October 31, 2023: Top news events to look out for today
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, October 31, 2023
Here is what you need to know in order to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
1. King Charles, Queen Camilla to visit State House
King Charles and Queen Camilla are today expected to meet President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at State House Nairobi as they begin their 4-day State visit in Kenya.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the country on Monday night.
They were received by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, and other dignitaries.
Their Majesties will be greeted in Nairobi with a ceremonial welcome at the State House.
Later, they will each attend bilateral meetings, separately.
The King will be with President William Ruto while the Queen with First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Queen Camilla is expected to be taken through the First Lady’s activities, including women economic empowerment programs.
This is the first official visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to an African nation and the first to a Commonwealth member state since their coronation in May 2023.
President Ruto invited the royal couple for the visit, which comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence from Britain later in December.
While confirming the visit on October 11, Buckingham Palace said the State visit is aimed at celebrating the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.
During the visit, the King and Queen are also scheduled to meet other members of the Kenyan Government, United Nations (UN) staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
They will also tour several places in Nairobi, Mombasa and surrounding areas.
The royal couple is scheduled to visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance, before hearing about the Commission’s recent work to ensure all those who supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are commemorated.
The King and Queen will visit Nairobi National Park to witness the vital conservation work being undertaken by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which is integral to Kenya’s tourism industry.
“The Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, learning how they are supported and sharing her own insights from working in this area,” Buckingham Palace said.
King Charles will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai.
In Mombasa, King Charles will also visit Mtongwe Naval Base to witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines, demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defense collaboration in action.
The British royal will also meet faith leaders from diverse communities to hear how they are working together to promote harmony amongst the coastal city’s population.
2. CA cybersecurity conference
The Communications Authority is today hosting the final conference and award ceremony as part of the October Cybersecurity Awareness Month (OCSAM).
The event is part of the government’s efforts to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities and counter emerging threats online.
Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, will preside over the event.
3. KCPE & KCSE exams
The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams enter day two today. The candidates will sit for Science, Kiswahili Lugha and Kiswahili Insha papers.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu is expected to monitor the distribution exercise of examination materials at Kibera DC Container while Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang will be at Ngong Town.
Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) CEO David Njengere will supervise the opening of the KCPE container at the Westlands Container.
On the other hand, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams continue for the second week.
Today, candidates will be examined in Home Science – Foods and Nutrition (practicals).
4. Coke Studio, Sol Genralration unveil partnership
In the entertainment industry, Coke Studio and Sol Generation are today expected to sign a new partnership ahead of the upcoming Sol Fest.
The launch will be held at the Coca-Cola Headquarters along James Gichuru Road from 9:00 am.
In attendance will be the boyband Sauti Sol and representatives from Coca Coca-Cola company.s