Here is what has been trending on Kenyan media headlines
- Dry End of Year
The Kenya Meteorological Department announced large sections of the country will experience suppressed rainfall with the weatherman confirming a below average rainfall and dry end of the year.
A report released by the Meteorological Department confirms the October-December short rains have performed poorly across the country, warning major parts of the country were expected to experience prolonged dryspells.
The department issued a warning that the months of January and February will be characterised by generally sunny and dry conditions.
- Human Rights Groups Slam IEBC
Civil society organisations in the country have accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of conducting by-elections marred by election irregularities.
The 4 organisations namely, The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Transparency International – Kenya (TI-Kenya), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and Siasa Place in a join press conference threatened to challenge the November 27 by-elections in court noting use of public funds to support preferred candidates.
The groups accused government officials of active participation in campaign activities, as well as widespread voter bribery.
- Government Sells 15% Stake In Safaricom
The Government announced plans to sell a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom Group which is valued at KShs 240.5 billion to be used as seed capital for the National Infrastructure Fund.
The Kenyan government, according to Treasury CS John Mbadi will still holds a significant 20 per cent to influence decision-making at the company and the proceeds will go a long way in helping the government build its long-term financial foundations.
Once completed, the State’s ownership at Safaricom will reduce from 35% to 20%.
- Kenya Signs KShs 207 billion Health Deal with U.S
Kenya has signed a health framework with the United States that will see KSHs 207 billion injected in the country’s health system to advance Universal Health Coverage.
The deal, witnessed by President William Ruto makes Kenya the first country in Africa to sign a government to government health framework with the U.S and introduces a change to reduce donor dependency.
According to the deal, Kenya is expected to increase its health budget allocations to KShs 50 billion by 2030 and absorb more than 13,800 U.S. funded health workers by 2028.
- Three Dead in Gold Mining Demos in Ikolomani
Three people were shot dead and several others, including police officers and journalists injured after chaos ensued in Isulu, Ikolomani constituency, where villagers protested against the intention of Shanta Gold Company to take over their land for gold mining.
Officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Shanta Gold Company investors had visited the area on Thursday December 04 to hold a public participation forum about the relocation plans when the protests began.
Shanta Gold Company had proposed the relocation of over 800 households after the discovery of gold deposits worth Ksh683 billion and had announced plans to invest between Ksh22 billion and Ksh27 billion to develop the underground mine and a processing plant.
