Aqute's Update

Fred Matiang'i, Kenya's former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, is reportedly seeking financial and political assistance in his bid for the Kenyan presidency. According to recently filed documents, Matiang'i has retained the services of Dickens & Madson Canada Inc., a lobbying firm, to garner support from the United States, the United Kingdom,...

Elijah Wachira served as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA) until he was placed on compulsory leave on November 12, 2024. During Wachira's time in the role, SHA transitioned from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). While at SHA, Wachira worked to encourage Kenyans to register for insurance. Wachira believed that in a few years, SHA would cover...

Kenya's recent economic slowdown and public dissatisfaction with tax policies have prompted a major shift in the government's approach. The government withdrew its previous Finance Bill due to widespread protests sparked by rising costs of living and perceived unfair taxation. The newly proposed Tax Laws Amendment Bill 2024 aims to strike a balance between economic recovery and tax revenue...

Cosmetic surgery, specifically liposuction, is gaining popularity, but recent events in Kenya highlight the potential dangers of these procedures when performed in unregulated clinics. The death of Lucy Wambui, after undergoing a liposuction procedure at the 'Body By Design' clinic in Nairobi, has sparked investigations and raised concerns about the safety of these procedures in Kenya. Whi...

In a showdown between academia and the state, Kenyan university lecturers have taken a stand, demanding better pay and improved working conditions. They argue that they are undervalued and underpaid compared to other public servants. This episode examines the lecturers' reasons for striking, the government's perspective on the dispute, and the potential long-term implications for Kenya&#39...

Introduction : Kenya is on the verge of a major shift in its energy sector. For decades, Kenya Power (KPLC) has held a monopoly on the sale of electricity. However, new regulations are set to open the market to competition in early 2025, allowing private companies to generate, transmit, and sell power directly to consumers. The Promise of Competition : Proponents of the liberalization argue it wil...

October 31, 2024

October 30, 2024 This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of public participation in Kenya's legislative process. Key Discussion Points: The Finance Bill 2024 and the Public Backlash: The bill was met with widespread opposition and protests, particularly from young people. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah blames the private sector for not effectively communicating the bill&#...

After 16 years as a fugitive, Yagnesh Devani, the director of Triton Petroleum Company Limited, was extradited from the United Kingdom to Kenya in January 2024 to face charges in the Sh7.6 billion Triton oil scam. The Kenyan government had sought his extradition after he fled the country in 2008 to avoid prosecution. Devani was facing charges of fraudulent disposition of mortgaged goods, conspirac...

October 25, 2024 Top news making headlines.

Presidential Term Limits The Kenyan Constitution currently limits the President to a maximum of two five-year terms. This two-term limit has been in effect since 1992 and was upheld in the 2010 Constitution. There is significant public support for this limit, with a 2019 Afrobarometer survey finding that 78% of Kenyans endorse it. The survey also found that 81% of Kenyans support a minimum age req...

High Court has ruled that the controversial housing levy introduced in 2023 is constitutional. This decision overturns a previous ruling from November 2023 that declared the levy illegal. The levy, which is set at 1.5% of the gross salary of all Kenyan taxpayers, is intended to fund an affordable housing programme. Employers are also required to contribute a matching amount. Background and Controv...

October 22, 2024

October 21, 2024 Note Gachagua’s claims following his impeachment raise significant concerns about political access and authority. He alleges he was denied entry to Kwale Stadium, with Wilson Airport instructed not to allow his travel there. Additionally, he asserts that helicopter companies were directed not to provide him with services, suggesting a coordinated effort to restrict his movements a...

October 18, 2024 Rigathi Gachagua Impeachment Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached on October 17, 2024 after two days of hearings. The motion for his impeachment was tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse in the National Assembly the previous week. 281 MPs voted in favour of the motion with only 44 voting against it. Gachagua's lawyers walked out of the Senate hearing in protest af...

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October 15, 2024

October 14, 2024

October 13, 2024 This episode examines the controversial Sh95.68 billion (USD 736 million) deal between the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) and Adani Energy Solutions to build and operate electricity transmission lines and substations in Kenya for 30 years. The episode will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of this public-private partnership, considering Kenya's urg...

October 12, 2024 Introduction On October 8, 2024, Kenya’s National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The motion, brought by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accused Gachagua of gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, economic crimes, insubordination, and bullying of junior state officers. The impeachment is the first time under the 2010 Constitution that the...