April 3, 2024: Top news events to look out for today

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

Ruto’s visit to Ghana, Guinea Bissau

President William Ruto left for Ghana for a state visit on Tuesday, April 2.

The Head of State will then proceed to Guinea Bissau for an official visit

In Ghana, President Ruto aims to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to bolster democratic governance in Africa. Additionally, he plans to promote Kenyan tea and leather exports to Ghana through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), supported by Memorandums of Understanding between public and private sectors.

He will engage in the Ghana-Kenya Business Forum to explore investment and trade opportunities in various sectors.

As the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, he will advocate for transforming the AU into a unifying force for economic revitalization and engaging with other regions. Discussions with President Akufo-Addo will focus on addressing the climate crisis, with Ghana’s commitment to initiatives like the Africa Green Industrial Initiative being highlighted.

In Guinea-Bissau, the Head of State aims to strengthen trade relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly within Lusophone Africa under the AfCFTA. This includes enhancing private sector involvement in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology transfer.

IG Koome in Baringo

Inspector General Japhet Koome is on a three-day security assessment tour of Baringo County in response to the recent surge in banditry attacks across various counties.

On his visit to Kabarnet County Police Headquarters, he issued a stern warning to perpetrators, emphasizing the necessity of halting their actions or facing legal consequences.

This tour included a meeting with Baringo County Governor, Benjamin Cheboi.

Chemolingot, the focal point of Inspector General Koome’s visit, serves as the Joint Police-Military Operation Centre for Operation Maliza Uhalifu, aimed at combating banditry across six counties, including Baringo.

Baringo County was labelled “Disturbed and Dangerous” last year, making it a significant area of focus for this operation.

Blackout in 6 counties

Kenya Power has announced a temporary blackout scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, affecting six counties.

Specific areas within Nairobi, Nyeri, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Kisii, and Embu counties will be affected.

In Nairobi County, the Garden Estate area will experience a blackout from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

In Nyeri County, Muruguru, Githiru, Marua, Gacharageini, Kagongo, and Mioro will have their power cut during different time frames.

Similarly, areas in Bomet County like Mulot and Longisa will be affected, along with Eldoret Town in Uasin Gishu County and Menyinkwa and Nyachenge in Kisii County.

Embu County’s Siakago Kyeni area will also experience a blackout.