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

Ruto closes Nyanza tour

On his fourth day, Saturday, August 31, 2024, President William Ruto will be in Kisumu County to commission various projects.

The Head of State will today commission the Kisumu Marine School, the Kibos Rice Mill and the Lumumba Affordable Housing Project, which will be among the day’s top news events.

President Ruto will then close his Nyanza tour today Saturday by commissioning the Nyabondo Trauma Centre in Kisumu.

The Nyanza tour came at a time Ruto is enjoying a newfound friendship with opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is considered the political kingpin for the Nyanza region.

At least four Raila allies were appointed as cabinet secretaries including two from Nyanza (John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, one from the coast region (Ali Hassan Joho) and one from Western (Wycliffe Oparanya).

Power blackout

After confirming a nationwide power interruption that affected most parts of the country on Friday evening, Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has issued a statement announcing scheduled power interruption.

In a statement issued via social media, the utility company announced that the planned Saturday power interruption that is meant for maintenance purposes will hit Uasin Gishu County.

The areas that will be affected are places around Maili Nne. The areas set to experience power blackout between 10 am and 5 pm are Rabbi Academy, Safaricom booster, Road block, Bayete Shopping Centre, and adjacent customers.

Reactions to Kipyegon’s gold

Faith Kipyegon has continued her winning streak, with congratulatory messages towards her latest performance expected to dominate the day.

The triple Olympic champion delivered a stunning performance on Friday, August 30, 2024, dominating the women’s 1500m at the Rome Diamond League. 

Kipyegon maintained control throughout the race, pulling away decisively in the final 120 meters to finish with a time of 3:52.89, comfortably ahead of Ethiopia’s Hailu Freweyni (3:54.16) and Haylom Birke (3:54.79).

Fellow Kenyan Nelly Chepchirchir finished in fifth place, clocking in at 3:56.14.

Italy has been a significant venue for Kipyegon, who previously set the 1500m world record in Florence at the Diamond League in June 2023, posting a time of 3:49.11.

She again broke this record further just a month later, on July 7th, at the Paris Diamond League.