THE CUTTING EDGE

THIEVING CHIEFS: On August 8, 2017, John Nyaga recalls, Kenyans were called upon to elect honest and competent people as the governors of the fledgling 47 counties. After being vetted and cleared by their parties, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, the Higher Education Loans Board, IEBC and Kenya Revenue Authority and also endorsed by clerics, those elected were deemed good. "But among them today are people suspected of major crimes, including murder, assault, grand theft, corruption, drug trafficking, and land grabbing. He wonders whether voters will repeat that mistake in the 2022 elections. His contact is [email protected].

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FUNDS MISUSE: Listening to all manner of FM radio stations, watching all the leading TV stations and seeing the large billboards in the major towns, Epimach Maritim notes, there has lately been an advertising blitz by the Kenya Ports Authority. “These adverts must cost the taxpayer tens of millions of shillings, but who is being targeted? Is it in the public interest to spend so much money on advertising during a pandemic? Of what benefit are the adverts to the taxpayer?” Epimach suspects that this could be yet another case of misuse of public funds. His contact is [email protected].

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PATHETIC: When Lilian Karani called at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters at Upper Hill, Nairobi, on July 24, she says, their services were pathetic. The Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) was not generating verification codes to Airtel. Secondly, the office was congested. With the computer system down for the better part of the day, she almost gave up until she met Antony Nyongesa. Says he: “He was very helpful and went the extra mile to assist, especially the senior citizens. Thank you and God bless you, Antony! However, one of the officers on the information desk needs a refresher course on soft skills.” Her contact is [email protected].

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HEALTH INSURANCE: National Hospital Insurance Fund members can change the health facilities assigned to them if they wish to or when need arises, the fund says, in response to a query Willis O. Aguko. “It could be because the member has been transferred to a different location, gone back to the rural area, as Mr Aguko said, or is unhappy with services at a chosen facility. The NHIF allows members to choose an outpatient facility based on needs, accessibility and convenience, through USSD code *155#, MY NHIF App or clicking on the self-care portal. the website www.nhif.or.ke.”

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PROBLEM SOLVED: The power failure at Kisii Estate in Thika Town, which local resident Moses Mulela recently complained about, had been caused by a faulty transformer, Kenya Power explains. However, the good news, according a spokesperson from the power utility's Corporate Communications Department, is that the defective transformer has since been removed and replaced and electricity finally restored to all the customers who had been cut off. “We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers and thank you for your continued support,” the spokesperson concludes. For those who may have similar enquiries, the department's contact is [email protected].

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PAPA SHIRANDULA: The death of popular television comedian Charles Bukeko alias Papa Shirandula from Covid-19 is a huge loss, says Sauthi Mbunza. Papa Shirandula, whose nickname was derived from the character of the streetwise security guard that he played for many years, Sauthi adds, was a key figure in identifying and nurturing acting talent and played a big role in the development of Kenya’s laughter industry. “His death is a big loss to comedy, the media and entire country. Rest in peace, Papa!” His contact is [email protected].

Have an outstanding day, won’t you!