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Kenya Rugby Sevens Qualify For 2024 Olympics After Beating South Africa.
In the heart of Zimbabwe, Sunday evening, Shujaa, the Kenyan rugby sevens team, had come to the Africa Sevens tournament with a new group of players and a technical bench, determined to reclaim the title they had last won in 2019. And reclaim it they did, stunning South Africa’s Blitzbokke 17-12 in the final to clinch the title and book their ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Shujaa put in a stellar performance to stun the Blitzbokke, who are one of the most successful Sevens teams in the world.
Shujaa got off to a flying start, scoring the opening try within two minutes of the kickoff through Patrick Odongo. Tony Omondi added the conversion to give Kenya a 7-0 lead.
South Africa responded immediately, with Angelo Davids scoring a try to level the scores. However, Shujaa hit back through Odongo again, who scored his second try of the game to give Kenya a 12-7 lead at the break.
The second half was a tight affair, with neither team able to break the deadlock until the final minute of the game. Shujaa then won a penalty, and Omondi converted to give Kenya a 15-12 lead.
South Africa had one last chance to level the scores, but they knocked on the ball as they went for the try line, and Shujaa held on to secure a famous victory.
Shujaa’s victory was a major boost for Kenyan rugby, which has been through a difficult period in recent years.
On Tuesday, Kenyan President William Ruto gifted Shujaa Sh3 million for qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The cheque was presented to the champions during a breakfast meeting hosted by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba in Nairobi.
Namwamba presented the cheque on behalf of the Head of State who is currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
While congratulating the team, Ruto said he was thrilled by Shujaa’s incredible show against South Africa.
“You have all our support as you prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hongera!” Ruto said.
The team had in 2022, asked Kenyans online to help In fundraising after going for three months without pay as they were heading to Dubai and Cape Town Sevens Series.
In an online appeal, senior players Billy Odhiambo and Willy Ambaka expressed frustration on how it was tough on them and their families to go without salaries and pay for three months.
Ambaka said: “As some of you may have heard, we are now in our third month without pay. Our lives have been greatly strained despite our persistent effort to give you the desired outcomes on the pitch.”
“Our desperate situation has now forced us to turn to you, our global community, to help us in raising funds,” Ambaka appealed to Kenyans and other well-wishers, adding that money raised will be split among the players to help settle some of their pending bills. “We need your assistance.”
Khalwale Asks Ruto to fire Trade & Energy CSs
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale Sunday called on President William Ruto to dismiss government officials he believes have been giving him misguided advice on fuel-related matters and the cost of living.
Senator Khalwale singled out Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Energy counterpart Davis Chirchir, and President Economic Advisor David Ndii, asserting that they have not met the President’s expectations.
“These people you have given jobs are exposing you badly, it is high time you fire them,” he said.
The Senate Majority Whip insisted that the three officials should be held accountable and required to clarify their previous statements regarding the anticipated reduction in Kenya’s fuel prices, which was based on a proposed plan to secure the commodity through government-to-government agreements at the time.
“I was elected in this country to serve the poor. I don’t care whether the rich people find petrol expensive but I care when the bodaboda people are unable to fuel their motorbikes,” he said.
On September 14, 2023, the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) implemented fuel price hikes, setting the new rates at Sh16.96 for petrol, Sh21.32 for diesel, and Sh33.13 for kerosene.
Consequently, in Nairobi, the retail prices for one liter of petrol, diesel, and kerosene now stand at Sh211.64, Sh200.99, and Sh202.61, respectively.
The sudden increase ignited anger among Kenyans who accused the government of failing to fulfill its promise to reduce fuel costs.
Senator Khalwale’s call for the dismissal of the three government officials resonated with many Kenyans who are struggling to cope with the high cost of living.
The sharp increase in fuel prices has had a cascading effect on the prices of other goods and services, making it difficult for Kenyans to make ends meet.
The President has so far not responded to Senator Khalwale’s call, but it remains to be seen whether he will take action against the three officials.
Meanwhile, the government’s response to the rising fuel prices has exacerbated the frustration of Kenyans, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has admitted that the government is powerless to take any meaningful action to regulate fuel prices, as the problem is a worldwide concern and the surge in fuel prices is due to the rise in crude oil costs.
His Trade counterpart, Moses Kuria, further inflamed the situation by suggesting that Kenyans who are lamenting about fuel prices should consider “drilling boreholes” to find their own fuel. In a seemingly mocking tone, he said, “From morning till evening If you keep saying the fuel price has gone up, why don’t you dig your own oil well? Those people making noise, If they have their own well, I’m ready to start digging tomorrow.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Monday cautioned Kuria and Chirchir against displaying arrogance in the ongoing discussion on the issue. He expressed disappointment that instead of instilling hope, the leaders had chosen to “talk down on the people.” Gachagua said, “Responsible leaders should be sensitive and inspire hope to the people of a better tomorrow.”
Kenyans are eagerly awaiting Ruto’s response, hoping that he will offer some concrete solutions to the fuel crisis. However, given the government’s limited options, it is unclear what Ruto can do to bring relief to Kenyans who are struggling to afford fuel.
Kenya Airways Donates Aircraft to Mang’u High School
Kenya Airways donated a decommissioned Boeing 737-700 aircraft to Mang’u High School in a ceremony presided over by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The donation is part of Kenya Airways’ commitment to supporting learning institutions and nurturing the next generation of aviators.
“This donation is true to our commitment to nurturing talent and driving economic growth, not only in Kenya but also in the broader African continent. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the profound impact this initiative will have on Mangu High School,” said Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka.
Murkomen lauded the initiative, saying it will set up incubators for innovation and talent development, equipping students and youth with the tactical, technical, and technological know-how needed for the job market.
“The donation is an affirmation of KQ’s support for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) which focuses on accentuating students’ interests in particular areas of study, harnessing their innate talents, converting their passions into careers, and transforming abstract theories into practicable concepts,” he said.
The handover ceremony was also attended by Kenya Airways Board Chair Michael Gichangi, Mang’u High School Board Chair Anthony Maina and Chief Principal John Kuria.
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