February 6, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
By Joel Sang, February 6, 2024
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
1. Ruto’s visit to Japan
Eyes will be open to see what President William Ruto will secure for the country from his visit to the Far East.
Ruto will be in Japan for three days, and he is expected to engage his host in bilateral talks that will mainly focus on economic cooperation in key sectors such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy, and financial services.
Kenya is also expected to seek assistance on technical issues, grant aid, and concessional loans, which will help in economic infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and the environment.
2. War Memorial Hospital saga
The administration saga pitting Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and some local leaders is expected to headline talks in the county.
On Monday, Kihika received support from leaders and former Members of Parliament in her effort to take over the administration of the hospital.
Among those who have supported the governor are former Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, while her top critic remains former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri.
Those who support the takeover of War Memorial Hospital emphasize the benefits if the land is used as a referral hospital.
3. AFCON preparations for semis
AFCON will enter its semi-final stage on Wednesday, and fans will be keen to follow updates leading up to those games.
Injury, suspensions, and pre-match quotes will dominate the AFCON headlines today before Nigeria, South Africa, DR Congo, and Ivory Coast play on Wednesday.
4. Parliamentary commitee sittings
The Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation is set to hold a meeting with Google and Huawei Kenya.
The agenda of the meeting is a deliberation on the emerging issues in the artificial intelligence technology industry for Safer Internet Day.
Meanwhile, the Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning and that of Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works will hold a sitting with the Attorney General and the Chairperson of the National Land Commission at 10:00 am.
The sitting is meant to deliberate on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023.
In Mombasa, the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy will visit the Kenya Maritime Authority Headquarters on an inspection tour as part of its probe into the agency’s audit queries for 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years.
5. KPC to receive KENAS accreditation
Kenya Pipeline Company is set to officially receive the green light to test Jet A-1 and ground fuels across six of its laboratories following accreditation by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).
The enhanced laboratory capacity is anticipated to streamline fuel testing turnaround time, positioning Kenya as a pivotal transport hub in the region and offering a reliable supply of safe and ample fuel stocks.