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Kamiti prison warden arrested while protesting outside Senate

Shakur being arrested outside Parliament on Tuesday, July 10,2024. [Photo | SCREENGRAB]

Tuesday, while participating in a protest outside the Parliament Building, a prison warden who went by the social media handle Cop Shakur was taken into custody.

Videos circulated on the internet showed him holding a banner while wearing a white dustcoat stained with blood.

He claimed that he was pursuing justice for the people murdered at the most recent anti-tax demonstrations.

A portion of the poster said, “We want justice, not your condolences.”

It was raining when the Kamiti Medium Prison warden and his entourage of supporters pulled up at the Senate gate.

Ever since demonstrators broke through it on June 25, Parliament Road has been crowded with security officers.

The demonstrator first engaged security personnel at the gate in a push-and-pull game as he attempted to enter the precincts and obstructed vehicles from entering and exiting.

He was taken into custody and taken to the Parliament police cells by other police officers who showed up a short while later.

As they attempted to pull him away, the squad tore his coat, declaring that his protest was unlawful.

He resisted for a short while before giving up and they left.

After they got at the station, he revealed himself as Jackson Kuria Kihara alias Shakur, a prison warden at Kamiti Medium Prison.

Police stated that they are looking into the event and plan to ask the jail administration for more details about him.

Ahead of his scheduled arraignment, he was later transferred to Central Police Station.

IEBC recruitment: All Eyes on Ruto, Raila parties

With the signing of the IEBC Bill, 2024, by President William Ruto, the process of nominating the next set of commissioners has begun.

The country is currently in crisis as a result of a dysfunctional IEBC that has rendered by-elections impossible.

A panel of nine people would be tasked with selecting the new commissioners under the legislation, which is the result of the President’s post-election discussions with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

All eyes are on the Raila and Ruto camps to get the new panel’s creation underway.

Two nominees will be selected by the Parliamentary Service Commission on behalf of the main political alliances.

Both the minority party and the coalition of parties in the majority should be represented by the nominees.

The Political Parties Liaison Committee will propose three candidates, and the Law Society of Kenya will submit one nomination.

The Interreligious Council of Kenya has two spots on the hiring panel, and a representative of the Kenya Institute of Certified Public Accountants will also be included.

The president will ‘promptly’ forward the names to Parliament following the signing.

Following the retirement of commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye in January of last year, and chairman Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC is currently without a commissioner.

Justus Nyang’aya, Irene Masit, Juliana Cherera, and Francis Wanderi, the other four commissioners, were removed for rejecting Ruto’s election as president.

With this finding, the panel’s assignment is in peril before the conversation process is terminated, as they were hired to replace the commissioners.

The Nelson Makanda-led team will no longer exist, according to the passed statute, however its members may run again.

“The selection panel existing immediately at the commencement date of this Act ceases to exist but a person who served as a member of that selection panel may be nominated to serve as a member of a selection panel appointed under this Act,” it says.

Azimio rejected the Makanda-led panel and did not submit its nominations because they had no involvement in the panel’s formation.

As a result, the minority side must appoint new members to the upcoming panel.

The Public Service Commission, which had a position on the team before to the bill’s enactment, was likewise eliminated from the panel.

“We have closed ranks on a number of issues including reconstitution of the IEBC. It testifies our country’s ability to deal with issues that undermine our national cohesion and stability,”  Ruto remarked.

Professionals and men of integrity, he argued, ought to be on the new commission.

“I concur with leaders who have said we must consider integrity and professional as part of the cardinal principles of the men and women who will be tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the elections,” Ruto declared.

Boundary reviews were supposed to be completed by the end of March in addition to by-elections, but they haven’t, creating a constitutional dilemma.

Famous Generation Z activists, or “agitators,” have pointed out how difficult it will be to recall elected officials in the wake of the IEBC catastrophe.

Once created, the panel will have 90 days to finish its recruiting and can only request an extension from Parliament.

The deputy chairperson of the electoral commission is not permitted by the new law to assume the chairmanship in the event of a vacancy.

Additionally, the requirements for commission nominations have been broadened to include knowledge of accounting and information technology.

The purpose of this action is to preserve distinct lines of authority and leadership within the Commission.

Clash Looms As Governors, Senators oppose Ruto’s plans to slash county funds

The proposal to reduce the funding to the devolved units by Sh5 billion in the current fiscal year may put the national government in conflict with the Senate and the Council of Governors.

The legislators and county leaders have criticized the action, calling it unlawful and disrespectful to devolution.

The National government could be headed for a fight with the Council of Governors and the Senate over the plan to slash by Sh5 billion allocation to the devolved units in the current financial year.

The county chiefs and the lawmakers have opposed the move as unconstitutional and an affront to devolution.

“We therefore wish to state unequivocally that the council rejects this proposal in totality, and demands that the National Treasury retains the county equitable share as enumerated in the Division of Revenue Act, 2024,”CoG Chairperson Anne Waiguru stated.

The National Treasury informed Parliament of its plan to withdraw the Finance Bill, 2024, and drastically cut the budgets of the national and county governments by Sh200 billion.

After the two houses mediated, Parliament gave the devolved unit Sh400.1 billion; however, the Treasury plans to cut this to Sh395 billion, which has caused a stir.

“This unilateral decision not only undermines the spirit of devolution but also jeopardises the essential services delivered to millions of Kenyans,” Waiguru stated.

The governor of Kirinyaga claims that the constitution protects county governments from financial difficulties caused by the Kenya Revenue Authority.

Governor Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu claimed that the cut is a plot to end devolution.

Reducing money to counties, according to him, would be a betrayal of justice for devolved governments, whose revenue share is determined by the audited national accounts.

“How can the President purport to base the failed Finance Bill on the division of revenue allocations, which are calculated on a budget of three years ago?” He queried.

Reducing county allocation, according to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, would be against the law.

He stated that the Division of Revenue Bill, which the President has already signed, cannot be changed.

The bill divides spending between the national and county governments.

“The law is very clear that where there is a shortfall, the national government will bear,” Sakaja said.

Senators, however, contended that the counties should be exempt from the Treasury’s sweeping budget cuts.

“The Sh346 billion (lost in the now withdrawn Finance Bill) out of the Sh3.9 trillion budget is nine per cent, at least at the national level. I would not wish that the same be applied to our counties, which must be on an equity basis,”  he stated.

Senator Enoch Wambua of Kitui requested that rather than lowering county budgets, the state curtail government expenditures.

“There was no reason why the MPs allocated themselves Sh30 million for CDF. What for? If you multiply Sh30 million by 290 constituencies, that is Sh8.7 billion. That money should be going to counties as part of the equitable share,” he said.

Senator Mohammed Chute of Marsabit requested that the President shield and assist the counties in providing services to Kenyan citizens.

“The President should support the county governments. The county governments should also stop their excesses,” he said.

Senator Boni Khalwale of Kakamega demanded that unconstitutional offices that burden taxpayers be abolished.

The First Lady’s office, the Deputy President’s spouse, the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s spouse, and the governors’ spouses were specifically mentioned by the Senate Chief Whip.

Khalwale stated “Those are private family matters that ought never to be brought up in public.”

Machakos: Body of unidentified man found dumped in a farm

A file image of police line tape on crime scene

Tuesday’s discovery of a man’s body dumped at a farm is the subject of an investigation by Matungulu police in Machakos county.

The investigation began after the unidentified body was found laying on a farm in Katulu, Matungulu subcounty.

Francis Mulinge, the Tala chief, validated the event.

According to sources, passers-by discovered the body and alerted the area head, who then notified the police.

It is thought that the deceased was in the 30–40 year age range.

Following the event, police officers from Tala police station visited and processed the scene.

The body was taken by the police to the mortuary of Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, where it is awaiting identification and autopsy.

KPLC: These 7 counties will have power interruptions on Wednesday

Kenya Power has published a list of areas in seven counties where it will temporarily cut off power on Wednesday in order to allow for system maintenance.

The scheduled power outages, according to the power company, will occur at various intervals between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Nairobi, Embu, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, Siaya, and Isiolo are the counties that would be impacted.

Nairobi 

Parts of Nairobi set to experience power interruption are Kasarani Police Station, ICIPE Office, Complex View East, Sports Drive East, KISE, Kasarani DO’s Office, Kasarani Seasons, PCEA Church, Jaylen Academy, Mwihirigo, Warren Factory, Kings College, Queens of Apostle Church and CITAM Church.

Other are Ruaka Groove, Runda Groove, Runda Road, Eluid Mathu, Runda Riviera, Puffin Drive, Pan Africa Insurance, Runda Mumwe, Glory Road, Mimosa Ridge, Mimosa Groove and Mimosa Drive.

Customers along Mimosa Road, Mimosa Vale, Mae Ridge, Andrew and Elia Zagoritis, part of Northern Bypass, Runda Water and Two Rivers in Nairobi will also experience power cuts between 9am and 5pm.

Nakuru

In Nakuru, power will be out from 9am to 5pm in Barnabas, Green Stead, Mbaruk, Kingururia, Punda Milia, East Gate, Kwa Senior, Machine, Roots Academy, Umash, Royal East and Pro Gas.

Nyeri 

Areas to be affected in Nyeri county will go without power 8am to 5pm.

They include Karindundu Coffe Factory, Karindundu Primary School, Kiangogoyo Village, Kiahiti Village, Kirimara High School, Muchohi village, Gitumbi Village, Ndima-Ini Market, Ndima-Ini Coffee Factory, Kahuta-Ini village, Ndima-Ini Safaricom and Airtel Boosters, Muhaka-Ini Village and Njororoma village.

Other areas will experience the interruptions from 9am to 5pm.

These are Kamatongu, Muthiga Garden, Gen Karangi, Honi Resort, Aberdare County Club, Mwereri, Jersery Farm, Mweiga Blooms, PCEA Honi Prayer Centre, Flora Farm, Mweiga Town, Endarasha, Watuka, Charity, Kimunyuru and Embaringo.

Meru 

Meru residents around Kongoacheke, Kirwai Coffe Factory, Munithu Girls, Munithu Molo, Kienderu market, Kambiti Primary and Kambiti Market will also experience power interruption from 9am to 5pm.

Embu 

Areas in Embu county earmarked for the outage over the same period include Kwa Kingoli, Kiimani, Masinga Boys, Masinga Mkt, Wendano, Kakuku, Ekalakala, Kathini, Isyukoni, Kiangeni, Masinga Bible College and Mutwamwaki.

Siaya 

In Siaya, power will be out from 9am to 5pm at Mbaga Girls, Mbaga Mission, Nyachwinya, Boro Market, Mulaha, Hawinga, Udamayi, Sidundo, Nyalaji, Gangu and Rasugu.

Isiolo 

A section of areas in Isiolo will also go without power from 9am to 5pm.

They include Mutunyi, Daichi Farm, Maili Nane, Asili Millers, Kweroga, Mungania, Munanda Pri, Meru Highland Technical, Nkado, Kamuketha, Ntumburi, Matunda, Lewa Conservancy, Manyangaro Primary, part of Subuiga and adjacent customers.

CEREALS BUSINESS TRAINING [DAY 6]: Breakdown Of Capital Needed For a Cereals Business

Hello followers. Welcome to another day of our CEREALS BUSINESS TRAINING.

Cereals business in Kenya is a profitable venture with a ready market. Food-related businesses rarely lack customers, even during tough economic times.

Starting cereals business is not expensive since you can start small and expand your business. You can source cereals produce directly from farmers to save on costs.

Cereals business can either be operated online or onsite, where your customers will walk into your premises, order and pay for their cereals.

One of the greatest “start your own business” ideas you can have today is starting a cereals business.

People eat every day and cereals sellers and producers keep cashing in.

If you want to make money from starting a Cereals business, in today`s training I will give you a breakdown of Capital needed for a cereals Business in Kenya.

If you are wondering how much it will cost you to start a cereals business, wonder no more as we have spelt out in detail the cost of establishing one.

1. COST BREAKDOWN FOR LICENSES

This is the most critical component when starting a cereals business in Kenya.

After all your hard work, the last thing you want shutting down your business is a license issue. This is often a thorny issue for cereals shops in Kenya though, and it’s important you take the licensing process seriously, especially early on or if and when the rules change.

You cannot operate a cereals business in Kenya without a valid license.

The cost breakdown for cereals Licenses in kenya is as follows:

*Business permit – Between Ksh.7,000 to Ksh.15,000 (Cost can vary depending on your county and size of the business)

*Food and Hygiene – Ksh.7,000

*Fire Safety certificate – Ksh.5,000

TOTAL – Ksh.27,000

In Nairobi, you apply for all these licenses at city hall. In other counties, visit the local county council offices for licensing details.

2. COST BREAKDOWN FOR PREMISES

After securing the requisite licenses, it’s time to move into a higher gear as you prepare for a grand opening of your cereals business.

You will need to mount some shelves and display cabinets, so talk to your carpenter.

This will help customers see your products faster and also know where to find specific cereal brands they want.

Display the cereals by type so that customers can easily identify what they are looking for.

Shelves should be big enough for each product box to fit on them.

Depending on the size of the shop, this can gobble up anything between Ksh.7,000 and Ksh.10,000.

The requirements for setting up depend on your long-term goals and capital constraints.

For instance, if you don’t have much capital you can look for a small size shop and set up a simple cereals takeaway shop.

With more capital you can set up a bigger shop with enough storage and even venture into wholesaling. On average rent prices range from Ksh.5,000 to Ksh.50,000 depending on location and size of shop.

*Rent (2 months deposit + 1 month rent at Ksh.10,000 per month) – Ksh.30,000

*Renovation – Ksh.10,000

*Branding – Ksh.5,000

TOTAL – Ksh.35,000

3. GET THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

There is a set of tools and equipment you will need when selling cereals. These tools will help you with packing and also making sure that customers get their cereal in the best condition.

Here is a list of equipment you will need:

Tables: You will need working tables for putting cereals on display as well as for holding your tools.

Shelves: You will need shelves to organize your cereal boxes neatly so that customers know exactly what they are looking for when they come in.

Fixtures and fittings: These are necessary to make sure you have the right ambience at your store. Some good examples are take-away stands, dustbins, etc.

Tape: Get packing tape which you will need to seal cereal boxes after packaging them.

Scales: You will need digital scales to weigh out the cereal packages for customers. They are an essential part of the business.

Freezer: This is necessary for storing milk and any other products that go with the cereals. It will keep them fresh.

4. COST BREAKDOWN FOR WORKING CAPITAL

i) Stock

When purchasing stock, take into account your target market. For example if you are targeting the low end market, there is no need to stock expensive cereals and also if you are targeting the high end market, there is no need to stock low quality cereals.

Purchase a little of every type of cereals that you think your target market might consume, to avoid having a lot of dead stock in the event one type doesn’t sell.

A lot of new owners ask about the most reasonable amount to invest in stock, but there’s no correct answer as its contingent on so many factors.

However, my trusted sources say anything from Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.50,000 worth of stock going up is fantastic. Then top up slowly by slowly as you learn the ropes of the industry.

To get the best deal, compare the cereals wholesale prices from the various cereals distributors and buy from the fairest.

Later in our training we shall provide a list of the cereals distributors in Kenya.

ii) Salaries

When starting a business you may not see any need to have an employee but it is advisable to have one as your business grows and also someone to operate the business when you are not available.

iii) Electricity

Set some money aside to cater for the electricity costs in your establishment. Alternatively you can install solar with the objective of reducing your electricity bill.

iv) Miscellaneous

It is advisable you put some money aside to cater for unforeseen costs. Better have a backup pan rather than being caught off guard.

5. OPERATIONAL COSTS

The grains business model operates on a “buy low, sell high” model. You will buy cheap grains during harvest season; store awaiting prices to raise and sell later. As such the following are operational costs of operating a grain store in Kenya.

i) Buying costs; It is the price you pay to buy products. You can access real-time prices of a 90 kg bag of maize, beans and other cereals and pulses each day. These are published by the NAFIS, NCPB or the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya.

ii) Transport costs: the cost you will pay to transport commodities from your supplier to your grain store. It includes the costs of loaders and off loaders. It is charged per bag or a lorry. It will depend on the distance and cost of fuel.

iii) Cess & Levies; the cost you pay at county boundaries to be allowed to trade your goods in the county.

iv) Storage costs: the cost you will pay to operate a store. Similar to the rent costs. To get the cost per bag, divide the total rent per year by the number of bags you bought and sold in the year.

v) Labour costs: The total amount of salaries and wages for store attendees, drivers and other store workers.

vi) Package costs: The cost you will pay to buy hermetic bags and sacks to store and sell your cereals.

These costs are highly flexible and depend on your shop size and the amount you can handle in a year.

vii) Display: Put up a signboard that will stand out and be visible from a distance. You can put it in an area where a lot of people pass through.

Include any flashy designs you have on your cereal boxes here.

Make sure the colour scheme is according to how your brand looks so that customers know exactly where they need to go when they are looking for their cereal.

Don’t forget to also paint your shop! If it is light, clean and spacious, people will be tempted to come in.

1. Shelves

Set up the shelves properly so that they are easy to reach.

This will help customers see your products faster and also know where to find specific cereal brands they want.

Display the cereals by type so that customers can easily identify what they are looking for.

Shelves should be big enough for each product box to fit on them.

2. Packaging

Make sure the cereal boxes are easy to open so that customers can access their cereal easily without breaking anything.

Include your logo and the name of the cereal you sell on each box for brand recognition.

3. Secure your shop

Put up a lock on your door and keep the key safe. This will discourage opportunists and criminals from breaking into your shop and stealing equipment or stock.

Don’t leave any open windows for this same reason.

4. Brand yourself

Make sure that you include all your branding information on your business permit, no matter how small you think it is.

This is to ensure that you are easily identifiable and people can find you wherever you set up your business.

The above capital is not cast on stone. Use it as a guideline to start your cereals business.

Adjust it accordingly, depending on your preferences and requirements and be on your way to establishing your first cereals business.

Inventory is the most challenging and expensive operating cost for cereals Shops in Kenya. Having too much of a certain type of product can lead to lost profits but having too little inventory can lose customers.

If you don’t have what a customer wants, you are unlikely to get a second chance as they will shop elsewhere to find their favorite products. To find a perfect balance, be thoughtful about the quantity of certain products. You can use a reliable POS System or stock cards to help manage stock levels.

It’s helpful to understand which products have a high-profit margin, and which don’t.

Inventory is the most challenging and expensive operating cost for cereals business in Kenya. Having too much product can lead to lost profits but having too little inventory can lose customers.

Stay informed on your industry’s market trends to predict popular products. By understanding current market demand, you can begin buying more of what people want and starting promotions on less-popular options.

By understanding what is and isn’t working in your market, you can avoid under – and overstocking your business.

Understanding your current market and their ideal product supply requires a deep knowledge of who your customers are. After all, low end and high class estates will have vastly different product preferences and priorities when shopping.

If you’re unfamiliar with your area, it’s advisable to do a simple market research. Amend your selections, promotions, and displays to accommodate their preferences. As you get more traffic in the door, you’ll have a better understanding of whose needs you’re catering to.

As important as it is to understand your customer, it’s equally—if not more—important to know your product. Some customers will know exactly what they want before they walk in the door but others will expect your expertise and guidance while shopping.

A well-stocked cereals store will have a large stock of inventory. There will be a temptation to try and compete with that, but you should resist.

Tilt your initial inventory towards items which will sell quickly—the more you sell, the cheaper the cost to you—and then broaden your inventory later.

Retail Stocking will cost Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.200,000

There are those who prefer wholesale business, In this case you need a capital in excess of Ksh.500,000.

END OF DAY 6 CEREALS BUSINESS TEACHING SESSION

We now come to the end of today`s teaching session, The PDF of this teaching is available here. Please comment your thoughts and questions below.

Why Thursday is a closed day for the US Embassy in Nairobi

On Thursday, the United States announced the closure of its embassy in Nairobi.

In observance of US Independence Day, the embassy declared that it will be closed for the whole day.

The Fourth of July, frequently referred to as US Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the US.

“The Embassy will be closed on July 4, 2024, in observance of U.S. Independence Day,” the press release states.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, which established the United States of America. This day is celebrated to honor that document.

Independence Day is often celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, and concerts.

Others participate in baseball games, family get-togethers, political speeches, ceremonies, and a host of other public and private gatherings honoring US customs, history, and government.

Every capable military base fires a “salute to the union,” or a salute on Independence Day at noon, with one cannon fired for each state in the union.

The Second Continental Congress approved a resolution of independence that had been offered in June, and on July 2, 1776, the thirteen colonies officially broke away from Great Britain.

Following the vote in favor of independence, Congress focused on the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted by the Committee of Five that served as an explanation for the decision.

Since many people take advantage of the extended holiday weekend, which usually lasts three days, the first week of July is one of the busiest travel times in the US throughout the year.

Kuria East OCPD shoots himself dead

At the Kegonga police station in Kuria, Migori County, authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a senior police officer who was shot and killed by a bullet that may have come from a handgun he was handling.

Following an injury he got on July 1 evening, Superintendent James Mugo Kabachia, the Commander of the Kuria East Sub County Police, passed away from bleeding.

The event occurred at 4 p.m. on Monday, as he was receiving the firearm for night operations.

According to the police, he was taking safety measures with a pistol he was receiving from the station armory when it fired, killing him.

According to the armoury officer, Mugo was given a Berreta pistol with 15 bullets when he decided to inspect the weapon’s safety.

Precautionary inspections are customary and essential for the holders to ensure the weapon is safe.

But sometimes the way the protections are taken can be deadly, said officials.

He is said to have fired one shot from the gun at that moment, striking his right thigh.

According to police, the bullet left the victim through the right buttock, severing a crucial vein.

Mugo was referred to Migori County Hospital after being rushed to Kegonga Sub County Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.

According to his colleagues, he bled extensively, which is thought to have resulted in his death.

While an autopsy was conducted, the body was kept at the facility morgue.

According to police, they intend to look into how the incident occurred.

Those who will be questioned about the incident include witnesses and first responders.

As reported by officials, a team from Migori was dispatched to assist those probing the situation on the ground.

These kinds of accidents happen frequently in the service. Officials refer to them as accidents.

The tragic event was communicated to the officer’s family.

Why you must jump into the AI trend

In spite of all the hype, the majority of people are genuinely unaware of how artificial intelligence could impact their employment in the near future. Will AI drive them out of their professions or help them perform better?

The lack of knowledge regarding the implications of AI for daily life is particularly detrimental to students who are about to make professional decisions. Which courses ought they to take in order to be relevant in the AI era? Where can I find these courses?

According to Joan Mbesya, an ICT specialist with in-depth understanding of AI, due to technological advancements, everyone will come into contact with AI in one way or another. She is giving professionals from a variety of professions advice on how to use artificial intelligence.

“What I would encourage you is to study AI applications within your expertise domain because the organisations you are going to work for are not going to proceed without integrating AI,” Mbesya stated at a youth forum .

Based on the University of Derby, AI will impact numerous businesses. Examples include virtual nurse aides keeping an eye on patients and AI assisting physicians in diagnosing illnesses.

To help with hiring and staffing, human resource professionals are probably going to use automation and computer-based intelligence more frequently.

According to that university’s Professor Chris Bussell, young people will grow up in a world that differs from today’s as much as the industrial age did from feudal society.

“AI is changing our world. Just as machine technology impacted our lives to create a world dominated by industry and machine manufacturing, the AI revolution will impact on human cognitive processing,” Stated Prof. Bussell.

NEW CAREERS AND JOBS

According to a World Bank analysis, generative AI will create new employment opportunities. By offering ideas and substitutes, generative AI models facilitate the creation of text, images, and videos by users. Generative AI models therefore enhance human inventiveness.

Developers can use generative AI to generate code snippets or templates for their software projects; designers can use it to make prototypes or models for their product concepts; writers can use it to create outlines, drafts, or summaries for their articles or novels.

“There will be a growing demand for professionals who can design, develop, train, test, deploy and maintain generative AI systems and applications,” according to the World Bank’s authors. “Asking AI applications the right questions and ‘prompt engineering’ will be a crucial skill.”

The good news is that people may take action to make sure their career goals adjust to the increasing usage of AI by businesses. Anybody in any field of competence should learn something about AI, according to ICT experts, in order to stay current. To begin started with AI, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has established a set of steps:

1. Learn programming: AI has roots in the ICT world which, in turn, is driven by software. The core of software development is programming. If you want to become an expert in machine learning, it is crucial to learn programming languages such as Python, Java, C++ and R.

2. Embrace mathematics and statistics: AI and machine learning rely heavily on mathematical concepts. Many students wonder about the usefulness of algebra, calculus and probability theory in their lives. Now there’s a good reason to get interested: those topics benefit anyone intending to specialise in AI and machine learning.

3. Take up a course: Gain formal educational qualifications in AI through online courses or university degrees in data science, computer science or related fields. Both public and private institutions of higher learning in Kenya have embraced AI and are offering courses on the subject.

4. Real-world experience: As AI is a rapidly evolving field, follow blogs, research papers and conferences to stay informed on the latest developments. Participate in projects, internships and AI competitions. Practical experience is the only way to gain proficiency in AI techniques.

Unsurprisingly, surveys conducted by the Ministry of Labor and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) indicate a strong need for people with ICT qualifications. Those that create and enhance information technology systems, including digital databases, software, and hardware, are commonly referred to as ICT professionals.

UNIQUE SKILLS

The chief executive of FKE, Jacqueline Mugo, attests to the fact that employers are embracing new ICT innovations, including cloud computing, AI, AI analytics, and machine learning.

Employers are having difficulty filling positions with sufficiently qualified workers to manage the ICT systems, despite the rapid evolution of these technologies. Given that millions of people in this nation are in dire need of work, this is an intriguing situation.

The lack of jobs is not the only factor contributing to the unemployment crisis. It also has to do with job searchers not possessing the abilities that companies need. Using AI in your line of work can be the secret to standing out from the crowd and getting noticed.

Soft skills are equally important as technical ones. These include self-control, self-discipline, initiative, and flexibility. Individuals possessing both soft and technical abilities are highly sought after, according per an International Labour Organization briefing. Internships, apprenticeships, and, in certain situations, simulated job experiences are effective ways for young people to hone their soft skills.

The demand for ICT skills extends beyond proficiency with AI. Specializations in cybersecurity, big data analytics, cloud computing, mobile technologies, corporate networks, and the Internet of Things (which connects sensors, controllers, and household appliances to the Internet) are also beneficial and could enhance one’s professional prospects.

KNEC announces KCSE examiner training, Here’s how to apply

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The Kenya National Examinations Council stated that examiner training for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will take place from August 18 to August 24, 2024.

According to KNEC, the training fee is Sh10,500 and will be paid only by shortlisted applicants, who will be notified via text message (SMS) via the portal on how to make the payments.

“The examiner must be a practicing teacher in the relevant subject areas at the level of examination,” said KNEC.

Additionally, examiners need to be registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and/or employed by tsc.

The examiner needs to have at least three years of teaching experience and a diploma in education or higher.

Furthermore, the examiners must not be subject to any sort of TSC disciplinary action, including interdiction.

According to the commission, the examiner needs to be under 50 years old and have the recommendation of the head of the institution.

In addition, KNEC notes that there are a limited number of training places available, and that the exercise will only be open to certified teachers who have submitted the necessary documentation.

The commission stated that the training exercise will be entirely residential and that the location will be disclosed subsequently to the eligible candidates.

“Teachers who are already trained as KCSE examiners and are in the KNEC database of examiners need not apply,” the board stated.

How to Apply

KNEC requires applicants to use the following link to access the examiners’ portal: https://examinersapp.knecacke

Users having CP2 accounts should use their usernames and passwords to access the portal.

“Those who have forgotten their CP2 passwords should click on the ‘reset password’ button and enter their mobile number in the format (2547*) and submit to get new passwords for logging into the system,” KNEC shares.”

Users lacking CP2 accounts ought to select “Create Account” and follow to the guidelines provided to obtain login credentials for system access.

After logging in successfully, candidates must finish their personal profile and save. After selecting “apply for training” from the dashboard, candidates will have access to all of the posted positions.

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