February 22, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
By Ascah Mwango, February 22, 2024
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
Magical Kenya Open
The 55th edition of the Magical Kenya Open is set to begin on Thursday, February 22, with 144 players at the Par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club.
13 Kenyan players, including nine professionals and four amateurs, will participate.
The prize money has increased by 500,000 Euros, totalling 2.5 million euros, attracting top players globally.
Notable contenders include past champions Justin Harding and Ashun Wu and Italian Guido Migliozzi, ranked 29th worldwide.
The tournament follows the successful MKO 2024-Golf 4 Disabled, won by Kipp Poppert of the UK.
Additionally, players enjoyed a safari experience at Nairobi National Park, courtesy of the Kenya Tourism Board, showcasing Kenya’s potential for sports tourism.
Kelvin Kiptum’s final journey begins
On Thursday, the body of the esteemed world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, will depart from Eldoret to observe the customary overnight stay at his residence.
Gervais Hakizimana, Kiptum’s former coach, was laid to rest in Rwanda on Wednesday, February 21, following the repatriation of his body on Saturday.
Both Kiptum and Hakizimana tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident on February 11 along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road in the Kaptagat area.
Originally planned for Saturday, Kiptum’s burial has been rescheduled to take place this Friday.
Among the distinguished guests expected to pay their respects is President William Ruto, who will attend the burial ceremony.
Power interruptions
Kenya Power announced scheduled power outages on Thursday, February 22, 2024, affecting various regions in the country.
Nairobi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta Counties will experience interruptions.
In Nairobi, certain areas including the United Nations, Gigiri, and Limuru Road will face an eight-hour blackout from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Similarly, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta Counties will also have power disruptions during the same period.
Specific locations within these counties such as Kapsowar Town in Elgeyo Marakwet, Tetu Girls in Nyeri, Coast General Sub County Hospital in Mombasa, Northcoast Beach Hotel in Kilifi, and Bachuma Gate in Taita Taveta will be affected, among others. The outage is expected to last from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.