Day: June 7, 2024

Kenya Revenue Authority has asked Kenyans who have not benefited from the tax amnesty program to seize the opportunity, since from July 1st, 2024 the program will cease to operate and penalties and interests will continue to accrue.

Citizens have been urged to start the journey of a tax debt free life by filing annual tax returns and clearing any tax debt owing the government by signing up now for the tax amnesty program.

The government through Kenya Revenue Authority targets to collect Sh. 50 billion as additional revenue as it pardons the taxpayers through the tax amnesty program.

Tax payers who have been owing the government through an outstanding principal amount that has accrued a penalty and thereby accruing interests, on or before 31st December, 2022 can apply for tax amnesty of the principal amount.

Speaking during the official flagging off the tax amnesty roadshow at Custom house in Mombasa Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Rispah Simiyu said the Finance Act 2023, introduced the tax amnesty progra
m, a pardon for penalties and interest accrued by taxpayers up to 31st December, 2022.

Simiyu said that KRA is mandated by law to pardon the penalties and interests accrued upon payment of the principal amount.

She added that the authority has put in place measures to support all taxpayers to resolve any pending tax matters to ensure tax payers benefit from the tax amnesty.

The commissioner said the authority has also instituted measures to facilitate tax payers with outstanding principal amounts and have a payment plan, which they should take up by 30th June, 2024 to enjoy the amnesty.

Simiyu noted that all nil filers, that is, tax payers without outstanding principal taxes, who were not previously filing their returns up to 31st December, 2022, will receive automatic amnesty of their accrued penalties and interest.

‘As of December 2022, the total tax debt portfolio (on iTax) amounted to Sh1,417, 317,171,099 (one trillion, four hundred and seventeen billion, three hundred and seventy million, one hundre
d and seventy-one thousand, and ninety-nine),’ she said.

This, she said, comprises principal tax amounting to Sh. 892, 203,694,787 (eight hundred and ninety-two trillion, two hundred and three million, six hundred and ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and eighty-seven) and penalties and interest of Sh. 525,113,476,311 (five hundred and twenty-five trillion, one hundred and thirteen million, four hundred and seventy-six thousand, three hundred and eleven).

She noted that as at 31st May 2024, over 1 million taxpayers have benefited from the tax amnesty program where KRA has collected Sh. 26.9 billion.

She added that the taxpayer has declared Sh. 38.5 billion in principal tax in the amnesty applications received so far.

She said form the declared principal tax, Sh.11.7 billion is pending payment from the applicants by 30thJune 2024.

‘We anticipate collecting over Sh. 50 billion from the debts accrued in the period. In the same period, 997,958 tax payers have so far benefited from the amnesty for penalties
and interest amounting to Sh.260.7 billion,’ she added.

The commissioner said they are doing the final push to taxpayers to take up the great product of amnesty from the government.

She said the road show will seek to transverse the country encouraging taxpayers to sign up for the program from all corners of Kenya.

‘We do not want to leave anybody behind. We want all taxpayers owing government tax debt to take up the tax amnesty program. Our officers will accompany the caravan, I encourage you to talk to them and ensure that your tax debt is forgiven,’ she said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Police in Marsabit have recovered an illegal assault rifle and arrested a suspect during a security operation to nab suspects of a murder incident in Kargi location, Loiyangalani sub-county.

Marsabit county criminal investigations officer (CCIO) Luka Tumbo said an AK 47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition was recovered during the raid at Manyatta Ngolop.

The contingent comprising personnel from the quick response unit (QRU), regular national police service and the directorate of criminal investigations (DCI) led by the CCIO had staged a stingy operation at the village following a tip off on the whereabouts of the suspects.

The suspects are wanted in connection with the murder of an elderly woman on allegations of being a witch which occurred on February 18, this year.

Mr Tumbo said the much-sought suspects however managed to escape but a 30-year-old man found within the manyatta with the illegal firearms was arrested and escorted to Marsabit Central police station.

‘The operation bore some fruits
because we managed to recover an illegal assault rifle and 10 bullets,’ said the CCIO, adding that the suspect would be arraigned in court for the offence.

Marsabit Acting County Commissioner David Saruni praised the officers for what he termed as a commendable job and urged them to sustain the fight against crime.

Saruni cautioned members of the public against continued possession of illegal firearms as those caught will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law.

The administrator added that the manhunt for the suspects behind the heinous act was on and appealed to the residents of Kargi to cooperate with the authorities by giving useful information that could lead to their arrest.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a proactive step towards combating violent extremism, Murera Assistant County Commissioner Aileen Mukiri has convened the first Kikao Baraza at the Assistant Chief’s Office in Juja Farm.

The meeting was aimed at addressing the pressing issue of Preventing Counter Violence Extremism (PCVE) within the community.

The Baraza was attended by other stakeholders including church leaders, the Bodaboda chairman and riders, youths, and local residents.

This collaborative effort underscored the community’s unified stand against the growing threat of religious extremism, which has been particularly affecting the youth in the area.

Reports indicate that young people are being targeted and lured into spreading false narratives that demonize other religions other than Christianity.

Mukiri urged the community to stand together in combating the threat and to tolerate each other’s religion.

‘Our community must stand together to combat the threat of violent extremism. This Baraza is just the beginning of our collectiv
e efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents,’ she said.

During the meeting, Wahome Macharia, a project officer at SOWED Africa, provided crucial education on identifying potential extremists. Emphasizing on community vigilance.

‘Education and vigilance are key in preventing the spread of extremist ideologies. Remember, when you see something, say something. Together, we can protect our community from harmful influences,’ Macharia emphasized.

The inaugural Baraza marked the beginning of a series of such meetings aimed at fostering community awareness and resilience against violent extremism.

A second meeting is scheduled to take place on June 12 at the ACC office, continuing the dialogue and education efforts initiated on Friday.

The event reflects the commitment of local authorities and organizations like SOWED Africa to safeguard the community by promoting peace, tolerance, and unity against divisive ideologies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government has lined up several projects running into billions of shillings to ensure a stable supply of water in the country and achieve the country’s vision of universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Mwangi Njeru said the Kenya Kwanza pledged to provide clean safe water to Kenyans at their doorstep by 2030 and will push to ensure that this was achieved.

‘My ministry will remain focused to realise the ultimate goal by President William Ruto to ensure in the next six years the provision of water and sanitation services for all Kenyans is achieved as part of the bottom-up economic transformation agenda in the country,’ said Njeru, adding that the move will also guarantee water availability for irrigation.

Speaking in Nakuru during a public engagement on the Medium-Term Plan Four (MTPIV) 2023-2027 at Waterbuck hotel, the Cabinet Secretary indicated that to fulfil the Kenya Kwanza campaign pledge, the State will construct 100 large da
ms, 1000 medium dams and over 4000 dams and water pans.

He said President Ruto’s pledge was also in line with the Constitution which says that it is the right of every Kenyan to have access to clean safe water by 2030.

The CS pointed out that since Kenya had made a commitment under United Nations Agenda 2030 on sustainable development, the government will ensure proper management of water and sanitation for every Kenyan.

‘This is reflected in Kenya’s Constitution on the right to a reasonable standard of living section 43 (economics and social rights) which guarantees all citizens to rights to access clean and safe water and affordable sanitation,’ said Mr Njeru.

The CS said to realize this dream, those in the water sector must be proactive and become innovative in the use of technology to make every Kenyan have access to water.

He told water providers to come up with better ideas on how to manage water supply so that there was no wastage as was the case in various counties.

In November last year the Cab
inet approved rehabilitation of more than 4,000 water pans in the new plan that seeks to ensure a stable water supply.

The plan which will cost Sh83 billion includes the construction of 25 medium-sized dams serving mainly arid regions.

The dams are expected to supply a cumulative total of 353 million litres, serving more than 600,000 households.

The government has also announced plans to implement the Sh21 billion Thika and Githunguri Water and Sanitation Project in Kiambu County.

The project, to be completed in the next three years, is expected to increase water supply for 1.2 million people in Thika and Githunguri towns and the semi-arid Ithanga area of the neighbouring Murang’a County.

Financed by the Government of Kenya and Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), the project is being implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).

Busia county has received Sh300 million from the national government for completion of the multi-million Malaba-Malakisi water project.

The proj
ect funded through Lake Victoria Water Works Development Agency is expected to benefit at least 180,000 households.

In Murang’a, the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) is constructing phase II of the Northern Collector tunnel at a cost of Sh12 billion while Maragwa 4 dam is estimated to cost Sh35 billion.

In neighbouring Kiambu, five dams have been lined up for construction in order to meet the county’s pressing water demand. The dams are Ndarugu II, Kamiti, Thiririka, Ruiru II and Gatamaiyu whose estimated cost is Sh73 billion.

In a further bid to quench thirsty residents of Thika and Githunguri, the government has announced plans to implement a Sh21 billion water and sanitation project in Kiambu county. The project involves construction of Thika 3A dam at the confluence of River Thika and Kiama which will hold 14.6 billion litres of water

The Ministry has also launched a six-year project to improve groundwater availability and management in the Horn of Africa borderlands.

The project, dubbed t
he Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Program (HOAGW4RP), will benefit the counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, which are prone to drought and water scarcity.

The project aims to increase sustainable access to and management of groundwater by drilling and rehabilitating 400 boreholes, providing strategies and policies to protect groundwater resources, and building the capacity of water service providers and users

Addressing the forum Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Principal Secretary Engineer Festus Ngeno, said Kenya has upped her national commitment, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in her strategy to cope with the global warming phenomenon.

Eng Ngeno said measures set out by the country to address climate action included an undertaking to conserve and restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and ecosystems, through planting and nurturing 15 billion trees by 2032.

The Principal Secretary said efforts to tackle climate action calls for an ‘all hands
on the deck’ approach that encompasses the participation of government entities at the national and county level, as well as private sector actors and the entire citizenry.

He noted that addressing climate action is a costly affair, adding that the challenge of inadequate financial resources has been a hindrance for Kenya and other developing countries in effectively mounting climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Eng Ngeno said to address the challenge posed by inadequate resources, the Government has with support from development partners initiated a programme on Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA), to deliver locally led climate resilience actions and strengthen both the National and County governments’ capacity to manage climate risks.

PS Ngeno reiterated the need for a whole of government approach to combat the adverse effects of climate change that have wreaked havoc on all sectors of the economy, resulting in a five percent loss in GDP annually.

‘I am sure that all of you h
ere must have been affected either directly or indirectly by climate change impacts in the last one year. We all witnessed the devastating droughts and floods that happened in the last one year,’ Eng. Ngeno noted.

He said excess rains arising from climate change has spawned new strains of diseases in areas where they were previously unheard of and cited new malaria fevers reported in Marsabit and Wajir counties.

Eng Ngeno reiterated the commitment by the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, to drive collective efforts to address the global challenge of climate change by various actors in the country.

He observed that encroachment for agricultural activities, pollution, urbanisation and climate change among others were the main threats to Kenya’s wetlands. This he added has consequently led to loss of key wetlands and associated products and services.

Wetlands are waterlogged areas, which can include marshes, swamps and bogs. They are critical habitats for countless plant and animal species
.

According to the PS, wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing and filtering excess nutrients, pollutants and sediments from water bodies, which help to purify water and prevent flooding.

Furthermore, wetlands are essential for biodiversity conservation. They provide critical habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife.

Wetlands are also important carbon sinks, with the ability to store large amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation.

He stated that by conserving and restoring wetlands, the country can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

While indicating that the State had banned grazing animals in forests, he asked people who had encroached wetlands and were making bricks, washing vehicles and draining-off Wetlands, for farming activities to stop forthwith.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Lands and Physical Planning Nixon Korir said that county physical planners should seek to balance demands for development with the need to protect the environ
ment while achieving the devolved units’ social and economic objectives.

He said the State was decentralizing land registries to Sub-County levels noting that new registries had been set up in Molo and Gilgil Sub-Counties to supplement the ones in Nakuru Town and Naivasha.

Mr Korir stated that they were digitizing land services to enhance efficiency, cut on bureaucracy and eliminate corrupt practices.

Governor Susan Kihika in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Governor David Kones stated that the Sh 117 billion County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is largely focused on achieving industrialisation by transforming the region’s economic structure of subsistence farming to agricultural-led industrialisation.

Governor Kihika indicated that the CIDP 2023-2027 would also guide her economic development agenda for the next five years.

The 3rd generation CIDP is in line with the constitutional requirement that no government resources should be appropriated outside a planning framework.

She said the docume
nt had been subjected to scrutiny by various stakeholders, including the public, and the County Assembly.

Guided by the CIDP, Ms Kihika pledged that her administration would promote sustainable agricultural practices, support smallholder farmers, and create value-addition opportunities to ensure food security and boost the agro-based economy.

In the infrastructure sector, the County boss indicated that priority would be made on the expansion and maintenance of road networks through the Imarisha Barabara programme, and the enhancement of digital superhighway in the County.

‘Grading and gravelling of 2000 kilometres of earth road through the Imarisha Barabara programme and tarmacking 66 kilometres of roads within urban centres are among the plans contained in the document,’ Kihika said.

She said her administration would explore the use of solar energy to power 80 percent of street lights under the County Street Lighting master plan programme.

The Governor added, ‘The County will further seek to improve the
healthcare facilities to enhance access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The County Government is committed to invest in quality education and skills development initiatives in order to improve the transition rate in Early Childhood Development Education and graduation rate in Vocational Training Centres.’

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: By Haile Henok Tadele

In the ever-evolving landscape of global security, Ethiopia stands out as a beacon of peace and stability. With a rich history of peacekeeping deployments dating back to the Korean War in 1951, the country has cemented its role as a trusted partner in the United Nations’ efforts to maintain international peace and security.

As the leading contributor of peacekeeping forces globally, Ethiopia has deployed its soldiers to conflict-torn regions across Africa and beyond. From the scorching deserts of Darfur to the lush plains of South Sudan, members of the Ethiopian defense Force peacekeepers have not only upheld their duty to protect civilians and restore stability, but have also made tangible improvements to local communities.

Through their tireless efforts, members of the Ethiopian Defense Forces have built schools, health clinics, and critical infrastructure, transforming the lives of those affected by conflict. Their unwavering commitment to serving the greater good
has earned them widespread international acclaim, with the United Nations, the United States, Canada, and various military attachés lauding Ethiopia’s invaluable contribution to maintaining peace and security around the world.

In 2022, three Ethiopian peacekeepers were posthumously honored at the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers ceremony, awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for making the ultimate sacrifice while serving under the UN flag. This recognition underscores the Ethiopia’s National Defense Force longstanding history of participating in UN peacekeeping missions, a legacy that spans decades.

Achievements

Ethiopia’s first deployment of troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1951 marked a pivotal moment, not only in the country’s peacekeeping history but also in the trajectory of South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation. The presence and dedication of the Ethiopian peacekeepers, who fought alongside their UN counterparts, played a crucial role in maintaining the fragile
armistice and providing the necessary stability for South Korea to begin its journey towards economic prosperity.

The ENDF’s involvement in Somalia’s peacekeeping efforts has been equally significant. Since the early 1990s, the ENDF has been a consistent presence in the country, contributing to the stabilization of the region and the restoration of the Somali government’s authority. Through their tireless efforts, the ENDF has been instrumental in securing key infrastructure, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and training local security forces, laying the groundwork for Somalia’s gradual recovery.

The ENDF’s peacekeeping role was also pivotal in Liberia’s journey towards stability and prosperity. During the country’s civil war, the ENDF deployed troops to support the UN peacekeeping mission, playing a vital role in disarming combatants, securing key locations, and facilitating the transition to a democratically elected government. The ENDF’s steadfast commitment and professionalism contributed to the
establishment of lasting peace, paving the way for Liberia’s remarkable economic and social progress in the years that followed.

Furthermore, the ENDF’s presence in Rwanda during the country’s darkest hour was a testament to its unyielding dedication to global peace. Amid the horrific genocide, the ENDF’s contingent worked tirelessly to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and support the efforts to bring normalcy. The ENDF’s actions during this period were instrumental in laying the groundwork for Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and transformation into the thriving, peaceful nation it is today.

International Acclaim

From the scorching deserts of Darfur to the Korean peninsula, the blue helmets of Ethiopia’s peacekeepers have become a symbol of hope and security. As the world grapples with complex conflicts, the international community continues to recognize Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to global peace and stability, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.

The success of Ethiopia’s peac
ekeeping operations has not gone unnoticed by the international community. The United States has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the role the Ethiopian National Defense Force plays in regional stability.

Canada has also commended Ethiopia’s remarkable work in empowering and enhancing the participation of women in peacekeeping missions, with Larisa Galadza, the Peace and Stabilization Director-General of Global Affairs Canada, lauding the country’s leadership in gender equality as Ethiopia has also notably made strides in promoting gender parity within its peacekeeping contingents.

In 2016, the country reached 16% women’s participation, surpassing the UN’s target of 20% by 2020. This inclusive approach enhances the peacekeepers’ ability to connect with local communities and address the unique needs of women and children.

Furthermore, the United Nations has described Ethiopia as one of its “strongest partners” in peacekeeping, with the UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix recognizing the country
‘s invaluable contribution. The success of the Ethiopian peacekeeping mission in the disputed region of Abyei has also been celebrated, with the mission receiving a medal reward from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Commitment to International Peace

Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to global peacekeeping, combined with its impressive track record of success and the international recognition it has received, is a testament to the country’s dedication to promoting stability and security around the world. As the country continues to play a vital role in UN and AU peacekeeping missions, its legacy as a beacon of peace will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to this noble cause, stating that the Ethiopian army has sacrificed life and limb to protect the peace of all peoples, and that the country’s defense forces are “symbols of peace wherever they go.”

Today, Ethiopia stands as the top contributor of peacekeeping f
orces globally, with over 8,300 uniformed personnel serving in various missions. This remarkable achievement underscores the nation’s profound belief in the transformative power of peace and stability, and its unwavering dedication to fostering a more just and peaceful world.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: A panel discussion organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) under the theme “Green Development for Sustainable Prosperity” is being held in Diredawa city.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Democracy Affairs of the House of People’s Representatives, Ewnetu Alene, Government Whip of Dire Dawa City Administration with the rank of Deputy Mayor, Ibrahim Yusuf and other officials from federal government and Dire Dawa Administration were in attendance at the panel discussion.

Representatives of institutions working on climate change and green development, as well as academic institutions and invited guest are in attendance.

The panel discussion will focus on topics such as impacts of climate change and the current global situation, climate change and sustainable development goals, Ethiopia’s experience in green development, and the role of the media in addressing climate change.

The discussion aims at fostering a shared understanding of the benefits of ongoing green development projects in E
thiopia, particularly in terms of combating climate change and ensuring sustainable prosperity.

It is emphasized that enabling widespread participation is crucial for sustaining the green development initiatives initiated with active involvement of the community.

Recalled that Ethiopians have embarked on an ambitious campaign of planting billions of trees every year in an effort to achieve a greener and cleaner environment and tackle the adverse effects of climate crisis.

So far the country has planted more than 32.5 billion trees through the Green Legacy Initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019.

Building a climate-resilient economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are central pillars of Ethiopia’s 10-year development plan, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions and a climate-resilient economy by 2050.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency