Mombasa Lands, Housing and Urban Planning CEC Mohamed Hussein (Amadoh). The CEC said all land owners to pay their land rates by end of March failure to which they will face a 3 percent penalty of rates due./COURTESY
Property owners in Mombasa County have until end of March to pay their land rates.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal Department Mohamed Hussein says those who fail to do so within the given period will face a penalty.
Speaking at the County offices on Friday, the Lands CEC said all property owners should comply with their legal obligations and pay their land rates.
“According to the law, annual rates should be paid by the first day of January, however, we have extended the grace period to enable those who have not yet paid their dues to do so before 31st March. Failure to adhere to the deadline, a penalty of three percent of land rates due will accrue monthly,” said CEC Mohamed Hussein.
“We appeal to all land owners in Mombasa to avoid enforcement of further penalties,” he added.
The CEC, popularly known as Amadoh said land rates are part of the county’s own source revenue streams that would enable the financing of development projects and payment of services.
“It is important to note that over the last four months, Mombasa County has not received the statutory revenue allocation by the national government, that supports in service delivery to the people of Mombasa,” he said.
“Revenue collection is a critical aspect of the development of this county. Devolution has provided us the opportunity to generate our own revenue to fund our development,” he added.
Jeff Mwathi. DCI has concluded the first phase of investigations in the death of Jeff Mwathi./COURTESY
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has concluded the first phase of investigations into the death of Geoffrey Mwathi (Jeff Mwathi) Ngugi that occurred on the 22nd of February 2023.
“The process included interviewing of the first cluster of witnesses in the case, forensic examination of the scene and retrieval of CCTV footage that captured the deceased’s last moments,” said the DCI.
On their social media platforms, the DCI requested the public to exercise patience as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Jeff’s untimely death continue.
“Several other Forensic experts based at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory who are augmenting the Homicide team have equally collected crucial evidence and the same is being analyzed scientifically,” said the DCI.
The Directorate will now be commencing the second phase of the investigations which will include interrogation of several persons of interest.
After the interrogations, appropriate recommendations will be made before they are forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for action.
Members of the Mombasa Walk Movement traverse through the city./COURTESY
The Mombasa Walk Movement wants Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir to build pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the county.
The Community-Based Organisation plans to petition Governor Nassir on Saturday to make Mombasa a walkable city by introducing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The CBO is also proposing the county adopt policies, including making every third Saturday of the month a car-free day, to encourage more people to walk.
“Members of the movement who have crisscrossed the county have experienced the benefits and challenges as they walked to different destinations including all the sub-counties; Changamwe, Jomvu, Kisauni, Mvita, Kisauni, and Nyali,” read a statement from the CBO.
Mombasa Walk Movement Patron and Founder Major (Rtd) Idris Abdirahman with Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir./COURTESY
On Wednesday, Major (Rtd) Idris Abdirahman, patron and founder of the movement met with Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir with regard to the petition.
“The petition also captures the need for the county to have connected walkable pathways, cycleways, and other infrastructure that will make it more welcoming for pedestrians,” the statement continued to read.
Members of the movement will traverse the county from all six sub-counties to Tononoka ground where they will hand over the petition to Governor Nassir.
The walk will start at 6 am and the petition will be handed over to the governor at 8 am.
“We urge the people of Mombasa to turn out this Saturday to support this noble idea that is aimed at making Mombasa a healthy city,” read the statement.
Former Lunga Lunga Member of Parliament Khatib Abdalla Mwashetani has been nominated as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Health alongside James Kimanthi Mbaluka.
Others from the Coastal region who made it to the list of nominees are Former Tana River Governor Hussein Tuneya Dado in the Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action ministry and Former Lamu East MP Sharif Athman Ali who was nominated as CAS at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The list of 50 nominees was released on Thursday by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
“IT IS NOTIFIED that HIS EXCELLENCY HON. WILLIAM SAMOEI RUTO, PhD, CGH, following the recommendation of the Public Service Commission has today, 16th March 2023, nominated various persons as Chief Administrative Secretaries. The Presidential Action is pursuant to Article 132(4)(a) of the Constitution,” read the press release from the Head of Public Service.
“BY DINT OF THE EXECUTIVE ACTION, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament in accordance with the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (No.33 of 2011),” the release read.
Below is the list of nominees and their respective ministries:
Anne Wanjiku Mwangi Nicholas Ngabiya Rioba Edwin Sudi Wandabusi
Office of the Deputy President
Sharif Athman Ali Isaac Mwaura Maigua Rehema Hassan
Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary
Samuel Kuntai Tunai Millicent Nyaboke Omanga Mohamud Ali Saleh
Min of Interior and National Administration
Alfred Agoi Masaida
Min of Defence
Kirui Joseph Limo Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga
National Treasury and Economic Planning
Joash Arthur Maangi Catherine Waruguru
Min of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Hussein Tuneya Dado Charity Nancy Nanyama Kibaba
Min of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action
Benjamin Jomo Washiali Eng. Nicholas Gumbo
Min of Roads and Transport
Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri Victor Kioko Munyaka
Min of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development
Denis Njue Itumbi Simon Mwangi Kamau
Min of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy
James Kimanthi Mbaluka Khatib Abdallah Mwashetani
Min of Health
Elly Stephen Loldepe Mark Lomunokol Anab Mohamed Gure
Min of Education
Jackson Kiptanui Daniel Wamahiu Kiongo
Min of Agriculture and Livestock Development
Evans Odhiambo Kidero Vincent Kemosi Mogaka Lilian Cheptoo Tomitom
Min of Investments, Trade and Industry
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru Amos Chege Mugo
Min of Co-operatives and Micro, Small, Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) Development
Wesley Korir Charles Njagua Kanyi
Min of Youth Affairs, The Arts and Sports
Jackline Mwenesi Lukalo Nyaga John Muchiri
Min of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
Wilson Sossion Rehema Dida Jaldesa
Min of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage
Chrisantus Wamalwa Sunya Orre
Min of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation
Mary Yaine Seneta John Lodepe Nakara
Min of Energy and Petroleum
Elijah Gitonga Rintaugu
Min of Labour and Social Protection
Mwanamaka Amani Mabruki Rael Chebichii Lelei
Min of East African Community (EAC), The ASALs and Regional Development
Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi. She has asked NLC to provide a status report regarding compensation for the land that was acquired for the expansion of Malindi Airport./COURTESY
Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi has asked the National Land Commission NLCto provide a status report regarding compensation for the land that was acquired for phases I and II of the expansion of the Malindi International Airport.
Speaking in parliament, Mnyazi wants the NLC report to detail the expected timeline of the compensation.
The planned expansion of Malindi International Airport is yet to start after the State allocated sh.5 billion for the project.
The expansion is expected to be a big boost for tourism, especially in the North Coast.
The project has stalled for 18 years due to compensation wrangles between landowners and the government.
In September last year, while meeting the Malindi business community, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro pledged to push for the upgrading of the airport’s infrastructure and the development of an international convention center to boost tourism in the region.
Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri during the searing in ceremony of the County Executive Members on Tuesday evening./COURTESY
Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri says the vetting process of the members of the county executive committee (CECM) nominees was a smooth process.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the nominees on Tuesday, Aharub who chaired the committee on appointments said that all the 10 nominees satisfied the committee.
Aharub also noted that no nominee had to bribe their way into the county’s cabinet.
The speaker confidently challenged any nominee who had to part with any amount of money to be cleared to speak out, promising to pay back double the amount.
He claimed there had been instances in some counties, which he did not mention, where CEC nominees had to part with a significant amount of money to be cleared by the respective appointment committees.
County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri presenting the report on the vetting exercise of CECs by the Assembly to Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir./COURTESY
However, Aharub wished the newly sworn-in CECs well in their mandate to deliver.
“I wish the team all the best as they settle in their respective offices to deliver to the People of Mombasa under H.E the Governor,” said Khatri on his social media pages.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir urged county leaders to put their political differences aside and work together.
“I am proud to announce that Mombasa County now has a fully functional cabinet comprising of able County Executive Committee Members who I believe will bring the Change that Mombasa needs,” said Governor Nassir.
Arch-bishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Diocese photo:file
Excerpt conversation by ArchBishop Rev.Martin Musonde Kivuva, Mombasa Catholic Diocese on state of the Nation.
Baraka FM: Thank You for speaking to us. Kenyans are lamenting much about the cost of living. What do you say about this?
Archbishop Kivuva: First I thank Kenyans for maintaining peace during 2022 general elections. I understand the challenges common mwananchi is passing through. I empathize with them. Indeed, something needs to be done. In a recent sitting with authorities we proposed for the re-introduction of Agricultural extension officers to help local farmers.
Let me also blame the wanton corruption for the hunger in the country. If people steal without fear of repercussions, it puts the economy is a precarious situation. Its even a pity that people buy hay for their herds. This never used to happen.
Baraka FM: Recently the First Lady Her Excellency Rachael Ruto said they would be leading prayers for rain in different countries. Is this the way to go?
Archbishop Kivuva: Prayers are very welcomed. Both Christians and Muslims and other religions have a connection with God hence we must never cease to pray. It’s our duty to pray for rain for God to hear us. However, we must act after prayers. We must engage our brains by doing something towards our prayers. In Mathew 7:7 God says “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Baraka FM: President Ruto has proposed former CITAM Bishop David Oginde as EACC chair. What’s your take on the appointment?
I know Oginde personally as an astute man. We have meetings with him during inter-denomination meetings and so forth. So, his appointment brings hope in fighting corruption. He is experienced and that is a plus. However, he will need our input to tackle corruption as Kenyans from whistle blowing, refusing to engage in corrupt activities and living an upright life. Everyone has weaknesses but I believe Bishop Oginde is the right person for the job.
Baraka FM: Azimio One-Kenya Alliance Coalition party leader Raila Odinga has called for mass action. Is this the way to go?
Archbishop Kivuva: The opposition has a role to play in keeping the government in check. Even the constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and picketing. I think what we should be asking is that peace is maintained during the demos.
We don’t want to see a situation where looting, breaking the law and violence will take center-stage. That’s the danger of demos. A few people start demos with right intention then when the group grows, some people will come with their agenda like looting and violence. I therefore urge the opposition to ensure peace reigns during demonstrations.
Baraka FM: Would you call for a truce (Handshake) between president Ruto and Raila?
Archbishop Kivuva: No, no we are not talking about handshake like in the last administration. What we advocate for is that the two leaders talk to each other to ease the tension we are witnessing in the country. If I was to meet Raila and Ruto , I would urge them to speak with each other.
KPA MD Captain William Ruto with outgoing Ag. MD Ambassador John Mwangemi./COURTESY
Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto has officially taken over the reins at the Kenya Ports Authority.
Captain Ruto who was appointed as KPA Managing Director on Friday 10th March took over official duties at the port on Monday.
The mariner with 32 years of experience took over from his predecessor Ag. MD Ambassador John Mwangemi with a promise to spearhead efforts to transform the Port of Mombasa & other port facilities into true regional economic hubs.
He said he will be open to working with stakeholders to better KPA fortunes.
Captain Ruto takes over as MD following the resignation of Daniel Manduku in March 2020.
KPA staff celebrate as they welcome new MD Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto./COURTESY
He was appointed by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday after a recruitment exercise carried out by the KPA Board that saw at least 75 people apply for the position of MD.
“After a rigorous and intensive process, the Board of directors has this morning submitted a report and recommendation to my office for the appointment of Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto, having attained the highest aggregate score from the interview process,” read a statement from CS Murkomen.
“Pursuant to and in accordance with the powers conferred to me under Section 5(1) of the Kenya Ports Authority, Cap 391, and further in consultation with the Board of Directors, I have this morning appointed Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto as the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority for a period of three (3) years effective immediately,” the statement continued to read.
KPA Board Chairman Benjamin Tayari flanked by outgoing KPA Ag. MD Ambassador John Mwangemi./COURTESY
Captain Ruto started his career at KPA in 1991 as a Cadet Marine Desk Officer before rising through the ranks to General Operations Manager. Until his appointment, he was the General Manager of the Kisumu Port.
“It is my belief that his wealth experience spanning 32 years will be instrumental in ensuring the Authority delivers on its mandate to the people of Kenya and continues towards the growth of the Kenyan economy,” said Murkomen in his statement.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. The DPP has ordered DCI to close the file against former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and advocate Danstan Omari with no further police action./COURTESY
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to close the inquiry file against Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his lawyer Danstan Omari.
In a statement, the ODPP said that the evidence provided by the DCI against Matiang’i and his Lawyer was not sufficient and directed DCI to close the file in relation to the alleged publication of information about a police raid at his Karen home on February 8th.
“Upon independent and thorough analysis of the evidence availed and a review of the statements of the witnesses, the Director of Public Prosecutions found that the evidence provided was not sufficient to sustain the above charges against Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i and his advocate Mr. Danstan Omani. The evidence provided did not meet the ingredients needed to prove each of the afore-mentioned offenses as required by law,” ODPP said.
The DCI had accused the duo of the offenses of; Conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code and Publication of false information contrary to section 23 of the Computer and Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018 after forwarding the file to ODPP for further action.
