SECURITY/TRAFFIC

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SECURITY/TRAFFIC
NAIROBI,JUNE 1ST 2010 BY Naliston Kibuthu

Thousands of Kenyans turned up for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at the Nyayo national stadium.

The 30,000 seater stadia was filled to capacity with 5,000 students drawn from 24 secondary schools in Nairobi and dressed in T-shirts symbolizing the four colors of the national flag (red, green, white and black) forming part of the audience.

Outside and within the stadium security was beefed up to ensure that those who attended the 47th Madaraka day celebrations as well as their leaders were fully protected.

President Mwai Kibaki who graced the occasion arrived at the venue of the event at exactly 11.00 am shortly after the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka had arrived.

Security was intesified,as soon as the president arrived all the gates were closed,the anti riot police surrounded the stadium to ensure the citizens locked out remained calm.

Traffic police officers also ensured a smooth flow of vehicles while other security agents kept patrolling accompanied by police dogs to guarantee security in the city.


All the people attending the fuction had to undergo a search,which was done by the use of a metal detector for them to get a gatepass into the stadium

Ends........... Dave Buchere

Radio Africa

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Radio Africa
Nairobi July 14, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu

The Inter Youth League Forum (IPYLF) has today called on the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Kenneth Marende to lift the two months ban on Radio Africa Media Group from reporting parliament proceedings.

The ban was as a result of alleged demeaning remarks made in reference to the speaker when the station’s morning presenter Caroline Mutoko described, Marende as a ‘fool’ during a discussion on the MP’s pay rise.

Following the ban, journalists of Radio Africa were banned from accessing the press galley, the press centre, parliamentary committees, press conferences at parliament and any part of the precincts of parliament.

Fred Lavati, the Chairperson of Vijana Wote Progressive Group said that Kenyans have freedom of expression and are entitled to express their opinions on issues relating to their country, with parliament being no exception.

“I have carefully studied the transcript of the morning show that was aired on July 6th and found some of the remarks demeaning the integrity of the Parliament and its members,” said Marende during his ruling yesterday.

However the citizens have a different feeling on the ruling most claiming that the media being their watchdog should be let to broadcast facts as they are so that the common ‘mwananchi’ can understand.

Michael Maina a hawker in Nairobi said that had it not been for the discussion on the show it wouldn’t have been easy for him to know what was happening.

“The media is doing a good job but since the ‘big fish’ in our society feel angered by its facts, they use their power to bring them down,” he added.


Ends………./mangera

Consumer confidence

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Consumer Confidence
Nairobi July 1, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu

There has been a decline in Consumer confidence in economic growth in the country according to a TNS Research International Company.

Releasing the results of a survey held last month to assess consumer confidence within the country, Melissa Baker the Director of Research at TNS said although half of the respondents in the research on Kenya’s future is positive, it has dropped since March from 59 to 51%

Bakers adds that there has been a significant decline in the confidence of Kenyans living in Coast, Nairobi, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces in relation to the economy, business conditions, employment, crime and corruption.

She added that there has been a decline in purchasing power of Kenyans since there is a high proportion of respondents who feel that their income is not keeping up with inflation at the moment.

“42 percent of the respondents believe that inflation will increase further in the next six months,” she said.

The decline is mainly caused by deteriorating perception about current and future economic circumstances, business conditions and general pessimisms about the future of Kenya.

According to the survey nearly all Kenyans believe that jobs are hard to find, and this has not changed since a previous survey done in March.

On crime and Corruption the survey says that the overall crime rate slightly reduced over the last three months and is now at 8% compared to 11% in March this year.

“there is no change in the proportion of respondents who have been asked for bribe in the last six months. However, corruption is still high,” Baker said.

The levels or corruption according to the survey is higher among male at 45% than the female respondents who stand at 28%

The Consumer Confidence Index survey was conducted amongst a representative sample of 1,029 Kenyan adults in both urban and rural areas with interviews conducted at their homes

Tracking consumer confidence is an indicator for economic trends regarding the state of economy that is directly reflected in their spending and saving behavior.

Consumer Confidence measurements are done in many countries globally and avidly followed to predict changes in consumer purchasing behaviours

ENDs………….Edited by Wangari Ndirangu



Ends......................

Confusion

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Confusion
Nairobi June 16, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu

With only 49 days to the referendum the recent bombing during a prayer meeting held by participants of the NO campaigns has led to mixed reactions among Kenyans making some to loose the interest of having a new constitution saying that they are not yet convinced that it will be peaceful.

Irene Wairimu a Nairobi resident thinks that there is a battle going on between the leaders of the different sides which have been spread over to the citizens who end up suffering.

“The leaders have always been deceiving us to fight their battles, leaving us to suffer the consequences,” she said.

She added that it would only be fair to postpone the campaign so that it doesn’t end up in violence because with the current outcomes at Uhuru Park, people are not yet convinced to vote.

Isaac Makori, a shoe shiner in Nairobi said that the shock caused by the bombing has led to unending arguments between the YES and the NO camps since they don’t know who is to blame for the killings and that leads Kenyans to confusion for none of the two teams can now be trusted.

“The IIEC had done a good job of convincing people to take voters cards and to be ready to vote, but the current follow up on the campaigns has made us reflect back to the past election and at the moment, am not sure that I would be part of the decision makers when that day comes, ” Makori said.

Nicholas Mutuku said that the referendum has been facing various challenges but no one expected such outcomes, and he doesn’t know what to expect after the voting if the violence begins this early.

“We would not like to have a situation similar to the one we had during the previous elections and therefore if they do want a positive turn up during this year’s referendum then they should ensure that the lives of innocent Kenyans are well protected by providing security and avoiding hate speeches during the campaigns,” he added.


ENDS…………………. WANGARI NDIRANGU

Kasarani polls

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Kasarani polls
Nairobi 4 August 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu

In Kasarani constituency, referendum polls kicked off on the right foot with people turning up in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

By six in the morning, Kasarani primary school polling station was open to the voters majority who said they started queuing by 5.30 am.

Joseph Gachigua who was the first voter in the constituency said that he was at the polling station as early as four in the morning and was upbeat that it would be a peaceful day.

“Since yesterday, I have been seeing police men doing their rounds and they gave us no reason to worry since they have been friendly all through and when I arrived this morning, they courteously gave me instructions,” said Gachigua.

The clerks appeared up to the task and though the early morning queues were long there was flow as voting went on fast and smoothly with a number of citizens going back home five minutes after the official opening time.

Area District Commissioner Evans Mutari said that they had beefed up security in the area to ensure that residents and voters were safe and comfortable during and after the voting exercise.

“We have enough security officers patrolling the whole constituency to ensure that law and order is maintained during the voting and tallying process and even after the final results are announced,” he said.

He said that the residents had no reason to panic and was optimistic that the whole exercise would be smooth, free and fair.

Under the watchful eye of security officers, efficient IIEC staff and peaceful wananchi, Kasarani polls have been running on smoothly with hundreds of voters patiently waiting for their turn to vote.

Ends…………Winnie Ngaluma

KCB Rally

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KCB Rally
Nairobi, 27th July 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu

The fifth leg of the KCB Micro Banking Rally will take place this weekend in Nakuru.

This was disclosed today during a press briefing by the chairman of the Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) Jim Kahumbura and the sponsors of the event.

Kahumbura said that there are only three rallies left in the 2010 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) calendar and there are over 40 entries anticipated to compete.

“The rally will take place at the Egertons ARC Hotel from 9am to 4pm and will feature five competitive stages with the service part positioned right at the Equator within Mogotio town and the highlight of the competition will be the one kilometer spectator stage next to the service park,” he said.

Head of Micro Banking Simon Kariuki said that apart from exciting spectators and nurturing talent the rally presents a good opportunity for the bank to introduce and sell its products in a fun way.

“KCB has invested a total of Ksh 30 million for the KNRC 2010 and it gets a lot of recognition from it,” he said.

Kariuki added that the KCB Group through the KCB Foundation uses the opportunity to partner with communities within the rallying circuit in elaborate Corporate Social Investments (CSI) programs.

According to the organizers, the remaining events, KCB S&L Mortgages Rally is slated for September in Nairobi while the KCB Asset based finance rally will take place in Mombasa in October and the KCB Guru Nanak Rally also for Nairobi will close off this season in November.


Ends…………

War on graft

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War on graft
Nairobi 11 August 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu/ Eunice Wanza

The Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) and the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has today called on the newly appointed director of Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) DR. P.L.O Lumumba to lead in the fight against corruption fearlessly.

NCBDA and AAK said that they have the confidence that Lumumba has the ability and commitment to deal with corruption which is one of the most critical jobs.

The chairman NCBDA Timothy Muriuki said that they have read and learnt more about the new KACC Director through the media, listened to his speeches and statements about how he intends to tackle the corruption monster and that going by his words they expect him to do well.

He added that, businesses know and take cognizance of the fact that environment provided by the new constitution and the opportunity to reap heavily from the new dispensation will not be genuine and real if corruption continues to thrive.

“The NCBDA and indeed the business community would however like to say that we expect action and that we are watching your every move,” Muriuki said.

The AAK Chairman Steven Oundo said that the country has in the past been promised action against the ‘big fish’ but real action must now be taken if the country is to move forward.

“Corruption is widespread, not limited to Anglo Leasing and Goldenberg but when we talk of the built and natural environment, it extends to collapsing buildings, uncontrolled developments and development erected from money laundering proceeds,” Oundo said.

On his side, the Director of KACC P.L.O Lumumba said that he will work towards addressing systemic corridors that promote corruption to demolish and dismantle them and their networks.

He assured the NCBDA and the AAK that he would work fearlessly to make sure that corruption is deal with from the smallest individual to the high and mighty and ensure fairness to all.

“We that breathe the oxygen of ethics must not allow those that breathe the nitrogen of corruption pull back our economic growth and therefore we as the KACC are ready to deal with the issue firmly.” said Lumumba

He further added that the KACC will introduce toll free phone lines that would be used in reporting graft from all over the country so as to make Kenya more transparent and a better place to live in.

The KACC urged all Kenyans to support them in the journey of fighting corruption to win the battle

Ends.........................

Ugly February

As I sit down and think,
I can’t even remember to blink,
For my mind revolves around like wind,
With the thoughts of a month that dimmed, all my hopes and dreams.

I was really affected,
After being rejected,
While all I wanted,
Was to have someone I loved and respected.

Now I really hate cupid,
For making me look stupid,
Especially during the month of love,

This month got me wondering,
Why we waste so much time searching,
While the love w all want to have,
Can only be found deep within our hearts.

Let go of the little grudges,
That you hold in your hearts like budges,
And what you will realize is,
Your heart is the foundation of true love.


These are my lessons from the month of Ugly February 2010.

Nalis Smartguy Alehandro

WONDERS OF LOVE

I must admit i neva knew wat love was till i found u and my routine changed. Whoever called it chemistry was right coz i neva got to understand it but the feeling is soo great. Disturbing thoughts disappeared, u changed my negativity to positivity, i was once jealous but all i now have is trust, my hidden character u revealed and my secrets became a conversation, i was shy but u gave me the confidence and that's y i can look into ur eyes n say I LOVE U. My interpretation may b wrong but i am certain that my heart is RIGHT and that's y i wear a perfect smile for the world to see THE WONDERS OF LOVE :-) I LOVE YOU.

LADIES(season finale)/ MEN PREFER SIMPLE WOMEN!

This being my last, am not going to give any experiences instead ill give an observation. Men do prefer simple women/ladies. Many ladies have been lamenting how men make their lives difficult,but I wonder who is to blame. From my observation, most 'independent' ladies don't know how to carry themselves at the office,at home, in church and social functions. Some carry their education,careers,papers and CV's to their homes,boyfriends and husbands. But most men prefer the simple things,like a woman's natural beauty(without cosmetics),body size,that simple smile,friendly language and the way she carries herself generally. What ladies don't seem to realize is that men want women who will b good wives and mothers to their children no matter how qualified they are. I wish ladies would learn to be professionals at work and ordinary girlfriends/wives in the house. I know that now ladies will say that there are no gentlemen but try to look keenly and you'll realize that there are wise men and the rest who are otherwise. PEACE!!