Serena
Serena shareholders are being encouraged to accept the offered new shares in a special mailed prospectus. The deal has been endorsed by the board as well as financial advisors of the company and is being promoted as a unique opportunity that takes advantage of a number of factors including one-off tax credits amounting to 504 million shillings from Tanzania & 96 m from Zanzibar, and the higher revenue and margins that Serena enjoys from operating hotels in Tanzania and Zanzibar. The company also plans to acquire hotel properties in Nakuru and Western Kenya in 2006. I have no doubt, the takeover will be successful and I look forward to owning new share in Serena after March 2006
Standard
The Standard Group's year ended in September and revenue increased from 1.76 billion to 1.99 billion. However increased administrative and distribution costs meant that profit for the year reduced from 78m to 66m and the company will not pay a dividend in 2005.
Kengen
Another politically-correct deal was concluded last week and while this is not the first time that conflict of issues are being raised in the energy sector, it does raise questions about the outcome of the upcoming Kengen IPO .
New blood at NSE
2006 looks to be a bright year at the Nairobi Stock Exchange, with several companies expected to list some shares at the NSE for the first time since Mumias did in 2001. Kengen leads the pack with 30% available to the public while other companies who have expressed interest include the Scanad Group, Suntra Investment Bank, Sopa Lodges, Wananchi online, Adopt-a-light, belated Equity Bank ( who were expected to float some shares by October '05), Sarova Hotels (target is June 2006), and Nakumatt (target 2007)
Cashing Out
Already investors are setting aside cash by liquidating other investments. NSSF which has already sold shares in KPLC also plans to sell other shares in Housing Finance, National Bank of Kenya and Sameer Investments. Top investors have also sold shares in Barclays, Uchumi and CMC.
ISP licences
The Communications Commission of Kenya has extended the deadline by one month for licenced ISP's to apply for mandatory modified ISP licences. Companies will have to provide details of their current shareholding and tax compliance status - otherwise they will be de-registered in 2006.
Banking
- Co-operative bank of Kenya has applied to the CCK for a value added service PRS license, which will become effective around January 15.
- Can giving micro-finance loans to men reduce the level of violence against women?
- Post Bank has officially ended its once popular premium bonds savings scheme and tomorrow (31/12) will be the deadline for bondholders to encash their bonds which will not be worthless thereafter.
- World Bank vs. Western Union: The amount of wire transfer remittances to Africa is greater than the amount of official direct aid.
Nairobi City Council
The NCC had quite an interesting week as;
- The Kenya Revenue Authority walked away from a deal it had struck with the NCC to collect land rates on behalf of the council.
- Members of United Business Association and WeCanDoIt advised their members to renew their single business permits with the council to avoid harassment and arrest. The two groups which are challenging the council, claim that their members are being targeted for harassment.
- This week, NCC staff pulled down fences that surround private parking compounds in the city, insisting that owners put up modern fences that beautify the city.
Jobs
At the Kenya Revenue Authority
- Commissioner of domestic taxes CDT/05: Applicants expected to have MBA with at least 5 years senior management experience at audit or accounts in large organization as well as good knowledge of revenue acts in Kenya.
Commissioner of customs services CCS/05: Applicants should have business degree - preferably MBA, 5 years experience in senior management of large organization and good knowledge or revenue acts in Kenya with emphasis on teh East African Community Customs Management Act
Apply through KPMG's executive selection at esd@kpmg.co.ke by 16 January.
Media jobs
Nation Media Group
- Television: Swahili reporter/anchor, sports editor, cameraman
- Radio: news presenter
- True Love magazine: senior fashion editor, fashion editor, and staff writer.
Apply to the group human resource director, Nation Media Group P O Box 49010-00200 Nairobi by January 4.
Standard
Senior reporter broadcast division. Apply to the group human resource director at hrd@eastandard.net
Kenya Times
- circulation sales executives: Nairobi (2) Eldoret Mombasa Kisumu Machakos Nakuru and Mt. Kenya
- advertising sales executives: Eldoret Mombasa
- advertising manager
- chief accountant
- managing director
apply to kenyatimes@timesnews.co.ke by January 6.
New Year's resolution
Doubling church attendance can raise income by almost 10% recent research indicates. But is money a good reason to go to church? linked from www.aldaily.com.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The road to Mombasa
That’s what friends are for
I called in a huge favour last week and was able to snap up some tickets on a Coast bus to Mombasa, two days before Christmas. Most bus companies are fully booked this time of year, and the seats I got were on one of the extra buses added to meet the holiday demand. On this trip, I took a bus ride down and drove back in a small car. Another option I considered was to make both legs of the journey by overnight train.
Shopping jam
Because of the last minute shoppers, and increased number of buses & matatus waiting to travel, there was huge traffic jam in the city on Friday. As a result, it took over an hour to clear the city limits and we were passing JKIA (Nairobi airport) more than 1 ½ hours later, despite having left on time at exactly 10:30.
Good road
The 500 kilometre (300 mile) road to Mombasa is one of the smoothest and most pleasant roads to drive on – for at least 200 miles or (2/3) of the journey. There are long stretches of road that never seem to end, meandering through flat, mostly dry, low hills and plains. It’s been dry in most of Kenya for several months now, but one goes though parts of Ukambani where it has not rained for years and the drive is made beautiful in that you don’t have to stop here, and are only passing through at high speed. The road is mostly new from Sultan Hamud onwards, and even though there are some diversions where the road is still being constructed, they are well paved and you don’t lose any time.
All those people who nurse their Subaru’s, BMW’s, and other high performance cars thought Nairobi’s daily traffic jams should consider giving their cars a treat and drive down to Voi, or even on to Mombasa. The roads are so good that one can easily get carried away, until they look at the speedometer and realise how fast they are driving on the many long stretches of road that never seem to end. But, if you have an older, troublesome or weak car, the drive can be frustrating because it appears you’ll never reach your destination, and keep getting demoralized as you’ve overtaken by faster cars, buses and even trucks.
Speaking of trucks they really hit top speed on the highway with trailer trucks cruising at 80 – 90 km/h. When one drive you (going in the opposite direction) the turbulence it produces can blow other light vehicles (with inexperienced drivers) off the road.
There are supposed to be some speed traps on the highway, but I did not encounter any. Police on this road are more concerned with ending a series of attacks by highway robbers who have been operating on the road for the last two years.
Bad road
Near Mombasa is short stretch of road that is reason enough not to drive to Mombasa. The road one of the worst you will find in Kenya, and is so unbelievably bad, it’s a national shame. It takes about 1 – 2 hours to cover the 20-kilometre section between Mariakani and Miritini on the outskirts of Mombasa. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a land cruiser or humvee – high speed will cause a puncture or you to leave some vehicle parts behind. Power steering is a must, as you must literally dance your car around a huge endless sea of potholes, which are either huge craters or sharp-edged ditches.
Several prominent companies located in the area such as Mabati have complained and threatened to move their businesses elsewhere if the road is not improved - but to no avail. Mombasa residents say the road is actually better than in years past, and have faith that repairs will be done in 2006. You won’t believe how bad it is until you try it, but you should only attempt to drive through in the daytime. A nightime drive though will expose you to severe vehicle damage and a possible robbery attempt.
For security purposes I was told that if you get a puncture in this area, or other parts of the highway (and especially at Night), it is advisable to block the whole road with your vehicle. This forces other vehicles to stop and support you while you carry out you repair your puncture. People who pull to the roadside are often attacked.
Nearer Nairobi (between the Athi River and Machakos turnoffs) the road is also slowly deteriorating as no maintenance is being done.
Banking
Pesa Point have installed an ATM at Mtito Andei (halfway point of journey) in what is arguably the town’s busiest location – the Caltex petrol station where Coast bus make their rest stops. KCB also has some branches along the way, but most Banks only have branches in Mombasa
Wildlife
I saw a giraffe near Sultan Hamud, baboons, and three herds of Zebra who appear to have permanently settled on the roadside just after Mtito Andei. Also saw two elephants approaching the road near Manyani, and I almost ran over a four-foot monitor lizard that wanted to cross the road near Mariakani. Oh, and some cows grazing at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi under the close watch of Masai herdsmen.
Summary
Overall it’s a good drive, whether going to or from Mombasa but only if you leave early enough to tackle the bad roads (at either end) with plenty of time and daylight left - it's also advisable to go in a convoy of vehicles. Next time I go to Coast, I will try and take the train, as it is the only mode I have not recently used. The Kenya Airways flights take one hour and are unremarkable except for a clear view of the disappearing snow atop Mt. Kilimanjaro.
I called in a huge favour last week and was able to snap up some tickets on a Coast bus to Mombasa, two days before Christmas. Most bus companies are fully booked this time of year, and the seats I got were on one of the extra buses added to meet the holiday demand. On this trip, I took a bus ride down and drove back in a small car. Another option I considered was to make both legs of the journey by overnight train.
Shopping jam
Because of the last minute shoppers, and increased number of buses & matatus waiting to travel, there was huge traffic jam in the city on Friday. As a result, it took over an hour to clear the city limits and we were passing JKIA (Nairobi airport) more than 1 ½ hours later, despite having left on time at exactly 10:30.
Good road
The 500 kilometre (300 mile) road to Mombasa is one of the smoothest and most pleasant roads to drive on – for at least 200 miles or (2/3) of the journey. There are long stretches of road that never seem to end, meandering through flat, mostly dry, low hills and plains. It’s been dry in most of Kenya for several months now, but one goes though parts of Ukambani where it has not rained for years and the drive is made beautiful in that you don’t have to stop here, and are only passing through at high speed. The road is mostly new from Sultan Hamud onwards, and even though there are some diversions where the road is still being constructed, they are well paved and you don’t lose any time.
All those people who nurse their Subaru’s, BMW’s, and other high performance cars thought Nairobi’s daily traffic jams should consider giving their cars a treat and drive down to Voi, or even on to Mombasa. The roads are so good that one can easily get carried away, until they look at the speedometer and realise how fast they are driving on the many long stretches of road that never seem to end. But, if you have an older, troublesome or weak car, the drive can be frustrating because it appears you’ll never reach your destination, and keep getting demoralized as you’ve overtaken by faster cars, buses and even trucks.
Speaking of trucks they really hit top speed on the highway with trailer trucks cruising at 80 – 90 km/h. When one drive you (going in the opposite direction) the turbulence it produces can blow other light vehicles (with inexperienced drivers) off the road.
There are supposed to be some speed traps on the highway, but I did not encounter any. Police on this road are more concerned with ending a series of attacks by highway robbers who have been operating on the road for the last two years.
Bad road
Near Mombasa is short stretch of road that is reason enough not to drive to Mombasa. The road one of the worst you will find in Kenya, and is so unbelievably bad, it’s a national shame. It takes about 1 – 2 hours to cover the 20-kilometre section between Mariakani and Miritini on the outskirts of Mombasa. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a land cruiser or humvee – high speed will cause a puncture or you to leave some vehicle parts behind. Power steering is a must, as you must literally dance your car around a huge endless sea of potholes, which are either huge craters or sharp-edged ditches.
Several prominent companies located in the area such as Mabati have complained and threatened to move their businesses elsewhere if the road is not improved - but to no avail. Mombasa residents say the road is actually better than in years past, and have faith that repairs will be done in 2006. You won’t believe how bad it is until you try it, but you should only attempt to drive through in the daytime. A nightime drive though will expose you to severe vehicle damage and a possible robbery attempt.
For security purposes I was told that if you get a puncture in this area, or other parts of the highway (and especially at Night), it is advisable to block the whole road with your vehicle. This forces other vehicles to stop and support you while you carry out you repair your puncture. People who pull to the roadside are often attacked.
Nearer Nairobi (between the Athi River and Machakos turnoffs) the road is also slowly deteriorating as no maintenance is being done.
Banking
Pesa Point have installed an ATM at Mtito Andei (halfway point of journey) in what is arguably the town’s busiest location – the Caltex petrol station where Coast bus make their rest stops. KCB also has some branches along the way, but most Banks only have branches in Mombasa
Wildlife
I saw a giraffe near Sultan Hamud, baboons, and three herds of Zebra who appear to have permanently settled on the roadside just after Mtito Andei. Also saw two elephants approaching the road near Manyani, and I almost ran over a four-foot monitor lizard that wanted to cross the road near Mariakani. Oh, and some cows grazing at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi under the close watch of Masai herdsmen.
Summary
Overall it’s a good drive, whether going to or from Mombasa but only if you leave early enough to tackle the bad roads (at either end) with plenty of time and daylight left - it's also advisable to go in a convoy of vehicles. Next time I go to Coast, I will try and take the train, as it is the only mode I have not recently used. The Kenya Airways flights take one hour and are unremarkable except for a clear view of the disappearing snow atop Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Good and simple banking technology
good use
Pesa Point’s new ATM’s continue to multiply as they are quickly installed in unexpected places. An ATM is such a useful banking facility that it is shocking how many people still patronize banks that don’t have them. One problem with ATM’s thought is their high initial cost, which can range from 2 to 4 million shillings and their need for secure wall/building locations. But Pesa Point seem to have worked out that problem by coming up with light weight, stand-alone, low cost machines which can be easily be set up. Here are a few more places that Pesa Point should set up machines to cope with our economy in which hard cash is still the currency of choice:
(1) inside bars & clubs e.g. Choices or K2 so you don’t have to drive off (drunk) at 2.a.m to withdraw more cash
(2) all court houses (to facilitate speedy bail payments)
(3) all police stations (to facilitate midnight bail payments)
(4) Ngong race course, casino’s and other gambling spots
(5) at ‘safe’ sports event venues e.g. Safari Sevens grounds (but not soccer stadiums)
simple technology
Standard Chartered Bank is renowned for its investment in technology to improve customer service – e.g. they were early pioneers of ATM’s and are still the only bank at whose ATM’s you can pay your electricity bill. But there’s one simple machine they need to re-adopt - cash counting machines.
I spent half hour while an adequately staffed group of hard-working tellers took an inordinately long time to count out wads of cash, unwrapping and counting out with their fingers, dozens of thousand-shilling notes at a time – one lady even counted about a million shillings, by my estimate.
It's the of the month for most companies (who close for a two week x-mas break) and many customers were withdrawing huge amounts of cash (that probably exceed ATM daily limits). A Cash counter is old fashioned and costs about 100,000 shillings but the savings they generate are so much more to the other customers who are waiting for their turn. When used by bank tellers, they are able to serve customers at a much faster pace. Maybe there are high incidents of fraud that some banks have ordered their tellers to thumb and count each note by hand, but the use of cash counters would have saved so much time wasted at the Bank this morning.
Pesa Point’s new ATM’s continue to multiply as they are quickly installed in unexpected places. An ATM is such a useful banking facility that it is shocking how many people still patronize banks that don’t have them. One problem with ATM’s thought is their high initial cost, which can range from 2 to 4 million shillings and their need for secure wall/building locations. But Pesa Point seem to have worked out that problem by coming up with light weight, stand-alone, low cost machines which can be easily be set up. Here are a few more places that Pesa Point should set up machines to cope with our economy in which hard cash is still the currency of choice:
(1) inside bars & clubs e.g. Choices or K2 so you don’t have to drive off (drunk) at 2.a.m to withdraw more cash
(2) all court houses (to facilitate speedy bail payments)
(3) all police stations (to facilitate midnight bail payments)
(4) Ngong race course, casino’s and other gambling spots
(5) at ‘safe’ sports event venues e.g. Safari Sevens grounds (but not soccer stadiums)
simple technology
Standard Chartered Bank is renowned for its investment in technology to improve customer service – e.g. they were early pioneers of ATM’s and are still the only bank at whose ATM’s you can pay your electricity bill. But there’s one simple machine they need to re-adopt - cash counting machines.
I spent half hour while an adequately staffed group of hard-working tellers took an inordinately long time to count out wads of cash, unwrapping and counting out with their fingers, dozens of thousand-shilling notes at a time – one lady even counted about a million shillings, by my estimate.
It's the of the month for most companies (who close for a two week x-mas break) and many customers were withdrawing huge amounts of cash (that probably exceed ATM daily limits). A Cash counter is old fashioned and costs about 100,000 shillings but the savings they generate are so much more to the other customers who are waiting for their turn. When used by bank tellers, they are able to serve customers at a much faster pace. Maybe there are high incidents of fraud that some banks have ordered their tellers to thumb and count each note by hand, but the use of cash counters would have saved so much time wasted at the Bank this morning.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Monster Week
monster truck finale
Three ministries are fighting for the monster trucks and other assets of the about–to-be-disbanded CKRC.
Flora Kenya
A look at some of the major flower farms in Kenya. From Timbuktu Chronicles
Banking Secret #1
Cheques over 10 million shillings are cleared on the next day, unlike smaller cheques which normally take about a week to clear.
Nigerian Shares
During the Arsenal-Chelsea game shown on Super Sport, there were numerous advertisements about an on-going rights issue of Union Bank of Nigeria. Am not sure what the cost of advertising is on DSTV, but it’s unlikely that Kenyan banks or institutions will place adverts on DSTV especially for a rights issues. Note that the 2004 KCB rights issue had a total budget of 104 million shillings of which only 13 million was set aside for advertising.
mobile phone questions
- Safaricom House is a new office building next to Njuguna’s on Waiyaki Way. What will happen to the old Safaricom House in Westlands?
- Now that I have bought a Celtel line for 49/= and received a second free Safaricom line for buying 100/= worth of credit on Luthuli Ave (both of which are dormant) what is my average value (ARPU) as a subscriber to both companies?
Tourism
Workers in the tourism sector are being encouraged to learn Mandarin to cope with the 10,000 (and growing) tourists from China who visit Kenya each year.
Housing
Construction of Eagle Plains Housing Estate, a 350 housing development off Mombasa Rd, is expected to resume after a Nairobi Court dismissed an objection to the construction of the estate filed by Nakumatt supermarkets against the developer and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). Nakumatt had complained that location of the proposed estate, which is next to its headquarters, went against the spirit/business theme of the area, which already has 13 major industries.
Retrenchment Pipeline
The Minister of Finance has approved a tax waiver of benefits to be paid to retrenched employees of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), Kenya National Trading Company KNTC and the Civil Service. As part of the package, civil servants will not be allowed to re-join the service for a period of three years.
Jobs
At the Kenya Times newspaper;
- managing director
- chief accountant
- adverting manager
Apply to the secretary to the board, kenyatimes@timesnews.co.ke by January 6.
Educational opportunity
The Cornell Assistantship for Horticulture in Africa (CAHA) provides a doctoral assistantship in horticulture to a student from Sub-Saharan Africa. More details here and the deadline for applications is March 1, 2006 Thanks, Kevin.
Correction
The Nation corrects a story they had published earlier to the effect that Uchumi had fired PWC as their auditors.
Three ministries are fighting for the monster trucks and other assets of the about–to-be-disbanded CKRC.
Flora Kenya
A look at some of the major flower farms in Kenya. From Timbuktu Chronicles
Banking Secret #1
Cheques over 10 million shillings are cleared on the next day, unlike smaller cheques which normally take about a week to clear.
Nigerian Shares
During the Arsenal-Chelsea game shown on Super Sport, there were numerous advertisements about an on-going rights issue of Union Bank of Nigeria. Am not sure what the cost of advertising is on DSTV, but it’s unlikely that Kenyan banks or institutions will place adverts on DSTV especially for a rights issues. Note that the 2004 KCB rights issue had a total budget of 104 million shillings of which only 13 million was set aside for advertising.
mobile phone questions
- Safaricom House is a new office building next to Njuguna’s on Waiyaki Way. What will happen to the old Safaricom House in Westlands?
- Now that I have bought a Celtel line for 49/= and received a second free Safaricom line for buying 100/= worth of credit on Luthuli Ave (both of which are dormant) what is my average value (ARPU) as a subscriber to both companies?
Tourism
Workers in the tourism sector are being encouraged to learn Mandarin to cope with the 10,000 (and growing) tourists from China who visit Kenya each year.
Housing
Construction of Eagle Plains Housing Estate, a 350 housing development off Mombasa Rd, is expected to resume after a Nairobi Court dismissed an objection to the construction of the estate filed by Nakumatt supermarkets against the developer and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). Nakumatt had complained that location of the proposed estate, which is next to its headquarters, went against the spirit/business theme of the area, which already has 13 major industries.
Retrenchment Pipeline
The Minister of Finance has approved a tax waiver of benefits to be paid to retrenched employees of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), Kenya National Trading Company KNTC and the Civil Service. As part of the package, civil servants will not be allowed to re-join the service for a period of three years.
Jobs
At the Kenya Times newspaper;
- managing director
- chief accountant
- adverting manager
Apply to the secretary to the board, kenyatimes@timesnews.co.ke by January 6.
Educational opportunity
The Cornell Assistantship for Horticulture in Africa (CAHA) provides a doctoral assistantship in horticulture to a student from Sub-Saharan Africa. More details here and the deadline for applications is March 1, 2006 Thanks, Kevin.
Correction
The Nation corrects a story they had published earlier to the effect that Uchumi had fired PWC as their auditors.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Chinese are Here III
Monday saw the launch of a Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi. This is part of a plan by the governments of China and Kenya to further teaching of Chinese languages and this will be through a special certificate course offered by the UoN’s department of linguistics, which is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in May 2006.
China is currently the fastest growing destination for American foreign exchange students - "China is a job market, twenty years ago only those interested in Chinese literature would study Chinese language. Now all professions have opened up.". There are 120 schools in 16 African countries that are serving over 8,000 Africans learning the language.
China is currently the fastest growing destination for American foreign exchange students - "China is a job market, twenty years ago only those interested in Chinese literature would study Chinese language. Now all professions have opened up.". There are 120 schools in 16 African countries that are serving over 8,000 Africans learning the language.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Pre-Christmas opportunities & jobs
Tourism
hotel for sale: an exclusive beach front hotel in Mombasa comprising 170 rooms, 4 restaurants & 2 pools and set on 18 acres of land (leased till 2067). Apply to the receiver/manager; Chege, Muchunguzi, Mwangi & Co at cezam@czmkenya.com by January 24, 2006.
Property
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is still seeking new premises this time on a turnkey basis; they had advertised earlier in May. Proposals should be hand-delivered to the Chairman, Office Premises Committee, UNHCR by December 29.
Energy
- Company to build and operate a wind turbine power plant in Marsabit of between 500KW and 600KW. More information can be obtained from kmagambo@energymin.go.ke at the ministry of energy and the deadline for applications is January 31.
- Consultants to set up a geothermal development company. More information can be obtained from jmringu@energymin.go.ke at the ministry of energy and the deadline for applications is January 13.
Jobs
Management Trainees at Uchumi supermarkets. Successful candidates will go through a training/development program on management of branch, staff, distribution/logistics, buying & other areas – and on completion of on/off the job training will be assigned specific duties within the company. Applicants should be university graduates with 2 years experience in a commercial FMGC environment and be aged below 30 years. Send applications by December 30 to the director of human resources, Uchumi at humanresource@uchumi.com.
KCB Sudan: Kenya Commercial Bank will set up two branches, at Juba and Rumbek in the Sudan and is seeking to hire:
- managing director: applicants should have 10 years experience, 5 of which are in senior management, of a dynamic bank/financial institution and an advanced degree.
- bank manager: applicants should have a business degree, AKIB/CIB certification, and 5 years banking operations experience with at least 2 years of managing corporate customers.
- manager operations: applicants should have business degree and 5 years general banking operations experience.
- bank clerks: must have university degree and be fluent in Arabic and English.
Apply to the divisional director, human resources, KCB P. O. Box 48400-00100 by January 3.
Kenya Airways
- supervisor funds management (i.e treasury job)
- assistant photo journalist
- personal assistant
- NDT (non-destructive testing) engineer
- Principal planning engineer
- Principal developmenet engineer
Apply to the group director human resource/security services KQ, P. O. Box 19002 Nairobi.
National Oil Corpoation of Kenya
- Internal auditor
- CEO’s personal assistant
- Credit controller
- Secretary
- Supply analyst
- IT coorinator
Check their website for further details.
Kenya Airports Authority
- Marketing co-ordinator Ref: 418/BH/FN – applicants should be university graduates with 5 years experience in commercial, marketing or sales management
- Customer service manager Ref: 448/CJ/FN – applicants should be university graduates with 6 years customer service experience, 3 as manager and speak a foreign language (e.g. Arabic, French, German)
- Product/brand development manager Ref: 418/BI/FN - applicants should be marketing graduates with 5 years experience acquired in dynamic marketing/PR envronment
- Credit controller: Ref: 246/BZ/FN - applicants should be university graduates with CPA (K) certifications and th 7 years of successful credit management experience at an organization with a large debtors portfolio.
Applicants should be aged 30 – 40 and apply though Hawkins Associates, e-mail hawkins.associates@khigroup.com
British American insurance co (k): Assistant internal auditor (2 positions) - applicants should be university graduates with 2 years audit experience preferably with audit firm or internal audit department of large business. Apply to hr@britak.co.ke by December 30.
Cooperative Insurance Company
- Assistant general maanger – cooperative & marketing
- Company secretary/legal officer
Apply through Pricewatrehousecoopers (PWC) executive selection at ess.ke@ke.pwc.com by December 30.
most of these appear in the Daily Nation of Friday 16/12
Sports
Saturday
5 a.m. Australia vs SA 1st Test Day 2
3:15 p.m. Aston Villa vs Man Utd
5:45 p.m. Fulham vs Blackburn & Everton vs Bolton & West Ham V Newcastle
8 p.m. Man City vs Birmingham
11:45 p.m. Cadiz vs Barcelona
Sunday
5 a.m. Australia vs SA 1st Test Day 3
1:15 p.m. Fifa Club Final; Liverpool vs. Sao Paulo
4 p.m. Boro vs Tottenham
6:30 p.m. Arsenal vs Chelsea
10:45 p.m. Real Madrid vs Osasuna
hotel for sale: an exclusive beach front hotel in Mombasa comprising 170 rooms, 4 restaurants & 2 pools and set on 18 acres of land (leased till 2067). Apply to the receiver/manager; Chege, Muchunguzi, Mwangi & Co at cezam@czmkenya.com by January 24, 2006.
Property
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is still seeking new premises this time on a turnkey basis; they had advertised earlier in May. Proposals should be hand-delivered to the Chairman, Office Premises Committee, UNHCR by December 29.
Energy
- Company to build and operate a wind turbine power plant in Marsabit of between 500KW and 600KW. More information can be obtained from kmagambo@energymin.go.ke at the ministry of energy and the deadline for applications is January 31.
- Consultants to set up a geothermal development company. More information can be obtained from jmringu@energymin.go.ke at the ministry of energy and the deadline for applications is January 13.
Jobs
Management Trainees at Uchumi supermarkets. Successful candidates will go through a training/development program on management of branch, staff, distribution/logistics, buying & other areas – and on completion of on/off the job training will be assigned specific duties within the company. Applicants should be university graduates with 2 years experience in a commercial FMGC environment and be aged below 30 years. Send applications by December 30 to the director of human resources, Uchumi at humanresource@uchumi.com.
KCB Sudan: Kenya Commercial Bank will set up two branches, at Juba and Rumbek in the Sudan and is seeking to hire:
- managing director: applicants should have 10 years experience, 5 of which are in senior management, of a dynamic bank/financial institution and an advanced degree.
- bank manager: applicants should have a business degree, AKIB/CIB certification, and 5 years banking operations experience with at least 2 years of managing corporate customers.
- manager operations: applicants should have business degree and 5 years general banking operations experience.
- bank clerks: must have university degree and be fluent in Arabic and English.
Apply to the divisional director, human resources, KCB P. O. Box 48400-00100 by January 3.
Kenya Airways
- supervisor funds management (i.e treasury job)
- assistant photo journalist
- personal assistant
- NDT (non-destructive testing) engineer
- Principal planning engineer
- Principal developmenet engineer
Apply to the group director human resource/security services KQ, P. O. Box 19002 Nairobi.
National Oil Corpoation of Kenya
- Internal auditor
- CEO’s personal assistant
- Credit controller
- Secretary
- Supply analyst
- IT coorinator
Check their website for further details.
Kenya Airports Authority
- Marketing co-ordinator Ref: 418/BH/FN – applicants should be university graduates with 5 years experience in commercial, marketing or sales management
- Customer service manager Ref: 448/CJ/FN – applicants should be university graduates with 6 years customer service experience, 3 as manager and speak a foreign language (e.g. Arabic, French, German)
- Product/brand development manager Ref: 418/BI/FN - applicants should be marketing graduates with 5 years experience acquired in dynamic marketing/PR envronment
- Credit controller: Ref: 246/BZ/FN - applicants should be university graduates with CPA (K) certifications and th 7 years of successful credit management experience at an organization with a large debtors portfolio.
Applicants should be aged 30 – 40 and apply though Hawkins Associates, e-mail hawkins.associates@khigroup.com
British American insurance co (k): Assistant internal auditor (2 positions) - applicants should be university graduates with 2 years audit experience preferably with audit firm or internal audit department of large business. Apply to hr@britak.co.ke by December 30.
Cooperative Insurance Company
- Assistant general maanger – cooperative & marketing
- Company secretary/legal officer
Apply through Pricewatrehousecoopers (PWC) executive selection at ess.ke@ke.pwc.com by December 30.
most of these appear in the Daily Nation of Friday 16/12
Sports
Saturday
5 a.m. Australia vs SA 1st Test Day 2
3:15 p.m. Aston Villa vs Man Utd
5:45 p.m. Fulham vs Blackburn & Everton vs Bolton & West Ham V Newcastle
8 p.m. Man City vs Birmingham
11:45 p.m. Cadiz vs Barcelona
Sunday
5 a.m. Australia vs SA 1st Test Day 3
1:15 p.m. Fifa Club Final; Liverpool vs. Sao Paulo
4 p.m. Boro vs Tottenham
6:30 p.m. Arsenal vs Chelsea
10:45 p.m. Real Madrid vs Osasuna
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Weak Tea
Sister companies, Kaphcorua Tea and Williamson Tea, both reported losses for the six months ending in September 2005. Turnover was down by 8% to 206m at Kapchorua and by 13% to 526 million at Williamson and operational loss at both companies was 4m and 7m respectively. The loss before tax was 28m at Kapchorua and 53m at Williamson for the six months. The companies attributed the losses to oversupply of tea in the international markets and reduced margins caused by a strong shilling, with a warning that losses will continue until the shilling weakens. This follows a bad year for Sasini Tea as well.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Uchumi AGM
Uchumi supermarkets held it’s AGM on Tuesday afternoon at the Grand Regency hotel for 2005 – a year during which the company lost a record 1.2 billion shillings. The loss was inherited by the company’s new management who then embarked on a turnaround, which included a successful rights issue and a re-launch of the Uchumi brand.
The board of directors who met just before the AGM were very confident (compared to last year) and throughout the meeting mentioned thanks to customers, shareholders, banks (PTA and KCB), staff and suppliers durign the roller-coaster year - February (branch closings), June (record loss), October (rights issue), November (franchising and re-branding).
Restructuring
Involved the rights issue and disposal of non-core assets.
The Rights issue raised 1.2 billion shillings, with a significant number of suppliers taking part – and turning their debt into equity in the company. The number of shareholders increased from 8,000 to 12,000.
Brand re-launch began after the rights issue and will focus on Kenyan suppliers and Kenyan consumers. The stores have been re-branded and re-stocked with new inventory such as electronics, computers, furniture – which are all on consignment basis so Uchumi won’t tie up cash flow in high priced inventory and will only stock these goods and get paid a commission when they are sold.
Also;
- New hyper store will soon open in Kisumu.
- November: Franchising started at old stores.
- December: new loyalty card dubbed the “U Club card” launched in conjunction with RR.
Shareholder questions
Q: Is the company solvent since liabilities are greater than assets?
A: It’s true liabilities were greater in June (year end) but the rights issue corrected that. Company planned to raise 2 billion this year; 1.2b from rights (which was achieved) and 900m from disposal of assets (which is on-going and has so far yielded 300m)
Q: Explain the loss?
A: The loss was the result of mounting problems, which had not been properly addressed including overstocking and shrinkage (employee theft). The Company is now managing shrinkage, will not import goods it is unable to sell, and has written off excess stock. When MD Smith took over, Uchumi had 90 days stock on shelves – which he called shocking and un-heard of in the supermarket world. Now they are at 30 days stock on shelves, and the target is 21 days. But he said the main problem Uchumi faced in the past was non payment to suppliers
Q: Any plans to recover looted assets from previous managers?
A. Company not pursuing any cases against previous management
Q: How will they recover customers and market share lost to Nakumatt, Tusker Matt and other supermarkets?
A: Yes Uchumi has lost ground to some very savvy competitors, who built stores next to theirs, but Uchumi will rely on goodwill, support and retuning customers. Management claimed that over 50% of customers have returned to Uchumi since the re-branding and that shareholders are the best ambassadors to help the company recover more market share.
Q: Profits & dividends when?
A: No dividend in immediate future. Other companies such as Kenya Airways and KCB took 4 years after restructuring to turn around and Uchumi shareholders should not expect anything more in their case.
Q: How can ordinary shareholders get elected as directors?
A: Simply write in nominee, perhaps a month in advance of the AGM. This question is asked at almost all AGM’s and while the answer is true, winning directors all have the sponsorship & vote of some majority shareholders. Uchumi said they look for non-executives who bring key skills to the board and this year added Mr. Arun Devani (Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturer’s), Mr. James Kabuga (who represents PTA Bank) and Mr Albert Ruturi (former general manager of KCB)
fireworks moment
This came during the usually boring vote on auditors. Earlier some shareholders questioned the quality of work done by the company’s auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers with one wondering how PWC could keep blessing Uchumi’s books even at the loss increased from 300 million to 600m to 1.2 billion. PWC had also earlier issued a contradictory statement on the business future of Uchumi in the prospectus for the rights issue.
Clearly shareholders don’t understand what auditors do. They wanted to know why the company lost so much cash over the years and why the reasons for the loss don’t appear in the accounts. They also yearn for internal information about companies, which is not distributed widely outside of investment banks.
Both the MD and Chairperson tried to defend auditors for doing a good job, which is to review and pass the company’s 6- and 12-month accounts and make recommendations, but shareholders clearly wanted blood. Other shareholders defended the auditors saying that we were shooting the deliverer of bad news and that blame should be placed at the feet of the board and management while other said that since the company was making a new start with new board and management, it also needed new auditors.
Nevertheless the vote on the auditors was deferred to the next board meeting where they will consider the views voiced by shareholders at the AGM today.
Other titbits
- Dr. Eddah Gachukia is properly referred to as chairperson (Unlike KCB's lady Chairman)
- All Kenyan produced goods are assigned bar codes starting with the number 61
- Goodies: No dividend, gift bags or items this year, but they did offer some tea and snacks after the AGM, which I skipped.
- Also there was no verification of shareholder names and proxies at the door - just write your name and enter. If there had been a vote/election item at the AGM, the results could have been disputed because the attendance record at the meeting was not accurate.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
December 13
Just Kenyan
Kenyan diplomatic staff in the UK owe 96,000 pounds in traffic fines. At least they rank behind Angola, Sudan, Tanzania and Nigeria, among others.
Bad prescription
An NGO, Christian Aid, blames the EU and World Bank for unnecessary privatisation and liberalization which has contributed to unaffordable and poor medical care for most Kenyans.
Rail woes
Will the new cabinet de-rail a Kenya-Sudan railway project?
End of Diani?
An old article argues that global warming will bring high water temperatures which will eliminate coral reefs from Kenya’s and other East African countries coasts by 2020.
Opportunities
World Bank
Internships:
The application window is now open for the World Bank’s summer internship program. Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree and already be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program (pursuing a Master's degree or Ph.D. with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity. The Bank pays an hourly salary to all Interns and, where applicable, provides an allowance towards travel expenses. Most positions are located in Washington, DC (some positions are offered in country offices) and are a minimum of four weeks in duration. Apply online by January 31 2006.
School Jobs
Kabarak high school is hiring:
- accounts clerk
- accounts assistant
- procurement officer
- farm manager
apply to kabarak@africaonline by December 20.
Kenyan diplomatic staff in the UK owe 96,000 pounds in traffic fines. At least they rank behind Angola, Sudan, Tanzania and Nigeria, among others.
Bad prescription
An NGO, Christian Aid, blames the EU and World Bank for unnecessary privatisation and liberalization which has contributed to unaffordable and poor medical care for most Kenyans.
Rail woes
Will the new cabinet de-rail a Kenya-Sudan railway project?
End of Diani?
An old article argues that global warming will bring high water temperatures which will eliminate coral reefs from Kenya’s and other East African countries coasts by 2020.
Opportunities
World Bank
Internships:
The application window is now open for the World Bank’s summer internship program. Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree and already be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program (pursuing a Master's degree or Ph.D. with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity. The Bank pays an hourly salary to all Interns and, where applicable, provides an allowance towards travel expenses. Most positions are located in Washington, DC (some positions are offered in country offices) and are a minimum of four weeks in duration. Apply online by January 31 2006.
School Jobs
Kabarak high school is hiring:
- accounts clerk
- accounts assistant
- procurement officer
- farm manager
apply to kabarak@africaonline by December 20.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Telecommunications, ATM’s and foreign aid
Balancing Act
Balancing Act’s latest newsletter (No. 285) is a special issue on telecommunications developments in Kenya. Notable points include;
- Expect more ISP mergers (after Wananchi and ISPKenya)
- VoIP could cut the cost of international corporations communications costs from US$5,000 to US$700 a month.
- A looming financial crisis at Telkom could force the government to sell some shares in Safaricom to Vodafone or to the public via the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
- New call centers have difficulties finding people with the right voices to work there – and their preference for candidates who have had some international exposure.
- The jail sentence hanging over the head of Shem Ochuodho.
Pesa ATM’s
Pesa Point now has 60 ATMs installed around the country. My bank has pesa point but I will take a pass on them because of the additional cost (30/=per cash withdrawal)except for emergencies of if I am very far from my own Bank’s ATM. Pesa Point's unique stand-alone ATM’s are popping up in all sorts of unexpected places such as the grounds of KICC and a restaurant opposite Hooter’s with little fanfare. The company should have a web site or better way to market/advertise each new ATM added, besides a statement from the MD.
Foreign Aid
President George W. Bush’s administration plans to overhaul the US foreign aid system and align programs more with US political interests. E.g. the State Department could take over the independent US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Balancing Act’s latest newsletter (No. 285) is a special issue on telecommunications developments in Kenya. Notable points include;
- Expect more ISP mergers (after Wananchi and ISPKenya)
- VoIP could cut the cost of international corporations communications costs from US$5,000 to US$700 a month.
- A looming financial crisis at Telkom could force the government to sell some shares in Safaricom to Vodafone or to the public via the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
- New call centers have difficulties finding people with the right voices to work there – and their preference for candidates who have had some international exposure.
- The jail sentence hanging over the head of Shem Ochuodho.
Pesa ATM’s
Pesa Point now has 60 ATMs installed around the country. My bank has pesa point but I will take a pass on them because of the additional cost (30/=per cash withdrawal)except for emergencies of if I am very far from my own Bank’s ATM. Pesa Point's unique stand-alone ATM’s are popping up in all sorts of unexpected places such as the grounds of KICC and a restaurant opposite Hooter’s with little fanfare. The company should have a web site or better way to market/advertise each new ATM added, besides a statement from the MD.
Foreign Aid
President George W. Bush’s administration plans to overhaul the US foreign aid system and align programs more with US political interests. E.g. the State Department could take over the independent US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Corporate briefs
air
Kenya Airways has added a once a week 777 direct flight from Mombasa to London. There are several charter airlines that operate flights on this route - serving the tourism boom at the Coast.
East African has also added flights to Malindi
Agriculture
Sasini slump: Sasini reported a loss of 387 million shillings for the year, down from a profit of 771m the year before. Operations generated only 12 million shillings which was a steep drop from 209m in 2004. The company blamed the poor performance on over supply of tea in world markets. Sasini also entered the horticulture business during the year and will maintain a focus on the premium tea sector where demand is high.
Banking
NIC Bank has extended its banking hours and will now be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Communications
New communication Minister Mutahi Kagwe is an advocate of using the government’s shareholding in Safaricom to restructure Telkom Kenya. In an October interview in the Financial Post, he says Telkom is inefficiently run and he believes it can achieve efficiency and connectivity levels similar to India and Mauritius. Hopefully he can restore confidence to the sector after two years of Tuju’s confusion. Surprisingly dropped in the cabinet re-shuffle was Permanent Secretary Rege who has been an active player in the satellite and mobile communications sectors.
Energy
The National Oil Corporation pulled out of the running to to buy BP Oil’s Kenya assets.
Housing
Kenya Commercial Bank staff pension fund will construct 252 houses along old airport road in Embakasi.
Publishing
Cosmopolitan magazine will discontinue its Kenyan issue and resume distributing the South African one locally.
Rail
The concessioning of Kenya Railways may be delayed after pensioners of the corporation filed a suit to stop the deal until their interests are secured.
Kenya Airways has added a once a week 777 direct flight from Mombasa to London. There are several charter airlines that operate flights on this route - serving the tourism boom at the Coast.
East African has also added flights to Malindi
Agriculture
Sasini slump: Sasini reported a loss of 387 million shillings for the year, down from a profit of 771m the year before. Operations generated only 12 million shillings which was a steep drop from 209m in 2004. The company blamed the poor performance on over supply of tea in world markets. Sasini also entered the horticulture business during the year and will maintain a focus on the premium tea sector where demand is high.
Banking
NIC Bank has extended its banking hours and will now be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Communications
New communication Minister Mutahi Kagwe is an advocate of using the government’s shareholding in Safaricom to restructure Telkom Kenya. In an October interview in the Financial Post, he says Telkom is inefficiently run and he believes it can achieve efficiency and connectivity levels similar to India and Mauritius. Hopefully he can restore confidence to the sector after two years of Tuju’s confusion. Surprisingly dropped in the cabinet re-shuffle was Permanent Secretary Rege who has been an active player in the satellite and mobile communications sectors.
Energy
The National Oil Corporation pulled out of the running to to buy BP Oil’s Kenya assets.
Housing
Kenya Commercial Bank staff pension fund will construct 252 houses along old airport road in Embakasi.
Publishing
Cosmopolitan magazine will discontinue its Kenyan issue and resume distributing the South African one locally.
Rail
The concessioning of Kenya Railways may be delayed after pensioners of the corporation filed a suit to stop the deal until their interests are secured.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Jamhuri, jobs, sports
White Christmas
The Panari skating rink will open on Friday December 16
bank jobs
bank manager (Ref: BM/12.01) At the Mombasa branch of an international banking group. Applicants must have bachelors degree, MBA or AIB would be an advantage with eight years banking experience, 3 of which are senior level. Job entails managing corporate, retail, and personal portfolio with a focus to growing the SME and personal banking business. apply though Deloitte consulting at esd@deloitte.co.ke by December 23.
East African Development Bank
- director of legal affairs (Ref 121/CB/FN). Applicants should have masters’ degree in law, be specialized in corporate/ commercial/ banking/ finance law and preferably have 10 years experience with at least 5 in a senior management.
- director of operations (Ref: 271/CD/FN) to oversee projects/operations of the bank. Applicants should be graduates with at least 10 years experience, at least 5 of which are at senior management levels of a commercial, investment, or development bank.
Apply though Hawkins & associates at hawkins.associates@khigroup.com or www.hawkins.co.ke.
Other jobs
At Merali's certified public accountants:
- audit manager Nairobi: must be compliant with IFAC requirements, and be a fully qualified CPA/ACA/ACCA with 5 years experience.
- senior audit professional Mombasa; must be compliant with IFAC requirements, and have 3 years experience.
Apply at reception@meraliscpa.com.
nation media group
- assistant help desk administrator. applicants must have bachelors’ degree in IT or computer science and a Microsoft certification.
- internet sales executive – freelance. Applicants should be university graduates, with diploma in sales and 2 years sales experience.
Apply at hrrecruit@nation.co.ke by 14 December.
Sports
Friday 10 PM World Cup Soccer Draw
Saturday
8:45 AM Pakistan vs England 1st ODI, LIVE
3:30 PM Liverpool vs Boro
6 PM Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic & Bolton vs Aston Villa & Charlton vs Sunderland
8 PM Newcastle vs Arsenal
11:45 PM Real Sociedad vs Villarreal
Sunday
6 AM Middleweight Bout Ronald "Winky" Wright vs Sam "King" Soliman
1:30 PM Al Ittihad vs Al Ahly
7 PM Man Utd vs Everton
10:45 PM Barcelona vs Sevilla
Monday
8:45 AM Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI
1:15 PM Deportivo Saprissa vs Sydney FC
10:30 PM Tottenham vs Portsmouth
next Sunday7 PM Arsenal vs Chelsea
The Panari skating rink will open on Friday December 16
bank jobs
bank manager (Ref: BM/12.01) At the Mombasa branch of an international banking group. Applicants must have bachelors degree, MBA or AIB would be an advantage with eight years banking experience, 3 of which are senior level. Job entails managing corporate, retail, and personal portfolio with a focus to growing the SME and personal banking business. apply though Deloitte consulting at esd@deloitte.co.ke by December 23.
East African Development Bank
- director of legal affairs (Ref 121/CB/FN). Applicants should have masters’ degree in law, be specialized in corporate/ commercial/ banking/ finance law and preferably have 10 years experience with at least 5 in a senior management.
- director of operations (Ref: 271/CD/FN) to oversee projects/operations of the bank. Applicants should be graduates with at least 10 years experience, at least 5 of which are at senior management levels of a commercial, investment, or development bank.
Apply though Hawkins & associates at hawkins.associates@khigroup.com or www.hawkins.co.ke.
Other jobs
At Merali's certified public accountants:
- audit manager Nairobi: must be compliant with IFAC requirements, and be a fully qualified CPA/ACA/ACCA with 5 years experience.
- senior audit professional Mombasa; must be compliant with IFAC requirements, and have 3 years experience.
Apply at reception@meraliscpa.com.
nation media group
- assistant help desk administrator. applicants must have bachelors’ degree in IT or computer science and a Microsoft certification.
- internet sales executive – freelance. Applicants should be university graduates, with diploma in sales and 2 years sales experience.
Apply at hrrecruit@nation.co.ke by 14 December.
Sports
Friday 10 PM World Cup Soccer Draw
Saturday
8:45 AM Pakistan vs England 1st ODI, LIVE
3:30 PM Liverpool vs Boro
6 PM Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic & Bolton vs Aston Villa & Charlton vs Sunderland
8 PM Newcastle vs Arsenal
11:45 PM Real Sociedad vs Villarreal
Sunday
6 AM Middleweight Bout Ronald "Winky" Wright vs Sam "King" Soliman
1:30 PM Al Ittihad vs Al Ahly
7 PM Man Utd vs Everton
10:45 PM Barcelona vs Sevilla
Monday
8:45 AM Pakistan vs England 2nd ODI
1:15 PM Deportivo Saprissa vs Sydney FC
10:30 PM Tottenham vs Portsmouth
next Sunday7 PM Arsenal vs Chelsea
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Some fun (& non-cabinet) jobs
skating instructors in Kenya!
To work at the solar ice rink at the new Panari Sky Centre. Applicants must have experience in teaching figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey and can work part time at the job. Apply by 15th December to the managing director at info@panarihotel.com, quoting reference - ice-skating rink instructor.
team assistant: communications
At the World Bank’s water & sanitation program (WSP-Africa) team. Applicants must have qualifications in secretarial studies or office management and 3 years relevant experience at an international, large, or private sector organization. More details available at their site and apply to the finance and administration officer at wspaf@worldbank.org by December 16.
Writers
At Drum East Africa Magazine
senior staff writer: (REF HR-SW-12-05) Applicants must have journalism degree and 6 years experience.
staff writer: (HR-SW2-12-05) Applicants must have journalism degree and 1 to 3 years experience.
sales executive (HR-SE-12-05) Applicants must be university graduates with, diploma in marketing and 2 years selling experience.
Apply by December 21 to the group human resource director at P.O. Box 49010-00100 Nairobi.
Also technical manager (HR-TM-12-05) at the nation media group. Applicants must be university graduates in engineering with media experience. Apply to the group human resource director at P. O. Box 49010-00100 by December 20.
Various
Kenyan jobs from jobsinghana.com (linked from YAP)
- General Manager
- Business Development Consultant Financial Services
- General Manager
- Production Manager Manufacturing and Production
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Kenya Gazette issue
By request: Major portions of the Kenya Gazette are available online courtesy of Kenya Law Reports who post the notable directives by ministers and government officials while leaving out death/estate matters which take up ½ of a typical gazette issue. Hat tip: Kenyan Pundit
Telkom update
From the Kenya Gazette: Telkom Kenya moves closer to offering per second billing by first moving from billing calls every three minutes to per one (1) minute.
Mr. Minister, Sir!
Coming soon: A new Mercedes, to go with a new minister’s flag. Presenting the 2007 S-Class
Telkom update
From the Kenya Gazette: Telkom Kenya moves closer to offering per second billing by first moving from billing calls every three minutes to per one (1) minute.
Mr. Minister, Sir!
Coming soon: A new Mercedes, to go with a new minister’s flag. Presenting the 2007 S-Class
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Capital advertising opportunity
Capital (98.4) FM and New Revenue Solutions (Australia) have launched Image Plus in Kenya. This advertising package will offer companies 20 30-second advertisements (recorded free by Capital) each month, 50% of which will air during prime time - all for an annual cost of 1.4 million shillings, which is a 70% discount on Capital’s current advertising rates. Companies who sign up this week will also receive an additional 120 30-second advertisements over the next 12 months.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Earthquake
A mini quake shook downtown Nairobi this afternoon. Buildings swayed gently side to side for about fifteen seconds, with calendars flying off the walls. No damage really, just to people's psyches. They hurried downstairs from twenty floors up, with memories of the '98 bomb blast at the back of their minds and stayed down until they ascertained that it was just a tremor. Most offices closed early at 4 p.m.
Three down at NSE
The Nairobi Stock Exchange has suspensed trading of shares of BOC Gases, Carbacid Investments, and Tourism Promotion Services (Serena) until takeover issues are finalized at these companies.
Hostile takeover?
The number of companies listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange could reduce by one following a notification on December 1, by BOC Gases of its intention to acquire effective control (80%) of Carbacid Investments. BOC already controls 42% of the Carbacid trhough proxies, and will use a novel technique to finance the deal. BOC has reported six-month turnover of 454 million while Carbacid had 134m for the half year. On Friday there was no activity in both BOC and Carbacid shares whichc remained at 160 and 137 respectively.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Jobs, sports & addiction
Bank Jobs
Chase bank
- Chief internal audit & compliance officer. Applicants should be graduates with professional qualifications and 3 years similar experience.
- Manager, risk analysis: applicants to be graduates with professional qualification and 3 years similar experience
Applicants for both positions should be aged 35 and below, have good IT skills and knowledge of their sectors. Apply to manager human resources & administration, chase bank, P. O. Box 28987-00200 Nairobi by 17 December 2, 2005.
Equity bank
Security officer. Applicants should be aged 30 -4 40 with at least 5 years armed forces or police experience and with knowledge of banking fraud. Apply to the human resource manager at securityofficer@ebsafrica.co.ke by December 9.
anon bank
Liabilities manager who will mobilize deposits. Applicants should have business degree and at least five years marketing experience. Apply to DN.A/570 box 49010-00100 Nairobi by 20 December.
Consulting Jobs
KPMG International
- Regional finance manager (Ref RFM-05). Applicants should be qualified accountants with 5 years senior management experience and skilled in budgeting and modeling.
- Senior Accounts Assistant (SAA-05). Applicants should be qualified accountants and graduate with three years experience
- Accounts Assistant (AA-05). Business degree and 3 years relevant experience required.
Apply to esd@kpmg.co.ke by December 16
PriceWaterHouseCoopers
Invites applicants to join its transactions team as;
- Executives: applicants should be graduates with at least 3 years corporate finance or transaction experience as well as marketing and deal making
- Managers. Must have min of 5 years corporate finance or transaction experience including infrastructure in both public an private sectors
Apply to the human capital coordinator at recruitment.ke@ke.pwc.com
Other
Transparency International
- Deputy executive director at Kenya chapter. Applicants must be Kenyans of high degree of integrity who are technical experts capable of program development and management. Apply to recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke by 16 December
Brookside Dairy
- Cost accountant
- Assistant accountants
- Account assistants (Ruiru & Mombasa)
Apply to the human resource manager at hrm@brookside.co.ke buy December 16
hr firms
Some human resource firms who recently advertised some jobs are;
- www.hawkins.co.ke
- www.jobsnow.co.ke
for most of these check the daily nation, Friday December 2
not a drug yet
internet addiction is as high as 6 – 10% among users.
Sport highlights
Saturday 03 December
3:30 PM Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic
6 PM Bolton vs. Arsenal & Chelsea vs. Boro & Newcastle vs. Aston Villa
8 PM Man Utd vs. Portsmouth
10 PM Real Madrid vs. Getafe
Sunday 04 December
5 AM No Respect Boxing; Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermaine Taylor
7 PM Charlton vs. Man City
9 PM Villarreal vs. Barcelona
Chase bank
- Chief internal audit & compliance officer. Applicants should be graduates with professional qualifications and 3 years similar experience.
- Manager, risk analysis: applicants to be graduates with professional qualification and 3 years similar experience
Applicants for both positions should be aged 35 and below, have good IT skills and knowledge of their sectors. Apply to manager human resources & administration, chase bank, P. O. Box 28987-00200 Nairobi by 17 December 2, 2005.
Equity bank
Security officer. Applicants should be aged 30 -4 40 with at least 5 years armed forces or police experience and with knowledge of banking fraud. Apply to the human resource manager at securityofficer@ebsafrica.co.ke by December 9.
anon bank
Liabilities manager who will mobilize deposits. Applicants should have business degree and at least five years marketing experience. Apply to DN.A/570 box 49010-00100 Nairobi by 20 December.
Consulting Jobs
KPMG International
- Regional finance manager (Ref RFM-05). Applicants should be qualified accountants with 5 years senior management experience and skilled in budgeting and modeling.
- Senior Accounts Assistant (SAA-05). Applicants should be qualified accountants and graduate with three years experience
- Accounts Assistant (AA-05). Business degree and 3 years relevant experience required.
Apply to esd@kpmg.co.ke by December 16
PriceWaterHouseCoopers
Invites applicants to join its transactions team as;
- Executives: applicants should be graduates with at least 3 years corporate finance or transaction experience as well as marketing and deal making
- Managers. Must have min of 5 years corporate finance or transaction experience including infrastructure in both public an private sectors
Apply to the human capital coordinator at recruitment.ke@ke.pwc.com
Other
Transparency International
- Deputy executive director at Kenya chapter. Applicants must be Kenyans of high degree of integrity who are technical experts capable of program development and management. Apply to recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke by 16 December
Brookside Dairy
- Cost accountant
- Assistant accountants
- Account assistants (Ruiru & Mombasa)
Apply to the human resource manager at hrm@brookside.co.ke buy December 16
hr firms
Some human resource firms who recently advertised some jobs are;
- www.hawkins.co.ke
- www.jobsnow.co.ke
for most of these check the daily nation, Friday December 2
not a drug yet
internet addiction is as high as 6 – 10% among users.
Sport highlights
Saturday 03 December
3:30 PM Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic
6 PM Bolton vs. Arsenal & Chelsea vs. Boro & Newcastle vs. Aston Villa
8 PM Man Utd vs. Portsmouth
10 PM Real Madrid vs. Getafe
Sunday 04 December
5 AM No Respect Boxing; Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermaine Taylor
7 PM Charlton vs. Man City
9 PM Villarreal vs. Barcelona
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Safari rally returns in a way
Today marks the start of the East African Classic Safari Rally at Mombasa, which will then run through Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Nairobi, the Mara, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Voi and then back to Mombasa for the finish.
It features many pre-Schumacher-era drivers that older Kenyans will remember such as Duncan, Kankkunen, Blomqvist, and Waldegaard who will be driving even older cars such as the Datsun 240Z, Mercedes 450 Ford Escort, Porsche 911 and Lancia Stratos pictured– all from the 70’s era.
Without a genuine international WRC rally, the event is mostly a nostalgic and unique tourist attraction for the country, but still a gruelling event for the drivers cover several thousand kilometres over 10 dusty days.
Still, I’d like to see future Classic rallies that involve the group B or monster cars of the 80’s such as the Ford RS200, Lancia 037 & Delta S4, Peugeot 205 T16 and Audi Quattro Sport pictured - which unleashed an era of noisy and large rally super cars that had 500+ horsepower, four-wheel-drive, and many other high-tech pieces.
It features many pre-Schumacher-era drivers that older Kenyans will remember such as Duncan, Kankkunen, Blomqvist, and Waldegaard who will be driving even older cars such as the Datsun 240Z, Mercedes 450 Ford Escort, Porsche 911 and Lancia Stratos pictured– all from the 70’s era.
Without a genuine international WRC rally, the event is mostly a nostalgic and unique tourist attraction for the country, but still a gruelling event for the drivers cover several thousand kilometres over 10 dusty days.
Still, I’d like to see future Classic rallies that involve the group B or monster cars of the 80’s such as the Ford RS200, Lancia 037 & Delta S4, Peugeot 205 T16 and Audi Quattro Sport pictured - which unleashed an era of noisy and large rally super cars that had 500+ horsepower, four-wheel-drive, and many other high-tech pieces.
Serena Hotels Takeover
Plans for the long-awaited restructuring at Serena have been finalized. It will involve the takeover of Serena Kenya (TPS Limited) by Serena East Africa (TPS Eastern Africa) who will purchase the 23% owned by the public (9 million shares of 5 shillings par value) by offering them 1.35 new shares (par value 1/=) of the new TPS EA for each old TPS share held. (TPS who own 77% will not be participating)
calendar
1 December: record date of entitlements.
14 December: documents posted to shareholders including offer details, information memorandum, and invitations to attend presentations by managers and transaction advisers.
16 December: opening of offer.
15 February 2006: closing of offer. Also if exercise is unsuccessful, [i.e. at least 1,000 shareholders don’t buy in or TPS does not attain 80% stake in company] then old TPS shares resume trading at the NSE.
1 march: results announced.
15 March: new TPS EA listed on NSE.
29 march: old TPS delisted from NSE.
calendar
1 December: record date of entitlements.
14 December: documents posted to shareholders including offer details, information memorandum, and invitations to attend presentations by managers and transaction advisers.
16 December: opening of offer.
15 February 2006: closing of offer. Also if exercise is unsuccessful, [i.e. at least 1,000 shareholders don’t buy in or TPS does not attain 80% stake in company] then old TPS shares resume trading at the NSE.
1 march: results announced.
15 March: new TPS EA listed on NSE.
29 march: old TPS delisted from NSE.
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