The Telling Times News

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Mr. Humphrey Wattanga has commended African countries for their successful efforts in modernizing tax administrations despite facing challenges such as informality, governance deficits, and illicit financial flows. Addressing the delegates during the ongoing International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) Africa Tax Symposium 2024 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Mr. Wattanga highlighted that Africa's tax future will be shaped by demographic trends, technological advancements, global economic dynamics, and evolving tax policy debates.  “Key considerations include harnessing technology, strengthening governance, promoting regional cooperation, and advocating for fair global tax policies. Embracing technologies like data analytics, AI, and blockchain can improve tax administration operations, compliance, and service delivery. Digitizing tax systems can streamline processes and enhance taxpayer services,” said the Commissioner...

  HON. SEN. (DR.) ISAAC MAIGUA MWAURA, CBS GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN 1. Over the past weeks, significant rains have been experienced in various parts of the country, leading to severe flooding that has displaced thousands of households, resulting in property loss and disruption of services.  2. As rainfall continues, the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, parts of Northwestern, the Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley regions, are expected to experience more rainfall. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall events may occur in Machakos and Kajiado, while the rest of the country is expected to remain generally dry.  3. In the coming days, isolated heavy rainfall is forecasted for 31 counties. These counties include Nyandarua, Nyeri, Muranga, and Kiambu in the Central region; Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia in Western Kenya; Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Kajiado, and Narok in the Rift Val...

Buyers willing to be further from shops and services can buy beachfront properties for 22% of the typical cost.  Real estate expert Knight Frank has today released indicative data on the prices of beachside residential homes along Kenya’s coast, revealing a more than 400% spread in Kenya’s high-end home prices from one location to another.  Unveiling the new data at a Coast market update reception for 120 Knight Frank clients in Mombasa, Sammy Mukala Head of Coast Region at Knight Frank Kenya, reported the prices for unimproved beachfront properties on 1-acre sites were based on recent market transactions, but did not represent fixed prices for properties in each location.  “The coast remains a very stable market, with frequent opportunities for stunning properties and locations. Our sales data indicates that affordability increases, and buyers are increasingly willing to consider locations further from major towns, including fringe areas. This trend often results in mor...

As the government addresses the ongoing challenges posed by floods, citizens are urged to take precautions while parents are advised to prioritize their children's safety as schools reopen. Dr. Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson, emphasized the need for caution beyond wearing life jackets during boat rides, highlighting the broader risks associated with flooding, especially in areas prone to landslides and overflowing rivers. During a press briefing in Nairobi, Mwaura announced that the State Department of Public Works is inspecting schools and buildings in affected areas to assess flood impacts and readiness for student re-admission. He noted that 44 primary and 27 secondary schools remain closed, mainly in Nyeri County due to landslide risks. Mwaura assured that national, county, and multi-agency teams are collaborating to repair and construct affected schools for a safe learning environment. He also mentioned the unfortunate loss of 277 lives due to floods and rei...

  Spotify’s RADAR program is dedicated to bringing rising talent to the forefront globally, showcasing what is next in sound, and lifting artists by helping them expand their global reach on their path to superstardom.    The past few years have been a clear testament to the growth of African music globally, and this year, Spotify's RADAR Africa program is shining a spotlight on the continent's rising stars. Joining the ranks of previous RADAR Alumni such as  Ayra Starr ,  Victony ,  BNXN , and  Bloody Civilian  from Nigeria,  Shallipopi  is the latest addition to the RADAR Africa list. Hailing from Eswatini,   Manana  who is South African based follows in the footsteps of luminaries like  Tyla  and  DBN Gogo , representing his nation's thriving music scene.  Ugandan artist  Joshua Baraka ’s inclusion underscores the program's commitment to showcasing the diverse talents that make the African conti...

  NAIROBI, MAY 7 th  2024  - The Board of Safaricom Investment Co-operative has appointed Churchill Winstone Ochieng’ as the new Chief Executive Officer. Churchill brings on board over 25 years of experience in leadership,  cash flow management, corporate development and brand management, team and product development, financial management, planning and forecasting, international business, business operation, communication and negotiation, policy implementation, negotiation, and problem-solving.  “As a board, we would like to congratulate Churchill Winstone Ochieng’ on his appointment and assure him of our support. We are confident that his  impeccable track record in banking, telco, fast-moving consumer goods, and facility management industries coupled with his proven ability  to develop and strengthen management teams to maximize company profitability and efficiency will steer this Co-operative to the next growth phase.  W e look forward to drawi...

The 14th Regional Conference of the NCCK Coast Region has been held here at ACK St Thomas, Kilifi, from 2nd to 3rd May 2024, under the theme “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities (Galatians 6: 9)”. The Regional Conference is a key governance organ in NCCK that meets once every three years, and in Coast Region brings together delegates from Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties. During this Regional Conference, the delegates were challenged by the word recorded in Matthew 8: 2 – 3 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean”. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing”, he said.“Be clean”.  Rescue and Dignify Flood Disaster Survivors The delegates in this Regional Conference have received with great sadness the report that more than 200 Kenyans have so far lost their lives and more than a hundred thousand displaced by the ongoing...

When we think of modern Kenyan music, what comes to mind are genres such as Gengetone, R&B, Alté, traditional music, and more recently, Arbantone. But there’s a new sound that’s gaining prominence and fans, and it is reminiscent of the sounds of the 80s and 90s such as Rhumba and Zilizopendwa. While newer artists such as Watendawili and Okello Max are some of the acts in this genre, more established artists like Bien and Nyashinski have also dabbled in it. Spotify’s  City Express  playlist, launched in February 2023, is the home of this sound.  One would therefore expect that City Express’ top listenership are millennials, specifically those above 30 years old as they are more familiar with Zilizopendwa and Rhumba, but 30-34 year olds only contribute to 16% of the playlist’s streams. Spotify data over the last 90 days shows that 18-24-year-olds are surprisingly the largest audience, with 39% of City Express streams coming from them. 25-29-year-olds are next with 32% o...