Business Opportunities

Bonus shares
Diamond Trust Bank will issue one bonus share for each four held by a shareholder in the Bank’s record as at May 24 2005. The new bonus share certificates will be sent out from July 11, the same date on which they will start trading on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

Education
The Higher Educational Loans Board now offers loans for full time (not part time, parallel or self-sponsored) students pursuing masters and doctorates degrees. They also have several scholarships available that range from 200,000 to 450,000, which can be applied for at helb@helb.co.ke

Property
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking new premises, after which they will move from their unsightly building next to Consolata Church. The new building should be located in the Westlands/Gigiri area, be between 18 - 32,000 sq. ft, have parking for 80 cars, be a secure facility with good telephone and satellite communications set-up as well as other appealing features, but should be far away from bus stops and other public/insecure areas. Proposals should be hand-delivered to the Chairman, Office Premises Committee UNHCR by May 25

Land
USIU (United States International University) is selling a 40-acre plot at Garden Estate, off Thika Road. Bids should be received by the Land Sale Committee, USIU, P. O. Box 14634-00800 Nairobi by May 26

Renovation
The Nairobi City Council has finally invited tenders for the reconstruction of City Hall, which was almost burnt down by arsonists more than a year ago. Of course, nothing comes for free at the NCC, and bidding documents can be collected at the City Engineers Department after payment of a non-refundable 5,000-shilling fee (and this is only for the pre-qualification stage, not the actual repair work) and returned to the Town Clerk, NCC P. O. Box 30075 Nairobi by June 13

Distribution
Unipatch Rubber, makers of Omni brands, and India’s largest exporter of tyres and tubes is seeking distributors for East Africa. Apply to export@unipatchrubber.com or corporate@unipatchrubber.com

Coffee
The Coffee Act of Kenya states that anyone wishing to engage in any coffee business must be licensed by the Coffee Board of Kenya. You can apply for 2005 – 2006 licences as dealers, marketers, millers, roasters, auctioneers, warehouse, packers or management agents by paying a non-refundable 1,000 shilling fee and return the forms by May 30. Last year, Tetu coffee was unable to break down this cartel of cliquish middlemen.