The High Court has ordered the Independent, Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the government to erect visible beacons demarcating boundaries of all 47 counties.

Mombasa Environment and Land Court Judge Lucas Naikuni ordered the IEBC and the National Executive to undertake intensive land survey in all counties.

“The demarcation should be in accordance with the newly legislated law and the amended Districts and Provinces Act of 1992,” he ordered. 

The judge also directed Parliament to enact appropriate legislation and establish the IEBC, to resolve simmering boundary disputes affecting the 47 counties, within 12 months. 

According to Naikuni, several disputes have erupted over boundaries. He noted that the Constitution neither has provisions setting out the boundaries of the counties nor does it make reference to any other law.

“It is instructive to note that since promulgation of the Constitution, there have been multiple disputes between various counties on boundaries,” said Naikuni.

He further noted that the disputes include historical injustices, double taxation, lack of accountability, and violation of people’s rights. 

“This court cannot fold its hands, particularly in the current constitutional dispensation. It will therefore fashion appropriate orders to resolve the boundary disputes in question,” he ruled.

He urged the National Assembly to hasten legislation on boundary issues, noting that several Bills have been tabled before the Senate on County Boundaries. He said if the matter is not addressed, counties will continue to suffer. 

The judge ruled in a constitutional petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, on behalf of 178 residents of Taita Taveta County.

Omtatah wanted the court to intervene in a boundary dispute between Taita Taveta and Kwale counties over the location of Mackinnon Road Town and Taita Taveta and Makueni counties over the location of Mtito Adei town.

He sued Parliament, the National Executive, and the Attorney General as respondents. He listed the three counties and the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning as interested parties. 

Following the petition, the court ordered the demarcation of the boundaries in the three counties to end wars at the disputed towns, as prescribed in the current legislation, the Districts and Provinces Act of 1992.

“The demarcation should also conform to the Second Schedule of the Act as outlined in the comprehensive Land Survey Report by the National Land Commission (NLC) dated July 23, 2024,” he directed.

The court noted that Omtatah’s petition was unique and it raised weighty matters of great public interest and importance.

Naikuni also directed the three counties to strictly issue permits and levy taxes within their respective boundaries as demarcated.

Further, he ordered the Finance CECMs of the counties to jointly file a statement, stating the amount of money collected within 90 days.

The court directed that there be a mention of the matter on March 13, 2025 and to ascertain compliance of these directions, receive progress made and for other incidental occurrences and any further directions.

“This will ensure residents of Mackinnon Road Town and Mtito Andei town are not subjected to double taxation; the boundaries having been demarcated,” said the judge.

Omtatah said he received a letter from the residents of Taita Taveta on July 12, 2021, to intervene and find a solution to the boundary disputes that had allegedly simmered since 1961. He submitted that the counties took advantage of the boundary disputes to compete for administration and resources leading to double taxation and violating the residents’ proprietary rights.

Court records show a boundary dispute at Mackinnon Road Town arose in 1961 when the colonial District Commissioner Taita Taveta purported to transfer the whole town to Kwale without any consultation with the residents.

The documents show the residents protested the transfer, the same was reversed but the gazette notice transferring the town was never de-gazetted.

“As a result, the people of Taita Taveta were evicted from their lands to pave the way for the construction of schools, churches, and military barracks,” read the documents.

The case will be mentioned on February 25, 2025, By Daniel Chege, The Standard

French oil company TotalEnergies has halted its investments in the Adani Group citing bribery allegations against Gautam Adani, the billionaire Indian industrialist.

In a press statement, TotalEnergies stated that its recent move is based on its code of conduct that rejects corruption in any form.

"TotalEnergies, which is not targeted nor involved in the facts described by such indictment, will take all relevant actions to protect its interests as a minority (19.75 per cent) shareholder of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) and as a joint-venture partner (50 per cent) in project companies with AGEL. 

The Indian tycoon was mid-November indicted for fraud by U.S. prosecutors and arrest warrants were issued for him and his nephew for their alleged roles in a $265 million (Sh30b) scheme to bribe Indian officials to secure power-supply deals.

According to TotalEngergies, its investments in Adani's entities were undertaken in full compliance with applicable laws and with its own internal governance processes pursuant to due diligence and representations made by the sellers. 

“Until such time when the accusations against the Adani group individuals and their consequences have been clarified, TotalEnergies will not make any new financial contribution as part of its investments in the Adani group of companies,” the French company stated.

However, the Adani Group maintains that the accusations as well as those levelled by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in a parallel civil case are baseless and that it will seek “all possible legal recourse”.

"The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied," the conglomerate said in a statement. 

Last week, President William Ruto directed the Ministries of Transport and Energy to cancel the ongoing deals proposed by the Adani Group to take over the country's infrastructure in the energy and aviation sectors. 

According to Ruto, the decision was attributed to credible evidence from the relevant agencies and such deals could not continue with such insurmountable evidence.  

"In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take action," Ruto stated during his State of the Nation address. By Mate Tongola, The Standard

Government-owned PostBank Uganda has acknowledged a serious "incident" at its Mbale branch involving over Shs 500 million in counterfeit currency discovered in the bank's vault. 

The situation came to light after a customer was apprehended with fake Shs 50,000 notes. Upon questioning, the customer revealed that the money had been withdrawn directly from the PostBank Mbale branch.

In a brief statement, PostBank referred to the issue as an "anomaly" and confirmed that investigations are underway.

"We are aware of an anomaly that recently occurred at our Mbale branch and are working with the relevant authorities to complete the investigation and follow the necessary next steps," the statement read.

The bank refrained from providing further details, citing the ongoing investigations.

Reports indicate that the counterfeit scandal has led to arrests, including some PostBank officials. The incident has raised concerns about internal controls within the institution, especially since the bank primarily serves public servants who receive their salaries through its branches across the country. By URN/The Observer

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to positioning the nation’s creative sector as key driver of Nigeria’s global influence.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stated this during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, on Sunday in Abuja.

The President identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic diversification agenda.

He reaffirmed the carnival’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.

”We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians, a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values.

”Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian—proud, resourceful, and innovative.

”The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together,” Mr Tinubu said.

The President emphasised the carnival’s economic impact, noting that Nigeria’s creative industries are already contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.

“Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy.

”It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage,” he said.

Mr Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultural exchange, saying ” the presence of international participants at the event affirms that culture transcends boundaries.

”It is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests,” he said.

He called for deeper reflection on the event’s significance, noting that it is more than mere celebration.

According to him, a carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action.

”It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

He commended the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat for their role in organising the event.

Mr Tinubu also praised their “dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation.”

“Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, explained that the carnival was a brand that binds Nigerians together.

The minister added that the carnival promotes the nation’s beauty and strength in diversity.

Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Oraelumo Raphael, Mrs Musawa described the carnival as a unique brand.

”It involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.

“The unique aspect of Abuja carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants,” he said.

The event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to cultural diplomacy. By Ibrahim Ramaian, Daily Nigerian