By INGONEWS Reporter, June 25 2009
She left this world about a year ago. She was known simply as an educationist but few knew her other attributes as a disciplinarian, Christian and philathropist. In her short life, she rose to become a Permanent Secretary in the ministry of education as well as tourism. Elizabeth Semo Masiga was born on 24th November, 1943 to Rachel Nemali and Joash Anaminyi of Ebusiekwe, Bunyore at Pumwani Hospital in Nairobi. At the time of her birth, her parents were living in Nairobi where her father worked as an evangelist in the Anglican Church. Her mother was a trained primary school teacher. By African educational standards of the time, Elizabeth’s parents were well educated giving her an advantage over the majority of her contemporaries.  As staunch Christians they adhered to puritan ethics and brought up their children as devout Christians.  Elizabeth was the first of six children and had four sisters and one brother.

Elizabeth attended nursery school at Pumwani in Nairobi before joining Pumwani Primary School at the age of six.  She was then transferred to Mungoye Church Missionary Society Primary School in Bunyore where she sat the Common Entrance Examination at the end of Standard Four in 1953. She qualified to go to Butere Girls Boarding School where she spent another four years of primary school. More>>>

By Barnabas Bii, June 25 2009
Banana production has been main source of income to Christopher Okwiri and other farmers in Western Kenya. But the investment faces a bleak future following an outbreak of a disease that is threatening to wipe out the crop. The attack by Xanthomonas wilt has resulted in drying up of several hectares of young banana plantations, causing farmers to incur heavy losses. His five-acre farm in Teso district has been generating an average of Sh12,000 a month from the banana plantation. A team from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) recently toured areas affected by the disease and took samples for analysis. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 25 2009
At least 4,000 teachers in the greater Bungoma area are having trouble accessing their savings after the accounts of their Sacco were frozen following a tussle with a lawyer. Trouble between the Bungoma Savings and Credit Society and Mr Peter Wanyama, who was their legal consultant, started when the Sacco decided to change lawyers, prompting Mr Wanyama to go to court on claims that the Sacco owed him Sh28 million. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 25 2009
More than 5,000 lecturers in the seven public universities are to reap benefits of two separate basic salary awards totaling a 45 per cent increment among other allowances. The Inter-Public University Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) representing the Government, and the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), have arrived at a compromise over implementation of the awards. More>>>

By Jibril Adan, June 25 2009
That sparkling ‘new’ car you have been eyeing could be older than you think. Last year, the Kenya Revenue Authority began crushing some 362 uncollected cars at Mombasa Port. KRA said the vehicles were older than eight years. The eight-year rule is supposed to keep old vehicles off the roads to curb pollution. More>>>

By our correspondents, June 25 2009
Hassanali Omido, a Nairobi West businessman, has been nominated a councillor. Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has extended the term of nominated councillors for the remainder of the five-year term. The nominations had caused anxiety in 175 local authorities, as changes would have affected the mayoral, chairmanship and committee chairmanship elections to be held before August 15. However, ODM dropped its three councillors in Nairobi. The councillors, Said Mahboob, Diana Kapin and Martin Karanja were replaced by Hassanali Omido, Mweha Kamau and Francis Kuria. More>>>

By our correspondents, June 22 2009
Housing Minister Soita Shitanda collapsed in his Malava constituency and was airlifted to Nairobi. Doctors at Aga Khan Hospital said last evening the minister’s condition was stable. This is the second time in four months the minister has collapsed. Yesterday, Shitanda was to preside over a harambee in aid of Musuma Primary School in West Kabras location, in Malava constituency. Ikolomani MP, Dr Bonny Khalwale said the minister collapsed yesterday morning as he entered Butali Sugar Company in Malava for a function. In March, Shitanda was taken to hospital when he became unconscious near a Nairobi club. He was alone in his car, which was parked at the United Kenya Club. More>>>

By Cyrus Ombati, June 22 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Dr Wenwa Akinyi, has been appointed Consulate General in Kenyan mission in Los Angeles, US. And a former assistant minister for Internal Security Stephen Tarus has been appointed the Kenyan High Commissioner to Australia, The Standard can reveal. More...

Chebukaka to replace Muchemi: It also emerged that the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Joseph Muchemi, has been recalled. Mr Muchemi’s replacement has not been announced, but it is expected that he will hand over to his deputy, Mr Addison Chebukaka. More>>>

By David Ohito, June 22 2009
Just as it was smarting from the unresolved Sh7.6billion Triton saga Kenya Pipeline Corporation has again been hit by a multi-billion-shilling scandal. Details of a massive fraud involving the corporation and contracted suppliers have emerged and the shocker is that you the taxpayer will pay an extra Sh6 billion sunk into a project that remains incomplete. It is the familiar story of cost variations for which our state corporations, especially the cash cows such as those in the energy sector, are legendary. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 19 2009
Ikolomani MP, Dr Bonny Khalwale is named in a letter containing chilling details of an alleged assassination plot targeting eight prominent people, among them former minister Martha Karua and MPs Gitobu Imanyara. The letter, tabled in Parliament yesterday by Mr Imanyara, is dated June 10, 2008. The two-page letter allegedly written by a member of the Kwekwe squad names former MPs Paul Muite (Kabete), Dr Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani), Mr Ferdinand Waititu (Embakasi), Mr G.G. Kariuki (former MP), political activist Mary Wambui and a Mr Charles Kamau as others on the list of people marked for assassination. The writer, who signed himself as Wilfred Njenga, claims orders to eliminate Mr Muite were issued by First Lady Lucy Kibaki to Police Commissioner Maj Gen Hussein Ali, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and cabinet Minister John Michuki. State House has denied the allegations. More>>>

By Peter Opiyo, June 19 2009
The quest for a new constitution now hinges on three contentious issues that have been identified by the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review. If all goes well, a new constitution could be in place as early as April, next year. These issues are: presidential or parliamentary system of government; devolvement; and transition from the current constitution to the new dispensation. More>>>

By Morton Saulo, June 19 2009
If you live in Nairobi, own a dog, you must henceforth restrain it from disturbing the neighbourhood through barking or being on the loose during mating season. Your dog must not impregnate your neighbour's. More

University don shot dead
Francis Kenya: Killed by carjackers in Nairobi

By Dominic Wabala, June 19 2009
A lecturer was on Wednesday night shot dead by gangsters who trailed his car to Kamuthi area in Nairobi's Kahawa West estate. Mr Peter Francis Kenya, 60, a lecturer at Kenyatta University’s School of Environmental Studies, was killed by three suspected gangsters at 11pm. Mr Kenya contested the Mbita parliamentary seat but lost. More>>>

By Martin Mutua, June 18 2009
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement’s bloodless coup in Parliament saw it seize control of key House committees and a majority representation in seven others. From the vantage positions on the saddle of committees that influence operations of Parliament on the basis of its delegated authority, ODM could further flex its muscle in the House on matters of national interest such as the reform agenda. More>>>

By Kipchumba Some, June 18 2009
The planned visit to the country by renegade former Roman Catholic Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo of Zambia is set to cause ripples within the local church that is grappling with the problem of priests leaving the church to marry. Milingo is due in the country later this month to ordain three former priests as bishops of the Married Priests Now, a movement he founded after being excommunicated from the Roman Church in 2006.

By Steve Mkawale, June 18 2009
The Ogiek community has published an atlas they believe proves their indigenous ownership of the Mau Complex. The community, which has been fighting for land and recognition for long, claims aboriginal ownership of territories within the controversial Mau Forest. More>>>

By Kipchumba Some, June 18 2009
The last two of Kenya’s forest-dwelling aboriginal communities - Ogiek and Sengwer - are facing imminent extinction following Government’s move to evict them from their natural habitat. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, June 17 2009
Abeingo Women held a successful workshop last Saturday in which they identified key areas in which they will operate to bring women together and empower them economically. The event was organised by Frida Wandera (vice chair, Abeingo Community Network), Marsha Baraza (Projects Director), Susan Kivayi and Jackie Onalo. It was hosted in Dagenham, Essex courtesy of Marsha Baraza and attended by more than 100 people.

Key aims: The Women Empowerment Sub-Committee is a group within the wider structure of Abeingo Community Network.  The aim of the Sub-Committee will be to identify priorities and develop action plans that address women’s issues that will promote inclusion, integration and empowerment of women in the UK and abroad.

Main Role and Functions

• Identify key issues that create barriers and limit the active participation of women socially, politically and economically.

• Develop and agree a detailed action plan in line with ACN’s Strategies.

• Implement the identified actions by focusing on priorities and achievable short and long-term targets and by collectively agreeing a way forward.

• Identify funding streams and compile a funding strategy.

• Promote training and awareness-raising programmes women.

• Support the development of services that respond to the needs of women and their families.

• Develop and co-ordinate a peer support network for women.

• The Women Empowerment Sub-Committee will be accountable to the ACN board. Progress and activities will be reported to the Executive Committee of ACN.
• Members will be sought from different sectors and dispersal areas and a Chair will be selected from the members of the Sub-Committee.
• The group will meet as required but at least quarterly.
• Decisions will be made on the basis of consensus and wherever possible, direction will be taken from the ACN Executive Committee if necessary.
Criteria for Membership: Interest and commitment to issues affecting women; participate fully in the Sub-Committee activities and taking forward actions.

By Patrick Mayoyo, June 17 2009
At least 45 people were seriously burnt on Tuesday night when a tanker from which they were siphoning fuel burst into flames at Kapokyek village near Kericho. Of these, at least nine will require specialised treatment, according to Kericho District Medical of Health, Dr Ambrose Rotich. Witnesses said the driver of the tanker travelling towards Kisumu from Kericho lost control and plunged into a valley before area residents rushed to scoop fuel. Another witness, Mr Alfred Tom, said the fire could have been caused by an electrical fault. He said one of the looters attempted to steal the vehicle’s battery when the tanker burst into flames. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 17 2009
Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed not rescind on his order that caps the number and engine capacity of motor vehicles for senior Government officials.His statement comes against some resistance from a section of Cabinet colleagues who claim they need to retain large, fuel-guzzling limousines for official functions in rural areas. More

Gory affair: The charred remains of Molo petrol tanker victims. You would think lessons were learnt here but history always repeats itself - this time in Kericho where 45 petrol looters were burnt.

By Denis Lumiti, June 17 2009
The row over the sale of a 120-acre piece of land in Athi River by Nairobi City Council for a public cemetery raged yesterday as Deputy Mayor John Njoroge told Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa to quit over the transaction.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi was on the spot after Njoroge claimed the mayor and chief officers at City Hall had colluded with officials at the ministry headquarters to fleece Kenyans of over Sh173 million. More>>>

By David Ohito, June 17 2009
At least three ministers have heeded House Speaker Kenneth Marende’s request to give up offices in a bid to ease congestion. In a response to a story carried exclusively in The Standard, the Speaker said the ministers had created the much-needed space for a crowded building, which cannot accommodate all MPs. More>>>

By Nick Oluoch, June 17 2009
Three people are feared dead after their boats capsized in Lake Victoria. They are said to have left Muhuru beach for a fishing expedition last week and were expected to return on Saturday. More>>>

UK jobless highest in 12 years

UK unemployment rose to 2.261 million in the three months to April, the highest since November 1996, the Office for National Statistics said. The jobless rate rose to 7.2%, the highest since July 1997, but still less than expected. More>>>

By George Olwenya, June 17 2009
An 80-year-old Legio Maria sect priest defiled a Standard Three girl inside a church then threatened to kill her if she reported the act. The preacher was yesterday jailed for life by a Siaya court. Ignacio Pitalis Agunda was sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling an orphan who went to worship at his church. Siaya Resident Magistrate Samson Temu found the octogenarian guilty of defiling the girl inside the prayer room at Boro Legio Maria church, on July 9, 2007. More>>>

By Maurice Kaluoch, June 17 2009
Two Kenyan police officers were Friday briefly held by Ugandan authorities before the intervention of a senior officer saw them freed. The two officers, who are stationed at Nyandiwa, were intercepted by patrolling Lake Victoria soldiers around Kiwa Island in Suba district. "I can confirm that two officers were arrested on the Lake and taken to Migingo Island but were later released following the intervention of a senior Uganda police officer," said Suba District Commissioner Odino Opuko. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, June 16 2009
A secondary school teacher has declared his interest in the Shinyalu seat left vacant following the death of Mr Charles Lilechi Lugano last month. Mr Samuel Muhati says he decided to vie for the seat after intense consultations with the constituents representing various sectors. He is hoping to vie for the seat on an ODM ticket. But first he has to win the nomination in a field that has so far attracted 15 candidates amid claims of dirty tricks by some candidates trying to jump ahead of the gun (see separate story).

"After a series of consultations, the youth, teachers and jua kali sector members decided  to land on me as there most preferred candidate," said Mr Muhato who has taught at Mukhonje Secondary School in Kakamega East District for the last ten years. "I have accepted the position with full courage and determination hoping that i will be able to bring the positive changes Shinyalu constituents having been looking for. I am certain there is a very difficult task ahead of me but with the neccessary grassroot support I trust God will help me make it."

By our correspondents, June 16 2009
Another political firestorm is building up after House Speaker Kenneth Marende wrote to members of the Cabinet and Assistant ministers to forfeit their constituency offices at Continental House. Questions are being raised whether ministers, who have refused to relinquish their offices, would give up the limousines that exceed 1800cc as proposed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta in his Budget statement. The Speaker said the order was a resolution of the Parliamentary Service Commission to ease problems of space. More

Nesta Ndung’u with parents John Ndung’u and Esther Nyambura. Photo: Vincent Bartoo

Couples agony over child with oversized tongue

By Vincent Bartoo, June 16 2009
A couple at an IDP transit camp in Eldoret is agonising over their three-year-old child who suffers from a rare ailment. Nesta Ndung’u Mbuthia’s parents are baffled by his condition, which has left his tongue swollen to almost five times its normal size. More>>>

By Allan Kisia, June 16 2009
Parliamentary hopefuls in Shinyalu claimed that one ODM aspirant had printed and displayed campaign posters even before his party cleared him. "Kenyans will be watching how the new electoral body will deal with those who violate the rules," said Bebetuu Amutavi, a New Ford Kenya aspirant. They claimed the candidate stuck posters on electricity poles and walls in the constituency showing he is the ODM candidate for the by-elections. More>>>

By Roselyne Obala, June 16 2009
In a society where morals have gone to the dogs, it is often an arduous task getting a role model for the youth. This was the dilemma Budalang’i residents were facing before Cherang’any MP Joshua Kutuny stepped in with some handy advise. Speaking at Mumbwayo village, Kutuny cautioned the local youth against emulating former local MP Raphael Wanjala, who was recently quoted saying there was nothing wrong with polygamy. More>>>

By Renson Mnyamwezi, June 16 2009
A man in Taita District was stabbed to death by his girlfriend over claims of infidelity. Confirming the incident, Taita-Taveta District Criminal Investigations officer Jonah Kirui described it as a crime of passion. He said trouble started when the man accompanied the woman to her house after a drinking spree and found a ‘freshly’ used condom in her room. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, June 15 2009
Maria Namiiro saw off stiff competition from 14 Ugandan beauties to win this year's Miss Uganda UK 2009 Beauty Pageant. The 20 year-old student impressed judges with her originality, confidence, intelligence and of course physical beauty to win the coveted price. Miss Namiiro who is a diploma student in air hostessing will sign a one year modelling contract with Mahogany Model Management and will represent UK Ugandans in Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant to be held later this year in Kampala.

The newly crowned beauty queen said she dedicates her award to the children of Uganda. "I will do everything in my power to improve the lives of our children," said the tearful queen. She will work closely with the Latitude Care Network, the charity nominated as the beneficiary of proceeds from Miss Uganda UK as well as promote the businesses of sponsors. The first event will be a charity dinner to be announced shortly.

The event was organised by Joyce Church of Performance Production Ltd with her patrner Chris Church at Troxy Club in London and was attended by more than 1,000 people. The theme was "Promoting Ugandan Beauty, Culture and Heritage."

By David Ohito, June 15 2009
Barely three days after winning accolades for presenting a popular Budget, Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta now faces hard questions over creation of a Fund that would control billions of shillings. Budget analysts have now raised the red flag over the special Fund that would be put under the docket of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) which is known for its corrupt activities. More>>>

Student kills himself over fees

By Kepher Otieno, June 15 2009
A student has committed suicide allegedly after he was sent home over school fees. But Ministry of Education officials differed with police over the death of Lameck Kiunge, 20, saying he had no fees arrears at the time of his death. Nyanza PPO Anthony Kibuchi told The Standard that the Mbita High School student killed himself on Thursday night because of fees problem. More>>>

Blow to tourism as ageing ferries collapse

By Mwakera Mwajefa, June 15 2009
Two ferries broke down at the weekend, causing a massive congestion on the Likoni Channel that took hours to clear. Mv Pwani developed a pump problem on Saturday at 3pm and had trouble lowering its prows, while Mv Harambee’s engine was mixing oil and water, forcing Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) officials to withdraw it. More>>>

By Kenneth Kwama, June 12 2009
Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday put behind him the ghosts of his famous "typing error" remark, to deliver a stimulus Budget in a time of austerity. And for the first time in Kenya’s history, the development expenditure will be directed to constituencies, and monitored closely by Treasury. It displays a quiet consensus within the fractured coalition Government to devolve development funding to the constituencies, to create more jobs and improve critical infrastructure to promote growth. More>>>

By Allan Kisia, June 12 2009
A row is simmering between Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and the Provincial Administration over land. The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) and Kakamega Rehabilitation School donated the land to the institution in August 2007. MMUST says it was to get 12 and 64 acres from ASK and Kakamega Rehabilitation School. However, Western PC Abdul Mwasserah refutes the claim, saying the university was to receive six acres from ASK and 34 from Rehabilitation School. More>>>

By Kepher Otieno, June 12 2009
Surveyors working to resolve the Migingo Island dispute have completed the identification of geographic and hydrographic pillars erected in 1902 by the colonial governments. However, Kenya’s Director of Land Surveys Ephantus Murage disclosed that most of the pillars on land that would help determine the lake boundaries had been vandalised and had to be erected again. "We have had difficulties identifying the pillars. Some were in fairly good condition, but we have had to construct 15 pillars," he said. More>>>

By Cyrus Ombati, June 11 2009
A Member of Parliament underwent a horrifying ordeal as he spent more than three hours in the hands of carjackers who used his car to rob other motorists. Khwisero MP Evans Akula was still in shock yesterday as he narrated how four gangsters nabbed him, bundled him into the back seat then drove around the city with him on a robbery spree in which they attacked several other motorists. They called his wife using the MP’s cell phone and told her they had her husband and demanded cash from her. "They told me they were not blame for what they were doing, it was because of poverty. They told me they were angry with MPs because they had failed to provide a new Constitution," he said. More>>>

By Antony Gitonga, June 11 2009
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has accused President Yoweri Museveni of mischief on the raging Migingo Island ownership dispute. Mr Besigye, who has been in Kenya for the past four days, said President Museveni had blown the issue out of context. "The issue has been blown out of context causing unnecessary tension between Kenya and Uganda," he said in Naivasha where he is attending an international conference. More>>>

Budgeting for the rich

By our correpondents, June 11 2009
Life is hard for 70 percent of Kenyans who live in little grass thatched huts while their leaders wallow in luxury funded by tax revenue. Today’s Sh865.6 billion budget is primarily a consumption rather than a productive budget. More>>>

By our reporter, June 11 2009
Last year, East African beauties catwalked to cheers and ululations in a hotly contested beauty pageant that attracted at least eight countries. That effort was courtesy of Pauline Long who has gone on to achieve two gongs as Kenya's most innovative personality in the UK. This saturday, Joyce Church, the event director, will parade beauties from Uganda at Troxy Club in London in what is promising to be a hotly contested beauty pageant yet. It is easy to see why. The winner will represent UK Ugandans in Miss Uganda 2009 Beauty Pageant in Kampala later this year.

That East African beauty is hot property in Europe is illustrated by 19 year-old Sarah Nuru (right), the Ethiopian who won Germany's Next Top Model last May hosted by Germany's best known model, Heidi Glum (aka Mrs Seal).

Miss Uganda UK 2009 is brought to you by Performance Production Ltd, the organisers of Miss Uganda UK and the licence holder for Miss World.

For more info, please contact us on
press@missugandauk.com 07735 057 258
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By Beauttah Omanga, June 10 2009
By-elections for Bomachoge and Shinyalu constituencies will now be held on August 27, upon completion of fresh voter registration, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) has said. Mr Ahmed Issack Hassan, the IIEC chairman, said political parties willing to field candidates in the two constituencies must finalise nominations on or before July 31. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 10 2009
Khwisero Member of Parliament, Mr Evans Akula Bulimo has been carjacked in Nairobi and robbed of an unknown amount of money. Mr Bulimo was carjacked at Nairobi's Westlands area, where he was held for over an hour on Monday night. After the carjackers stole from him, they forced him to drive off in another stolen vehicle. Yesterday we reported that Mr Bulimo and Alfred Bwire Odhiambo, MP for Butula were among MPs who have not contributed to any motion in Parliament. Source: Nation

By Martin Mutua, June 10 2009
The Government has up to Friday next week to retrieve evidence pertaining to the multi-billion shilling Anglo Leasing scandal from the British government. Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo says the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK would destroy the evidence after next week unless the Government secures it. Last week, Mr Wako flew to London to meet lawyers from his office who had gone there on Friday last week. More>>>

By Shad Bulimo, June 10 2009
Former Butere member of parliament, Mr Martin Shikuku is in Cambridge, England, writing his memoirs. Mr Shikuku is a fellow at Wolfsong College, Cambridge University where he is compiling one of the most compelling memoirs ever written by a Kenyan politician. Mr Shikuku is not just any other politician. With 56 years experience in active politics, the former seminarian is one of only a handful of politicians who have survived despite riding roughshod with the colonial government and the dictatorial regimes of Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.

In a frank conversation with this writer, Shikuku says he joined politics as a calling and not as a means of enriching himself with material comforts. His deepest regrets: "Fighting the colonialists." The fiery ex-legislator slights the regimes of Kenyatta, Moi and Mwai Kibaki for perpetuating corruption. "It pains me when I see children dying or when families cannot afford housing, education and healthcare yet we fought for independence primarily to provide for these basics." Full interview to be published shortly.

By Cosmas Butunyi, June 10 2009
A new hydro-electric power generating station is set to be constructed along River Yala in Western Kenya. The station, expected to generate up to 50 megawatts of electricity, is part of the proposed Nandi Multipurpose Dam Development Project. Other features of the project are an irrigation scheme covering 17,000 hectares of farmland and a fisheries project. The project is to be located at the point where River Yala’s Romonde and Sirua tributaries converge from north of Kapsabet and Nandi Hills respectively. More>>>

By Beauttah Omanga, June 9 2009
The Justice Ministry is on a collision course with the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) over vehicles and staff seconded to the team. A source at the commission, told The Standard that the commissioners, rejected ten vehicles assigned to them last week. They reportedly termed the vehicles ‘junks’ that would not efficiently serve the task at hand. IIBRC Chairman Andrew Ligale confirmed the rejection was done in good faith. "We looked at the vehicles and concluded it would be more expensive having them than buying new ones. They were over-used and cannot see us through our task which will see us tour all corners of the country to collect views on boundary review," said Mr Ligale. More>>>

Luhya MPs are sleeping in the House

By our reporter, June 9 2009
Live coverage of parliamentary proceedings has exposed a sizeable team of MPs whose job is to sleep in the House even as serious issues affecting their constituents are being discussed. In Luhyaland, The Standard on Sunday report (June 7 2009) exposed MP for Khwisero, Mr Evans Akula Bulimo and Butula MP, Alfred Odhiambo as some of the MPs who haven't made a contribution to any motion in the House. In their defence, the MPs say the fact that they do not speak loudly in parliament does not mean they are ineffective as they do a lot of work at the grassroots.

By E. Kwamboka, June 9 2009
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli is yet to iron out issues surrounding his removal from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). On Monday, High Court Judge Roselyne Wendoh said Mr Atwoli and his team are to settle with Labour Minister John Munyes, a case in which he is challenging a decision to sack the NSSF board. More>>>

Otieno with Energy efficient jikos

By our correspondent, June 9 2009
From the manicured lawns of San Diego, California, a little known company is breaking new ground in the business of personal carbon trading. Carbon Manna Unlimited is pushing forward an ingenious pilot project that rewards small farmers in Mbeere and Bungoma districts for planting trees, and using more energy efficient stoves. More>>>

By our reporter, June 9 2009
You cannot talk about ecotourism without mentioning Kakamega Forest. While Kenyan tourism officials have concentrated on tourist attractions near Nairobi, Kakamega Forest, one of only two remaining rainforests in Africa has been left to rot with the only visible activity being illegal logging and grabbing of pristine forest land. All that may change however if civil societies apply for funds made available by USAID aimed at promoting ecotourism. But you must hurry up as deadline is 15 June 2009.

Pact Inc and Pact Kenya, in collaboration with USAID, are implementing a program known as Kenyan Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP). This program is a grant making and capacity building mechanism, targeting civil society organizations (CSOs) within the four sectors of Natural Resources Management (NRM), Democracy & Governance (DG), Conflict & Peace Building. The released RFA is specifically tailored to support efforts within the NRM sector. Since October 2007, the KCSSP-NRM program component has been supporting various projects around Kenya aimed at conserving biodiversity while improving the economic status of communities through nature based enterprises. Click any of the links below to access the RFA which contains guidelines on how to apply and additional information. http://www.kcssp.org/rfapage.html

http://www.pactkenya.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=61

By our correspondents, June 8 2009
Supremacy for Luhya leadership reached fever pitch over the weekend when Ikolomani MP, Dr Bonny Khalwale challenged Deputy PM, Musalia Mudavadi to either go for the presidency failure to which he (Khalwale) will. Unperturbed, Mudavadi, asked Khalwale to concentrate on the affairs of his party. The two were speaking during the burial of businessman Isaac Lijodi in Mukhonje village, Shinyalu. Assistant Minister Athanas Manyala Keya was present. The aspirants included Mr Justus Kizito, Mr Ambeyi Likabo, Mr Amutavi Bebetu and Mr George Murila. More

By our correspondent, June 8 2009
Gabon’s President Omar Bongo has died after 41 years in power in the central African country, French media said on Sunday, but the country’s prime minister said he was unable to confirm the reports. Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong said 73-year-old Mr Bongo is "alive and well", reported AFP news agency. Mr Bongo suspended his work as head of the oil-rich nation in May. He has led Gabon since 1967, and faces a French inquiry into corruption allegations. His death comes barely three months since his wife, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba, died after a long illness in Morocco at the age of 45 in March. More>>>

By Peter Orengo, June 8 2009
Kenya is the third most corrupt country in sub-Saharan Africa, says a global corruption survey released by Transparency International on Sunday. And in the sea of corruption, only one in four Kenyans who reported paying a bribe bothered lodging the complaint with the authorities, raising serious doubts about the effectiveness and the legitimacy of the public offices charged with anti-corruption efforts. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 8 2009
Poverty in Africa is a creation of bad governance and massive debts created by the stringent conditions imposed by Aid Agencies and the Bretton Woods Institutions (The World Bank and The International Monetary Fund). Their policies and conditionalities have led to depletion of vast African resources that have plunged African economies into deeper debts, said Prof George Wajackoyah, the guest of honour at a Sierra Leonian fundraising event in Los Angeles, California on May 30th 2009. His speech on "Causes of Poverty in Africa" was well received by the invited guests who included heavies from the world of entertainment and Californian politicians. "The speech was brilliant and on the point. Africans need to hear it now," commented Mustapha Sesay, the Board Chairman  for the California Consumer Affairs Department. Others who were impressed by the speech included Mr. Kyle Jackson , CEO and Founder of Tunnel Post Studio and Victor Franco, Executive Producer for Tunnel Post. The fundraiser was organised by Amidu Sesay, candidate for Sierra Leonian High Commission in Canada. CLICK HERE to read the speech.

By Peter Opiyo, June 5 2009
Big names were mentioned in Parliament over the get-rich-quick pyramid schemes that collapsed with Sh34 billion belonging to Kenyans and drove at least 20 people to suicide. The wife of Trade Minister Amos Kimunya, former State House aide Stanley Murage and Boundaries Review Commission Chairman Andrew Ligale are among big names linked to the pyramid schemes. Dr Bonny Khalwale (Ikolomani, New Ford-K) also named former Cabinet Minister Njeru Ndwiga, former diplomat Mary Odinga, a Dr Ndamwe, and Mr George Donde as some of the individuals behind the schemes. More>>>

By Sam Otieno, June 5 2009
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has denied claims that it has ‘ghost’ teachers in its payroll. According to the commission, there were 239,000 teachers as at November 30, 2007, of which 229,132 were on payroll while 9,868 were not. Those that were out of the payroll include 55 teachers on unpaid study leave, three absentees, 592 on disciplinary cases and the 9, 218 who were recruited recently and are yet to be included in the payroll. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 5 2009
National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) reported a loss of 5.66 billion shillings in the year to end March on Friday due to fuel hedge costs, after a revised pre-tax profit of 6.52 billion a year earlier. The airline's Finance Director Alex Mbugua blamed the performance on the collapse of the oil price: "In September 2008, all hell broke loose, it fell like the Titanic." More>>>

By our correspondents, June 4 2009
The Government ate humble pie and largely accepted the verdict on Kenya by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Philip Alston on extrajudicial killings. In a quick change of heart, the Government withdrew its earlier version, which rubbished Prof Alston’s report and dismissed its recommendations and instead replaced it with a short version that was read before the 11th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. More>>>

By Lucianne Limo, June 4 2009
The European Union (EU) has come out in support of a damning report by the UN special rapporteur’s on extrajudicial killings, Philip Alston and called for its full implementation. The 19 heads of missions said they were concerned by the government’s dismissive response to reports of human rights abuses in the country. The EU stressed the need for "urgent comprehensive reforms in the police force and the judiciary" as highlighted in Alston’s report. More>>>

Sheila Atieno (right), Judy Wangari (centre) and Zipporah Adhiambo, daughters of Ms Christine N Ongowo, a Kenyan on death row in China. Photo: Standard

By Cyrus Ombati, June 4 2009
The family of Ms Christine Nyabera Ongowo – one of the six Kenyans sentenced to death for drug trafficking in China – is slowly but painfully coming to terms with the finality of her fate. Her children acknowledge she may never live in their midst, nor hear her reassuring voice in an uncertain night. So their only prayer is to have her spend the rest of her life in a Kenyan jail, at least a place they can visit and comfort her. More>>>

By Anne Kanina, June 3 2009
The cancellation of Delta Airline’s direct flights from the US is unacceptable, Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula has said. Speaking in Nairobi, yesterday, Mr Wetangula termed the move unfriendly. The Delta flight agreement came after various inspections by the US officials, but Washington raised several concerns, not least terrorist fears.. More>>>

By INGONEWS Reporter, June 3 2009
Kenya's High Commission to the UK and Ireland, HE Joseph Muchemi has been recalled, INGONEWS has reliably learnt. Mr Muchemi has already received a letter recalling him back to Nairobi and is expected to vacate the High Commission by August. His deputy, Mr Addison Chebukaka will take over in an acting capacity.

Robert Masibai walking free from Kamiti Prison on May 28 2009 but straight into a fresh collision with Bukusu elders who insist he cannot be part of the community until he undergoes cleansing rites which he has rejected on account that he is now a Christian, a position he says is supported by his three daughters and sister who live in the USA. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 4 2009
A mouse diced with death when it stole some food from under the nose of a leopard at the Santago Rare Leopard Project in Hertfordshire. Instead of pouncing on the the mouse, the 12-year-old African leopard, called Sheena, simply watched as it fed on scraps of meat thrown into its enclosure. At one stage she tried to nudge the mouse away with her nose, but the mouse carried on eating regardless. The extraordinary scene was captured by Casey Gutteridge, a photography student. "I have no idea where the mouse came from. He didn't take any notice of the leopard, just went straight over to the meat and started feeding himself." More>>>

London, June 4 2009
British cabinet minister Hazel Blears on Wednesday became the latest high profile departure from Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government when she said she was quitting her post. Reuters

By our correspondent, June 3 2009
Barack Obama has arrived in Egypt to deliver a speech aimed at mending American relations with the Arab and Muslim world. The hugely anticipated speech will be at Cairo University this evening. More

By our correspondents, June 3 2009
The spat between Coalition partners ODM and PNU over the UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston’s findings on extra-judicial killings threatened to degenerate into international embarrassment after the rivals took contradictory positions before a crucial meeting. The two groups were last night locked in a meeting to make a last-ditch effort to mend fences ahead of the scheduled forum in Geneva, Switzerland, but little progress was reported hours to the meeting. More>>>

By Cyrus Omabti, June 3 2009
Controversial businesswoman Joyce Akinyi and former Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala have been cleared of money laundering charges in India. Ms Akinyi told The Standard from India they had been given back their Sh12 million that was held by the Indian authorities when they were arrested last year. Akinyi said they would go shopping in several Asian countries, including Dubai before returning home. More>>>

The late Esther Nekesa with PM, Raila Odinga in 2007. She was the mother of Kijana Wamalwa

By Robert Wanyonyi, June 3 2009
Former Vice-President Kijana Wamalwa’s mother has died. Mrs Agnes Khisa, her daughter-in-law, said yesterday Esther Nekesa, 85, was taken ill at her home. Before her death, Nekesa had organised a meeting with Musikari Kombo, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi and Moses Wetangula to offer her advice on the revival of Ford-Kenya. Kombo termed her as the mother of the Luhya nation. She will be buried on Friday at Sichei, Bungoma South District at her younger son's (Moses Khisa) farm. More>>

By Justus Ondari, June 3 2009
The direct flights planned by an American airline to Nairobi were on Tuesday cancelled over security concerns. This followed a decision by the United States Department of Homeland Security to seek more time to review the Delta Airlines’ Atlanta-Nairobi flights. More>>>

By Kepher Otieno, June 3 2009
The joint survey to re-draw boundaries of the disputed Migingo Island begins today. The team has not started work; weeks after Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula launched the exercise, causing anxiety among fishermen. More>>>

By James Ratemo, June 3 2009
Kenya has emerged with a ranking of 113 in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2009 moving up four places compared with last year. The Index is a ranking of 144 countries - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - listed according to their peacefulness. "This year it received a favourable score for low number of deaths from organised conflict, " reads the GPI report in part. In Africa Kenya is ranked 13th out of 31 countries. Botswana is the most peaceful in Africa followed by Malawi, Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 3 2009
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula bowed to pressure from MPs and promised to travel to China to help save the lives of six Kenyans who have been sentenced to death for drug trafficking. This came even as Imams praised the Chinese action as timely and worthy of emulation by Kenya. More>>>

Bullfighter: Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale after a bullfighting show in Kakamega on Madaraka Day which is one of his favourite sports. Photo: Benjamin Sakwa

By Cyrus Ombati, 02 June 2009
Five Kenyans have been sentenced to death in China after they were found guilty of drug trafficking. Six others have been condemned to life imprisonment in Chinese jails for drug peddling, The Standard has established. Ome of those sentenced to life imprisonment have ingo-like names such as Margaret Mudasia Engesia, 36; Ms Oliviah S. Munoko, 26. More>>>

By Fred Mukindia, 2 June 2009
At least 24 senior police officers are to be dropped from the top police command as part of the planned reforms in the security agency. These are part of a wide range of proposals that would see the force transformed into the Kenya Police Service with only six senior officers reporting directly to the police boss instead of the more than 30 at present. More>>>

By Kepher Otieno, 02 June 2009
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has asked the Government to recruit vigilantes and street urchins to the Police Force. His argument is that recruitment of police or Army officers should not be pegged sorely on academic performance. "Shooting is not academic. Even street urchins or the Chinkororo vigilantes can do it if well trained," he told mourners during the burial of Festus Akuno in Oyugis at the weekend. More>>>

By our correspondent, 02 June 2009
When Pauline Long set out to establish Miss East Africa UK in 2006 and Mr East Africa UK in 2008 the last thing she expected was to win two awards in the same year. The mother of two was named Most Innovative Kenyan in the UK at the UK Kenyan Achievers Awards held on 18th April at the luxurious Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury London. The award was presented to Pauline Long by Labour Councillor Marianne Alapini in the presence of a huge crowd consisting of Kenyans from different parts of the UK, the Deputy Kenya High Commissioner Mr Chebukaka and Kenyan government officials.

By Beauttah Omanga, 02 June 2009
The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) faces its first test in three months after Speaker Kenneth Marende issued writs for Shinyalu and Bomachoge by-elections. Yesterday, Mr Marende said "it is now up to the IIEC to organise the polls within the stipulated time". But it has emerged that IIEC has no funds, and could jeopardise preparations for the by-elections. More>>>

Running against Schwarzenegger: A Kenyan, Joe Mwangi Symmon is running for governor of California next year in a Daivid vs Goliath battle against Arnold Schwarzenegger. More>>>

By Stevens Muendo, June 01 2009
One of Nairobi’s top secrets is finally out! After a month of speculation, MondayBlues can finally reveal that Yvonne Khamati, Kenya’s head of Chancery and Deputy Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, is now married to ‘the man from Matuu’. The youthful diplomat, who rose to stardom after running for a parliamentary seat during the 2002 General Election and later become a member of the Ford-Kenya’s think tank, tied the knot with her old-time friend Vick Kilonzo in a private wedding at Leisure Lodge, Mombasa. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 01 2009
Years after graduating from dependence on the International Monetary Fund, many African countries are having to call upon the fund for assistance to cope with a global economic crisis that is not their fault. Among countries seeking IMF aid are Kenya and Tanzania - two of Africa's biggest economic reformers. The IMF on Friday approved a total of $545 million in emergency funding for the pair. More>>>

Strange disease that is devouring Stanley Badia just 8. Doctors told the mother is was a birth mark but it just keeps growing and growing. More...

By INGONEWS Reporter, June 01 2009
This month our "covergirl" is Jackie Ochieno Odanga. The US based singer has taken music to a new level by clever infusion of traditional isikuti and lipata rhythms into gospel music. Those who have listened to her songs, say the rendition is awesome and the music breathtaking. No wonder the girl raised in Madaraka, Nairobi has taken America by storm. Jackie Ochieno Odanga truly defines the meaning of a natural artist and a God chosen leader. She has the ability to lead her audience not only in cultural and traditional singing and dancing, but most importantly in the presence of God through powerful praise and worship. Born in Kenya, she attributes the discovery of her musical talent to her grandmother, Jedidah Ochieno, who constantly taught and sang for her Christian songs. More>>>

By our correspondent, June 01 2009
A 21-year old man was charged in a Mombasa court with stealing a Bible from a church. Boniface Moindi denied the charge before Principal Magistrate Richard Kirui and was released on a surety of Sh20,000. He was charged that on May 17, at Likoni Consolata Church, he stole the Bible, which belonged to the church. More>>>

By Bornice Biiomido, June 01 2009
She first noticed an odd black patch on her baby’s stomach when she held him for the first time. However, doctors assured Sylvia Atieno that it was a birth mark that would gradually disappear as baby Stanley grew older. Eight years later, Stanley’s body is a sea of moles and folds of dark skin threatening to cover every part of the body. Ms Atieno noticed that the ‘birth mark’ was growing when Stanley was still a toddler More>>>

Kenya’s policing agencies have differed sharply over a proposal to bring their operations under a unified command. More>