CS EZEKIEL MACHOGU Archives - GOSSIP A - Z

Linturi, Owalo among six former CSs who have lost their dockets

ian — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:21:38 +0000

Linturi, Owalo among six former CSs who have lost their dockets

At least six former Cabinet Secretaries have been replaced in the recent reshuffle announced by President William Ruto today.

Those affected include Susan Nakhumicha (Health), Ezekiel Machogu (Education), Mithika Linturi (Agriculture), Zachary Njeru (Water), Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport), and Eliud Owalo (ICT).

Attorney General Justin Muturi has also been replaced, with his position now occupied by former Trade CS Rebecca Miano.

Ruto appointed Debra Mulongo Barasa as the new CS for Health, Julius Ogambo for Education, Andrew Karanja for Agriculture, Davis Chirchir for Transport, Eric Muriithi for Water, and Margaret Ndung’u for ICT.

It, however, remains unclear if some of the former CSs will make a comeback.

“Further consultations are ongoing after which I will announce more names in due course,” he said.

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President William Ruto dismissed his cabinet secretaries on July 11 following the heightened protests by the Gen Zs in the country.

“Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have today in line with the powers given to me, I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the cabinet secretaries and the attorney general from the cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs,” he said.

During the announcement, Ruto stated that Principal Secretaries will manage the day-to-day operations of the government.

In disbanding the cabinet, the president pledged to form a new team to help him execute key initiatives of his Kenya Kwanza administration.

Several Cabinet Secretaries faced intense public criticism due to accusations of extravagance and ineptitude.

Linturi, Owalo among six former CSs who have lost their dockets

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CS Machogu Warns of School Delays in Key Areas

ian — Thu, 09 May 2024 09:05:41 +0000

CS Machogu Warns of School Delays in Key Areas

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced on Thursday that school openings might be delayed in several regions of the country due to the severe rainfall affecting those areas.

Machogu specified that Tana River, Homa Bay, and Kisumu counties are among the areas where schools may not resume, along with other regions.

On Thursday morning, Machogu mentioned that the impacted schools will stay closed, and students in those areas will have alternative learning options.

He made these statements while evaluating Karen C Secondary School in Nairobi to see if it was ready to begin its second term.

Machogu also mentioned that 95% of the country’s schools are prepared to welcome students back for the new term.

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He also noted that the August holiday would be shortened to allow for the completion of the syllabus, following the change of the school start date from May 6 to May 13 due to heavy rains.

The Ministry of Education will soon release a directive on which specific schools and areas will be affected by these new decisions.

An assessment of the flood-affected schools in the country showed over 1,900 schools were impacted, with some schools being submerged.

To prepare schools and the country for reopening, Ndindi Nyoro, Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said Parliament would not limit spending on flood control measures.

“When budget allocations come to Parliament, we will approve all expenditures for government institutions,” he added.

Previously, the government sought Ksh10.6 billion to address the extensive flooding across the country.

CS Machogu Warns of School Delays in Key Areas

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CS Machogu Orders Flood-Hit Schools to Stay Closed

ian — Fri, 03 May 2024 10:39:48 +0000

CS Machogu Orders Flood-Hit Schools to Stay Closed

The Ministry of Education instructed schools severely impacted by floods to stay closed until the situation stabilizes.

Machogu’s statement mentioned that several schools were significantly affected, causing some students to be unable to return.

The ministry added that the affected schools would stay closed until alternate learning infrastructure is established. “Meanwhile, school management should devise plans to make up for lost time when classes resume,” the ministry stated.

School principals and parents were also advised to prioritize student safety when schools reopen. The government asked those using schools as shelters to find other accommodations before a gradual reopening.

Field education officers in areas with schools hosting displaced people were told to work with local government officials to quickly secure alternative shelters for the affected.

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The Ministry of Education stated that some schools hosting displaced individuals due to heavy rains may not be able to proceed with regular classes.

Regional education officers were tasked with developing strategies to maintain learning without interruptions, including sharing resources among nearby schools and using multi-grade and multi-shift teaching models.

A warning was issued to school administrators against placing students in unsafe buildings, urging them to ensure learners are housed in safe school facilities.

“County Education Boards (CEBs) must hold emergency meetings to evaluate the situation and provide detailed reports to the Cabinet Secretary by May 10th, 2024,” the ministry announced.

School leaders were also instructed to report the number of students unable to attend due to transportation issues and the number of students whose families have been displaced.

CS Machogu Orders Flood-Hit Schools to Stay Closed

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Machogu’s Ministry Hit by Ksh57 Billion Budget Slash Amid Austerity Push

ian — Thu, 02 May 2024 19:52:29 +0000

Machogu’s Ministry Hit by Ksh57 Billion Budget Slash Amid Austerity Push

The National Treasury has announced significant budget cuts in the Programme Based Budget 2024/25, affecting critical areas such as Agriculture, Healthcare, Energy, Cooperatives, Trade, and Industry.

Education is hit hard, with major reductions across the departments responsible for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), Higher Education, and Basic Education, totaling almost Ksh 57 billion in the next fiscal year.

The budget cuts include a reduction of Ksh 2.94 billion for TVETs, Ksh 34.39 billion for Higher Education, and Ksh 19.43 billion for Basic Education.

The new allocations set for these areas are Ksh 29.97 billion for TVETs, Ksh 120.13 billion for Higher Education, and Ksh 139.14 billion for Basic Education.

Primary schools are notably affected, facing a Ksh 6.64 billion decrease, leaving their budget at Ksh 25.68 billion, while secondary education sees a slight increase to Ksh 104.78 billion.

Quality Assurance and Standards in Basic Education also experienced a Ksh 1 billion cut, resulting in a budget of Ksh 4.16 billion, and General Administration, Planning, and Support Services face a similar reduction, with a budget of Ksh 4.55 billion.

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Higher Education is not spared, with universities losing nearly Ksh 9 billion and receiving an allocated budget of Ksh 118.82 billion, down from Ksh 127.5 billion in the previous year.

Public universities, including 31 chartered universities and four public university constituent colleges, rely heavily on Higher Education funding for operations.

They face financial challenges, owing Ksh 75 billion in pending bills, a figure that has doubled in two years.

However, there is some positive news for teachers, as the Teachers Service Commission will receive an increase of Ksh 9.35 billion to hire 20,000 teachers this fiscal year, improving the teacher-student ratio and addressing shortages.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting the unprecedented hiring under the Kenya Kwanza administration, which added 56,750 teachers to ensure smooth school operations.

The State Department for Basic Education oversees various aspects, including policy management, primary and secondary education administration, curriculum development, and national examination oversight.

Machogu’s Ministry Hit by Ksh57 Billion Budget Slash Amid Austerity Push

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Buses That Never Came, How Machogu’s Midnight Directive Left Students Stranded

ian — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:14:31 +0000

Buses That Never Came, How Machogu’s Midnight Directive Left Students Stranded

Students nationwide were left in limbo when Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu unexpectedly delayed the start of the school term until May 6.

In a late-night announcement, Machogu declared that it was wise to delay the date because of the flooding affecting various areas of the country.

This was created just a few hours before the official start of schools on Monday, April 29.

In Ruaka, students stood in the cold, trembling, while they waited for school buses that didn’t arrive to collect them.

Although a few of the school administrators had seen the announcement shared on social media, some students had not.

Students in Kitengela and Athi River were standing in water puddles without realizing that just a few hours earlier, the Ministry of Education had instructed them not to go to school.

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The students, accompanied by their guardians, faced the challenge of navigating flooded and muddy paths to reach school punctually.

“Even us teachers had already prepared for school. The management has decided that we hold a school meeting instead,” one of the teachers in a school in Kitengela told Gossipa2z.com.

Parents of students at the school also told Gossipa2z.com that they had already made travel arrangements for their children.

“My children were at Nairobi Country Bus early in the morning as we did not know about the directive,” one parent complained.

A different parent mentioned that they had already reserved tickets for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train and were curious whether a refund would be possible.

The government previously advised Kenyans against taking needless risks by trying to cross flooded rivers.

Buses That Never Came, How Machogu’s Midnight Directive Left Students Stranded

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CS Machogu Taps Politician for University Role

ian — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:23:12 +0000

CS Machogu Taps Politician for University Role

Ezekiel Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary, has designated Tabitha Nyandiek as a council member of the University of Kabianga.

Machogu designated the former Homa Bay Woman Representative to serve a three-year term starting April 5, 2024, according to a notice in the gazette.

Nyandiek, who was ousted from her position in 2022 by Joyce Atieno Bensouda, was selected to serve on the council alongside Peter Gathirwa and Edna Nyaboke Kangwana.

In additional selections for various governmental universities, Machogu designated Dr. Angelica Obaga to serve as a council member at the Multimedia University for a duration of three years.

FormerHoma Bay County Woman Representative Tabitha Nyandiek speaking in September 2023

The CS additionally designated Crispus Kiamba to serve as the Chairperson of the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) Council for a three-year term starting on April 5th.

He additionally designated Fancy Kemei and John Nyakawa Ondari to serve on the council for a three-year term.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 of the Universities Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education appoints Ben M. Momanyi to be a member of the Council of Kirinyaga University, for a period of three years with effect from April 5, 2024,” read part of the notice.

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Outside of state-owned colleges, CS Machogu selected Laurence Okelo and Vincent Moseti Nyabiosi to serve on the Commission for University Education (CUE) for a three-year term.

These appointments aim to enhance the performance of public universities to achieve global excellence. In May 2023, he selected 62 additional individuals to occupy various roles within public universities.

In March 2023, Machogu enacted comparable appointments through a comprehensive restructuring of the Meru University Council.

Significantly, the council possesses various responsibilities, such as guaranteeing appropriate oversight and administration of its finances, assets, and investments.

Moreover, the council has the duty of supervising the institution’s operations and endeavors on behalf of the government.

It is additionally responsible for guaranteeing the presence of sufficient frameworks to efficiently and effectively administer the institution. The roles and composition of the council are delineated in the Universities Act.

CS Machogu Taps Politician for University Role

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MPs Summon CS Machogu Over Ksh.883M Irregularly Disbursed To Private Universities

ian — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:48:13 +0000

MPs Summon CS Machogu Over Ksh.883M Irregularly Disbursed To Private Universities

Members of Parliament have now summoned Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu in a probe on how Ksh.883.3 million was irregularly disbursed to government-sponsored students in private universities over the last 7 years.

This after a special audit conducted by the office of the Auditor General flagged several irregularities in the program since its inception.

The audit has already recommended that 15 universities refund Ksh.219 million that they irregularly received from the public coffers.

It revealed that the government irregularly spent over Ksh.200 million on students who were not placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

“The audit reveals that funds amounting to Ksh.201,638,928 were disbursed to 4,521 who are nonbonafide GSS students in the private universities as they were not placed by KUCCPS,” the report indicates.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu now wants the private universities to refund the taxpayers’ millions, terming the payment irregular.

“The private universities should refund Ksh.201,671,080 spent on students funded under GSS not placed by KUCCPS,” Gathungu recommended.

According to the audit report, Africa Nazarene University will refund Ksh.47 million for the 1,042 students who were not seconded by the KUCCPS.

Daystar University, according to the Auditor General’s document, will repay Ksh.57 million while KCA will refund Ksh.38,662,479.

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Kisumu-based Great Lakes University will take back Ksh.3, 745,653, Kabarak (Ksh.550, 312), ILU (Ksh.128,329), KeMU (Ksh.3,087,704), Lukenya (Ksh.8,083,387), Marist (Ksh.409,593), Mount Kenya University (Ksh.1, 675, 263), MUA (Ksh.2,289,185) and Pioneer (Ksh.515, 374).

Gathungu also wants Scott University compelled to refund Ksh.3, 325, 662, St. Paul’s (Ksh.12, 312, 650) and Umma (Ksh.22, 242, 518).

The report that was tabled before the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee on Governance and Education chaired by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami has now kickstarted a probe.

As per the report, a total of Ksh.35,199,064 was irregularly disbursed on account of 788 students who had already graduated from the universities.

It further revealed that a total of Ksh.35 million capitation money was irregularly channeled to graduates in eight universities during the period under review.

“In the circumstances, the eight private universities may have been overpaid by Ksh.35, 199, 064 disbursed for students who had already completed their studies and graduated,” the report indicates.

MPs Summon CS Machogu Over Ksh.883M Irregularly Disbursed To Private Universities

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Fiery Faceoff: Arati Confronts CS Machogu, County Commissioner at Kisii Burial

ian — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:56:22 +0000

Fiery Faceoff: Arati Confronts CS Machogu, County Commissioner at Kisii Burial

The Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati engaged in a confrontation on Friday during a burial ceremony, signaling a further deterioration in the attempts by local leaders to curb violent incidents at funerals in the region.

The Minister of Education was disturbed by a group of young individuals who expressed disapproval by booing while he delivered a eulogy from the president at the funeral of Daniel Nyariki, the Principal of Kisii National Polytechnic.

The CS was addressing the audience from the podium when Governor Arati casually walked in, briefly interrupting the funeral speeches.

He asserted that young individuals were recruited and transported to support leaders, including himself.

Delving into the matter of confrontations during funerals in the area, Machogu issued a cautionary message, expressing concern that the community could suffer consequences if it permits its leaders to transport troublemakers to burial ceremonies.

He pointed the finger at Arati, accusing him of inciting violence during funeral ceremonies.

He expressed concern that it bodes negatively for African culture when young people are transported to disrupt the proceedings of other leaders’ funerals.

“As a people, especially here in Gusii, we attend burials to mourn the departed and console the bereaved, not to ferry youth to come, fight and boo leaders when speaking,” Machogu stated before walking out together with other leaders in a huff.

Later on, Arati retaliated by characterizing Machogu as lacking popularity in the area due to the number of votes he received in the gubernatorial election.

He went on to propose another gubernatorial competition in 2027, pledging to emerge victorious once more.

“He (Machogu) should thank President William Ruto for salvaging him from the ruins, I had given him a resounding defeat.

” He should not stand here lecturing me,” Arati said minutes after the CS had left.

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Principal Nyariki passed away two weeks ago while receiving treatment in Nairobi.

Arati confronted the recently appointed County Commissioner, Joseph Kibet, expressing displeasure as he reprimanded him for delivering a stern warning regarding the escalating violence in Kisii.

“Wewe umepewa kazi fanya, hakuna kuleta vitisho. Wewe ukitaka kura enda kwenu utafute kura uko,” Arati said.

“Mimi siwezi kuwa mwendawazimu kulipa hawa watu wote kuja kwenye matanga, na kama ningekuwa na uwezo basi mwogope.”

Early Arati had sauntered into the tent causing a stir and sparking jeers from some youth.

The president’s eulogy, spoken by Machogu, was briefly overshadowed by the mocking remarks from the crowd.

The boisterous young individuals strategically positioned in a corner of the tent vociferously challenged certain leaders.

“We are not going to allow youth to be bribed with little cash to come and cause anarchy in burials. It is shameful, uncultured and barbaric,” Machogu said.

County Commissioner Joseph Kibet, present at the scene, directly confronted Governor Arati, cautioning that he would exert every effort to quell the violence that had occurred in the area.

“I say this and I start with you Governor that I did not come here on holiday but to work and bring order. I promise you that we shall act on any form of lawlessness,” he stated.

Subsequently, during a speech at a different funeral in Gesusu, CS Machogu cautioned against the practice of displaying disrespect towards the deceased.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu speaking in Gesusu during the burial of a kin on Friday

Fiery Faceoff: Arati Confronts CS Machogu, County Commissioner at Kisii Burial

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Don’t send new JSS learners home over uniforms – CS Machogu

ian — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:17:23 +0000

Don’t send new JSS learners home over uniforms – CS Machogu

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has asked Junior Secondary Schools to allow learners from disadvantaged families to use their primary school uniforms.

Machogu has said some parents have been struggling to buy new uniforms for children transitioning from grade six to JSS due to the high cost of living.

Such parents, he said, should be allowed to have their children admitted to give them time to get the new uniforms, instructing school heads not to send learners home over the issue.

Last year, 1,282,272 learners sat for their Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and are set to join JSS.

Machogu said the government is aiming for 100 percent transition and has released Sh46 billion in the last two weeks for the education sector out of which Sh7.8 billion was channeled towards JSS while Sh4.7 billion went to primary schools and Sh16 billion went to secondary schools.

“No secondary, primary, or JSS school should claim it does not have money because funds were released two weeks ago,” he said.

Machogu who was speaking at Mumbi grounds in Murang’a county during the county education day on Sunday further asked school heads not to charge parents for the construction of new classrooms.

He said the 8-4-4 system of education had established enough classrooms for grades seven and eight, and that the government is making plans to ensure more classrooms are put in place for grade nine by next year.

He explained that the government has issued Sh3.39 billion conditional grants to all 290 constituencies to construct classrooms.

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A further Sh9 billion has been provided by the World Bank to construct 9,000 classrooms this year.

“By next year, we will have 15,025 classrooms that will be enough to accommodate grade nine. There will never be a time that there won’t be enough classrooms,” he said.

Machogu further noted that a final decision on the 4,000 irregularities reported during KCSE examinations will be made in the next two weeks.

Heads of schools where the irregularities were reported are set to appear before a committee set up by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

“I want to laud Murang’a county because out of the 4,000 cases, none was from here. This shows that you don’t have to indulge in irregularities to excel,” he said.

Murang’a County recorded 36 As and 270 A-s.

He urged parents to ensure candidates who did not achieve C+ join tertiary institutions such as Tvets saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is putting measures in place to provide employment opportunities.

The education ministry, he noted, has set aside Sh3.39 billion shillings to offer scholarships to needy university students and another Sh10.9 billion for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Don’t send new JSS learners home over uniforms – CS Machogu

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CS Machogu Summons Governor Arati, MP Osoro Over Violence Incidents In Kisii

ian — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:57:19 +0000

CS Machogu Summons Governor Arati, MP Osoro Over Violence Incidents In Kisii

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has called for a consultative meeting with Kisii County Governor Simba Arati and National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro to address the recent instances of violence observed in events within the county.

Violence broke out at two distinct gatherings orchestrated by Governor Arati on January 6 and January 8.

On the occasion of January 6, Arati was present at a funeral in South Mugirango, where individuals with purported connections to MP Osoro interrupted the event by openly shooting arrows at mourners, even in the presence of law enforcement.

Machogu has stated that, in response to the worrisome incidents, local authorities have decided to convene a collaborative gathering to address and resolve any existing conflicts.

The Customer Service representative stated that the meeting is scheduled for January 17, and the location will be disclosed at a later time.

Senator Richard Onyonka from Kisii has expressed his approval of the invitation, emphasizing the need for discussions to be conducted to promote peace within the county.

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He has also urged the respective parties to honor the summons and “give reconciliation a chance”.

“We as leaders can disagree on principle but when violence hits then we lose our credibility as the representatives of the people. Development can’t thrive amidst too much noise and violence, progress cannot be a priority in chaos and disorder,” Onyonka said in a statement on Sunday.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has criticized the incidents of violence and urged for the prompt reassignment of Charles Kasses, the Police Commander of Kisii County.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna contended that Mr. Kasses and the officers under his supervision allegedly ignored the violence that occurred during the two occasions.

CS Machogu Summons Governor Arati, MP Osoro Over Violence Incidents In Kisii

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