Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe gives his official address during
celebrations held to mark the country's 34th independence anniversary on
April 18, 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. PHOTO/AFP
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
LSK seeks to join National Land Commission, Charity Ngilu case
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairman Erick Mutua (left) and National
Land Commission chairman Mohammed Swazuri during a press conference at
Ardhi House, Nairobi on March 20, 2014. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI | FILE
NATION MEDIA GROUP
The stalemate between National Land
Commission (NLC) chairman Mohammed Swazuri and Cabinet Secretary Charity
Ngilu is hurting business and causing unnecessary confusion, the Law
Society of Kenya said on Wednesday.
In a notice of
motion seeking enjoinment as “an interested party” in a suit involving
the NLC and Ms Ngilu at the Supreme Court, LSK lawyer Denis Mosota said
the stalemate between the two state organs has adversely affected the
practice of conveyance in the country leading to confusion and
inordinate delays in completing land transactions.
“The
LSK members who include advocates of the High Court who deal with
matters of conveyance on a daily basis… they are required to witness and
draw conveyance documents before they are registered and advice their
clients on matters regarding registration of title documents,” the
lawyer said.
ISSUES NOT ADDRESSED
He
said LSK seeks to be enjoined on grounds that the NLC has not addressed
the issue of consultation and co-operation between it and the Ministry
of Land, Housing and Urban development as envisaged under section 17 and
18 of the National Land Commission Act.
Mr Mosota
added that the commission has not addressed the issue of who ought to
issue land titles in light of section 23 of the Land Act.
The NLC sought an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court and the case is to be heard on May 22. (READ: Court to rule on row between Ngilu and Lands team)
In
an affidavit, the NLC laid out points of contention in the
interpretation of the law and the Constitution regarding the mandates of
the NLC and the Lands Ministry and on land administration and
management.
“The interested party seeks to be enjoined
and act in the public interest since the stalemate between the two state
organs has slowed the process of registration and issuance of title
documents, leases and grants thereby directly affecting the members of
the LSK and Kenyans in general,” Mr Mosota said.
He
said the impasse has delayed the review of the national land policy for
the benefit of LSK members and the public and the implementation of
crucial amendments to the Lands Act.
“The stalemate has
further stalled the appointment of the chief lands registrar and county
lands registrar under section 12 and 13 of the lands registration act
thus hindering the effective implementation of the act,” he said.
The
lawyer said LSK’s intervention would help the Supreme Court in reaching
a just decision “that will provide a remedy to the citizens of the
country who have suffered grave injustice on account of lack of
registration and issuance of title documents due to the stalemate
between the two state organs”.
Punish NSSF officials, IGG directs
Mr Kyayonka (L) and Mr Byarugaba chat after a board meeting. Whereas the
IGG report exonerates Mr Kyayonka, it holds Mr Byarugaba culpable for
slip-ups during his tenure. PHOTO by STEPHEN OTAGE.
By FREDERIC MUSISI
In Summary
Charges. The IGG report wants Finance minister to act on two officials for causing a loss of Shs100m to the workers’ Fund.
Price war among soft drinks manufacturers hurts profits
Plastic soda bottles going through a production line. FILE PHOTO
By FARIDAH KULABAKO
In Summary
The beverage industry has seen some tight competition with the entry of new players in the market.
The days of wild growth and huge profits for
Uganda’s carbonated soft drink manufacturers could be over as
competition pressures, which have resulted in a price war, continue to
intensify.
Retired military officer tastes the success of dairy farming
Retired Colonel Dick Bugingo (R) speaking to visitors on his farm. Photo by Faiswal Kasirye
By ISMAIL MUSA LADU
In Summary
The retired colonel’s entrepreneurial abilities saw
him try out commercial dairy farming where he earns about Shs15 million
every month.
Uganda posts improved half year coffee export earnings
A farmer picks ripe coffee beans. The country has recorded improved
export earnings mainly from two major species of Robusta and Arabica.
FILE Photo
By Dorothy Nakaweesi
KAMPALA.
Uganda has registered an increase in both volume
and value of coffee exports indicating a good trend for the country’s
leading export commodity.
More banks register decline in profits
Dancers entertain guests at a Crane Bank branch opening in Ibanda last
year. The bank’s expansion drive has increased operating expenses,
leading to a decrease in profits. FILE PHOTO
By FARIDAH KULABAKO
Kampala.
More commercial banks have continued to register a decline in profits with others posting losses as the after effects of the turbulent economic challenges, suffered about three years ago, take a toll on the industry.
More commercial banks have continued to register a decline in profits with others posting losses as the after effects of the turbulent economic challenges, suffered about three years ago, take a toll on the industry.
Let’s do more to boost rural health services
Opinion/Editorial
By The citizen
In Summary
While economic realities make it easier to put up
private health centres in urban areas, the situation is different in the
villages, where up to 40 per cent of the people live on less than
Sh2,000 per day--an amount that is not even enough for consultation fees
for doctors.
Firm gives Sh11m kits to 3 hospitals
Lake Oil Country Manager, Khaled Hassan Mohamed (C) hands over a
hospital stretcher to Sister Rose Masero of Temeke Hospital at a
function where the oil firm donated hospital equipment to Temeke, Amana
and Mwananyamala hospitals yesterday. Looking on from right are,
Mwananyamala Medical in Charge, Dr Sophinias Ngonyani and a
representative of the Dar es Salaam Medical Officer Dr Ackim Mwaikasu.
PHOTO|CITIZEN CORRESPONDENT
In Summary
“It is an open secret that a majority of city
residents are served by municipal hospitals...this is why we decided to
channel our assistance there,”
TLS wants seven more gag laws to go
National
Tanganyika Law Society president Charles Rwechungura speaks in Dar es
Salaam yesterday during the unveiling of findings of research into the
access and right to information in Mainland Tanzania. Right is TLS
Programme Officer Stephen Msechu. PHOTO | RAFAEL LUBAVA
By Alex Bitekeye The Citizen Reporter
In Summary
Others are the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010;
Mining Act, 2010; Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1980, and
the Police Force and Auxiliary Act, Cap. 322, R.E 2002.
Kingunge: Don’t attack Warioba
Constituency Assembly (CA) member Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru speaks at the CA in Dodoma yesterday. PHOTO|HABEL CHIDAWALI
By Sturmius Mtweve ,The Citizen Reporter
In Summary
Mr Ngombale-Mwiru said the stalemate could only be resolved through win-win negotiations.
Dodoma. Politicians have been warned against disparaging former Constitution Review Commission chairman Joseph Warioba and his team.
Development budget deficit hits 60 per cent
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) acting chairman Gaudence Kayombo speaks
to reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Left is committee member Ester
Matiko. PHOTO | VENANCE NESTORY
By Sturmius Mtweve and Felix Lazaro ,The Citizen Reporters
In Summary
Mr Mbarouk noted that the government seems to be
paralysed over what it should do to rescue the situation -- taking into
account that it faces shortage of funds.
Kikwete decries high interest rates.
President Kikwete
By Veneranda Sumila ,The Citizen Reporter
In Summary
She said that with the coming of Private Equity,
many of these issues will be addressed. Mkoba targets the fast growing
SMEs with capital needs ranging between $1 million (Sh1.6 billion) and
$15 million (Sh24 billion).
18 killed by speeding bus at accident scene
Singida Regional Police Commander Geofrey Kamwela.PHOTO|FILE
By Gasper Andrew ,The Citizen Correspondent
In Summary
Coast Regional Police Commander Ulrich Matei said the bus burst into flames after a rear tyre burst.
Singida. Four police officers
were among 18 people who lost their lives on Monday night after a
speeding bus hit them as they tried to retrieve the body of a pedestrian
who had been killed in an earlier road accident.
Lost legacy: Untold story of D’Salaam
A section of the Dar es Salaam skyline. Many historic buildings – some
of which have been demolished – hold a largely forgotten revolutionary
story: Mandela’s ANC, the Mozambique Liberation Front, Che Guevara and
Malcolm X all congregated in the port city. PHOTO | AFP
By Chris Oke ,The Citizen Correspondent
In Summary
In December, last year, President Kikwete stole the
show at the burial ceremony of the first South African President Nelson
Mandela in his Qunu birthplace when he took mourners down memory lane of
the African liberation movements.
LSK boss links Konza focus to new rail deal
Money Markets
LSK chairman Eric Mutua: Deal was approved by the Attorney-General. Photo/FILE
By GALGALO FAYO
In Summary
- Eric Mutua says the deal between the government and the Malili Ranch Ltd, which he acted for, was approved by the Office of the Attorney-General and maintained the transaction was above board.
- Mr Mutua refuted CID claims that he was unable to account for Sh14.5 million in his account, arguing the cash is client money.
- Mr Mutua claimed police are being used to silence him through the charges.
NIC sets aside Sh506m for Tanzania arm
Money Markets
Pedestrians walk past a NIC Bank branch in Nairobi. The lender ventured
into Tanzania in 2009 by acquiring a 51pc stake in Savings & Finance
Commercial Bank. Photo/FILE
By GEORGE NGIGI, gngigi@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- NIC's Tanzanian subsidiary is seeking to raise additional Sh366 million in a rights issue.
- The Tanzanian unit last year posted a Sh277 million loss compared to a Sh103 million after-tax profit a year earlier.
- NIC ventured into Tanzania in 2009 by acquiring a 51 per cent stake in Savings & Finance Commercial Bank, which it later renamed in line with the group’s brand.
Equity seeks to halve transaction costs with mobile licence
Money Markets
Equity chief executive James Mwangi says newly acquired licence will reduce transaction costs to Sh7 from Sh14. Photo/FILE
By John Gachiri
In Summary
- Equity Bank's newly acquired Mobile Virtual Network Operating (MVNO) licence will reduce transaction costs to Sh7 from Sh14 charged by the bank’s agents.
- The Sh14 is still the lowest transaction cost at the moment.
- Transactions done at the bank are the most expensive at Sh96, followed by ATM transactions that cost Sh33.
Treasury, counties headed for clash on pension funds
Money Markets
Transition Authority chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi (right) with Kitui
Governor Julius Malombe during a county governments consultative meeting
on pension at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi on
Tuesday. Photo/BILLY MUTAI
By MUGAMBI MUTEGI, pmutegi@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- Sh8.6 billion yet to be remitted to Laptrust and Lapfund since March last year.
- The money is the monthly pension cash for local authority workers whose contributions to the funds were previously settled by the national government.
- After the devolved government system went live in March last year, over 38,000 local authority employees were taken by county governments.
Chinese phone maker ups bid for customers
Corporate News
ZTE Corporation senior officials during the of launch of smartphones in Nairobi on Tuesday. Photo/Salaton Njau
By OKUTTAH MARK
Chinese technology multinational ZTE has
launched five smartphone models and set out to sign local distributors
in a bid to win market share from rivals Nokia, Samsung and LG.
Equity targets rich clients with ‘supreme’ branch
Corporate News
Equity Bank branch along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, which offers
Supreme Banking. Customers are required to maintain a minimum deposit of
Sh200,000 to qualify for the service. Photo/Salaton Njau
By DAVID HERBLING, hdavid@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- Lender has opened 10th exclusive banking outlet in Nairobi targeting the wealthy.
- Customers are required to maintain a minimum deposit of Sh200,000 to qualify for the service dubbed “supreme banking.”
- The branches have classy lounges with free Wi-Fi internet, customers have personal relationship managers and a choice to operate their accounts in the local currency or any of the major global currencies including the US dollar, British pound and euro.
Tullow Oil to submit Kenya development plan next year
Politics and policy
A Tullow Oil exhibition stand in Uganda. Photo/FILE
By Reuters
In Summary
- Government has become more focused on early development of Kenya’s first oil discovery and project approval is expected in 2015 or 2016.
- Tullow plans extensive appraisal drilling and testing this year and next.
- Discussions are under way on who will lead the development of a pipeline to transport the crude oil to Lamu on the Kenyan coast
MPs set stage for Treasury to pay Anglo-Leasing debt
Politics and policy
First Mercantile Securities Corporation and Universal Satspace sued the
Kenyan government in Switzerland and the United Kingdom over contracts.
Photo/FILE
By EDWIN MUTAI, emutai@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- Two House committees endorsed the Treasury’s plan to pay First Mercantile Securities Corporation and Universal Satspace LLC the colossal amount arising from judgment that the two claimants got from Europe’s highest court of international disputes settlement.
- The National Assembly is Wednesday afternoon expected to debate the joint committees report and approve or disapprove of the payments.
Major investment deals Kenya can tap from Qatar
Opinion and Analysis
President Uhuru Kenyatta meets Qatari minister for Transport, Jassim
Seif Al-Sulaiti, in Doha during his recent visit. The country is the
global best practice in natural gas value addition. Photo/FILE
By George Wachira
In Summary
- Capital flow and experience from oil and gas managers make list of key gains.
Pioneer M-Pesa dealer rides the telecoms wave
Esther Muchemi, founder and chief executive Samchi Telecom. Photo/Courtesy
By David Herbling
In Summary
Milestones
- 2000 Opened Samchi Telecom on Koinange Street, Nairobi, to sell airtime, mobile phones and SIM cards.
- 2002 Opened Samchi’s second branch in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
- 2006 Became pioneer M-Pesa dealer as the service was being tested before being officially launched.
- 2009 Named best dealer in distribution resources by Safaricom.
- 2010 M-Pesa agent of the year.
- 2011 2nd runners up dealer of the year and best M-Pesa agent.
- 2012 2nd runners up dealer of the year and best data dealer.
- 2014 Named finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Go back to drawing board when business collapses
By DR FRANK NJENGA
Q: My husband’s
business has collapsed. For the last 12 months he has been up and down
trying to revive it. He walked to his bank manager last week and the
lender refused to bail him out because he has an outstanding loan. Part
of the problem is that my sister-in-law borrowed Sh 560,000 from my
husband and is not willing to pay soon.
I asked my sister-in-law and she told me off
(that I am not the one she borrowed the money from). My concern is about
the health of my husband who is having waking nightmares about his
cereals business.
Right now, he cannot supply the orders he has and has become an emotion wreck. How do I help him to move on?
Treasury earns Sh252m payout from Kenya Re
Corporate News
Kenya Reinsurance managing director Jadiah Mwarania during an investor briefing in August 2013. Photo/SALATON NJAU
Nation Media Group
By DAVID HERBLING
In Summary
- Re-insurer raised its dividend payout by 50pc to Sh420 million.
- The government holds a 60 per cent stake in the NSE-listed re-insurer whose dividend payment will total Sh420 million.
- Kenya Re’s net profit of Sh3 billion, compared to Sh2.8 billion in 2012, came on the back of strong growth in underwritten premiums.
Poor weather, depressed cash crop earnings dampen agriculture growth
Money Markets
Workers at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Eldoret depot
offload maize. Kenya produced 38.9 million bags of maize in 2013.
Photo/FILE
By John Gachiri, jgachiri@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- Output down 2.9pc in 2013 from 4.2pc a year earlier due to low rainfall.
- Prices also declined, resulting in lower earnings for farmers.
- Overall the sector’s contribution to the general economy marginally increased to 25.3 per cent from 24.6 per cent.
740,000 new jobs put the economy on recovery path
Money Markets
Road construction workers. The construction sector also expanded its
contribution to the GDP to 4.1 per cent from 3.7 per cent the year
before. Photo/FILE
By GEOFFREY IRUNGU, girungu@ke.nationmedia.com
In Summary
- The economy weathered the severe political shocks associated with last year’s election to generate nearly 750,000 jobs even as economic growth stayed below the projected five per cent.
- The majority of the new private sector jobs were in the construction and service industries while the public sector mostly added to the jobs count with expansion in health, education and security sectors.
- At 742,800 the number of new jobs created in 2013 was nearly 100,000 more than the 665,800 generated in 2012 when the rate of economic expansion stood at 4.6 per cent.
April inflation rises to 6.41pc
Money Markets
A woman sells groceries at Nyeri Municipal Market. Overall inflation
rose slightly to 6.41 per cent in April from 6.27 per cent in March due
to higher food prices. FILE
By BD Reporter
In Summary
- Inflation for the month of April rose marginally to 6.41 per cent from 6.27 per cent in March 2014.
Kenya shilling flat, waning dollar appetite seen lending support
Money Markets
The currency of east Africa's biggest economy has been trading in a tight band of 86.80-87.00 in recent days. Photo/FILE
By Reuters
Kenya's shilling held steady
on Wednesday and traders said it was likely to firm against the dollar
in the next few sessions due to an anticipated fall in corporate
appetite for greenbacks.
Vodacom wins tender to provide telecom services to 466 villages
Rene Meza, Vodacom Tanzania Managing Director
USD300m for Central Railway rehabilitation
World Bank
Leaders' spouses launch group to follow up on rural healthcare plans
Aims to address women cancer cases in rural areas
Vice President's wife, Asha Bilal
Businesses operating outside the formal sector on the rise, says LEAT
Lawyers Environmental Action Team (LEAT)
Dr Kimei shortlisted for another African banker of the year award
CRDB Bank Managing Director, Dr Charles Kimei
Establish regional offices to reduce costs, manufacturers advise TBS
Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)
PSPF attracts more contributors with its voluntary members' programme
Public Sector Pension Fund (PSPF)
Govt urged to amend oppressive media laws
Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC)
Following JK directive, airports to enhance security
Authorities to improve equipment, boost staff capacity
TAA Director General, Eng Suleiman Suleiman
Polio cases in Horn of Africa threaten Tanzania
None reported in country since 1998
Rotary International President-Elect, Gary Huang
Judge Warioba warns politicians: Invoking military coup scare tactic
Nine oil firms lose wholesale licences
EWURA says they violated principles of the business
Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA)