What is straining Kenya's ties with United Kingdom?

There is no secret anymore. The Kenya-UK ties are under considerable strain. On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs minister Sam Ongeri revealed that two years ago, President Kibaki declined an invitation to visit Britain by former PM Gordon Brown, which would also have seen him meet Queen Elizabeth. Since Kibaki took over the reigns, there have been signs that ties between the two governments have not been very convivial.

But State House dropped a bombshell recently when while denying a media report that the President had become unreachable by European diplomats, revealed that Kibaki was more interested in working with African countries and the East rather than with the traditional West. This policy, it was explained, was guided by the "changing geo-political dynamics".

Kenyafs preference of China and Japan, countries which do not einterferef with their friendsf internal affairs is telling. Although it is unclear what the source of the bad blood between the two countries, there is no doubt that we are in for some very interesting times.

Memorable ride on Akamba bus

There are incidents that cannot be forgotten easily, and James Omondi says a night ride on Akamba Bus on July 24, 2011 is one such. It wasnft the ride per se, but the (mis)treatment he got from the bus staff. He claims, the bus (KBE 276V) was supposed to take them to Kapsabet from Nairobi. However, on reaching Edoret, the crew declared that bus would not proceed to the destination. The passengers were, however, informed of a "special arrangement" that would see them get to Kapsabet. It turned out there was nothing so special about the "special arrangement" when an old matatu came to pick while half full with other Kapsabet-bound passengers. They declined the offer and asked for a refund but the crew would hear none of that.

Omondi claims he fell ill after he was exposed to cold for a long period in the wee hours of the morning and had to seek treatment.

He wants an apology from Akamba for the mistreatment in the hands of their crews. He also wants a refund of his fare, Sh1100, and a further Sh2500, which he says he used on treatment. He can be contacted on 0725577888.

REMUNERATION

Bob Morganfs salary insecurity

A Bob Morgan Security staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims to be speaking on behalf of thousands of suffering employees over perpetual salary delays by the firm.

He says the companyfs clients faithfully pay on time but for the last few months, there has been uncertainty over payday but the management never gives any explanation.

"We have just received pay today (yesterday) although other employees are yet to be paid. The company affirms that people are an organisationfs best asset and prides in crafting a unique team that provides the best tailor made security solutions. This cannot be a achieved with demoralised staff," he says.

JRS Kisumu

And Gordon Ochola, who claims to be a former employee of J.R.S, a security firm in Kisumu reports that he is still chasing his dues six years after he was fired.

Mr Ochola alleges that he was dismissed in June 2006 after he missed work to attend a relatives funeral. He had been denied permission to go home.

Does JRS owe Ochola, any monies and if so will he ever be paid? He can be contacted on 0731923255.

DONfT YOU FORGET

Did Nakuru council clear roadside dumpsite?

On August 10, Ms Hilda Cheshari wrote to PointBlank from Nakuru complaining that the town, once touted as being the cleanest in East Africa, was sinking under the weight of garbage.

She was particularly concerned with the state of affairs in the town along the Nakuru-Eldamaravine Road where she said a roadside dumpsite had become a big eyesore. "The area is littered with solid waste products that normally produce an unpleasant smell. On a windy day, it is common to see paper bags flying all over. Never mind there is a primary school a stone-throw away," she said. Did the Municipal Council of Nakuru clear this mess, Mayor Mohammed Suraw?

Kajiado town

Thirsts for water

Richard Mutwota who has lived in Kajiado since 2001 is blaming "inefficiency and corruption at the Kajiado Town Council" for the prevailing water shortage. He remembers that between 2001 and 2007, the council used to supply the town regularly with fresh water from Mt Kilimanjaro. After 2007, however, the council stopped supplying water out of neglect (intentional or otherwise), the pumps broke down and electricity was disconnected due to its failure to pay electricity bills. "Today, a 20-litre of salty borehole water costs Sh20 while the same quantity of fresh water goes for Sh70," he laments.

Right of Reply
Match Masters lights up customerfs mood

I have personally spoken to Ms Susan Achieng, who recently complained about a pack of matchboxes with missing heads. I would like to sincerely apologise again for not having responded earlier for reasons explained to her by phone.

We greatly appreciate her feedback and her genuine concern shall help us internally to put strong measures to control quality.

I would like to assure Achieng that the problem is not a normal occurrence and would kindly request her to continue using her locally made Kifaru Kubwa Matches.

I also thank her for bringing this concern to our attention.

Kindly let us have the one complaint matchbox back so that our team can use it for visual display and to ensure preventative measures are taken.

If you have any further queries or any of your associates/friends have any complaints regarding any of our products, please feel free to contact me on email address matchmastersItd.com and I assure you of immediate action.

Once again, I thank Achieng for her positive feedback and for continuing to buy Kifaru Kubwa.

Kushal Shah,

Managing Director

YuMobilefs customer now a happy man

In reference to an article in PointBlank on April 4, 2012 titled, yu are yet to solve our problems, here is a response from yuMobile.

First and foremost we would like to apologise to the two customers for the inconvenience caused.

Kevin Omoi who had a problem with his modem is now a happy customer.

After calling him, we established that when he visited our Relationship Centre at Gilfillan House in the CBD, the problem with his modem had actually been resolved but he wasnft aware that he needed to top up his line to activate it and that was the reason he was not able to use the modem.

This has now been done and Kevin is now enjoying his one month free data bundle that comes with every new modem from yuMobile.

Beatricefs case is still under investigation as there is some conflicting information. However, we can assure her that we will get to the bottom of it and unravel the mystery of the scratchcard.

Willis Angira,
PR & Corporate Liaison Manager