Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Should MPs be exempted from paying taxes until expiry of their current term in office?

After a long standoff over MPs' salary increment, the crisis was last week resolved by shelving implementation of the PSC's recommendations on the same and exempting MPs from paying taxes until their current term expires in 2012. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama and his Narok South counterpart Nkoidila ole Lankas on their views.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

QUESTION: Do you support the move to have MPs exempted from paying taxes until the expiry of their current term?

ANSWER: Members of Parliament should not be ambushed with taxation in the middle of their term. It is unfair as they have a big financial burden of meeting not only their personal and family needs, but also those of their constituents.

QUESTION: It has emerged that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wrote to Parliament to inform MPs that they would be exempted from taxation. Comment.

YES: Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas

ANSWER: I have not seen the letter, but if indeed it exists then it depends on who has written it, who has signed it and if it has legal backing. MPs carry a lot of financial burden and lead miserable lives as opposed to what is in the public domain that they are supper earners, big spenders and owners of fuel guzzling vehicles.

QUESTION: Should the KRA rescind its decision?

ANSWER: Writing a letter is one thing; the position of the law is another. As long as KRA's move had good intentions, then there is no problem with that.

QUESTION: MPs were also assured during

Uhuru’s delicate position in dodging the ethnic bullet

By Charles Wachira

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's name is doing serious rounds, particularly in his ancestral Mt Kenya backyard and neighbouring regions. Uhuru is being touted as leading contestants for the top seat after President Kibaki's exit.

About a month ago, for example, in a meeting in Limuru, Kiambu District, and attended by the political brass, drawn exclusively from the Mt Kenya enclave, the 47-year-old scion of Kenya's inaugural First Family, was rubberstamped to the status of bellwether. His mission, for now, was innocuously decked in partisan altruism. The role of Gatundu North MP, who also holds the Finance docket, was basically to lead an onslaught within the Mt Kenya region, rallying the local populace to adopt a new constitution in the August 4 referendum.

However, it was not lost to political pundits the event was a carefully orchestrated plot, seeking among other issues, to test the waters and to give notice to the ubiquitous naysayers who think the region — read Kikuyu community — will capitulate and instead back a candidate from another community for president.

Ethnic voting

It is telling that while the country's 47-year-old independence history has witnessed successive democratic elections, it has not escaped

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Journalist arrested for article on Somalia

BUJUMBURABurundi authorities have arrested a journalist over an article questioning security forces' ability to respond to attacks by Somalia's al Shabaab insurgents, his relatives said today.

Related Stories

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Burundian police arrested Jean Claude Kavumbagu — who runs the online news agency Net Press — on Saturday, relatives said.

He wrote in a July 12 article: "If Somali Islamists had to try something in Burundi, it would be easy

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Is it right for the Prime Minister to direct civil servants to support proposed laws?

Following a directive by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Permanent Secretaries to support the Proposed Constitution, which he termed a 'Government project, writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM) and Rachel Shebesh (Nominated) on their views.

YES: Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

QUESTION: Do you agree with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's stand that the Proposed Constitution is 'a Government project'?

ANSWER: I do agree with the PM because the constitution making process is part of Agenda 4, which is steered by the Grand Coalition Government. It is part of the reforms that were agreed upon signing of the National Accord.

Rachel Shebesh (Nominated MP)

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet (ODM)

QUESTION: The PM has in the past opposed the involvement of civil servants in politics. What do you think has changed?

ANSWER: The biggest change Kenya has had is the birth of the Grand Coalition Government, which made a commitment to steer the required reforms for a new country. The civil servants who are in charge of Government machinery are only facilitating the process being implemented by their employer (Government). They have no political role other than facilitation.

QUESTION: Does trying to whip PSs and the Provincial Administration into supporting the document amount to politicising the civil service?

ANSWER: We live in different times and circumstances compared to the past, and one cannot de-link the civil service from Government and politics. Civil servants are there to

Referendum looms over recovering tourism sector

By Macharia Kamau

Tourism industry's peak season has commenced, and players have enough on their plate to last them through the year, if hotel bookings are anything to go by.

The industry is, however, raising concerns over the charged political atmosphere ahead of the August 4 referendum on the proposed constitution. Industry players warn that tourists will remain edgy in the run up to the vote and confidence can only be restored if the political noise is toned down.

Mike Macharia, chief executive Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, says that while they are yet to cause irreparable damage, the campaigns are already sending the

Is Parliament’s approval of hefty perks for MPs in order given state of economy?

There has been outrage over the move by MPs to award themselves hefty perks followed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's rejection of the new pay deal. Writers Beauttah Omanga and Robert Nyasato spoke to Kitutu Masaba MP who doubles as PSC Vice-Chairman Walter Nyambati and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo on whether they still support the increment.

YES

QUESTION: Do you still support last Wednesday's approval of increased pay for MPs by Parliament?

Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo

ANSWER: Yes I do, but one thing must be made clear: we did not award ourselves a pay rise but only took care of taxation so that MPs are not disadvantaged midway. What is being referred to as increment will all go to tax because the tax level has also gone up.

QUESTION: In rejecting the hefty perks, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has stated the Budget estimates had exhausted the resource envelop that could be realistically mobilised for the increment. Comment.

ANSWER: We will sit down and talk with the Finance minister on that issue. The door is not closed yet. There will obviously be a way out if genuine talks can be held with the Treasury.

QUESTION: A section of the public claimed MPs

Is Parliament’s approval of hefty perks for MPs in order given state of economy?

There has been outrage over the move by MPs to award themselves hefty perks followed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's rejection of the new pay deal. Writers Beauttah Omanga and Robert Nyasato spoke to Kitutu Masaba MP who doubles as PSC Vice-Chairman Walter Nyambati and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo on whether they still support the increment.

YES

QUESTION: Do you still support last Wednesday's approval of increased pay for MPs by Parliament?

Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo

ANSWER: Yes I do, but one thing must be made clear: we did not award ourselves a pay rise but only took care of taxation so that MPs are not disadvantaged midway. What is being referred to as increment will all go to tax because the tax level has also gone up.

QUESTION: In rejecting the hefty perks, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has stated the Budget estimates had exhausted the resource envelop that could be realistically mobilised for the increment. Comment.

ANSWER: We will sit down and talk with the Finance minister on that issue. The door is not closed yet. There will obviously be a way out if genuine talks can be held with the Treasury.

QUESTION: A section of the public claimed MPs

Is Parliament’s approval of hefty perks for MPs in order given state of economy?

There has been outrage over the move by MPs to award themselves hefty perks followed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's rejection of the new pay deal. Writers Beauttah Omanga and Robert Nyasato spoke to Kitutu Masaba MP who doubles as PSC Vice-Chairman Walter Nyambati and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo on whether they still support the increment.

YES

QUESTION: Do you still support last Wednesday's approval of increased pay for MPs by Parliament?

Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo

ANSWER: Yes I do, but one thing must be made clear: we did not award ourselves a pay rise but only took care of taxation so that MPs are not disadvantaged midway. What is being referred to as increment will all go to tax because the tax level has also gone up.

QUESTION: In rejecting the hefty perks, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has stated the Budget estimates had exhausted the resource envelop that could be realistically mobilised for the increment. Comment.

ANSWER: We will sit down and talk with the Finance minister on that issue. The door is not closed yet. There will obviously be a way out if genuine talks can be held with the Treasury.

QUESTION: A section of the public claimed MPs

Is Parliament’s approval of hefty perks for MPs in order given state of economy?

There has been outrage over the move by MPs to award themselves hefty perks followed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's rejection of the new pay deal. Writers Beauttah Omanga and Robert Nyasato spoke to Kitutu Masaba MP who doubles as PSC Vice-Chairman Walter Nyambati and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo on whether they still support the increment.

YES

QUESTION: Do you still support last Wednesday's approval of increased pay for MPs by Parliament?

Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo

ANSWER: Yes I do, but one thing must be made clear: we did not award ourselves a pay rise but only took care of taxation so that MPs are not disadvantaged midway. What is being referred to as increment will all go to tax because the tax level has also gone up.

QUESTION: In rejecting the hefty perks, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has stated the Budget estimates had exhausted the resource envelop that could be realistically mobilised for the increment. Comment.

ANSWER: We will sit down and talk with the Finance minister on that issue. The door is not closed yet. There will obviously be a way out if genuine talks can be held with the Treasury.

QUESTION: A section of the public claimed MPs

Is Parliament’s approval of hefty perks for MPs in order given state of economy?

There has been outrage over the move by MPs to award themselves hefty perks followed by Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's rejection of the new pay deal. Writers Beauttah Omanga and Robert Nyasato spoke to Kitutu Masaba MP who doubles as PSC Vice-Chairman Walter Nyambati and Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo on whether they still support the increment.

YES

QUESTION: Do you still support last Wednesday's approval of increased pay for MPs by Parliament?

Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo

ANSWER: Yes I do, but one thing must be made clear: we did not award ourselves a pay rise but only took care of taxation so that MPs are not disadvantaged midway. What is being referred to as increment will all go to tax because the tax level has also gone up.

QUESTION: In rejecting the hefty perks, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has stated the Budget estimates had exhausted the resource envelop that could be realistically mobilised for the increment. Comment.

ANSWER: We will sit down and talk with the Finance minister on that issue. The door is not closed yet. There will obviously be a way out if genuine talks can be held with the Treasury.

QUESTION: A section of the public claimed MPs

Treasury should not sabotage referendum

Kenya's second referendum in history is only 27 days away. The proponents of the Proposed Constitution are upbeat the 20-year-long luckless clamour for a new constitution is about to end, albeit with the handsome reward of a new set of laws to revolutionise our institutions of governance.

They argue the draft law portends for Kenya a silent and bloodless revolution with a wonderful Bill of Rights. Yes, this team agrees there are contentious issues such as conditional abortion and Kadhis' Courts, but argue they can be resolved later. Still a section of it is less optimistic and believes no amount

Is there any substance to queries over Budget?

It was billed as a historic budget because, for the first time in Independent Kenya's history, the National Budget approached the Sh1 trillion mark. It fired cash into sectors that would immediately provide a shot in the arm to the economy, compared to last year's populist approach.

Even as plaudits are still doing the rounds, disturbing questions pop up about the accuracy of the mathematics behind the figures from the Treasury.

This is the second time in two years that a lobby group has cast doubt over some omissions and displacements that would render the Finance Minister's budget null and

Undersea cable set to up West Africa broadband

An eagerly-awaited submarine cable linking West Africa to Europe has gone live, paving the way for cheaper and more reliable internet access in one of the world's fastest-growing telecoms markets, its operators said on Friday.

The 7,000 km fibre optic Main One Cable runs from Portugal to Nigeria and Ghana, and also branches out to Morocco, the Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast. The Main One Cable Company says it delivers more than ten times the broadband capacity of the South Atlantic Terminal, Nigeria's sole existing undersea cable, and 20 times the entire satellite capacity of sub-Saharan Africa.

Germany rout Argentina to march into semis

CAPE TOWN

Striker Miroslav Klose celebrated his 100th cap with two second-half goals to help Germany reach the World Cup semi-finals with a 4-0 demolition of Diego Maradona's outclassed Argentina on Saturday.

Germany now face either Spain or Paraguay, who meet later on Saturday, in Durban next Wednesday with a place in the final at Johannesburg's Soccer City on July 11 at stake.

A third-minute goal by Thomas Mueller gave Germany a 1-0 lead, before the three-time champions turned the screw after the interval.

Klose netted in the 68th minute, centre-back Arne Friedrich scored his first for his country six minutes

Can Ghana blot out Africa’s shame?

Africa needs a miracle when Ghana's Black Stars take on Uruguay in one of two World Cup quarterfinal matches today.

It will take something special for Ghana to stop Uruguay's marauding strike force of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez: difficult, yet not impossible. But the Black Stars will need more than just the high from their historic passage into the second round of the World Cup to write a new legend.

Despite their lack of goals, the young Black Stars have won hearts with their confidence, gritty defending and positive football. But the fact that Ghana is flying the

Group takes ‘orutu’ tune abroad

Caroline Nyanga

A live performance beyond one's borders is usually every artiste's dream.

So, when the opportunity came for Kenge Kenge to perform in Israel and Spain for three weeks, the group considered it a vote of confidence on their music.

"It is a great achievement and a rare privilege for us to perform before an audience of diverse communities within various towns including Tel Aviv, Israel, and Madrid, Spain last month. It was also a chance to gauge where Kenyan music stands internationally," says bandleader George Achieng', who is also the lead vocalist.

Kenge Kenge during an international performance. [PHOTOS: COURTESY]

Kenge Kenge was privileged to be the only African artistes taking part in on