September 12, 2024: Top news events to look out for today

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

JKIA operations

Services at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are expected to resume normally after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off their strike on Wednesday September 11, 2024 after a day of disruptions that crippled air transport services.

Union Secretary General Moses Ndiema assured the country and other stakeholders that services will resume after a closed door meeting with government officials led by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

Ndiema further urged airport workers to return to their duties and called on the government not to victimize anyone who participated in the industrial action.

“No worker should be harassed. They should be treated well and given ample time to return to work,” Ndiema stated.

The recent industrial action, which left passengers stranded and disrupted flights at JKIA, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport, was triggered by the government’s plan to enter into a takeover deal by Adani Group, an Indian firm.

The workers raised concerns over the work security in the new arrangement causing them to halt services at the international airport.

Autopsy for Endarasha fire victims

Autopsy of the 21 students who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri is scheduled to be conducted on Thursday September 12, 2024.

According to a statement shared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the autopsy process follows the completion of collecting DNA samples from families who lost their loved ones.

“DNA samples have been collected from the families who lost their loved ones, a process that experts from the government chemist and the DCI forensics team spearheaded. The goal is to match the bodies, which were badly burnt beyond recognition, to their loved ones. The autopsy for the 21 bodies will be conducted tomorrow, September 12, 2024.

“Meanwhile, the investigating team is working round the clock, recording statements from persons of interest, marking significant progress in this inquiry,” DCI’s statement read in part.

UPDATE ON INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE FIRE INCIDENT AT HILLSIDE ENDARASHA ACADEMY IN NYERI COUNTY. pic.twitter.com/TuDB2iXK4V

— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) September 11, 2024

Power outage

Seven counties will experience power outage on Thursday September 12, 2024.

In a notice issued by Kenya Power on Wednesday September 11, 2024, Nairobi, Bomet, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kirinyaga, Meru, and Kiambu county will experience the outage.

In most of the areas, power will be off from 9 am to 5 pm to allow for routine system maintenance.

In Nairobi, Ridgeways areas will be affected. Power supply will also be interrupted at Safari Park Hotel, Jambo Grill, Milele, Sunstar Hotel, Top Quality Garage and adjacent customers.

In Bomet, Siongiroi and Labotiet areas will be affected.

Emarti Market, Lalela Farm, Siongiroi Market, Chebunyo Market, Sigor Market, Kaboson, Katare Lelaitich and adjacent customers will also be affected.

In Trans Nzoia, Endebes and Panocal areas will be affected. Others are Area 51, Toro, Kapchepsir, Sabwani, Kimoson Girls, Kipsingori, Botwa, Kararafarm, Pembe Farm, Kapchepsir, Kimoson Sch, Kachibora, Mito Mbili, Geta, Kiptoi, Kipkeikei, Kapkarw Kimoson, Kaplamai, Kipsingori, Botwa, Karara, Yuya, Moisbridge, Conbelt, and adjacent customers will have no power.

In Kirinyaga, supply will be interrupted in Baricho, Njeru and Githae. Kenya Power also listed Baricho Market, Baricho Boys, Njeru Githae, Thumaita West, Kiambwe Booster, Kiandai Market, Riamugaa Market, Blue Valley, Kiandagai Secondary Multiple Academy, Kanjai Market, Kathaka, Gathuthini Primary and Secondary, and adjacent customers.

In Kiambu the following areas will be affected: —Fairy Flowers, Wet Farm Thangati, Sovereign Suites, St. Julian’s, Red Hill One, Red Hill Heights, Red Hill Villas, 2020 Estate, Tropical Heat, Zerenty, Redhill Flowers, Wandue Farm, Mount Olive, Flora Delight, Rosen, Lisa Farm, Eva’s Garden, Rurigi Farm, The Retreat, and adjacent customers.

Hello. Please be advised, the following areas will be on planned maintenance tomorrow 12.09.2024.
^DB pic.twitter.com/EK7mDNZnKD

— Kenya Power (@KenyaPower_Care) September 11, 2024