Injury prone Victor Wanyama is among four players set to be offloaded by Tottenham Spurs when the mid season transfer window opens on New-year. Britain Daily mirror indicates other casualties may include Mouse Dembele, Georges Nkoudou, and striker Vincent Jansen. They will be put up for sale at a combined price of an estimated sh. 1O. 5 billion.
Month: December 2018
Half of Kenyans Feel Country Heading in Wrong Direction
A new poll by the research firm Infotrak Reserach and Consulting released earlier today at the company offices on 103 East Manyani Road Lavington shows that 51 percent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. The Poll conducted between the period 29th November 2018 and 1st December 2018 through telephone interviews representing the views of 1500 Kenyans.
In the same poll 36 percent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the right direction with 72 percent of this number of the view that the president Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta is responsible for this positive turn.
Emirates Airlines to reduce Delays at Dubai Airports
Nairobi, Kenya , 19 Dec 2018– Emirates passengers travelling from or transiting through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can expect fewer instances of delays associated with aircraft turnaround thanks to a new innovative application built in-house by Emirates called the Hub Monitor.
Hub Monitor is being used by Emirates’ operational staff in Dubai to share and monitor real time information on the various activities that are carried out to prepare an aircraft for departure. Through its monitoring and proactive alerting system, the application helps avoid delays and improve on-time performance ultimately leading to a better passenger experience.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer said: “The Hub Monitor application is a unique and innovative tool developed in line with our vision to continuously re-examine our processes and introduce smart and more efficient means to improve our operations resulting in better passenger experience.
Our Operations team in coordination with IT have led the development of the hub monitoring system in a record time of five months, building on an existing solution that was already developed by Emirates Engineering. The team examining the various functions of Hub Monitor in real time are working to roll out further modules and the next module will be implemented later this month.”
Emirates Aircraft Turnaround in Dubai
Emirates is the world’s largest international airline operating a fleet of 270 modern all wide-body fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Every day around 255 Emirates flights depart from Dubai to destinations across six continents. Flights range in duration from less than an hour to over 17 hours. In order to avoid flight delays and inconvenience to passengers, it is critically important to efficiently turnaround the aircraft arriving in Dubai and prepare them for their next departure without compromising on quality or safety.
It currently takes about 105 minutes to turnaround the Emirates A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger jet, and about 90 minutes to prepare the Boeing 777 aircraft for departure at Emirates’ hub in Dubai.
There are a number of activities involved in the aircraft turnaround process. Some of these include a complete cleaning of aircraft interiors, water and toilet servicing, flight catering and loading meals for passengers, servicing the aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), refuelling the aircraft, maintenance checks, and loading passenger luggage and cargo. A delay in any one of these activities can have a cumulative impact on operations.
Hub Monitor
With Hub Monitor, cross-functional teams from departments including Engineering, Network Control, Airport Services, Flight Operations, and dnata Operations keep track of the turnaround activities on a real time basis. The application also triggers alerts to operational staff when there is a delay or deviation to any above or below wing activity against a pre-set Precision Timing Schedule (PTS).
These pre-emptive alerts allow Emirates’ teams to identify and resolve the root cause of any potential delays. In fact, Hub Monitor has already demonstrated its potential, versatility and scalability and has been chosen as the platform for some of Emirates’ key internal initiatives on disruption and fulfilment.
Hub Monitor integrates data coming in from a number of internal platforms and real-time aircraft downlinks. It then provides the consolidated data through a single view interface to relevant internal stakeholders. Hub Monitor is also mobile enabled, meaning staff deployed on the aircraft, ramp and in other remote areas can also easily access the information.
The application provides information on all Emirates’ aircraft in Dubai, allowing teams the ability to proactively recalibrate and plan their activities to minimize the impact of any unavoidable or unforeseen delays. Initial results since the application was deployed in August indicate that Hub Monitor has the potential to bring about a significant delay reduction at Emirates’ Dubai hub every year.
Customs Harmonization key in trade facilitation Njiraini
Nairobi 06 December 2018…The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Mr. John Njiraini has today called upon all EAC Revenue Authorities to come up with more innovative ways of addressing emerging customs revenue policy and administrative challenges.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General John Njiraini gives the opening remarks during the forum at the Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi. Images Courtesy oxygene.co.ke
Speaking during the 45th East African Revenue Authorities Commissioners General (EARACGs) and the Regional Joint Coordination Committee Meeting (RJCC) held in Nairobi, Mr Njiraini urged the East African Revenue Authorities Technical Committee (EARATC) to continue devoting their best efforts for the betterment of revenue mobilization and development of Member States.
The meeting, hosted by KRA, brought together Commissioners General from the region and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as the Japan’s Ministry of Finance. The main goal of these meetings is to ensure that the Revenue Authorities in the region work together towards the harmonization of tax regimes in the region aimed at fostering competitiveness, employment, and further contribute to the sustainability of public finances and eventually economic growth in the region.
Left to right : Charles .Kitere, Tanzania Revenue Authority(TRA) Commissioner General, Mr. Said Athuman, Director Reserch, Policy and Planning(TRA) and Pascal Bizimana Ruganintwali, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) Commissioner General.
Mr. Njiraini called for harmonization of customs systems for ease of sharing and exchange of information, harmonization of business processes and establishing a regional Clearing Agents Framework. He added that these will enhance trade facilitation and border control.
“We should have Information Systems compatibility to give us visibility of across the systems platforms to monitor and track the goods declaration and clearance processes across our borders,” Mr. Njiraini said. The Commissioner General said the use of Regional Electronic Tracking System (RECTS) as a step forward noted and need to be broaden through other Information Systems integration.
On Clearing Agents Framework, the Commissioner General said clearing agents play key role in trade facilitation and that there is need for mutual recognition of the agents. He emphasized that this can only happen if there is an established and agreed upon Clearing Agents Framework.
Mr. Njiraini noted that the newly launched Namanga One Stop Border Post has increased efficiency especially in goods and passenger clearance moving across Kenya and Tanzania and thereby enhanced national security and safety as well as improved trade and investment environment.
The East African Revenue Authorities Technical Committee (EARATC) assists the Commissioners General in identifying challenges, carry out studies and analyse technical issues in tax administration and providing appropriately researched recommendations in line with international best practice and subsequently ensure implementation of the agreed recommendations.
Ms. Keiko Sano, Chief representative, JICA Kenya Office said the Government of Japan officially announced its commitment to support for OSBP development in Africa during the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) held in 2008.
“Since then, JICA has been deeply involved in OSBP development including funding the detailed design and construction of OSBP at Namanga, together with technical cooperation for its operationalization and capacity building,” said Ms. Keiko.
Ms. Brendah Mundia, Deputy Director, Capacity Building, World Customs Organisation noted that Customs, working with other border agencies, plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and travel and securing the borders among other roles fiscal and non-fiscal roles. “It is, therefore, essential for Customs to take the lead in consolidating and further amplifying the ongoing efforts to ease the flow of goods and people across borders, thus turning globalization into a positive force,” she said.
The EARATC’s key achievements in the past few years include the annual publication of the Regional Comparative Revenue Report, Performance Based Pay, Succession Management Framework, Technical Assistance to South Sudan in establishing her revenue administration, Study and Analysis of Production Sharing Agreements, identification of inadequacies in the laws targeting Mining Sector and Gas and Petroleum (Extractive industry), TADAT assessment in Revenue Authorities, Talent optimization, Establishment of the Rulings Database on decisions taken by Courts or Tribunals that affect Revenue Collection.
Other achievements include addressing Emerging Concern on Increased Volume of Transit of Sensitive Goods through Kenya and Tanzania to non-EAC countries, Harmonization of Tax Procedures, Establishment of Forensic Laboratories, Tax payment through Electronic Devices, Formation of International Tax Offices, Taxation of Multinational Corporations, and making Revenue Authorities to be a Single Revenue Collector.
KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY BAGS GLOBAL AWARD
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has bagged a prestigious award during the recently concluded CIO100 annual symposium and awards fete held in Naivasha.
During the fete, KRA achieved a Silver Mark from the organisers, CIO East Africa, in recognition of excellence in enterprise information technology adoption.
Mr Muchemi Wambugu (right), Non-Executive Member at Capital Markets Authority of Kenya, presents an award to Kenya Revenue Authority’s Ms Christine Oyugi (centre) and Mr Raphael Wambugu during CIO100 Annual Symposium and Awards ceremony held in Naivasha recently. During the fete, KRA achieved a Silver Mark from the organizers, CIO East Africa, in recognition of excellence in enterprise information technology adoption. Images Courtesy oxygene.co.ke
KRA’s customer relationship management (CRM) solution was the entry point to the competition. The objective of the competition was to celebrate 100 organisations that are leveraging information technology to deliver business value either by improving relationships with customers or digitally transforming the business.
CRM is one of the modern technologies that KRA has invested in and that have revolutionised the organisation’s delivery of its mandate through enhanced efficiency.
Implementation of CRM has substantively improved KRA’s processes by providing a platform through which enquiries, service requests, complaints and compliments can be lodged and tracked from the point of entry into the system to closure. It also provides an end-to-end issue resolution and escalation framework.
The customer satisfaction index has significantly improved by 6.9 points from 65 per cent to 71.9 per cent. The utilization of this solution has contributed 49 per cent of this improvement.
The platform has further enabled KRA to integrate the various channels of communication on which taxpayers engage the organisation. This integration has allowed KRA to get a single view of the taxpayers’ queries and keeping a record or history of the interactions to ensure service excellence.
CRM solution has been very instrumental for KRA especially during crucial due dates such the annual filing season when there is immense virtual traffic of taxpayers seeking assistance and clarification on matters returns filing through various channels of communication.
Investment in technology is KRA’s strategic approach to enhancing service delivery in the wake of dynamism in customer needs, tastes and preferences.
CHINESE FIRMS AWARD 55 OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES
4th December 2018… The Kenya -China Economic Trade Association (KCETA) today held inaugural award ceremony to recognize outstanding Kenyan employees working in Chinese companies operating in Kenya.
The Award ceremony is part of the 55th Anniversary celebrations of Kenya-China diplomatic relations.
“As we celebrate the local employees in these companies, we take this opportunity to commend each and every employee for the dedication that they have shown over the years. As we focus on growing our relations, we want to continue providing an enabling environment that will see more local employees enjoy and thrive while working within KCETA member companies,” said Mr. Li Xuhang, Charge d’Affaires, Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
During this landmark occasion, to celebrate 55 years of Kenya and China working together, 55 Kenyan employees from 20 Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya were rewarded for their excellence performance within the organizations.
The 55 employees come from across the country, representing 24 counties, including Kisii, Siaya, Nairobi, Kilifi, Busia, Taita Taveta, Machakos, Kitui and Meru. They will travel to cities of Beijing and Shanghai, China in April 2019.
Delilah Wendy Aminilwa of China Road and Bridge Corporation speaking on behalf of the 55 winners shared her life journey and added that, “working with the KCETA companies has proven to be a worthwhile journey. The recognition we have received today is well appreciated as it showcases the appreciation that the companies have to the local communities. We look forward to touring China in April.”
Among the Chinese enterprises that will facilitate the trip to China are: China Road and Bridge Company, Huawei Technologies Kenya Co., Ltd., and Keda Kenya Ceramics Company Ltd.
Kenya and China have enjoyed close relations over the last 50 years. China is Kenya’s largest trading partner, having overtaken the traditional trade partners in value and volumes of goods and services exchanged between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of Ms Betty Maina- Principal Secretary State department for Industrialization in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperative, Joseph Mbeva a director in the ministry lauded KCETA members for being deliberate in ensuring that they constantly increase the number of local representatives in their institutions.
“During the last decade, trade between our two countries has sustained a positive upward trajectory and we look forward to working more closely with the Chinese community toward a mutually beneficial result. In the coming years, the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow and the ties that unite us will deepen. Congratulations to the 55 local employees recognized today. It is our hope that the same spirit of collaboration will be shared among all other locals in the coming years,” said Mr Mbeya.
As a non-profit organization with 97 Chinese company members, KCETA aims to explore business cooperation between China and Kenya and enhance cultural exchanges; while actively shouldering Corporate Social Responsibility to promote community cohesion. KCETA has been a catalyst force for promoting cooperation between the two countries.
On his part, Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hon. Ababu Namwamba said that the celebration is a reminder that the outstanding local employees are the most valuable asset of the Chinese companies, as they bring vitality, diversity, energy, cultural integration into their organizations. They are the ones to help their organizations to achieve targets and realize developments that contribute to Kenya’s modern transformation journey.
According to a 2016 World Bank Report, Chinese businesses in Kenya on average employed 360 local employees, more than the average 147 locals employed by other foreign enterprises in Kenya.
Richard Gowi speaking as a representative at the award ceremony shared his career development path at Huawei Technologies. He testified that the two cultures are easily integrated and can work harmoniously to ensure that both partners benefit from working together. He further highlighted the various benefits that Huawei Technologies has brought to the country such as the modern communication networks and further lauded their contribution in Kenya.
According to the latest KCETA data, KCETA members have increased the number of local jobs from 42,000 in 2016 to more than 50,000. The localization rate of employees of KCETA members has reached 96% the highest by any entity.
KCETA member companies committed to broaden their cooperation in terms as seen in the recently held Career Fair that saw the member companies avail over 1500 job opportunities to Kenyan youth.
CANON LAUNCHES FIRST MIRROR LESS CAMERA
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December 5th, 2018. Nairobi, Kenya— Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA), world leader in imaging solutions, has for the first time in East Africa unveiled its pioneering EOS R System, redefining the frontiers of photography and filmmaking. Over thirty years on from the original, era-defining EOS launch, the bold, new EOS R Full Frame Mirrorless Camera that expands photographic possibilities in countless ways. The new RF lens mount has been engineered with the perfect blend of optical, mechanical and electronic design to capture unique moments in previously impossible ways.
A pioneering lens mount, built from the best of EOS legacy
Since its inception in 1987, the EOS System – including Cinema EOS – has grown into the most recognised imaging system in the world. Today’s introduction takes the EOS platform to new heights, incorporating the best from the existing system, with even greater levels of performance, lens design possibilities and creative flexibility. The new RF mount has been built on the strengths of the existing EF mount and is the result of detailed research by Canon engineers, who have designed an impressive optical system with a flange back distance of 20mm and a wide 54mm diameter lens mount – allowing for even greater freedom when designing lenses. The new mount’s 12-pin connection enables enhanced communication and power transmission between the lens and camera body, further enhancing lens design options, resulting in higher image quality and enhanced usability.
Mr Amine Djouahra, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager – B2C, Canon Central & North Africa, commented: “We are very proud to have officially launched our EOS R System today here in Nairobi. This market and the entire East Africa region, plays a significant role in our growth plans and we hope that today’s local launch will further cement our position as innovators in imaging technology.” He further went on to add that, “Today, Canon is globally committed to investing in the unrivalled EOS world with cameras, lenses and accessories that set new heights in image quality, optical excellence and performance, building on Canon’s lens heritage, these high-performance lenses will push forward the frontiers of creative storytelling and satisfying the ever-evolving needs and demands of our customers.”
Exceptional quality in every detail
Built from the ground up, the new System has been reengineered with invaluable input during the System’s development from professional and enthusiast photographers and filmmakers. The EOS R System with RF mount and Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers unrivalled optical excellence, the world’s fastest auto focus and faster communication between camera and lens. Features that are synonymous with EOS – fast performance, superb ergonomics and superior, uncompromising, image quality – remain at the heart of the EOS R System.
Featuring innovative technology for photography and filmmaking alike, the EOS R System allows all users to shoot and film in extremely low light with accurate focusing, thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Small and discreet, the EOS R System gives flexibility, plus the advantage of silent shooting. It also offers the highest standard of movie output from any Canon EOS System camera, outside of the Cinema EOS range, enabling filmmakers to take their storytelling to the next level in 4K with output in 10-bit over HDMI. The whole system has refined handling and enhanced ergonomics, including an electronic viewfinder and extensive customisation, allowing the user to the focus on the subject rather than the camera.
A system designed with lenses at its core
The EOS R System inherits all the existing system advantages, importantly full compatibility with existing EF and EF-S lenses and accessories, when using one of three newly-developed lens adapters, expanding the boundaries of image capture. Canon has today also launched four new lenses, compatible with the EOS R System – the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM. Additionally, users of existing Canon EOS full frame or APS-C DSLR cameras can enjoy the EOS R System with their existing EF and EF-S lenses thanks to the adapters, while retaining the same performance as when used on a DSLR, as well as access to EOS accessories and Speed lite flashes.
Adding to the full frame family
Adding to the EOS full frame line-up, Canon has today unveiled the first camera body to carry the EOS R name and RF lens mount – setting the new standard for the camera of tomorrow. With the world’s fastest autofocusiii, it is also the world’s first camera with the ability to focus in light conditions as low as -6EViv and totally silent shooting, providing stunning quality results every time. The EOS R redefines photo and video performance with unrivalled image quality, state-of-the art connectivity, refined ergonomics and responsive handling.
Further expanding the existing EOS System, Canon today also launches the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM – a new 32mm lens for the EOS M mirrorless system – and the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM, two revolutionary, lightweight professional super telephoto lenses for the EF System.
GOVERNOR ANNE WAIGURU ON NEXT DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE
I am truly honoured and delighted to be part of the 5thCounty Executive Committee Members Conference, 2018. Over the years, The Conference has been an important pillar of the Annual Devolution Conference as it acts as a precursor thus its resolutions forms part of the discussions during the Conference.
The devolution conference is used as a platform to share with all devolution stakeholders and the public the success and challenges that have faced devolution since its inception. It also provides an opportunity to recommend innovative ways of improving service delivery. This is therefore to inform you that the next Annual Devolution Conference will be held in March 2019 in Kirinyaga County.
The Council of Governors together with the Ministry of Devolution and ASALs (MoDA), Senate, County Assemblies Forum and other stakeholders carefully thought through a suitable theme for the next devolution conference which is “Deliver. Transform. Measure”.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Conference will adopt the sector based approach in: Trade and the Blue Economy; Urban Development and Housing; Agriculture; and Health.
These sectors are anchored under the Government’s Big 4 Agenda whose key focus is to ensure food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and affordable healthcare. Since these are devolved functions, it is therefore important that County Governments align themselves accordingly to ensure that we not only achieve the Agenda but also ensure that Counties deliver on their Constitutional mandate.
I am therefore urging the County Officers present to utilize this conference and discuss the topics that will steer robust discussions in the upcoming devolution conference taking into account our mandates as County Governments under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the Constitution requires the County Executive Committee to manage and coordinate functions of County administration, this forum therefore provides the avenue upon which discussions for effective service delivery at the County level should be championed as well as the Big Four Agenda which is part of the devolved functions.
It will be important for Counties to openly share how far they are with the implementation of the Big 4 Agenda especially on issues of sustainable funding, the mode of engagement between the two levels of Government and their roles among others.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will agree with me that devolution has introduced major transformation of the State and the society at large. It has opened up fundamental changes in self-governance, public empowerment and universal public service. This is evidenced by the milestones made during the first phase of devolution especially the changes made in the Education sector, water, and roads among other sectors.
As the second phase of County Governments, we should therefore aim higher and ensure that we achieve better results geared towards improving the lives of the citizenry and the development of the Country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As County Governments, we have a common vision which is devolution. Therefore in the Spirit of collaboration and consultation as envisaged in Article 6(2) of the Constitution, County Governments should strive to work together as teamwork is the secrete that makes common people achieve uncommon results.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I conclude, I would like to urge you all to remain committed and focused so as to ensure that the Big 4 Agenda is achieved. Let us put in deliberate measures including our time, energy and resources to ensure that we deliver on our Agenda.
Thank you very much!
H.E Anne Waiguru
Vice-Chairperson, Council of Governors
IVY LEAGUE TYPE NOT FOR PROFIT GLOBAL INSTITUTION SETS SHOP IN KENYA
Nairobi, Monday 3rd, December 2018
The Amity Global Institute, a global partner of the University of London with footprint in over 80 countries and over 170,000 students worldwide has set shop in Kenya. The Institution officially launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Amb. Amina Mohammed at a Nairobi Hotel will offer 3 diploma courses in Business Management, Business Finance and ICT. Speaking at the event the CS. Amina lauded the launch adding that the institution’s strong background in research will be a game- changer to help meet the targets outlined in meeting the Big four Agenda will also up scale the TIVET centers into institutions of national repute. Other institutions which have taken up this investment include Cytonn which earlier in the year set up the Cytonn college of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Capitation requirements and the juicy morsel derived from the same is seen as the driving incentive to investors who seek to invest in the Technical and Vocational Training Space. The institution is located on the 20th Floor of the UAP building in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
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