BREAKING: DP Ruto OPENS Mud houses for Garsen Police that COST Sh13 million ‘EUROBOND’ money

OCTOBER 31, 2015

The Deputy President William Ruto visited Garsen early on Saturday morning to officially open new staff houses built by the local CDF Kitty financed by the EuroBond. 

The houses are part of the grand Jubilee infrastructure upgrade that was financed by the EuroBond cash (Devolution ministry already indicated it cannot account for sh45billion but later said the cash was disbursed to CDF kitty).

According to reports, the houses cost a staggering 13 million.

DP Ruto has told Kenyans that no money was lost in the Eurobond issue and perhaps the opening of these new units is part of the plan to showcase how the billions were spent.

Whereas it is hard to give an expected exact cost estimate for mud house construction, they still remains to be the locally available option for low cost housing solution for poor communities.

Technically, the only purchases would be the roofing sheets, doors and windows. 

The trees used for studs are normally premature trees or tree branches whose cost can be negotiated or available for free in local bushes and forests.

The mud in itself is simply dug from around the building area and mixed with water. But again, politically correct or not, the buildings that the DP is opening do not reflect the cost being given to the public. The houses appear to be poorly done with sticks that are not straight, firm and that would probably not hold for long especially against torrential rains and flooding in the area.

The mud application done has haphazard and rushed to say the list clearly missing the whole idea, to conceal the sticks used. The roof sheets in the photo appear rusted and at least 5yrs old in the elements which defeats the whole purpose of calling the houses new.

For a country that is investing billions in infrastructure with a deputy that is equally spending more than a billion on his own village house, I strongly believe we can do better to house the people who risk arm, limb and life to protect Kenyans.

After the ceremony DP Ruto took to Faceboom where is posted this message:

The Government has set aside funds to improve communication infrastructure in the coastal region especially access to the internet. This will majorly assist security agencies in the fight against crime. Citizens will also have an opportunity to access Government services easily while students will utilize the service to do research to improve their education. Joined leaders in unveiling new blocks for police officers at Garsen Police Station, Tana River County.

Anyway, the DP has provided the evidence that Eurobond money was well spent, no single cent was lost and therefore the matter is put to rest.

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FILED UNDER: NEWSTAGGED WITH: WILLIAM RUTO

MP Alfred Keter - I will lead a revolution to salvage Kenya from collapsing

By MICHAEL OLLINGA and SILAH KOSKEI | Friday, Oct 30th 2015

MP Alfred Keter

ELDORET: Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has announced he will lead a countrywide revolution campaign in the next three months to save Kenya from collapsing due to massive graft and misappropriation of taxpayers’ money.

Keter while speaking in Lessos, Nandi County said the country is on the brink of collapsing yet those in power have ignored the situation at the expense of their self-interests. "Kenya is on the brink of collapsing as our economy continues heading to a point of no return. Top leaders are swindling money through inflated mega projects facilitated by borrowed funds which do not benefit the locals, instead forcing them to pay heavily,” Keter said.

He was categorical on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project contracted at Sh327 billion saying it was inflated threefold and the cash crunch bedeviling the country is attributed to such corrupt deals.

“Tanzania is currently building an advanced SGR of 2700 kilometres at Sh870 billion yet we are doing an ordinary gauge railway of 600kilometres at Sh327 billion, where is this disparity coming from if not corrupt individuals taking advantage to steal?” He questioned. 

 The outspoken legislator said it is time for leaders to put aside party affiliations and represent interests of the citizens, cautioning that history will harshly judge them if they sit and watch the country collapse that is why he will be on the frontline of a revolution.

"It is sad that some leaders in the Jubilee affiliation have been accusing me of planning to divide the leadership when am honestly raising issues  affecting us, they are using the divide and rule approach to silence u who are advocating for change," he explained.

According to Keter Kenyans are facing economic repercussions perpetrated by leaders they elected and soon it will be too much for them to handle and they will spearhead a massive revolution similar to the Arab Spring.

“We should love our neighbours as we love ourselves because the price of fuel in Kuria is similar to that in Rift Valley, the high interest rates too. These unaddressed issues are killing our dairy farming and crop production sector and we need to rise up against such," he added.

Keter was critical of the Jubilee leadership and explicitly stated that Kenyans are missing former President Mwai Kibaki's regime because he spurred significant development on infrastructure, education and agricultural and mining sectors.

He observed that it is sad the country loses over sh400 billion annually through corruption with another sh147 billion through tax evasion putting the country in a precarious situation and hurting devolution progress that would hasten development.

He blamed self seeking leaders for abetting graft, saying those who withdrew signatures to endorse a motion against Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru's impeachment do not have the future of Kenya at heart.

"In 2017 Kenyans need to drift away from regional cocoons and elect leaders with citizens’ interests at heart. I will not relent to work for the good of Kenyans and I will fearlessly lead a revolution because that is the only solution," he said.

31 year old Kenyan who makes Sh. 20 million on a bad month!

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29th October 2015

Dinara Developers Ltd owner Andrew Kamau

The following profile was first published in the Daily Nation.

For 31 year old Kenyan Andrew Kamau, selling building materials was all his day’s work diary would read a few years ago. The city’s high-end estates — Lavington, Kileleshwa and Runda — provided him with a reliable stream of customers.

“I used to supply sand, ballasts, stones from Ndarugu quarry and from the little earnings, I was able to raise Sh300,000 savings,” said Mr Kamau, adding that in 2009 a piece of stone was going for Sh36 and he would sell about 1,200 units in a good day.

Armed with his savings, Mr Kamau bought a two-and-a-quarter-acres at Makongeni, in Thika at Sh3.5 million. He paid Sh350,000 deposit and after sub dividing it, he sold the plots, paid the land owner the balance and made Sh3.5 million profit.

Buoyed by the impressive returns, he shifted gears and started buying land, constructing houses and selling them. His first housing project was near Kenyatta University where he bought half-an-acre and built 49 bed sitters on half of the plot and sold the other to finance the construction. The units sold at Sh250,000 each earning him over Sh12 million.

DUST TO RICHES

And at the age of 27 years, he built his first residential house, a two bedroom unit, which he sold at Sh1.6 million. Today, Mr Kamau, 31, is the brains behind Green View Apartments, Diamond Heights in Kikuyu, Mashariki Park Project, Mazuri site Apartments in Thika, Kajiado and a multi-million shillings 36 house units project at Thindigua on Kiambu Road.

At Dinara Developers Limited, the real estate company he started in 2009 that he runs together with co-director Francis Wachira Muguku, he says, apartment prices range between Sh2.5 million for a one bedroom house and Sh12 million for a three bedroom unit.

“I make between Sh20 million and Sh25 million per month. Real estate is the place to be,” he says. His tale can be best described as dust to riches story that has seen him set Nairobi’s thriving real estate business alight.

“I want to remove this notion among young people and the old generation that one can only be a millionaire and own a house at a certain age,” he said at his 2,500-square-feet office at Sound Plaza on Woodvale Groove, in Westlands, Nairobi.

Last year, when he went searching for land in Kiambu County to put up houses, he bumped onto a landlord who was selling a three-quarter acre at Sh70 million. However, he was shocked when the seller refused to accept his fat pay cheque.

“She looked at me and asked, ‘young man, when did you start working to amass such wealth?’ I was shocked,” said the alumni of Thika HIGH SCHOOL.

He says this is one of the most irritating question he keeps getting while transacting millions of shillings, especially with the old generation.
But where did he raise the Sh70 million? “The proceeds were raised from 169 apartments, which we constructed last year at Thika and sold at Sh2.5 million each. We raked in over Sh400 million,” said Mr Kamau. He said phase two of the project — where 250 units will be set up — is in the pipeline.

Mr Kamau attributes his success to having a stable family: “My wife, who was my client before I married her, has contributed immensely to the success of this firm. When I am faced with tricky business challenges she is always there to listen to me,” says Mr Kamau
Besides a strong family support, he says he has learnt that honesty is vital.

“If you say the size of the house is 100-square-feet, you must deliver that size because anything short of that is outright theft,” he said. So what keeps him going?

“Doing a clean business. Without being honest, you won’t last long and this is what I strive to achieve every day. I value my customers and their feedback.”

His future plan is to develop his office block within the city. “Our monthly rent is Sh400,000 but this will be a thing of the past in the next two years as we shall put up our own office block,” he said.

The developer is targeting Thika, Kikuyu, Gitaru, Thindigua, Ruiru and Kajiado to put up housing units this year. As it seeks to cement its presence in the real estate sector, Dinara Developers has set its sight on listing in the Nairobi Securities Exchange by 2030.

House buyers at Dinara Developers are not required to pay any deposit and it is this unique business tactic that has seen the entrepreneur build an empire whose current estimate value is in excess of Sh1 billion.

“The dream of many people is to own a house but what they lack is deposit. At Dinara Developers, if we are constructing a house within 18 months or any period, we ask you to pay whatever amount within that period and this is what has attracted many customers.”

Surprisingly, Mr Kamau said that his company has never sought a bank loans.

“We plough back our profits. We have deliberately avoided bank loans because of the high interest rates, which will obviously be passed on to the customers. In the past two years we have earned very little as a company because huge chunk of Sh300 million profits we make per year is invested back in our projects,” he added.

The firm whose name means rich in Russia also owns a fleet of lorries, which transport building materials from its quarries, further cutting down the cost of construction.

CHALLENGES

Like other players, Dinara Developers is grappling with inadequate skilled manpower. The company started with three staff and now has employed 40.

However, its biggest challenge has been impromptu change of policies by corrupt county government officials.

“One day a county official tells you that your lorry should not carry more than 20 tonnes of stones beyond a certain point. The other issue is the re-zoning, which has disrupted our building plans, costing us millions of shillings,” he added.

The most unique hurdle, however, is the lack of trust from land owners, who dismiss him as a young person not worth conducting huge business.

MPs want diplomatic passports for spouses, special university and police unit

President Uhuru Kenyatta greets MPs after addressing Parliament.

BY OLIVER MATHENGE

The National Assembly is set to enact a law that will see MPs and their spouses, alongside other officers of Parliament, get diplomatic passports.

Section 50 of the Parliamentary Service Commission Bill 2015 states the two Speakers, MPs, the Clerks, members of the PSC and their spouses will be entitled to diplomatic passports.

Currently, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act excludes MPs and their spouses from the list of the 28 categories of people that get diplomatic passports.

MPs were previously entitled to diplomatic passports but the Immigration Department removed them from the list in February, when it was amended.

At the time, the list was amended to accommodate former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the position of PM no longer exists.

The Bill, tabled in the National Assembly by Eldas MP Adan Keynan, also sets up a new police unit to oversee security in Parliament as well establish an academic institution to award degrees.

According to the proposed law, the Parliamentary Police Unit will be under the supervision of the National Police Service and the command of the Inspector-General.

“The Inspector-General shall, by notice in the Gazette, appoint an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police to be in charge of the Parliamentary Police Unit,” the Bill says.

The unit comes at a time when MPs have raised concerns over a new security arrangement whereby the PSC has recruited security personnel from the National Youth Service.

Section 28 of the proposed law establishes the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training to provide “learning and development programmes.”

These programmes shall lead to the “grant of certificates, diplomas and degrees to build capacity for members and staff of Parliament and other stakeholders.”

“The centre shall facilitate continuous learning for members and staff of Parliament and develop linkages and collaborations with other institutions of learning and professional organisations,” the Bill says.

The Bill also amends the Public Finance Management Act in an attempt to give Parliament financial autonomy by establishing a special Fund.

The Bill establishes the Parliamentary Fund, where all money allocated to Parliament, including gifts, donations and grants, will be paid into.

The Fund will ensure Parliament does not return any unused money to the Treasury and will also have control of its money.

The amendments to the Public Finance Management Act will see the two Clerks become the accounting officers of their respective Houses.

The Bill also provides for a limit on how long one can serve as Clerk of either House. There are currently no term limits.

The proposed law provides that a Clerk serve for a period of four years and is eligible for reappointment for one further term.

The Bill will also limit the right to access to information where the request is “prejudicial to national security or the interests of Parliament.”

Muammar Gaddafi..... "How long shall they kill our Prophets, while we stand a side and look"

They killed him after all he had done for Libya & the big plans he had for Africa, in the name of 'democracy'. I hope Libyans & others who supported his ouster are enjoying that 'democracy'.

You are free to judge Gaddafi and condemn him as much as you like, but first, allow us to give you facts on what Gaddafi did/intended to do in Africa.

1. Africa spends billions every year paying Europe for using satellite communication systems, in entertainment, security, business or just communications. Gaddafi wanted to get rid of that by paying and setting up satellite system for entire Africa for free, saving Africa billion annually going to Europe.

2. Africa is divided into over 55 countries, with different currencies. This makes it hard for trade between African countries. If I wanna buy Cocoa from Ivory coast, I'll have to change my money into US dollars (giving US 5-10% of my money), they I will probably have to turn the dollars into euro, losing another 5-10% of my capital to europe, then change my euro into ivorian franc, again losing another 5-10% of my money to the french treasury. If I started with about South African rand of 1000, by the time I am purchasing cocoa in I vory coast, my money will be worth only rands 650 to 700, the other rand 300 will be in the hands of US and Europe. Gaddafi wanted to get rid of this and replace it with DINAR (An African currency) for doing business in Africa without changing the value…almost like bitcoin that can't be manipulated easily.

3. Gaddafi's government made sure all Libyan investment like Oil Libya were all within Africa.

4. Gaddafi Nationalized oil in Libya, mean, the government had control over the resources, sold it and used the money to provide services to the country. With nationalized resources,

a. Libyans didn't have to pay taxes.

b. Libyans received free health care.

c. Free education from birth to PHD or as far as you wish.

d. Free housing for the poor and subsidies on things like food etc.

The only people who worked in Libya were Chines, Tchadians, sudanese, and other African Immigrants.

5. Libya was one of the free countries in the world that did not have any form of debts whatsoever. Libya had more money than it's population could use and had billions stores a way around the world. All the money Libya stored in Europe has been squandered by European governments.

6. During Gaddafi's lifetime, AU functions were fully funded by Libya, accommodation for leaders, transportations, and day to day activities at the AU headquarters, now that is being done by European Union. As the saying goes "He who pays the piper calls the tune"

These are hard facts of what Colonel Gaddafi, self proclaimed African King of Kings did to the Continent only for us to watch him humiliated and killed like an animal without us raising a voice.

7. Gaddafi spent millions and millions helping Mali and Niger with high level irrigation in the deserts so people can be self sustained. Paid full and never expected anything back.

8. Way before the BRICS came up with idea of forming their own development bank to rival world bank and IMF, Gaddafi already initiated a high level talks into starting an African Development Bank where African governments would go and borrow money at low rates for developments of things like infrastructure, academic institutions, medical institutions, research institutions among other things. This would have saved Africa from IMF and their predatory lending habits of structural adjustment programs which are notorious in keeping countries in porvety while they take ownership of your natural resources.

Gaddafi was not perfect or an angel, but he was better than 80% of the world leaders.

NOW LOOK AT YOUR LEADER AND THEN COME HERE AND CONDEMN GADDAFI.

The people Nato helped from Benghazi to attack Gaddafi are all now confirmed members of ISIS creating chaos in North Africa and middle east.

Bob Marley once sang "How long shall they kill our Prophets, while we stand a side and look"

20 Fascinating Places That Prove That Kenya Is A Beautiful Country

14 October 2014

Oluwakemi Ojo 
@Keemite

If you are eager for your own African experience, there are plenty of fascinating places to explore in Kenya. The country is steeped in history, lauded with bountiful natural beauty, and renowned for refining its rustic ambience and cultural elegance. As a matter of fact, Kenya may simply be the best-kept travel secret in Africa. The fascinating places are treasured for their beauty and they offer unequalled opportunities to unwind and relax in African style; thus making Kenya a beautiful country to visit.

Here are the 20 fascinating places that prove that Kenya is a beautiful country:

1. Diani Beach

One of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Diani Beach is located on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. Diani Beach is an ideal getaway at its finest. The beach offers visitors plenty activities to enjoy or you can spend your time admiring the scenery it offers. The view is breath-taking!

2. Mida Creek

Photo Source: Airbnb

Mida Creek is located on the Malindi-Watamu coastline; it’s a massive tidal inlet of sand, lined with mangrove forest. The creek offers several exciting activities such as fishing, birdwatching, boat trips, mangrove walks and many more. In fact, a day is not enough to do and see all that is on offer in this scenic part of Kenya.

3. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Photo Source: Kenya.com

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a located 3 Km from Kisumu City. The Sanctuary lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are quite a lot of things to enliven and thrill nature-lovers here; besides, if you love wildlife, you will appreciate the both the free ranging and captive animals in the sanctuary. Apart from that, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a well-preserved natural beauty, a fascinating place to be!

4. Mahali Mzuri

Photo Source: Atta.travel

Mahali Mzuri is an authentic luxury camp, located in a surrounding packed with amazing wildlife, scenic landscape and great ambience.  Just in case you don’t know, Mahli Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp, located within Maasai Mara Environs.  The camp boasts a lot of outdoor activities and a vibrant wildlife scene.

5. Masai Mara National Reserve

This is the best place to get close to the wild! If you want to see wildlife up-close and personal, Masaai Mara is a great safari destination for that. The National Reserve is teeming with the ‘big 5′ and other amazing animal species. Nature, wonderful wildlife and picturesque landscape can all be found here. Its natural beauty keeps guests returning every year.

6. Lamu Island

Photo Source: Terri O’Sullivan on Flickr

While Lamu Island entices many tourists and local visitors, the main attractions here are the natural beauty the island exhibits and its calm atmosphere. From Lamu’s history and culture to its scenic beaches, you’ll be in awe of what this island has to offer.

7. Chyulu Hills

Photo Source: Peter Steward on Flickr

To experience some of the most inspiring views Kenya has to offer, head to Chyulu Hills. Chyulu Hills is located in Eastern Kenya, a mountain range that forms a 100Km long volcanic field. This destination is one of the prettiest places in Kenya, seeing the enchanted land of black frozen lava speckled with flaring poker trees is really something special.

8. Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is the top tourist attraction in Kenya. It’s a beauty to behold! Here, you will find some of the largest, deepest and oldest lakes in the world. The valley also hosts some volcanic mountains. The valley offers stunning views and you will surely see many photo-worthy panoramas.

9. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is one of the most famous mountains in the world. It is the highest mountain in Kenya and second-highest in Africa. It is about 5199 metres above sea level. The mountain has beautiful snow-capped peaks that make it stand out and very attractive.  If you love adventurous climbing and trekking, this is the best destination to explore.

10. Kapsowar

Photo Source: Hublog

Kapsower is a beautiful small town located in Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It’s a picture-perfect town; filled with quaint charm, crisp breeze and amazing scenic beauty. It’s one of the best places to explore the most breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions such as charming flowing rivers, herds of cows and gorgeous hills.

11. Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Gardens is a fascinating urban haven located in Nairobi. Beautiful lanscape and architecture, lush plantations and relaxing atmosphere are the defining elements of Uhuru garden.

12. Shanzu Beach

Shanzu Beach is located on the Indian Ocean in Mombasa, an ideal place for an unforgettable coast adventure. The beach is known for its beautiful shores, spectacular views, towering palm trees, and pristine white sands. There are several accommodation located next to the beach. Great place to spend a memorable vacation!

13. Meru National Park

Meru National Park is located 350km from Nairobi, east of Meru. The Mational park is one of the most popular and beautiful parks in Kenya. It is home to several animal species such as Leopard, Elephant, Hippopotamus, Cheetah and many others. The park offers a authentic wilderness atmosphere, scenic landscapes and amazing wildlife.

14. Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor offers a unique experience when it comes to luxury accommodation. The Manor is one of the best places to see beautiful and graceful creatures such as Giraffes in Kenya. The Manor is home to Rothschild Giraffes, which are seen roaming around the surroundings. It’s such a beautiful experience!

15. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Photo Source: Safaribookings

The vast Conservancy lures visitors from around the country in search of unforgettable adventures. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in Nanyuki, between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. The conservancy is home to the ‘Big Five’ and offers a scenic landscape, wildlife ambiance an exciting experience.

16. Rolf’s Place

Rolfs Place’s opportunities for exciting adventure are enough to thrill any visitor. It’s a leopard cliff Mansion built like a medieval fortress, located just 25 minutes from Nairobi. Rolf’s Place offers a panoramic view of Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngong Hills. It also has some neighbouring parks that offer visitor opportunities to experience wildlife.

17. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kenya. The lake is located in Lake Nakuru National Parkand lies in the Rift Valley of Kenya. The lake is renowned as a location of the beautiful bird species – loads of fuchsia pink flamingoes.

18. The Coral Gardens of Wasini

Photo Source: Footprintstours

The Wasini Coral Gardens, located in Wasini Island, about 100 km south of Mombasa. The garden is a surrounded by mangrove forest, beautiful landscape and offers amazing views.  It offers several activities that will give you a unique experience.

19. Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is located North West of Nairobi. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, bird species. Hell’s Gate National Park has exciting attractions and activities such as Hot Springs, The Olkaria Geothermal Station, The Mervym Carnelley Raptor Hide, Fisher’s Tower and many others.

20. The Aberdares

Photo Source: Safarilanga

The Aberdares’ beauty is not something we can ignore. The 160km long mountain range of plateau offers some of the best mountain views in the country. The Aberdare range is a beautiful place and its full of wonder.

Is there any fascinating places you would like us to know about? Share your experience with us in the comment below: