business
10 storiesKenya is engaging the US and China on trade deals, with talks in Washington to review tariffs while tea and avocado tariff exemptions with China are finalized. Meanwhile, KenGen reports a new power peak demand of 2,363.41MW.
Two aircraft crashes in Mwihoko, Kiambu, killed two and injured two, while six died in a KPC bus-train collision in Naivasha. Separately, three Kenyan police officers were injured in an ambush in Haiti. Locally, the DCI and Governor Kihika launched investigations into a child exploitation ring exposed by the BBC, with a 7-day ultimatum issued. In Siaya, a murder suspect was lynched, and a bus was torched on Jogoo Road after fatally hitting a boda boda rider.
A light aircraft belonging to AMREF Flying Doctors crashed in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, Kiambu County, shortly after taking off from Wilson Airport. The Cessna Citation XLS was en route to Hargeisa, Somalia, and the accident resulted in two fatalities and two critical injuries. Initial reports confirmed an unknown number of casualties, with emergency services responding rapidly. The aircraft specifically crashed into buildings in the Dagama area of Mwihoko, catching fire, which was quickly extinguished by firefighters from Ruiru town, while residents initiated rescue efforts.
President William Ruto issued orders for the immediate release of over 9,000 impounded boda bodas that had no criminal charges, aiming to support the vital sector with the release to be completed within seven days. This directive came shortly after he rejected a proposed ban on boda bodas in major Kenyan cities, defending their economic contribution and crediting them for his 2022 election victory, directly countering Senior Advisor Makau Mutua's call for their removal due to perceived chaos. Despite these presidential actions, traffic was disrupted on Jogoo Road on Thursday, August 7, after boda boda operators set a Citi Hoppa bus ablaze in a retaliatory act, following the bus allegedly striking and fatally injuring one of their colleagues.
The Nairobi County Government announced delays in disbursing July salaries to its staff, attributing the issue to the non-receipt of the equitable share from the National Government. This situation is part of a broader problem, as the Council of Governors (CoG) stated that Kenyan counties are facing severe financial difficulties and challenges in service delivery due to delayed disbursement of funds by the National Treasury. Concurrently, Members of Parliament criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba for funding delays that forced schools to fundraise for students participating in the ongoing Kenya Music Festival, accusing the Ministry of Education of neglecting its duty and failing to provide timely facilitation funds.
Following a shocking BBC Africa Eye documentary titled 'Madam: Exposing Kenya's Child Sex Trade' which highlighted alleged cases of sexual trafficking and exploitation of minors in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the ring. Immediately after the exposé, Inspector General Douglas Kanja launched a full-scale investigation into the child exploitation ring. Additionally, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika responded by ordering a crackdown on implicated individuals and deploying emergency response teams to the area, which involved a ring operating in Nakuru and Narok counties, exploiting minors for commercial sex, particularly targeting truck drivers.
A tragic incident occurred in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, Kiambu County, when a light aircraft belonging to the AMREF organization crashed into a residential area. The incident resulted in six fatalities, with four of the deceased identified as occupants of the plane. Initial reports indicated two individuals were critically injured. The crash involved a Cessna aircraft and was widely covered by KTN News Kenya, highlighting the severity of the accident and the grim outcome for those involved and affected in the Ruiru area.
The Harambee Stars of Kenya are set to face Angola in a crucial TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group A clash on Thursday, August 7, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, aiming for a second consecutive win after their 1-0 victory over DR Congo. Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija expressed strong confidence in the team's ability, stating they fear no opponent and are prepared to face tournament heavyweights like Morocco and Angola. Coach Benni McCarthy is expected to utilize young talent Manzur Suleiman Okwaro in midfield, who had a standout performance in the previous victory. The team seeks another win in the CHAN fixtures to move closer to the knockout stages.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has released a report highlighting significant corruption within key Kenyan institutions. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was identified as the second most corrupt institution, following the police service, with Kenyans reportedly forced to offer bribes for services. Furthermore, the EACC uncovered a widespread practice of patients resorting to bribery to access medical treatment in hospitals, indicating systemic issues in the healthcare sector. These revelations underscore the persistent challenge of corruption and financial misconduct in the country.
The Kenyan government has strongly refuted accusations of financial mismanagement and the loss of public funds within the e-Citizen payment platform, asserting that no embezzlement has occurred. Concurrently, the Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate suspension of all medical services at Nyanchwa Adventist Hospital in Kisii County under the Social Health Authority (SHA). This suspension follows serious allegations of financial misconduct and fraud involving millions of shillings in SHA health insurance funds, impacting patients and highlighting concerns about healthcare accountability.
Kenya is engaging the US and China on trade deals, with talks in Washington to review tariffs while tea and avocado tariff exemptions with China are finalized. Meanwhile, KenGen reports a new power peak demand of 2,363.41MW.
Kenya's CHAN 2024 experience highlights upgraded stadium infrastructure. Meanwhile, comedians Eric Omondi, Crazy Kennar, and Flaqo Raz share personal moments and viral skits, bringing joy and humor to fans.
Ruto and Raila form a five-member team to implement their 10-point agenda. Meanwhile, Gachagua claims he's the "darling of Kenyans" and threatens to expose Ruto's government to the US. CS Ruku warns corrupt public officials, while the DAP-K leader urges Raila to apologize for perceived betrayal.
FKF was fined 2.5 million Kenyan Shillings by CAF over security lapses. The government has implemented new stadium protocols while Harambee Stars prepare to face Angola in a crucial CHAN match, aiming for a second win. Coach McCarthy mourned his former teammate.
TikTok removed over 450,000 Kenyan videos and banned 43,000 accounts in Q1 2025 for content violations. TECNO updated software for 26 devices, including the new CAMON 40 series. PayoCard launched in South Africa to streamline card services for digital banks.
Two aircraft crashed in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, killing two and injuring two. Separately, six died after a KPC bus collided with a train in Naivasha. Kenyan police in Haiti's MSSM faced an ambush, injuring three officers. The ODPP and IG Kanja have issued a 7-day ultimatum and launched an investigation into the child exploitation ring exposed by BBC, with Governor Kihika ordering a crackdown. In Siaya, a murder suspect was lynched by a mob after allegedly being released by police. Boda boda operators torched a bus on Jogoo Road after it fatally hit a rider.
