Kenya not safe
Another travel advisory against Kenya has been issued by the US state department warning on the potential for violence in association with Kenya's upcoming constitutional referendum on November 21. Note that the number of visitors from the US to Kenya was up by 45% in the first half of the year.
Local online classifieds
In the tradition of craiglist, city search, city guide, and E-Bay’s Kijiji comes Nairobist - short for {Nairobi's list} a free service that connects the local community in Nairobi and also home of NairobiWiki. Postings can include CVs, for sale, gigs/events, housing, jobs, personals and services. (Was tipped to it by a service offering sponsorship for free GMAT/GRE exams
Another cool site on tourism mainly at the Kenya coast.
Kenyan hip hop documentary
"Hip Hop Colony" is a documentary detailing the art form of hip hop in Kenya. View the trailer online.
Britain divests
British investment giant CDC has offered a block of 6,245,482 shares of Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HFCK) for sale at Kshs.11.00 per share. According to the Daily Nation this follows regulatory pressure from local banking authorities.
graduate opportunity
Barclays Leadership Programme is seeking talented, ambitious, individuals to apply for its two years session beginning in January 2006. Applicants should be self-driven motivated individuals who can demonstrate initiative, and innovation, and who have attained 1st class or upper 2nd honours from recognized universities in various degrees - preferably business/finance related studies (also additional post graduate degrees are an advantage).
Apply online for this graduate opportunity (you’ll need pen, paper, ID/passport number as an online assessment is included in the application) by November 4th. Results of assessment will eb e-mailed within 2 days, while only sucessful applicants will be contacted after November 18.
Give your thumbs a rest
Safaricom’s 50% daytime discount on SMS comes to an end this weekend. After Monday, all local SMS will revert back to Kshs. 5 per message.
Sports Weekend
Local horse racing, and numerous golf tournaments.
Saturday 29 October
2:30 PM SS3 Tottenham vs. Arsenal & SS6 Wigan Athletic vs. Fulham
5:00 PM SS3 Chelsea vs. Blackburn & SS6 Liverpool vs. West Ham
7:15 PM SS3 Boro vs. Man Utd
9:00 PM SS7 La Liga:: Real Betis vs. Real Madrid
Sunday 30 October
7:00 PM SS3 FA Premiership:: West Brom vs. Newcastle
11 PM SS3 La Liga:: Barcelona vs. Sociedad
Tuesday 01 November
10:15 PM UEFA: Liverpool vs. Anderlecht & Inter vs. Porto & PSV Eindhoven vs. Milan,
Wednesday 02 November
10:15 PM UEFA:: Arsenal vs. Sparta & Benfica vs. Villarreal & Lille vs. Man Utd,
Next weekend:
Saturday: Rugby returns with Wales vs. NZ, Argentina vs. SA, and France vs. Australia
Sunday 06 November Man Utd vs. Chelsea
Friday, October 28, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Insider trading
I came out the Nation Centre building at lunch time today and almost bumped into Mr. Okomo Okello, the Chairman of Serena Hotels (and Barclays Bank). I was tempted to ask him when the proposed restructuring of Serena that the board had told us about at the April AGM would ever take place (they had said in a few months) – but divulding such information to me would be insider trading, and would he even talk to stranger?
Still I was reminded that I wish had bought more Serena shares after that AGM instead of East African Breweries. Serena shares have gone from 52 shillings to a high of 90, and today closed up 4.5 shillings at 85.5 (almost 6% in one day).
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
End for Loki?
The Financial Times newspaper notes that peace in Sudan could mean that the massive humanitarian operations that has sustained Lokichoggio for almost 20 years will move on to Rumbek, Sudan.
Compe for KQ
From November, KLM Royal Dutch Airline will start direct flights from Entebbe to Amsterdam – a decision that was prompted by Uganda's booming economy, stability, and growing demand for passenger services.
Debt relief
The municipal council of Nakuru has announced a debt waiver of all interest and penalties for a period of one month ending November 25th for defaulters to pay their outstanding rates. Also, the Nairobi city council has extended a similar waiver on its controversial land rates provided that those who have taken the council to court, also settle court charges incurred by the council.
Uchumi Loss
Uchumi announced a 1.22 billion shilling loss for the year (ended June 30 2005) which was almost twice as bad as the 699 million loss in 2004. Net sales reduced from 9 billion to 5.2b, but the company was able to reduce both its cost of sales, from 6.8b to 4.4b and operating costs from 2 to 1.8b. The company will use the 1.2 billion shillings raised from the recent rights issue to improve stocks, refurbish stores and carry out marketing activities.
new cement factory
East African Portland Cement Company has announced plans to build an $11 million factory withoutraising money from the capital markets. This same strategy of expanding while using financing from business proceeds is one of the factors that contributed to the problems at Uchumi.
Jobs
audit & risk advisory services manager
At KPMG International who will provide corporate finance and transaction advisory services to corporate clients in the Eastern Africa region and will administer and manage a diverse portfolio of clients, billing and collecting from them for assignments and projects undertaken. – The actual position will be consumer & industrial markets manager within the audit and risk advisory service department. Applicants should be college graduates (w/honours) with an accepted professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CPA), 4 years audit or related experience, knowledge of accounting standards, IFRS, business factors and sector development, and who have excellent communication, team and IT skills. Apply by Nov 8 to the human resource manager at esd@kpmg.co.ke
chief internal auditor Ref .CIA 10/05
At the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries – who will ensure that organizations operations are in compliance with company rules and regulations, produce timely internal audit reports, liaise with external auditors and review bus process to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Applicants should be university graduates who are also fully qualified accountants - CPA (K) or equivalent, and have held similar position for 3 years, preferably in a manufacturing organization. They should also have excellent IT, operational, people communication, audit and planning skills. Apply to the human resource manger, New KCC, P O Box 30131-00100 Nairobi by November 10.
commercial project manager: finance & business administration
At Siemens ltd who will be in charge of project administration (defining processes, local & foreign purchasing and supervision of suppliers & subcontractors), accounting, reporting (deal with banking, accounting & taxation) as well as controlling and logistics management matters. Applicants should have an MBA, business administration experience, an entrepreneurial flair and 3 - 5 years experience in project management with an international company. Apply to the human resource manager, Siemens Ltd, P O Box 50861-00200 Nairobi by November 9.
accountants
At the KEMRI/CGMRC Welcome Trust research programme who will prepare accounting and financial management information to control programme expenditure at Kilifi, Mombasa. Applicants should have a business degree, at least CPA part II, preferably with some experience in government or NGO accounting and familiarity with PASTEL software. Email applications by November 10 to ssolomon@kilifi.mimicom.net for interviews in late November.
audit managers
Chege Muchunguzi Mwangi & Company, Certified Public Accountants are seeking to hire an (i) audit manager and (ii) assistant audit manager. Applicants must be university graduates (accounts/finance) with CPA or ACCA and at least 5 years hands on experience. They must also be proficient in IAS and IFRS and be over 30 years old. E-mail applications to cezam@czmkenya.com by November 7.
Training opportunity
A three month course in investment banking will be offered by Dyer & Blair Investment Bank – beginning on November 7th at their offices with classes running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Students will learn investment banking, securities valuation, macroeconomic analysis, financial accounting, marketing, sales & customer care in securities industry, and forecasting of interest rates. Those wishing to enroll should have bachelor’s degrees or professional qualifications (e.g. CFA/ CPA/CPS/AKIB/ACIB), and have a keen interest in financial markets. They should send in their application letters, with CV’s, to training@dyerandblair.com by October 29th - and only those shortlisted via a first come, first served and merit basis will be contacted. Costs are Kshs. 100,000 ($1,370) per trainee and successful students may be considered for employment by Dyer & Blair after the course.
Compe for KQ
From November, KLM Royal Dutch Airline will start direct flights from Entebbe to Amsterdam – a decision that was prompted by Uganda's booming economy, stability, and growing demand for passenger services.
Debt relief
The municipal council of Nakuru has announced a debt waiver of all interest and penalties for a period of one month ending November 25th for defaulters to pay their outstanding rates. Also, the Nairobi city council has extended a similar waiver on its controversial land rates provided that those who have taken the council to court, also settle court charges incurred by the council.
Uchumi Loss
Uchumi announced a 1.22 billion shilling loss for the year (ended June 30 2005) which was almost twice as bad as the 699 million loss in 2004. Net sales reduced from 9 billion to 5.2b, but the company was able to reduce both its cost of sales, from 6.8b to 4.4b and operating costs from 2 to 1.8b. The company will use the 1.2 billion shillings raised from the recent rights issue to improve stocks, refurbish stores and carry out marketing activities.
new cement factory
East African Portland Cement Company has announced plans to build an $11 million factory withoutraising money from the capital markets. This same strategy of expanding while using financing from business proceeds is one of the factors that contributed to the problems at Uchumi.
Jobs
audit & risk advisory services manager
At KPMG International who will provide corporate finance and transaction advisory services to corporate clients in the Eastern Africa region and will administer and manage a diverse portfolio of clients, billing and collecting from them for assignments and projects undertaken. – The actual position will be consumer & industrial markets manager within the audit and risk advisory service department. Applicants should be college graduates (w/honours) with an accepted professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CPA), 4 years audit or related experience, knowledge of accounting standards, IFRS, business factors and sector development, and who have excellent communication, team and IT skills. Apply by Nov 8 to the human resource manager at esd@kpmg.co.ke
chief internal auditor Ref .CIA 10/05
At the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries – who will ensure that organizations operations are in compliance with company rules and regulations, produce timely internal audit reports, liaise with external auditors and review bus process to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Applicants should be university graduates who are also fully qualified accountants - CPA (K) or equivalent, and have held similar position for 3 years, preferably in a manufacturing organization. They should also have excellent IT, operational, people communication, audit and planning skills. Apply to the human resource manger, New KCC, P O Box 30131-00100 Nairobi by November 10.
commercial project manager: finance & business administration
At Siemens ltd who will be in charge of project administration (defining processes, local & foreign purchasing and supervision of suppliers & subcontractors), accounting, reporting (deal with banking, accounting & taxation) as well as controlling and logistics management matters. Applicants should have an MBA, business administration experience, an entrepreneurial flair and 3 - 5 years experience in project management with an international company. Apply to the human resource manager, Siemens Ltd, P O Box 50861-00200 Nairobi by November 9.
accountants
At the KEMRI/CGMRC Welcome Trust research programme who will prepare accounting and financial management information to control programme expenditure at Kilifi, Mombasa. Applicants should have a business degree, at least CPA part II, preferably with some experience in government or NGO accounting and familiarity with PASTEL software. Email applications by November 10 to ssolomon@kilifi.mimicom.net for interviews in late November.
audit managers
Chege Muchunguzi Mwangi & Company, Certified Public Accountants are seeking to hire an (i) audit manager and (ii) assistant audit manager. Applicants must be university graduates (accounts/finance) with CPA or ACCA and at least 5 years hands on experience. They must also be proficient in IAS and IFRS and be over 30 years old. E-mail applications to cezam@czmkenya.com by November 7.
Training opportunity
A three month course in investment banking will be offered by Dyer & Blair Investment Bank – beginning on November 7th at their offices with classes running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Students will learn investment banking, securities valuation, macroeconomic analysis, financial accounting, marketing, sales & customer care in securities industry, and forecasting of interest rates. Those wishing to enroll should have bachelor’s degrees or professional qualifications (e.g. CFA/ CPA/CPS/AKIB/ACIB), and have a keen interest in financial markets. They should send in their application letters, with CV’s, to training@dyerandblair.com by October 29th - and only those shortlisted via a first come, first served and merit basis will be contacted. Costs are Kshs. 100,000 ($1,370) per trainee and successful students may be considered for employment by Dyer & Blair after the course.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Marathon watch
I spent part of Sunday watching the half-marathon runners pass through the neighbourhood. Like last year, I stood among motorists who felt that they had been inconvenienced by the marathon and who had tried to drive somewhere - church, shopping, office - on Sunday morning only to find the roads closed by the Police. Many of them turned round and went back home, while others switched off and got out of their cards to watch, and alternately scowled, complained that runners were walking not running (this was at about the 15 km mark of the 21km route), looked at their watches, bought & read newspapers, argued with the Police crew at the corner, or complained that they would boycott Standard Chartered Bank, who sponsored the event.
The fact that notices were placed by Standard Chartered, Police, and other companies like Kenya Airways (advising passengers to check in early) meant that not as many people were disrupted by the events, as was the case last year. I stood there and clapped for everyone who passed, then only clapped for those who ran (not walked by) as a a mixture of people old, young, in & out of shape, a team from Korea, of various professions (I saw a banker, lawyer and restaurant owner I knew), some with inappropriate shoes like sandals, or track suits (in case it rained like last year – which it didn’t) them . Didn’t rain like last year, but the runners were a smaller field, with lots of tourists it seemed.
new contract
On the company's fifth anniversary, Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph had his contract extended for another (and final) two year contract by the firm.
IPO delay?
The Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has asked that the asset valuations of the Kenya Railways and Kengen be re-done since they were previously carried out by companies who were not registered valuers. ISK also asked the Capital Markets Authority to delay the Kengen IPO until this is done.
Equipment contracts
- Kenya Data Networks has signed a contract with Siemens to supply fibre optic equipment for KDN’s 1140 km long network.
- Celtel is expected to sign a $53m (4 billion) shilling network upgrade contract with Ericsson.
America Calling
MBA to Kenya
Wharton, the University of Pennsylvania business school, will hold a Nairobi reception on its MBA programs on November 2, at the Grand Regency Hotel from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Register here.
DV 2007
The 2007 United States diversity visa (DV) lottery registration began on October 5th. Persons seeking to enter the lottery program must register online through the designatedwebsite by December 4, 2005. Kenyans are still eligible.
More Debates
Medeva TV will resume, Agenda Kenya, their popular debate show, with debates shown on KBC on each of the last four days leading up to the November 21 referendum. If you'd like to be part of the audience in the show, call 557569/70/71 or visit their offices at The GoDown for details.
Also Strathmore University will hold another debate on the Constitution this coming Saturday.
More Standard Jobs
The Standard is looking to hire business executives for both its print and electronic departments. The job entails sourcing clients, making presentations, meeting targets, and coming up with strategies that will ensure good customer care. Applicants should have business degrees, be less than 30 years old, and have 1- 3 years sales experience. They should apply by October 25th to the Human Resource Manager at P. O. Box 30080 Nairobi (perhaps e-mail would be faster).
The fact that notices were placed by Standard Chartered, Police, and other companies like Kenya Airways (advising passengers to check in early) meant that not as many people were disrupted by the events, as was the case last year. I stood there and clapped for everyone who passed, then only clapped for those who ran (not walked by) as a a mixture of people old, young, in & out of shape, a team from Korea, of various professions (I saw a banker, lawyer and restaurant owner I knew), some with inappropriate shoes like sandals, or track suits (in case it rained like last year – which it didn’t) them . Didn’t rain like last year, but the runners were a smaller field, with lots of tourists it seemed.
new contract
On the company's fifth anniversary, Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph had his contract extended for another (and final) two year contract by the firm.
IPO delay?
The Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has asked that the asset valuations of the Kenya Railways and Kengen be re-done since they were previously carried out by companies who were not registered valuers. ISK also asked the Capital Markets Authority to delay the Kengen IPO until this is done.
Equipment contracts
- Kenya Data Networks has signed a contract with Siemens to supply fibre optic equipment for KDN’s 1140 km long network.
- Celtel is expected to sign a $53m (4 billion) shilling network upgrade contract with Ericsson.
America Calling
MBA to Kenya
Wharton, the University of Pennsylvania business school, will hold a Nairobi reception on its MBA programs on November 2, at the Grand Regency Hotel from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Register here.
DV 2007
The 2007 United States diversity visa (DV) lottery registration began on October 5th. Persons seeking to enter the lottery program must register online through the designatedwebsite by December 4, 2005. Kenyans are still eligible.
More Debates
Medeva TV will resume, Agenda Kenya, their popular debate show, with debates shown on KBC on each of the last four days leading up to the November 21 referendum. If you'd like to be part of the audience in the show, call 557569/70/71 or visit their offices at The GoDown for details.
Also Strathmore University will hold another debate on the Constitution this coming Saturday.
More Standard Jobs
The Standard is looking to hire business executives for both its print and electronic departments. The job entails sourcing clients, making presentations, meeting targets, and coming up with strategies that will ensure good customer care. Applicants should have business degrees, be less than 30 years old, and have 1- 3 years sales experience. They should apply by October 25th to the Human Resource Manager at P. O. Box 30080 Nairobi (perhaps e-mail would be faster).
Friday, October 21, 2005
Friday, News, Jobs, Part II
Mad house
The referendum period swung into full force with an absolute change in government priorities. Nation TV reported that the 10th anniversary celebration of the Kenya Revenue Authority which was supposed to be officiated by President Kibaki ay KICC today was cancelled at the last minute because he decided to host delegation of several Maasai leaders at a State House parley – where the usual exchange would be “we pledge our vote on the new constitution to you in exchange for the following .....”
Jobs
Standard Chartered Bank 3 postings
Relationship manager:Work on customer products, new services, also managing risk and reviewing corporate client accounts. Aplicants must have a finance degree, and 5 years work experience with a minimum 3 as a relationship manager.
Corporate finance manager: Work with relationship management teams to build relationships with senior management of key clients, structure deals, and come up with plans for their transactions. Applicants must have knowledge of oil, gas, telecom, and energy industries in Africa, project finance/corporate advisory experience, excellent understanding of capital products and a university degree with 7 years experience in corporate finance.
Tax manager East Africa: Who will Develop and implement tax strategies in East Africa. Applicants must be qualified accountants CPA/CA or equivalents) with at least 3 years exp at a major accounting firm or international group, have good research, project, and analytical skills as well as knowledge of Kenya tax law & practices.
Apply to Jacqueline.wanyama@ke.standardchartered.com by October 31.
internal auditor Ref no: ESS 395
For a dairy sector company who will review risk management systems and make recommendations, ensure audit compliance and provide value adding reports to the company. Applicants must have accounts or finance degree as well as a CPA (K) or ACCA qualification. Apply via pricewaterhousecoopers executive selection at ess.ke@ke.pwc.com by November 4.
Branch manager (insurance company
Must have three years experience with well known insurance firm, and a commerce degree (insurance option) or ACII. E-mail insurance@aboogroup.com by October 28.
Others
reporters The Standard Group, publishers of the Standard and Sunday Standard are looking to hire the following
Job: Minimum requirements
- News reporters (6 posts): post-grad degree in journalism/mass communications, aged 24 - 28, willing to work anywhere in Kenya at short notice
- Sports reporter: post-grad degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30, good knowledge of sports
- Sports correspondent: degree/diploma in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30
- News correspondent (5 posts): university degree, good writer, aged 23 – 28, willing to work anywhere in Kenya
- Sub-editor (6 posts): degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30,
- Chief sub-editor: degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 28 - 26, experience working in a busy newsroom and as a subscription editor for 5 years
- Creative designer (2 posts); degree in fine arts/design, aged 25 – 30
- Editors (3 posts) post-grad degree in journalism/mass comm., with 4 years experience, aged 28 – 33, willing to work anywhere in Kenya
In addition to usual application stuff (CV, contact, references), include a recent pp size photo and e-mail to hrd@eastandard.net before October 29.
cabin crew Qatar Airways
Love the requirements to join the “Best Cabin Crew” in the Middle East. Applicants should meet: Minimum age – 20 years, minimum height 157.5 cm, (minimum arm reach of 212 cm on tip toes) , minimum secondary education with good English skills and previous work experience in customer service, hospitality, nursing or the airline industry. Apply at their website
Friday Mix
Keep Smiling
One of the besy mug shots I have seen - former Texas Republican leader Tom Delay was advised by his lawyer to look cheerful when he was arrested
Roar of the Dragon
This week Kenya Airways added flights to Guangzhou, another destination in China, just as the NY Times warned countries to beware of the stereotypical loud, rude and culturally naïve Chinese tourist
'I Will Eat Your Dollars
The LA Times looks at Nigerians who write from cybercafes
promising you millions of dollars
The referendum period swung into full force with an absolute change in government priorities. Nation TV reported that the 10th anniversary celebration of the Kenya Revenue Authority which was supposed to be officiated by President Kibaki ay KICC today was cancelled at the last minute because he decided to host delegation of several Maasai leaders at a State House parley – where the usual exchange would be “we pledge our vote on the new constitution to you in exchange for the following .....”
Jobs
Standard Chartered Bank 3 postings
Relationship manager:Work on customer products, new services, also managing risk and reviewing corporate client accounts. Aplicants must have a finance degree, and 5 years work experience with a minimum 3 as a relationship manager.
Corporate finance manager: Work with relationship management teams to build relationships with senior management of key clients, structure deals, and come up with plans for their transactions. Applicants must have knowledge of oil, gas, telecom, and energy industries in Africa, project finance/corporate advisory experience, excellent understanding of capital products and a university degree with 7 years experience in corporate finance.
Tax manager East Africa: Who will Develop and implement tax strategies in East Africa. Applicants must be qualified accountants CPA/CA or equivalents) with at least 3 years exp at a major accounting firm or international group, have good research, project, and analytical skills as well as knowledge of Kenya tax law & practices.
Apply to Jacqueline.wanyama@ke.standardchartered.com by October 31.
internal auditor Ref no: ESS 395
For a dairy sector company who will review risk management systems and make recommendations, ensure audit compliance and provide value adding reports to the company. Applicants must have accounts or finance degree as well as a CPA (K) or ACCA qualification. Apply via pricewaterhousecoopers executive selection at ess.ke@ke.pwc.com by November 4.
Branch manager (insurance company
Must have three years experience with well known insurance firm, and a commerce degree (insurance option) or ACII. E-mail insurance@aboogroup.com by October 28.
Others
reporters The Standard Group, publishers of the Standard and Sunday Standard are looking to hire the following
Job: Minimum requirements
- News reporters (6 posts): post-grad degree in journalism/mass communications, aged 24 - 28, willing to work anywhere in Kenya at short notice
- Sports reporter: post-grad degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30, good knowledge of sports
- Sports correspondent: degree/diploma in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30
- News correspondent (5 posts): university degree, good writer, aged 23 – 28, willing to work anywhere in Kenya
- Sub-editor (6 posts): degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 25 – 30,
- Chief sub-editor: degree in journalism/mass comm., aged 28 - 26, experience working in a busy newsroom and as a subscription editor for 5 years
- Creative designer (2 posts); degree in fine arts/design, aged 25 – 30
- Editors (3 posts) post-grad degree in journalism/mass comm., with 4 years experience, aged 28 – 33, willing to work anywhere in Kenya
In addition to usual application stuff (CV, contact, references), include a recent pp size photo and e-mail to hrd@eastandard.net before October 29.
cabin crew Qatar Airways
Love the requirements to join the “Best Cabin Crew” in the Middle East. Applicants should meet: Minimum age – 20 years, minimum height 157.5 cm, (minimum arm reach of 212 cm on tip toes) , minimum secondary education with good English skills and previous work experience in customer service, hospitality, nursing or the airline industry. Apply at their website
Friday Mix
Keep Smiling
One of the besy mug shots I have seen - former Texas Republican leader Tom Delay was advised by his lawyer to look cheerful when he was arrested
Roar of the Dragon
This week Kenya Airways added flights to Guangzhou, another destination in China, just as the NY Times warned countries to beware of the stereotypical loud, rude and culturally naïve Chinese tourist
'I Will Eat Your Dollars
The LA Times looks at Nigerians who write from cybercafes
promising you millions of dollars
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Friday, news, jobs
Pesa Point ATM’s
Pesa Point, an independent network of automated teller machines (ATM’s) will officially launch on Friday October 21st. In a Sunday Nation feature on the launch (PDF) , Paynet MD Bernard Mathewman said eight partners are expected to be part of the initial launch. One Bank likely to be among the first partners is Equity Bank. Also NIC, whose major shareholders own Paynet could also link up their 17 MOVE Zone ATM’s to Pesa Point.
The company says 30 are ready now and they hope to have 120 independent pesa point ATM's by year end in hotel lobbies, supermarkets, petrol stations, and other retail outlets (Caltex has already signed on). For comparison, Co-operative Bank has 58 ATM’s (31 in Nairobi) and KCB has 86, with plans to have 115 by the end of the year while another network of shared ATM’s, Kenswitch, was launch in 2003 and now has about a dozen banks whose customers use each others 30 ATM’s.
New Bond available
The Athi River Mining bond is now available to investors. The Issue is for Kshs 800 million, offered on a floating rate basis with a final maturity in 2010 and is priced at a margin of 175 basis points (1.75%) above the 91 day T-Bill.
Applications and payments must be delivered to to either Barclays Financial Services, Stanbic Bank Kenya, Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, Ashbhu Securities Limited, or Dry Associates Limited by 3.00 p.m. on Monday, 24 October 2005 with payment made out by banker’s Cheque or by bank transfer/remittance to the Athi River Mining Ltd Bond Receiving Payments Account, in the books of Cooperative Bank, Account Number 011 2030 2835 00, Branch Code 11002, Nairobi. If the offer is over-subscribed, preference will be given to investors in notes greater than 5 million shillings. The bond will then be listed on the sting on the NSE, availing a secondary trading market
KRA anniversary
Also on Friday, President Kibaki will mark the 10th anniversary of the Kenya Revenue Authority at KICC.
Nairobi marathon
The registration deadline for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been extended to Saturday. Many City roads will be closed on Sunday morning to facilitate the marathon.
Low cost housing scheme
Superior Homes will put up 400 3- bedroom apartments bungalows (phase 1) to be known as Green Park Housing Development at Stoney Athi, along Mombasa road.
Jobs
several accounting positions: at Safaricom Details will soon be posted at their website and the deadline for applications to hr@safaricom.co.ke is 25th October. Positions are:
- senior accountant – reporting
- senior accountant – financial systems & analysis
- senior accountant – accounts receivables
- senior accountant – payables (2 positions: local and foreign)
- senior accountant – general ledger
- senior accountant – cash book
- accountant – accounts payable (2 positions: local and foreign)
- accountant – accounts receivables
- cashier
chief accountant: at Oserian Development Company (one of Kenya’s largest flower grower based in Naivasha). Job entails supervising all accounts and payroll staff, data input for preparation of monthly financial statements and audits, financial and system controls, treasury management and compliance with legislative and accounting standard. Applicants must have bachelor’s degrees (accounts or finance option) and at least 3 years work experience at senior management level preferably as chief financial accountant. Must also be a fully qualified accountant with 5 years work experience. Apply to the human resource manager, jobs@oserian.com by November 4.
loans manager: at the Kenya Tourism Development Corporation. Job entails drawing and implementing lending policies to facilitate processing award and recovery process. Also maintain records of loan applications, set performance objectives, coordinate staff and educate the public on the corporations lending policies and requirements. Applicants should have an economics degree with a bias towards development finance, postgraduate finance qualification and at least 10 years relevant working experience at a senior level. Apply to the managing director, ktdc@wananchi.co.ke by October 26
Pesa Point, an independent network of automated teller machines (ATM’s) will officially launch on Friday October 21st. In a Sunday Nation feature on the launch (PDF) , Paynet MD Bernard Mathewman said eight partners are expected to be part of the initial launch. One Bank likely to be among the first partners is Equity Bank. Also NIC, whose major shareholders own Paynet could also link up their 17 MOVE Zone ATM’s to Pesa Point.
The company says 30 are ready now and they hope to have 120 independent pesa point ATM's by year end in hotel lobbies, supermarkets, petrol stations, and other retail outlets (Caltex has already signed on). For comparison, Co-operative Bank has 58 ATM’s (31 in Nairobi) and KCB has 86, with plans to have 115 by the end of the year while another network of shared ATM’s, Kenswitch, was launch in 2003 and now has about a dozen banks whose customers use each others 30 ATM’s.
New Bond available
The Athi River Mining bond is now available to investors. The Issue is for Kshs 800 million, offered on a floating rate basis with a final maturity in 2010 and is priced at a margin of 175 basis points (1.75%) above the 91 day T-Bill.
Applications and payments must be delivered to to either Barclays Financial Services, Stanbic Bank Kenya, Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, Ashbhu Securities Limited, or Dry Associates Limited by 3.00 p.m. on Monday, 24 October 2005 with payment made out by banker’s Cheque or by bank transfer/remittance to the Athi River Mining Ltd Bond Receiving Payments Account, in the books of Cooperative Bank, Account Number 011 2030 2835 00, Branch Code 11002, Nairobi. If the offer is over-subscribed, preference will be given to investors in notes greater than 5 million shillings. The bond will then be listed on the sting on the NSE, availing a secondary trading market
KRA anniversary
Also on Friday, President Kibaki will mark the 10th anniversary of the Kenya Revenue Authority at KICC.
Nairobi marathon
The registration deadline for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been extended to Saturday. Many City roads will be closed on Sunday morning to facilitate the marathon.
Low cost housing scheme
Superior Homes will put up 400 3- bedroom apartments bungalows (phase 1) to be known as Green Park Housing Development at Stoney Athi, along Mombasa road.
Jobs
several accounting positions: at Safaricom Details will soon be posted at their website and the deadline for applications to hr@safaricom.co.ke is 25th October. Positions are:
- senior accountant – reporting
- senior accountant – financial systems & analysis
- senior accountant – accounts receivables
- senior accountant – payables (2 positions: local and foreign)
- senior accountant – general ledger
- senior accountant – cash book
- accountant – accounts payable (2 positions: local and foreign)
- accountant – accounts receivables
- cashier
chief accountant: at Oserian Development Company (one of Kenya’s largest flower grower based in Naivasha). Job entails supervising all accounts and payroll staff, data input for preparation of monthly financial statements and audits, financial and system controls, treasury management and compliance with legislative and accounting standard. Applicants must have bachelor’s degrees (accounts or finance option) and at least 3 years work experience at senior management level preferably as chief financial accountant. Must also be a fully qualified accountant with 5 years work experience. Apply to the human resource manager, jobs@oserian.com by November 4.
loans manager: at the Kenya Tourism Development Corporation. Job entails drawing and implementing lending policies to facilitate processing award and recovery process. Also maintain records of loan applications, set performance objectives, coordinate staff and educate the public on the corporations lending policies and requirements. Applicants should have an economics degree with a bias towards development finance, postgraduate finance qualification and at least 10 years relevant working experience at a senior level. Apply to the managing director, ktdc@wananchi.co.ke by October 26
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Financial Jobs
Celtel executive(s)
From Careers in Africa:
Openings for:
- Director, Compensation and Benefits
- Director, Talent Management
- HR Director
- Finance Director
- Group Business Planning Director
- Group Controller
- Group Consumer Segment Manager
- Group SME Segment Manager
- Sales Director
- Managing Director
- Operations Director
- Vice President Operations
Financial Director
Seaboard Corporation is seeking a Financial Director for the Unga Group in Nairobi, Kenya. This executive position will be responsible for financial reporting, administration, taxation, risk management, etc for a 25+ person accounting department. This candidate must be a Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant with US GAAP experience, audit and treasury management experience, exposure to financial statement conversion (preferably US$, with at least ten years Financial Controller experience in a third world country. The position is for an indefinite period of time and we pride ourselves on promoting within the organization. For consideration please email your resume to Brad_warner@seaboardcorp.com. Qualified citizens of Kenya are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Audit Quality Assurance Officer Ref AQAO/05
At the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), who will undertake quality reviews on audit practices to ensure compliance with international audit standards and take follow up actions. Applicants must have ICPAK members of good standing who have bachelor’s degree, 5 years working audit experience, and good knowledge of international finance reporting & audit standards. Apply through KPMG executive selection division e-mail: esd@kpmg.co.ke by 28 October
Programme Officer Ref: WFP/38/05
The World Food Programme is seeking a Programme Officer for its Dadaab Duty Station who will oversee all monitoring activities, food distribution and post-distribution in the camps. Applicant must advanced university degree and/or equivalent experience with emphasis in international affairs, social sciences, development studies or a field relevant to international development assistance. Also desirable to have at least 5 years postgraduate job-related experience in development or food aid support, with good analytical ability and fluency in both written and oral English & Kiswahili. Kenyan nationals, particularly females, with the above qualifications and experience are requested to apply to the Human Resources Officer, World Food Program, P. O. Box 44482-00100 Nairobi by October 25.
From Careers in Africa:
Openings for:
- Director, Compensation and Benefits
- Director, Talent Management
- HR Director
- Finance Director
- Group Business Planning Director
- Group Controller
- Group Consumer Segment Manager
- Group SME Segment Manager
- Sales Director
- Managing Director
- Operations Director
- Vice President Operations
Financial Director
Seaboard Corporation is seeking a Financial Director for the Unga Group in Nairobi, Kenya. This executive position will be responsible for financial reporting, administration, taxation, risk management, etc for a 25+ person accounting department. This candidate must be a Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant with US GAAP experience, audit and treasury management experience, exposure to financial statement conversion (preferably US$, with at least ten years Financial Controller experience in a third world country. The position is for an indefinite period of time and we pride ourselves on promoting within the organization. For consideration please email your resume to Brad_warner@seaboardcorp.com. Qualified citizens of Kenya are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Audit Quality Assurance Officer Ref AQAO/05
At the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), who will undertake quality reviews on audit practices to ensure compliance with international audit standards and take follow up actions. Applicants must have ICPAK members of good standing who have bachelor’s degree, 5 years working audit experience, and good knowledge of international finance reporting & audit standards. Apply through KPMG executive selection division e-mail: esd@kpmg.co.ke by 28 October
Programme Officer Ref: WFP/38/05
The World Food Programme is seeking a Programme Officer for its Dadaab Duty Station who will oversee all monitoring activities, food distribution and post-distribution in the camps. Applicant must advanced university degree and/or equivalent experience with emphasis in international affairs, social sciences, development studies or a field relevant to international development assistance. Also desirable to have at least 5 years postgraduate job-related experience in development or food aid support, with good analytical ability and fluency in both written and oral English & Kiswahili. Kenyan nationals, particularly females, with the above qualifications and experience are requested to apply to the Human Resources Officer, World Food Program, P. O. Box 44482-00100 Nairobi by October 25.
Monday, October 17, 2005
R&R
WC to Malindi
Newly crowned F1 champion Fernando Alonso and his Renault team will return visit to Kenya in December. This has become an annual event that involves team building and physical training at the Malindi estate of the team principal Flavio Briatore.
TV debate
The Media Owners Association has convened a debate on the proposed draft constitution which will be broadcast on most of the major television and radio stations on Tuesday October 18th at 7:30 PM. Members of the Cabinet from both fruit camps will answer questions sent ahead by members of the public via e-mail. In the countdown to the 2002 general elections attempts were made to have a televised debate featuring the presidential candidates, but which didn't take place since the big two candidates, Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki, never committed.
good week for investors
Last week saw the completion of a successful rights issue by Uchumi, confirmation of the Kengen IPO for 2006, and partial privatization of the management of the Kenya & Uganda railways by a South African firm after an extensive bidding process. Meanwhile right issues have emerged as the preferred investment vehicle for privatizing state companies as they enable firms to raise new capital, gain new shareholding & management and reduce government ownership – since the government opts not to take up its allocated rights – this happened at KCB, Uchumi, and next at KPLC.
paint obsession
The Nairobi City Council wants the City to look good but only in terms of appearance. They have issued a notice to building owners who don’t paint their dilapidated buildings - which the council considers to be a nuisance – or they will be fined 1,500 shillings per day and charged in court under the publish health act. There are so many old buildings crumbling on the inside and with cracked sidewalks on the outside, that paint is the least of their problems. The Council has also take to painting road markings, while not really bothering with potholes or pavements.
debt relief
The Kenya Planters Coffee Union (KPCU) has again extended its debt moratorium window, this time by 3 months to December 31. This is a waiver on all interest above 18% on coffee farmers debts accrued between 1992 and 2001. Enquiries can be made to the firms’ lawyers.
Bank Jobs
Back by popular demand are occasional postings on bank and other financial jobs. Most of these appear in the daily newspapers (Wednesday & Friday) and preference is given to those that enable applications via e-mail (for international applicants).
financial controller
At Kenya Commercial Bank: applicants must have at least 3 years financial management experience in a similar position and also have a business degree (MBA an advantage) in addition to being a qualified accountant (CPA or ACCA). Apply to ess.ke@ke.pwc.com (through PWC executive Selection) by October 28th
general manager
For a small financial services firm to manage the firm’s strategy in areas of market expansion and customer growth. Applicants who must have good knowledge of financial industry & leadership experience - are asked to send the usual (CV, app. letter, references/testimonials) in addition to a 2 page essay on financial investment in the retail sector (i.e. for individuals , small businesses and SACCO's) to recruitment@dunvon.com by October 21 (PDF preferred, but Word acceptable)
human resource manager Ref: 131/HR/FN
New position at a rapidly growing financial institution. Applicants must be aged 32 – 40, and have a degree in human resource management or development and at least 5 years HRM experience. Apply to Hawkins.associates@khigroup.com
Information systems auditor
Equity Bank is looking to hire an information systems auditor: tasks include to perform IS audits, support financial and performance audits, do data analysis, as well as evaluate new & existing operating systems, technology and networks. Applicants must be over 30 years, have university degrees in business or Information technology, as well have obtained a CISA certification and possess 5 years audit experience. Apply to isauditor@ebsafrica.co.ke by Oct 21.
investment manager
At Madison Insurance company: Applicants must be graduates who are also qualified accountants (CPA or ACCA) with at least 3 years experience in investment management, corporate finance, investment banking or stock broking. Apply by October 28th to the managing director, Madison insurance, P. O. Box 47382-00100
Managers
At a fast growing local bank - apply to the administration manager, P. O. Box 34181-00100 Nairobi by Oct 29 for the following positions::
marketing manager: who will manage the strategic planning process, product & service brands, product development and corporate social responsibility. Applicants should have an MBA (marketing option preferred), 4 years brand management experience, and posses good banking knowledge
branch manager (upcountry): must have at least 2 years experience in a similar position and be at least 30 years old.
senior associates Ref: HC/SA/AC/1
Prwicewaterhousecoopers is seeking senior associates for its Kenyan and Ugandan offices. Applicants must have 3 to 6 years working experience in busy accounting or IT environments in areas such as eBusiness, systems governance, business continuity, information security systems, business system controls, project management and IT audits. Apply to the human capital coordinator Prwicewaterhousecoopers services limited. P. O. Box 43963 Nairobi, Rahimtulla Towers by October 21.
financial controller
At Kenya Commercial Bank: applicants must have at least 3 years financial management experience in a similar position and also have a business degree (MBA an advantage) in addition to being a qualified accountant (CPA or ACCA). Apply to ess.ke@ke.pwc.com (through PWC executive Selection) by October 28th
general manager
For a small financial services firm to manage the firm’s strategy in areas of market expansion and customer growth. Applicants who must have good knowledge of financial industry & leadership experience - are asked to send the usual (CV, app. letter, references/testimonials) in addition to a 2 page essay on financial investment in the retail sector (i.e. for individuals , small businesses and SACCO's) to recruitment@dunvon.com by October 21 (PDF preferred, but Word acceptable)
human resource manager Ref: 131/HR/FN
New position at a rapidly growing financial institution. Applicants must be aged 32 – 40, and have a degree in human resource management or development and at least 5 years HRM experience. Apply to Hawkins.associates@khigroup.com
Information systems auditor
Equity Bank is looking to hire an information systems auditor: tasks include to perform IS audits, support financial and performance audits, do data analysis, as well as evaluate new & existing operating systems, technology and networks. Applicants must be over 30 years, have university degrees in business or Information technology, as well have obtained a CISA certification and possess 5 years audit experience. Apply to isauditor@ebsafrica.co.ke by Oct 21.
investment manager
At Madison Insurance company: Applicants must be graduates who are also qualified accountants (CPA or ACCA) with at least 3 years experience in investment management, corporate finance, investment banking or stock broking. Apply by October 28th to the managing director, Madison insurance, P. O. Box 47382-00100
Managers
At a fast growing local bank - apply to the administration manager, P. O. Box 34181-00100 Nairobi by Oct 29 for the following positions::
marketing manager: who will manage the strategic planning process, product & service brands, product development and corporate social responsibility. Applicants should have an MBA (marketing option preferred), 4 years brand management experience, and posses good banking knowledge
branch manager (upcountry): must have at least 2 years experience in a similar position and be at least 30 years old.
senior associates Ref: HC/SA/AC/1
Prwicewaterhousecoopers is seeking senior associates for its Kenyan and Ugandan offices. Applicants must have 3 to 6 years working experience in busy accounting or IT environments in areas such as eBusiness, systems governance, business continuity, information security systems, business system controls, project management and IT audits. Apply to the human capital coordinator Prwicewaterhousecoopers services limited. P. O. Box 43963 Nairobi, Rahimtulla Towers by October 21.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Software tender
Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) is running an international tender seeking a comprehensive risk management software solution - that should be able to process applications, analyse financial statements, set & monitor risk limits across customer segments & business units, analyse risk interrelations, classify accounts according to CBK regulations, manage performing & non performing assets, and enable compliance with both BASEL II and IAS 39 standards. Tenders can be obtained by e-mailing kcbhq@kcb.co.ke and the deadline is November 10. Hopefully this will not see a repeat of past tender problems.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Bank Barons
Jaindi Kisero points out that commercial banks borrow money from you at 2% and lend it to the government at 8%.
Year end
ICDCI closed the year with a profit after tax of 295 million, up from 241m in 2004. While investment income dropped sharply from 355m to 240m, expenses remained flat at 80m. The increased profit comes from the 1st time inclusion of UAP Insurance results (ICDCI owns 24% of UAP which returned a profit of 334m) and this lifted up income from share of associated companies from 72m to 245m. In addition to a reduced stake in Uchumi, ICDCI also owns 1% of KCB and EA Breweries, among other investments. The company will pay a dividend of 3 shillings per share (same as in ’04) on December 7 to shareholders of record as at November 10th.
New Uni
The Great Lakes University of Kisumu, a new institution, is being built in Kisumu by the Tropical Institute of Community Health & Development (TICH) in Africa.
Flight plan
The Standard on Saturday reported that Air Kenya had cleared a 333 million shilling debt with Barclays bank to avoid being placed under receivership. In May, Barclays had appointed a Statutoty Manager when the airline defaulted on its debt.
Ugly face of food aid
American generosity must be good, not just for the world's hungry, but also for American agriculture.
Year end
ICDCI closed the year with a profit after tax of 295 million, up from 241m in 2004. While investment income dropped sharply from 355m to 240m, expenses remained flat at 80m. The increased profit comes from the 1st time inclusion of UAP Insurance results (ICDCI owns 24% of UAP which returned a profit of 334m) and this lifted up income from share of associated companies from 72m to 245m. In addition to a reduced stake in Uchumi, ICDCI also owns 1% of KCB and EA Breweries, among other investments. The company will pay a dividend of 3 shillings per share (same as in ’04) on December 7 to shareholders of record as at November 10th.
New Uni
The Great Lakes University of Kisumu, a new institution, is being built in Kisumu by the Tropical Institute of Community Health & Development (TICH) in Africa.
Flight plan
The Standard on Saturday reported that Air Kenya had cleared a 333 million shilling debt with Barclays bank to avoid being placed under receivership. In May, Barclays had appointed a Statutoty Manager when the airline defaulted on its debt.
Ugly face of food aid
American generosity must be good, not just for the world's hungry, but also for American agriculture.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Illegitimate Parliament
Something I should have posted before, but quite relevant now that Parliament has passed two bills without a legitimate quorum voting
In May this year, the Daily Nation launched a quorum watch column to highlight the issue of lack of quorum in Parliament. It doesn’t give an actual summary of the attendance, duration or contribution of individual members of parliament, but it exhibits moments when the validity of debate, bills, and laws passed (if any) should be questioned.
Here are some excerpts from the month of June/July, and long before the Banana/Orange madness began that would take MP’s away from Parliament. Note that the parliamentary calendar during a year runs for 28 weeks.
Thursday June 9th (day after Budget Speech): Nation comments that Parliament failed to raise the required minimum to form a legitimate quorum that corresponds to their number each term - It currently stands at 30 (out of 222 members) At 5 PM, there were 12 members present, and by 6:15 PM, there were only 6.
June 16 (Thursday): At 6:12 PM, Wafula Wamunyinyi (NARC MP, Kanduyi) alerted temporary Speak Samuel Poghisio that the members in the House fell short of the number to conduct business. There were only 9 MP's present, and House Rules require that there must be at least 30 MP's present, excluding the one presiding (Speaker).
June 22 (Tuesday): Just 3 hours after Speaker Francis ole Kaparo warned members against absenteeism, the House was hit by a lack of quorum for a few minutes as Mutula Kilonzo (KANU nominated) informed temporary Speaker Samuel Poghisio that only 12 MP’s were present. Deputy Leader of Government Business George Saitoti, and Chief Whip Norman Nyagah “had a hard time trying to get more members into the Chamber.”
June 23 (Thursday): Only 13 MP’s were present as Finance Minister David Mwiraria responded to issues MP’s had raised regarding the Government’s expenditure. At one point, no MP stood to respond to Mwiraria’s speech, leading Speaker Kaparo to call on Mwiraria to respond to his own contribution. Elsewhere on that day, Speaker Kaparo described MP’s as being dishonest, selfish, lacking any ideology, ignorant of house rules and have put the house in disrepute.
June 23 (Thursday): Only 8 members in Parliament at 12: 15 PM - but no one alerted the Speaker.
June 28 (Tuesday): Bill on tax measures was being discussed when there were only 10 members present at 5:25 PM. No one alerted the Speaker.
July 5 (Tuesday): At 5:35 Wafula Wamunyinyi alerts temporary Speaker, Samuel Pogisho (MP KANU, Kacheliba) that there’s no quorum – only 15 (11 government, 4 opposition) MP’s are present at the time. Several MP’s grumble at Mr. Wamunyinyi’s move.
(Wednesday) July 13: Parliament has 74 MP’s present (a high) at 3:55 PM as they discuss the budget of the Office of the President (OP).
(Thursday) July 14: Discussion of the OP budget continues, but by 7:20 PM there are only 28 (21 government, 7 opposition) MP’s. The bell was rang, and quorum formed a few minutes later and MP’s passed the Bill at 7:36 PM. Although parliament normally adjourns at 6:30 PM, MP’s extended it by an hour to clear a backlog of work.
(Tuesday) 19 July: Discussion on the Forest Bill takes place with only 16 (14 government) MP’s present at 6:30 PM. No one alerts the speaker.
(Wednesday) 20 July: 2 private member bills are passed: One bill by David Koros (opposition KANU, Eldoret South) called on the Government to provide loans to mid-level colleges and was passed at 10:21 AM by 18 (14 government, 4 opposition) MP’s who are present. The other by Gor Sunguh (Government, Kisumu Town East) that seeks to regulate advertising is passed at 12:20 PM by 13 (11 government, 2 opposition) MP’s.
(Friday) July 22: Vote on the draft constitution/referndum extends to midnight before a full house.
(Tuesday) 26 July: Debate on ministry of agriculture only 19 in house at 5:30 – 15g 4 op – no one alerted the speaker over lack of quorum until 6:30 when the house adjourned. Also six question in the order paper were deferred as ministers and MP\s failed to show up
(Wednesday) 27 July: parliament adjourns early due to a lack of quorum during a debate on the 8.3 billion budget of the ministry of agriculture.
In May this year, the Daily Nation launched a quorum watch column to highlight the issue of lack of quorum in Parliament. It doesn’t give an actual summary of the attendance, duration or contribution of individual members of parliament, but it exhibits moments when the validity of debate, bills, and laws passed (if any) should be questioned.
Here are some excerpts from the month of June/July, and long before the Banana/Orange madness began that would take MP’s away from Parliament. Note that the parliamentary calendar during a year runs for 28 weeks.
Thursday June 9th (day after Budget Speech): Nation comments that Parliament failed to raise the required minimum to form a legitimate quorum that corresponds to their number each term - It currently stands at 30 (out of 222 members) At 5 PM, there were 12 members present, and by 6:15 PM, there were only 6.
June 16 (Thursday): At 6:12 PM, Wafula Wamunyinyi (NARC MP, Kanduyi) alerted temporary Speak Samuel Poghisio that the members in the House fell short of the number to conduct business. There were only 9 MP's present, and House Rules require that there must be at least 30 MP's present, excluding the one presiding (Speaker).
June 22 (Tuesday): Just 3 hours after Speaker Francis ole Kaparo warned members against absenteeism, the House was hit by a lack of quorum for a few minutes as Mutula Kilonzo (KANU nominated) informed temporary Speaker Samuel Poghisio that only 12 MP’s were present. Deputy Leader of Government Business George Saitoti, and Chief Whip Norman Nyagah “had a hard time trying to get more members into the Chamber.”
June 23 (Thursday): Only 13 MP’s were present as Finance Minister David Mwiraria responded to issues MP’s had raised regarding the Government’s expenditure. At one point, no MP stood to respond to Mwiraria’s speech, leading Speaker Kaparo to call on Mwiraria to respond to his own contribution. Elsewhere on that day, Speaker Kaparo described MP’s as being dishonest, selfish, lacking any ideology, ignorant of house rules and have put the house in disrepute.
June 23 (Thursday): Only 8 members in Parliament at 12: 15 PM - but no one alerted the Speaker.
June 28 (Tuesday): Bill on tax measures was being discussed when there were only 10 members present at 5:25 PM. No one alerted the Speaker.
July 5 (Tuesday): At 5:35 Wafula Wamunyinyi alerts temporary Speaker, Samuel Pogisho (MP KANU, Kacheliba) that there’s no quorum – only 15 (11 government, 4 opposition) MP’s are present at the time. Several MP’s grumble at Mr. Wamunyinyi’s move.
(Wednesday) July 13: Parliament has 74 MP’s present (a high) at 3:55 PM as they discuss the budget of the Office of the President (OP).
(Thursday) July 14: Discussion of the OP budget continues, but by 7:20 PM there are only 28 (21 government, 7 opposition) MP’s. The bell was rang, and quorum formed a few minutes later and MP’s passed the Bill at 7:36 PM. Although parliament normally adjourns at 6:30 PM, MP’s extended it by an hour to clear a backlog of work.
(Tuesday) 19 July: Discussion on the Forest Bill takes place with only 16 (14 government) MP’s present at 6:30 PM. No one alerts the speaker.
(Wednesday) 20 July: 2 private member bills are passed: One bill by David Koros (opposition KANU, Eldoret South) called on the Government to provide loans to mid-level colleges and was passed at 10:21 AM by 18 (14 government, 4 opposition) MP’s who are present. The other by Gor Sunguh (Government, Kisumu Town East) that seeks to regulate advertising is passed at 12:20 PM by 13 (11 government, 2 opposition) MP’s.
(Friday) July 22: Vote on the draft constitution/referndum extends to midnight before a full house.
(Tuesday) 26 July: Debate on ministry of agriculture only 19 in house at 5:30 – 15g 4 op – no one alerted the speaker over lack of quorum until 6:30 when the house adjourned. Also six question in the order paper were deferred as ministers and MP\s failed to show up
(Wednesday) 27 July: parliament adjourns early due to a lack of quorum during a debate on the 8.3 billion budget of the ministry of agriculture.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Tea warning
With tea in abundance in China, more and more is being shipped abroad – and expanding sales by Chinese tea growers are causing alarm in other developing countries that depend on growing tea, like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
In 2004, Kenya surpassed Sri Lanka to become the world top producer of tea with the her top 4 export destinations being Pakistan (23.2%), UK (15.1%), and Egypt (19%).
In 2004, Kenya surpassed Sri Lanka to become the world top producer of tea with the her top 4 export destinations being Pakistan (23.2%), UK (15.1%), and Egypt (19%).
24 hour wedding cycle
Another reason for my on-going new car search showed up over the weekend. I got ready to attend a wedding, but as I tried to leave for the Church, the car would not start. Since I was all dressed up, I didn’t bother tinkering with the engine and just left the keys at home and started a three-matatu trip to the wedding.
call me mzungu
The wedding was card only and was at a posh hotel on Thika road. I arrived there a full half-hour before the wedding was scheduled to start and sat to have a beer and read a newspaper while I waited for the other guests. 30 minutes later, I was still on the lawn with a handful of guests as watched preparations continue unhurriedly. Organizers of the wedding were sipping some drinks that clearly were not sold at the hotel and it was clear that the wedding was not going to happen any time soon. Having had one drink from the hotel at 200/= I decided to step off the grounds and take a cool down at a more affordable place and I made a long waslk to a joint called Fifi’s that was recommended by a friend.
Fifi's is a nice joint next to the gate of the USIU campus and had an inretsting mid-day crowd – a mix of dreadlocks whcich seemed to be the hairstyle of choice for men there, while some girls dressed like they just got off from K street. The guys playing pool were very good - accurate shooters with their own personal cue sticks, while other patrons put their student bags on the bar-counter as they sipped their drinks. I had 2 drinks there as I finished my paper bedfore i retuned to the hotel. I was back at the service 90 minutes after it was scheduled to have started but i still arrived just as the bride was finishing her walk up the aisle. This African time is quite common at weddings but is sometimes frustrating especially towards the end of the year when people often plan to attend two weddings in a single day.
he who is without sin
Anyway after some singing, the pastor proceeded to give a sermonette before he proceeded to the vows. He described the couple in wonderful terms, as good people, who had ‘ministered to’ for a long time – but they went astray and she got pregnant! – but who have done the right thing and decided to get married today
This shocked me because I know the bride well, but only found out a few days ago that she was expecting. She’s not showing and her condition was not visible even with the trim white dress she wore at the wedding. The couple appeared unfazed but this but I was shorrified at what i felt was an intrusion in to their privacy and a permanent smear on their big day. The pastor had no tight to make such an announcement and this should have remained a private matter. Several weddings that I have attended have been followed by arrival of a baby before nine months.
Good people can make bad decisions or get into situations and some churches need to accept some facts about modern life today and should adapt if they wish to retain their congrerations and members.
bootleg country
Back in town I took a walk around and discovered the beauty of bootleg DVD’s. The popular packages now are star packs where you’ll get 5 of Julia Roberts, Denzel, or another stars' movies on 1 DVD of reasoably good quality for 500 shillings ($6.85). You can also get an entire season of the Sopranos or Friends (13 episodes) on 1 DVD. The DVD's are put together presumably in the Far East, and have misspellings like “the best of Van Disel” or the movies are combined without logic – I found a DVD with Blade 3, Oceans 12, Alexander, Forgotten and the Grudge.
The Kenya Revenue Authority also plans to clamp down on the importation of second hand phones which are often brought in duty free as personal items but end up being sold around the country.
from dusk till dawn
The next morning I went to Choices at about 8 a.m. to watch the grand prix live from China. There were many vehicles at the entrance already and mush noise on the street. When I entered, I found that this was from a group of about twenty laughing and very drunk young men and women who were being escorted out of the club after a night of drinking. The vehicles at the front were eager taxi drivers all waiting to drop these people home. The patrons were in no hurry to finish up their drinks, and kept pestering the watchmen to buy one more beer or allow them back in to use the bathroom. After a few minutes they let us in (i.e the sober people who had just arrived) and we watched a great race – after which I continued my car search at dealers in Nairobi West.
Only in Kenya
On a matatu ride back from Choices on Sunday morning, I sat behind the driver, and there was a box-stationed on the spacious ledge in front of my seat. It appeared to be nudging my leg, but I didn’t pay attention to it. It wasn’t till I was almost home that I looked down at the box, which a carton, with a hole in one top corner – and sticking out of the box was the head of a live chicken. It was being taken to someone’s house, obviously as a Sunday afternoon gift or dinner, and it kept looking up at me. It appeared to be having difficulty breathing in the stuffy vehicle, and it kept opening and closing its beak. I felt sorry for the bird, and felt like turning round and offering 2 or 300 to the owner of the bird so I could buy and release this chicken to freedom on this special Sunday.
But my humanitarian moment was spoilt when I realized that I was also holding a take-home lunch consisting of chips and fried quarter chicken from kenchic.
call me mzungu
The wedding was card only and was at a posh hotel on Thika road. I arrived there a full half-hour before the wedding was scheduled to start and sat to have a beer and read a newspaper while I waited for the other guests. 30 minutes later, I was still on the lawn with a handful of guests as watched preparations continue unhurriedly. Organizers of the wedding were sipping some drinks that clearly were not sold at the hotel and it was clear that the wedding was not going to happen any time soon. Having had one drink from the hotel at 200/= I decided to step off the grounds and take a cool down at a more affordable place and I made a long waslk to a joint called Fifi’s that was recommended by a friend.
Fifi's is a nice joint next to the gate of the USIU campus and had an inretsting mid-day crowd – a mix of dreadlocks whcich seemed to be the hairstyle of choice for men there, while some girls dressed like they just got off from K street. The guys playing pool were very good - accurate shooters with their own personal cue sticks, while other patrons put their student bags on the bar-counter as they sipped their drinks. I had 2 drinks there as I finished my paper bedfore i retuned to the hotel. I was back at the service 90 minutes after it was scheduled to have started but i still arrived just as the bride was finishing her walk up the aisle. This African time is quite common at weddings but is sometimes frustrating especially towards the end of the year when people often plan to attend two weddings in a single day.
he who is without sin
Anyway after some singing, the pastor proceeded to give a sermonette before he proceeded to the vows. He described the couple in wonderful terms, as good people, who had ‘ministered to’ for a long time – but they went astray and she got pregnant! – but who have done the right thing and decided to get married today
This shocked me because I know the bride well, but only found out a few days ago that she was expecting. She’s not showing and her condition was not visible even with the trim white dress she wore at the wedding. The couple appeared unfazed but this but I was shorrified at what i felt was an intrusion in to their privacy and a permanent smear on their big day. The pastor had no tight to make such an announcement and this should have remained a private matter. Several weddings that I have attended have been followed by arrival of a baby before nine months.
Good people can make bad decisions or get into situations and some churches need to accept some facts about modern life today and should adapt if they wish to retain their congrerations and members.
bootleg country
Back in town I took a walk around and discovered the beauty of bootleg DVD’s. The popular packages now are star packs where you’ll get 5 of Julia Roberts, Denzel, or another stars' movies on 1 DVD of reasoably good quality for 500 shillings ($6.85). You can also get an entire season of the Sopranos or Friends (13 episodes) on 1 DVD. The DVD's are put together presumably in the Far East, and have misspellings like “the best of Van Disel” or the movies are combined without logic – I found a DVD with Blade 3, Oceans 12, Alexander, Forgotten and the Grudge.
The Kenya Revenue Authority also plans to clamp down on the importation of second hand phones which are often brought in duty free as personal items but end up being sold around the country.
from dusk till dawn
The next morning I went to Choices at about 8 a.m. to watch the grand prix live from China. There were many vehicles at the entrance already and mush noise on the street. When I entered, I found that this was from a group of about twenty laughing and very drunk young men and women who were being escorted out of the club after a night of drinking. The vehicles at the front were eager taxi drivers all waiting to drop these people home. The patrons were in no hurry to finish up their drinks, and kept pestering the watchmen to buy one more beer or allow them back in to use the bathroom. After a few minutes they let us in (i.e the sober people who had just arrived) and we watched a great race – after which I continued my car search at dealers in Nairobi West.
Only in Kenya
On a matatu ride back from Choices on Sunday morning, I sat behind the driver, and there was a box-stationed on the spacious ledge in front of my seat. It appeared to be nudging my leg, but I didn’t pay attention to it. It wasn’t till I was almost home that I looked down at the box, which a carton, with a hole in one top corner – and sticking out of the box was the head of a live chicken. It was being taken to someone’s house, obviously as a Sunday afternoon gift or dinner, and it kept looking up at me. It appeared to be having difficulty breathing in the stuffy vehicle, and it kept opening and closing its beak. I felt sorry for the bird, and felt like turning round and offering 2 or 300 to the owner of the bird so I could buy and release this chicken to freedom on this special Sunday.
But my humanitarian moment was spoilt when I realized that I was also holding a take-home lunch consisting of chips and fried quarter chicken from kenchic.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Moi Day weekend
Corporate Week
Athi River Mining Bond
Athi River Mining launched an 800 million shilling ($11 million) long-term bond with a final maturity in 2010, and priced at 1.75% above the 91 day T-Bill. The proceeds of the issue will be applied as follows: 600 million towards completion of clinker plant in Kaloleni (Mombasa – expected completion in April 2006) and 200 million towards repayment of short-term bank debts. The bond can be bought between October 18th and 24th with settlement on the 27th and it will be listed on the NSE from November 7th. ARM expect the new plant investment will double profits in 5 years and increase the company’s turnover to kshs 3 billion and make it the lowest cost cement producer in the region. However the biggest risk facing the industry is power supply, energy price -which account for 40% of cement production costs .
CFC Rights Issue
On the same day the Uchumi rights issue came to an end, CFC Bank announced one of their own. The Bank will increase their share capital to match their expanded asset base (over 18 billion shillings) and to comply with CBK requirements. CFC have called for an extraordinary general meeting on October 31 where shareholders will be asked to approve (i) authorised share capital to be increased from 720 million to 1 billion shillings by creating 56 million new shares of 5/= to rank pari passu with existing 144m shares (ii) a rights issue where 12 million of the new shares will be offered to existing shareholders in a ratio of 1 new for each 12 held.
KPLC year end
Kenya power & lighting company announced their results for the year ended in June 2005. Revenue increased from 23.9 to 29 billion shillings (inclusive of "fuel cost recoveries" amounting to 6.6b). Total operating costs also increased from 23 to 27b. Profit after tax increased from 458m to 1.27b shillings and the company announced a first and final divided of 1.5 shillings per share to be paid in December.
Insurance reform
Insurance companies will be asked to compile better financial reports and accounts using a standard template. For 2004, insurance companies published accounts using a variety of formats with some omitting director names, net assets and profit/loss information.
Separately, the industry regulator body, the office commissioner of insurance, could soon be an independent agency - it is currently a department of the Ministry of Finance. Critics say this has limited its authority to enforce specific industry requirements, resulting in the collapse of a number of insurance companies.
Cultural
Gala night
The Marketing Society of Kenya 2005 Gala Night will be held on Friday October 14th at the Karen Blixen museum. Costs are 2,500 for students, 3k for individual and 30k for corporate tables.
Museum Closing
The Nairobi Museum will close for 20 months for a facelift and expansion project dubbed "museum in change" – from October 15th to July 2007. However the snake park and regional museums will remain open.
Kenyan lives
Constitution
A writer in India looks at the referendum debate and how it will affect Kenyan-Indians.
Athletics
Kenyans in Alaska? Yes, they are athletes at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Sport weekend
Saturday 08 October
07:00 SS2 Formula One: Japanese Qualifying LIVE
07:00 SS1 Super Series: Australia vs. Rest of the World Xi 3rd ODI, LIVE
17:45 SS2 WC Qualifier:: Rwanda vs. Angola, LIVE
17:45 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Cameroon vs. Egypt, LIVE
17:45 SS6 WC Qualifier:: England vs. Austria, LIVE
20:45 SS6 WC Qualifier:: Denmark vs. Greece, LIVE
22:30 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Tunisia vs. Morocco, LIVE
Sunday 09 October
04:00 SS6 Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo, LIVE repeat @ 18:00 - 19:00 SS1
07:30 SS2 Formula One: Japanese Main Race, LIVE repeat @ 18:00 - 20:00 SS2
22:30 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Bolivia vs. Brazil, LIVE
Not much sports, but at least I have a wedding to attend on Saturday.
Athi River Mining Bond
Athi River Mining launched an 800 million shilling ($11 million) long-term bond with a final maturity in 2010, and priced at 1.75% above the 91 day T-Bill. The proceeds of the issue will be applied as follows: 600 million towards completion of clinker plant in Kaloleni (Mombasa – expected completion in April 2006) and 200 million towards repayment of short-term bank debts. The bond can be bought between October 18th and 24th with settlement on the 27th and it will be listed on the NSE from November 7th. ARM expect the new plant investment will double profits in 5 years and increase the company’s turnover to kshs 3 billion and make it the lowest cost cement producer in the region. However the biggest risk facing the industry is power supply, energy price -which account for 40% of cement production costs .
CFC Rights Issue
On the same day the Uchumi rights issue came to an end, CFC Bank announced one of their own. The Bank will increase their share capital to match their expanded asset base (over 18 billion shillings) and to comply with CBK requirements. CFC have called for an extraordinary general meeting on October 31 where shareholders will be asked to approve (i) authorised share capital to be increased from 720 million to 1 billion shillings by creating 56 million new shares of 5/= to rank pari passu with existing 144m shares (ii) a rights issue where 12 million of the new shares will be offered to existing shareholders in a ratio of 1 new for each 12 held.
KPLC year end
Kenya power & lighting company announced their results for the year ended in June 2005. Revenue increased from 23.9 to 29 billion shillings (inclusive of "fuel cost recoveries" amounting to 6.6b). Total operating costs also increased from 23 to 27b. Profit after tax increased from 458m to 1.27b shillings and the company announced a first and final divided of 1.5 shillings per share to be paid in December.
Insurance reform
Insurance companies will be asked to compile better financial reports and accounts using a standard template. For 2004, insurance companies published accounts using a variety of formats with some omitting director names, net assets and profit/loss information.
Separately, the industry regulator body, the office commissioner of insurance, could soon be an independent agency - it is currently a department of the Ministry of Finance. Critics say this has limited its authority to enforce specific industry requirements, resulting in the collapse of a number of insurance companies.
Cultural
Gala night
The Marketing Society of Kenya 2005 Gala Night will be held on Friday October 14th at the Karen Blixen museum. Costs are 2,500 for students, 3k for individual and 30k for corporate tables.
Museum Closing
The Nairobi Museum will close for 20 months for a facelift and expansion project dubbed "museum in change" – from October 15th to July 2007. However the snake park and regional museums will remain open.
Kenyan lives
Constitution
A writer in India looks at the referendum debate and how it will affect Kenyan-Indians.
Athletics
Kenyans in Alaska? Yes, they are athletes at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Sport weekend
Saturday 08 October
07:00 SS2 Formula One: Japanese Qualifying LIVE
07:00 SS1 Super Series: Australia vs. Rest of the World Xi 3rd ODI, LIVE
17:45 SS2 WC Qualifier:: Rwanda vs. Angola, LIVE
17:45 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Cameroon vs. Egypt, LIVE
17:45 SS6 WC Qualifier:: England vs. Austria, LIVE
20:45 SS6 WC Qualifier:: Denmark vs. Greece, LIVE
22:30 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Tunisia vs. Morocco, LIVE
Sunday 09 October
04:00 SS6 Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo, LIVE repeat @ 18:00 - 19:00 SS1
07:30 SS2 Formula One: Japanese Main Race, LIVE repeat @ 18:00 - 20:00 SS2
22:30 SS3 WC Qualifier:: Bolivia vs. Brazil, LIVE
Not much sports, but at least I have a wedding to attend on Saturday.
(Corrected) B-School Kenya info
Stanford MBA information session
Tuesday, 11 October 2005 18:00–20:00
Nairobi Hilton Hotel
Spend an evening learning about the MBA Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. During the information session, you will get an overview of the program from an admissions officer, hear insights on the MBA experience from alumni, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Seating is limited, so please register online.
Thanks to Okomboli Ong'ong'a, MBA candidate, class of 2006, Stanford graduate school of business, for the correction.
StrathmoreAlumni Reunion Weekend
Strathmore University Alumni include all past students of (the former) Kianda College, of (the former) Strathmore College, and of Strathmore University who have completed a programme of study for the award of a degree, diploma or certificate.
Friday, 7th October 2005
Venue Hilton Hotel Ballroom
7pm - 10pm Arrival & Registration Dinner
Keynote Speech Prof. Paul Manasseh Nshuti, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Republic of Rwanda (former Lecturer, Strathmore College)
Closing Speech George Njenga, Director, Strathmore Business School
Tickets Single: Kshs. 1,500 Couple: Kshs. 2,500
Dress Code Formal
Saturday, 8th October 2005
Venue Strathmore Auditorium, Phase II
9.00am Arrival & Ongoing Registration
9.30am University Campus tour (ongoing)
Video (ongoing)
10.30am Tea and socialising
11.30am – 12.30pm “Strathmore University in the 21st Century”, Professor John Odhiambo, Vice Chancellor
12.45pm - 2.30pm Lunch
Photo Session
Entertainment: University Choir
2.30pm – 4.30pm Visits to Strathmore Asili and Kianda School
Departure and tour for Strathmore “Asili” Lavington Campus
Departure and tour for Kianda School (formerly Kianda College)
Sports for Alumni and Activities for children – including basketball, hockey, soccer, volleyball
3.00pm - 4.00pm Lecture by Dr Davy Koech, Chairman, Kenya Medical Research Institute
4.30pm Strathmore Alumni Association – Class Representatives Council Meeting
4.45pm – 6pm Refreshments with former classmates and former teachers
Tickets Single: Kshs. 1,500 Couple/Family: Kshs. 3,000
Dress Code Smart Casual
Special Rates (Combined Tickets for Friday and Saturday)
Single: Kshs. 2,500
Couple/Family: Kshs. 5,000
Tuesday, 11 October 2005 18:00–20:00
Nairobi Hilton Hotel
Spend an evening learning about the MBA Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. During the information session, you will get an overview of the program from an admissions officer, hear insights on the MBA experience from alumni, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Seating is limited, so please register online.
Thanks to Okomboli Ong'ong'a, MBA candidate, class of 2006, Stanford graduate school of business, for the correction.
StrathmoreAlumni Reunion Weekend
Strathmore University Alumni include all past students of (the former) Kianda College, of (the former) Strathmore College, and of Strathmore University who have completed a programme of study for the award of a degree, diploma or certificate.
Friday, 7th October 2005
Venue Hilton Hotel Ballroom
7pm - 10pm Arrival & Registration Dinner
Keynote Speech Prof. Paul Manasseh Nshuti, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Republic of Rwanda (former Lecturer, Strathmore College)
Closing Speech George Njenga, Director, Strathmore Business School
Tickets Single: Kshs. 1,500 Couple: Kshs. 2,500
Dress Code Formal
Saturday, 8th October 2005
Venue Strathmore Auditorium, Phase II
9.00am Arrival & Ongoing Registration
9.30am University Campus tour (ongoing)
Video (ongoing)
10.30am Tea and socialising
11.30am – 12.30pm “Strathmore University in the 21st Century”, Professor John Odhiambo, Vice Chancellor
12.45pm - 2.30pm Lunch
Photo Session
Entertainment: University Choir
2.30pm – 4.30pm Visits to Strathmore Asili and Kianda School
Departure and tour for Strathmore “Asili” Lavington Campus
Departure and tour for Kianda School (formerly Kianda College)
Sports for Alumni and Activities for children – including basketball, hockey, soccer, volleyball
3.00pm - 4.00pm Lecture by Dr Davy Koech, Chairman, Kenya Medical Research Institute
4.30pm Strathmore Alumni Association – Class Representatives Council Meeting
4.45pm – 6pm Refreshments with former classmates and former teachers
Tickets Single: Kshs. 1,500 Couple/Family: Kshs. 3,000
Dress Code Smart Casual
Special Rates (Combined Tickets for Friday and Saturday)
Single: Kshs. 2,500
Couple/Family: Kshs. 5,000
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Slow Week
VoIP for all
Effective October 11th, all existing ISP licences will be amended by the Communications Commission of Kenya allowing providers to offer VoIP services.
Mystery IPO
While Kengen continues to stream roll its way to the NSE, much less is known about the Equity Bank IPO.
Safari conned
Many more people are now signing up for Safaricom’s post-paid service which offers cheaper call rates of about 10 shillings per minute all day. But many of these new subscribers are not aware that they may be entitled to a new phone under the package offer - presumably some dealers are pocketing, and then re-selling these phones.
Enable business mobile
The Nation media group (through Safaricom) now offers access to its business directory. Send an SMS “GET bankelele” to 2102 and you’ll get the telephone number of a business at a cost of 10/= per request.
Beyond the Eclipse
Russia is planning to launch a rocket from an Italian satellite platform located at San Marco, on the Kenyan coastline.
Effective October 11th, all existing ISP licences will be amended by the Communications Commission of Kenya allowing providers to offer VoIP services.
Mystery IPO
While Kengen continues to stream roll its way to the NSE, much less is known about the Equity Bank IPO.
Safari conned
Many more people are now signing up for Safaricom’s post-paid service which offers cheaper call rates of about 10 shillings per minute all day. But many of these new subscribers are not aware that they may be entitled to a new phone under the package offer - presumably some dealers are pocketing, and then re-selling these phones.
Enable business mobile
The Nation media group (through Safaricom) now offers access to its business directory. Send an SMS “GET bankelele” to 2102 and you’ll get the telephone number of a business at a cost of 10/= per request.
Beyond the Eclipse
Russia is planning to launch a rocket from an Italian satellite platform located at San Marco, on the Kenyan coastline.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Happy Monday
Admin issues
A creeping problem of spam comments at Bankelele became a full blown attack crisis over the weekend. As such, “word verification” will now be required before comments can be posted to this site. Asante sana kwa wale Wakenya ambao wameandika maneno mazuri na ya maana hapa – mudendeee hivyo vivyo.
KQ undoing?
Kenya Airways had many passengers inconvenienced by the airport closing on Saturday morning. But there have also been many incidents of overbooking (especially on the Nairobi-Mombasa route), passengers being deplaned, missing luggage, neglect by staff and hate mail campaigns. This "don’t care" attitude among staff is a product of rumours of imminent retrenchment and the matter should be urgently addressed by KQ management.
Media debate
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) will hold its monthly public forum at the Stanley on October 4th at 5:30 PM to discuss a media code of conduct during the referendum period.
NCBDA AGM
The Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) will hold an annual general meeting on October 5th at 2:30 PM at the Hilton. On the agenda are election of new governing council members, amendments to the association articles, auditor, financial, and other issues.
Embassy Sale
The former US Embassy building on Mombasa Road, which was used for a couple of years after the ’98 Embassy bombing, has been put up for sale. It can be viewed on October 12th by prospective buyers who are expected to bid not less than $500,000 (36.5 million shillings) for the building.
Way to Go
Controversial road contractor Sunil Behal died in murky circumstances over the weekend. I wonder how I will go when my time comes.
A creeping problem of spam comments at Bankelele became a full blown attack crisis over the weekend. As such, “word verification” will now be required before comments can be posted to this site. Asante sana kwa wale Wakenya ambao wameandika maneno mazuri na ya maana hapa – mudendeee hivyo vivyo.
KQ undoing?
Kenya Airways had many passengers inconvenienced by the airport closing on Saturday morning. But there have also been many incidents of overbooking (especially on the Nairobi-Mombasa route), passengers being deplaned, missing luggage, neglect by staff and hate mail campaigns. This "don’t care" attitude among staff is a product of rumours of imminent retrenchment and the matter should be urgently addressed by KQ management.
Media debate
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) will hold its monthly public forum at the Stanley on October 4th at 5:30 PM to discuss a media code of conduct during the referendum period.
NCBDA AGM
The Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) will hold an annual general meeting on October 5th at 2:30 PM at the Hilton. On the agenda are election of new governing council members, amendments to the association articles, auditor, financial, and other issues.
Embassy Sale
The former US Embassy building on Mombasa Road, which was used for a couple of years after the ’98 Embassy bombing, has been put up for sale. It can be viewed on October 12th by prospective buyers who are expected to bid not less than $500,000 (36.5 million shillings) for the building.
Way to Go
Controversial road contractor Sunil Behal died in murky circumstances over the weekend. I wonder how I will go when my time comes.
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