Total Awarded Offshore L22 License in Lamu Basin

On Wednesday, Leading oil marketer Total announced that it had signed a production-sharing contract with the Kenyan government for Block L22 in the Lamu Basin to explore oil in depth of 2,000-3,500 meters.

Total’s Vice President for Exploration & Production in Africa, Jacques Marraud des Grottes said that the award was in line with the group’s strategy of building a strong presence in the new basins of East Africa offering high potential plays for exploration by leveraging their internationally reputed offshore expertise.

The deal is being received in the country with a lot of optimism after Tullow Oil discovered oil in Turkana’s Ngamia-1.

In other oil news: Tullow Oil has stopped the drilling of its well in Turkana’s Ngamia-1 well after it struck an unexpected geological formation. The company will soon assess its commercial viability and possibly move its drilling rig to its second well.

RIP Geoffrey Kareithi

Kenya’s longest serving head of civil services Geoffrey Kareithi died on Wednesday. The president in his message of condolence has mourned the late Kareithi as a loyal and committed public servant who served the nation with diligence and dedication.

He served as the head of civil service between 1967 and 1979 a record 12 years in which he oversaw the transition after Kenyatta’s death.

He also served the nation as a Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency and as an Assistant minister.  

Ezekiel Kemboi charged with stabbing

3000m steeplechase world champion Ezekiel Kemboi is alleged of assaulting a businesswoman in Eldoret on Wednesday night. The woman, Ann Njeri Otieno claims that the athlete stabbed her after a drinking spree with him and later declining his advances.

Kemboi who also doubles as a police officer has denied the charges

Nairobi’s City Council budget 2012/2013

On Thursday, the Nairobi’s City council unveiled its 15.5 billion shillings budget for the year 2012/2013 at City hall. With Sh4.4 billion of the 15.5 billion being drawn from the Central government’s consolidated fund.

The council’s finance committee chair Michael Okumu said that Sh139.3 million would go to the expansion of education facilities within the city.

Other allocations included:

Sh1 billion will go to improvement of road and council premises.

Sh168 million has been set aside for street lighting programme.

Sh75 million will be directed towards the completion of projects in the management and planning of the city.

Sh68.2 million will go to rehabilitation and expansion of 6 health centers, crematoriums and acquisition of ambulances.

The council has planned to raise its revenue mainly from land rates of Sh2.8 billion, business permits of Sh0.9 billion and parking fees to a tune of Sh1.4 billion.

Dr. Charles Mulli Father to the Fatherless

Charles Mulli is the founder of Mully Children’s Family (MCF) mission that has helped more than 7,000 street children and orphans since its inception in 1989.

Mulli’s story is one of a street kid who rose from poverty and suffering to a millionaire and a father to street children, orphans and neglected children. In 1989, he shocked his family by choosing to give away his entire wealth and bringing three street children into their home.

Pork Delights Ltd awarded at the African Diaspora Marketplace II

Kenya’s Pork Delights was among 17 startup businesses in Africa that were awarded for their innovation in business at an event held in Washington DC, US. Each awardee of the African Diaspora Marketplace is expected to receive an investment grant of up to $70000 to further their ventures.

Pork Delights Limited (PDL) is an agribusiness pig farming company that is owned by four local farmers. The company has recently ventured into the Renewable energy sector with introduction of Biogas and High Efficiency Organic Fertilizer (HEOF) production.

This year’s competition received over 500 submissions from all over the world. Entrepreneurs compete for the grant as an investment in their startups.

African Diaspora Marketplace is organized by the Western Union in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

 Other sponsors of the event include; Ecobank, Tony Elumelu Foundation, U.S department of State, African Capacity Building Foundation, Irv Barr Management and the George Washington University Centre for International Business Education and Research.  

The other Kenyan winners were:

Kenya’s African Boreholes initiative Ltd – Agribusiness

Kenya’s Infinity PLC - Information Communication Technologies (ICT)

Weightlifting wild card at the Olympics

Kenya has received a wild card slot in weightlifting for the London Olympics. On Monday, the National champion Mercy Obiero Apondi received a chance to represent the nation in the Olympics by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

Vegpro Group expands to Ghana

Kenya’s Vegpro Group a leading vegetable and flower exporter seeks to develop a 1070-hectare farm in Ghana to meet its growing demand for horticultural products from consumers in Europe.

The International Finance Corporation announced on June 15^th that it had invested $7 million to support the company’s expansion into the West African nation.

The group will also offer 800 smallholder farmers in Ghana access to international markets alongside improving infrastructure for agribusiness.

Vegpro Group, founded in 1979 by KC Patel and Bharat Patel operates seven large horticulture farms in Naivasha, Kenya and deals in cut flowers and fresh vegetables. 

2012 Public Service Day at KICC

The Public Service Day was marked on Monday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). The event coincided with the tenth anniversary of United Nations Public Service Day that was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Public Service minister Dalmas Otieno led the Civil service in the country to mark the day. In his speech, he urged the various ministries to allocate resources for promoting innovation.

The highlights for the event were the various awards given to innovations showcased. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in partnership with the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) was awarded the innovation award for their Cheque Truncation System (CTS) and Credit Information Sharing (CTS) initiative.  

Another innovation that was applauded was Kenya Defense Forces’ outdoor diesel cooker unit, which uses only 40 litres to cook for 300 people in a week. The diesel powered field kitchen is already being used in Somalia to prepare meals for the forces while battling the Al Shaabab militia.  

In the medical category, Unipron’s SMUGEL was honoured for its human lubricating gel used to prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

In the 2012 United Nations Public Services Awards, Kenya’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation was the second place winner in the promoting Gender-responsive Delivery of Public Services category. The ministry was honoured for its Gender integration in the water sector initiative. 

Kibaki honoured by Brazilian industrialists

President Mwai Kibaki was awarded the prestigious Medal of Industrial Merit by the Federation of Industries of the State Sao Paulo while attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Kibaki was honoured with the medal for his outstanding efforts towards promoting entrepreneurship and industrial development in Kenya.

In bestowing the medal, the President of the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo, Mr. Paulo Skaf congratulated Kibaki’s turning of Kenya’s economy around despite numerous domestic and external challenges.

Mr. Skaf said that the president had laid sound basis for future industrial development through sound policies envisaged in Vision 2030.  

In his appreciation, the President remarked that the award was an appreciation of Kenyan’s effort towards industrial development.

Kibaki also took the chance to invite Brazilian investors to explore investment opportunities in the country stating there were a wide range of lucrative opportunities in the energy, infrastructure, and tourism sectors.

Kenya Airways appoints Aferixmbank for fleet expansion

On Monday, KQ the leading Sub-Saharan airline announced it had picked the Africa Export-Import Bank to fund its acquisition of 20 new aircrafts.

The national carrier is planning to spend the $3.6 billion over the next five years to increase its fleet and routes in order to serve regional and international destinations.

Cairo-based Aferixmbank will finance the purchase of 10 Embraer-190s from Brazilian Embraer, 9 Boeing 787-800s (Dreamliners) from Boeing Co., and one Boeing 777-300ER.

Afreximbank is a multilateral financial institution established in 1993, which promotes the development of trade in the Africa region.

2012 BAA 10k: Geoffrey Mutai shines

The 2011 Boston Marathon winner, Geoffrey Mutai had an impressive dash to the finish line to win this year’s Boston Athletics Association (B.A.A) 10k in a time of 27:29s. The defending champion was 10 seconds shot of breaking his own course record.

Compatriot Phillip Langat came in second clocking 27:53s while Ethiopia’s Ali Abdosh settled for third place in a time of 28:21.

In the women’s race New Zealand’s Kimberly Smith won in 31:36, followed by Ethiopia’s Aheza Kiros (31:57) while Kenya’s Sharon Cherop finished third in 32:03. 2011 champion and record holder Caroline Kilel finished fifth in 32:40.
The 12^th annual B.A.A Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 7 in Boston.

In football news: Victor Wanyama who has hinted out that he is open to a move to the English Premier League is being monitored closely by English side Newcastle United.

According to [Peterlee Star ] the Magpies are keeping an eye at the midfielder who is valued at about £7m and would serve as a replacement for Cheik Tiote.

Grenade attack in Mombasa Mishomoroni

Late Sunday evening, there was a reported grenade attack at a bar in Mishomoroni area, Kisauni 10kms from Mombasa city. one person is feared dead and several injured in the late evening attack. Emergency services and the police are at the scene.

The attack comes a day after the United States issued a travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to Mombasa following intelligence reports of an impending terror threat in the tourist hub. They suspended their government travel to Mombasa until July 1, 2012.

Music Legends to be honored by MCSK

Departed music sensations will be honoured in the inaugural Music Copy Right Society of Kenya (MCSK) gala night, to be held at the Laico Regency’s Crystal Ballroom this coming month.

The late rapper E-Sir will be among the music legends to be celebrated at the exclusive dinner. Other departed musicians to be recognized for their contribution to the Kenyan music industry include Habel Kifoto, Mary Atieno, Queen Jane, Kakai Kilonzo, Jacob Luseno, and DO Misiani.

Liza Mucheru is Justin Bieber’s ‘Girlfriend’ Brand Ambassador

Liza Mucheru Wisner, the former Apprentice contestant has struck an endorsement deal with Macy’s, to become the brand ambassador for Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s ‘Girlfriend’ new perfume.

The perfume is the teen’s pop star second release after his ‘Someday’. ‘Someday’ was a big success last year, earning over $3 million in just three weeks at Macy’s Herald Square. The new scent debuted on 18^th June in New York.

Just like ‘Someday’, the new perfume has a charity approach as its proceeds go towards Pencils of Promise (PoP), an organization that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world.

Liza Mucheru Wisner was among the 16 contestants who competed to run one of American billionaire Donald Trump’s businesses, in the 10^th season of NBC reality TV series of Apprentice in 2010.

For the promo images visit her Facebook album on "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend Perfume - Macy's Promo"

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Justin Bieber's Girlfriend Perfume Ad 

Bieber's brand new fragrance commercial features him caressing a girl's hand, in the background , 'Boyfriend' plays. *Leaves Selena Gomez a bit Green*

The flirty ad has the unseen woman spraying his fragrance and caressing his neck and hands.

Check out the official video

Kenya prevail at 2012 Standard Chartered KL Marathon

It was all Kenyan at the finish line with our long distance runners dominating the 2012 Standard Chartered KL Marathon that was held on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 42.2km men marathon was won by the defending champion Kennedy Kiproo Lilan who clocked 2’14:45. The recently crowned 2012 BII-Maybank Marathon winner was followed by fellow countryman Charles Mwai Kanyao and Japhet Kipchirchir Kipkorir who recorded times of 2’15:22 and 2’16:37 respectively.

Elizabeth Cheruyiot Chemwemo won the 42.2km women’s marathon recording her personal best of 2’40:24. Ethiopia’s Tigist Memuye Gebeyahu came second ahead of Kenya’s Rose Kerubo Nyangacha who clocked 2’41:00.

OPIC grants Wananchi Group $72 million loan

U.S. Government’s development finance institution, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has awarded Wananchi Group Holdings a $72 million (Ksh 6 billion) direct loan to expand its high-speed internet, television, and telephone services in the East African region.

The Nairobi based company is expecting to use the loan that was approved last week to finance the building of fibre-optic cable lines in Kenya. The venture will offer high-speed internet, television programming and voice-over internet telephonic services in the country.

Wananchi Group will also provide PayTV via satellite directly to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, while in the other East African countries deploy agents.

Wananchi Group Holdings, who own the popular brand ‘Zuku’ boasts of being the region’s leading provider of PayTV, broadband internet and VoIP services.

OPIC is a US development finance institution that mobilizes private capital for investment purposes, at the same advancing U.S. foreign policy.

The 2012 Kenya Olympic Team Unveiled

Top Kenyan athletes battled for the London Olympics ticket at the Nyayo National Stadium early this morning.

In the 5,000m women’s race, Vivian Cheruiyot cruised to the finish in 16:08.08 followed by Sally Kipyego in 16:09.49. Former 10,000m champion Linet Masai misses out of the Olympic team after being locked out of top three finishes.

In the 800m men’s, Favourite David Rudisha dominated to win his ticket to the 2012 London Olympics. World youth championships bronze medalist Timothy Kiptum came second.

Kenya Tourism Awards 2012

The awards gala night was held on Friday at the Carnivore grounds. The awards themed ‘Diversify, Sustain and Celebrate Tourism’ welcomed the visiting Morocco Tourism Federation and kicked off after a performance by Jazz Maestro Joseph Hellon.

Here are the winners:

TV Journalist Award – Steve Mwai and Francis Mutegi of NTV

Newspaper Journalist Award – Peter Muiruri of Standard Newspaper

 Digital Media Award – Eat Out Kenya of www.eatout.co.ke

Best City Accommodation Facility Award – Intercontinental Nairobi

Best Beach Accommodation Facility – Sarova White Sands Beach Resort & Spa cc.   

Best Lodge Accommodation Facility – Sarova Mara Game Camp cc.

Best Accommodation Facility – small Lodge Award – Tortilis Camp

Best Magazine Award – Leisure & Travel Guides EA

Air Operator of the Year Award – AirKenya Express

Travel Agency Award – Express Travel Group  

Tour Operator of the Year Award – Cheli & Peacock

Support & Integration with Local Community Award – Porini Camps

Best Entertainment Facility Award – Carnivore’s Simba Salon

Medium Size Tour Operator of the Year Award – Exotic Golf Safaris

The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) in partnership with Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) organizes the awards.

In other News: Kenya Bankers Association has been nominated for State Innovation Awards 

RIP: Prof Caleb Okumu Crispo EBS

Prof Caleb Okumu Chrispo
(photo courtesy: kenyapolytechnic.ac.ke)

Prof Caleb died today morning at the Nairobi Hospital after being admitted yesterday. He was the chairperson of the Kenya Music Festival.

He was also the Executive Dean, Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies and Professor in Music in the School of Creative and Performing arts at Kenya Polytechnic University College (KPUC).

Prof. Okumu who was also lectured in Maseno University was in the Advisory Board of the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IJHSS).

Prof. Okumu had taught music for more than 35 years and was recently awarded the Elder of Burning Spear (EBS) by President Mwai Kibaki for his service in the field of music.

RIP

HKLM Group in Nairobi

Harwood Kirsten Leigh McCoy (HKLM) Group, a strategic brand and communications design consultancy has opened its office in Nairobi. The multi-disciplinary branding agency focuses on emerging markets to help build brands and nurture their reputations.

The Nairobi office will serve the Sub-Saharan Africa, with interest in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

MD of Gina Din Corporate Communications, Gina Din Karuiki will be the chairperson of HKLM Nairobi while Jerry Nyagah will be its managing director. Nyagah has been in the advertising business for over 10 years and has served big clients such as Safaricom, Virgin Atlantic, Nivea, Stanbic, Nivea and Nissan.

The South African company boasts of reputable clients that include Nedbank, Transnet, Glo, Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore, Standard Bank and the University of Johannesburg.

StratLink Global brings its services to Kenya

International Business Advisory Consulting Group Brings Global Insights and Services to Kenya

According to PRWeb press release, StratLink Global LLC an international business advisory firm, has chosen Nairobi to be the focus city, and host of, its new African regional office as it expands its global footprint. The launch, more than a year in the planning, comes after an extensive review of potential options on the continent; ending with the company concluding that Nairobi was the best choice for its new venture in the region.

“We’re very excited to be in Kenya, and in Nairobi in particular,” said Konstantin Makarov, Director, StratLink Global - Africa, “In the end, we chose Nairobi because it offers us access to a readily available, world-class talent pool of local professionals, and a base located at the heart of the largest economy in East Africa.”

With the opening of its new Nairobi arm, the firm brings its proven approach to tackling client challenges to Africa. Blending quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, StratLink helps clients to find the answers to the complex questions around entry into new markets and to properly deploy capital. Incorporating detailed business analysis, market research, and uniquely local market knowledge; StratLink insights provide a roadmap for its clients; helping them manage risk and achieve their strategic objectives. Clients also appreciate the firm’s focus on service and adding value at every stage of a project, as well as StratLink’s ability to develop long-term relationships with its clients.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in New York, StratLink has been steadily extending its international presence, serving clients in Eastern Europe, Asia and now Africa. Priding itself on developing and leveraging local knowledge in each of the regions, StratLink since its launch has been heavily recruiting in Kenya for professionals to join its global team. Over the next year, StratLink plans to continue to expand the office locally, as well as develop its network across Africa. The firm anticipates growing to over ten local professionals by 2013.

About StratLink Global, LLC.

StratLink Global is a international business advisory services company based in New York with offices in Budapest, Kuala Lumpur, and Nairobi. With specialist knowledge of Emerging Market risks and dynamics, StratLink helps to guide firms through the complex world of international expansion; deployment of capital and identification of new business transactions; helping clients make sound decisions that support their strategic objectives and deliver solid return on investment.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/6/prweb9619959.htm

Source: Stratlink Global LLC

Rudisha, Kiprop,Yego qualify for trials final

World 800m champion and record holder David Rudisha who recently set his season’s best of 1:41.74 in the US cruised to win the 800m heat in 1:44.0.

In the 1500m heat 2, Beijing gold medalist Asbel Kiprop won in 3:49.8 beating World Juniors Silver medalist, James Magut who came in 3:50.3. In the second heat, Diamond League winner Nixon Chepseba won in 3:44.1 and World silver medalist Silas Kiplagat came second in 3:44.4.

In the 5000m heat 1, Isaiah Kiplagat was followed by Olympics silver medalist Eliud Kipchoge while Thomas Longosiwa won heat 2 in 13:30.6.

Olympics bronze winner Alfred Kirwa Yego came third in 1:46.2 and will join the rest in Saturday’s final.

The trials that took place at the Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday saw rising stars show impressive performances. Isle of Man and Lille’s World Youth winner Timothy Kitum came second to Rudisha clocking 1:44.2. Job Kinyor clocked 1:45.6 to win the 2^nd 800m heat.

Commonwealth champion Boaz Lalang did not qualify for the finals after dropping out with 200m to go.

In football news; Victor Wanyama who had been linked with a move to English top clubs will remain at Scottish side Celtic for another season.

World Bank grants Kenya $600 million

On Thursday, World Bank said it would lend Kenya $600 million (Ksh 50 billion) to finance the restoration of Nairobi’s infrastructure and improve the water and sewer systems in major towns.

Through an emailed statement from its Country Director Johannes Zutt, World Bank will give $330 million (Ksh 25.2 billion) to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project (NAMSIP) directed to improve infrastructure.

An additional $300 million (Ksh 21 billion) has been lent to improve water and sanitation services in Nairobi and other major towns and also to mitigate drought.

The projects are targeted to keep up with the rapid rural-urban migration being experienced in the capital. The funds will be used to upgrade the drainage, street lighting, sidewalks, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management in the towns.

Areas within the Nairobi Metropolitan that will benefit include Thika, Ngong, Ongata Rongai, Juja, Ruiru, Mavako, Kangundo, Limuru, Kikuyu and Kitengela.

The two loans have repayment period of 40 years and include a 10-year grace period.

Volkswagen’s MAN to build power plant in Kenya

Germany-based Volkswagen’s MAN has agreed to build a diesel and steam driven power plant in Thika Town. This comes after a unit of Volkswagen AG-controlled MAN Diesel & Turbo SE won a contract to build the plant, which will generate about 95 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.

Thika Power Limited, a subsidiary of Lebanon’s Matelec Group will host the turnkey power station, which is expected to supply energy to the Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC). The MAN diesel engines will produce 88 megawatts of electricity while the waste heat from the engines will power the steam turbines to generate a further 6.8 megawatts.

The Turnkey project that is ongoing will be in operation in 2013. For the entire press release visit MAN Diesel & Turbo website

In other news: Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) will transform from a toll refinery to a merchant refinery on 1^st July of this year.

The Mombasa-based refinery has received $250 million (Ksh 21 billion) in working capital from Standard Chartered Bank to finance the upgrade.

Transformation to a merchant refinery means it will import crude oil, process and sell its product to oil marketers.

Nairobi to host 2012 BFMA Conference

The fourth Annual Broadcast, Film & Music Africa (BFMA) Conference will take place from 10 – 11 July 2012 at the Oshwal Centre, Westlands in Nairobi.

The event themed ‘Innovation, Investment and partnerships for local content and service excellence’ will have over 400 participants. BFMA is organized by AITEC Africa.

East Africa will be buzzing with film personalities, as BFMA will coincide with neighboring Tanzania’s Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) that take place from 7 – 15 July.

Kenya’s Film industry will be represented with CEO of Kenya Film Commission Peter Mutie, MD for Supersport Africa Gary Rathbone, MD Africa for Intermedia Vivien Marie, and Joe Otin of Research and Monitoring director at Ipsos Synovate. The founder of the East Africa Documentary Network, Mukura Were will make a special presentation titled “local content development, success, and hurdles”.

In attendance from West Africa’s Film industry, will be Nollywood artistes, agents, and film executives. Speakers at the conference in the occasion include Director of iROKOng Michael Ugwu, CEO of iROKOtv Jason Njoku, Sola Green of Media Made in Africa, Eric Idiahi CEO of Nigeria’s Spinlet and Royal Roots Communications Gregory Olumuya.

For more details, visit AITEC Africa 

KTDA honoured in Unilever Partner Awards

The Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd (KTDA) was among other firms that were awarded in the 2012 Unilever Partners to Win Awards after winning through the sustainability category. The tea management agency was honored because of its sustainable agriculture practices at a ceremony held in London.

The “Partner to Win Awards” celebrate and reward suppliers who, over the past year, have made a significant contribution to Unilever in various categories that include innovation, business integration, sustainability, service excellence and capacity & capacity building.

KTDA currently serves more than 560,000 small-scale farmers in the country. Joint efforts between the agency and Unilever have also rolled out over 500 Farmers Field Schools (FFS) nationwide and they are targeting the number to increase to 3,900 by 2015.

Unilever is a world-leading supplier of consumer goods with operation in over 100 countries and sale in 180 countries. The company asserts that its products are used more than 2 billion times a day globally.

Petrocity reveals Konza’s Oil Facility

Petrocity Enterprises Ltd, a global petroleum trader has unveiled a Ksh 1.5 billion oil terminal that is to be situated at Konza on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.  

The refinery, whose construction commenced in January 2012, will cater to the country’s growing demand for fuel by increasing supply of petroleum products on the market.

Petrocity Managing Director Aman Kurji pointed out that the country should go for pipeline transportation, which is far much cheaper than truck transportation. Adoption of this form would save the nation Ksh 2 to Ksh 4 per litre thus reducing price at the pump.

The petroleum marketer will use an advanced stock-controlling computerized system established by American Conglomerate Company Honeywell, to offer oil marketers with instant and live stock standings.

The new strategic refinery will compliment the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) in Changamwe, Mombasa.

In other news, Kenol Kobil has issued a profit warning for six months ending June. The Kenyan oil marketer has cited high financing costs, foreign exchange losses, and falling international oil prices to the reduced profit.

Francis Kimanzi dropped as national coach

On Tuesday, Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi was sacked and the technical bench band disbanded by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). This comes after the disappointing performance of the national team that has also led football veterans call for an overhaul of the entire team and its technical bench.

Stars hopes to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations were dashed by the 1 – 0 defeat by Togo’s Hawks. Despite Kimanzi’s dismissal, he has been appointed to the position of FKF technical director as the country searches for a new coach.

However, the FKF Vice chairman Sammy Sholei has hinted out that Kenya may now embrace a foreign coach, as local coaches have not spurred the team to success.

In other sport news, NOCK chairman Dr. Kipchoge Keino will be awarded the Freedom of Bristol City. Stephen Arap Soi, the Kenyan Olympics Team leader broke the news on Tuesday. He will be bestowed the honour on July 5^th in the United Kingdom.

Keino will hence become the second recipient of the honour after the former British Prime Minister, the late Sir Winston Churchill.

Kilimo Salama initiative awarded

Kilimo Salama, micro-insurance programme won the 2012 Financial Times’/ International Finance Corporation award for Technology in Sustainable Finance at a gala dinner in London’s Landmark Hotel. The index-based insurance cover compensates farmers when they experience produce loss as a result of adverse weather.

Kilimo Salama (Swahili for ‘safe farming’) is a partnership between UAP Insurance Company Ltd and Swiss-based Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA).

The program uses individuals’ cell phones and weather stations to provide farmers with affordable and simple insurance on a pay-as-you-plant basis.

 Currently about 64,000 farmers in the country have taken up the cover for next season and plans are underway to expand to other countries in the region beginning with Rwanda.

The awards that are in their 7^th year, attracted this year 161 entries from 145 financial institutions and   36 non-financial groups in 67 countries.

Standard Chartered was named Global Sustainable Bank of the Year while South Africa’s Nedbank was the regional winner of Africa /Middle East.

World Bank Forecasts Kenya’s 2012-2013 GDP Growth at 5%

On Monday, World Bank said that Kenya’s economy would grow at 5 per cent in 2012 and 2013. However, it remains vulnerable to both domestic and global shocks that may reduce it 4.1 per cent. The global lender also said that the country’s economy grew at 4.4 per cent last year.

The World Bank addressing reporters in Nairobi gave caution that Kenya needs to rebalance its economy, increase savings, and create more incentives for exports.

Other issues that were noted include; the political uncertainty before next year’s elections that may shun investors after the post election violence of 2007 and the current Europe Debt Crisis, which may affect tourist to the country and reduce demand for exports.

A drastic interest rate reduction may reverse foreign exchange inflows and cause currency volatility, according to the World Bank statement.

The current account deficit soared to 13.1 per cent of GDP last year and is expected to increase to 15 per cent according to World Bank forecasts. To cater for this government needs to promote manufacturing investments, remove regulatory and regional trade hurdles.

It also urged the government to introduce policies to control consumption-led growth and encourage savings and investment in the country.

Source: Bloomberg.com

Korean Air apologizes for ‘Primitive’ Ad

The offensive promo which appeared on the airline’s website, led to Kenyans venting their fury on social media (Twitter and Facebook).

Here is what the promotion advert that appeared on www.koreanair.com said:
Korean Air will become the first air carrier in Northeast Asia to extend flight services to Nairobi. Fly to Nairobi with Korean Air and enjoy the grand African savanna, the safari tour, and the indigenous people full of primitive energy.

Muthui Kariuki, who is in charge of the Korean Air’s public relations said that the promo had been removed from the website and says the word ‘primitive’ mistake was because of a translation from Korean to English.

However, some thought the blunder was just a simple international marketing gimmick that may have got the required attention.

Korean Air will begin flights between Seoul and Nairobi on Thursday June 21.

Nairobi to host world accountants’ conference

Nairobi will for the first time host at least 36 members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) global governing council from June 21-23.

The biannual meeting themed ‘Accountants for Business in Africa – Supporting Growth, shaping the future’, will discuss economic growth, business opportunities, and challenges for the accountancy profession in Africa.  

The global profession accounting body conducts regular meetings for its Governing Council and previous ones have been held in Central and Eastern Europe and South East Asia.

The Chief Executive Officer of ACCA, Helen Brand said the decision to hold the Inaugural Africa Meeting in Nairobi was guided by Kenya being a central economic hub in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ACCA supports 154,000 members and 432,000 students in 170 countries in the world with a global rise in membership of 4.8 per cent or 7,000 while over 70,000 new students started the quest for the certification.

The event would also see the induction of new members.

Baroness Karen Blixen ‘Isak Dinesen’

Karen Blixen August, 1928 aged 43
(photo courtesy of karenblixen.com)

Popularly known by her pseudonym Isak Dinesen, Karen Blixen was a Danish author famous for ‘Out Of Africa’, her account of living in Kenya. Karen was born on 17 April 1885 in Rungsted, Denmark. Blixen was known for writing in Danish and French but wrote in English, when living on a coffee farm in Kenya (1914 – 1931).

“God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road ”

A memorable quote by Karen

Stars out of the 2013 AFCON

Sunday evening, wasn’t a good evening for Kenya after Hawks of Togo defeated Harambee Stars and its coach Kimazi given matching orders in the 75^th minute. Kenya is now out of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after the 1 -0 return match loss in Stade de Kegue in Lome, Togo. The goal scorers were Serge Gagkpe who scored in the 59^th minute.

In the first leg Stars won 2 – 1, however, Hawk’s lone goal in Nyayo National Stadium knocks Kenya out of the African Cup that kicks off on 7^th – 9^th September 2012.

[In other news] AFC Leopards have done their National elections, reelecting the incumbent chairman Alex Ole Magelo unopposed. AFC Leopards had a good start in the battle for the KPL title under head coach Jan Koops but has been overshadowed by wrangles in the club.

The other officials who were elected at the Nyayo National Stadium include:

Winston Kitui was elected as the Secretary General

Bernard Murunga will serve as the Deputy Secretary General

Distell, KWAL part ways

South Africa’s leading wine producer and distributor, Distell, has ended a 14-year partnership with Kenya Wine Agencies Ltd (KWAL).

KWAL had been bottling and distributing the South African Company’s wines and spirits that include popular brands Amarula, Viceroy among others. Distell Wine Masters has announced its plan to directly manage its products in the region, with a manufacturing plant and local distributions on its main agenda.    

Distell Wine Masters general manager James Wahome cited that the rising competition in the industry could only be managed by direct investment in the country and maintaining active involvement in local and regional marketing and distribution activities.

The brewery market in Kenya is highly competitive with Keroche Industries increased marketing and Re-entry of South Africa’s brewers SABMiller.

Kenyans at the Grandma’s Marathon

On Saturday, Everlyne Lagat won the women’s division of the 36^th Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. She recorded a time of 2:33:14 in what is United States 13^th largest marathon.

In the men’s division, Ethiopia’s Girma Berhanu was the winner finishing in 2:12:25 after defeating fellow compatriot Chala Lemi. Former Grandma Winner Lamech Mokono of Kenya came in third at 2:13:58.

In Rugby, the England Counties XV beat the Elgon Warriors 34 -16 at the KRFU Grounds ending their East Africa Tour.

In Soccer, the friendly match between Gor Mahia and defending champions Thika United ended in a barren draw. However, Gor mahia redeemed themselves with 3-1 on post-match penalties giving them momentum ahead of the second round of KPL that starts next week.

Nairobi set to host IWA Development Congress

Nairobi will play host to the next IWA Development Congress and Exhibition, which will take place in November 2013 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

The congress will be jointly organised by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) and Water Services Providers Associations of Kenya (WASPA).

South Africa and Morocco who were in contention lost the bid to Kenya. This will be the third edition of the conference, following on the successful events in Mexico City in 2009 and Kuala Lumpur in 2011.

Source: International Water Association (IWA) 

Chelsea after Victor Wanyama

Champions League winners Chelsea has now led clubs that want to sign Kenyan defensive midfielder Victor Mugubi Wanyama.
Robert Di Matteo who was named on Wednesday permanent Chelsea manager on a two-year contract, sees the Wanyama as a long-term replacement for injury prone Michael Essien.

Recently it was reported that English sides Liverpool, StokeCity, QPR, West Ham, and Newcastle have shown interest in the midfielder whose manager Rob Moore confirmed he would leave Celtic FC this summer and wants to play for a top flight side.

Wanyama has had a successful first season at the Scottish side Celtic who bought him from Belgian Beerschot last year. The 20-year-old will become the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League if any of these side signs him.

Source: Daily Express

Cheruiyot, Chepkirui, Kipyego earn London tickets

Double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot got direct qualification for the 5,000 and 10,000 metres in the London Games after winning the national trials on Friday. Compatriot Joyce Chepkirui will join her in the 10,000 metres after finishing second in 32:26.71.

Eugene-based world silver medalist Sally Kipyego also made to the squad by coming third in the trials that were held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. 

However, it was disappointment to Berlin 2009 World Champion Linet Masai who dropped out of the race with four laps to go.

The final team selection will be done on June 23^rd   where Athletics Kenya seeks to select the other part of the squad that will represent Kenya in the London Games which open on July 27.

Mak’Onyango awarded Ksh 20m in damages

Former Alego Usonga MP Otieno Mak’Onyango has been compensated 20 million for wrongly detention during the retired president Daniel Moi’s regime. Mak’ Onyango who was also a journalist with the Standard Newspaper was arrested and detained for treason during the 1982 abortive coup.

During the Friday ruling, High court judge Kalpana Rawal noted that Mr. Mak’Onyango had lost five years without his family and his rights had been violated, something which could not be wished away. Thus the Ksh20 million was a fairer and reasonable amount to compensate him.

Mr. Mak’Onyango had sued the state and former President in his suit, which he took to represent himself. In his building of a strong case he managed to call witnesses notably, Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was among those he was detained with.

He had alleged that he was held incommunicado and tortured during his unlawful detention. However, the High Court exonerated the former president, ruling that there was no evidence of personal misconduct in his detention and that it was the office of the Attorney General that was liable.

Kenya Profile

BBC News has marked the chronology events in the Kenyan history starting with when 600 Arabs arrived at the coast until to the recent Al-Shabab militia attack in the Nairobi capital in May. The profile is backed by brief insightful statements of important days in the country’s history.

A flash insight into the profile that is categorized into Early Kenya, Mau Mau, Independence, Moi Era, Multi-party, Embassy Bomb, Kibaki Era, Constitution and Somali campaign:

1920 – East African Protectorate becomes colony of Kenya.

1963 – Kenya gains independence, with Kenyatta as the prime minister.

1966 – Jaramogi Odinga leaves KANU and forms Kenya People’s Union (KPU).

1978 – Daniel arap Moi succeeds Kenyatta after his death in office.

1991 – Multiparty party is introduced after a long struggle

1998 – The US Embassy is bombed claiming 224 lives and scores injured

2002 – Mwai Kibaki gets a landslide win to become the third president of the nation

2007 – The disputed presidential elections claims over 1,500 lives

2010 – The new constitution wins the referendum

2012 – Al Shabab attack Assanands House in the CBD leaving more than 30 injured and 1 succumbs to her injuries in hospital

For the entire profile visit BBC News website 

   

Kenya Budget 2012/2013

Here is a snapshot of the 2012/2013 budget statement read by Finance Minister Robinson Githae.

This year’s budget was a record Ksh 1.45 Trillion and infrastructural projects in the country were the biggest gainers.

Ksh 268.1 Billion has been set aside for infrastructure development.

Orphans and vulnerable children will receive Ksh 4.4 Billion while deserving elderly people will receive 2,000 monthly from the Ksh 1 Billion Fund.

Bright orphans were allocated Ksh 1.1 Billion for their bursary.

Kenya Youth Empowerment project will receive Ksh 490 million while the Youth Enterprise and Women Funds have been boosted by Ksh 450 million and Ksh 550 million respectively.

CCTV will be installed in the Central Business District at a cost of 4.15 Billion

Ksh 148 Billion for the county governments.

Ksh 1.8 Billion for resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Education sector gets Ksh 233 Billion:
                                    Ksh 300 million for sanitary towels for poor girls in the country

                                    1.8 Billion for classes

                                     Free Secondary education has been given 19.3 Billion

Ksh 1 Billion to enforce the Alcohol Control Act popularly known as the ‘Mututho Law’

IEBC will receive Ksh 17.5 Billion

Health sector: Ksh 85 Billion that is expected to employ 5,200 health workers and 900 doctors

Inputs for Medical Kits will be exempted from duty

 Increase in duty of galvanized wire from a zero-rating to 10% in order to protect local industries.

Agriculture: Ksh 8 Billion for irrigation

       Ksh 10 Billion for Agribusiness

       Duty on food supplements will be reduced from 10% to 0%

       Ksh 1.5 Billion to write off Farmer’s debts  

Roadblocks and weighbridges to be removed so as to ease trade in the region.

Ksh 1.45 Billion for rail commuter system

Ksh 83.5 Billion allocated for security

Zero-rate duty on set-top boxes that will be used in digital TV migration

KRA will embark on mapping all residential areas to ensure all landlords are brought into the tax net and all rental income taxes are paid.

Duty on secondhand cloths (Mitumba) import to be reduced.

Other things to note on the budget are; No tax exemptions by virtue of holding public office, Banks to absorb liability of omissions and commissions of their agents and recommendation of introduction of laws to regulate the scrap metal business. The government has suffered greatly from vandalism on railway lines and theft of road signs, breaking of the proposed law will lead to a fine of Ksh 1 million.

Grab a copy of the Budget Highlights 2012-2013 

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.

Kenyan among five 2012 Rolex Laureates

Aggrey Otieno hosting a Radio Show
(Photo Courtesy of Pambazukomashinani.org)

Aggrey Willis Otieno was among five individuals that were named to receive the 2012 Rolex Global Award for Enterprise on Wednesday in London. The award ceremony will take place on 27^th November 2012 in New Delhi, India.

The five Laureates from their respective continents have been honored because of their projects, which are driven to touch humanity, protect endangered wildlife and the ecosystems.

Aggrey Otieno was born and bred in Korogocho slums before later joining Ohio University in the United States. He came up with an innovative solution for pregnant women living far from medical facilities and clinics.

He was honored for his remarkable efforts in increasing access to obstetric care for pregnant women and their babies by establishing a Telemedicine Centre in Korogocho. He will become the first Kenyan to win the prestigious award.

The other recipients are Erika Cuellar of Bolivia, Mark Kendall of Australia, Sergei Bereznuk of Russia, and Barbara Block of the United States.

They will each receive cash rewards of 100,000 Swiss Francs (approx Ksh 8.9 million) and a luxury Rolex chronometer wristwatch.

Rolex Awards for Enterprise were founded in 1976 to recognize and give support to people with exception ideas in the fields of science and health, exploration and discovery, applied technology, the environment and preservation of cultural heritage.

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 

Manu Chandaria honoured at the African Business Awards

Kenyan Industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the African Business Awards held at Grosvenor House in London. The event, which is in its fifth year honours excellence and achievement in African business.

Dr. Chandaria has established a world-class conglomerate and has an incubation programme that seeks to support upcoming entrepreneurs in the country.

Serena Hotels (Kenya) was awarded with the Best Hospitality, Travel and Tourism in Africa Award. Nigerian Conglomerate Dangote Group won the Investor of the Year Award while Nigerian entrepreneur Innocent Chukwuma’s Innoson took the prestigious African Business of the Year.

Other Awards include:

• Award for Environmental Sustainability in Africa went to Kenya’s BTI Millman and South Africa’s Nedbank Group   
• Country Achievement for Sustained Improvement in Investment Climate went to Rwanda
• Award for Innovation to South Africa’s Entrepreneur Finance Lab
• Most Outstanding Woman of the Year given to South Africa’s Rachel Zodwa Mabaso
• Award for Good Corporate Governance to Diageo Africa
• Award for Best Agricultural Development to OCP, Morocco
• Best Corporate Social Responsibility to BHP Billiton  
• Business Leader of the Year Egbert Imomoh, Non-Executive Chairman Afren
• Special Commendation to Gabon’s Olam
• Creative Industry Award to Duro Olowu

Africa Business Magazine and Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) organize the African Business Awards in partnership with BusinessAfrica Events.

Liverpool chasing the signature of Victor Mugubi

Victor Mugubi Wanyama
(Photo courtesy of michezoafrika.com)

According to media reports, the English Premiership side Liverpool is interested in the services of Kenyan defensive midfielder Victor Mugubi Wanyama. It is reported that the new Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has listed Mugubi as a potential summer signing in efforts to vitalize the Anfield side.  

Mugubi who plays as a defensive midfielder for Scottish Champions Glasgow Celtic, can also play in the central defence. The 20-year old midfielder has scored 4 goals in 29 league appearances for Celtic this season. He moved to Celtic last year from the Belgian side Germinal Beerschot for 1 million pound.

He’s elder brother McDonald Mariga plays for Series A side Inter Milan but spent last season in Real Sociedad on loan.

Other sides that have shown interest in him include English Premierships sides Stoke City and QPR. 

Samson Parashina named among six Champions of the Earth 2012 awardees

Samson Parashina
(Photo courtesy of unep.org)

The Kenyan  Maasai conservationist was named among the six winners of the United Nation’s Champions of Earth 2012 award, which is awarded to leaders who have had a positive impact on the environment. The ceremony  took place in Rio, Brazil on June 4, 2012 and Mongolia’s President Tsakhia Elbegdorj was among the six who included renown scientists and a banker.

Samson Parashina is a Maasai warrior and a respected safari guide at Campi ya Kanzi. He’s the President of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), a grass-roots community trust that works to conserve the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem, a key tourist attraction.

Parashina's nomination was by British actor Edward Norton, who serves on the of MWCT and also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. MWCT runs Campi ya Kanzi hotel, which was named by CNN as one of 10 top luxury eco-hotels in the world.

MWCT is also among 25 organizations to win the 2012 Equator Prize awarded by the United Nations Development Programme. 

StarTimes enters the Kenyan Pay TV market

StarTimes' Pay TV services were officially launched in Nairobi on Tuesday and will broadcast on the new CCK approved DVB –T2 (Digital Video Broadcast - Terrestrial 2) decoders. The Chinese company is venturing in a Kenyan Pay TV Market, currently dominated by Multichoice's DSTV and Wananchi Group's Zuku.

The company seeks to provide digital television services to Kenyan viewers across the country at an affordable premium of as low as Ksh 499. The decoder goes for 2,999 with the Basic package (40+ channels) charging a monthly fee of Ksh 499 while the Unique package (65+ channels) charges Ksh 1,999. 

StarTimes won the bid of National DTV test project initiated by the government and completed the construction of the DTV system in December 2009. StarTimes' services will be offered in a partnership with Pan African Network Group, Kenya's second national Digital TV licensee after state-owned Signet.

Apart from digital pay TV, the company also offers radio & TV signal transmission, mobile TV, wireless Internet and building of advertising TV.

About StarTimes

Founded in 1988, StarTimes is a leading DTV system integrator, technology provider, and network operator in China. Based on its integrative technical strength in analog, IP network, and DTV technologies, StarTimes is a certified Hi-Tech company, distinguished as the only certified private enterprise to contract foreign projects in the Radio & TV industry.

Related Posts: StarTimes to Replace Smart TV, GTV decoders    

Mutai to replace Mosop in the Marathon team

With 45 days to the Olympics, 2011 London Marathon winner Emmanuel Mutai will replace Moses Mosop in the men’s marathon team. Mosop the 2011 Chicago Marathon Champion will miss the trip to the London due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Mutai who was acting as a standby runner is the reigning World Marathon Major champion and will join compatriots Abel Kiprui and Wilson Kipsang  in the men’s marathon squad. Athletics Kenya will select the Kenyan team to the Olympics on 23^nd June.

In other news, Kenya Polytechnic ladies basketball team mourns Diana Akinyi who died in the collapsed building in Mlolongo on Saturday. 

RIP Diana Akinyi.

KRA may collect NSSF and NHIF contributions

In a move by the government to reform social security and healthcare in the country, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) may collect NHIF and NSSF levy. This is after a proposal by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), which suggests that contributions for both NHIF and NSSF be made through the tax collection agency.

The Business Regulatory Reforms Unit has also supported the proposal by NESC citing that such reforms will bring about the much-needed efficiency and accountability in the two institutions.

NSSF has been in the spotlight recently for all the bad reasons and this proposal may bring sanity leaving it with only the role of administration. Currently NSSF controls assets to the tune of about Ksh 80 billion and makes a collection of about Ksh 7 billion annually from member’s contribution.

In other news, Kenya’s third largest insurer CIC Insurance Group has postponed its listing in the Nairobi Securities Exchange to June 19^th. CIC Group first Quarter Results in 2012 showed a 29 per cent growth in net earned premium. The company will list at a price of Ksh 3.50 per share and thereafter will be market driven.

Rally King, Ian Duncan

Born in June 23, 1961 Ian Duncan stands in the Crème de la crème of Kenya rally drivers. He held the Kenyan National Rally Champion a record six times (1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2000, & 2011). He also recorded a remarkable win in the 1994, 42^nd Trustbank Safari Rally (World Rally Championship) driving Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD navigated by David Williamson.

Google Ambassadors are in Kenya

Three second-year students from the University of the Free State (UFS) Nigeria’s Temitope Adebayo-Ojo, Hlompo Mota and Andre Prinsloo are in town as Google ambassadors.

The three will attend a three-day Google Ambassador Orientation Summit in Nairobi starting today 11^th to 13^th June. They will join Google Student Ambassadors from over 150 African Universities to learn more about products offered by the company.

The Summit is currently going on at the Chandaria Auditorium, Visa Oshwal Centre in Westlands.

The Google Ambassador programme was launched last year in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The programme invites students to represent Google for an academic year on their universities.

James Mwangi named Ernest & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year 2012

Equity Bank CEO and Managing Director, Dr. James Mwangi is the 2012 Ernest & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, he was awarded at the Monte Carlo’s Salle des Etoiles, Monaco.

This is the first time a person from East Africa has been nominated to the World’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.

He cruised over of other 59 finalists picked all over the world, who had earned the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in their respective countries.

Dr. James Mwangi has been at the core of the transformation of Equity Bank from an insolvent micro-finance institution to a publicly listed commercial bank with about 7.7 million accountholders.

Ernst & Young is a global accountancy firm that deals in assurance, transaction, tax, and advisory services.
image credit: standardmedia.co.ke

A Police Helicopter has crashed in Ngong Forest

A  police helicopter has crashed in Kibiku, Ngong Forest this Sunday morning. The light air craft is believed to have ferried top government officials including Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti and Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode. The 6 occupants have been burnt beyond recognition. Police have sealed off the area and the Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere is headed to the scene.

The Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti and his Assistant Orwa Ojode are among those confirmed dead. 

Vote Emmy Kosgei for AGMA Awards

The gospel music queen, Emmy Kosgei has been nominated for the prestigious Africa Gospel Music Associations (AGMA) awards that will take place at Golders Green Hippodrome, London on  July 7, 2012.

The ‘Taunet nelel’ artiste has been nominated in four categories that include Best Female Overall, Song of the Year ('Ololo'), Album of the Year ('Ololo'), and East Africa Artiste of the Year. The always-jovial Emmy told the press she received the nomination news Friday afternoon and she’s grateful that people appreciate her music.

She will also perform in the live event alongside Congo’s Makoma, Ghana’s Royal Priesthood, Zimbabwe’s Mkhululi Bhebhe, and UK based Tayme Tee and Atta Boafa.

Other Kenyan Nominees Include Eko Dydda (Artist of the year-East Africa, Song of the year-Psalms 23 and Male Artiste of the year), Daddy Owen (Male Artiste of the year and Video of the year-‘Dakika Tatu’ ), Kambua (Artist of the year-East Africa), Willie Paul (Artist of the year-East Africa) and Billy Frank (Producer of the Year).

Vote for Kenyan Nominees at www.africagospelawards.com before the 30^th June Deadline. 

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.

Windows Azure finally in Kenya

On Thursday, Microsoft officially launched Windows Azure Platform in the country. Microsoft Windows Azure Platform which was released in February 2010, is a cloud-computing platform used to build, host and scale web applications through Microsoft Data Centers.

The platform is built in a manner that downtimes are to be a thing of the past. This is as a result of there being numerous virtual machines strategically positioned worldwide that support the same services such that if one fails, another one immediately kicks in.

Simply the platform is a form of infrastructure cloud, where one can spin up virtual machines and load them with all they like. These virtual machines allow users to easily move their applications and infrastructure, whether on Windows or Linux to the cloud without making changes to their existing codes.

The virtual machines also allow the user to move their virtual hard disks (VHDs) back and forth between on-premises and the cloud.

Kenya’s new transmission line initiative

Kenya is embarking on a project to construct a 100-kilometre high voltage transmission line from Suswa in Naivasha to Isinya in Kajiado County. The 220kV line, which is referred to as the Metropolitan Ring will transmit electricity from the new geothermal sites and wind power projects in the country.

The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AfD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Kenya Power and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) at a tune of $184.3 million. The new initiative is expected to ease the ever-persistent blackouts being experienced in the country.

The Energy Permanent Secretary Patrick Nyoike said that the project included an addition of six substations to be built in the country. 

Chemos & Kiprop victorious in Oslo (Bislett)

Milcah Chemos

The 2012 Oslo Diamond League was marked with a historic women’s steeple win as Milcah Chemos clocked her personal best of 9:07.14 to win her 8^th Diamond League title. The race recorded the fastest ever competitive Steeple outside of the World Championships or Olympics with more than one woman (3) breaking 9:10.

Chemos performance at Norway is also fourth fastest in the all time Steeple performaces, which is topped by Russia’s Gulnara Galkina time of 8:58.81. She was followed closely with Ethiopian rivals Sofia Assefa and Hiwot Ayalew who also recorded impressive time of 9:09.00 and 9:09.61 respectively.  

World and Olympic 1500m champion, Asbel Kiprop won his third Dream Mile in class, clocking 3:49.22. Compatriot Caleb Ndiku Mwangangi came second in 3:50.00 while third place was reserved for Ethiopia’s Gebremedhin Mekonnen who clocked 3:50.02.

In the Men’s 5000m, Ethiopia’s Dejen Gebremeskel took the win, which was his first outdoor race of the year. The highlight of the race was Olympics champion, Kenensia Bekele who finished a disappointing 5^th.

image credit: diamondleague.com

Kenya embraces IPv6 network

Information Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo led the country in launching IPv6 at iHub centre along Ngong road. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a version of the Internet Protocol that is intended to replace IPv4, which is the communication protocol currently used to direct almost all Internet traffic.

Safaricom and Internet Society, Kenya Chapter are to thank for the launch of IPv6 in the country. This new version will also benefit the government in administering security as it plans to set up over 10,000 CCTV cameras at the CBD.

The P.S has also reiterated that the government is on higher alert ahead of the general elections and will regulate all the information from the internet traffic in the country and in particular from social media. These measures have been taken to avoid the spread of hate messages in the country in order to prevent fueling of violence such as the 2007 Post Election Violence.

The P.S has also promised Kenyans that nobody will read their data but the regulation is meant to detect suspicious messages streaming in.

To test your IPv6 version visit test-ipv6.com