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Check FAQAbout Sam
Sam Gituku is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He has nine years of experience as a journalist having started off as a Radio correspondent. He now works as a television journalist at Citizen TV Kenya and doubles up as an online contributor for the digital platform of the station - www.citizentv.co.ke. Sam's interests are in politics, governance, economy and current affairs in general. He currently hosts one of the leading breakfast shows on Citizen TV called Daybreak where he focuses on politics, governance, socio-economic issues and current affairs in general. The format of the show entails a review of current affairs and detailed panel discussions with opinion leaders, policy formulators and implementors. Sam has a particular interest in data driven journalism where he has been trusted with detailed coverage of the country's fiscal budget and policies. He also uses his data skills to unpack heavy numbers especially with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in the world. In 2020 he tracked the COVID-19 statistics consistently and raised questions with authorities where discrepancies emerged or where clarity was needed. Sam also enjoys a fair share of human interest stories. From time to time he interacts with different socio-economic classes, people of different ages to bring out their concerns about events, governance and realities.
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
SHIF gaps - Communicate, but what?
The rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been marked by confusion and lack of clarity, leaving many Kenyans uncertain about registration and benefits. Despite ten months since the enactment of new health laws, there remains a significant communication gap, with government officials unable to clearly explain the system's workings. The article criticizes the government's failure to effectively communicate and address public concerns, highlighting the need for better information dissemination and responsiveness to feedback.
The Ksh.45 billion benchmark
The article raises concerns over the substantial travel expenditures by Kenya's national and county governments, totaling Ksh.45 billion. It questions the necessity and impact of these trips, highlighting specific cases of costly foreign travel by county officials with little tangible benefit. The piece suggests that funds could be better utilized for essential services like education and salaries, and supports the Controller of Budget's advice to minimize travel costs by conducting activities locally.
Corruption within TSC?
The article highlights widespread allegations of corruption within Kenya's Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where bribes are reportedly necessary for employment, promotion, and transfers. It draws on personal accounts from teachers and references a 2023 EACC survey indicating a perception of bribery within the TSC. The piece calls for the TSC to investigate these claims, improve career progression transparency, and better understand the needs of teachers to ensure their motivation and effectiveness in educating the nation's youth.
Are the government's austerity measures just for show?
The article critiques the Kenyan government's austerity measures following the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, which led to a significant revenue shortfall. Despite announcing budget cuts, the government continues to spend on travel and ceremonial events, raising questions about the sincerity of its austerity efforts. Meanwhile, essential services like education face funding shortages, with promises to convert intern teachers to permanent positions delayed. The piece questions the government's spending priorities amid competing needs and scarce resources.
Teachers to get between Ksh.1K and Ksh.3K in new salary increment structure
Teachers in Kenya are set to receive a salary increment ranging from Ksh.1,000 to Ksh.3,000 based on their job groups, effective from the end of the month. The government has allocated Ksh.13 billion to finance this increment, which was delayed due to financial constraints. The salary adjustments will affect various grades, with the least paid teacher at Grade B5 receiving a basic salary increase from Ksh.22,739 to Ksh.23,830, and the highest-paid chief principal at Grade D5 seeing an increase from Ksh.159,534 to Ksh.162,539. Teachers will also receive allowances for commuting, leave, hardship, and housing, with variations based on job group and location. The Ministry of Education has assured that the resources will be available in the August salaries, including arrears from July 2024.
SAM’S SENSE: Events at JKIA - The Kenya, India airport brief
The Kenyan government, under President William Ruto, approved a national aviation policy and investment plan for JKIA to address capacity issues. A proposal from Adani Airports Holdings is under review, sparking public debate over transparency and accountability. The proposal is being assessed for value, compliance, and alignment with national priorities. Concerns arise over the exclusivity of Adani's proposal and the lack of public participation in financial decisions. The article questions the process and implications of the proposed infrastructure development, including cost, ownership, and management terms.
Blow to gov’t as court declares Finance Act 2023 illegal
The Kenyan Court of Appeal has declared the Finance Act 2023 unconstitutional, citing violations in the legislative process due to lack of public participation. The Act, which introduced changes to VAT and PAYE tax bands, is now void, potentially leading to a significant revenue loss for the government. The court's decision follows President Ruto's withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which had already cost the government projected revenue. The court declined to order tax refunds, maintaining that laws are presumed constitutional until ruled otherwise.
Is the Church dying in Europe?
Barcelona's ancient churches, once symbols of creativity and devotion, now face declining attendance and repurposing into garages and restaurants. Despite over two-thirds of the population identifying as Catholics, active practice is low. Father Onesmus Muthoka, a Kenyan priest, observes significant changes in church participation since his return to Catalonia. The decline is attributed to the liberal and secular shift post-Franco's dictatorship. The article highlights the challenges faced by the Catholic Church and the Carmelites in maintaining their congregations and adapting to new ways of practicing faith.
Is the Church dying in Europe?
Barcelona's ancient churches, once symbols of creativity and devotion, now face declining attendance and repurposing into garages and restaurants. Father Onesmus Muthoka, a Kenyan priest, observes the dwindling faith in Spain, contrasting it with the more elaborate and participatory masses in Kenya. The decline is attributed to the liberal and secular shift post-Franco's dictatorship. Despite challenges, the Carmelites continue their work, serving new catechumens and emphasizing the need for the church to remain apolitical.
Barcelona and Baba Dogo - Mind the gap!
The article reflects on the author's experiences in Barcelona, Spain, highlighting the city's advanced yet challenging aspects in transport, football, tourism, and technology. It contrasts Barcelona's well-structured transport system and rich tourism economy with Nairobi's infrastructure. The author notes the high costs and economic impact of football in Barcelona, particularly around Barcelona FC. The article also touches on the limited representation of Africa at the Mobile World Congress and questions Kenya's understanding and strategy towards emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
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