Author: Hezron Rooy

Govt Announces Schools Reopening Dates for January 2025. The government has announced that schools across the country will reopen in the first week of January 2025. This follows the recent conclusion of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. According to a circular released by the Ministry of Education on Thursday, November 28, the first term will commence on January 6, 2025, and run until April 4, totaling 13 weeks. During the term, students will take a five-day half-term break from February 26 to March 2, before resuming studies and proceeding to the first term holiday, scheduled from April…

National ID, Not Birth Certificate, Proves Kenyan Citizenship – PS Bitok. A statement made by Permanent Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok on Thursday, November 28, has raised concerns among Kenyans about the citizenship status of their children. The PS clarified that children under 18 years old are not recognized as Kenyan citizens, as a birth certificate does not serve as proof of citizenship. He emphasized that only a national identification card confirms one’s citizenship in Kenya. Bitok explained that while all persons born in Kenya are registered at birth and issued birth certificates, this document does not guarantee citizenship. He…

7 Students Shift to State Witnesses in Shiners Boys KCSE Candidate’s Killing. A Naivasha court has converted seven students arrested in Nakuru over the killing of a fellow KCSE candidate at Shiners Boys Secondary School in Gilgil into State witnesses. Following police investigations, an eighth student will face manslaughter charges. The court has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to conduct an age assessment on the suspect before formally initiating the charges. The tragic stabbing incident occurred approximately two weeks ago. A group of students allegedly attacked one of their classmates with a knife, resulting in severe injuries. Join…

African Students Shine at LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp in China. Students from Sub-Saharan Africa recently gathered in Shenzhen, China, for the LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp, a week-long initiative designed to enhance participants’ advanced digital skills and promote innovation. The program included technical courses on 5G and 5.5G technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud computing, as well as a leadership workshop to build collaborative and problem-solving skills. The camp concluded with the Tech4Good competition, where participants formed multinational teams to develop technology-based solutions for critical societal challenges. “It fosters collaboration, leadership, and innovation among young minds, ensuring they are well-prepared…

Government to Create 500,000 Jobs Annually in Agriculture, Says CS Andrew Karanja. The Kenyan government has unveiled a strategy to generate 500,000 jobs annually in the agriculture sector, which already employs over 40 percent of the population. On Friday, November 29, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja announced the launch of the Transforming Ecosystems for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation (TEJATI) program. He stated that the initiative aims to create 500,000 jobs each year while fostering sustainable growth in all 47 counties. The CS emphasized that the program would be instrumental in addressing unemployment and ensuring food security. During…

Teachers and Parents’ Collaboration Key to Supporting Deaf Children, Experts Say. The importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and audiology experts in supporting deaf children was a central theme during the second day of the Africa Conference on Deafness held in Nairobi. The event brought together experts, advocates, and policymakers to address challenges facing the deaf community and emphasize the need for an inclusive society. Rhoda Kabiti, CEO of the Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC), underscored the significance of collective efforts in identifying hearing impairments early to ensure children receive adequate support. She noted that overcoming barriers such as…

Open University of Kenya Holds Historic First Graduation Ceremony. The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked a significant milestone on [insert date], hosting its inaugural graduation ceremony. The event, held under the theme of transformation and innovation in education, was a celebration of resilience, academic excellence, and the power of digital learning. Zedric SM, the Student Representative, opened the ceremony with an inspiring speech. Reflecting on his transformative journey, Zedric, who earned a PhD in Learning Design and Technology, highlighted OUK’s unique role in revolutionizing education in Kenya. He lauded the university’s commitment to online learning and its alignment with…

Campaign to Combat Menstruation Stigma in Kenya. The heartbreaking death of a 14-year-old schoolgirl in 2019 highlighted the harsh realities of period stigma in Kenya. This young girl, a Standard 6 pupil from Kabiangek village in Bomet County, died by suicide after being humiliated by a teacher for soiling her dress during her first period. Living with her grandparents, her story became a stark reminder of how menstrual stigma can devastate lives. In response, a nationwide campaign titled Flow With Pride has been launched to tackle period stigma and promote menstrual health and dignity. The initiative, spearheaded by the United…

Offer letters for Qatar Job Recruitment ready, Says Govt The government has published a list of 72 Kenyans who applied for jobs in Qatar through the National Job Recruitment Programme but failed to provide their contact details. The Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary reported that the processing of documents and contracts for successful applicants is progressing efficiently, with departures imminent. The Cabinet Secretary stated that the 72 individuals have secured jobs in Qatar, but recruiting agencies cannot reach them to notify them about the signing of their offer letters. He urged the affected individuals to visit the KICC on…

Four Moi University Officials Summoned by EACC Over Alleged Fraud. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned four members of Moi University Council to provide statements concerning the alleged misappropriation of Ksh.2.2 billion through various infrastructural projects. Those invited include council chair Dr. Humphrey Njuguna, council member Professor Clara Samiji, Education Ministry representative Charles Obiero, and Treasury Representative Isaac Memusi. EACC stated that the officials are required to furnish details about 11 specific projects at the university. Among these is the proposed construction of the School of Public Health, Dentistry, and Nursing, estimated at Ksh.726 million. Additionally, the scope…