Youth affairs Permanent Secretary (PS) Ismail Maalim has urged the youth to tap into the opportunities that are in the government, so that they can contribute to the transformation of the economy.

Speaking during the fourth day of the Pwani Innovation Week, Maalim who was the chief guest said the government has set up a number of opportunities to help alleviate youth unemployment in the country.

Maalim regretted that most youth in the country lack the right information when it comes to the opportunities urging the youth to always be seeking information from the different government channels of information.

"Our youth lack the right information. I would like to encourage them to be visiting the different government websites, we have alot of opportunities from the government but they will not come to you where you are , it is upon you to get out of your comfort zone and look for this opportunities and one way is by you visiting the government websites." said Maalim.

Maalim noted that the government has cut down the bureaucracies that were previously being experienced when trying to access government opportunities and services.

Maalim charged "We no longer have those bureaucracies like in the past. Stop complaining of bureaucracy yet you have not yet even tried the opportunities, come out and seize the opportunity."

On his part Transport Permanent Secretary (PS) Mohammed Daghar challenged the youth to be innovative and utilise their time.

"This youthful age does not come with a manual, use your time well. Dream big and work towards achieving your dreams dont just sit and wait for others to create for you the opportunities" said Daghar.

Adding " "Innovation is not only associated with technology. It also ensures that we have a blend with the government , community and the society at large. We are exploring ways to enhance some projects we have .We are exploring public-private initiatives in doing development agendas."

He further challenged the youth to be courageous and brave when seeking opportunities.

Daghar noted "In the past you could not see a PS of my age but now here we are, so let us go out of our way in ensuring that we build our future and the country."

Naivas has opened its 99^th outlet in Mombasa as part of its expansion plan to reach 100 stores countrywide.

The move by Naivas is part of the company’s ambitious expansion strategy aimed at consolidating its market leadership position and gaining an edge over other major retailers.

The new branch located along Sabasaba will serve clients from Majengo, Sabasaba and Tudor.

This will be the 11th branch in the Coast region.

"The opening of this branch shows our commitment to our clients in the Coast region. The Coast market is very important to us, it has been underserved and as Naivas we are keen to grow here. we have bigger plans for this region." said Andrea Von Paleske, Cheif of Strategy.

Adding " We have always stayed true to our roots that Naivas saves you money and that is the major reason behind our expansion."

Paleske noted that as investors they have also felt the effects of the tough economic times being experienced in the country.

Paleske charged "It is a fact that the economic status currently is not good and we have felt this through our customers and staff. We put alot of efforts in our promotions to ensure that we serve our customers well during this time."

There was drama during the National Dialogue Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 3 at the Bomas of Kenya after wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka clashed with EALA Mp Hassan Omar.

In a video doing rounds on social media and seen by this blog, the two leaders are seen hurling words at each other before the the committee co-chair Cecily Mbarire intervenes.

In the video Kalonzo says ""I have listened to Omar over time saying one constant factor and another constant factor. I want you to know one of those constant factors has been sitting here with you because as a running mate of Raila in 2013 and 2017. I know you were my secretary general."

Omar who was at one time the Wiper party secretary general fires back saying " "You were defeated in the election of 2007 na ukapita katikati yao."

Kalonzo reacts by saying " "No, that is a different thing. But of course, I did and I saved your country. You know if you stop being childish Omar we will make progress."

Adding " "So you will never be the governor of Mombasa I can give it to you,"

The remark angered Omar who fired back at Kalonzo.

"That is why you will never be president of Kenya I can give it to you. Usitutishe hapa," Omar said. 

At this time Mbarire is seen having a hard time trying to cool the two leaders stating '' I kindly urge the two of you to stop this, kindly contain yourselves. I now have to beg the two of you to stop what you are doing. Hassan kindly, Kindly. My co-chair, Kindly, Kindly." 

Kalonzo throws another one saying ""I am so ashamed that even at one time you were the secretary general of my party,"  Kalonzo said, occasioning another standoff.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unveiled the online auction.

The auction, which was previously a physical process, is part of KRA’s technological strategies aimed at streamlining tax administration procedures to enhance service delivery and improve revenue collection. The unveiling follows a successful piloting of the online auction, through which KRA collected Kshs 37.5 million.

The process will boost government efforts to decongest ports and ensure cargo is cleared in a timely and efficient manner.

Speaking during the Taxpayers’ Month Launch at Customs House, Mombasa, KRA Commissioner General Mr Humphrey Wattanga said the online auction will give taxpayers the opportunity to appreciate transparency of the bidding process.

He noted that the negotiation process will be faster and accessible to registered taxpayers countrywide and globally. The Commissioner General said during this year’s Taxpayers’ Month, KRA has lined up a myriad of activities aimed at giving back to the society and honouring compliant taxpayers.

“In the spirit of giving back to taxpayers, we are calling on those who have accrued interests up to December 2022 to take advantage of our Tax Amnesty programme and pay up the principal taxes due, so that we can write off the penalties and interests accrued.” Said Mr Wattanga.

He said that KRA is constantly determined to enhance voluntary compliance among taxpayers and urged taxpayers to embrace the programme before it closes in 30th June, 2024.

“All taxpayers are welcome to apply for waiver; for those who did not file their returns and accrued penalties for non-filing, they automatically qualify, and should go ahead and file their returns.”

KRA is anticipated to collect approximately Kshs. 50 billion from the tax amnesty programme.

Speaking during the unveiling of the online auction, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury And Economic Planning, Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, CBS said besides being a means of giving back to the society, the Tax Amnesty programme is one of government’s fiscal policy measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans and strengthening economic resilience during the adverse domestic and external headwinds being experienced globally.

The CS said that the Government is cognizant of the current changing environment and will continue to support private businesses' capacity to adapt through reforms. This will create business value for entrepreneurs to promote economic growth.

“Tax amnesties are projected to bring in additional revenue as taxpayers voluntarily report and pay taxes that may never be collected by the Government. The amnesty programme is expected to improve tax compliance as tax administrations learn from taxpayers’ previous behaviours, thereby allowing them to plan better.” Said the CS.

Mr Wattanga said that KRA will continue embracing technology in its quest to enhance tax compliance.

He said the taxman has embraced a collaborative business model which incorporates taxpayers’ feedback. Among the technologies that showcase this is the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS), rolled out in February 2023.

A total of 95,732 VAT registered taxpayers had onboarded eTIMs by end of FY 2022/23. eTIMS has helped minimise VAT fraud and increased tax revenue. Mr Wattanga said that KRA has also integrated its systems with betting and gaming companies, with the aim of streamlining tax remittances from the sector and scaling up revenue collection.

The programme has enabled KRA to make significant improvements in the sector’s tax administrative processes, with the daily visibility of the firms providing trends that inform compliance measures.

The Taxpayers’ Month is organised customarily to celebrate compliant taxpayers, since tax compliance is a key foundation on which our country’s economic stability is anchored. The event is meant to honour the self-sacrifice of patriotic taxpayers and their contribution towards the country's economic development.

This year’s Taxpayers’ Month theme is “Tunawiri” which plainly translates to “let us prosper”. The theme presents a uniting call to all Kenyans to fulfil their role in the prosperity of Kenya through payment of taxes

The Kilifi County government has launched a central emergency operation center in readiness for the coming El nino rains and other disasters.

Governor Gideon Mung’aro while launching the center at Matsangoni area in Kilifi North Sub County has revealed that his administration was seeking a Sh. 930 million budget for the Kilifi County Floods Contingency Plan.

“As you know, the country is aware of the fact that very soon we shall be experiencing the El nino rains and I appeal to stakeholders and partners to help us raise the Sh. 930 budget so that we can have resources and capacity to respond to El nino emergencies,” he said.

The Matsangoni Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will be used to coordinate rescue, evacuation and emergencies services across the county and residents in distress have been provided with a toll free number to call in case of an emergency within their locality.

It is a one command center where all emergencies will be coordinated fully equipped with state of the art equipment including a call center.

The Chief Officer for disaster management Irene Opicha said that the management of disasters in the county will go a long way in protecting life and property and hence cushion residents from losses occasioned by calamities.

“We are changing the face of disaster management in the county and we have roped in various partners including NGOs and the Kenya Red Cross. You will be able to make a call to the center and emergency response team near you will swiftly respond,” she said.

The Assistant County Commissioner (ACC)  Matsangoni division Patricia Dama urged residents with dilapidated latrines and toilets to reconstruct or reinforce them before the coming of the rains. She said that floods are expected and that the water will definitely flow through homesteads hence affecting latrines.

“Those with weak latrines should reconstruct them because the rains that are coming will be intense and the toilets might get washed away and bring about water borne and communicable diseases,” she said.

Former Wundanyi Mp Thomas Mwadeghu has landed a job in Kwale county.

Mwadeghu who contested for the Taita Taveta county senator seat in the last general elections will now serve at the Kwale County Audit Committee as a member.

The Audit Committee members are Abdhallah Mambo Dalu (Chairperson), Mwanaidi Rama Mwangome, Thomas Mwadegu & Mwanamisi Libondo.

The members of the team were officially handed over their contract letters on Monday morning by Kwale Governor Fatma Achani.

"This is a great step towards ensuring that our service delivery to the people of Kwale county is robust, effective and driven by responsible, transparent and accountable use of public resources." said Governor Achani.

Adding " We also affirm our commitment to ensuring that all county government officers adapt a servant leadership mode of service delivery to fully realise our development agenda."

Mwadeghu served as the Wundanyi Mp from 2007 to 2013.

The Mombasa county government is set to launch a job application app that will help connect the youths with suitable employers in their preferred fields.

Speaking during the second day of the Pwani innovation week, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir revealed that the application named 'FURSA'  developed by the county government in conjuction with Swahili pot Hub will help in solving the unemeployement crisis facing the county.

Nassir noted that the application is designed to connect youths in Mombasa with a wide range of job opportunities, skills Training, Internship and Mentorship programs for Youths.