Kenya 50th anniversary wishes

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Fireworks at Uhuru Park just after midnight 12/12/2013. Kenya @50

Fireworks at Uhuru Park just after midnight 12/12/2013. Kenya @50

“We have come a long way! Many a great leaps and many challenges. May our resilience, unity of purpose, & collective efforts get us to Canaan” — Martha Karua, former presidential candidate

“May this be a moment for the leaders to remember promise to all Kenyans, especially those who are trapped in poverty, and give them hope, a reason to be proud of being Kenyan. Let us take this as an opportunity for us to redefine our focus and concentrate on improving the lives of our people for all our sakes.” — Peter Kenneth, former presidential candidate

“Let the world witness and share our joys, our hopes and our purposeful endeavor as they rise with our flag and shine beautifully under the African sky” — Uhuru Kenyatta, president

“Happy 50th birthday Kenya, you have given us much more than we could ever give you” — Raila Odinga, former prime minister

“Jamhuri is the day we commemorate our achievement of full independence as a free people and free nation,we must always cherish and defend it” — William Kabogo, governor of Kiambu

“I am bringing with me the warmest of wishes from the British people to the people of Kenya, including a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The UK and Kenya have a long shared history. We will continue to work together to make it a long shared future of mutual benefit” — Mark Simmons, United Kingdom Foreign Office minister for Africa

 

Pictures: Uhuru and Ruto dance the night away, cake and fireworks, Kenya @50

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President and First lady Uhuru and Margaret Kenyatta dance at the Governor’s Ball, KICC, Nairobi

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Photographers capture the magic as Uhuru Kenyatta, Margaret Kenyatta, William Ruto and Rachel Ruto celebrate Kenya @50 at the Governor’s Ball

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Deputy President William Ruto with his wife Rachel Ruto

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Kenya’s Gospel songbird Emmy Kosgei dances with Uhuru Kenyatta

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The Kenya @50 cakes look too beautiful to eat

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Kenya @50 fireworks at Uhuru Gardens

 

Happy 50th Anniversary Kenya @50

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2013 marks 50 years since independence, December 12, 1963. officially known as Jamhuri Day.

2013 marks 50 years since independence, officially known as Jamhuri Day, December 12, 1963.

Kenya News Daily wishes our readers a happy Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) and a happy 50th anniversary to our beloved country. May the next 50 years — and forever more — bring continued peace and prosperity. God bless you and God bless Kenya. — KND Staff

Image courtesy of paisleypetalevents.com

 

Pictures: VIPs arrive ahead of Jamhuri Day Kenya @50

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Uhuru Kenyatta welcomes Malawi President Joyce Banda ahead of Kenya @50 celebrations.

Uhuru Kenyatta welcomes Malawi President Joyce Banda ahead of Kenya @50 celebrations.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa

The President and Deputy President William Ruto welcome Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Kenya @50

Uhuru Kenyatta with retired President Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya @50

Uhuru Kenyatta with retired President Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya @50

Pictures courtesy of facebook.com/muhurukenyatta

 

Kikuyu women elders ask for recognition at the December 12th, Kenya @50 celebrations

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Kikuyu women elders have called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to recognise them during the December 12 Kenya@50 celebrations.

“We are calling upon Uhuru to set aside some seats for Kikuyu traditional women and also if possible give us a chance to dance like other communities do,” said Phylis Njoki Kiambu County Kikuyu Council of Elders women leader.

Speaking yesterday at the Kikuyu Council of Elders headquarters in Karasani, Njoki said the late Jomo Kenyatta used to recognise the Kikuyu women and women from other communities during his time in power.

She said it will be of great significance if Uhuru emulates his father and honours Kikuyu women.

Kikuyu Council of Elders national chairman Wachira Kiago said Kikuyu women should wear their traditional attire during the ceremony to promote Kikuyu culture which has fast faded away. Continue reading…

 

Kenya: University students to access wireless internet through newly launched network

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The Kenyan government through the ICT Authority and the Kenya Education Network Trust (KENET) has officially launched the KENET Network, a US$22.5 million basic internet bandwidth service that connects member institutions at competitive and sustainable prices.

KENET aims to increase the uptake of bandwidth among students and academia in institutions of higher learning through interconnecting all universities, tertiary and research Institutions in Kenya by setting up cost effective high speed access to the internet.

“KENET will promote the use of ICT in teaching, learning and research in higher education centres that will lead to students and the faculty keeping up with current trends in their specific area,” said Meoli Kashorda, executive director of KENET.

“When KENET was started in 1999 by research institutions and universities the purpose was to create academic communications for themselves. Through the network they were able to take advantage of their numbers to provide affordable internet to the member institutions.”

Kashorda said now the network boosts of a vast number of members who include private and public university research institutions, colleges and technical schools, with more than 130 universities connected through KENET. Continue reading…

 

Mandela House visitor recalls the spirit of the global leader

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As a result of the recent passing of the freedom fighter and global icon Nelson Mandela, people around the world are sharing memories of their memories of the late South African leader. Through the collective memories, many are learning about or recalling what made him exceptional. Writing for the Star, journalist Swaleh Mdoe  pays tribute to Mandela by recalling some of the sights and sounds of his first visit to South Africa, and his encounters with the Kenyan presence in Johannesburg.

 

I had always admired Madiba, as Nelson Mandela who passed away on Thursday last week was popularly known. I developed that admiration for the iconic man from my secondary school days when I read the South African history.

Those history lessons made him have a special love for Madiba and South Africa in general that in February 1990, when Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, I wrote a poem in Kiswahili which was published in the only Kiswahili newspaper in Kenya — Taifa Leo. I still have the cutting of that article to-date.

Though I have been back to South Africa several times thereafter, I have always cherished the memories from my first trip. It is during that trip that I also visited Santon City with its many fashion boutiques and numerous elite restaurants and casinos. Continue reading…

 

DRC: Thousands attend funeral of Congolese rumba star Tabu Ley Rochereau in Kinsasha

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Congolese rumba icon Tabu Ley Rochereau -Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have attended the state funeral of rumba star Tabu Ley Rochereau in the capital, Kinshasa.

The day has been declared a national holiday and the funeral service took place at the parliament.

Tabu Ley, who died last month, wrote more 3,000 songs during his long career and was popular across much of Africa.

Speaking during the service, musician Koffi Olomide called for 9 December to be declared “national rumba day”.

Tabu Ley was one of the pioneers of Congolese rumba, known as soukous, with lyrics usually sung in the local Lingala language.

Soukous comes from the French word for shake “secouer” and its dancers are renowned for their erotic moves.

”Tabu Ley Rochereau, our master, our guide and our father, was and will forever be the pride of the Congolese nation,” Mr Olomide, who is also a popular rumba musician, told the gathering of politicians, including the president, and other dignitaries. Continue reading…

 

Radio and mobile phone technology will improve African agriculture

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Radio and mobile phone systems are vital and sustainable solutions that can help improve agricultural production in Africa if managed well on a large scale.

The revelations were made by experts at the 2013 Euroafrica-ICT conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last week (3 December). The experts noted that integrating the right applications ofinformation and communication technology (ICT) in agricultural activities can help increase sustainable food production.

The experts were impressed with a system designed by Ethiopia-based technology firm — Apposit — for use in the agricultural value chain. The system provides different services to farmers such as information on market prices, agricultural tips and practices as well as general communication through short messageservices and interactive voice response through mobile phones. Continue reading…

 

IBM research project seeks solutions for Nairobi traffic congestion

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Nairobi gridlock can be minimized through planning – Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Nairobi’s early planners could not have foreseen the population and traffic explosion of the 21st century. Nairobi’s streets and highways are due for an upgrade. This is the focus and thrust of Kenya’s Vision 2030. But even with the best new roads, IBM researcher Kamal Bhattacharya says  the question on how to use them most efficiently must still be resolved. Sarah Wild, writing for the Mail & Guardian explains some of the challenges as she fights her way through Nairobi gridlock.

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It is 7pm in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, but the streets and highways are well-lit with the snaking car lights of thousands of bumper-to-bumper vehicles. Windows closed against the assault of exhaust fumes, the two hours it takes to drive the 30km from the airport to my hotel is plenty of time to wonder why research company IBM would choose to locate its first African commercial research centre in this city.

My driver, Lincoln, assures me that the traffic is so bad because there was a drizzle of rain that morning, trying to improve the city’s first impression and possibly filling the lulls in conversation. But the following day — in a whirlwind tour of some of Kenya’s technology offerings — every trip, even if it is only 10km away, is allocated an hour or more in the schedule. In Britain, people talk about the weather. In Nairobi, traffic is the ice breaker. Continue reading…

 

Picture of the Week: Uhuru Kenyatta and Barack Obama Shake Hands

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A Kenyan and an American of Kenyan descent, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Barack Obama shake hands at the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela

A Kenyan and an American of Kenyan descent, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Barack Obama exchange greetings at a memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela. (Also pictured: Kenya First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, seated). Mandela will be buried in his home village on Friday December 13, 2013.

 

Uhuru Kenyatta joins 100 world leaders at memorial service for Nelson Mandela

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Uhuru Kenyatta and Barack Obama shake hands at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela, Soweto, South Africa. Photo courtesy of Facebook

 

SOWETO, South Africa – Nelson Mandela was lauded as a “giant of history” and “one of the greatest leaders of our time” as tens of thousands cheered and almost 100 world leaders paid tribute to the anti-apartheid icon at a memorial service Tuesday.

At the memorial celebration for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa, UN secretary General Ban Ki-Moon instructed the crowd to keep the memory of the anti-apartheid icon alive by embodying his example in our lives.

President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and some of his grandchildren addressed a service honoring the freedom fighter, prisoner, president and Nobel laureate who led South Africa out of apartheid.

“His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and hope found expression in his life, and your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy,” Obama told the crowd at the 95,000-capacity stadium in Soweto. “The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.” Continue reading…

 

World leaders arrive in South Africa to attend memorial service for Nelson Mandela

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Scores of world leaders are expected in South Africa today to pay their last respects to ant-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

Rwandan delegation will be led by Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi and Rwanda Patriotic Front secretary-general Francois Ngarambe.

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle departed yesterday to attend the memorial service for the departed global icon.

A host of African leaders will be joined by former US Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives.

At least 90 heads of state had by yesterday confirmed their attendance at Tuesday’s memorial event.

George H.W. Bush is the only living former US president who will not attend. His spokesperson said the 89-year-old is no longer able to travel long distances.

British PM David Cameron will attend the main memorial service today, while Prince Charles will represent Britain at Sunday’s state funeral. Continue reading…

 

Tanzanians celebrate 52 years of independence, remember Nelson Mandela

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President Jakaya Kikwete lead Tanzanians in a reflection on the life of the departed South African leader Nelson Mandela during the country’s 52nd Independence Day celebrations on Monday, December 9th. The President described Mandela as the foundation on which strong bonds between Tanzania and South Africa have been built.

In an impassioned address at the fully-packed Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, President Kikwete recalled how the two countries worked together in the struggle against apartheid.

Before the address, the president inspected a guard of honor mounted by members of defense and security forces.

The activity was followed by a 21-gun salute and other pomp and pageantry including a military parade, mass displays and traditional dances. The mass displays showcased Tanzania’s wealth of natural resources. Continue reading…

 

Kenya: Machakos film center taskforce visits Dubai, South Africa to prepare for launch

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The Machakos county film making venture task force is back home from visits to Dubai and South Africa to source for equipment and expertise.

Victor Muniafu is the chief executive of the Machakos Entertainment Centre for Film, Media, Music and the Arts to be known as Machawood. He said they met studio executives in both countries and sourced for equipment and advise on how to go about it. “These were benchmark trips which will go a long way in establishing the entertainment centre that we intend to put up in Machakos,” Muniafu told the Star yesterday in Machakos town.

However the development of the film center, which was launched last month by Governor Alfred Mutua, has been delayed by court cases filed by Senator Johnstone Muthama challenging the county’s incentive of giving free land to foreign investors.

The centre’s main mandate will be to make Machakos county the premiere location for entertainment in Kenya and the continent as a whole.

Mutua at the same time announced the board members who will be tasked with promoting and attracting film makers, musicians, artists and media so as to grow the industry. Continue reading…

 

Rwanda airport expansion includes upgrade for people with disabilities

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Work to upgrade Kigali International Airport that started September last year is now 70 per cent complete and facilities for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) have been put in place, the Ministry of Infrastructure (Mininfra) says.

A statement from Mininfra says that the expansion will make the airport terminal spacious, easing movement for both the able bodied and PLWDs using escalators and lifts.

“The number of check-in counters will be doubled from the current nine to make the queues shorter. Shopping experience will be made more luxurious with more outlets as well as refreshment areas and other services to make the airport a one stop center for both arriving and departing passengers,” reads part of the statement. Continue reading…

 

Kenya, Uganda to partner with S. Korea on e-government masterplan

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The Kenyan and South Korean governments have announced a partnership to develop an e-government masterplan in Kenya, looking to develop ICT to stimulate socio-economic development in the country.

HumanIPO reported last year South Korea, which is considered a global leader in e-government, had signed a similar deal with Kenya’s neighbour Uganda.

Joseph Tiampati, principal secretary at the Ministry of ICT, said the e-government plan developed by South Korea would assist the government in designing a systematic and coherent way of implementing e-government initiatives. Continue reading…

 

Christmas tree history and traditions

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Christmas tree, courtesy of Pinterest

 

When I was growing up in Kenya, Christmas trees were a rarity. In fact, mine was the only family I knew who had a Christmas tree in our home. The tree branch chopped from an evergreen behind the house was decorated with a mix of old store bought and homemade ornaments. It went up at some point before church on the evening of December 24th and came down after January 6th. Eventually, our good friends next door were inspired to get a tree of their own, and made all their own decorations. But did you ever wonder exactly how the tradition began?

The University of Illinois Extension explains the history and tradition of Christmas trees:

The decorated Christmas tree can be traced back to the ancient Romans who during their winter festival decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, a winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.

An evergreen, the Paradise tree, was decorated with apples as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve held on December 24th during the middle ages. Continue reading…

 

Kenya @50: Sports legends to be honored at gala celebration

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Kenya will honor its sports legends as a part of the Kenya @50 celebrations. Kenyan athletes have been making their name as runners on the international scene since first competing in international events in 1954. Kenyan athletes first competed in the Olympic games in Melbourne Australia in 1956.  Wilson Kiprugut won the country’s first Olympic medal at the Tokyo games in 1964.   The first ever ceremony to honor Kenya’s National Olympic Committee-Kenya (Nock) will take place in Nairobi on Friday.

“Apart from recognising the medals the athletes earned in the Olympics, we will also honour their efforts to make the global games a reality for Kenya,” noted Nock’s Marketing and Fundraising Commission Chairman, Ndungu Gathinji. Continue reading…

 

Uhuru Kenyatta Flags Off Jubilee Riders

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The Jubilee Riders at State House, Dec. 9, 2013

The Jubilee Riders at State House, Nairobi, Dec. 9, 2013.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (pictured with Pastor Nick Korir of Nairobi Chapel) flagged-off the Jubilee riders. The riders are part of a team of motorcycle enthusiasts who are going on a road trip from Nairobi to Cape Town and back to raise funds towards an education fund established by the church. Their aim is to raise 15 million Kenya Shillings to facilitate learning for 50 needy and bright high school students.

 

Uhuru Kenyatta launches Kenya @50 gold coin ahead of festivities

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Kenya@50 gold coin issued for the country's golden jubilee anniversary, Jamahuri Day 12/12/2013.

Kenya@50 gold coin issued for the country’s golden jubilee anniversary, Jamahuri Day 12/12/2013.

President Uhuru Kenyatta Monday launched a commemorative  Kenya@50 gold coin to mark Kenya’s 50 years of independence.

Also in attendance at the launch was the Deputy President H.E. Hon. William Ruto, the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury Mr. Henry Rotich, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, Dr. Hassan Wario Arero, the Governor, Nairobi County, Dr. Evans Kidero, and other distinguished guests.

The coin is commemorative, and not intended for circulation. It was commissioned specifically for the 50th anniversary celebrations. The nominal value of the coin is KES 50 (fifty shillings), symbolizing 50 years of nationhood. Measuring 38.61 mm in diameter, the rounded coin has fine mills on the edges and is presented in proof quality. It is minted using the finest quality gold to symbolize the significance of the anniversary celebrations.  Limited quantities are available for sale at the following prices.

Gold coin (fine gold) – KES 200,000
Gold plated silver coin – KES 10,000
Gold plated brass coin in acrylic block – KES 6,000

For further enquiries, please download the Commemorative Coin Order Form or contact the Bank on comms@centralbank.go.ke or any of the Bank’s Branches/Currency Centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri, Nakuru and Meru.

[Source]

 

Nairobi: Spinal injury patients to receive corrective surgery at reduced rates

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Christmas will come early for 15 patients suffering from various spinal ailments and deformities following a collaborative project between the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the NuVasive Spine Foundation that will see corrective surgeries carried out on the patients.

Patients will only have to part with between Sh20,000 and Sh30,000 depending on the type of procedure carried out on them, instead of the Sh1 million which would have otherwise been required.

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Saturday, KNH Communications Manager Kibet Mengich said that the surgeries will be conducted between December 9 and 15 at the referral hospital.

“The surgeons will carry out corrective surgeries on 15 patients with spine deformities, degenerative, traumatic and infective spine conditions as well as neo-plastic spine ailments,” read the statement.

He added that the procedures would also relieve the shortlisted patients from back pains in addition to improving spine surgery treatment in the country. Continue reading…

 

South Africa’s Rugby Sevens reflect on Mandela’s vision

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South Africa’s multiracial rugby sevens team huddled in the middle of the stadium named after Nelson Mandela. The players raised their hands together to the sky. Then they went out and won the game.

It was all a reflection of Mandela’s vision for sports in his country. And this day was something he surely would have enjoyed.

Just as he famously delighted in the Springboks’ famous rugby World Cup victory in 1995 or the country’s historic role in hosting soccer’s World Cup in 2010.

In the stands at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, blacks and whites waved their country’s colorful flag and loudly cheered scores by the dreadlocked Cecil Afrika and the team’s blond captain, Kyle Brown.

“It’s a real honor and privilege to be a South African today,” Brown said, apologizing that he wasn’t able to give, as he saw it, a more poetic tribute to the former president, who died Thursday at 95.

Brown, however, may have indeed touched on something: South African sports is now proud, and that wasn’t always the case. Continue reading…

 

Kenya beats Rwanda in CECAFA quarter final, prepares for semis against Tanzania

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Kenya’s Harambee Stars managed a hard fought 1 – 0  win in their Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) quarter final clash against Rwanda played at the Mombasa County Stadium on Saturday 7 December with Jockins Atudo getting the all important goal in the game.

In a game that saw limited action in front of goal Kenya showed early intent with Allan Wanga connecting well with a Peter Opiyo cross in the second minute but his diving header was not well directed, going off target instead.

Rwanda close

It was Rwanda who went closest in the 20th minute with a free kick by Emery Bayisenge and it needed a moment of brilliance from Duncan Ochieng to keep the ball out before Anthony Akumu’s follow up to punt it clear off the goal line.

A minute later Keli twisted and turned to find space in the Rwandan area but his well taken shot lacked precision, going straight to the keeper’s waiting hands. The KCB forward had another go at goal with a snap shot on the 35th minute but this time he couldn’t get the target. Continue reading…

 

Parliament approves deployment of Kenya Defense Forces to several northern counties

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The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) will be deployed to quell incidences of insecurity between warring armed communities in the country especially in Northern Kenya after Parliament approved its deployment.

MPs gave their approval on Thursday night following a request by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The deployments will be done in Samburu, Marsabit, West Pokot and Turkana counties where several people have been killed by rival clans.

According to the President the forces will be sent to restore peace and security and stop those fighting from destroying property.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s request was communicated to the House by Speaker Justin Muturi at 9.40pm and discussed at 11.36 pm

This is the first time the President has sought the help of KDF to help deal with internal security issues.

Although KDF was deployed to Westgate to fight off terrorists, Parliament ratified the deployment after the siege.

Yesterday Deputy President William Ruto said that parliament had given a go ahead to President to deploy the military to bolster security especially in crisis torn areas. Continue reading…

 

Kenya plans to sign concession with Chinese company to develop coal deposit

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Kenya plans to sign a concession accord this week with Fenxi Mining Industry Co. of China to develop a coal deposit of 400 million metric tons, ending a two-year delay and enabling the state to tender 31 more blocks.

Kenya, East Africa’s biggest economy, plans to add 5,500 megawatts of electricity output to its grid in 40 months, almost 2,000 megawatts of that from coal, to help accelerate annual economic growth to more than 10 percent from a projected 5.5 percent to 6 percent this year. Kenya targets starting coal production within 30 months, which would enable the country to rely on domestic supplies instead of imports to fuel a 900-megawatt plant in Lamu county on Kenya’s northern coast, the development of which was tendered in September.

Block C, which may contain 400 million tons of coal, covers 131.5 square kilometers (51 square miles) and Block D 120 square kilometers, according to Omenge. Continue reading…

 

Nairobi: Irish companies seek opportunities in emerging East African markets

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Ireland’s Minister of State for Trade and Development Joe Costello pledged to strengthen business links with emerging African market as he arrived in Nairobi.

The visit is part of the Irish government’s Africa Strategy – an initiative that stresses the need to think beyond aid to develop stronger political and economic ties with African nations.

The strategy identified Kenya as a priority country, citing its potential for growth and its position as a gateway for the East Africa region.

“This visit will help us to identify which sectors have the greatest potential for Irish companies in Kenya and the wider East African region where economic growth is more than 6% per year,” said Mr Costello.

“On the recent trade mission I led to South Africa and Nigeria, Irish companies secured new contracts totalling over 7 million euro (£5.9 million) in the financial services, telecommunications and educations sectors. Continue reading…

 

Kenya Rugby Union mourns, celebrates life of Nelson Mandela

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The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) joined leading world sports associations and sports stars in paying tribute to Nelson Mandela following the death of the former South African leader at the age of 95.

The KRU chairman, Mwangi Muthee, heard of the news in the early morning as he prepared to take a flight from Nairobi to South Africa where the Kenya Sevens team are set to play in the HSBC IRB World Series round in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and Sunday.

“As fate will have it, we are in South Africa at a historic time. We have mixed feelings; saddened to lose our Father but with indescribable thanks to God for the privilege to be right at his, Madiba’s, doorstep during this time. We mourn, we celebrate his fruitful life. Continue reading…

 

Kenya: Complete digital TV migration expected by mid-2014

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Kenya’s cabinet on Thursday approved the planned migration from analogue to digital television broadcasting in Kenya despite new study showing that at least 2 million residents of Nairobi face blackout for no gadgets.

A statement issued after the meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta said the migration will be achieved within a six-month period starting with Nairobi on Dec. 13 and later spread to all regions of the country by June, 2014.

 

“Cabinet noted the bold steps taken to effect the migration which will lead to release of the spectrum currently used by analogue television,” the statement said.

“This will improve communication in the Country by availing faster Internet speeds which is critical for data communication and business transactions,” according to the statement. Continue reading…

 

Nairobi Metro: Kiambu county passes finance bill, reduces burial tax

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The Kiambu County Assembly has passed the controversial Finance Bill after its amendment. The assembly’s Budgetary and Finance Committee told the members that most of the county projects, which were started by the World Bank have stalled because of the bill.

Committee chairman Charles Muthua said if not passed, the county government would lose millions of shillings in January in terms of licences and rates.

“The executive has taken into consideration the views of the public and amended the bill appropriately. The committee took time to scrutinise the bill and all the amendments have been effected,” he said.

Among the amendments are the reduction burial fees from Sh4000 to Sh2000 for adults in public cemeteries in towns. Public cemeteries in rural areas will charge Sh500. For children, Sh1,000 will be charged in towns and Sh200 in rural areas. Continue reading…