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Photo Courtesy MCK/Star

 

Specific dates, venue and logistics for the presidential debates to be announced later

In Summary

•The debate creates an opportunity for editors to work together to deliver their mandate to Kenyans.

•Omwoyo reminded the media that Kenya’s democracy is entwined with the media’s story.

Media personalities have been challenged to be creative, innovative and tell stories that are compelling to enable Kenyans to make the right choices during the campaigns and elections period.

Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) president Churchill Otieno pointed this out during the launch of the Kenya Presidential Debate on Wednesday.  

The event was hosted by the Media Owners Association, Media Council of Kenya and Kenya Editors Guild. 

“Sustainability is the reality in every single media house. We may not be as many as we were last time. Therein lies the chance to tell the compelling story to enable Kenyans to make the right choices,” Otieno said.

He added that the debate creates an opportunity for editors to work together to deliver their mandate to Kenyans in a better way owing to the experience from the last debates.

Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo said the media has a critical role in ensuring a credible, free, fair and transparent election.

He encouraged all media stakeholders to take their role as the public’s watchdog seriously.

He insisted that the role of the media in leading the way for Kenyans to evaluate the Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates is most vital in this period, more than ever.

“Free speech and free media have emerged as the epitome of our democracy. Indeed, we have experienced the progressive growth of our democracy and vibrant media over the years,” he said.

Further, Otieno said that the media practitioners should be mindful of their duty to facilitate these conversations. 

“This is the reason why from 2013, media has collectively moved to entrench the culture of Presidential Debates as one of the cornerstone pillars of our democracy and electoral process for the benefit of Kenyan people,” he said.

The institutions jointly said that specific dates, venue and logistics for the presidential debates will be announced at a later date. By Sharon Mwende, The Star

Concerns of high fuel prices have now shifted to the increased prices of soap, detergents and sugar among other household commodities

 

The high costs of essential household commodities are worrying and Members of Parliament want Government to take action and stall rising prices. 

Kampala Central Member of Parliament, Hon Mohammed Nsereko said the concerns of high fuel prices have now shifted to the increased prices of soap, detergents and sugar among other household commodities.

He said that that a bar of soap has increased to Ushs 9000 with sugar surpassing it's normal market price.

"When we talked of fuel prices, government assured us of a comprehensive report on monitoring mechanisms that will deter fuel dealers from hiking the prices. It is a month now but we do not see any change," Nsereko said.

Nsereko added that much as the price of household commodities is going up, the remuneration of workers like teachers has not improving.

He tasked the Ministry of Finance to tell the country what plans it has for the short run to check on these soaring prices.

"Aware that people are struggling with loan payments, what is government doing to address this issue of inflation on basic commodities? Do we reduce the taxes?" Nsereko asked.

Tororo District Woman MP, Hon Hon Sarah Opendi said the Uganda Bureau of Statistics indicated that prices of soap and other detergent had gone by 85 per cent.

She added that some manufacturers of these product blame government for imposing an import duty on the raw materials used to produce soap and detergents at 10 per cent where there was previously no tax on such materials.

Farmers in rural areas are failing to progress effectively due to taxes on agricultural inputs

"Some experts say that the crude oil we have in Uganda is not sufficient enough to facilitate soap prediction. The Finance Minister should tell us what we can do, should we do away with import duty?" queried Opendi.

Hon Maurice Kibalya (NRM, Bugaluba County South) said farmers in rural areas are failing to progress effectively due to taxes on agricultural inputs.

"We have a policy that agricultural inputs are not taxed but we have seen the price of fertilizers multiply by four. DAP used for maize was at shs1000 but is now at shs6000," Kibalya said.

Hon Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo District) recommended that Parliament's Committees of Trade and Finance engage its experts to analyze the causes of inflation and guide the House and Government, accordingly.

The Shadow Minister for Finance, Hon Muwanga Kivumbi tasked the Ministry of Finance to avail information to Parliament on how a stimulus package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was used.

He also told House that government acquired a loan of US$1 billion from the IMF and that US$280 million has already been disbursed.

"IMF availed resources to help world economies deal with the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We must ask the Finance Minister how they applied the stimulus money they received," Muwanga Kivumbi said adding that, ’let the Finance Ministry detail which company, agency or department has absorbed the money we borrowed’.

State Minister for Finance, Hon Henry Musasizi asked the House to grant him time to analyze the issue of inflation with technical officials and present a comprehensive statement on the matter.

"It is true that the lowest end of the population is finding it hard to access essential commodities because of the abrupt rise in their general price levels. But I need to show you clearly whether the impact of taxes is causing prices to rise," said Musasizi.

He added that the ministry has been reducing the Central Bank Lending Rate (CBR) to the lowest rates which is now at six per cent but interest rates have kept rising.

Deputy Speaker, Anita Among tasked the minister to act on the matter with urgency saying the analysis of the problem is necessary but must be expedited.

She asked the minister to also report on the status of implementation of recommendations of Parliament's Trade Committee on high prices of fuel. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

UK High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott.  Image: COURTESY

 

They commended Kenya for early preparations and putting in place election security.

In Summary

• They have commended Kenya for their early preparations and putting in place election security and support.

• The commissioners have further commended the Executive for its commitment to facilitating a conducive environment

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Kenya's International partners have today welcomed Kenya joining the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

"We strongly encourage all political actors to follow the principles and articles set out in the charter." A statement issued read. 

They have commended Kenya for their early preparations and putting in place election security and support for institutions like the IEBC.  

The commissioners have further commended the Executive for its commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for the August General Elections.

"We also commend Kenyan non-state actors for their important contribution in promoting electoral integrity and citizen's knowledge and participation including women's political participation, in the electoral process," the issue further read. 

The ambassadors and High Commissioners have jointly vowed to continue engaging with Kenyans, their leaders and organizations in the months leading to the August polls.

They have noted that Kenya has obtained a status as one of the leading democracies in Africa.

In the statement issued, they have stated, just like Kenyans, they recognize the importance of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections come August. 

The ambassadors and High Commissioners include Australia's High Commissioner, Luke Williams, Canada's acting High Commissioner, David Da Silva, Denmark's ambassador, Ole Thonke, Netherlands' ambassador, Maarten Brouwer, Norway's ambassador Gunnar A. Holm.

Others are Sweden's ambassador Caroline Vicini, Switzerland's ambassador Valentin Zellweger, United Kingdom's High Commissioner Jane Marriot and The United States Chargé d'Affaires à i Eric Kneedler. By Sharon Mwende, The Star

Photo Courtesy MEHR News Agency

TEHRAN, Feb. 28 (MNA) – The Iranian cultural advisor Mohammadreza Ghezelsofla held a meeting with Ugandan Minister of State for Gender and Culture Peace Mutuuzo on developing cultural and artistic relations between the two countries.

Appreciating the Ugandan Ministry for cooperating with the cultural advisor in implementing joint programs, Ghezelsofla said that the cultural relations between Iran and Uganda have expanded despite some problems.

The Ugandan Minister, for her part, invited the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance as well as the country's chairman of the Iranian Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) to pay a visit to the Ugandan capital of Kampala, saying that the program of scientific, cultural, artistic and educational exchanges will be signed between the two countries during this trip.

Mutuuzo also appreciated the participation of the Iranian Cultural Council in holding artistic workshops and exhibitions in Uganda.

She described the extensive presence of Iranian cultural advisors on various occasions across her country as constructive and useful, adding that Uganda considers cooperating with Iran as a priority.

Developing tourism exchanges and holding professional technical workshops were other topics discussed during the meeting. Source: MEHR News Agency

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton.  FILE/ CHARLES MCQUILLAN/Photo Courtesy
  • Members of the British Royal Family have certain traditions and policies that govern their rule and administration within Buckingham Palace. 

    From strict etiquette, dress codes to the naming of newborn children, the Royals are expected to constantly adhere to the set guidelines. 

    However, dating back to 2010, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, proposed to his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, while on a romantic holiday at the idyllic Lewa Safari Camp in Kenya instead of his home country, the United Kingdom. 

    The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate of Middleton, and Prince William.
    The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate of Middleton, and Prince William. COURTESY
     

    "The African continent holds a very special place in my heart. It is the place my father took my brother and me shortly after our mother passed on.

    "And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine. I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee," he told international news outlets. 

     

    Prince William, whose full name is William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor, proposed with his late mother's ring. The duo, however, didn't officially announce their engagement until the following month.

    After their stay at the lodge, they both wrote heartfelt messages at the guestbook- reminiscing of the memories made.

    "Thank you for such a wonderful 24 hours! Sadly no fish to be found but we had fun trying. I love the warm fires and candle lights—so romantic. Hope to be back soon," Kate wrote.

    On the other hand, Prince William noted down the dates while cherishing the experience at the lodge. 

    "20th-21st October 2010. Such fun to be back! Brought more clothes this time! Looked after so well. Thank you, guys! Look forward to next time, soon I hope," he stated.

    The duo proceeded to tie the knot the following year in April at Westminster Abbey in London.  

    "The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton. The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011 in London," read part of the statement from Buckingham Palace.

    William had initially spent three months at the lodge after leaving secondary school- familiarising himself with the wild nature of the forests around Laikipia County. 

    Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in England on October 19, 2021.
    Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in England on October 19, 2021. ALASTAIR GRANT, BY Brian Kimani/Kenyans.co.ke
     
 

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