Sunday, November 30, 2014

CRDB urges renewable energy business persons to seek loans


Small and medium enterprises engaged in renewable energy businesses across the country have been told to ensure the
ir projects are viable so that they can easily access loans from financial institutions.

Airtel, UBA launch new mobile financial services

Bharti Airtel is partnering with United Bank for Africa (UBA) to provide mobile-based financial services in Tanzania and across African continent through Airtel Money.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed over the weekend, both companies will expand the range of innovative financial services to their customers in the 12 countries, where they are both present within Africa which include Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Chad and Zambia, Congo Brazzaville and Congo DRC.

Entrepreneurs in Iringa Region encouraged to participate in 'Wezeshwa na Safari Lager'


Iringa region TBL sales manager Philip Kubecha (R) and Tanzania Association of Professional Business Development Service Providers (TAPBDS) Business Expert, Masudi Kandoro (2nd-L), brief journalists on TBL�s �Wezeshwa na Safari Lager� season four in Iringa region on Saturday.
The Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) in Iringa Region has called on small scale entrepreneurs in the region to take part in this season’s ‘Wezeshwa na Safari Lager’ programme, which seeks to boost small scale businesses.

MPs hailed on Tegeta escrow account scam, but


Energy and Minerals minister Prof Sospeter Muhongo
A day after the National Assembly came up with eight resolutions recommending disciplinary and other measures against government officials and individuals implicated in the Tegeta escrow account scandal, the public has commended the House for a job well done.

Mwanza business college campus to receive infrastructure funding


Deputy minister for Trade and Industries, Janet Mbene
The government plans to solicit funds to improve infrastructures of the Mwanza campus of the College of Business Education.

Oil search in Kilifi to go on after leaders agree

Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi at Chapungu Primary School on September 5, 2014. Oil exploration at Arabuko Sokoke in the county will continue despite protests from environmental conservation groups. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi at Chapungu Primary School on September 5, 2014. Oil exploration at Arabuko Sokoke in the county will continue despite protests from environmental conservation groups. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By NEHEMIAH OKWEMBAH
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Oil exploration at Arabuko Sokoke will continue despite protests from environmental conservation groups.
Governor Amason Kingi met officials of Camak Kenya, the firm licensed to conduct the exploration, and some community leaders in his office on Friday and they agreed that the work should go on as the company engages with the community.

UK pleads for renewal of deal to train troops

Wardens from Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service shows their anti-poaching skills after a two-day training at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) at Mt Kenya forest on December 5, 2013. Batuk has asked Kenya to renew an agreement that allows it to train about 10,000 troops annually in the country. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI |

Wardens from Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service show their anti-poaching skills after a two-day training at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), at Mt Kenya forest on December 5, 2013. Batuk has asked Kenya to renew an agreement that allows it to train about 10,000 troops annually in the country. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By MUCHIRI GITONGA
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The British Army has asked Kenya to renew an agreement that allows it to train about 10,000 troops annually in the country.

Ignore curfew, coast leaders tell residents

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy during a press conference on October 22, 2014 where he spoke out against the curfew extension in the county. Governor Timamy and other coastal leaders have told Lamu residents to ignore resumption of a curfew on the island. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy during a press conference on October 22, 2014 where he spoke out against the curfew extension in the county. Governor Timamy and other coastal leaders have told Lamu residents to ignore resumption of a curfew on the island. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By KALUME KAZUNGU
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Political leaders from coastal counties have told Lamu residents to ignore resumption of a curfew on the island.

Traders seek to cash in on maize from Uganda

National Cereals and Produce Board Managing Director Newton Terer during the board's Restructuring Stakeholders Workshop at Horizon Hotel in Eldoret town on June 11, 2014. Middlemen are stocking large quantities of cheap maize from Uganda, hoping to make a killing by selling it to the national cereals board. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
National Cereals and Produce Board Managing Director Newton Terer during the board's Restructuring Stakeholders Workshop at Horizon Hotel in Eldoret town on June 11, 2014. Middlemen are stocking large quantities of cheap maize from Uganda, hoping to make a killing by selling it to the national cereals board. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By PHILIP BWAYO
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Middlemen are stocking large quantities of cheap maize from Uganda, hoping to make a killing by selling it to the national cereals board.

Violence takes heavy toll on Mombasa tourism economy


Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie during a press conference on October 27, 2014. In Mombasa County, business for tourist hotels has declined significantly because of the violence that has hit the county. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |
Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie during a press conference on October 27, 2014. In Mombasa County, business for tourist hotels has declined significantly because of the violence that has hit the county. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |   NATION MEDIA GROUP
By
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Business for tourist hotels has declined significantly, because of the violence that has hit the county.
Tourism used to be the mainstay of the region, raking in billions of shillings. This is no longer the case, with many hotels having been closed. Tour operators have also closed shop.

BlackBerry gets OK to buy encryptors of Merkel's mobile

Research in Motion CEO Thorsten Heins at the unveiling of the BlackBerry 10 mobile platform as well as two new devices January 30, 2013. Germany said Friday it had approved Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry's purchase of data encryption firm Secusmart, whose customers include Chancellor Angela Merkel. PHOTO | FILE
Research in Motion CEO Thorsten Heins at the unveiling of the BlackBerry 10 mobile platform as well as two new devices January 30, 2013. Germany said Friday it had approved Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry's purchase of data encryption firm Secusmart, whose customers include Chancellor Angela Merkel. PHOTO | FILE 
By AFP
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BERLIN,
Germany said Friday it had approved Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry's purchase of data encryption firm Secusmart, whose customers include Chancellor Angela Merkel, after agreeing what media dubbed a "no-spy clause".

Blogs & Opinion

Taxman backs down after boycott threats over seized Ugandan cargo


Cargo at the Mombasa port. Top imports in the region remained motor vehicles and industrial products including steel.  FILE PHOTO |
Cargo at the Mombasa port. Top imports in the region remained motor vehicles and industrial products including steel. FILE PHOTO |   NATION MEDIA GROUP
By MWAKERA MWAJEFA
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The Kenya Revenue Authority Saturday started releasing Uganda-bound goods that were being held at the port of Mombasa after a pre-pay tax dispute between the authority and traders.

Sh350 million plan to assist dairy farmers in Murang’a

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria. PHOTO/FILE
Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria. Dairy farmers in Murang’a County will benefit from a Sh350 million programme meant to raise productivity and boost cooperative groups in the region. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By NATION CORRESPONDENT
Dairy farmers in Murang’a County will benefit from a Sh350 million programme meant to raise productivity and boost cooperative groups in the region.

Global credit rating agency gives the thumbs up to ABC Bank

African Banking Corporation chief executive Shamaz Savani walks past the banking entrance. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By NATION REPORTER
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ABC Bank’s profile has received a boost following a positive rating of its operations by an international agency.
The Global Credit Rating Company said the bank’s outlook is “stable”. The assessment is valid until October next year.

Mombasa among ports to benefit from Sh108bn World Bank project

From left: Cabinet secretaries Phyllis Kandie, Rachael Omamo and Michael Kamau follow the proceedings at the East Africa Community Heads of State Retreat summit on infrastructure development and financing held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, at the weekend. JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By OUMA WANZALA
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Mombasa is among three ports in East Africa earmarked for further investment by the World Bank to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Watchdog cracks whip on methanol importers

Julius Karuga a son of the late Michael Kamau (inset right), who was among four people who died after taking Jebel Vodka, an illicit brew, at Katipanga in Murang'a, is joined by friends and relatives at their home who had come to console the family on November 26, 2014. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By CHARLES WOKABI
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The national standards watchdog is set to crack the whip on irresponsible importers of methanol, the chemical used to manufacture illicit liquor that has claimed hundreds of lives in the past several months.

Lobby to award best performing MPs

The National Assembly in session. An organisation has started a process that will culminate in the awarding of MPs voted as the best performers in Parliament.  FILE PHOTO |
The National Assembly in session. An organisation has started a process that will culminate in the awarding of MPs voted as the best performers in Parliament. FILE PHOTO |   NATION MEDIA GROUP
By JOHN NGIRACHU
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An organisation has started a process that will culminate in the awarding of MPs voted as the best performers in Parliament.

Call for House to set up team on insecurity

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria. The MP wants Parliament to set up a team to investigate increased cases of insecurity in the country. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria. The MP wants Parliament to set up a team to investigate increased cases of insecurity in the country. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By NATION CORRESPONDENT
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An MP wants Parliament to set up a team to investigate increased cases of insecurity in the country.
Gatundu South lawmaker Moses Kuria has drafted a motion through which he wants a 21-member committee established to help fix the problem.

Referendum bids set to be merged

Wiper Democratic Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka during an interview at his home in Karen on August 25, 2014. Musyoka and Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto have indicated plans to consolidate the Okoa Kenya and Pesa Mashinani referendum bids. FILE PHOTO | GERALD ANDERSON | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Wiper Democratic Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka during an interview at his home in Karen on August 25, 2014. Musyoka and Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto have indicated plans to consolidate the Okoa Kenya and Pesa Mashinani referendum bids. FILE PHOTO | GERALD ANDERSON | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto have indicated plans to consolidate the Okoa Kenya and Pesa Mashinani referendum bids.

Ababu Namwamba reaches out to foes

ODM leader Raila Odinga holds hands with the party's secretary general Ababu Namwamba. Namwamba Sunday extended an olive branch to party leaders dissatisfied with the new officials, saying, time had come for the party to be united. PHOTO | JACOB OWITI |
ODM leader Raila Odinga holds hands with the party's secretary general Ababu Namwamba. Namwamba Sunday extended an olive branch to party leaders dissatisfied with the new officials, saying, time had come for the party to be united. PHOTO | JACOB OWITI |   NATION MEDIA GROUP
By OUMA WANZALA
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ODM’s proposed secretary-general Ababu Namwamba Sunday extended an olive branch to party leaders dissatisfied with the new officials, saying, time had come for the party to be united.

50 at KDF camp await evacuation

Non-Muslim civil servants camp at the Mandera airstrip as they demanded to be evacuated in the wake of the terror attack.  PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO |
Non-Muslim civil servants camp at the Mandera airstrip as they demanded to be evacuated in the wake of the terror attack. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO |   NATION MEDIA GROUP
More than 50 people at a military camp in Mandera are still awaiting government evacuation.
Most non-local workers sought refuge at the Kenya Defence Forces base following last week’s attack on a Nairobi-bound bus in which 28 were killed.

Otieno Kajwang’ laid to rest in burial marked by calls for ODM unity


A mourner at the burial of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' at Waondo village in Mbita constituency on November 28, 2014. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
A mourner at the burial of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' at Waondo village in Mbita constituency on November 28, 2014. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By MAURICE KALUOCH
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By EMEKA-MAYAKA GEKARA
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The Orange Democratic Movement buried one of its most loyal members with a warning to rebel leaders to toe the line or leave the party.

Poor roads Mandera’s biggest curse

Security officers at the scene of the Al-Shabaab terror attack in Mandera where 28 people were gunned down by Al-Shabaab militants in the attack. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Security officers at the scene of the Al-Shabaab terror attack in Mandera where 28 people were gunned down by Al-Shabaab militants in the attack. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By LUCAS BARASA
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By MANASE OTSIALO
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The poor road network in border county of Mandera has greatly contributed to frequent Al-Shabaab attacks.
The militia group has turned the county into its playground where it has been launching attacks at will, killing, maiming and destroying property.

We must act now to manage climate change

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the Opening Session of the Climate Change Summit at the United Nations in New York September 23, 2014, in New York. PHOTO | TIMOTHY A. CLARY
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the Opening Session of the Climate Change Summit at the United Nations in New York September 23, 2014, in New York. PHOTO | TIMOTHY A. CLARY |  AFP
By FEDERICA MOGHERINI
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By MIGUEL ARIAS CANETE
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At no time has a global deal on climate change looked more likely than it does today.
In October, European Union leaders agreed on ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030,

Suspend cashless plan, say matatus

Matatu Welfare Association chairman Dickson Mbugua at an event in Nairobi on February 27, 2014. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA
Matatu Welfare Association chairman Dickson Mbugua at an event in Nairobi on February 27, 2014. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By JACQUELINE KUBANIA
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Matatu operators want Monday’s deadline for starting the cashless fare system suspended indefinitely, arguing that the industry is not prepared to implement the directive.

MPs’ travel gobbled up Sh550m in 3 months, says Budget Office


The National Assembly in session. The Parliamentary Service Commission spent Sh557.6 million on domestic travel in three months, the Controller of Budget has revealed.  FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The National Assembly in session. The Parliamentary Service Commission spent Sh557.6 million on domestic travel in three months, the Controller of Budget has revealed. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 
By SAMWEL BORN MAINA
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The Parliamentary Service Commission spent Sh557.6 million on domestic travel in three months, the Controller of Budget has revealed.
According to the report obtained by the Nation, the commission also recorded the highest expenditure in printing and advertising at Sh80.7 million, rentals and rates for non-residential buildings at Sh121.2 million and maintenance of other assets at Sh17.3 million.

High-flier agent pushed up the cost of ‘chicken’

An Interim Independent Electoral Commission’s official loads ballot boxes and other voting materials onto a vehicle at Tac Centre in Eldoret East constituency on August 3, 2010.
An Interim Independent Electoral Commission official loads ballot boxes and other voting materials onto a vehicle at Tac Centre in Eldoret East constituency on August 3, 2010. A UK court has been told that IIEC top officials were paid bribes to award the tender for the ballot papers to Smith & Ouzman, a UK company. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |  NATION MEDIA GROUP
By JOSEPH OCHIENO
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A British printer paid a Kenyan agent huge amounts of money in commission because the agent was an important man in the country, he has claimed in court.