August 22, 2024: Top news events to look out for today

By , August 22, 2024

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

Teachers’ stance on strike

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) have announced that their nationwide strike set for Monday, August 26, 2024 will proceed as scheduled.

The unions issued a joint statement despite meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

KNUT and KUPPET attributed the move to TSC’s failure to address five critical grievances raised to resolve the planned industrial action and issues affecting the welfare of teachers.

“Regrettably, the Commission has once again failed to address our concerns. The Commissioners brought absolutely nothing tangible in five out of six irreducible demands we have made,” the union stated.

This is also despite a move by the National Treasury to release Ksh30 billion to the Ministry of Education to support various educational initiatives.

According to the teachers union, the planned strike will only be called off once 46,000 intern teachers are confirmed into permanent and pensionable positions.

They also insisted that 130,000 teachers must be promoted before the strike is called off.

The Ministry of Education and other stakeholders are expected to intervene in a bid to avert the strike ahead of schools reopening scheduled for Monday August 26, 2024.

CBK under spotlight

The Central Bank of Kenya on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, revealed that the printing of the new currency notes would cost Ksh14.2 billion.

According to CBK, a German firm, Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technologies GmbH (G+D) is expected to print Ksh689 billion.

Following the revelation by Governor Kamau Thugge, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning directed CBK to provide detailed documents relating to the recent procurement of new currency valued at Ksh689bn for scrutiny and to help the Committee confirm that the process followed due process.

Kenyans are expected to raise more questions relating to the amount spent in the printing process of the new notes.

In his submission, however, the CBK Governor told the lawmakers that the move was taken after realization that the country was at risk of stockout of banknotes, with grave economic and national security implications.

Thursday power interruption

Kenya Power has announced electricity interruption affecting various areas in the country on Thursday August 22, 2024.

In a notice, the electricity transmitting firm indicated that the blackout will hit Meru, Laikipia and Nyeri counties.

In Meru, the power interruption will affect Mikinduri Market, Mucuune Market, Mucuune Hospital, Kiguchwa Market, Kaliana Boarding, Irindiro Market, Ngutu, Githu kwa Munya and adjacent customers.

Makutano, Turraccco, HM Clause, Kongoni Farm, Everest Farm, Equinox, Color Crops, Ibis Farm, and adjacent customers will be affected by the planned power interruption in Laikipia County.

In Nyeri County, the planned power interruption will hit Othaya Town, KNH Othaya Hospital, Miiri Market, Gitugi T/Fact, Iriaini T/Fact, Kabebero Mkt, Kihuri Market, Kenyatta Mahiga School, Mahiga Girls School, Birithia Secondary, Mathenge Technical Institute, Munyange, Njigari Market, Kanini TBC, Gituiga TBC, Wanjau Market, Munyange H/Center, Karandi Forest, Ihithe Market, Ihithe Sec & Pri School, Mukarara Mkt, Gahuthi T/Fact, Kiamutiga Village, Gatherere Village, Hohoini PCEA, Hubuini Market, Kina TBC, Kahuro PCEA, Gthumbi Village, Kairuthi Market, Kihome Market & Sec School and adjacent customers.

Author Profile

Lutta Njomo

View all posts by Lutta Njomo

Related article

Attempted suicide no longer a crime in Kenya, High Court judge rules

Read more

NSL resumes as race for promotion heats up

Read more

‘Sin tax’ on digital ads sparks concerns

Read more