OVER 250000 NAIROBIANS SET TO LOSE JOBS WITH SAKAJA ORDER BAR AND RESTAURANTS LOBBY SAYS

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 29th November 2022

The Bar Hotels and Liquor Traders Association Of Kenya BAHLITA has come out to plead with the County government to lift the orders banning night clubs operating in residential areas.

On Friday last week the governor through a gazette notice on Friday November 25th 2022 Hon Sakaja banned nightclubs operating in residential areas following various complaints by the Public in noise emanating from bars, nightclubs, restaurants and various liquor selling premises.

In the Notice Sakaja stated that no Night Club will be issued to business premises operating in residential areas further adding that those already issued to Night Clubs operating in residential areas have been cancelled. Night Club licenses he continued to add will only be issued to Night Clubs within the Central Business District and specific streets.

Speaking during a media briefing today afternoon secretary General of the Association Mr. bonface Gachoka pleaded with the County Government to lift the order further reiterating that over 256,000 NAIROBIANS are set to lose jobs from 3900 establishments set to be closed with the order. Mr Gachoka further made a public apology to the resident affected by sound emanating from nightclubs operating in residential areas and appealed to his members to comply with all laws governing operations of bars, restaurants and Hotel establishments.

In his concluding remarks Mr Bonface said the lobby BAHLITA had hired an environmental expert who would advise the establishment on how to comply with environmental laws further adding that He had also reached out to a financial lender who was ready to help the establishments which have not complied with various county and country environmental laws in achieving such compliance through provision of loans.

UGANDA IS THE RICHEST AFRICAN COUNTRY IN TERMS OF REFUGEES MUSEVEVI

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 28th November 2022

The President of The Republic of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that Uganda is the richest country in terms of Refugees in Africa. Out of the 1.6 Million refugees in Africa 480,000 have made Uganda home. The President Yoweri Museveni continued to add; ” Uganda is the fourth richest worldwide in terms of the number of refugees housed and this is because they are running from political problems at home”

He was speaking during the opening address of the EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY Nairobi process on the security situation in Eastern-DRC Third Inter-congolese Dialogue at a Nairobi hotel early today afternoon

The President in a hard hitting speech made through a video feed lamented that the groups causing instability in the Eastern DRC region are groups well known and any group that does not respect the peace formula that the peace process will come up with, then the combined efforts of the East Africa Standby force should be brought down on the groups.

He concluded his speech by urging the Secretariat to seeks the views on the inhabitants of Congo whose land has been occupied by the warlords for a long period of time.

The ongoing conflict in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo which erupted in 1996 has claimed approximately 6 million lives since and this has made it arguably the bloodiest conflict in world History. Armed groups from the nation’s DRC, Rwanda, Uganda Burundi and various other armed groups are believed to fuel the conflict in Eastern DRC.

AFRICA UNION DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ORGANIZES SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON NEXT 10 YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PHASE OF AFRICA AGENDA 2063

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 24th November 2022

In the month of January 2013 African Heads of State and Government met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia during an African Union Summit and adopted the Africa Agenda 2063. The Africa Agenda 2063 is a development blueprint geared towards guiding the socio-economic transformation of the lives of Africans living on the continent. These to include: Increased incomes ( Wage gaps between African States and the rest of the World Economies continue to rise in ways unfavourable to the African Continent), creation of jobs and decent work, poverty alleviation, increased social security, construction of affordable homes and enhancement of basic amenities to include water and sanitation.

To implement this plan the African Union Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD was established in 2010 to integrate intiatives by New Partnerships for Africa’s Development NEPAD and the Africa Union Structures and Processes. In 2019 AUDA-NEPAD became the development arm of the Africa Union coming up with 10 year development plans covering the 50 year period of implementation of the Agenda 2063 (2013-2063). The Agenda 2063 has a concrete implementation framework with a clear vision, 7 aspirations, 20 goals and 39 priority areas with implementation occuring simultaneously at the national, regional and continental levels.

The first 10-year implementation phase of the Agenda 2063 will come to an end in the coming months 2023 with its implementation having commenced 10 years ago in 2013. It is in line with this that the Africa Union Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD in partnership with the State Department for Planning and Economic Affairs Kenya and Institute for Security Studies ISS organized a two day sensitization workshop (24th-25th November, 2022) on the Implementation of the coming 10-year implementation phase of the Africa Agenda 2063.

The meeting which has the 7 countries participating to include: Morocco, Uganda, Burundi, South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and Kenya will seek to look into emerging realities like the the Covid 19 pandemic, the War In Ukraine, the impact of Climate change on food systems and mitigation measure to guard against the impact of such calamities on the implementation of programs geared towards making Africa Agenda 2063 a reality.

EABC PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, TRANSPORT INDUSTRY AND TOURISM OF BURUNDI

· EABC Set Forth Policy Priorities to boost trade ties with Burundi

Wednesday, 23rd November, 2022 Bujumbura, Burundi: The East African Business Council Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Bosco Kalisa paid a courtesy call on Dr. Catherine Faida, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce Transport, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Burundi.

In his remarks, Mr. Kalisa said “trade is the buffer for EAC’s economic resilience.”

He applauded the President of the Republic of Burundi and Rwanda for re-opening borders and boosting bilateral trade ties.

He urged the Government of the Republic of Burundi to enhance joint border committees to facilitate trade. He said EABC is committed to strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Burundi and neighboring countries.

Mr. Denis Nshimirimana, Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFCIB) said that following the removal of sanctions by the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA), Burundi’s economic outlook is on the right path. He stated the Central Bank of Burundi last month lifted the ban on forex bureaus. These positive developments are set to ease access to forex for businesses.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Faida elaborated that public-private partnership has been central to unlocking trade barriers. Burundi imports from the EAC bloc in 2021 stood at USD. 199.8 million while exports at USD. 15 million (International Trade Centre).

She called upon EABC to champion advocacy on the elimination of Non-Tariff Barries and mutual recognition of standards to boost Burundi’s exports to the EAC bloc.

Removal of road blocs, Extension of border operating hours, Elimination of COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated visitors, Use of National ID as a travel document, Joining One Network Area for telecommunication and Adoption of EAC Single Tourist Visa, Ratification of EAC Agreement of Double Taxation Agreement, Raising awareness of the benefits of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are among the policy issues presented by EABC to the Ministry for action.

Also in the meeting was Mr. Jean Claude Kanene, Assistant Minister of Commerce Transport Industry and Tourism.

This high-level engagement was organized under the EABC- Trademark East Africa (TMEA) Public-Private Dialogue Project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

USAID IGAD WHO LAUNCH EARLY WARNING SYSTEM ON NUTRITION

23rd November 2022

Clive Ayuko

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD in collaboration with the UNICEF- Eastern and Southern Regional Office (UNICEF – ESARO), the World Health Organization and various other partners through the support of the United States Agency on Developments USAID today afternoon at a Nairobi hotel launched the LEARNING NETWORK ON NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE. This is a portal that will aid in the timely collection of data used to inform mitigation measures on how to prevent cases of severe malnutrition within the East Africa region.

The launch follows a series of consultative meetings between IGAD, UNICEF, USAID and various other stakeholders and will be the one-stop-shop for aggregated data informing early warning systems informing severe malnutrition.

Speaking during the launch Acting Director General in the Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth said; ” LeNNS will promote the generation of timely information used to inform effective government policies, strategies and programs across the region”. He further reiterated, ” the network will help address pragmatic and pressing food and nutrition challenges in the region. Additionally, the LeNNS offer an opportunity to map the countries’ and institutional actions in nutrition surveillance, help develop an understanding of nutrition surveillance and discuss viable ways to strengthening the linkages among different actors in nutrition surveillance”.

The data will be collected through various methods to include surveys, exit interviews and scientific researches as informed by the scope of the study.

The surveillance network will initially focus on the countries Djibouti, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda with the hope that the network will expand to include counties in East, Central and Southern Africa.

AVOID SELF MEDICATION SAYS POISONS BOARD

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 22nd November 2022

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has today urged Kenyans to desist from purchasing antibacterial  drugs over the counter without seeking medical advice from health professionals.

Speaking during an event organized by the Kenya Medical Association KMA to commemorate the WORLD ANTIMICROBIAL AWARENESS WEEK at a Nairobi Hotel today afternoon in light to increased resistance to antibacterial drugs Dr. Karim Wanga who represented Pharmacy and Poisons board CEO urged Kenyans to desist from purchase of Anti-bacterial medicine over the counter in chemists as misinformed diagnosis may increase resistance of the said patients to antibacterial medicines during subsequent treatment.

“…Some of the most abused drugs are the Penicillin type drugs used in treatment of Upper Respiratory Truct Infections (Throat Ailments) to include Azithromycin and Amoxillin Said Dr. Rose Kinuthia who spoke on behalf of Kenyatta National Hospital.

EABC HOLDS TALKS WITH THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF BURUNDI REVENUE AUTHORITY

Tuesday, 22nd November, 2022 Bujumbura, Burundi

The East African Business Council Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Bosco Kalisa held talks with the Deputy Commissioner General of Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) Mr. Kabura Leopold and commended the Government of the Republic of Burundi for automating customs procedures in a bid to facilitate cross border trade.

He stated that International Monetary Fund has projected Burundi’s Real Gross Domestic Product to increase by 3.3% in 2022 from 3.1% in 2021.

Burundi imports from EAC bloc in 2021 stood at USD. 199.8 million while exports at 15 million (International Trade Centre).

Mr. Antoine Muzaneza, EABC Vice Chair urged for closer partnerships between Burundi Revenue Authority and Business Associations in the co-formulation of policies and sensitization on tax and trade issues in order to drive economic growth.

The Deputy Commissioner General Mr. Kabura said Burundi Revenue Authority is committed to facilitating intra-EAC trade. He stated that the Government of Burundi is revamping the port of Bujumbura, Rumonge and Kabanga and there are plans to set up One Stop Border Post at Mugina and Ruhwa.

Mr. Kalisa urged the Government of Burundi to waive COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated passengers entering Burundi to boost tourism & trade and easing of forex bureau controls. He further called for the operationalization of Ruhwa one-stop border post to boost Burundi-Rwanda trade.

The Deputy Commissioner General committed to enhancing efficiency by solving network hitches at Gasenyi border, delays in the issuance of exit notes, easing passage of trucks carrying perishable goods and publishing the list of EAC Simplified Trade Regime to support women cross-border traders.

Burundi exporters called upon EABC to champion advocacy on mutual recognition of standards in order to boost Burundi exports to the EAC region, sensitization on double taxation and benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The EABC delegation also toured the port of Bujumbura and discussed areas of partnership with Global Port Services.

This high-level engagement was organized under the EABC- Trademark East Africa (TMEA) Public-Private Dialogue Project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

TCL Brings New Mini LED, QLED TVs And Home Appliances to The Kenyan Market

November 19, 2022

TCL Electronics (1070.HK), the Global No.2 LCD TV brand and a pioneer in consumer electronics and home appliances, announced the launch of its new C Series TV line-up and home appliances into the Kenyan Market.

As a global technology brand with a presence in over 160 countries and regions, TCL has been providing products to approximately 300 million users globally. In 2021, TCL TV’s market share grew by 11.5 per cent with 24.6 million units of LCD TV shipment, while the No.1 Android OS Smart TV Brand, according to Omdia TV sets market tracker Q1 2022 and Omdia TV design and features tracker respectively.

“We are proud to unveil TCL’s latest generation of Mini LED and QLED C Series TVs, to offer premium home theatre experience to consumers in Kenya,” said Jitendra Kulkani, Sales Director of TCL Middle East & Africa.

TCL Mini LED 4K TV C935 and C835, both raise the bar of powerful imagery by increasing the number of local dimming zones to as many as 1920 and offering stunning brightness performance, to achieve striking contrast, show captivating details as well as over 1 billion colours powered by QLED technology.

As a superior QLED 4K entertainment centre, C735 and C635 are designed to deliver a comprehensive range of entertainment experiences with Google TV and exceptional video gaming performance. Those line-up TVs are now available in Kenya.

TCL also announced the latest home appliances, such as the Fresh-IN air conditioner and its newest range of intelligent IoT appliances that can be controlled remotely and intelligently through the TCL Home App.

“TCL has expanded already in Kenya significantly.” Jitendra Kulkani, said. “We have great ambitions for the future with an efficient local marketing mapping plan.”

These new products are firmly in line with TCL’s s new brand signature “Inspire Greatness”, which not only carries the brand’s latest corporate message but also reflects TCL’s confidence and ambition to provide consumers around the world with values that inspire and empower people to pursue greatness in their lives and to go beyond products.

EABC PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRADE & INVESTMENT MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY – RWANDA

Saturday, 19th November, 2022 Kigali, Rwanda: The East African Business Council Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Bosco Kalisa paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of Trade & Investment, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Rwanda, Mr. Antoine Kajangwe and discussed areas set to strengthen trade ties between Rwanda with East African counterparts and unlock opportunities availed by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr. Kalisa, congratulated the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for being selected to champion trading under AfCFTA through the Guided Trade Initiative where tea and coffee have been exported to Ghana.

Director General Antoine Kajangwe stated that AfCFTA avails a bigger market of 1.3 billion consumers with similar preferences and easier standards, which makes it ideal for East African businesses to trade.


Mr. Kalisa called upon the Ministry of Trade & Industry of Rwanda in the EAC Council of Ministers to champion the alignment of EAC’s tariff offer for Category A products under AfCFTA with the new EAC Common External Tariff and finalization of outstanding AfCFTA Rules of Origin on textiles apparels, sugar, tobacco and automobile.

He elaborated that World Bank reports show trade facilitation measures such as simplified customs procedures and elimination of NTBS will contribute USD 292 billion to the USD 450billion potential income gains in the implementation of AfCFTA.

Director General Kajangwe urged EABC to spearhead advocacy on improving the trade environment in the EAC bloc amid the COVID-19 pandemic and global shocks.

The Director General elaborated that Rwanda successfully rolled out the Manufacturing Build to Recovery Program that supported companies with fiscal incentives and the Economic Recovery Fund of USD350 billion has been central to business resilience, continuity and rebound amid the pandemic.

This high-level engagement was organized under the EABC- Trademark East Africa (TMEA) Public-Private Dialogue Project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

LG Electronics to Champion the Expansion of Digital Laundromats Across the Country.

· In collaboration with Mamafua laundromat, LG Electronics today led the official opening of the laundromat’s first branch in Langata which employs actual mamafuas and boda-boda riders to support service delivery.

· The Mamafua laundromat seeks to open five more branches across the country by the end of the first quarter of 2023 and have 10 more branches across Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania by the end of 2023.



NAIROBI, KENYA November 16, 2022…LG Electronics has today announced its commitment to champion the overall expansion of digital laundromats across the country and formalize the informal “mamafua” industry.



This follows a growing demand for laundry services among an increasingly affluent middle-income market with limited time to do laundry but with a desire to have their laundry done professionally and at an affordable rate. To date, through Hotpoint, LG has so far supported the expansion of Laundromats in Buruburu, TRM, and Hurlingham.



Speaking during the delivery of the state-of-the-art washing machines with top technology and innovative features to Mamafua Laundromat in Langata, LG Electronics Home Appliances Product Manager Mr Eden Seo said, “Our decision to offer laundry solutions to Mamafua laundromat is inspired by our desire to see our customers live the better life that they deserve. Besides, we are passionate about empowering the informal “Mama Fua” market to deliver clean, gentle clothing care solutions while enabling the fast growth of Kenya’s laundry industry. We hope that by making good use of our dryer and washer machines, this laundromat will create jobs for more Kenyans, and at the same time easily meet their day-to-day laundry needs”.



Among the appliances delivered by LG in the Mamafua laundromat is the commercial dryer which uses high-temperature air to sanitize clothes of germs and bacteria. LG’s laundromat technology also comes with a digital app that allows customers to monitor the progress of their laundry remotely and make a pick-or-drop call. The shop operators can also manage their business off-site in real-time and promptly track and resolve technical issues.



In collaboration with Mamafua laundromat, LG Electronics today led the official opening of the laundromat’s first branch in Langata. To create social impact in the community, the laundromat has adopted a social entrepreneurship model it employs actual mamafuas and boda-boda riders who have been taken through rigorous training in customer care and machine operations before being offered formal employment.



Giving his remarks at the launch of Mamafua laundromatic director Jack Shihundu, Said, “We are more than happy to open our flagship branch in Langata and offer long-lasting laundry solutions in this neighbourhood. More so affordable services from as low as Kes 1,000 for a 7 Kilogram of laundry. We will be open 7 days a week, 8.00 am-8.00 pm and have placed measures in place to ensure that our customers receive back their laundry within 24 hours at no extra cost”.



The laundromat caters to the needs of the densely populated neighbourhoods in Langata, where many are yet to have washing machines in their homes or want alternative everyday washing done conveniently. Besides, an experience at the laundromat is designed to ease time consumed while washing clothes which denies most people quality time that would be better spent with loved ones or travelling for business.



Besides, it has a fleet of branded vans and motorbikes that coordinate the movement of customer laundry from their homes to the laundromat as a way of improving service delivery and customer experience. Its set-up has been designed to offer customers a smarter, safer way of doing laundry while serving both single individuals and working couples with families.



As part of its expansion plans, the laundromat seeks to open five more branches across the country by the end of the first quarter of 2023 and have 10 more branches across Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania by the end of 2023.