State, World Bank plan weighbridge reforms

By Kipkirui K'telewa

Corruption at Kenya's weighbridges will be a thing of the past, following major reforms geared towards eradicating the vice by the Government.

The radical reforms, driven by the Government and the World Bank (WB) will phase out manual inspection of vehicles by officers from the Ministry of Roads and install new computerised scales to remove manual ones.

Effectively, this will ensure recommended axle weights on Kenya's highways are adhered to and eliminate collusion between officers manning these outlets and bulk transporters.

At the same time, the Government has contracted three companies to man weighbridges in a bid

Businesses closed over health scare

By Antony Gitonga

Health officers in Naivasha have closed more than 20 businesses after the main sewer system burst, spilling raw sewage onto the streets.

This came as residents living near the burst sewer along Moi Avenue complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.

The move left the traders counting losses running into millions of shillings as it emerged that the old system could not handle sewage due to the increased population.

The most affected were the chief's office, hotels, bars and several shops along the busy road.

Closing down the businesses, District Health Officer Samuel King'ori said the premises would remain

Kirima son takes over estate

A son of former assistant minister Gerishon Kirima on Sunday directed tenants to pay rent to a new account.

The notice was circulated to tenants in Highridge and Embakasi estates, asking them to pay rent and fees at the offices of Kirima & Sons on Moktar Daddah Street, Nairobi.

Agents dropping the letters were escorted by police officers from door-to-door.

Power of attorney

Said the notice: "This is to inform the general public and all tenants and occupants of the properties owned by Kirima & Sons that with effect from the date of this notice all rents, fees and other payments shall

Singing for motherland

By PETER NDORIA

The easy listen that is Roger Whitaker's My Land is Kenya is one of favourite all-time songs. It is considered a 'patriotic song'— if I can remember well what we were taught back then in 8-4-4 music classes.

Roger Whittaker represents the Independence generation. They saw the bringing down of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the new bendera. The lyrics of this song represent that image that this generation projected to the whole world — the evergreen Safari country.

As the country 'hoists' a new constitution today, the sound of a new song rents the air. The likes of Nameless, Jua Cali are the new Roger Whittakers and their new song celebrates in the same thread, as My Land is Kenya.

Just like good ol' Roger kept his Kenyan roots despite being identified with Britain, one artiste to me represents this era.

That artiste is Wyclef Jean.

Until last week, Jean hoped to be the Obama

Western leaders line up four major rallies

By STEPHEN MAKABILA

Just a few days to the promulgation of the new Constitution, political focus will be on Western Province, where MPs from the region have lined up four major rallies.

Though the rallies are meant to thank the region's voters for voting 'Yes', keen political observers are reading more in the rallies to be staged in Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and the provincial headquarters, Kakamega.

Some observers feel the rallies are meant to relay 'warning signals' to those who think Western is a divided region or a potential hunting ground for votes ahead of the 2012 General Election.

CCK: Mobile share market on an upward trajectory

By Macharia Kamau

Mobile phone subscribers grew to 19.7 million and the number of Internet users reached 6.4 million during the quarter ending March 31, a new report has said.

The quarterly sector statistics by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) also show a sustained decline in the number of subscribers on the country's fixed line network run by Telkom Kenya.

According to CCK, the mobile telephony industry grew 2.7 per cent to 19.7 million, compared to 19.4 million subscribers as at end of the quarter ending December 31, last year.

Internet users grew to 6.4 million, an 87.3 per

Telkom Kenya reviews rates in battle for market

By Luke Anami

Telkom Kenya has responded to the battle for mobile phone market by announcing the lowest tariff further lowering costs of airtime.

Under the new tariff, Orange-to-Orange calls will now cost Sh2 down from Sh4, while calls across the other networks will cost Sh4 down from Sh8.

The Short Messaging Service (SMS) between Orange customers will cost you Sh1 while to other networks will be at Sh2.

The new tariff comes with an additional benefit of free calls from 10pm to 5pm per month once you top up airtime by Sh100. The new charge applies to

Kenya's Innovation fair kicks off in Nairobi, Friday

By James Ratemo

Over 60 engineers, artists and designers will convene in Nairobi on Friday to show case a cross section of latest and most creative innovations in Africa.

The opening of the two-day event will coincide

with Kenya's newest official holiday, "Signing Day" when President Kibaki shall promulgate the new constitution.

Over 60 makers with backgrounds in engineering, design and artisan crafts will display their latest inventions in an effort to shine a spotlight on innovation and ingenuity as the way forward in Africa.

Organised by Maker Faire Africa (MFA) the event will be held at the University

Western leaders line up four major rallies

By STEPHEN MAKABILA

Just a few days to the promulgation of the new Constitution, political focus will be on Western Province, where MPs from the region have lined up four major rallies.

Though the rallies are meant to thank the region's voters for voting 'Yes', keen political observers are reading more in the rallies to be staged in Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and the provincial headquarters, Kakamega.

Some observers feel the rallies are meant to relay 'warning signals' to those who think Western is a divided region or a potential hunting ground for votes ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Was the decision by ODM PG against opposers of new law democratic?

Last Thursday, an ODM Parliamentary Group (PG) met and resolved that party MPs who campaigned against the new Constitution should face sanctions including not being nominated to any parliamentary committee. Writer Titus Too spoke to Matungu MP David Were and his Muhoroni counterpart Ayiecho Olweny on their views.

YES: Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

QUESTION: Do you support the decision by the ODM Parliamentary Group to deny MPs who opposed the new Constitution a chance to serve on various parliamentary committees?

ANSWER: Definitely I support the decision. I was in the meeting and cannot act against the decision agreed upon. We should be fair and give a chance to leaders who can represent the party well. Ruto (Higher Education Minister) is ODM deputy party leader who represented us in Naivasha only to reverse his stand and act against the wishes of the party.

QUESTION: The targeted MPs have argued they were simply exercising their democratic right. Comment.

Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

Matungu MP David Were

ANSWER: It is up to them. It is also democratic to give or deny them nominations. We should give posts to other leaders who are ready to serve the party.

QUESTION: President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga sounded reconciliatory in their victory speeches at the KICC. Did the ODM's PG resolution contrast the PM who is the party leader?

ANSWER: The principals are entitled to

Will Wamalwa dream sustain Western unity?

By Stephen Makabila

The seventh memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa tomorrow is viewed as distinctly different, coming amid a notable clamour for political unity in his native Western Province.

The occasion, being marked a few days to the promulgation of the new Constitution, some say, also serves as a great honour for a man who was among the 2003 National Rainbow Coalition leader, who had promised Kenyans new laws in a record 100 days of coming to power.

As ministers and MPs from Western Province troop to Kitale town for the occasion, the question is whether the regional unity exhibited during the referendum vote, where Western went 'green', would be sustained ahead of the 2012 General Election.

On August 4, the region was united in voting 'Yes', only reminiscent of the 2002 General Election when Wamalwa delivered 22 of 24 constituencies in the province to Narc, before his death eight months later.

In 2002 when Wamalwa championed Western unity only Mt

Shilling eases versus dollar to 3-week low

The shilling weakened against the dollar yesterday, nearing a three-week low, weighed down by a general strengthening of the US currency, said analysts. Commercial banks quoted the shilling at Sh81.20/40 to the dollar, compared with Wednesday's close of Sh80.65/75. "Right now, it's under pressure because the dollar has strengthened ... The trend is set to continue and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) buying is also affecting the shilling," said Julius Kiriinya, a trader at Middle East Bank. While the CBK was out of the market yesterday, traders said previous purchases of the euro had put pressure on the shilling.

—Reuters

Source: The Standard | Online Edition

Shilling eases versus dollar to 3-week low

The shilling weakened against the dollar yesterday, nearing a three-week low, weighed down by a general strengthening of the US currency, said analysts. Commercial banks quoted the shilling at Sh81.20/40 to the dollar, compared with Wednesday's close of Sh80.65/75. "Right now, it's under pressure because the dollar has strengthened ... The trend is set to continue and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) buying is also affecting the shilling," said Julius Kiriinya, a trader at Middle East Bank. While the CBK was out of the market yesterday, traders said previous purchases of the euro had put pressure on the shilling.

—Reuters

Source: The Standard | Online Edition

Safaricom, Equity to boost e-learning

By Fredrick Obura

Teachers will now acquire laptops complete with broadband Internet connection from Safaricom at affordable rates.

This is courtesy of a partnership signed yesterday between Equity Bank, Microsoft, Intel, Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) and the Teachers Service Commission.

"We have realised the value addition ICT holds to the education sector. Over-priced infrastructure like the laptops and Internet continue to lock out many teachers," said Michael Joseph, the Safaricom Chief Executive Officer.

"The new partnership will address issues on cost and increase technology penetration in classrooms, " he said.

Equity Bank will provide credit facilities to teachers, while

Was the decision by ODM PG against opposers of new law democratic?

Last Thursday, an ODM Parliamentary Group (PG) met and resolved that party MPs who campaigned against the new Constitution should face sanctions including not being nominated to any parliamentary committee. Writer Titus Too spoke to Matungu MP David Were and his Muhoroni counterpart Ayiecho Olweny on their views.

YES: Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

QUESTION: Do you support the decision by the ODM Parliamentary Group to deny MPs who opposed the new Constitution a chance to serve on various parliamentary committees?

ANSWER: Definitely I support the decision. I was in the meeting and cannot act against the decision agreed upon. We should be fair and give a chance to leaders who can represent the party well. Ruto (Higher Education Minister) is ODM deputy party leader who represented us in Naivasha only to reverse his stand and act against the wishes of the party.

QUESTION: The targeted MPs have argued they were simply exercising their democratic right. Comment.

Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

Matungu MP David Were

ANSWER: It is up to them. It is also democratic to give or deny them nominations. We should give posts to other leaders who are ready to serve the party.

QUESTION: President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga sounded reconciliatory in their victory speeches at the KICC. Did the ODM's PG resolution contrast the PM who is the party leader?

ANSWER: The principals are entitled to

Was the decision by ODM PG against opposers of new law democratic?

Last Thursday, an ODM Parliamentary Group (PG) met and resolved that party MPs who campaigned against the new Constitution should face sanctions including not being nominated to any parliamentary committee. Writer Titus Too spoke to Matungu MP David Were and his Muhoroni counterpart Ayiecho Olweny on their views.

YES: Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

QUESTION: Do you support the decision by the ODM Parliamentary Group to deny MPs who opposed the new Constitution a chance to serve on various parliamentary committees?

ANSWER: Definitely I support the decision. I was in the meeting and cannot act against the decision agreed upon. We should be fair and give a chance to leaders who can represent the party well. Ruto (Higher Education Minister) is ODM deputy party leader who represented us in Naivasha only to reverse his stand and act against the wishes of the party.

QUESTION: The targeted MPs have argued they were simply exercising their democratic right. Comment.

Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny

Matungu MP David Were

ANSWER: It is up to them. It is also democratic to give or deny them nominations. We should give posts to other leaders who are ready to serve the party.

QUESTION: President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga sounded reconciliatory in their victory speeches at the KICC. Did the ODM's PG resolution contrast the PM who is the party leader?

ANSWER: The principals are entitled to

Ruto\'s new stature worries the big political players

By Oscar Obonyo

Sometime last year, as the rift between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Higher Education Minister William Ruto began to show, Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo and his Fisheries counterpart, Paul Otuoma, held a secret meeting and hatched a plot.

Otuoma invited the Eldoret North MP to his Funyula constituency as chief guest of a soccer tournament at Sio Port. Ruto did not disappoint. He honoured the appointment and even rewarded the participating players handsomely. Meanwhile, as the game progressed, Gumo who was in the company of Raila at his Bondo home persuaded the PM to fly to Funyula and briefly watch part of the game. What Raila and Ruto did not

Uhuru, select few seek closer working ties

By STEPHEN MAKABILA and OSINDE OBARE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta this weekend leads youthful MPs under the 'Green Alliance' flagship to a retreat as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's close associates scheme to redeem him politically following a poor referendum show by the 'Yes' team in lower Eastern.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire will attend the Uhuru retreat set for a secret location outside the city, according to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

"Uhuru and I will lead a team including Balala and Mbarire to a retreat to develop closer working relationships. The team formed shall include many like-minded leaders," said Mr Wamalwa.

Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho (left) at Mama Ngina drive, Mombasa, after he led Mombasa residents to celebrate 'Yes' victory at the referendum. Politics in Kenya is bound to change with the new laws. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

There are speculations that other than Balala, another senior ODM-leaning minister will also attend the retreat.

"The success of the Green team demonstrates that wherever Kenyans rise above tribal, regional, partisan and sectoral interests, they can achieve unity of purpose and great things for this nation," said Wamalwa.

He said after the promulgation of the new constitution, politics in Kenya will forever change and leaders will have to build formidable alliances to contest and win general elections.

Blessing in disguise

At the same time, Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, who is a close associate of the VP, has dismissed claims that Kalonzo failed to deliver Ukambani votes to the 'Yes' camp at the August 4 referendum.

Mr Muthama also maintained claims that

Uhuru, select few seek closer working ties

By STEPHEN MAKABILA and OSINDE OBARE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta this weekend leads youthful MPs under the 'Green Alliance' flagship to a retreat as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's close associates scheme to redeem him politically following a poor referendum show by the 'Yes' team in lower Eastern.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire will attend the Uhuru retreat set for a secret location outside the city, according to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

"Uhuru and I will lead a team including Balala and Mbarire to a retreat to develop closer working relationships. The team formed shall include many like-minded leaders," said Mr Wamalwa.

Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho (left) at Mama Ngina drive, Mombasa, after he led Mombasa residents to celebrate 'Yes' victory at the referendum. Politics in Kenya is bound to change with the new laws. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

There are speculations that other than Balala, another senior ODM-leaning minister will also attend the retreat.

"The success of the Green team demonstrates that wherever Kenyans rise above tribal, regional, partisan and sectoral interests, they can achieve unity of purpose and great things for this nation," said Wamalwa.

He said after the promulgation of the new constitution, politics in Kenya will forever change and leaders will have to build formidable alliances to contest and win general elections.

Blessing in disguise

At the same time, Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, who is a close associate of the VP, has dismissed claims that Kalonzo failed to deliver Ukambani votes to the 'Yes' camp at the August 4 referendum.

Mr Muthama also maintained claims that

Uhuru, select few seek closer working ties

By STEPHEN MAKABILA and OSINDE OBARE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta this weekend leads youthful MPs under the 'Green Alliance' flagship to a retreat as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's close associates scheme to redeem him politically following a poor referendum show by the 'Yes' team in lower Eastern.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire will attend the Uhuru retreat set for a secret location outside the city, according to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

"Uhuru and I will lead a team including Balala and Mbarire to a retreat to develop closer working relationships. The team formed shall include many like-minded leaders," said Mr Wamalwa.

Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho (left) at Mama Ngina drive, Mombasa, after he led Mombasa residents to celebrate 'Yes' victory at the referendum. Politics in Kenya is bound to change with the new laws. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

There are speculations that other than Balala, another senior ODM-leaning minister will also attend the retreat.

"The success of the Green team demonstrates that wherever Kenyans rise above tribal, regional, partisan and sectoral interests, they can achieve unity of purpose and great things for this nation," said Wamalwa.

He said after the promulgation of the new constitution, politics in Kenya will forever change and leaders will have to build formidable alliances to contest and win general elections.

Blessing in disguise

At the same time, Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, who is a close associate of the VP, has dismissed claims that Kalonzo failed to deliver Ukambani votes to the 'Yes' camp at the August 4 referendum.

Mr Muthama also maintained claims that

Poor organisation limits sports sponsorship

Sports sponsorship has grown by leaps and bounds. The Senior African Athletics Championships was proof that the big companies are keen to be associated with sports.

Such corporate sponsorship is a lifeline that should not be cut. But there is a problem. Unlike athletics, the other major national sport, constant fighting over management of the sport overshadows football.

For instance, despite the massive infusion of cash by Safaricom into youth football, with tournaments like the Sakata Ball, there is little if any investment in nurturing youth football.

Both Football Kenya and KFF during the time it ruled the roost, have

Uhuru, select few seek closer working ties

By STEPHEN MAKABILA and OSINDE OBARE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta this weekend leads youthful MPs under the 'Green Alliance' flagship to a retreat as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's close associates scheme to redeem him politically following a poor referendum show by the 'Yes' team in lower Eastern.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire will attend the Uhuru retreat set for a secret location outside the city, according to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

"Uhuru and I will lead a team including Balala and Mbarire to a retreat to develop closer working relationships. The team formed shall include many like-minded leaders," said Mr Wamalwa.

Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho (left) at Mama Ngina drive, Mombasa, after he led Mombasa residents to celebrate 'Yes' victory at the referendum. Politics in Kenya is bound to change with the new laws. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

There are speculations that other than Balala, another senior ODM-leaning minister will also attend the retreat.

"The success of the Green team demonstrates that wherever Kenyans rise above tribal, regional, partisan and sectoral interests, they can achieve unity of purpose and great things for this nation," said Wamalwa.

He said after the promulgation of the new constitution, politics in Kenya will forever change and leaders will have to build formidable alliances to contest and win general elections.

Blessing in disguise

At the same time, Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, who is a close associate of the VP, has dismissed claims that Kalonzo failed to deliver Ukambani votes to the 'Yes' camp at the August 4 referendum.

Mr Muthama also maintained claims that

Uhuru, select few seek closer working ties

By STEPHEN MAKABILA and OSINDE OBARE

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta this weekend leads youthful MPs under the 'Green Alliance' flagship to a retreat as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka's close associates scheme to redeem him politically following a poor referendum show by the 'Yes' team in lower Eastern.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire will attend the Uhuru retreat set for a secret location outside the city, according to Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

"Uhuru and I will lead a team including Balala and Mbarire to a retreat to develop closer working relationships. The team formed shall include many like-minded leaders," said Mr Wamalwa.

Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho (left) at Mama Ngina drive, Mombasa, after he led Mombasa residents to celebrate 'Yes' victory at the referendum. Politics in Kenya is bound to change with the new laws. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

There are speculations that other than Balala, another senior ODM-leaning minister will also attend the retreat.

"The success of the Green team demonstrates that wherever Kenyans rise above tribal, regional, partisan and sectoral interests, they can achieve unity of purpose and great things for this nation," said Wamalwa.

He said after the promulgation of the new constitution, politics in Kenya will forever change and leaders will have to build formidable alliances to contest and win general elections.

Blessing in disguise

At the same time, Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, who is a close associate of the VP, has dismissed claims that Kalonzo failed to deliver Ukambani votes to the 'Yes' camp at the August 4 referendum.

Mr Muthama also maintained claims that

Hoteliers say new law to spur sector’s growth

By Philip Mwakio

Key tourism players at the Coast have welcomed the endorsement of a new constitutional order, terming it a 'rebirth'.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc) and the Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (Mcta) said the enactment of the new document presented a lifeline for the sector's recovery.

"It is a new dawn for Kenya — politically and business-wise, as business cannot prosper if the political status of the country is not sorted out," Mcta Vice Chairman, Mohamed Hersi said.

Smooth process

He said the tourism industry is delighted that the whole process went on smoothly

Hoteliers say new law to spur sector’s growth

By Philip Mwakio

Key tourism players at the Coast have welcomed the endorsement of a new constitutional order, terming it a 'rebirth'.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc) and the Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (Mcta) said the enactment of the new document presented a lifeline for the sector's recovery.

"It is a new dawn for Kenya — politically and business-wise, as business cannot prosper if the political status of the country is not sorted out," Mcta Vice Chairman, Mohamed Hersi said.

Smooth process

He said the tourism industry is delighted that the whole process went on smoothly

Did the \'big three\' abuse their offices during campaigns for referendum?

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in its report last week accused the big three (President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka of abuse of office during the referendum campaign period. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Ministers Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry) and Samuel Poghisio (Information) on their views.

YES: Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

QUESTION: Do you support the latest KHRC report which accuses President Kibaki, the PM and the VP of having abused their offices in the referendum campaigns?

ANSWER: We in the 'No' camp have repeatedly said the principals should not abuse their offices in the referendum campaigns. The KHRC report has reinforced our position.

Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry ministry)

QUESTION: Apart from the three, the report also implicates Head of the Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Higher Education minister William Ruto, the 'No' de facto leader. Comment.

ANSWER: Unfortunately, I have not read the KHRC report. How does Ruto come in? Why is he being blamed for things he has no power over? It should not happen at all.

QUESTION: In the KHRC report, acting Programmes Coordinator Tom Kagwe explained that the bigwigs had flouted the Public Officers Ethics Act, which outlaws public officers from engaging in activities that compromise their political neutrality. Do you agree?

ANSWER: I totally agree. Public servants have been forced into campaigning for the Proposed Constitution in their respective areas when they should be neutral.

QUESTION: President

Did the \'big three\' abuse their offices during campaigns for referendum?

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in its report last week accused the big three (President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka of abuse of office during the referendum campaign period. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Ministers Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry) and Samuel Poghisio (Information) on their views.

YES: Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

QUESTION: Do you support the latest KHRC report which accuses President Kibaki, the PM and the VP of having abused their offices in the referendum campaigns?

ANSWER: We in the 'No' camp have repeatedly said the principals should not abuse their offices in the referendum campaigns. The KHRC report has reinforced our position.

Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry ministry)

QUESTION: Apart from the three, the report also implicates Head of the Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Higher Education minister William Ruto, the 'No' de facto leader. Comment.

ANSWER: Unfortunately, I have not read the KHRC report. How does Ruto come in? Why is he being blamed for things he has no power over? It should not happen at all.

QUESTION: In the KHRC report, acting Programmes Coordinator Tom Kagwe explained that the bigwigs had flouted the Public Officers Ethics Act, which outlaws public officers from engaging in activities that compromise their political neutrality. Do you agree?

ANSWER: I totally agree. Public servants have been forced into campaigning for the Proposed Constitution in their respective areas when they should be neutral.

QUESTION: President

State, university to boost intellectual property rights

By Patrick Githinji

The Government has upped its game to promote protection of intellectual property rights, through a partnership with a local private university.

Kenya Industrial Property Institute (Kipi) and Inoorero University (IU) announced a joint venture, last week that will see IU offer, a three month certificate and six month Diploma courses in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

"The course is meant to train both the academia and industry on intellectual property law, and how to create IP on a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols,

Did the \'big three\' abuse their offices during campaigns for referendum?

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in its report last week accused the big three (President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka of abuse of office during the referendum campaign period. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Ministers Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry) and Samuel Poghisio (Information) on their views.

YES: Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

QUESTION: Do you support the latest KHRC report which accuses President Kibaki, the PM and the VP of having abused their offices in the referendum campaigns?

ANSWER: We in the 'No' camp have repeatedly said the principals should not abuse their offices in the referendum campaigns. The KHRC report has reinforced our position.

Samuel Poghisio (Information minister)

Dr Noah Wekesa (Forestry ministry)

QUESTION: Apart from the three, the report also implicates Head of the Civil Service Francis Muthaura and Higher Education minister William Ruto, the 'No' de facto leader. Comment.

ANSWER: Unfortunately, I have not read the KHRC report. How does Ruto come in? Why is he being blamed for things he has no power over? It should not happen at all.

QUESTION: In the KHRC report, acting Programmes Coordinator Tom Kagwe explained that the bigwigs had flouted the Public Officers Ethics Act, which outlaws public officers from engaging in activities that compromise their political neutrality. Do you agree?

ANSWER: I totally agree. Public servants have been forced into campaigning for the Proposed Constitution in their respective areas when they should be neutral.

QUESTION: President

Protect our daughters

The Teachers Service Commission has often cautioned against sexual abuse in schools, but the vice continues unabated, raising questions about the enforcement of the rules.

The latest reports indicate that seven girls were impregnated in one school in Teso District. Subsequently, a human rights organisation, which raised the flag, has called on TSC to carry out investigations and punish the culprits.

Sexual abuse and pregnancy are among the major causes of rising dropout rates among girls. Although the policy allows girls who have given birth to return to school, most of them never do.

Few overcome the trauma and

Sh2b World Bank grant to boost marine sector

By John Oyuke

The World Bank (WB) has approved Sh2.84 billion ($35 million) loan to help Kenya improve income from marine and coastal resources.

The funds will be given to the Kenya Coastal Development Project and were approved by WB on Tuesday.

The bank's Country Director for Kenya, Johannes Zutt said the project would increase economic opportunities for communities in Coast Province by promoting sustainable tourism and fisheries and equitable sharing of revenues.

The project will also see people invest in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.

"Kenyans living in Coast Province are among the poorest in