Kenya's CMA urged to punish more errant top bosses

Workers and security guards outside Uchumi Supermarkets in Eldoret town, Kenya on March 21, 2016. The outlet is among those that were closed by the retailer. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA  

By JAMES ANYANZWA

In Summary

• Questions linger on how the quantum of the sanctions was determined and why other directors who have been accused of bringing down public institutions such as Mumias Sugar Company and Kenya Airways have not been punished as well.
• CMA chief executive Paul Muthaura defended the decision by the regulator to punish former Uchumi chief executive Jonathan Ciano, finance manager Chadwick Okumu and other directors, but was non-committal on whether similar action will be taken against others.

Kenya to probe telcos over high cost of mobile money transactions

Kenya’s National Treasury wants telcos to disclose all hidden charges in mobile payments. PHOTO | FILE 

By JAMES ANYANZWA

In Summary

• The EastAfrican has learnt that the government is seeking to scrap and reduce some of the charges levied on the M-Akiba bond in order to attract more players. M-Akiba is the first-ever Treasury bond to be issued exclusively via a mobile phones.
• Treasury says telcos must disclose all hidden charges in mobile payments to their customers and that this “disclosure” requirement forms an important part of the government’s ongoing review process.
• The National Treasury said inflated costs, including brokerage commissions, have made the proposed trading of M-Akiba bonds unprofitable to small investors.

Lots of retail space, not enough tenants in Kampala

Acacia Mall, one of the upscale shopping malls in Kampala, Uganda. PHOTO | MORGAN MBABAZI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

By BERNARD BUSUULWA

In Summary

• Whereas competition attributed to new, modern and accessible malls outside the city centre is blamed for the decline in shoppers’ traffic in large malls in the heart of Kampala, the pending launch of new shopping malls built close to the city that are expected to charge $12-$14 per square metre has exerted more pressure on existing malls to discount their rental prices.

Burundi accuses Rwanda of trying to kill Nkurunziza's top aide

Presidential spokesperson Willy Nyamitwe is carried by supporters as people celebrate the return of the Burundian president after a failed coup attempt in the Kamenge quarter of Bujumbura on May 15, 2015. PHOTO | AFP 

By IVAN R. MUGISHA and MOSES HAVYARIMANA

In Summary

• “Some of the perpetrators were arrested… among them is a soldier who told us that people who are behind these targeted killings are based in Kigali,” Burundi police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye told The EastAfrican.
• The Rwandan army spokesman, Lt Col René Ngendahimana, challenged the Burundian authorities to provide evidence that Kigali was involved in the Monday night ambush of Willy Nyamitwe, the president’s communication advisor.

CRDB aims for 300 branches as it dismisses negative reports

ABDUEL ELINAZA

CRDB Bank branch network will reach 300 by the year end leading other banks by far in terms of outlets.

In the meantime, CRDB Bank yesterday refuted false information circulating in the social media that the bank is closing down its branches due to current economic hardship.

Stumbling blocks for FDI flow mentioned

MAUREEN ODUNGA in China

CHINESE investors are committed to invest in Africa but are held back by lack of proper information on the continent’s business environment.

TTB, ATCL sign deal to promote tourism

IDDY MWEMA

TANZANIA Tourist Board (TTB) and Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) yesterday signed an agreement aimed at promoting tourism in the country.

Lungu challenges TPA to sustain service efficiency at Dar Port

KATARE MBASHIRU

ZAMBIAN President Edgar Lungu toured the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) yesterday, reaffirming his country’s commitment to continue using the Dar es Salaam Port.

Tight liquidity ‘caused non-performing loans’

DAILY NEWS Reporter

THE tight liquidity currently being experienced by the majority of Tanzanians is a result of non-performing loans by commercial banks worth 1.43 trillion/- and has nothing to do with the Revenue Collection Accounts of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the Treasury Registrar (TR) said.

Ugandan councillors praise Magufuli

NASHON KENNEDY in Mwanza

COUNCILLORS from the Ugandan cities of Entebbe and Kampala have praised President John Magufuli’s leadership, especially his drive on revenue collection.

Refugee influx poses challenges to WFP

LYDIA SHEKIGHENDA

THE influx of Burundi refugees in Tanzania poses major challenges to the World Food Programme (WFP) as it experiences a shortfall in funding, it was disclosed yesterday.

Dangote Cement saga clarified

KATARE MBASHIRU

TANZANIA Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has refuted widespread rumours that recently went viral in the social media that there was a dispute pitting it and the Mtwara-based Dangote Cement Plant over the price of natural gas.

CAG probes fixed deposit rip-off in commercial banks

NELLY MTEMA

THE Treasury Registrar (TR), Mr Lawrence Mafuru, said the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), is conducting a special investigation on allegations that public servants pocket the interest income that arise from the fixed deposit accounts in commercial banks.

Societe Generale partners with American Express in Africa

Societe Generale partners with American Express in Africa

The agreement involves both online sales and POS payments through electronic payment terminals

PARIS, France,-- Societe Generale (www.SocieteGenerale.com) announces that it has signed a merchant acquiring partnership with American Express

NHC gets 6bn/- from rent ‘shy’ public entities

DAILY NEWS Reporter

THE National Housing Corporation (NHC) has collected almost 6bn/- from rent defaulters in public institutions, barely two months after President John Magufuli directed that the 9.4bn/- debt be cleared or defaulters evicted.

Africa: Merck partners with UNESCO and African Union to empower Women in Research with the focus on “Infectious Diseases and Women Health”

UNESCO–MARS 2016 has brought together more than 200 researchers from more than 35 African countries to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead in developing Africa as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation

Africa - DHL: Customer Satisfaction is More Important Than Ever During the Festive Season

Customer Satisfaction is More Important Than Ever During the Festive Season

During the festive season, a company’s top priority is to make sure that its platforms are effectively managed and prepared to deal with an increased influx of customers

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 29, 2016/ -- The end of year festive season is almost upon us and for many businesses, especially those in the retail sector, this means the start of the peak ...

The changing face of Dar es Salaam

Towering above the Kigamboni creek is a cable-stayed bridge spanning 680 metres, described as East Africa’s longest, linking the city with the southern municipality of Kigamboni and Mbagala surburbs and environs. PHOTO | FILE 

By Peter Muthamia

In Summary

• City upgrade: Now that almost 50 per cent of the project is done, the Dart system, Kigamboni Bridge, reconstruction and expansion of major city roads, and the changing skyline have transformed the city’s environmental aesthetics. Unesco says that Dar is the second fastest growing city in Africa.

Board must restore stability in banking

Kenya Power customers queue to settle bills at Electricity House in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• The board has the mandate to formulate policies, except monetary policy, which at is done by a separate committee. It plays an oversight role in the bank’s financial management and strategies, reviews the bank’s performance, and supervises the governor.
• In the absence of the board, Governor Patrick Njoroge has made some unilateral decisions which, although dictated by the exigencies of the day, have raised jurisdictional questions. Key among them was the placement of three banks under statutory management.

Blogs & Opinion

New token notes no relief for cash-short Zimbabweans

This file photo taken on November 28, 2016 shows a man holding a bond note released by the Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe in Harare central business centre. PHOTO | AFP 

In Summary

• Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency in 2009 after rampant hyperinflation, which peaked at 500 billion per cent, rendered the local dollar useless.
• The adoption of foreign currencies like the US dollar and the South African rand brought relative economic stability.
• But the gains were soon lost as the government pursued aggressive policies that scared off investors, including indigenisation laws forcing foreign-owned companies to sell majority stakes to local

EAC competition body dormant as hiring of official delayed

Trucks at the Malaba border between Kenya and Uganda. The EAC Competition Authority is expected to enforce laws that protect and promote free and fair competition among businesses with a cross-border presence. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By CHRISTABEL LIGAMI

In Summary

• The position will be re-advertised after first round failed to attract suitable candidates.
• The EAC Competition Authority was expected to be fully operational in January this year.
• The registrar’s role will be to oversee all activities of the body, including the enforcement of laws that protect and promote free and fair competition among businesses with a cross-border presence.

Chase Bank: Depositors, shareholders wait for information with bated breath

Depositors and shareholders of Chase Bank will have to wait longer to know the fate of the lender or to access their money. TEA GRAPHIC | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

By ALLAN OLINGO

In Summary

• The threat of a legal battle and the behind-the-scenes political wheeling-dealing by shareholders could add to the long wait for individuals, firms and organisations whose deposits have been stuck in the bank since it was placed under receivership in April.
• The EastAfrican has also seen documents showing concerted pressure from the diplomatic sphere, senior government officials, shareholders and depositors, painting a picture of political and legal undertones as players try to use all means to find a solution to the lender’s current state.
• For some depositors and shareholders, the lack of an absolute timeline and ‘dishonest’ statements from the Central Bank and KDIC over the Chase Bank transactions and depositors plight has seen them start questioning the way the bank’s eventual reopening has been handled.

VICHWA VYA HABARI VYA MAGAZETI YA LEO JUMATANO,NOVEMBA 30, 2016

Maker of Africa’s cheapest car gears up for Mobius II roll-out

A Mobius vehicle during its launch in Nairobi two years ago. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• Mobius Motors plans to manufacture “significantly” more units than the 50 they produced and sold in the first run last year.
• The first model of the vehicle hit the showroom in October 2014, retailing at Sh950,000 (Sh1.1 million inclusive of tax).

GE’s First Permanent ‘Garage’ In Lagos Supports Innovation And Much-Needed SME Development

The first group of trainees at the all-new GE Lagos Garage. PHOTOS | COURTESY 

In Summary

• The Lagos Garage will run a mix of training programmes, which will focus on specific industry sectors as well as entrepreneurship segments.

Jamii Bora records Sh28m net loss on high cost of funds

Jamii Bora chief executive Samuel Kimani. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA 

By BRIAN NGUGI

Jamii Bora Bank has reported an after-tax loss of Sh28.4 million for the nine months to September as high operating expenses and cost of funds dragged the lender into the red.

Jubilee has run out of funds, says Raila

ODM leader Raila Odinga addressing members of the Maa community, who had defected from the Jubilee Party to ODM, at Orange House in Nairobi on November 29, 2016. Mr Odinga claimed the Jubilee government is broke. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL| NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Raila Odinga has challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta to tell Kenyans the truth about the financial health of his government.
• Mr Odinga said it was the shortage of funds that drove the government to borrow money through the Eurobond.
• The Cord co-principal urged the President to be polite and respectful to him and not talk to him as he would his child.
• President Kenyatta accused Mr Odinga of seeking to convince the African Development Bank and the World Bank to stop sponsoring Jubilee projects, citing corruption in the government.

Ohio State University attack puts focus on Somali Americans

Law enforcement officials are seen outside a parking garage on the campus of Ohio State University as they respond to an active attack in Columbus, Ohio, on November 28, 2016. PHOTO | PAUL VERNON | AFP 

In Summary

• On Tuesday, a jihadist-linked news agency called him a "soldier" of the Islamic State group.
• Artan's attack came just two months after a 22-year-old Somali man wounded nine people in a knife attack in a mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
• In 2013 four Somalis in San Diego were convicted of raising money for Al-Shabab.

New twist as Raila’s ally linked to Sh1.8bn youth agency scam

ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre) and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed (second left) join in a dance at Isiolo stadium on November 3, 2016. Mr Mohamed has been linked to a company that benefited from NYS contracts. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Suna East MP Junet Mohammed was named by Jubilee MPs as one of the directors of Zeigham Enterprises Ltd, a company that supplied the agency with goods worth Sh21.8 million.
• There were also documents showing that ODM chairman John Mbadi, like Mr Mohammed, was also a beneficiary of the contracts, claimed the MP.
• Jubilee MPs claimed their revelations were proof that Mr Odinga could also have been a beneficiary of funds through his ally Mr Mohammed and his history with Mr Noor.

Government taken to task on outdated 1971 Marriage Act

DAILY NEWS Reporter

THE government yesterday came under spotlight when former Speaker of the National Assembly pushed the authority to fast track repeal of the Marriage Act-1971 and Inheritance Law in order to enhance justice and protection to women and girls in their rights.

Kenya central bank sees inflation rising, keeps key rate steady

Central Bank of Kenya governor Patrick Njoroge. FILE PHOTO | EVANS HABIL |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By James Anyanzwa

Kenya’s banking regulator expects prices of goods and services in the country to remain high as a result of supply shocks during the festive season.

Land grabbing blamed for ethnic tensions in South Sudan

Displaced South Sudanese waiting to be registered at a Red Cross compound in Wau, in northwestern South Sudan. PHOTO | AFP 

By JOSEPH ODUHA

In Summary

• The National Land Commission Coordinator, Mr Butrus Apollo, said in Juba Tuesday that the situation could turn tragic if not addressed.

JPM, Lungu for vibrant Tazara

KATARE MBASHIRU

PRESIDENT John Magufuli and his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu have vowed to transform the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) into business oriented and profit focused entity.

RAIS MAGUFULI AMUANDALIA DHIFA YA TAIFA MGENI WAKE RAIS WA ZAMBIA, EDGAR LUNGU

 Rais John Magufuli, akiongozana na Mgeni wake, Rais wa Zambia Edgar Lungu, (kushoto), wakati wakisalimiana na Rais mstaafu, Jakaya Kikwete, Waziri Mkuu Kassim Majaliwa na Naibu Spika wa bunge, Dkt.Tulia Ackson, wakati wa dhifa ya kitaifa ambayo Rais Magufuli alimuandalia Mgeni wake usiku wa kuamkia leo Novemba 29/2016 Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam.(PICHA NA IKULU).

WAZIRI NAPE AMPA "TANO" ANTHONY MTAKA KWA KUCHAGULIWA TENA KUWA RAIS WA CHAMA CHA RIADHA TANZANIA, (RT)

Rais mpya wa Chama Cha Riadha Tanzania, (RT), Anthony Mtaka

Soma Zaidi

WAKAZI 800 WA KEREGE WAPATA HUDUMA ZA BURE ZA MATIBABU YALIYOANDALIWA NA KLABU YA ROTARY YA OYSTER BAY

Posted by KHALFAN SAID on 06:34

Mwananchi wa Kerege Bagamoyo, akipatiwa matibabu wakati wa zoezi la kambi ya matibabu bure  katika mji huo. Klabu ya Rotary ya Oyster Bay pamoja na madaktari na wafanyakazi wa kujitolea wametoa huduma za matibabu kwa wakazi wa Kerege wilayani Bagamoyo. Kambi hiyo ya matibabu imeeefanyika Jumapili tarehe 27 Novemba katika shule ya Msingi ya Kerege.

Zoezi la Kambi hiyo ya matibabu na upimaji bure likiendelea katika mji huo wa Kerege.

Mmoja wa wananchi wa Kerege (kulia) akipima macho katika kambi hiyo.

Klabu ya Rotary ya Oyster Bay pamoja na madaktari na wafanyakazi wa kujitolea wametoa huduma za matibabu kwa wakazi wa Kerege wilayani Bagamoyo. Kambi hiyo ya matibabu imeeefanyika Jumapili tarehe 27 Novemba katika shule ya Msingi ya Kerege.

Vipimo na matibabu vilitolewa bure kwa magonjwa kama vile malaria, upungufu wa damu, kisukari na shinikizo la damu, masikio, pua na koo (ENT), magonjwa ya ngozi, macho pamoja na meno. Huduma nyingine zilizotolewa zilikuwa pamoja na ugawaji wa miwani zilizotolewa kwa watu waliokutwa na matatizo ya macho.

Huduma za ushauri kwa wajawazito na vifaa vya kujifungulia vilitolewa bure kwa wajawazito; huduma za ushauri nasaha na upimaji wa UKIMWI pia zilitolewa. Kwa mara ya kwanza, elimu ya usafi na taulo za wanawake zilitolewa kwa wasichana.

Akizungumza katika kambi hiyo, Alfred Woiso, Rais wa Klabu ya Rotary ya Oyster Bay alisema, “Ni furaha yetu kuwa hapa kwa mara nyingine tena na tunafurahi kuona wakazi wa Kerege wamejitokeza kuja kupata huduma hizi. Tumetoa huduma kwa watu waliokuwa na matatizo mbalimbali. Tumeona wagonjwa wengi wenye magonjwa sugu kama kisukari na shinikizo la damu. Inaonekana kuna haja ya kupanua wigo wa huduma zetu kwa vile kuna mahitaji ya huduma za matibabu ya magonjwa mengine.”

Kambi hiyo ya matibabu ilihudhuriwa na wagonjwa wapatao 800 kutoka Kerege na maeneo ya jirani. Kambi hii inayoandaliwa na Klabu ya Rotary ya Oyster Bay imefanyika Kerege kwa mara ya sita sasa kwa lengo la kuwasaidia wakazi wa Kerege kupata huduma za matibabu, wakazi ambao kwa kawaida hawana uwezo wa kumudu gharama za matibabu.

Kambi hiyo ya matibabu imedhaminiwa na Diamond Trust Bank na kuandaliwa kwa ushirikiano na Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, Vital Supplies, Whitedent, vClick Concepts Inc, MAK Books and Brains, ABACUS Pharmaceuticals, Fazel Foundation na wanachama wa Klabu ya Rotary na Rotaractor.

Soma Zaidi

RAIS MAGUFULI AMKARIBISHA MGENI WAKE RAIS EDGAR LUNGU IKULU JIJINI DAR ES SALAAM

Posted by KHALFAN SAID on 06:28

 Rais John Pombe Magufuli, akizungumza huku mgeni wake, Rais wa Zambia, Edgar Lungu, akimsikiliza, wakati Rais alipomkaribisha Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam, Novemba 28, 2016. (PICHA NA IKULU)

 Rais Lungu akizungumza

 Rais Magufuli akizungumza

 Rais Magufuli na mgeni wake, Rais Lungu, wakifurahia jambo, wakati Rais huyo wa Zambia alipowasili Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam, Novemba 28, 2016

 Rais Magufuli, na mgeni wake Rais Lungu, wakitazama ngoma za asili

 Rais Magufuli na mgeni wake, wakipita katikati ya gwaride la wanajeshi wa JWTZ, wakati wa mapokezi yake Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam

Rais Magufuli akimpokea Rais Lungu alipowasili Ikulu