National Politics

By Jabali Media

President William Ruto today visited his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home in Kiambu County.

The meeting was perhaps the first formal one between the two leaders, since Uhuru handed over power to Ruto in September 2022.

During the meeting, a statement from State House stated, Uhuru and Ruto discussed issues of national interest.  

President Ruto, the statement stated, took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections.

Ruto thanked Kenyatta for laying a strong foundation that has enabled the government to implement key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“They also underscored the importance of cultivating a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, including the three arms of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other partners, to ensure collective national stability and progress,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, the leaders appreciated the need to achieve broader and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of our country to accelerate the attainment of inclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda.”

They called for the prompt resolution of the court matters regarding the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, to facilitate the appointment of commissioners.

Additionally, the two leaders called on Kenyans, friends of Kenya, and international partners to support the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the position of Chair of the African Union Commission.

Odinga is among four candidates seeking to succeed the outgoing AUC Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat. Elections will be held in February 2025, in Ethiopia.  

Uhuru and Ruto committed to maintaining regular engagements on matters of national importance alongside other leaders and stakeholders.

Ruto served as Uhuru’s deputy for 10 years, from 2013 to 2022. However, the retired president ‘stirred up the hornet’s nest’ after backing Odinga’s presidential bid, at the expense of his deputy.  

By Jabali Media

President Wiliam Ruto has congratulated Ghanaian President-elect John Dramani Mahama.

By Peter K’opiyo

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula, this morning paid a courtesy visit to the governor of Wajir, Ahmed Abdullahi in his office in Wajir county.

By Peter K’opiyo

The county government of Homa Bay has called upon the public, development partners and civil society organizations to engage in the budget making process, as stipulated in the law guiding the budget preparation stages.

By Zuleikha Salim

President William Samoei Ruto has emphasized Africa’s potential to become a global leader in renewable energy, which could help drive green development worldwide.

Speaking during the Kilifi County International Investment Conference on Thursday, December 5, 2024, President Ruto highlighted the need to use Africa’s abundant resources, such as solar and wind energy to boost sustainable economic growth and achieve energy independence.

He also addressed the decline in agricultural productivity caused by climate change, while calling for the adoption of farming methods that blend traditional knowledge with modern techniques to improve food security and protect the environment.

These methods, he explained, could help improve food security while also protecting the environment and maintaining a balance in ecosystems​.

“These natural carbon sinks such as forests and wetlands as essential assets are key in absorbing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate impacts. There is a need for developing these resources responsibly,” he explained.

“Climate change is reducing agricultural productivity in Africa,” he added.

Ruto called for greater investment and financing to help the continent unlock its green energy potential, create jobs, and drive sustainable development.​

He at the same time emphasized on the need for increased investments and climate financing, to unlock the continent’s potential while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability.

By Peter K'Opiyo  

The government of Kenya is working tirelessly to ensure the flood menace that has hit hard on some sections of the country, especially western Kenya is addressed once and for all.

During his tour to assess the flood response efforts situation in Busia and Kisumu counties, Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Dr. Raymond Omollo acknowledged that over 3,000 families had been adversely affected by the raging floods that resulted from heavy rains experienced in the western parts of Kenya that included Nyanza and Western regions. 

As a way of giving long-lasting solutions, the PS disclosed that plans were underway to build a robust infrastructure to help prevent tragedies in the future.

"There are plans for infrastructure development, including the extension of dykes and construction of an upstream dam which is 4-5kilometres to regulate water flow and support irrigation and household use,” revealed a press release from the office of the PS. 

The PS, however, urged residents of affected areas to always take precautionary measures and remain vigilant to avoid property and life loss.

“While the rains are expected to subside soon, we must remain vigilant and abide by government safety directives. This includes avoiding hazardous zones including dams, roads and bridges deemed unsafe and following evacuation notices,” said Dr. Omollo. 

Furthermore, Dr Omollo inspected health surveillance measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to prevent the outbreak of both water-borne and vector-borne diseases as he also held important discussions with the local leaders that focused on long-term strategies for preventing the recurrence of flood-caused disasters.  

These talks focused on improving early warning signs, enhancing drainage infrastructure, and educating the community on flood risk management. 

Moreover, the PS also urged locals to engage in climate change mitigation activities to lessen the impacts of climate change.

“Tree planting is vital for securing our environment, mitigating climate change effects and addressing food security challenges, therefore come out and embrace such activities for the good of our generation and generations to come,” averred Dr Omollo.

He also commended the multiagency team comprising the National Disaster Operations Centre and the Kenya Red Cross Society that has been so swift in response during times of calamities hence providing timely interventions. 

The interior PS expressed optimism that issues on the arrest of fishermen in Lake Victoria will be addressed soon and that all officers will be well-equipped to enhance service delivery. 

He further urged locals to register for the Taifa Careuniversal health program to benefit from the affordable healthcare initiative put in place by the government regardless of their ability to contribute.

The raging floods have displaced 3,970 households countrywide, causing 12 fatalities with one person still missing and disrupted transport and agricultural practices. 

Dr Omollo visited Lunyofu Primary School in Bunyalasub-county which hosts close to 5oo displaced households before later proceeding to Ogenya Displaced Persons camp in Kisumu County. 

He was accompanied by Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga, Muhoroni MP Onyango Koyoo, and Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga.