Metro

Kenyan lawmaker proposes 50-year jail term for gays

Published

1 year ago

September 21, 2023

A Kenyan lawmaker, Hon. Peter Kaluma has presented a bill to the country’s parliament proposing a 50-year prison sentence for non-consensual same-sex acts.

The bill tagged, the Family Protection Bill 2023, according to Kaluma who represents the Homa Bay Town, is aimed at banning homosexuality, same-sex unions, and LGBTQ activities and campaigns.

It also intends to prohibit gay parades, assemblies, marches, and public cross-dressing, while individuals engaging in non-consensual same-sex acts could face imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 50 years.

It also proposes that owners of premises used for same-sex relations may be fined $14,000 (£11,000) or serve a seven-year jail term if the bill becomes law.

The legislator’s bill, which was presented during plenary on Wednesday, is coming after the Kenyan Supreme Court upheld a decision to allow the registration of LGBTQ non-governmental organizations.

The ruling overturned a dispute between the National Gay and Lesbian Rights Commission and Kenya’s NGO Coordinating Board over a refusal to register the gay group which has lasted for several years.

The Supreme Court’s ruling had reasoned that denying the gay body registration was discriminatory and unconstitutional, a decision which marked a significant milestone for the LGBTQ community in the country.

The ruling had also come after recent protests by anti-LGBTQ groups in Mombasa led by clerics and civil society organizations.

Click to comment

Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

10 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.