Thirty-one environmental entrepreneurs from around the world were awarded with nearly $4 million in grants from the Bank's 2005 Development Marketplace Global Competition. More than 2,600 applicants from 136 countries submitted proposals in the annual worldwide competition, and 78 finalists came to Washington for the final judging. To view the complete list of the winners, please go to www.developmentmarketplace.org
1. Hawkers Market Girls Centre $84,703 Kenya Environmental education and awareness
To use education as a tool for conservation and improved livelihood for girls living in difficult and dangerous conditions. Kenya’s Hawkers Market is overflowing with large amounts of waste which has given rise to scavenging by young girls from economically disadvantaged families, who find materials that can be recycled or processed for small amounts of money.
2. Credit for Safe Collection of Used Oil $150,000 Kenya Protecting environmental health
To clean the Mukuru-Ngong River in Nairobi by encouraging vehicle mechanics to collect used engine oil instead of dumping it into the river. This project converts used oil into cash and/or loans through a credit points system, turning a pollutant into an income supplement and encouraging mechanics to collect used oil instead of discarding it.
3. Community Carbon Collectors: Briquetting in Kenya $132,773 Kenya Renewable energy and energy efficiency
To simultaneously reduce waste and energy costs in Nairobi’s slums by buying discarded charcoal dust and transforming it into low-cost, clean-burning briquettes. Fifteen percent of the charcoal, however, is discarded at urban trading sites as dust. Chardust, a company that produces fuel briquettes from charcoal dust, has teamed with an NGO that has an existing garbage collection program to encourage Kibera slum dwellers to act as “carbon collectors,” salvaging charcoal dust to sell to Chardust for processing into briquettes. Up to 300 lowincome slum dwellers would earn US$900 per month (equivalent to over a year’s income) as charcoal dust suppliers, and at least 1,000 charcoal-using households would benefit from lower fuel costs.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Number Crunching
Just how fast did Kenya’s economy grow in 2004?
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, the economy grew by 2.6% while according to the Central Bureau of Statistics & the Planning Ministry, the economy grew by 4.3%.
Finally the CBK has surrendered in this numbers tug of war and will modify the way it collects and measures economic data.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, the economy grew by 2.6% while according to the Central Bureau of Statistics & the Planning Ministry, the economy grew by 4.3%.
Finally the CBK has surrendered in this numbers tug of war and will modify the way it collects and measures economic data.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Regrets
Selling Kenya Airways shares at 24 shillings each after doubling my investment. I could have waited another month and tripled it!
Friday, May 27, 2005
Kenyan banker arrested in DC
Federal officials arrested former Riggs Bank vice president Simon P. Kareri and his wife yesterday afternoon, according to sources familiar with the case and are the only people to be arrested in connection with an 18-month investigation into Riggs's international private-client and embassy banking business.
MMS now in Kenya
Safaricom has introduced multi-media messaging. Unfortunately it’s only for post-paid (Advantage) customers. Hopefully they will also make it available to the rest of us pre-paid (97%) customers soon. And anyone with experience transferring phone and images to PC in Kenya, please e-mail me
Job Watch
Companies actively hiring include: AAA Growers, Consolidated Bank, Electoral Commission of Kenya, Equity Bank, Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD of the Sudan and Somalia peace talks fame), Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Maersk (Kenya), Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company, National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee is seeking a new director (following the resignation of Jane Kiragu), National Museums of Kenya, Pan-African parliament (part of the African Union), Safaricom, United Nations, University of Nairobi, and various Water Services Boards.
BMW & AGOA
What does German car-maker BMW have to do with AGOA, a poverty reduction program meant to help struggling African countries? BMW uses the label "Made in Africa" for cars it makes in South Africa and ships them to the US, enjoying tax-free AGOA benefits.
Super director
Hannington Awori, chairman of both Nation Media Group and Standard Chartered Bank on the same day (May 26th)
He has attained age 70, mandatory age for retirement at Stanchart; he was re-elected and will remain as Chairman for one more year, while he and the Board groom a successor (a move Barclays Kenya also made last year).
He has attained age 70, mandatory age for retirement at Stanchart; he was re-elected and will remain as Chairman for one more year, while he and the Board groom a successor (a move Barclays Kenya also made last year).
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
For Book Lover’s
Someone has beaten me to an idea I’ve had for a long time
Most new novels and bestsellers in Nairobi sell for 660 shillings ($8) and above, which is quite expensive. And once done with a book, there is little to do but pass it on to an endless string of friends until it gets lost, damaged beyond having any value, or you lose interest. One bookstore has come up with a solution to this problem
Book Villa (opp. The Stanley Hotel - Tel: 340294) on Standard Street has a library which allows members to borrow unlimited books. Bronze class allows a members to borrow 1 book at a time and costs 1,000 shillings a year, Silver - 3 books at a time (3,000 a year) and Gold - 6 books at a time (5,000 shillings a year).
There’s no time condition of books, but one can’t borrow more books until they return previous ones taken. Other terms and conditions: Membership fees not refundable, nor is a 500 shilling registration fee. Also books borrowed cannot exceed the value of your membership, and must be returned in the same condition as when they were taken.
Most new novels and bestsellers in Nairobi sell for 660 shillings ($8) and above, which is quite expensive. And once done with a book, there is little to do but pass it on to an endless string of friends until it gets lost, damaged beyond having any value, or you lose interest. One bookstore has come up with a solution to this problem
Book Villa (opp. The Stanley Hotel - Tel: 340294) on Standard Street has a library which allows members to borrow unlimited books. Bronze class allows a members to borrow 1 book at a time and costs 1,000 shillings a year, Silver - 3 books at a time (3,000 a year) and Gold - 6 books at a time (5,000 shillings a year).
There’s no time condition of books, but one can’t borrow more books until they return previous ones taken. Other terms and conditions: Membership fees not refundable, nor is a 500 shilling registration fee. Also books borrowed cannot exceed the value of your membership, and must be returned in the same condition as when they were taken.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Business Rumours from South Africa
Barclays Kenya to become Bank Absa?
BARCLAYS and Absa are planning to create the biggest bank in the African market. In a second phase to the transaction, Barclays plans to sell its African businesses outside of SA to Absa which is expected to happen within the next two years.
MTN coming to Kenya?
MTN is committed to following its growth roadmap in Africa, despite hurdles associated with investing in the cellular telecommunications sector on the continent. Behind the scenes, MTN is finalising a deal in East Africa.
BARCLAYS and Absa are planning to create the biggest bank in the African market. In a second phase to the transaction, Barclays plans to sell its African businesses outside of SA to Absa which is expected to happen within the next two years.
MTN coming to Kenya?
MTN is committed to following its growth roadmap in Africa, despite hurdles associated with investing in the cellular telecommunications sector on the continent. Behind the scenes, MTN is finalising a deal in East Africa.
Never Say
According to the Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Bo Goransson, here are some expressions which Kenyans should never use:
- "It is our time to eat"
- "Zero tolerance on corruption"
- "That's what I am entitled to!"
- (my favourite)"Let’s have a seminar" - the more poverty-related the problem, the more exclusive the venue. Mombasa is the current favourite
and many more
- "It is our time to eat"
- "Zero tolerance on corruption"
- "That's what I am entitled to!"
- (my favourite)"Let’s have a seminar" - the more poverty-related the problem, the more exclusive the venue. Mombasa is the current favourite
and many more
Monday, May 23, 2005
Wasted Resources at CBK
New coins bearing the portrait of the founding father of the nation, the late Jomo Kenyatta, will be re-introduced into the market.
Setting aside the politics of whose face should be on the currency, Central Bank of Kenya is unaware that 5 cent and 10 cent coins have no real value in Kenya anymore. The cheapest items you can find in kiosks are all more than 1 shilling (except for chewing gum which costs 50 cents). 5c and 10c values only exist in the mathematical world.
I cashed a cheque at a Bank last week, and my payment included some 5-cent coins which were in new mint condition, printed in 1995, that had never been circulated! Otherwise most Banks will round currency to the nearest shilling for purposes of payment. It is therefore totally unnecessary to print some of these new coins.
Setting aside the politics of whose face should be on the currency, Central Bank of Kenya is unaware that 5 cent and 10 cent coins have no real value in Kenya anymore. The cheapest items you can find in kiosks are all more than 1 shilling (except for chewing gum which costs 50 cents). 5c and 10c values only exist in the mathematical world.
I cashed a cheque at a Bank last week, and my payment included some 5-cent coins which were in new mint condition, printed in 1995, that had never been circulated! Otherwise most Banks will round currency to the nearest shilling for purposes of payment. It is therefore totally unnecessary to print some of these new coins.
Bank Brief's
Matatu Finance at K-Rep
K-Rep Bank has launched a product that will finance up to 80% of the purchase of matatu (minibus). The package also comes with insurance, a fleet management system, stolen vehicle recovery system and a hand held metal detector (source: The Financial Post)
Postbank Expands
Postbank, which is facing stiff competition from micro-finance institutions, has opened five new branches in Bomet, Karen, Migori, Nanyuki, and Thika. (source: The Financial Post)
Equity Bank Expands
Equity Bank plans to open seven branches at the Coast according to chief executive officer, Mr James Mwangi, who also lamented that despite Mombasa branch customers depositing Sh50 million in the past two months, only Sh2 million had been borrowed. Mr Mwangi also denied in the Weekly Advertiser (Nation) newspaper that the long customer queues at some of Equity’s branches were signs of a liquidity problem – saying that they were the result of electricity failures that have plagued Nairobi during the on-going rains.
ADB to fund forest cover in Kenya
The African Development Bank (ADB) will channel $29.8 million through Nyayo Tea Zones Corporation to replenish Kenya’s depleted forest areas.
K-Rep Bank has launched a product that will finance up to 80% of the purchase of matatu (minibus). The package also comes with insurance, a fleet management system, stolen vehicle recovery system and a hand held metal detector (source: The Financial Post)
Postbank Expands
Postbank, which is facing stiff competition from micro-finance institutions, has opened five new branches in Bomet, Karen, Migori, Nanyuki, and Thika. (source: The Financial Post)
Equity Bank Expands
Equity Bank plans to open seven branches at the Coast according to chief executive officer, Mr James Mwangi, who also lamented that despite Mombasa branch customers depositing Sh50 million in the past two months, only Sh2 million had been borrowed. Mr Mwangi also denied in the Weekly Advertiser (Nation) newspaper that the long customer queues at some of Equity’s branches were signs of a liquidity problem – saying that they were the result of electricity failures that have plagued Nairobi during the on-going rains.
ADB to fund forest cover in Kenya
The African Development Bank (ADB) will channel $29.8 million through Nyayo Tea Zones Corporation to replenish Kenya’s depleted forest areas.
Friday, May 20, 2005
PR/media campaigns
De La Rue
Thomas De La Rue, who print the currency for Kenya and many other countries have launched a PR. campaign at a time when their contract to print Kenya’s currency is up for review. De La Rue point out that they have invested in a 3 billion shilling factory in Nairobi where they print many world currencies, employ 300 trained Kenyans and contribute 600 million shillings annually to the Kenyan economy.
De La Rue have printed Kenya’s currency since independence, but have faced stiff competition from new companies and politicians, including one arm of Anglo-Leasing.
Italians at the Coast
Italian Residents of Malindi and Coast Province have also launched a PR campaign to refute allegations that they engage in drug trafficking and prostitution activities. They point out that they are responsible for 85% of the tourism business in Malindi, and are behind numerous community & charitable activities. Also that, out of the 1,000 Italians on the island, only 5 have been investigated for criminal activities over the last 27 years
Boycott Delamere
There’s a chain mail going round urging Kenyans to boycott Delamere products following the controversial dismissal of murder charges against Delamere’s grandson who had shot and killed a Wildlife ranger.
Mo Money
Foreign Affairs Minister, Chirau Ali Mwakwere wants the High Court to increase the 3 million shillings awarded to him following a successful defamation suit against Royal Media Services.
Thomas De La Rue, who print the currency for Kenya and many other countries have launched a PR. campaign at a time when their contract to print Kenya’s currency is up for review. De La Rue point out that they have invested in a 3 billion shilling factory in Nairobi where they print many world currencies, employ 300 trained Kenyans and contribute 600 million shillings annually to the Kenyan economy.
De La Rue have printed Kenya’s currency since independence, but have faced stiff competition from new companies and politicians, including one arm of Anglo-Leasing.
Italians at the Coast
Italian Residents of Malindi and Coast Province have also launched a PR campaign to refute allegations that they engage in drug trafficking and prostitution activities. They point out that they are responsible for 85% of the tourism business in Malindi, and are behind numerous community & charitable activities. Also that, out of the 1,000 Italians on the island, only 5 have been investigated for criminal activities over the last 27 years
Boycott Delamere
There’s a chain mail going round urging Kenyans to boycott Delamere products following the controversial dismissal of murder charges against Delamere’s grandson who had shot and killed a Wildlife ranger.
Mo Money
Foreign Affairs Minister, Chirau Ali Mwakwere wants the High Court to increase the 3 million shillings awarded to him following a successful defamation suit against Royal Media Services.
Safaricom chasing Celtel
Exactly a month after Celtel enabled subscribers to transfer existing airtime/credit in a phone to other users (called me2U), Safaricom have now also rolled out the same product, calling it Sambaza
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Midweek Mix
Health care package for low income Kenyans
AAR, Kenya’s largest HMO has linked with K-Rep Bank to offer in a pilot project to provide health care to low-income groups.
Media blamed for undermining bank merger
HFCK say that leakage of documents portrayed them as using underhand methods to secure a deal with DBK
Two perspectives on life in Nairobi
Eastleigh Estate in Nairobi is like Mogadishu because of wealthy Somali residents while Asians profess that they are ”Kenya Damu”
End of the Yellow Jackets
The Nairobi City Council is progressing towards a system that will privatise the management of parking spaces (on and off the street) in Nairobi
Ship refuses to sail away
Assurances to the Treasury by the Chief of General Staff, General Joe Kibwana, about a 4.1 billion Kenya Shilling (US$53.5 million) deal to buy a new patrol boat for the Navy have turned out to be misplaced, according to documents seen by Africa Confidential.
AAR, Kenya’s largest HMO has linked with K-Rep Bank to offer in a pilot project to provide health care to low-income groups.
Media blamed for undermining bank merger
HFCK say that leakage of documents portrayed them as using underhand methods to secure a deal with DBK
Two perspectives on life in Nairobi
Eastleigh Estate in Nairobi is like Mogadishu because of wealthy Somali residents while Asians profess that they are ”Kenya Damu”
End of the Yellow Jackets
The Nairobi City Council is progressing towards a system that will privatise the management of parking spaces (on and off the street) in Nairobi
Ship refuses to sail away
Assurances to the Treasury by the Chief of General Staff, General Joe Kibwana, about a 4.1 billion Kenya Shilling (US$53.5 million) deal to buy a new patrol boat for the Navy have turned out to be misplaced, according to documents seen by Africa Confidential.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
What If? Ouko
The what if? (they had lived) question is asked sometime after a prominent person has died. E.g. If Kennedy had not been killed, would he have committed the US to war in Vietnam or to civil service reforms that ended segregation? Would Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Abraham Lincoln, and others changed their messages if they had lived longer?,
And what if Robert Ouko was not killed in 1990. How would he have reacted to the multi-party movement a year later? Would he have defended the Government so eloquently? And in the multi-party elections of two years later, would he have stuck with KANU and be whitewashed by the electorate of Nyanza? Or would he have joined FORD? How would he have reacted to the co-operation between the Odinga’s and KANU five years later, or later to the Rainbow movement? And where would he fit in today’s political world that revolves around Raila?
And what if Robert Ouko was not killed in 1990. How would he have reacted to the multi-party movement a year later? Would he have defended the Government so eloquently? And in the multi-party elections of two years later, would he have stuck with KANU and be whitewashed by the electorate of Nyanza? Or would he have joined FORD? How would he have reacted to the co-operation between the Odinga’s and KANU five years later, or later to the Rainbow movement? And where would he fit in today’s political world that revolves around Raila?
Microfinance warning
The Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya released a statement refuting allegations that microfinance institutions are defrauding Kenyans. They point out that a lot of loan-sharks/shylock operators are pretending to be microfinance institutions and causing the confusion – and that that micro-finance loans average about 30,000 shillings, which is not enought to finance the car/matatu purchases that many Kenyans are signing on with these shady operators.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Student maturity in Kenya
(JKUAT) (Jomo Kenyatta ) students have filed a lawsuit to stop their university from raising their fees by about 300%.
Previously they would have rioted, stoned some cars, fought with police and cause the university to be closed prematurely. Later they would be re-admitted, only to find out that they would have to repeat the aborted semester, pay for damages from the riot, and also pay the new fees they were disputing in the first place.
I wish them the best in their lawsuit, but universities have no choice but to increase revenues to pay for increasing lecturer and other learning costs.
Previously they would have rioted, stoned some cars, fought with police and cause the university to be closed prematurely. Later they would be re-admitted, only to find out that they would have to repeat the aborted semester, pay for damages from the riot, and also pay the new fees they were disputing in the first place.
I wish them the best in their lawsuit, but universities have no choice but to increase revenues to pay for increasing lecturer and other learning costs.
KPLC needs an Overhaul
This entry is triggered, by my having to spend an unproductive hour this morning queuing to pay an electricity bill to the Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC). On most days, the halls at KPLC (and at bank halls and post offices in some remote towns where KPLC has no offices)are choke full of thousands of individuals lining up to pay electricity bills in cash.
The Company needs new thinking and new ways of enabling payment for this basic service. Imagine if you could only pay for your cell phone airtime at a Safaricom office. Safaricom would have to hire all the 12,000 workers about to be sent home from Telkom Kenya in order to collect its Kshs. 20 billion annual income (S'com currently have about 2,000 employees). Yet it is able to collect payments from ven the most remote parts of the country easily. Or how many workers would Kenya Airways or Kenya Breweries have to employ in order to collect their sales revenue? Instead these companies have outsourced collections of their revenue to banks, travel agents, bars, kiosks etc.
KPLC, which also collects more than Kshs. 20 billion annually, has no mechanism for collecting payments by credit cards or the internet. You can pay by cheque, but you have to think twice about that because it can cost you up to Kshs. 10,000 extra if the cheque bounces or clears late (bank charges and a deposit averaging your electricity bill for two months are added to the original bill. On the plus side, you can also pay by ATM if you have an account with Standard Chartered Bank (which I don’t)
The Company needs new thinking and new ways of enabling payment for this basic service. Imagine if you could only pay for your cell phone airtime at a Safaricom office. Safaricom would have to hire all the 12,000 workers about to be sent home from Telkom Kenya in order to collect its Kshs. 20 billion annual income (S'com currently have about 2,000 employees). Yet it is able to collect payments from ven the most remote parts of the country easily. Or how many workers would Kenya Airways or Kenya Breweries have to employ in order to collect their sales revenue? Instead these companies have outsourced collections of their revenue to banks, travel agents, bars, kiosks etc.
KPLC, which also collects more than Kshs. 20 billion annually, has no mechanism for collecting payments by credit cards or the internet. You can pay by cheque, but you have to think twice about that because it can cost you up to Kshs. 10,000 extra if the cheque bounces or clears late (bank charges and a deposit averaging your electricity bill for two months are added to the original bill. On the plus side, you can also pay by ATM if you have an account with Standard Chartered Bank (which I don’t)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Multi-media messaging coming to Kenya
Safaricom will launch MMS or multi-media messaging in June 2005 – which will enable users to send messages that include image, audio and video clips from one phone to another or to e-mail.
Likely impact?
- The service must be priced affordably to be of meaningful use.
- The price of mobile phones, which have halved over the last year, will now shoot up. E.g. a Nokia 7250 now costs 15,000, down from 27,000 shillings.
- Hopefully Safaricom have addressed the problem of undelivered messages. I.e. when an SMS fails to go through (especially international), you still get charged. Messages that fail to go thru, should not incur charges.
- The government will ban the use of camera phones.
Likely impact?
- The service must be priced affordably to be of meaningful use.
- The price of mobile phones, which have halved over the last year, will now shoot up. E.g. a Nokia 7250 now costs 15,000, down from 27,000 shillings.
- Hopefully Safaricom have addressed the problem of undelivered messages. I.e. when an SMS fails to go through (especially international), you still get charged. Messages that fail to go thru, should not incur charges.
- The government will ban the use of camera phones.
Bank Takeover
The Minister of Finance has approved the acquisition of First American Bank by Commercial Bank of Africa.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Friday, May 13, 2005
State of Media
Nation
The Nation Media Group yesterday launched NTVin the latest round of media moves. Nation Media have been considered to be cheapskates in broadcasting - grooming and then loosing talent to better paying KTN and other radio stations – which left the Nation short on newsroom talent especially interviewers and business news. Now the tide has turned, and ever since Nation hired away Ian Fernandes from KTN late last year, he also arrived with several KTN reporters and editors in tow. They now have people capable of covering business news, conducting interviews and hosting news magazine shows (they already have lined up a new show for Julie Gichuru who started yesterday – to be called The 4thEstate airing on Thursday at 9:30 – that will compete directly against KTN’s Newsline).
They have put their outside broadcasting van to great use, beaming pictures of the Sudan peace talks, rugby, Harambee Stars soccer matches, and even boxing, which has made Congestina Achieng star in Kenya (despite not fighting any credible opponents so far).
Radio
As for radio, Nation FM will find it harder to overhaul KISS given that radio presenters are notorious for their lack of loyalty. Nation is available around the country, but trail KISS in the all-important Nairobi region.
Magazines
This is a bright spot for the Nation as their re-launched “True Love” is doing well, appears to have surpassed “Eve” as the magazine of choice for Kenyan women – and is far ahead of Cosmopolitan Kenya, which was launched at about the same time. However Drum (aimed at young men) has failed to capture its glory of the 1970’s, even after cutting the price from 150 to 100 shillings. Nation will not hesitate to pull the plug on a project which does not achieve their expectations – they pulled the plug on the weekly Coast Express last month.
Standard
The Group spent a great deal of money luring top editors from the Nation over the last two years, and have scored some major gains since. They have revamped the newspaper several times, changing the layout and adding magazine pullout sections on most days of the week. Sunday Standard has many exposes that become talking points for the country, but on most days, they still trail the Nation in sales. Also frequent brushes with the government have led to less advertising revenue.
KTN
Still the number one TV station, and the only station putting together quality news magazines and interview shows. However most of these programming decisions were all made during the Fernandes era.
Radio
According to the Financial Post, the Standard newspapers are shopping for a radio station (could be KISS FM?)
Kiss FM
Still the leading FM radio station, but except for the morning show, wires are coming loose elsewhere with presenters engaged in musical chairs, and the station has drawn the ire of the government and “moral parents” one too many times. Listen to Crossfire on Sunday evening and you can almost hear MD Patrick Quarco restrain his guests from stepping on some powerful toes.
Capitol FM
Significant presence in Nairobi, and now Mombasa, but has become a major ego trip for new owner, DJ CK, who seems to micro-manage the station.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Did a very expensive rebranding in 2003 and morphed into Channel 1. However this has not translated into significant results for the TV station whose main draws are still foreign shows - Champions league soccer, soap operas, and wrestling shows.
Citizen/Royal Media
The Rodney Dangefirled of media, Citizen radio and television get no respect despite their almost nationwide reach. While the new KBC has broken away from their government association of years past (where they were seen as an extension of the presidential press unit), Citizen TV has embraced this role to become the unofficial government cheerleaders. On weekends, you can catch interview-shy people like Raphael Tuju, and Dr. Alfred Mutua, sit-down for hour-long chats as soft questions are lobbed at them.
Kenya Times and People newspapers
Both are struggling, and with little presence on the street. If either of them goes under, they will make the other stronger and more credible as a true 3rd alternative to the big two (Nation & Standard) – so each will try its best to survive for as long as possible. Nothing would please S. K. Macharia (Citizen owner) more than to buy the Kenya Times from KANU or People from Kenneth Matiba. Still the newspapers have razor thin budgets, and the little advertising they get from various Government departments (when the Standard and nation offend some powerful people) may actually be more than enough to sustain them.
Tabloids: are newspapers too
The Citizen has become the premier tabloid in Kenya through a mix of sober writing and also being published regularly. They don’t break a lot of stories, but their in-depth analysis of news (after reading the Sunday papers) adds dimensions to stories that other newspapers can’t print. They also have good coverage of stories in town outside Nairobi. (often scooping mainstream newspapers) especially in Western Kenya.
Other tabloids like the Independent and Kenya Confidential have erratic printing schedules, and often do not appear on some weeks. Independent, which surprisingly raised its price form 20 to 30 shillings, relies on wild headlines that frequently don’t lead to any story on the inside. Kenya Confidential has some revealing stories (which have got the paper in trouble) and actually print a lot of leaked government documents in full.
The Nation Media Group yesterday launched NTVin the latest round of media moves. Nation Media have been considered to be cheapskates in broadcasting - grooming and then loosing talent to better paying KTN and other radio stations – which left the Nation short on newsroom talent especially interviewers and business news. Now the tide has turned, and ever since Nation hired away Ian Fernandes from KTN late last year, he also arrived with several KTN reporters and editors in tow. They now have people capable of covering business news, conducting interviews and hosting news magazine shows (they already have lined up a new show for Julie Gichuru who started yesterday – to be called The 4thEstate airing on Thursday at 9:30 – that will compete directly against KTN’s Newsline).
They have put their outside broadcasting van to great use, beaming pictures of the Sudan peace talks, rugby, Harambee Stars soccer matches, and even boxing, which has made Congestina Achieng star in Kenya (despite not fighting any credible opponents so far).
Radio
As for radio, Nation FM will find it harder to overhaul KISS given that radio presenters are notorious for their lack of loyalty. Nation is available around the country, but trail KISS in the all-important Nairobi region.
Magazines
This is a bright spot for the Nation as their re-launched “True Love” is doing well, appears to have surpassed “Eve” as the magazine of choice for Kenyan women – and is far ahead of Cosmopolitan Kenya, which was launched at about the same time. However Drum (aimed at young men) has failed to capture its glory of the 1970’s, even after cutting the price from 150 to 100 shillings. Nation will not hesitate to pull the plug on a project which does not achieve their expectations – they pulled the plug on the weekly Coast Express last month.
Standard
The Group spent a great deal of money luring top editors from the Nation over the last two years, and have scored some major gains since. They have revamped the newspaper several times, changing the layout and adding magazine pullout sections on most days of the week. Sunday Standard has many exposes that become talking points for the country, but on most days, they still trail the Nation in sales. Also frequent brushes with the government have led to less advertising revenue.
KTN
Still the number one TV station, and the only station putting together quality news magazines and interview shows. However most of these programming decisions were all made during the Fernandes era.
Radio
According to the Financial Post, the Standard newspapers are shopping for a radio station (could be KISS FM?)
Kiss FM
Still the leading FM radio station, but except for the morning show, wires are coming loose elsewhere with presenters engaged in musical chairs, and the station has drawn the ire of the government and “moral parents” one too many times. Listen to Crossfire on Sunday evening and you can almost hear MD Patrick Quarco restrain his guests from stepping on some powerful toes.
Capitol FM
Significant presence in Nairobi, and now Mombasa, but has become a major ego trip for new owner, DJ CK, who seems to micro-manage the station.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Did a very expensive rebranding in 2003 and morphed into Channel 1. However this has not translated into significant results for the TV station whose main draws are still foreign shows - Champions league soccer, soap operas, and wrestling shows.
Citizen/Royal Media
The Rodney Dangefirled of media, Citizen radio and television get no respect despite their almost nationwide reach. While the new KBC has broken away from their government association of years past (where they were seen as an extension of the presidential press unit), Citizen TV has embraced this role to become the unofficial government cheerleaders. On weekends, you can catch interview-shy people like Raphael Tuju, and Dr. Alfred Mutua, sit-down for hour-long chats as soft questions are lobbed at them.
Kenya Times and People newspapers
Both are struggling, and with little presence on the street. If either of them goes under, they will make the other stronger and more credible as a true 3rd alternative to the big two (Nation & Standard) – so each will try its best to survive for as long as possible. Nothing would please S. K. Macharia (Citizen owner) more than to buy the Kenya Times from KANU or People from Kenneth Matiba. Still the newspapers have razor thin budgets, and the little advertising they get from various Government departments (when the Standard and nation offend some powerful people) may actually be more than enough to sustain them.
Tabloids: are newspapers too
The Citizen has become the premier tabloid in Kenya through a mix of sober writing and also being published regularly. They don’t break a lot of stories, but their in-depth analysis of news (after reading the Sunday papers) adds dimensions to stories that other newspapers can’t print. They also have good coverage of stories in town outside Nairobi. (often scooping mainstream newspapers) especially in Western Kenya.
Other tabloids like the Independent and Kenya Confidential have erratic printing schedules, and often do not appear on some weeks. Independent, which surprisingly raised its price form 20 to 30 shillings, relies on wild headlines that frequently don’t lead to any story on the inside. Kenya Confidential has some revealing stories (which have got the paper in trouble) and actually print a lot of leaked government documents in full.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
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.
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.
Search for oil continues
Kenya has no known oil or gas reserves, though a study found areas that may hold as much as 1 billion barrels of oil, Sentinel Stockbroking said in a September report.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Directors to resign at KCB and NBK
According to the Daily Nation, government-appointed directors at National Bank of Kenya and Kenya Commercial Bank
will be replaced by professional and independent directors at the Banks AGMs on June 3 and 17 respectively, both of which will be held at KICC.
will be replaced by professional and independent directors at the Banks AGMs on June 3 and 17 respectively, both of which will be held at KICC.
A bit of politricks
AG woes
It’s not been a good week for the Attorney General’s (AG) office, even beyond the big rumour around town.
- Simeon Nyachae, the Minister for Energy who is being sued by Shem Ochuodho, the former Kenya Pipeline MD, has indicated that he does not want the AG to represent him – he will use his own lawyer instead.
- Also the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission will seek new powers to direct prosecution of cases without referring to the AG’s office. But the police currently have such powers, and have misued them - most recently to arrest and prosecute newspaper writers critical of the government.
Cabinet 2, Media 0
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Mwakwere has been awarded Kshs. 3 million in a defamation suit he filed against Royal Media (Citizen TV). It had been widely reported that Mwakwere was one of three ministers who had been arrested in a crackdown on prostitutes on Koinange (K st. Nairobi) last year. The judge in the case twice refused to hear Citizen’s defence evidence from a woman, who came forward to present material evidence on the case.
Also, last week Martha Karua was awarded Kshs. 20 million shillings in defamation damages from a Nairobi tabloid.
Military Secrets
Find out how tough is Kenya’s military is!
It’s not been a good week for the Attorney General’s (AG) office, even beyond the big rumour around town.
- Simeon Nyachae, the Minister for Energy who is being sued by Shem Ochuodho, the former Kenya Pipeline MD, has indicated that he does not want the AG to represent him – he will use his own lawyer instead.
- Also the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission will seek new powers to direct prosecution of cases without referring to the AG’s office. But the police currently have such powers, and have misued them - most recently to arrest and prosecute newspaper writers critical of the government.
Cabinet 2, Media 0
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Mwakwere has been awarded Kshs. 3 million in a defamation suit he filed against Royal Media (Citizen TV). It had been widely reported that Mwakwere was one of three ministers who had been arrested in a crackdown on prostitutes on Koinange (K st. Nairobi) last year. The judge in the case twice refused to hear Citizen’s defence evidence from a woman, who came forward to present material evidence on the case.
Also, last week Martha Karua was awarded Kshs. 20 million shillings in defamation damages from a Nairobi tabloid.
Military Secrets
Find out how tough is Kenya’s military is!
Bring on MTN and 5th mobile company
Going though some old newspapers, I found this interview with Econet’s Chief Marketing Officer: He admits that Econet will have to charge Kenyan cell phone users just as much, if not more, than Safaricom and Celtel if and when they ever begin operations.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
IFC (World Bank) Aid to Kenyan Banks
Barclays to fund SME’s
Th International Finance Corporations (IFC) will provide a loan Barclays Kenya of up to $20 million (Kshs 1.6 billion), the proceeds from the Loan will be used primarily to fund medium sized corporates which are in need of US$-denominated funding, and will free up the Bank's local currency resources for on-lending to smaller corporates.
I&M Bank to fund trade finance
IFC will provide a loan to Investments and Mortgages Bank (I&M Bank) of up to $5 million to support the bank's growing SME client base and export-oriented segment in Kenya. IFC will also consider providing I&M with equity of up to $2 million (Kshs.160 million) to shore up the bank's core capital.
Barclays to fund solar energy projects
Barclays Bank of Kenya plans to offer loans to Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), which are members of Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO). SACCOs provide financial services to a large section of the adult population in Kenya, and make loans to individuals who do not save with or borrow from mainstream banking institutions. SACCOs receiving loans under this project will provide "solar loans" to their members to purchase solar home systems to be installed by Solagen Ltd. and other leading Kenyan PV technical service providers. The total amount is estimated at $4,6 million (Kshs 368 million) and will be sourced from the IFC.
Th International Finance Corporations (IFC) will provide a loan Barclays Kenya of up to $20 million (Kshs 1.6 billion), the proceeds from the Loan will be used primarily to fund medium sized corporates which are in need of US$-denominated funding, and will free up the Bank's local currency resources for on-lending to smaller corporates.
I&M Bank to fund trade finance
IFC will provide a loan to Investments and Mortgages Bank (I&M Bank) of up to $5 million to support the bank's growing SME client base and export-oriented segment in Kenya. IFC will also consider providing I&M with equity of up to $2 million (Kshs.160 million) to shore up the bank's core capital.
Barclays to fund solar energy projects
Barclays Bank of Kenya plans to offer loans to Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), which are members of Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (KUSCCO). SACCOs provide financial services to a large section of the adult population in Kenya, and make loans to individuals who do not save with or borrow from mainstream banking institutions. SACCOs receiving loans under this project will provide "solar loans" to their members to purchase solar home systems to be installed by Solagen Ltd. and other leading Kenyan PV technical service providers. The total amount is estimated at $4,6 million (Kshs 368 million) and will be sourced from the IFC.
More Aid to Kenya
From Norway (a GJLOS Project)
Through the World Bank, Norway is funding a pilot project for the recording of court proceedings. Firms with extensive experience are invited to supply and install digital voice processing systems in some courts by applying electronically from johnson.weru@legalsector.or.ke by 27th May 2005.
From EU for Kenyan Roads
European Union support to Kenya roads i.e the Northern Corridor Rehabilitation Programme include:
- Sultan hamud to mtito andei (131 km) at a cost of Kshs. 4.6 billion began in April 2003, and 72km are complete. – the rest should be done by January 2006
- Mai Mahiu – Naivasha – Lanet 95 km road section at a cost of Kshs 4.6 billion - to commence in May 2005 and end in September 2007 urgently needs to be done
- 150km of rural roads in Eastern province at a cost of Kshs. 300 million (complete)
- EUR 35 milion to rehabilitate westlands– limuru and timoboroa-eldoret-malaba highways urgently needs to be done
- Rural roads in tea & coffee producing areas of Central Kenya
From Japan
The Government of Japan has provided a grant of 1 billion yen (¥) (Kshs 720 million) in an import support program to finance import of raw materials and finished goods. Goods purchased don’t have to be of Japanese origin, but the funds may not be used for project funding. The minimum loan amount is ¥ 14.4m (Kshs 10.4 million), and the maximum is ¥108m (Kshs 77.8 million). Other terms are: payment in Kshs, 10% deposit to treasury on approval of application, balance (90%) payable within one year from date of shipment of goods, secured by bank guarantee. Apply at crownagents@ke.crownagents.com
Through the World Bank, Norway is funding a pilot project for the recording of court proceedings. Firms with extensive experience are invited to supply and install digital voice processing systems in some courts by applying electronically from johnson.weru@legalsector.or.ke by 27th May 2005.
From EU for Kenyan Roads
European Union support to Kenya roads i.e the Northern Corridor Rehabilitation Programme include:
- Sultan hamud to mtito andei (131 km) at a cost of Kshs. 4.6 billion began in April 2003, and 72km are complete. – the rest should be done by January 2006
- Mai Mahiu – Naivasha – Lanet 95 km road section at a cost of Kshs 4.6 billion - to commence in May 2005 and end in September 2007 urgently needs to be done
- 150km of rural roads in Eastern province at a cost of Kshs. 300 million (complete)
- EUR 35 milion to rehabilitate westlands– limuru and timoboroa-eldoret-malaba highways urgently needs to be done
- Rural roads in tea & coffee producing areas of Central Kenya
From Japan
The Government of Japan has provided a grant of 1 billion yen (¥) (Kshs 720 million) in an import support program to finance import of raw materials and finished goods. Goods purchased don’t have to be of Japanese origin, but the funds may not be used for project funding. The minimum loan amount is ¥ 14.4m (Kshs 10.4 million), and the maximum is ¥108m (Kshs 77.8 million). Other terms are: payment in Kshs, 10% deposit to treasury on approval of application, balance (90%) payable within one year from date of shipment of goods, secured by bank guarantee. Apply at crownagents@ke.crownagents.com
Prepare for 2007
The electoral commission of Kenya (ECK) is conducting a voter registration in preparation for the constitutional referendum. Unfortunately (for most of you who read this site), Kenyans in the Diaspora have not been considered. Still you can ask the ECK why at eck@nbnet.co.ke. Or you can take an early summer holiday, as the deadline to register is May 30th
Monday, May 09, 2005
Car Wars
Nation Business Editor Jaindi Kisero urges the government to live within its means by buying vehicles it can afford. But given our governments’ extravagant taste in cars this is not likely. Witness the difference between what our government is likely to buy (Mercedes) for its ministers versus what India buys for her ministers (the Hindustan Ambassador – which was also until recently the official car of the Indian Prime Minister)
Friday, May 06, 2005
Business Week
CCK Back at work
Things are moving again at the Communications Commission of Kenya – they are reviewing applications for two ISP’s, 4 local courier services, 2 premium rate service providers and a call centre service provider known as “All About Marketing”
But they have now flipped the script on Econet Wireless and now strongly oppose the third mobile operator who had sued Information minister Raphael Tuju and the CCK. The lawsuit has also been expanded to include other parties, and is likely to delay Econet or any other provider from offering a third cell phone service in Kenya.
Job Watch
Kenya Commercial Bank has advertised for a new post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Applicants must have a university degree, a financial base and 10 years relevant experience. They must also be currently employed as general managers at other organizations. (it’s interesting to note how boards can manipulate the inclusion or exclusion of certain candidates through highly subjective selection criteria). Apply to Hawkins & Associates at Hawkins.associates@khigroup.com quoting ref no. 111/BO/FN
Other companies hiring this week are Huawei Technologies, Karen Hospital Nation Media Group, Rusinga School and several NGO’s.
Media Conference in Nairobi
The International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress and 54th General Assembly will take place in Nairobi from May 21st to 24th at KICC. great web site that gives vital info for participants and visitors
Coffee sector woes
In the Kenya gazette last week, Co-operative Minister Njeru Ndwiga revoked all exemptions to the cooperative societies act currently enjoyed by the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. Missing coffee from warehouse
KPCU is currently facing other troubles for failing to deliver coffee it sold to coffee exporters at the weekly Nairobi Coffee Exchange auctions.
Getting wireless in Kenya
The Grand Regency Hotel (a leading Nairobi hotel) will roll out wireless internet connectivity (802.11b) throughout the hotel’s rooms and facilities.
Banking in Naivasha
CFC Bank has opened a branch in Naivasha, which is about 90 kilometres from Nairobi. They also have a unique ATM located at a flower farm in Naivasha and farm workers are issued with special cards which they use to draw money from the ATM – reducing their need to go to town for banking purposes.
Upcoming Events
Nation Media Group AGM
Will be held on May 26th at the Nation Printing Plant on Mombasa Road (Nairobi)
Among the agenda items will be
(i) approval of an interim dividend of 20% (1 Kshs. Per share) bring the total dividend for the year to 100% (5 shillings per share)
(ii) increase the share capital of the bank from 300 million to 600 million shillings by creating 60 million new shares (of Kshs. 5 shillings each) to rank pari pasu with existing shareholders
(iii) approval of payment of bonus shares: registered shareholders as at May 13 will received 1 bonus share for each 3 they own. (however these new shares will not qualify for the interim dividend – see (i) above)
(iv) increase the number of directors.
Equity Bank AGM
Will be held on Friday May 27th at Fourways Towers on Muindi Mbingu Street. Agenda has not been published, but their IPO is not likely to take place till next year.
Things are moving again at the Communications Commission of Kenya – they are reviewing applications for two ISP’s, 4 local courier services, 2 premium rate service providers and a call centre service provider known as “All About Marketing”
But they have now flipped the script on Econet Wireless and now strongly oppose the third mobile operator who had sued Information minister Raphael Tuju and the CCK. The lawsuit has also been expanded to include other parties, and is likely to delay Econet or any other provider from offering a third cell phone service in Kenya.
Job Watch
Kenya Commercial Bank has advertised for a new post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Applicants must have a university degree, a financial base and 10 years relevant experience. They must also be currently employed as general managers at other organizations. (it’s interesting to note how boards can manipulate the inclusion or exclusion of certain candidates through highly subjective selection criteria). Apply to Hawkins & Associates at Hawkins.associates@khigroup.com quoting ref no. 111/BO/FN
Other companies hiring this week are Huawei Technologies, Karen Hospital Nation Media Group, Rusinga School and several NGO’s.
Media Conference in Nairobi
The International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress and 54th General Assembly will take place in Nairobi from May 21st to 24th at KICC. great web site that gives vital info for participants and visitors
Coffee sector woes
In the Kenya gazette last week, Co-operative Minister Njeru Ndwiga revoked all exemptions to the cooperative societies act currently enjoyed by the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. Missing coffee from warehouse
KPCU is currently facing other troubles for failing to deliver coffee it sold to coffee exporters at the weekly Nairobi Coffee Exchange auctions.
Getting wireless in Kenya
The Grand Regency Hotel (a leading Nairobi hotel) will roll out wireless internet connectivity (802.11b) throughout the hotel’s rooms and facilities.
Banking in Naivasha
CFC Bank has opened a branch in Naivasha, which is about 90 kilometres from Nairobi. They also have a unique ATM located at a flower farm in Naivasha and farm workers are issued with special cards which they use to draw money from the ATM – reducing their need to go to town for banking purposes.
Upcoming Events
Nation Media Group AGM
Will be held on May 26th at the Nation Printing Plant on Mombasa Road (Nairobi)
Among the agenda items will be
(i) approval of an interim dividend of 20% (1 Kshs. Per share) bring the total dividend for the year to 100% (5 shillings per share)
(ii) increase the share capital of the bank from 300 million to 600 million shillings by creating 60 million new shares (of Kshs. 5 shillings each) to rank pari pasu with existing shareholders
(iii) approval of payment of bonus shares: registered shareholders as at May 13 will received 1 bonus share for each 3 they own. (however these new shares will not qualify for the interim dividend – see (i) above)
(iv) increase the number of directors.
Equity Bank AGM
Will be held on Friday May 27th at Fourways Towers on Muindi Mbingu Street. Agenda has not been published, but their IPO is not likely to take place till next year.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
War on Corruption: A Whimper
The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission has published its report for the 1st quarter of 2005. In three months the KACC investigated only seven cases and recommended further prosecution in four of these. The cases included:
- A 25,000 shilling bribe allegation against 2 Nairobi Water Council employees
- A pension department officer who solicited a 3,000 shilling bribe
- A false wealth declaration made by an employee of the Ministry of Home Affairs,
- An allegation of misuse of AIDS funds by an NGO
- Investigation of a free hotel stay by an employee of the Retirement Benefits Authority
The other three dealt with Anglo Leasing. As far as the KACC is concerned Anglo Leasing is a closed matter since the company repaid 375 million shillings ($4.4 million) to the Government. The KACC recommended, and the AG has duly charged Zakayo Cheruyiot (former PS in Office of the President), John Agili (finance officer in Office of the President), Sylvester Mwaliko (former PS in Office of the Vice President), Joseph Magari (former PS in the Ministry of Finance) Wilson Sitonik (former director of IT at the Treasury) and David Onyonka (former finance official at the Treasury Department) with various crimes related to Anglo-Leasing.
It appears that KACC only responds to complaints lodged (i.e. they don’t respond to media reports on corruption) I’d like to encourage the KACC to initiate their own investigations (like Elliot Spitzer in New York) and not just sit and wait for complaints. For an organization whose budget runs into the tens of millions, they are on pace to investigate only 30, mostly minor, cases in what is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Hopefully issues that dominate the media such as Kenyatta National Hospital, military procurement deals and the other 20 cases handed to the President by Sir Edward Clay.
- A 25,000 shilling bribe allegation against 2 Nairobi Water Council employees
- A pension department officer who solicited a 3,000 shilling bribe
- A false wealth declaration made by an employee of the Ministry of Home Affairs,
- An allegation of misuse of AIDS funds by an NGO
- Investigation of a free hotel stay by an employee of the Retirement Benefits Authority
The other three dealt with Anglo Leasing. As far as the KACC is concerned Anglo Leasing is a closed matter since the company repaid 375 million shillings ($4.4 million) to the Government. The KACC recommended, and the AG has duly charged Zakayo Cheruyiot (former PS in Office of the President), John Agili (finance officer in Office of the President), Sylvester Mwaliko (former PS in Office of the Vice President), Joseph Magari (former PS in the Ministry of Finance) Wilson Sitonik (former director of IT at the Treasury) and David Onyonka (former finance official at the Treasury Department) with various crimes related to Anglo-Leasing.
It appears that KACC only responds to complaints lodged (i.e. they don’t respond to media reports on corruption) I’d like to encourage the KACC to initiate their own investigations (like Elliot Spitzer in New York) and not just sit and wait for complaints. For an organization whose budget runs into the tens of millions, they are on pace to investigate only 30, mostly minor, cases in what is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Hopefully issues that dominate the media such as Kenyatta National Hospital, military procurement deals and the other 20 cases handed to the President by Sir Edward Clay.
Three sides of the media
Tuesday was “World Press Freedom Day” and the media council of Kenya held its monthly debate tonight at the Stanley Hotel with the topic of “Is the media in Kenya abusing its freedom?”
Lucy Kibaki: First Lady
Enough has been written about Lucy Kibaki’s remarks on the media (Lies! Lies! Damn Lies!). She was not at the function, but she was the talk of Nairobi all day. Our new boss walked into the office for the first time today, and no one noticed as they were all glued to the TV set at 8 a.m. watching the horror show that had unfolded at Nation Centre earlier in the morning.
Kwamchetsi Makokha: Associate Editor, the Standard said that
- Kenya is ranked no. 126 in the world in media freedom terms. In fact our status has dropped from “partly free” to “not free”
- Last week, Water Minister Martha Karua was awarded 20 million shillings ($250,000) by the High Court following a lawsuit field against the Independent (a tabloid newspaper that sells 5,000 copies weekly).
- Media freedom is not protected in the constitution and no legislation has been introduced to do this – in fact the government is planning to introduce fresh legislation to control the media
- Government has low tolerance for media freedom, and prefers to manipulate info given to the public
- 50% of advertising in papers comes from the government - forcing the media to cooperate or close shop. Earlier this year, the government made a landmark decision to temporarily stop advertising with the Standard
- All the media is owned by wealthy Kenyans who control significant sectors of the economy. Sometimes things get suppressed due to ownership interests.
Dr. Alfred Mutua (Public Commmunication Secretary)
- Gave a very good speech on the issue.
- He began by describing his experiences as a journalist in media-friendly (US and Australia) and media-hostile (Zambia, Congo) countries
- During the dark KANU days, media adopted an activist role that was necessary in order to open up the democratic space. They still have that attitude today and media problems in Kenya today stem from that pose.
- A lot of media stories are not accurate or mere allegations – based on speculation or malice. He gave examples on stories about him that he says were complete fabrications – such as the story in April that he arrested a motorist after a road accident, by putting him in the boot of his car. Other stories are slanted in a way that cause Kenyans to look at government actions with cynicism
- He said that there are enough truly juicy stories that the media don’t have to print lies. Still, they exaggerate stories even slightly (there was absolutely nothing wrong with Kibaki’s plane – officials had just forgotten a briefcase)
- Fact checking is very poor at media houses, and even editors have acknowledged this but they have difficulty combating this
- By inviting contributions from the audience, he was able to demonstrate that media crews routinely ask for bribes before they attend/cover corporate events. This is also well known.
- He described hearing the f-word on a morning radio show. Unfortunately his solution was to call for more local media content to replace decadent content.
It was a nice evening; unfortunately I had to leave early in the Q&A segment and could not cover that – though am sure Lucy was still the main topic.
Lucy Kibaki: First Lady
Enough has been written about Lucy Kibaki’s remarks on the media (Lies! Lies! Damn Lies!). She was not at the function, but she was the talk of Nairobi all day. Our new boss walked into the office for the first time today, and no one noticed as they were all glued to the TV set at 8 a.m. watching the horror show that had unfolded at Nation Centre earlier in the morning.
Kwamchetsi Makokha: Associate Editor, the Standard said that
- Kenya is ranked no. 126 in the world in media freedom terms. In fact our status has dropped from “partly free” to “not free”
- Last week, Water Minister Martha Karua was awarded 20 million shillings ($250,000) by the High Court following a lawsuit field against the Independent (a tabloid newspaper that sells 5,000 copies weekly).
- Media freedom is not protected in the constitution and no legislation has been introduced to do this – in fact the government is planning to introduce fresh legislation to control the media
- Government has low tolerance for media freedom, and prefers to manipulate info given to the public
- 50% of advertising in papers comes from the government - forcing the media to cooperate or close shop. Earlier this year, the government made a landmark decision to temporarily stop advertising with the Standard
- All the media is owned by wealthy Kenyans who control significant sectors of the economy. Sometimes things get suppressed due to ownership interests.
Dr. Alfred Mutua (Public Commmunication Secretary)
- Gave a very good speech on the issue.
- He began by describing his experiences as a journalist in media-friendly (US and Australia) and media-hostile (Zambia, Congo) countries
- During the dark KANU days, media adopted an activist role that was necessary in order to open up the democratic space. They still have that attitude today and media problems in Kenya today stem from that pose.
- A lot of media stories are not accurate or mere allegations – based on speculation or malice. He gave examples on stories about him that he says were complete fabrications – such as the story in April that he arrested a motorist after a road accident, by putting him in the boot of his car. Other stories are slanted in a way that cause Kenyans to look at government actions with cynicism
- He said that there are enough truly juicy stories that the media don’t have to print lies. Still, they exaggerate stories even slightly (there was absolutely nothing wrong with Kibaki’s plane – officials had just forgotten a briefcase)
- Fact checking is very poor at media houses, and even editors have acknowledged this but they have difficulty combating this
- By inviting contributions from the audience, he was able to demonstrate that media crews routinely ask for bribes before they attend/cover corporate events. This is also well known.
- He described hearing the f-word on a morning radio show. Unfortunately his solution was to call for more local media content to replace decadent content.
It was a nice evening; unfortunately I had to leave early in the Q&A segment and could not cover that – though am sure Lucy was still the main topic.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Telkom monopoly to continue
Telenor of Norway have withdrawn from the tender for the licence to provide a second fixed-line telephone service.
Monday, May 02, 2005
In banking this week
Citibank (31.5b assets) Roars Back
After a lacklustre 2004, Citibank Kenya has already surpassed its 2004 profit in the first three months of 2005. Deposits increased by 23%, from 19.5 billion shillings to 24b, and the bank net interest income and total operating income of 263m and 501m respectively, between January and March 2005. As a result Citibank earned 308 m before tax, and 185m after tax (compared to 124m for the entire 2004 year)
Diop: Kibaki tenant
As has been already pointed out, it is a conflict of interest for World Bank Country Director (or the World Bank itself) to be a tenant of the President of Kenya. In Equatorial Guinea, where President Obiang has been accused of fleecing the country, one favoured channel of corruption was that oil companies would always rent buildings and properties from Obiang and his family (even a 12 year old kid) at exorbitant rates.
Know your credit history
In a Kenya Gazette notice this week, the Banking Act has been amended so that a bank customer is now entitled to know any information a credit bureau holds on him, by requesting this in writing. This will enable the customer to correct information, file a complaint with the Bank and encourage the bank to investigate the dispute for correction. (Applies to all banks and financial institutions)
Executive changes
Mukhisa Kituyi has appointed James Ochami as the new managing director of Industrial Development Bank Ltd. He also appointed Evans Kisina as a director.
Stanchart to target mid-sized businesses
Standard Chartered Bank has launched a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) division. The SME product will offer a combination of overdrafts, letters of credit, bonds and guarantees, credit bill negotiation, invoice discounting among other benefits. The bank has also introduced trade and working capital, finance products, auto loans, commercial and residential mortgage facilities to cater for different customer needs.
New robbery technique
Bank robbers are now posing as customers in banking halls as they scope out people making huge withdrawals. They then rob them far away from the Bank, often posing as police officers.
Union wrong footed on Labour Day
The Bank union which earlier forbade its members from participating in a performance appraisal system at Kenya Commercial Bank, are now crying foul – and now opposing payment of bonuses to management and other members of staff who were evaluated and found to be high-performers in the process.
After a lacklustre 2004, Citibank Kenya has already surpassed its 2004 profit in the first three months of 2005. Deposits increased by 23%, from 19.5 billion shillings to 24b, and the bank net interest income and total operating income of 263m and 501m respectively, between January and March 2005. As a result Citibank earned 308 m before tax, and 185m after tax (compared to 124m for the entire 2004 year)
Diop: Kibaki tenant
As has been already pointed out, it is a conflict of interest for World Bank Country Director (or the World Bank itself) to be a tenant of the President of Kenya. In Equatorial Guinea, where President Obiang has been accused of fleecing the country, one favoured channel of corruption was that oil companies would always rent buildings and properties from Obiang and his family (even a 12 year old kid) at exorbitant rates.
Know your credit history
In a Kenya Gazette notice this week, the Banking Act has been amended so that a bank customer is now entitled to know any information a credit bureau holds on him, by requesting this in writing. This will enable the customer to correct information, file a complaint with the Bank and encourage the bank to investigate the dispute for correction. (Applies to all banks and financial institutions)
Executive changes
Mukhisa Kituyi has appointed James Ochami as the new managing director of Industrial Development Bank Ltd. He also appointed Evans Kisina as a director.
Stanchart to target mid-sized businesses
Standard Chartered Bank has launched a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) division. The SME product will offer a combination of overdrafts, letters of credit, bonds and guarantees, credit bill negotiation, invoice discounting among other benefits. The bank has also introduced trade and working capital, finance products, auto loans, commercial and residential mortgage facilities to cater for different customer needs.
New robbery technique
Bank robbers are now posing as customers in banking halls as they scope out people making huge withdrawals. They then rob them far away from the Bank, often posing as police officers.
Union wrong footed on Labour Day
The Bank union which earlier forbade its members from participating in a performance appraisal system at Kenya Commercial Bank, are now crying foul – and now opposing payment of bonuses to management and other members of staff who were evaluated and found to be high-performers in the process.
Business Week
Business opportunity
Moi International Airport in Mombasa invites business people and investors to take up opporunities at Kenya’s 2nd larges airport. They have several vacant offices and over 200 hectares of idle land. You can write to the airport manager kaa@moiairport.co.ke or P. O. Box 93904 Mombasa
Wrong priorities at EAC
The East African Community Secretariat says it might grind to a halt due to lack of budgetary support. EAC might actually be mis-using these funds by making this comment at another workshop at an expensive coast hotel. Also in Today’s nation they have a half-page advert announcing a contest to come up with an “EAC Anthem” - the contest will award $13,100 in prize money including $3,000 to the composer of the winning anthem.
My web page is better than yours
The Nation claims it has 2.5 million hits daily at its www.nationmedia.com site while the Standard claims it has 50 million hits a month at www.eastandard.net
Job Watch
Companies actively hiring include African Banking Corporation (ABC Bank) the Capital Markets Authority, Econet Wireless, Investment & Mortgages (I&M) Bank, Kenya Airways, the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commissions, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Kenyatta University, Qatar Airways, Vegpro, Care International and several other NGO’s.
Girl Guide No. 1
Prior to her party entrance, Lucy was campaigning to head the Girl Guide Association. She probably still is.
Moi International Airport in Mombasa invites business people and investors to take up opporunities at Kenya’s 2nd larges airport. They have several vacant offices and over 200 hectares of idle land. You can write to the airport manager kaa@moiairport.co.ke or P. O. Box 93904 Mombasa
Wrong priorities at EAC
The East African Community Secretariat says it might grind to a halt due to lack of budgetary support. EAC might actually be mis-using these funds by making this comment at another workshop at an expensive coast hotel. Also in Today’s nation they have a half-page advert announcing a contest to come up with an “EAC Anthem” - the contest will award $13,100 in prize money including $3,000 to the composer of the winning anthem.
My web page is better than yours
The Nation claims it has 2.5 million hits daily at its www.nationmedia.com site while the Standard claims it has 50 million hits a month at www.eastandard.net
Job Watch
Companies actively hiring include African Banking Corporation (ABC Bank) the Capital Markets Authority, Econet Wireless, Investment & Mortgages (I&M) Bank, Kenya Airways, the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commissions, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Kenyatta University, Qatar Airways, Vegpro, Care International and several other NGO’s.
Girl Guide No. 1
Prior to her party entrance, Lucy was campaigning to head the Girl Guide Association. She probably still is.
Serena AGM
My leave comes to an end this week and the final AGM I attended was the 36th of TPS Serena at KICC on April 29th. Serena ended the year with a profit before tax of 198 million (up from 43m in 2003) – equivalent to earnign per share of Kshs. 3.37, out of which it will pay a total dividend of 1.1 shillings per share to ordinary shareholders.
T.P.S. Serena ended the week at 52 shillings per share (12 month high is 53). However the Serena MD, Mr. Jan Mohamed, announced that the outlook for tourism in 2005 was restrained owing to higher prices for fuel, electricity, and food items which could impact negatively on the amount of local spending on tourism activities.
Chairman
The Chairman is Mr. Francis Okomo Okello, and Barclays shareholders (who flamed me earlier) will be happy to know that he is a sesoned chairman and manager as deomnstrated at this AGM. He was very relaxed and natural, and had a good sapprt with shareholder especialy during a thorny Q&A session. He engaged them with humour, swahili proverbs, and was in command of the meeting, after which he mingled sith shareholders at lunch.
Serena Restructuring
In a few months Serena shareholdes will be asked to approve a corprate restucuring that will combine Serena properties in Tanzania and Zanzibar (where Serena is the leading tourism brand). Kenyan shareholders will be asked to exchange their shares in return for shares in a new East African Serena that will be double the turnover and size.
Sticky Point
The questions were typially mundane, and the only hitch for the Board came during election time. Up for re-election was a Britsh national, Mr. Iain Cheyne, who was absent (and had also been absent at the last AGM). Chairman Okello, apologied on his behalf, but was taken to explain the “invaluable contribution” Cheyne made as a director despite his non-attandance of his own election. The Chairman, urged shareholders to re-elect Cheyne (which they did) and directed them to the memo & articles of compnay which specified how they could nominate other directors.
T.P.S. Serena ended the week at 52 shillings per share (12 month high is 53). However the Serena MD, Mr. Jan Mohamed, announced that the outlook for tourism in 2005 was restrained owing to higher prices for fuel, electricity, and food items which could impact negatively on the amount of local spending on tourism activities.
Chairman
The Chairman is Mr. Francis Okomo Okello, and Barclays shareholders (who flamed me earlier) will be happy to know that he is a sesoned chairman and manager as deomnstrated at this AGM. He was very relaxed and natural, and had a good sapprt with shareholder especialy during a thorny Q&A session. He engaged them with humour, swahili proverbs, and was in command of the meeting, after which he mingled sith shareholders at lunch.
Serena Restructuring
In a few months Serena shareholdes will be asked to approve a corprate restucuring that will combine Serena properties in Tanzania and Zanzibar (where Serena is the leading tourism brand). Kenyan shareholders will be asked to exchange their shares in return for shares in a new East African Serena that will be double the turnover and size.
Sticky Point
The questions were typially mundane, and the only hitch for the Board came during election time. Up for re-election was a Britsh national, Mr. Iain Cheyne, who was absent (and had also been absent at the last AGM). Chairman Okello, apologied on his behalf, but was taken to explain the “invaluable contribution” Cheyne made as a director despite his non-attandance of his own election. The Chairman, urged shareholders to re-elect Cheyne (which they did) and directed them to the memo & articles of compnay which specified how they could nominate other directors.
Eddie Murphy week
"Coming to America" was shown last Saturday on KTN and then "48 hours" was show on Nation TV this Saturday.I wonder if kids today know how funny Eddie Murphy was – and that he didn’t always do just kid or fart movies. He had a presence and acting that would define movies and an era (48 hours was copied by about a million other black/whitecop buddy movies), and and even make boring movies funny (golden child)
In Coming to America, he’s Akeem, an African prince who comes to America with his buddy/minder Seme (Arsenio Hall). I first saw this movie in high school and have watched it virtually a dozen times – or every time it appears on TV and I’m bored.
Of course the fascination has faded since now realise how skewed it is – there are no poor Africans in it (except the food salesman at the stadium), and it portrays a lifestyle that only massive looting by an African leader (like Mobutu or Abacha) can provide. Still, it had so many real moments like African students working illegally and having to lie about simple questions (I go to the University of the United States).
things I remembered
Life upside down
Shari Healdey, who starred as Lisa in Coming to America, fell off the movie planet and was never seen again in anything significant. She could have had a halle berry career, but she has even out-paced by Garcelle Beauvais who was one of the three flower girls, who preceded Akeem - and went on to star in the Jamie Fooxx show and several movies.
Other Cameo’s
- Arsenio Hall could act - he played slightly fewer characters than Eddie but was just as funny (as one of the barber shop wazee, the preacher, drunk horny lady). Unfortunately his movie career ended after he appeared in another Eddie Murphy movie - Harlem Nights.
- Eric La Salle (long before E.R.)
- Samuel Jackson was the hardest working actor in the 80’s and 90’s appearing in virtually every movie that required a bad-ass or tough black man (here he attempts to rob the restaurant where the boys work)
John Amos still acting 30 years after Root’s
- Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy who starred alongside Eddie Murphy make a very brief as the two homeless old men who Akeem gives thousands of dollars) In Edie’s 1st movie Trading Places, me made them bankrupt)
- Frankie Faison as the boy's landlord
funniest moment
- For me) Louie Anderson explains career advancement in the fast food business to the boys from Africa – it takes two years from mopping the floor to assistant manager “where the big bucks roll in”
- Darryl's whole family wore "soul glo" (curly kit)
- When the boys step out in their new American clothes - wool caps, bright athletic jackets with bumper stickers, and tight jeans.
Raw
Movies on Kenyan TV are shown raw and un-edited - both 48 hours and coming to America had nude breasts, and plenty of f-bombs. Also I don't laugh at the jokes directed at Africans anymore (play with Lions, or being used to rats)
In Coming to America, he’s Akeem, an African prince who comes to America with his buddy/minder Seme (Arsenio Hall). I first saw this movie in high school and have watched it virtually a dozen times – or every time it appears on TV and I’m bored.
Of course the fascination has faded since now realise how skewed it is – there are no poor Africans in it (except the food salesman at the stadium), and it portrays a lifestyle that only massive looting by an African leader (like Mobutu or Abacha) can provide. Still, it had so many real moments like African students working illegally and having to lie about simple questions (I go to the University of the United States).
things I remembered
Life upside down
Shari Healdey, who starred as Lisa in Coming to America, fell off the movie planet and was never seen again in anything significant. She could have had a halle berry career, but she has even out-paced by Garcelle Beauvais who was one of the three flower girls, who preceded Akeem - and went on to star in the Jamie Fooxx show and several movies.
Other Cameo’s
- Arsenio Hall could act - he played slightly fewer characters than Eddie but was just as funny (as one of the barber shop wazee, the preacher, drunk horny lady). Unfortunately his movie career ended after he appeared in another Eddie Murphy movie - Harlem Nights.
- Eric La Salle (long before E.R.)
- Samuel Jackson was the hardest working actor in the 80’s and 90’s appearing in virtually every movie that required a bad-ass or tough black man (here he attempts to rob the restaurant where the boys work)
John Amos still acting 30 years after Root’s
- Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy who starred alongside Eddie Murphy make a very brief as the two homeless old men who Akeem gives thousands of dollars) In Edie’s 1st movie Trading Places, me made them bankrupt)
- Frankie Faison as the boy's landlord
funniest moment
- For me) Louie Anderson explains career advancement in the fast food business to the boys from Africa – it takes two years from mopping the floor to assistant manager “where the big bucks roll in”
- Darryl's whole family wore "soul glo" (curly kit)
- When the boys step out in their new American clothes - wool caps, bright athletic jackets with bumper stickers, and tight jeans.
Raw
Movies on Kenyan TV are shown raw and un-edited - both 48 hours and coming to America had nude breasts, and plenty of f-bombs. Also I don't laugh at the jokes directed at Africans anymore (play with Lions, or being used to rats)
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