The board of directors of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has officially appointed Ahmed Farah as the new Chief Executive Officer of the chamber.
Farah, who previously served as the Country Director for TradeMark Africa in Kenya, takes over from Patrick Nyangweso. KNCCI, a private-sector organization that represents the interests of Kenya’s business community, welcomes his leadership.
“Ahmed’s proven ability to foster strategic public-private partnerships has greatly enhanced international investments aimed at modernizing Kenya’s infrastructure and trading systems,” stated KNCCI President Erick Rutto.
“Mr. Farah’s vision is perfectly in sync with KNCCI’s dedication to strengthening Kenya’s position in the global marketplace.” Dr. Rutto highlighted Farah’s pioneering efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, particularly in promoting opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs.
“His appointment to Kenya’s National Investment Council by President William Ruto emphasizes his crucial role in developing investment strategies and policies designed to attract international investors and foster sustainable growth,” remarked the KNCCI president.
Farah possesses a master’s degree in international development from the University of Manchester in the UK and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Kenyatta University.
He has also contributed to a presidential think tank focused on revitalizing Kenya’s economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Starlink has temporarily halted new subscriptions in Nairobi and the surrounding regions of Kiambu, Machakos, Narok, Murang’a, and Nakuru due to overwhelming demand that has exceeded their network capacity.
The American satellite internet service provider explained, “Nairobi and its neighboring areas are currently at full network capacity, which means there are too many users trying to access Starlink at the same time, and there isn’t sufficient bandwidth to accommodate any new residential or roaming customers at this moment.”
They added, “Starlink is actively working to restore service in these affected areas and will send out notifications once the residential plan becomes available again.”
Starlink made its debut in Kenya in July 2023, quickly establishing itself as a major player in the local internet market by offering competitively priced service packages with enhanced speeds. In a short span, it has positioned itself as the country’s tenth-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP), boasting over 8,000 subscribers according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
Earlier this year, the company made headlines by slashing the price of its hardware from Ksh. 74,000 to as low as Ksh. 39,500. In August, Starlink further sweetened the deal by offering its equipment for just Ksh. 29,000. That same month, they introduced a rental option for the hardware, requiring a one-time activation fee of Ksh. 2,700, followed by a monthly rental fee of Ksh. 1,950. Their service plans start at Ksh. 1,300 per month for a package that includes 50 GB of data, all while maintaining internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
In a move to appeal to even more customers, Starlink recently launched its more affordable Mini version, priced at Ksh. 27,000, making it accessible to those who may have previously been deterred by high equipment costs. Meanwhile, Safaricom, a dominant telecommunications provider in Kenya, had previously reached out to the government to reconsider its decision to issue licenses to satellite internet companies. Although the CA did not publicly address Safaricom’s concerns, President William Ruto praised Starlink’s entry into the market in September, noting that it has fostered competition and encouraged existing providers to enhance their service offerings.
Legendary American music icon Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the entertainment industry renowned for collaborating with luminaries from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that he died on Sunday night at his residence in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones.
In a heartfelt statement, Jones’ family expressed, “With heavy hearts, we share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ departure. While this loss is profound for us, we take time to honor the extraordinary life he led and recognize that there will never be anyone quite like him.”
Jones stands out as one of the most multifaceted figures in 20th-century pop culture, renowned largely for his role in producing Michael Jackson’s iconic albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—during the 1980s, which catapulted Jackson to become the ultimate pop sensation.
In addition to his pivotal role with Jackson, Jones collaborated with legendary musicians like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer, among many others. His talents extended beyond production; he was also an accomplished composer, crafting numerous film scores and achieving chart-topping success with his solo work.
His family expressed: “He was truly unique, and we will miss him profoundly; however, we find solace and great pride in knowing that the love and joy that defined him were shared with the world through his creations. Through his music and his infinite love, Quincy Jones’ spirit will resonate forever.”
A celebrated jazz and pop musician, Jones was a remarkable arranger, conductor, record label executive, and advocate for civil rights. He played a significant role alongside Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in producing the star-studded charity single We Are The World in 1985.
Over the course of his life, Jones experienced three marriages and fathered seven children with five different women. His first marriage was to his high school sweetheart, Jeri Caldwell, from 1957 to 1966, with whom he welcomed their daughter, Jolie. He then married Swedish model Ulla Andersson in 1967, with whom he had two children, Martina and Quincy Jones III, before separating in 1974.
In the same year, he entered into marriage with actress Peggy Lipton, a partnership that lasted until 1990 and resulted in the births of two daughters, Rashida and Kidada Jones, who also pursued careers in acting. Additionally, Jones welcomed a daughter named Rachel with dancer Carol Reynolds, and another daughter, fashion model Kenya Kinski-Jones, with actress Nastassja Kinski.
Reflecting on his extensive career in a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, Jones remarked, “I never contemplated it until I turned 80, but I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with every major music icon in American history — including Louis Armstrong.” He further noted, “You can’t strategize that… You can’t just approach Mr. Sinatra and say, ‘I want to work with you.’ It’s a matter of waiting for him to reach out.”
Beyond his contributions to music, Jones established a television and film production company in 1990, where he found significant success with the iconic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, among other productions. His innovative spirit remained strong well into his 80s, as he launched Qwest TV, an on-demand music streaming service, in 2017.
With 80 Grammy nominations, Jones ranks third, trailing only behind Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who each have 88 nominations. He is also the third most awarded artist at the Grammys, boasting an impressive 28 wins. In October 2020, he was honored by President Barack Obama with the National Medal of Arts, a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House.
This prestigious accolade places him alongside legends such as Aretha Franklin, Maya Angelou, and Ella Fitzgerald, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the arts. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, the medal celebrates artists whose exceptional work has significantly influenced the excellence, growth, support, and accessibility of the arts in the United States.
The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have officially commenced, with over 900,000 students participating. The examination period began on October 22, when candidates undertook their oral and practical assessments in elective subjects.
On Monday, students will focus on the English Functional Skills paper in the morning, followed by the Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon. Tuesday’s schedule includes Mathematics Paper 1 in the morning, with the English comprehension paper slated for the afternoon.
Wednesday will see students tackling Chemistry Paper 2 in the morning, while English Paper 3 is scheduled for the afternoon. Thursday’s exams consist of Kiswahili Lugha (Paper 2) and Kiswahili Insha (Paper 1).
On Friday, students will engage in Chemistry practicals, which make up Paper 3. November 11 will feature Mathematics Paper 2 along with Kiswahili Fasihi (Paper 3).
On November 12, students are set to complete the CRE/IRE/HRE Paper 1 and Biology Paper 1. The following day, November 13, the KNEC timetable indicates that students will take their CRE/IRE/HRE Paper 2 along with History Paper 1 in the afternoon.
Biology Paper 2 and History Paper 2 will be administered on November 14, and the following day, students will conduct their Biology Practicals. On November 18, candidates will sit for Geography Paper 1 in the morning, while Physics Paper 1 will be held in the evening.
On November 19, students will tackle both Business Studies Paper 1 and Agriculture Paper 1. Geography Paper 2 and Physics Paper 2 are scheduled for November 20. The afternoon of November 21 will see students taking Business Paper 2 and Agriculture Paper 2.
According to the KNEC 2024 KCSE examination schedule, the national exams will conclude on November 22 with the Physics practicals.
Hashim Dagane Muhumed, the main suspect in the recent killings of three women in Eastleigh, has been taken into custody by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
His apprehension came after a thorough investigation conducted by the Criminal Research and Investigations Bureau, culminating in his arrest at a concealed location in Kamukunji, Nairobi.
Currently, the suspect is undergoing questioning at the DCI headquarters and is anticipated to appear in court on Monday.
Dagane had been evading capture for 12 days following accusations linking him to the brutal murders of three women in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
On Saturday, surveillance footage revealed his presence in a building in Eastleigh, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ramp up their search efforts.
A comprehensive manhunt was initiated, with investigators tracking his movements through forensic evidence.
Despite his attempts to avoid detection, including using various phone numbers to mislead authorities, Dagane was apprehended on Sunday in Kamukunji. After being identified as the prime suspect, he faced a brief interrogation at the local police station before being transferred to the DCI headquarters for more extensive questioning by homicide investigators.
During this process, authorities uncovered multiple forged documents in his possession, including a counterfeit Kenyan identification card. Investigators learned that Dagane had previously served as a regional police officer in a neighboring country before moving to Kenya, where he worked as a driver for various schools in Eastleigh.
There are also allegations that he had been incarcerated for a prior murder involving a family member. Dagane is suspected of being behind the abduction and murder of three women: Amina Abidarashid, Nusayba Abdi, and Warris Daud. The victims’ bodies were found in different areas of Nairobi and Machakos. A vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction was discovered abandoned at Wakulima Market.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on uncovering the motive behind the killings and whether Dagane acted independently or had accomplices. Another suspect is currently in custody and is reportedly assisting detectives with their inquiries.
On November 3, 2024, authorities in Nairobi's Kilimani neighborhood seized a handgun and a motorcycle from three individuals believed to be involved in robbery. [PHOTO | DCI]
On Sunday morning in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, police shot and killed two individuals believed to be engaged in robbery, recovering a handgun, a machete, mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the scene.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that officers on patrol along Tigoni Road, close to a Naivas store, encountered the three-member gang in the midst of committing their crime.
During the subsequent exchange of gunfire, two of the alleged robbers were “permanently incapacitated,” while the third fled with injuries from gunfire, according to police officials.
“After the incident, two individuals who had previously fallen victim to the thieves successfully identified them among the recovered items,” the DCI stated.
Efforts are currently underway to locate the suspect who fled.
On Saturday, tragedy struck in Uganda’s northern district of Lamwo when a lightning strike hit a church, resulting in the death of 14 individuals and injuring 34 others, according to police reports.
The church, situated within the Palabek refugee camp, was the scene of this devastating event.
Kituuma Rusoke, the spokesperson for Uganda’s police, stated that the incident took place around 5:30 p.m., as worshippers had assembled for a prayer service.
“The incident occurred during a prayer service at a church located in Zone 8, Block 2 of the Palabek settlement camp,” Rusoke reported in a post on X this past Sunday.
“The individuals, who have not yet been identified, had gathered for worship when rain began around 5:00 p.m., and lightning struck at approximately 5:30 p.m.” Lightning strikes are not uncommon in Kenya’s western neighbor; a similar event in June at a school in the northern Nebbi District resulted in 77 students being injured.
During a games competition, these students were playing in an open field when the lightning hit. In August 2020, a tragic incident in the north-western city of Arua saw 10 children lose their lives due to a lightning strike while they sought refuge in a hut during a storm.
These children were playing when the weather turned, prompting them to take shelter in a grass-thatched structure that was ultimately struck by lightning.”
A 60-year-old farmworker has been tragically found dead in Kambi Mawe village, situated in Yatta, Machakos County.
The man’s identity remains undisclosed, but his body was discovered abandoned within the grounds of the property where he was employed, leaving the community in disbelief and sorrow.
This distressing event unfolded after the farmworker was reported missing by his family, who became alarmed when he did not return home the previous evening.
As time passed, anxiety increased. His employer, a local woman, had gone to church early that day, only to come back and receive the heartbreaking news about her employee.
Neighbors notified her that his lifeless body had been discovered in her yard. The local authorities were informed, and officers from Yatta arrived promptly to begin their investigation.
The police have appealed to anyone possessing information regarding the murder to step forward, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice for the victim and providing support to his grieving family.
The development of Phase 2B and 2C of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which will connect Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu, is slated to begin in 2025, with an anticipated budget of 648 billion shillings.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir, alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Mogosi, recently met with a Chinese delegation at the SGR Nairobi Terminus to conduct a feasibility study in preparation for the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony.
This 475-kilometer expansion of the SGR is projected to take four years to finish once construction starts in 2025.
During their visit, the Chinese delegation, headed by Xi Li, Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, convened a closed-door preliminary assessment meeting with high-ranking government officials to discuss a major infrastructure initiative.
Mohamed Daghar, the Principal Secretary for Transport, underscored the project’s significance, declaring, “We are fully committed to extending the line to Kisumu and subsequently to Malaba, which will facilitate our connection with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
This multi-billion-shilling extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is a pivotal undertaking stemming from bilateral agreements made between Kenya and China during President William Ruto’s trip to the Asian country in September.
Daghar further highlighted that the ministry is working in partnership with the Chinese government on numerous additional projects across various sectors, including transportation, education, and agriculture.
The SGR extension to Malaba is an integral component of the East African Railway Master Plan, designed to replace the existing meter-gauge railways in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with additional extensions planned for Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A tragic incident occurred at a gold mine in the Abimbo area of Bondo sub-county, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old miner, while another remains trapped in the mine shaft.
The deceased, identified as James Waloga, had arrived for his regular shift at 9:00 a.m. alongside 13 fellow workers when the accident happened.
Mr. David Orido, the General Secretary of the Abimbo Mining Site, reported that the miners were descending the shaft when the ladder they were using collapsed, leading to a devastating fall into the depths of the mine.
He reported that during the incident, colleagues outside made efforts to rescue those trapped inside, managing to save only twelve miners.
Unfortunately, James Waloga and another colleague remained in the shaft, which is currently inundated with water. The Secretary informed Radio Ramogi that they were able to locate Waloga and brought him to safety while he was still alive, but he was later pronounced dead at Bondo sub-county hospital.
Efforts are still ongoing to find the other individual who stayed behind in the shaft. The General Secretary confirmed that a typical mining shaft holds up to fourteen miners, who descend in shifts. He added that the two individuals were among those present when the ladder broke, leading to the tragic accident.
This incident occurred exactly three years after a previous collapse at the same site, which resulted in the deaths of two miners, including Tom Okwach, whose remains were searched for underground for over six months in 2021.
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