Kenya Space Race 2014

Get to know about this Kenyan educational satellite that would enable Kenyan universities for the first time gain hands-on training on satellite system design, development and operations.

Check this animation video which outlines the concept below:

About STEM 2030

STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) is a solutions provider for schools, colleges and universities. We aim to offer young people an opportunity to start developing “Vision 2030’ technological skills today. Our approach involves offering practical sessions where students are able to apply what they have only been able to understand theoretically from classroom instruction.

www.science2030.com

Kenyan Budget 2013/2014

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has just unveiled the national budget for the year 2013/2014 at Parliament.

The total expenditure amounts to Sh1,640.9 billion while the gross development expenditures is estimated at Sh447.9 billion.

The total revenue estimates for fiscal year 2013/14 stands at Sh1,027.2 billion, comprising of Sh961.3 billion of ordinary revenue, and Sh 67.0 billion of appropriations-in aid.

The total revenue estimate represents an increase of 7.5 percent over the Budget Estimates for 2012/13.

Budgetary Allocations by Sectors

Education

Sh53.2 billion has been set aside for deployment of 1.35 million laptops to class one pupils, development of digital content, and building capacity of teachers and rolling out computer laboratory for class 4 to class 8 in all schools throughout the country. (Translates to Sh 17.4 billion each financial year starting from FY 2013/14)

Sh10.3 billion will go to free Primary Education.

Sh 2.6 billion for school feeding programme.

Sh 20.9 billion for free Day Secondary Education.

Annual Exhibition set to spur County Living and Investment

Knight Frank Managing Director Ben Woodhams(L) and Group’s Head of Marketing Mwihoti Mbijjiwe(R) run through a mock floor plan strategy after signing up  as participating exhibitor for the 11th  edition of Property & Home Living Expo running from June 20th -23rd at the Sarit Centre.

The 11th  edition of the Property and Home Living Expo (P&HLE), a leading upcoming property exhibition slated for June 20-23rd has set its eyes on aiding investment to new and affordable peri-urban areas in the wake of the new county dispensation.

In a timely move showcasing the vibrant real estate opportunities in the 47 counties by leading developers, the three-day P&HLE aims to tap into the emergent spending power of the middle economic class keen on avoiding steep prices of similar property in the capital.

Jawad Jaffer, Expo Organizer, in an exhibition stakeholder briefing said while helping actualize the national  Vision 2030’s social pillar to develop satellite towns while decongesting the cities, P&HLE is banking on the expected diversification of county housing development and the focus shift of the middle class from the Nairobi property investment.

African Development Bank launches USD1.26B Kenya-Ethiopia Electricity Highway

Press Release

Nairobi, Tuesday May 7th 2013: The African Development bank today launched the 1,068 kilometer high-voltage electricity highway to be built between Kenya and Ethiopia.

The project which is expected to be completed in less than five years, involves the construction of transmission lines of about 437 km in Ethiopia and about 631 km in Kenya and associated AC/DC converter stations at Wolayta-Sodo (Ethiopia) and Suswa (Kenya) substations with a transfer capacity of up to 2,000 MW in either direction.

Speaking at the launch, organized to brief on the project’s technical resources, African Development Bank’s Regional Director for East Africa Resource Centre (EARC), Mr. Gabriel Negatu reiterated the importance of the project to the East Africa’s cross-border trading.

Housing Finance & Vision 2030 Launch 1 Million Artisans Programme

The Housing Finance Corporation in partnership with the Vision 2030 Delivery Board (VDB) on Friday launched the Army of 1 Million Artisans programme that is geared towards training 1 million building and construction artisans in the country by 2016.

Speaking during the ceremony, vision 2030 delivery Director General Mugo Kibati noted that they will work with the mortgage lender in capacity building, benchmarking, technology and knowledge transfer through technical and vocational education and training programmes inline vision 2030.

MCK's Second Annual Journalists Excellence Awards

The Media Council of Kenya’s second Annual Journalists Excellence Awards (AJEA) will take place on 4th May 2013 as part of celebrations to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day. The annual awards seek to promote professionalism in the practice of journalism in Kenya with respect to Vision 2030.

The Council invites all Kenyan journalists to submit work published or broadcast in the local media within the last year, including up to 15th March 2013.

Daewoo to Build $1.3 billion Power Station in Kilifi

Kipevu Power Plant, Mombasa
Image Courtesy of kengen.co.ke 

South Korea’s Daewoo International has signed a $1.3 billion pact with the Kenyan Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to construct East Africa’s largest power station in Kilifi County.

The coal-fired power plant, which is one of the flagship projects towards attaining the Vision 2030, will have two turbines each producing 300MW to the current installed power capacity of 1,215MW.

Speaking in Seoul, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said that the new plant would play a key role in the government’s objective to add 1,500MW of new power capacity by 2019 and put an end to power cuts.

Syokimau Railway Station to be Commissioned on Tuesday

The New Syokimau  Railway Station
Image Courtesy of transport.go.ke

President Mwai Kibaki will on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 commission the Syokimau Railway Station along Mombasa Road, marking another milestone in efforts to realize various projects envisaged under the Vision 2030 Economic Blueprint.

The contractor, El Noor General Contractor Ltd handed over the 400 million-shilling station to the Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC) earlier this week, and it will be officially open to the public from Tuesday.

Thika Superhighway Officially Opened

The first of the many in the Vision 2030 Flagship

The Nairobi - Thika Superhighway
Image Courtesy of megaprojects.co.ke

President Mwai Kibaki officially commissioned the opening of the 31 billion-shilling Nairobi – Thika Superhighway on Friday.

Construction of the 50km superhighway kicked off in January 2009 in a move geared at decongesting traffic to Nairobi City by expanding Thika Road from a four-lane carriageway to an eight-lane highway. The superhighway also saw the construction of underpasses, footbridges, and provision of interchanges at roundabouts.

Turbi – Moyale Road Upgrade launched

The construction of the 15 billion-shilling Turbi – Moyale Road, was on Wednesday launched by President Mwai Kibaki in Moyale County.  

The 122km road, which is the last section of the Trans-Africa Highway Corridor (section passing through Kenya), will be upgraded to bitumen standards by the government with the support of the African Development Bank.

Toyota and Vision 2030 board sign MOU

Japanese automaker Toyota to fund national flagship projects, Vision 2030

Toyota’s trade, investment and logistics arm, Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and the Vision 2030 delivery board, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding where Toyota will intensify investments in automobile, logistics, power and energy, mineral resource, environmental infrastructure, and food production and processing.

Currently TTC has an agreement with the Government of Kenya to build an oil pipeline linking Kenya’s Lamu to South Sudan as part of the multi-billion dollar Lamu Port Southern Sudan and Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET). The corridor is part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 flagship projects.

In promoting food production, TTC in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will supply machinery to farmers in Mwea, the largest rice irrigation scheme in the country, located in Kirinyaga County.

Logistics centre 

The automaker is also set to establish a 1.28 billion-shilling logistics centre in Nairobi, which will serve 13 nations in the sub-Saharan region with direct sourcing of vehicles from Japan. The regional vehicle logistics centre and parts depot will be situated in South C, Nairobi.

The facility will also offer both managerial and mechanical courses for prospective employees, through an in-house technical teaching centre said Toyota Kenya’s chairperson Amb. Dennis Awori.

Kenya becomes the first country in Africa to sign a formal agreement to cooperate in the development of major investments.

TTC is a fully-fledged Japanese trading house operating diverse businesses spanning exploration, mining, distribution, processing, automotive, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and energy. 

HR & A Advisors to manage Konza City

New York-based HR & A Advisors has clinched a deal to manage and develop Konza Technopolis for $10 billion (approx. Sh168 million).

The firm was selected from six strong bidders that include AECOM International Development of Finland, Swedish Sweco International, Dohwa Consulting Engineers from Korea, and New York-based SHoP Architects.
The International Finance Corporation in partnership with the World Bank undertook the tendering process, and communicated the verdict to the government last Friday.  
Speaking on Tuesday at an investors’ conference, Information and Communication P.S Dr Bitange Ndemo said that the firm would commence work in October this year and the project shall be run under a city regulatory body, the Konza City Development Authority.
The authority will be mandated to regulate the development of the city in line with vision 2030.
The announcement came a day after the government had reported its intention of putting up a Sh16 billion dam to supply Konza Technology City with water.
Hundreds of foreign firms have shown interest in the project with China’s Shanghai Corporation for Foreign Economic & Technological Cooperation (SFECO) ready to put up roads among other social amenities.
The Government has also affirmed that Konza would be connected to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by construction of a dual carriage road.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka officially opened the Konza Techno City Investors’ Conference at the KICC on Tuesday. The conference will take place from the 7^th to the 9^th August.

Image Credit: konzacity.co.ke: 3D Images - Konza  

Olkaria IV Geothermal Project launched

Olkaria IV will increase the total electricity output by 25 per cent.

Monday morning, President Kibaki commissioned the groundbreaking ceremony at Okaria IV that is expected to generate 280 megawatt of geothermal power in Naivasha.

Olkaria project, considered the largest geothermal power plant in Africa, seeks to raise geothermal contributions to 35 per cent from the current 10 per cent. The construction of the new plant, estimated to cost Ksh 82 billion is expected to be operational in 2014.

Olkaria IV, a flagship project of Vision 2030 is co-financed by KenGen and various development partners including World Bank, German Development Corporation, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the French Development Agency (FDA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Companies that will carry out the construction of the plant include; Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan, KEC (Kamani Engineering Corporation) of India, New Zealand’s Sinclair Knight Mertz, and Hyundai Engineering Company Limited of South Korea.

Kenya Power 1.13 billion deal

Kenya power has signed power distribution contracts worth Ksh 1.13 billion with Indian firms KEC International and Siemens.

The 1.13 billion is part of the Ksh 8.5 Billion loan awarded by the World Bank and will be used to set up sub-stations in satellite area in Nairobi, Western, Eastern and Mt. Kenya region. The country demand for electricity has risen to 1236mW from last year’s 1194mW.   

Ksh 730 million will fund KEC International establishing of sub-stations and transformers in Nairobi outskirts, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western region.

Ksh 403 million will go to Indian firm Siemens Ltd to set up sub-stations in Juja, Kangema, Tala, Mwea, and Gatundu

In line with vision 2030, at least 50 per cent of Kenyans will have electricity in their homes. Kenya Power is expecting to spend Ksh 20 billion to install underground cable network.

Government invites bids for Coal exploration

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Energy said it was seeking to invite potential investors to bid for the exploration and development of 2 coal blocks in eastern province; this comes as the country faces a growing demand for power.

The coal will serve as an alternative energy source that is expected to reduce the reliance on geothermal and diesel-powered electricity. In line with Vision 2030 of having an industrialized Country, the coal will also be used in the cement and steel industries.

According to the tender advertised bidders are required to show they can raise over $200 million for investment and potential of setting up projects with a minimum output of 3000 tons each day. The bids must be submitted before July 16 this year.

Last year the government issued development rights for 2 blocks in the Mui basin, C and D, to Chinese company Fenxi Mining Group. Mui Basin of Kitui and Mwingi has a total area of about 490.5 square Km and is the same area the 2 other blocks are located.

Adapted from Reuters 

Kisumu Impala Eco Lodge opens

The Kisumu Impala Eco Lodge was officially opened on Friday in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. The Eco-Tourism initiative which is a vision 2030 flagship project, seeks to cater for the Western Kenya Tourism Circuit. Plans are also underway to construct a conference centre in the sanctuary.

The 24-bed capacity eco-lodge is owned and managed by the Monarch Group and is located in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The sanctuary is home to the rare sitatunga antelope found in the shores of Lake Victoria.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is situated in Kisumu City along the eastern shores of Lake Victoria (on the way to Hippo Point). The sanctuary is only 10 kilometres from the newly constructed Kisumu International Airport.

East Africa Outsourcing Summit 2012

The summit is finally taking place from tomorrow, June 5^th to 6^th and will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Nairobi, Upper Hill. The event is hosted by international business-to-business Conferencing Company, Kinetic Events in partnership with Kenya ICT Board and KITOS.

The participants will benefit from the shared expertise by major players in the BPO industry. The event is aimed at addressing global trends in business and technology as well as ways to develop a sustainable outsourcing hub in the region.

As business process outsourcing need is growing internationally, emerging economies are building capacity to offer these services and Kenya is hoping to be in the forefront. In line with the Vision 2030, Kenya is working to diversify its economy with initiatives such as Konza Technology City that is expected to be a world-class BPO offshoring destination of Africa.

As for know the country is boasting of conducive factors to this sector with modern fibre optic cables, improved infrastructure and strong capabilities in the English language. These are the same factors that have made countries like India, Malaysia and Philippines global BPO hotspots. 

Nairobi rail transport: Syokimau Station

The proposed station
source: vision2030.go.ke

The 2.2 kilometre railway line that connects the newly built Syokimau station with the old Embakasi line is complete. It has cost Ksh 200 million and is expected to be fully operational by the end of July. This comes after the last extension of the Kenya-Uganda railway line [Kisumu-Butere] by the British colonialist back in the 30s.

The Syokimau station will be the first of 10 similar hubs that Kenya Railways plans to construct in partnership with private investors. The other 6.5 kilometre rail line will connect Embakasi to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and construction will start July 2013.

Nairobi commuter rail system is expected to interlink satellite towns which include Kikuyu, Kiserian and Ngong and later converge at the Central Business District.

Unfortunately, the construction of the railroad will have the residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums evicted.

Other reforms that the government is opting to take in line with vision 2030 include the replacement of the 14 seater matatus with higher capacity public service buses and a mobile taxi service that work without parking areas.

Modern Abattoir in Wajir is underway

In line with realisation of vision 2030, the construction of a modern export livestock slaughter house at Wajir County is underway. The project which is funded by the government through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) is expected to cost Ksh 150 million and will handle 100 cattle and 500 goats a day.

The abattoir will definitely benefit the neighbouring counties that include Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera and Garissa.

From Isiolo with love

From Isiolo with love

What is a resort city? This is a big question among many Kenyans. Deriving a simple definition from Wikipedia.com, it is a town where tourism is the basic component of the local culture and economy. Read more...Resort town

Another subsequent question would be where is Isiolo? Isiolo is a town in the Eastern part of Kenya. For a more comprehensive description I will refer you to …Wikipedia

To visualize a resort city, think about Sun City in South Africa. The town is a ninety minute drive from Johannesburg, the capital. Sun City has acquired its international recognition from its entertainment spots, opulent palace, world-class Golf courses, walking trails, tropical gardens, and game viewing. These and more can be evident in Isiolo. However, the catalysts will be the will and touch of its people, the government, and the potential investors.

In the vision 2030 blueprint some areas have been proposed to be transformed into cities such include Konza city, a proposed Technology City in Machakos. Isiolo is one of the three proposed resort cities, the other two are Diani in Kwale and Kilifi. The government has also notably proposed an additional two cities, one at Kalokol in Turkana and Lamu. The area that has been set up to accommodate the resort city in Isiolo is more than six thousand acres and the entire project is expected to cost approximately 19 billion shillings.

The talk on Isiolo’s potential new look was everywhere compelling me to finally visit the Resort destination. Isiolo was never shy of offering its promising future and made my work easier in obtaining the information. The warm environment of Isiolo makes you remember Mombasa without any nostalgia. The proposed city is surrounded by astounding sceneries, to the north there is Buffalo Springs, Shaba National Park to the east and Samburu Game park and Ewaso Ngiro river to the west. Crowning it all, the southern part is marked with the world acclaimed Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Isiolo is a cosmopolitan town inhabited by many communities which distinctly include the Boran, Somali, Turkana, Samburu, Meru and Rendille. This composition validates its rapid growth and development. The facilities expected from the city are three to six star hotels, international standard conference centers, theaters, golf courses, and museums. Some of the resident expressed their anticipations for the changeover, but others claimed it is a theorist idea. This is a view confirmed when we engaged with some of the locals. Most believed that the frenzy around the area was due to speculators trying to cash in.

The ethnic conflict in the area has become a big challenge and in the recent past and has led to displacement of hundreds of people and violent clashes. These conflicts are variant some are politically instigated while others are water and pastoral land related. However, the people of Isiolo are hospitable offering a great getaway for tourist. The other inevitable challenge has been the scramble for land in the area by investors, most of who have duped the locals to sell their land.

As I was strolling in the town I came across some middle-aged men seated under an acacia tree chewing khat, popularly known as Miraa (Miraa trade is a big business in the area due to its high demand and availability from the neighboring Meru County). The men had crowded in a group talking in turns of how the area had changed in the recent past. But it was one of the men’s sentiments that caught my attention, he bitterly lamented of the perceived invasion by outsiders and how he had lost his three acre piece of land.

After going round the town we relaxed at the Bomen Hotel located down town for a cold drink and I had to take time to digest the spectacular scenes of the area. They serve nice tea! (I would be guilty of credit due). I regret of having not captured the wonderful scenes in my camera. Visiting the proposed Resort city was a great honour. I will be back soon.