.
“The upper threshold has been increased from Ksh10 million per annum to Ksh15 million. The lower threshold has been increased from Ksh144,000 per annum to Ksh288,000, ” said KRA.
Leaders Mourn, Celebrate Life of Former President Mkapa
July 24th, 2020Leaders continue to send messages of condolence to the people of the United Republic of Tanzania following the death of former President Benjamin William Mkapa, who died early Friday at a hospital in Dar es Salaam.
In his message of comfort, President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region.
President Kenyatta wished the family of the Former President and all Tanzanians God’s comfort and fortitude as they mourn their departed leader.
Former President Mwai Kibaki in a statement said the late president served Tanzania with remarkable dedication as a public servant scaling the ranks of government over the years to become a cabinet minister in various dockets prior to ascending to the Presidency.
“Mkapa’s is a perfect portrait of public-spiritedness replete with invaluable lessons for those who serve or wish to serve in the public space. A revolutionary at heart whose efforts to deregulate Tanzania’s economy marked the beginning of a new dawn in his country, the late Mkapa—a close ally of Tanzania’s founding President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere—distinguished himself as one of the most reputable peace brokers in the region.
In his retirement, Benjamin Mkapa, at some point or other, mediated peace talks in South Sudan, the DRCCongo, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Kenya. He, no doubt, valued and worked towards a more tranquil Africa.
Mkapa certainly played his role in making Africa a better place. May he rest in eternal peace.” He said
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on his official twitter handle said Kenyans will retain fond memories of former President Mkapa during the mediation efforts following the 2007-2008 post-election violence alongside Dr Koffi Annan and Graca Machel that helped the country return to peace.
Raila said he mourns former President Benjamin Mkapa, describing him as a great friend of the Kenyan people, a pan-Africanist, a true believer in South-South Cooperation and a global statesman, a believer in Regional Integration who championed the revival of the East Africa Community.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat, on his twitter handle expressed sadness on the passing away of former President Mkapa.
Faki described Mkapa as a statesman who will be remembered as an indefatigable peacemaker in the East African region.
The Chairperson said his thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late former president and the people of Tanzania.
Kasipul MP Charles Were Arrested for Violating COVID-19 Rules
July 22nd, 2020Kasipul member of parliament Charles Were has been arrested for violating COVID-19 guidelines.
Confirming the incident, Mwivanda Noah, the Nyanza Region Police boss said the MP was detained at the Oyugi’s police station and would be arraigned in court on Wednesday.
The incident comes just days after Nairobi Senator was arraigned following his arrest at a bar in Kilimani, Nairobi on Saturday.
He was released on Tuesday by a Nairobi court on a KSh.15,000 fine.
Kenyans Shift to Online Platforms to Keep Businesses Going
July 17th, 2020Kenyans have been forced to find creative ways of staying in business amid the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the government to impose restrictive measures.
The country has reported 11,673 infections and 217 deaths, making it one of the worst affected countries by the disease in Africa.
In a bid to curb further spread of the disease, the government in March imposed various restrictions on travel and day-to-day lifestyles.
The measures included a ban on foreign travel and travel to some parts of the country, a nighttime curfew and a closure of public gatherings.
Many businesses were forced to shut because they could not re-stock their products with the lockdown in place.
The restrictions compounded an already suffering market, which was hard hit by public skepticism regarding health safety.
In a bid to keep their businesses running, some traders opted to take their businesses online.
Betty Mbura, a 32-year-old second-hand shoe trader from northwestern Kenyan county of Laikipia said she is keen to jumpstart her business as she has now moved her it to the digital platforms.
“My tech-savvy son noted that having a digital presence for my business would help increase my revenues that were dwindling because of COVID-19 related restrictions,” Angaza News quotes Mbura, adding that “he was not wrong, things are looking up.”
The online trading venture has been made possible by Kenyans widespread use of mobile money and digital platforms.
Kenya is one of the world’s leaders in mobile money services, after telecoms operator Safaricom pioneered its M-Pesa service 12 years ago to cater for Kenyans without access to the formal banking network and enable mobile money transfers.
Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows that as of December 2018, Kenya had 31.6 million active users of mobile money transfer services.
Erdemann Finally signs Consent To Withdraw Case To Save Pensioners
July 10th, 2020Pensioners at the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme KRSRBS can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief after they yesterday signed consents with Edermann properties limited to rubberstamp their commitment of settling their land dispute outside court.
According to sources who attended the meeting yesterday at Railways headquarters, top officials of KRSRBS agreed to withdraw a suit they had in court.
“We are very happy today that we have signed these consent documents and by the course of the week we will be presenting them in court for approval”, a source who attended the meeting intimated to Angaza News.
A few days ago, the two opted for arbitration as an alternative method to solve the dispute which has lasted in court for over 10 years.
The two, have been embroiled in a court battle since 2009 after Kenya Railways Corporation KRC and Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme KRSRBS with each claiming ownership of parcels of land in Makongeni Estate, Nairobi Railways Club, Kindaruma road and Kenya Railways Golf Club.
“As EPL we felt we could be wrongly accused of contributing to the suffering of many pensioners yet our business in Kenya has been one to promote the lives of Kenyans as per our vision and mission, “a statement from Edermann read.
The property company also withdrew its claim of Sh 26 Billion which they were awarded by the court in 2009 after KRC failed to meet their end of bargain for the property.
” We are very happy and we feel relieved after a protracted court battle which has lasted in court for many years. We are looking forward for more fruitful deliberations,” said Head of planning Kenya Railways Corporation John Rajwayi.
Erdemann had gone to Court after Kenya Railways and Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme KRC/KRSRBS started selling land that Erdemann had tendered and won and was ready to put in an investment of over KShs. 40Billion together with its partners.
In 2012, The High Court stopped the auctioning of property worth billions of shillings belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) over a dispute with Ederman Properties Limited.
High Court Judge Alfred Mabeya suspended orders obtained by the private firm to attach Kenya Railways property over an alleged breach of contract.
