President William Ruto has appointed billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki as a member of the National Investment Council, a key advisory body tasked with helping the government attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
The council is expected to advise the government on policies and strategies aimed at improving the business environment, increasing both local and foreign investments and addressing challenges affecting investors across different sectors.
Reacting to the appointment, Kariuki expressed gratitude and pledged to support the country’s economic agenda.
“Pleased to be appointed to the National Investment Council of Kenya by President Ruto. My commitment to the economic development of Kenya is unwavering, I look forward to working closely with this distinguished council,” Kariuki said.
The council brings together senior government officials and private sector leaders, including Paul Russo, Peter Njonjo, David Lang’at, Ahmed Farah, Sarah Ochieng, Eva Warigia, Sheila Kyarisiima, Francis Njogu and Tom Mulwa.
Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Trade, Finance, Agriculture, Lands, Tourism and Environment will also sit in the council.
According to the government, the body will help identify obstacles facing businesses and recommend incentives to improve Kenya’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Kariuki’s appointment comes years after he faced legal battles linked to alleged tax evasion claims amounting to Ksh 17 billion during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
The businessman, who owns Africa Spirits Limited, was among several individuals charged in connection with the case before the High Court later quashed the proceedings.
In the ruling, Justice Anthony Mrima agreed with Kariuki’s legal team that the prosecution process had not complied with constitutional requirements.
“A declaration hereby issues that prosecution of criminal offences in Kenya must only be undertaken by lawful Prosecutors,” Justice Mrima ruled.
Separately, President Ruto also recently established the Nairobi Rivers Commission, a nine-member body mandated to oversee the restoration and protection of rivers and water bodies within Nairobi.
The commission is chaired by Pamela Olet and includes former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu among its members.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai Targets Popular Clubs in Crackdown on Noise Pollution
Robert Alai has put several popular entertainment spots in Kileleshwa on notice, warning that he will push for their closure over alleged noise pollution and disturbance to residents.
The outspoken Member of County Assembly said clubs and bars operating within residential areas were disrupting families and negatively affecting the neighbourhood’s environment.
Among the establishments he singled out were Numero 5, Samaki Samaki, The Bar Next Door, Hera Aqua Gardens and Kettle House.
“After swearing in, we have a list which must be acted on ASAP. It’s Kileleshwa. They must go,” Alai stated.
The MCA further indicated that he would recommend the relocation of bars and clubs from residential estates to Nairobi’s Central Business District.
“They are traumatising children doing their homework,” he said.
Residents living in several Nairobi estates have repeatedly complained about loud music, traffic congestion and late-night disruptions caused by entertainment joints operating near homes.
The concerns mirror previous legal battles in Nairobi over noise pollution linked to nightlife businesses.
In 2019, a court ordered the closure of several clubs in Kilimani, including B-Club, Kiza Lounge, Explorer Tavern and Space Lounge, following complaints from residents.
Through lawyer Cecil Miller, residents argued that excessive noise from the clubs had deprived them of sleep and interfered with peaceful living.
Court documents at the time indicated that noise levels from the affected clubs allegedly ranged between 68 and 84 decibels, above the permitted limits for residential areas.
