Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Ruto’s China tour

President William Ruto is expected to continue with his various engagements as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit nears its climax.

The Head of State is set to push for investment and funding deals from the host country, China, in a bid to revive various projects in the country.

On Tuesday, September 3, 2023, Ruto met with officials from the China Communications Construction Company. During the meeting, he pitched various projects in the country that require collaboration in terms of funding to actualise them.

The projects include the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway, the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project, the Bomas International Conference Centre, and the expansion of the SGR into the region.

Earlier, the Head of State disclosed that the country had joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a fully paid member.

“The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development institution with 109 members and $100 billion capitalisation. Met AIIB President and Board of Directors Chairman Jin Liqun and other officials at the bank’s headquarters in Beijing, China,” Ruto said.

On Thursday, September 5, Ruto is expected to meet other Chinese investors before winding up his tour.

Raila’s AUC Campaign

Ruto is expected to intensify the campaign for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is seeking the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Ruto and Raila met with at least six presidents in a day on his China tour.

Ruto met Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and discussed Raila’s candidature. He also met Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco, Asimi Goita (Mali), Faure Essozimna (Togo), Mahamat Idriss (Chad), and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, who is also the chair of COMESA.

The Kenya delegation led by President Ruto is expected to hold talks with more presidents on the sidelines of the China-Africa summit in Beijing, which ends on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Power outage

Thursday, September 5, 2024, power blackout will affect five counties. The counties include Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Murangá, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Meru County.

In Nakuru County, the areas of Olrongai and Tulwobmoi will experience a power outage from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The affected locations include the whole of Olrongai Center, Gitau Center, Olrongai Raymond, Komen, Duka Moja, Redwing, Tulwobmoi, Agrico Potatoes, Marigo B, and adjacent customers. Meanwhile, the Pipeline and Wanyama areas will be without power from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The blackout will affect Stem Hotel, Kenya Pipe Line, West Build, Joddies, Ken Chick, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Shimo Mbili, Delamere, Kwa Mwariki, and nearby residents.

In Uasin Gishu County, the Sosioni area will face a power cut from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, impacting Chepkongi Primary School, Lower Sosioni, and adjacent customers. Additionally, the Chemaluk area will be without power from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The affected locations include Chemaluk, Sego Girls, Konda, and nearby customers.

Residents of Elgeyo-Marakwet County in the Chebororwa area will also be affected by the scheduled maintenance. The power outage, which will last from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, will impact Chebororwa, Duka Moja, Koitugum, Kaptiony, Kokwet, and adjacent areas.

In Meru County, parts of Mafuko and Runogone will experience a blackout from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The affected areas include Mafuko Bakery, Gulf Petrol Station, Kagaa, Runogone, Chugu, KEMU University, Fred’s Academy, Kithoka, Ripples, and adjacent customers.

Murang’a County will also be affected, with power outages scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Gatura and Kiarutara areas. Impacted locations include Kamukombini Motel, Kiarutara, Wanyaga, Gaturi, Mwago, Gateiguru, Kiganjo, Gatura, Mugumoini, Gatura Market, Gatura Secondary School, Mwago Secondary School, Kiroche, and adjacent areas.

Harambee Stars preparations

National football team Harambee Stars will finalise their training in Uganda today before their vital Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe on Friday.

According to coach Engin Firat, the Harambee Stars could be forced to face the Brave Warriors without the services of dependable goal scorer Michael Olunga, who is nursing an injury.

The focus is likely to shift to former Gor Mahia forward Benson Omalla to lead the striking force.

“It is unlikely that Michael Olunga will participate in the first game. He is scheduled to have an MRI. Still, as I mentioned, the odds are slim. Numerous players have already left us. We must come up with solutions,” Firat stated.

The match will be played on Friday, September 5, 2024, in Uganda, with 4 pm being the kick-off time.