EABL Full - year results records good profit improvement

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) today announced its pre tax profits for the financial year ended 30th June 2010 of KShs 12.5 billion, a 10 percent increase over the previous year’s KShs 11.5 billion.The net turnover went up 10 per cent to Kshs 37.9 billion compared to Kshs 34.4 billion in 2008-2009 financial year.

Therefore, the EABL Board of Directors has declared a full year dividend of KShs 8.75 per share up from KShs 8.05 the previous year, signifying a 9 per cent year on year increase.

“The business performed well with the growth of our anchor beer brands like Tusker and Guinness, and we experienced an upturn in our sprits performance in the year. We continue to make significant investments in brand building activities regionally that consistently deliver good short and long term returns. That notwithstanding we continue to face and address cost management pressures regionally,” said Seni Adetu, the Group Managing Director EABL.

In May, the company introduced Blossom Hill, an internationally acclaimed wine brand, into the Kenyan market. EABL expects to quickly gain a sizeable market presence in the fastest growing category within the alcoholic beverages segment.

In Uganda, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) continues to make waves with the winning of two PR awards from the Public Relations Association of Uganda. In April, the company won three medals in the Monde Selection 2010; Bell Lager and Waragi were awarded Gold while Senator got a silver medal.

UBL also had successful launches of new brands into the Ugandan market; Serengeti Lager, and Alvaro Passion.

Investments:

EABL is in the final stages of acquiring a major interest in Serengeti Breweries Limited with the Tanzanian Fair Competition Commission (FCC) approving the acquisition.

However, there are still some key steps to be made before the acquisition is complete. EABL is committed to strengthening our footprint in Tanzania through the SBL partnership.

EABL made regional investments of over Kshs 3.2 billion in additional capital investments to improve capacity and quality at its plants in Nairobi and Kampala.
A new Senator Keg line, that fills 480 barrels per hour, is fully operational in Kenya. This will increase Senator’s market penetration, which is targeted at the lower end of the market that has fallen prey to the illicit brews.

Later this year, in October, a new packaging line with a capacity of 50,000 bottles per hour will be commissioned at the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Plant in Kampala, Uganda.

Community Investment:

The EABL Foundation has continued to enrich the lives of East Africans in the past year.

EABL Foundation maintains its mandate to reach as many communities as possible. The Foundation has continued with the initiative of providing Clean water and sanitation services to over 500,000 people in East Africa annually. This financial year, EABL Foundation sponsored an additional 20 water and sanitation facilities in the region; so far 12 have been commissioned.

EABL continues to take the lead in the Responsible Drinking agenda. In this the just concluded financial year, EABL ran an impactful RD campaign across the region aimed at encouraging positive consumer behaviour with the launch of Space-It-Out - a responsible drinking activation.

Kakuzi H1 Pretax Profit up 255 Percent

Kakuzi's pretax profit increased more than threee times in the first half of 2010 thanks to an improved performance in its tea operations and reduced financial costs, lifting its share price.

Pretax profit for Kakuzi incresaed by 255 percent to 194.5 million shillings.

"The improved profit over the equivalent period last year has been due to satisfactory returns from our tea operations together with significantly reduced finance costs and a weaker Kenya shilling," the firm said in a statement.

Earnings per share surged 1,523 percent to 4.22 shillings but Kakuzi said its directors did not recommend paying an interim dividend.


Kenya is the world's leading exporter of black tea. High rains this year have boosted production and reduced prices compared to last year when drought ravaged Kenya.

Kakuzi's shares reached a high of 100 shillings in early trade on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and traded at 80 shillings, unchanged from Wednesday's close.

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About Kakuzi

Kakuzi Limited is a Kenya-based company engaged in the cultivation, manufacture and marketing of tea. The Company is also engaged in the growing and marketing of avocados, livestock farming, growing of pineapples, growing of other horticultural crops and forestry development. Kakuzi Limited’s subsidiaries include Estates Services Limited, Siret Tea Company Limited, and Kaguru (EPZ) Limited. Kakuzi Limited has a joint venture agreement with Del Monte Kenya Limited, for the growing of pineapples. The pineapples are processed and sold by Del Mote Keya Limited, who acts as the operating/manager of the joint venture. The Company’s parent company is Camellia Plc.

Orange launches lowest on net calling tariff for post-paid and pre-paid customers

• The KSh 2/- per minute calling tariff is the country’s lowest on net calling charge
• For only Ksh 100 top up, the new tariff also accords customers free on net calls from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

Nairobi, August 25 2010…

Integrated telecommunications provider Telkom Kenya today announced the lowest on net tariff of Ksh 2/- and slashed its off net tariff to Ksh 4/- for its GSM customers following the revision of interconnection rates by the Communications Commission of Kenya.
The new tariff also comes with an additional benefit of free calls from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for only Ksh 100 top up per month across all Orange networks such as Orange mobile, Orange wireless and Telkom Fixed (landline).


Making the announcement in Nairobi today Mr. Ghossein said, “Effective today midnight, both our Orange GSM post and pre- paid customers will enjoy a new call and SMS rates of Ksh 2.00 per minute for calls and Kshs 1 for SMS whereas calls to other networks will be charged at Ksh 4/- per minute and Ksh 2/- per SMS respectively”.
Exuding optimism about the future of Telkom Kenya following the new tariff, Mr. Ghossein added, “We will continue to maintain a strong focus on strengthening our distribution and network capability with a view to ensuring that our customers consistently enjoy value for money through provision of reliable and quality services.”


He confirmed that the new tariffs were developed in tandem with Telkom Kenya’s integrated business model and stated that Telkom Kenya would soon announce new tariffs for its Orange Wireless and Telkom Fixed (landline).


The CEO noted that the market dynamics had shifted, requiring the industry to focus beyond voice and text messaging. “We do not intend to engage in price wars since our strategy is clear on providing value for our customers, better customer care and quality of service. Despite the current market frenzy, Orange is determined to keep leadership in data and value added services’,” he said.


As a local company partnered with a global player of international acclaim, France Telecom, Mr. Ghossein said that Telkom Kenya was committed to the development and sustainability of the Kenyan market, as the upcoming hub for regional telecommunication and has therefore taken long term view of the industry in rolling out its business model.
To this end, he explained that Orange would keep its focus on growing its bouquet of unique value added products and services to its customers as one-stop shop (fixed, mobile and internet)


“With our extensive national coverage of infrastructure which carries voice and data, our customers should rest assured that we will continue to give them better integrated services at the most competitive price, “he said.
While lauding CCK’s move to address the interconnection rates, Ghossein confirmed that Telkom Kenya had officially taken issue with CCK’s decision to set the interconnection rate for fixed lines with GSM at Ksh 1.67 on the basis that it was too low to be sustainable and did not take into consideration running costs as well as network maintenance costs.

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About Telkom Kenya
Telkom Kenya is committed to providing innovative, accessible and refreshingly simple communications solutions to its customers. With fixed network, wireless, data, mobile and internet services, Telkom Kenya is the only truly integrated telecommunication solutions provider in the country. Orange Mobile, Orange Fixed Plus and Orange Broadband are Telkom Kenya’s GSM, wireless and internet services provided under its commercial brand, ‘Orange’. The national fixed line service, Telkom Fixed, is provided under the Telkom Kenya brand. Established in 1999 as the nation’s original telecommunications provider, Telkom Kenya continues to have the largest footprint across the country enabling more people to connect, create and come together to achieve more.
For more information please visit www.orange-tkl.co.ke; www.orange.co.ke

SAFARICOM UNVEILS NEW POSTPAY RATES

August 24, 2010...Safaricom’s PostPay customers can now call make calls at a flat rate of Sh3 per minute.

This follows the launch of a new tariff plan for this category of subscribers by the country’s leading telecoms operator. The rates will apply for both on and off-net calls and will be applicable throughout.

Per second billing applies on this tariff, which takes effect starting August 25 and is targeted at the firm’s PostPay, a key component of its 16 million-strong subscriber base.

Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph said the tariff was a way of thanking the firm’s PostPay subscribers for their loyalty and extending to them price concessions similar to what PrePay customers were enjoying.

“Our PostPay customers are a huge reason for our success. We thank them for their custom and considerable spending on our network. We promise to remain responsive to their needs and promise them a number of incentives, going forward,” said Mr Joseph.

Earlier in the day, Safaricom had announced a value-based PrePay tariff promotion whose main point was a Sh2 per minute calling rate on the purchase of certain air-time denominations, the lowest level in the market currentlyt

SAFARICOM EXCITES MARKET WITH LOWEST CALL RATES

August 24, 2010...In a move that is likely to excite the local market, Kenya’s leading telecoms operator Safaricom has today unveiled a new tariff promotion that will see its subscribers call from as low as Sh2 per minute.

The Sh2 a minute charge represents the cheapest calling rate by any operator in the Kenyan market currently.

Under the new scheme called Masaa Tariff, customers will be able to make calls within the network at between Sh2-5, depending on the value of their last top-up. Calls to other operators will cost Sh3-5.

Subscribers who buy airtime worth Sh100, Sh250, Sh500 or Sh1,000 will be able to make on-net calls at Sh2 a minute, while the off-net rate for these airtime values will be Sh3. On the other hand, airtime worth Sh5 or Sh10 will attract a discounted flat rate of Sh5 both for calls terminating within and outside the Safaricom network. Subscribers who buy airtime worth Sh50 will now pay Sh3 a minute for both on and off-net calls while for the Sh20 denomination, the on-net rate is Sh4, while calls outside the network will cost Sh5 per minute.

Per second billing applies on the Masaa Tariff, which takes effect starting August 24 to September 23 and is primarily targeted at the firm’s Prepay subscribers.

Commenting on the development, Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph said Masaa Tariff was a way of thanking the firm’s over 16 million subscribers for their loyalty, in light of new rates guidelines announced by the regulator, and would be the first in a series of such moves as the firm marks 10 years as an authentic Kenyan success story this year.

“We thank our customers for enabling us to become a globally-celebrated Kenyan success story in the telecoms world. We shall continue creating true value for our customers by listening to them and coming up with propositions that best answer their needs. We recognize that this has been a great pillar of our leadership,” said Mr Joseph.

He promised all Safaricom subscribers a “bagful of pricing and promotional incentives” going forward it seeks to consolidate its leadership in the Kenyan market, while continuously delighting its growing subscriber base.

About Safaricom...Formed at the turn of the decade, Safaricom has firmly established its credentials as a regional leader, spawning a virtual telecoms revolution in Kenya.

Safaricom is a total telecoms company. With a subscriber base of over 16 million, Safaricom offers all telecoms services under one roof: mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms: Kenya’s widest and only 3G network; a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence.

For more details please go to: http://www.safaricom.co.ke/

Guide to Avis Rent a Car Kenya

Kenya offers an experience like no other. You can enjoy all destinations through car from any local reliable company and enjoy Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kora National Park, and Amboseli National Park. A high proportion of Kenya’s tourism centers on safari tours of game reserves and national parks.

In Kenya public transport available easily and if not then tourist can get easily rent or hire through local private transport agency. Avis car hire company office at Nairobi, and Mombasa. Nairobi car hire and Mombasa car rental covers major part of Kenya. You can get car on rent or hire through online booking or call. Generally tourist goes online before entered in Kenya and book their dream car from Avis car rental agency.

Reserve car your self online, if don’t know how to do it then take help of web partners. Go for tour to Kenya and pick up your Avis dream car from airport it self as per your schedule planning. There are so many attractions in Kenya. Rent a car from Avis will be full of convenience when moving around attractive places. Kenya is proud of its impressive roads and highways. Enjoy diverse culture, traditions, and night life from the same place.

If you have not book a car then it might be difficult choose your dream car from Avis car rental company. Also you can take a help of travel affiliate. Get bigger cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer, and Mitsubishi Pajero and are easily accessible too.

Safaricom Reassures Zain over Inter-connect Capacity

Listed telecoms operator Safaricom yesterday moved to reassure its competitor Zain Kenya, saying concerns raised by the latter over Safaricom’s handling of traffic originating from its network were somewhat premature.

“We must admit that we are quite surprised by the claims made by Zain that we are trying to stifle the delivery of their traffic to our network. These claims are quite insincere considering that Zain is fully aware of the procedures that all operators must adhere to when seeking to increase their inter-connect traffic capacity,” said Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph. “Under the agreement the inter-connect pipe belongs to them and they should have upgraded it long before yesterday to accommodate their changed tariff plan.”

Quoting the inter-connect agreement between Zain and Safaricom, Mr Joseph stressed: “The inter-connect agreement between Safaricom and Zain provides for a minimum notice period of seven working days before a request for increased capacity can be effected. Zain’s formal request was received by us late last night (Wednesday 18th, August 2010) and we were in the process of processing it alongside other capacity requests received on the day.”

Safaricom would continue with its unflinching commitment to integrity in all its operations including honouring the terms of agreements between it and its competitors.

“Safaricom has now and in the past continued to adhere to the terms of the inter-connect agreements signed with all operators and wishes to urge other operators to do the same. We have always been ethical in the way we conduct our business and our integrity is the greatest pillar of our success in Kenya. We will however not take responsibility for the consequences of poor planning by other operators,” said Mr Joseph.

“We feel that their request to the CCK to declare Safaricom dominant so soon after the launch of their new tariff is insincere, particularly as it was the result of poor planning on their side.”

He added: “We have always been courteous to Zain, even to the extent of accommodating them when they were unable to clear the significant debt that they owed us. This notwithstanding, we shall continue to cooperate with them as guided by the inter-connect agreement and other industry rules. We invite them to engage us within those parameters.”

Free High Speed Internet Connection in Nairobi

Need a stable WiFi point in Nairobi? Here are the hot spots, where you are guaranteed to get high speed free internet connection.

WiFi uses radio waves to create reliable high speed connections between computers, printers, gaming devices,mobile phones and home entertainment systems.



Since businesses in Kenya are not required to pay for a commercial license to operate a WiFi hotspot, public access is sometimes provided free of charge as a value-added service.To take advantage of a public WiFi hotspot, your laptop must have WiFi capability that is activated to detect existing hotspots automatically. This means that when you turn on your laptop in a WiFi hotspot, it will alert you that a WiFi network exists and ask whether you want to connect it.Most airports, hotels, coffee shops and restaurants, worldwide provide free hotspots to attract clients.And Kenya is no exception.Here is a list of WiFi hotspots that you can use to access the internet for free.



1. The Mug Coffee Shop

Mug Coffee Shop (www.themug.co.ke) on Kaunda street has a very stable
connection.



2.The Lifestyle Lounge at Nakumatt Lifestyle,

Koinange/Monrovia street is also pretty good.



3.Alan Bobbe's Bistro

(www.andrews.co.ke) at Andrews Apartments Rhapta Road
has an extremely fast connection.



4.Dorman's Coffee House

(www.dorman.co.ke) at Sarit Centre provides good internet access
that is password protected. But once you gain access the first time
you can configure your laptop to automatically remember the network
and access protocols.



5.Java Coffee House

(www.nairobijavahouse.com) at Sarit Centre, has an open access
configuration that anyone can use to browse.Both the Dorman's and Java
coffee shops at Westgate shopping Mall have WiFi access.



6.Ngong Hills Hotel

(www.ngonghillshotel.com) and Wildbeest Camp
(www.wildbeesttravels.com) on Kibera Road also provide stable
connectivity.


7.The Java and Dorman's WiFi connection at
Nakumatt Junction, Dagoretti is simple. The connection is not very
fast, but with a good laptop and a multi-tab browser, you will have a
nice browsing experience.

200 Buffalos to be moved from Solio Ranch to Aberdare National Park

Kenya Wildlife Service plans to move 200 buffalos from Solio Ranch to the Aberdare National Park. This marks the first phase of the exercise. Solio Ranch is one of Kenya’s critical rhino habitats that has suffered adverse effects from the prolonged drought requiring immediate action to protect the rhinos from suffering the consequences. \


The ranch is a fenced, privately-owned protected area geared toward rhino conservation. The 7,500-acre reserve, 22 km north of Nyeri Town, plays a major part in the protection and breeding black rhinos in Kenya. The rhino is a member of the ‘Big-Five’, which are a key tourist attraction. Solio Ranch is recognised as one of the most successful private rhino breeding reserves in Kenya. The animals live in harmony with other wildlife, including the buffalo, zebra, giraffe and plains game such as eland, oryx, impala, waterbuck, Thompson's gazelle and warthog. By the end of 2009, Kenya had 635 black rhinos and 353 white rhinos in various conservation areas around the country.

Intel To Acquire McAfee

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 19, 2010 – Intel Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire McAfee, Inc., through the purchase of all of the company’s common stock at $48 per share in cash, for approximately $7.68 billion. Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close after McAfee shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions specified in the agreement.



The acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing. Today’s security approach does not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and ATM machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats. Providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.



Inside Intel, the company has elevated the priority of security to be on par with its strategic focus areas in energy-efficient performance and Internet connectivity.



McAfee, which has enjoyed double-digit, year-over-year growth and nearly 80 percent gross margins last year, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel, reporting into Intel’s Software and Services Group. The group is managed by Renée James, Intel senior vice president, and general manager of the group.



“With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.



“The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure,” Otellini added.



“Hardware-enhanced security will lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow,” said James. “This acquisition is consistent with our software and services strategy to deliver an outstanding computing experience in fast-growing business areas, especially around the move to wireless mobility.”



“McAfee is the next step in this strategy, and the right security partner for us,” she added. “Our current work together has impressive prospects, and we look forward to introducing a product from our strategic partnership next year.”



“The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month,” said Dave DeWalt, president and CEO of McAfee. “We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience.”



McAfee, based in Santa Clara and founded in 1987, is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company with approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2009. With approximately 6,100 employees, McAfee’s products and technologies deliver secure solutions and services to consumers, enterprises and governments around the world and include a strong sales force that works with a variety of customers.



The company has a suite of software-related security solutions, including end-point and networking products and services that are focused on helping to ensure Internet-connected devices and networks are protected from malicious content, phony requests and unsecured transactions and communications. Among others, products include McAfee Total Protection™, McAfee Antivirus, McAfee Internet Security, McAfee Firewall, McAfee IPS as well as an expanding line of products targeting mobile devices such as smartphones.



Intel has made a series of recent and successful software acquisitions to pursue a deliberate strategy focused on leading companies in their industry delivering software that takes advantage of silicon. These include gaming, visual computing, embedded device and machine software and now security.



Home to two of the most innovative labs and research in the high-tech industry, Intel and McAfee will also jointly explore future product concepts to further strengthen security in the cloud network and myriad of computers and devices people use in their everyday lives.



On a GAAP basis, Intel expects the combination to be slightly dilutive to earnings in the first year of operations and approximately flat in the second year. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding a one-time write down of deferred revenue when the transaction closes and amortization of acquired intangibles, Intel expects the combination to be slightly accretive in the first year and improve beyond that.



Intel was advised by Goldman Sachs & Co. and Morrison & Foerster LLP. McAfee was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.

KCB new shares Start Trading at EAC Markets

Over 730 million new KCB Group shares were today listed and commenced trading at the regional stock exchanges.
A total of 732.3 million shares were taken up against 887.1 million shares offered in the KCB Rights Issue which opened on July 1, 2010 and closed on July 23, 2010. This represented an uptake of 82.56 percent.
“The introduction of these new shares results in over 2.9 billion issued ordinary KCB shares that are eligible to trade in the Nairobi Stock Exchange, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, the Uganda Securities Exchange and the Rwanda Over-the-counter Market, where KCB shares are cross-listed,” KCB Group Chairman Peter Muthoka said.


The bank received 55,996 applications from shareholders for a total of 637.2 million rights provisionally allotted to them. The shareholders also applied for 95.1 million additional shares in line with the provisions of the Information Memorandum.
The bank’s new capital position means that it can double its business over the coming years within the Central Bank of Kenya’s prudential capital ratios hence increasing opportunities for it to grow revenues and enhance shareholder returns, he said.
“It creates the appropriate avenue for the bank to grow key assets areas such as mortgage lending and support our young subsidiaries to stabilize and start returning profits,” said Muthoka.


The total value of shares taken up was KShs12.5 million of which about KShs 12 billion will be credited to our capital account after expenses.
Following the allotment, the total number of issued ordinary shares for KCB increases to 2.9 billion ordinary shares of KShs1 each up from 2.21 billion ordinary shares held before the rights issue.


The balance of 154.7 million untaken rights form part of the bank’s authorized capital for future issuance. The authorized capital for the bank is 3.5 billion shares.
During the third Rights Issue, KCB Group strengthened and modernized the documentation process to ensure security of information and ease of retrieval.
Muthoka said the bank wants to implement a structured engagement programme with investors to give them the opportunity to understand business in more depth in terms of future prospects and value generation initiatives so that they can continue to invest in the business.


“We shall also continue to embrace transparency and professionalism in line with global best practice ensuring our operational standards are world class and efficient as we build the business for the future,” he added.


The bank offered 887.1 million ordinary shares to eligible shareholders at the ratio of two new shares for every five ordinary shares held at a discounted offer price of KShs17.


KCB Group held other Rights Issues in 2004 that raised KShs2.3 billion and in 2008 whose proceeds topped KShs5.2 billion.
Yesterday, KCB traded 1,613,000 shares at a price of Kshs 18.75. In the last 12 months, the bank’s shares have traded at a high of KShs 24 and a low of KShs 17.65.
KCB is a regional brand with presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Southern Sudan and has a total of 212 branches. The bank has the largest balance sheet at KShs220 billion and over 370 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with connection to 110 PesaPoint units and 250 Kenswitch outlets.

Zain Kenya Launches New Calling Rate: 3 Shillings To All Other Networks

Zain Kenya today launched a new callin tarrif that lowered calling rates by a staggering 50 percent.

Zain calls to other networks will 3 shillings both for prepaid and postpaid customers. SMS to all other networks will now cost 1 shilling.

This lowering of prices is in accordance with Communication Commission of Kenya directive to harmonize the interconnection rates. CCK news reduced the interconnection fees to 2 shillings from 4.50 shillings.

Zain Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza said assured consumers that the huge reduction in calling rates was not an offer but a permanent value proposition which seeks to make mobile services affordable to all Kenyans.

The new Zain Kenya tarrif is so far the most affordable tarrif in the market and it is bound to bring out pricing wars from the other mobile service providers; mobile phone services will become more accessible to Kenyans and hence increase penetration especially in rural Kenya.

AccessKenya H1 Profit Down 55 Percent

Internet service provider, AccessKenya has recorded a 55 percent
decrease in before tax profit in the first half of this year's
financial year.

AccessKenya's before tax profit dropped to 40.1 million shillings in
the first half. According to AccessKenya the fall in pretax profit is
as a result of price reductions and a weaker Kenyan shilling which
dropped to a five year low against the dollar in the first half thus
increasing the cost of servicing their loans.

Total sales dropped by 17 percent to 876 million shillings.
AccessKenya had earlier cut the price of its internet by 80 percent
after linking to the undersea fibre optic cable.

EAC Addresses Governance Issues as Integration Deepens

East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, 17 August 2010: More than 100 participants drawn from the East African Community Partner States’ key ministries and Government institutions, regional and international organizations and civil society will this week attend the EAC Conference on Good Governance in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference, whose theme is “Good Governance for Sustainable Integration, Stability and Development” is slated to take place 19-21 August at the Nairobi Hilton Hotel. It is organized by the EAC Secretariat and will build on the momentum of the first conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January 2009.

The issues to be discussed at the conference include Human Rights, Corruption, Electoral Processes, Rule of Law and Administration of Justice and how these affect stability and development in the region.

"The EAC programme on Good Governance is an attempt to harmonize national instruments and efforts in place with a view to upgrading them to the national level in conformity with best practices," EAC Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation), Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, said.

"Like all other policy issues, the EAC is trying to set similar benchmarks and standards of governance and democracy-related issues," she underlined.

"The EAC is in the process of developing a Protocol in consultation with various agencies, including Electoral Commissions, Anti Corruption Authorities, the EAC Chief Justices Forum, Civil Society Organizations and Political Parties, among others," Hon. Kiraso added.

The Good Governance Draft Protocol will be discussed widely by a range of stakeholders before it is concluded and signed by the Heads of State.

The Nairobi Conference will be attended by Ministers for Home /Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, EAC Affairs, Justice/Constitutional Affairs, Finance and Attorneys General.

Also Human Rights Commissions, Electoral Commissions, Speakers of National Assemblies, Members of National Parliaments, East African Legislative Assembly, East African Court of Justice, East African Law Society,Anti-Corruption authorities, Governors of Central Banks, Directors of Public Prosecutions, Auditors-General and the Media will attend.

International bodies that have confirmed participation include the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP), UN-International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, African Union (AU), UN High Commissioner for Refugees, AU Human and Peoples’ Rights Court and the European Union.

Major discussions are expected to address Strengthening Administration of Justice and Upholding the Rule of Law in East Africa; Promotion and Protection of Human Rights as Prerequisite for Good Governance; and Combating and Preventing Corruption and the relationship between governance, peace and security and development.

The conference will also address the Upholding Democracy: Regular, free and transparent elections as an anchor to democratic governance as well the Role of Media in Promoting Good Governance.

Smart Business Solution for Kenyan SMEs

Access Kenya Group offers a product known as SmartAccess to cater for
small and medium sized (SMEs) in Kenya. SmartAccess removes all IT
headaches from your business, allowing you to focus on your business
while at the same time allowing you to give your IT infrastructure
over to the market leader.

SmartAccess is the only product in the Kenyan data market that offers
a complete solution of Internet connectivity together with full
network and IT support.

Access Kenya will standardise your network for ease of management;
they monitor and manage the network; they manage your antivirus
software and in the event of any problems, they provide telephone
support as well as remote login to your network to fix any problems
remotely. Access Kenya has a very good customer care service, and they
will you should the need arise. In addition they visit their clients
quarterly to audit the network and ensure it is standardized and
compliant.

Kenyan businesses will benefit from free mail boxes, free domain
registration, free webhosting of up to 10MB, anti-virus management,
quarterly preventive maintenance as well as additional value added
options such as VOIP, Offsite back up and an Access@Home connection
linked to the office.

SmartAcess is a unique offering in the market that enables SMEs to
compete with Corporate Kenya. Kenyan small businesses can now launch
their business blogs and get into online marketing, and thus stay
ahead of the competition while reinforcing their market leadership.

ISOCARP Congress Kenya 2010

Kenya will host the annual International Society of City and Regional
Planners (ISOCARP) Congress next month. ISOCARP is a platform for
discussing issues of city planning and organization.

The event will be held at the United Nations complex in Gigiri and
KICC. The official registration will start on September 19.

Kenya was picked to host the congress during the 45th international
ISOCARP congress held in November 2009. This is the first time the
congress will be hosted in sub-Sahara Africa.

The theme for this year's conference is "Sustainable city Developing
World". The theme is in line with the ideals of Kenya's development
blue print, vision 2030, which is to transform Kenya into an
industrialized middle income country by 2030.

Over one thousand experienced planners are expected to attend the
congress, with most of them representing government urban planning
agencies in the East African Community.

(NVAE) Savanna East Africa, Inc. Releases Kenya Affordable Housing Webcast and Project Update

Savanna East Africa, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NVAE)(OTCQB: NVAE) yesterday released a Webcast to review the Company's affordable housing initiative in East Africa. Members of the Company's affordable housing project team were recently in Nairobi, Kenya and surrounding areas to conduct due diligence and business development meetings geared towards expanding Savanna's affordable housing initiative. The Webcast also includes an update on a previously announced wireless utility metering project Savanna has been working on with its partner NuMobile, Inc. (OTCBB: NUBL).

Savanna began its expansion into East Africa through the NewMarket Technology Greenfield Partnership Program introduced last year to accelerate and enhance the introduction of new technology innovations into new markets, including those markets with diversified, high growth opportunities like East Africa. Earlier this year, the Company announced an updated business plan to expand into developing a diverse range of high growth early stage business opportunities in East Africa to include technology systems integration, utility support services, healthcare products manufacturing and affordable housing. Savanna East Africa is a fully-reporting company with audited financial statements quoted on the new 'OTCQB.' The Company was formerly known as Nova Energy, Inc.

A link to the Webcast is now available on the Company's corporate website www.savannaea.com Home and Investor Relations page.

Serena Hotels Flood Relief Effort

In view of the recent devastation in Pakistan caused by raging floodwater, hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed, crops washed away and livestock killed. With more heavy rain flooding predicted in the coming days, Serena Hotels through its Corporate Social Responsibility Program- SEED (Environmental and Educational Development) has embarked upon a comprehensive fund raising effort throughout Pakistan. This includes Cash Donations, Food & Clothing, and 25% Revenue Contributions from Restaurants & 50% Prestige Club Membership Fees, selling of Plants / Cakes etc till August end.

Also, Serena associates from all over Pakistan are contributing a part of their salary towards the relief effort. On Thursday, August 19th, 2010 Serena Hotels across Pakistan have made special arrangements for Iftar / Buffet dinner, proceeds of which will be donated towards the flood relief effort. Please come and help them in this humanitarian effort. In the recent past Serena Hotels had initiated a comprehensive drive through all their hotels in Pakistan to encourage their guest, visitors & staff to contribute towards landslides in the Attabad / Hunza area causing loss of life and property, there was a body of water that had cut-off the area from any relief in terms of food, medical and other emergency supplies. Serena gracefully accepted donations of linens, clothing, shoes, tents, canned food etc.

Co-op Bank H1 Pretax Profit up 50 Percent

Coop Bank has reported a remarkable 2.91 billion shillings before tax
profit for the year ending June 2010.

This represents a 50 percent increase compared to 2009 1.94 billion
shillings for the same period.

Total assets by 44 percent to 134 billion shillings compared to 93
billion shillings for the same period in 2009.

The huge jump in pretax profit has been attributed to increase in
customer deposits which increased by 48.6 percent to 110 billion
shillings compared to 74 billion shillings in 2009.

Coop Bank is currently embarking on an expansion plan that will see
the bank enter the lucrative Southern Sudan market.

Kenya Life Insurance Guide

A step by step guide to life insurance in Kenya, how when why and where to purchase life insurance in Kenya

Life insurance is the foundation of financial security for you and
your family. It protects your financial resources against the
uncertainities of life so that you can plan for the future. Choosing a
life insurance product is a very important decision, but it can be
complicated. As with any major purchase, it is important that you
understand your needs and the choices and options available to you.

1.Why You Need To Buy Life Insurance

There are about 7 reasons on why you need to buy life insurance policy
for you and your family.

1. To ensure that your immediate family has cash and income after your
demise so that they can easily pay bills, taxes and other obligations.

2. To ensure that your immediate family members are able to maintain
their standard of living upon your demise.

3. For your children to have money for education.

4. For you to have a savings plan for the future so that when you
retire, you have a constant source of income.

5. To ensure that you have extra income when your earnings are reduced
due to a serious illness or accident.

6. To provide you as the policy holder with peace of mind when cover
is adequate.

7. Life insurance is a tool for mobilizing domestic savings ensures
that the economy is supplied with long term funds for investment and
development. These are chanelled to the economy through various
insurance companies' investment.

2. How To Purchase a Life Insurance Policy in Kenya

You can choose to purchase a life insurance policy directly from a
life insurance company or through a life insurance agent.

You need to be careful when choosing a cover to suit your needs.
Always take time to discuss with the insurance company or its
intermediary about the policy that you are thinking of buying.

Start by evaluating your family's needs. Gather all your personal
financial information and estimate what your family will need after
you are gone.

3. Which Policy Should you Buy?

You must choose the type of policy that best suits your personal circumstances.

You should understand the scope of cover provided under the policy,
the various terms and conditions and the cost of the insurance cover.
You should also be aware of what will happen if you want to transfer
from one policy to another.

4. The uses of life insurance products

Life insurance most commonly provides financial protection in the
event of death or disability.

Life insurance products also provide an investment mechanism as the
premium paid represent significant savings.

5. Making changes in your policy

Sometimes due to changes in circumstances, it may be necessary to make
some changes in the policy document like names of beneficiaries.
Changes can be made by completing standard forms and sending the
policy documents to the insurance company.

After making the changes you should let your nominee know about your
life insurance policy, any changes that you have made to the policy
and where you keep your documents.

You should have a contigent (or secondary) nominee in case the main
nominee passes away before you. In addition make sure your life
insurance company is informed of any changes in that address.

6. Why should not cancel your policy

Buying a life policy is a long term commitment. If you cancel your
policy, you will not receive the total amount of premiums that you
have paid to date, as the surrender value (value of your policy when
you terminate it) is usually less than what you have paid.

If someone asks you to cancel and then buy another policy, discuss
these matters with your existing life insurance company first before
doing anything. It is not in your best interest to replace a policy
because:-

You may have to pay a higher premium since you are older.

Your cash value will build up slowly, as your new premium must pay for
the initial cost of writing the life insurance policy a second time.

The 2 year period of contestability will begin again. Similarly, the
suicide clause also allows for the policy to start afresh.

The existing policy may have more favorable provisions than the new
policy in areas such as settlement options and disability benefits.

Your present life insurance company can often make the changes you
want at a lower cost to you.

7. The common type of life insurance claims in Kenya

1. Maturity claims

2. Death claims

3. Surrender value claims

4. Policy loans

5. Disability claims

6. Partial maturity claims


8. The tax advantage of buying a life insurance policy

A person who has a life insurance policy receives a tax relief of 15
per cent of the premium subject to a maximum of Ksh 5,000 per month or
Ksh 60,000 per year. The rates of tax are reviewed from time to time
and the tax relief at any one time can authoritatively be confirmed
from Kenya Revenue Authority.

The amount of tax relief per month for retirement benefits schemes is
up to a maximum of Ksh 20,000 per month or Ksh 240,000 per annum.

The benefits payable under life insurance are tax exempt.

Find life insurers at www.akinsure.com

NAIROBI STOCK EXCHANGE

On monday 9th June 2008, the NSE marked historic milestone in East and
Central Africa by listing Safaricom Ltd. Safaricom listing increased
the number of listed issued shares from 15 billion to 55 billion
(Safaricom Ltd has 40 billion listed shares) and helped NSE's market
capilization to cross a trillion mark to 1.28 trillion. The number of
CDS accounts stands at over 1.8 million. For the first time, the NSE
number of transaction hit a new high of 11,000 in a single day.

NSE has undergone a lot of modernization since inception in 1954.
These include transition from "call over" Trading System to "Open
Out-Cry" Trading System, introduction of Central Depository and
Settlement Corporation (CDSC) and elimination of paper certificates,
installation of the Automated Trading System (ATS) which replaced the
manual trading and recent implementation of the Wide Area Network
(WAN) that enabled stockbrokers, investment banks and data vendors to
trade and deal with the market from their offices.

Using the ATS and WAN, NSE commenced data vending business as an
additional revenue stream. There are seven local and one international
datd vendors authorised to distribute NSE LIVE trading data. The NSE
has over 10 data vending products on offer on a subscription basis.
Investors can also make all their queries to the NSE on an SMS service
using the short code 8040.

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Central Depository & Settlement Corporation

CDSC is a limited liability company approved by the Capital Markets
Authority under section 5 of the Central Depositories Act, 2000 to
establish and operate a system for the deposit and transfer of
securities and settlement of cash following transactions carried out
at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. CDSC was incorporated on 23rd March
1999 under the companies Act, 2000, and commenced its operations as
mandated under the Central Depositories Act 2000 on 10th November
2004.

Since 2004, CDSC has grown tremendously; the client accounts grew from
30,000 at the end of 2004 to over 1.6 million as of 2008. An average
of 5000 deals settle through the CDS system every day.

CDSC has an SMS solution to keep CDS account holders informed of
activities in their CDS accounts. This service is operated under the
short code 2372 which spells out the initials CDSC on a phone keypad.
Upon registration, CDS account holders will be able to among others,
query and view portfolio balances, mini statements and receive alerts
whenever there is activity in their accounts e.g. sale, purchase,
deposit, transfer, pledge, release etc.

KPA Appoints New MD

Mr. Gichiri Ndua has been appointed the new Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director, having served in acting capacity for six months following the exit by his predecessor Mr. James Mulewa.

Mr. Ndua, who was the Corporate Services Manager before this appointment, becomes the 12th appointed CEO since KPA’s inception. The appointment was reached after consultations between the KPA Board and the Ministry of Transport who agreed to appoint a substantive Managing Director from within to ascertain continuity given the uniqueness of the port industry.

Other Managing Directors who have served before include Merss James Mulewa, Abdalla Mwaruwa, Brown Ondego, Joseph Munene, Lennyrod Mwangola, Robert Brenneisen, Simeon Mkalla, Albert Mumba, Philip Okundi, Jonathan Mturi and John Gituma.

At the time of joining Kenya Ports Authority in 1984, Mr. Ndua was a holder of Master of Arts (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (Economics) Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Nairobi. He is a member of Institute of Economic Affairs (K), Kenya Institute of Management and Institute of Directors, Kenya.

Mr. Ndua, who is also the current President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), joined Kenya Ports Authority in 1984 as a middle level manager, project analyst and later served as Business and Development Coordinator, Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, Principal Bandari College and Corporate Services Manager. He has also been serving as the Alternate Director, Kenya Railways Corporation.

His appointment makes him the first African CEO to hold the post of IAPH presidency. In May last year, KPA set record as the first organisation from the region to present the first African candidate for Presidency for the IAPH that has been in existence for about 55 years. IAPH presidency has been rotating amongst the Americas, Europe and recently Asia. Mr. Ndua took over from Mrs. Datin Paduka O. C Phang from port Klang -Malaysia.

Prior to this, Mr. Ndua had served as 2nd and 1st vice-president of IAPH incharge of the Africa/Europe region.

Gichiri Ndua has authored and presented several papers on Transportation and Ports, Feasibility Studies and Project Proposals. His papers on policy and strategic planning are quoted widely. He has delivered outstanding key note speeches to institutions such as Permanent International Navigation Congress Association, Port Management Associations of West and Central Africa, Arab Academy of Science and Technology, Chinese Ports and Shipping Association, Transport Events, Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa and Pan African Ports Cooperation Conference.

As Corporate Services Manager, Mr. Ndua was responsible for Strategic Planning, Policy Analysis, Port Development, Marketing, Operations Research, Statistics, Corporate Communications and International liaison. Mr. Ndua is best remembered for his stewardship and promotion of Port Master Plan including Development of Free Port, Port Tariff and more recently the removal of verification charges for cargo through the Port. Furthermore he has routinely guided the preparation and production of Kenya Ports Authority Strategic Roadmap and Performance Contracts.

Mr. Ndua takes over stewardship at a time when the port is undertaking a number of projects to enhance efficiency which include construction of a second container terminal, dredging of the channel, conversion of berths 11-14 to a full container terminal, implementation of the national single window system and facilitation of government studies to establish a second commercial port in Lamu.

Mr. Ndua has exemplary competence, expertise, experience and above all unmatched international training and exposure on matters of port management and development

TPS Serena Rights Issue Starts Trading

In the Rights Issue,TPSEAL is offering by way of rights 24,701,774 New Shares and investors are being given the opportunity to subscribe for New Shares at a price of KES 48.00 per New Share, on the basis of one (1) New Share for every five (5) Ordinary Shares they hold at the close of business on 29th July 2010 and so in proportion for any other number of Ordinary Shares then held (taking into account the New Ordinary Shares allotted pursuant to the Bonus Issue). Fractions of New Shares will not be issued and Eligible Shareholders' entitlements will be revised downwards to the nearest whole number and such fractional entitlement will not be allotted to the Eligible Shareholder. Once the basis for the entitlement is declared, the Company will not make any subsequent alterations to such entitlements. Each share shall be payable in full upon acceptance not later than 3.00 p.m. on 31st August 2010. The procedure for acceptance, payment or renunciation of the Rights is contained in Section VI Memorandum and the PAL. The New Shares when fully paid, issued and allotted will rank pari passu (equally) in all respects with the Existing Shares. All rights attaching to the Existing Shares with regard to voting, dividends, liquidation proceeds and pre-emption in future capital increases are as set out in the extract of the Company's Articles of Association which is provided in Section X of this Information Memorandum. The New Shares will qualify for dividends with effect from the financial year ending 31st December 2010 and thereafter.


Reasons for the Rights Issue

The Rights Issue is being launched in order to raise additional funds for refurbishment of existing properties in the Serena portfolio, strengthening the Serena Hotels East African circuit, maintaining the levels of debt within the Group at a sustainable level and providing new funds for expansion of the Groups operations in the region.
TPSEA will acquire 100% ownership of Jaja Limited as a special purpose vehicle by Tourism Promotion Services (Kenya) Limited, to undertake development of three properties in Nanyuki, Nakuru and Elementaita. Serena's presence in this area will result in enhancing the safari circuit in Western Kenya in line with the Company's Strategy. Jaja Limited is a non-private company wholly and beneficially owned by TPS (K) . Pursuant to the regional expansion policy, the Company, through its subsidiary TPS (T), has also entered into a joint venture agreement to acquire 51% ownership of Upekee Lodges Limited which owns and operates two properties in southern Tanzania (Mivumo River Luxury Lodge and Selous Wildlife Camp).
TPSEA will also utilise part of the funds raised by the Rights Issue to acquire, through TPS (T) the assets of two lodges located in northern Tanzania - Mountain Village (Arusha) and Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp (Serengeti). The addition of the four properties in Tanzania will position TPS (T) ahead of its competitors in terms of circuit and product offer.

TPSEA will also inject part of the proceeds of the Rights Issue into TPS (R) as equity, to provide funds for Phase II of the Kigali Serena Hotel project. This will include the refurbishing of Kigali Serena's entrance and lobby area, repositioning of the lifts and creating of a new residents' lounge. The equity injected into TPS (R) will also be used for the development of a new lodge near the gorilla's viewing site. Part of the money raised from the Rights Issue will also be used for the refurbishment and expansion of the Nairobi Serena Hotel.

Bharti Airtel EASSy Deal To Boost Broadband in East Africa

Bharti Airtel Ltd in consortium with 15 other global telecom companies,
has invested $ 263 million for laying an undersea communication cable
to boost data connectivity in East Africa.


The 10,000 kilometre cable with a capacity of1.4 tera bits a second, will be the largest submarine cable serving the continent of Africa.

The EASSy fibre optic cable connects Mtunzi in South Africa to Port
Sudan in Sudan with landing points in 9 countries. It will also link
East Africa to the rest of the world.

The submarine cable will help steady and guarantee a continuous all
time connectivity of the East African countries with the rest of the
world.


The arrival of EASSywill boost the roll-out of inter country and national fibre networks.The East African backbone system ring,Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali-Bujumbura-Dar es salaam-Mombasa, is under development and it is expected to be complete by 2010.


The EASSy arrival will bring higher bandwidth, lower prices and it
will boost the much needed e-commerce in Africa. In Kenya e-commerce
will be a big boost to the tourism Industry which still uses traditional
methods of hotel reservation.

CFC Stanbic Bank Records 58 per cent Jump in Pretax Profit

CFC Stanbic Bank posted a 58 per cent increase in pretax profit to Kes
1.16 billion for the half year ended June, on the back of a recovery
in economic growth. Total assets rose by morf than 25 per cent
according to the bank.
The bank said its earnings per share rose to Kes 5.94 from Kes 4.04 in
the first half of 2009.

CFC said its total assets increased by 27.6 per cent during the period
to Ksh 102.49 billion from Ksh 80.33 billion previously while net
loans and advances to clients increased by 9 per cent to Ksh 48.46
billion.

Its net interest income decreased to Ksh 1.82 billion from Ksh 1.85 in
the first six months of 2009. Loan loss provisions decreased to Ksh
285.2 million from Ksh 295.35 million.

Equity Bank

EQUITY BANK LTD is Kenya's leading micro-finance institution, founded
in 1984 with special focus on mortgage provision. The bank now offers
a wide range of products and services that are tailor made for its
micro-finance clients.

Among them are deposit and loan products. Deposit
products include Equity Ordinary Account, Current Account, Super
Junior account for children, Social Institution account for non-profit
institutions e.g. Churches, public schools and self-help groups.
There are loan products for business people, individuals and group
borrowers. "Fanikisha" loans target women in business while Biashara
Imara loans offer working capital to small and micro businesses.
Agricultural loans such as "Kilimo Biashara" are aimed at supporting
farmers and agro-dealers access farm inputs and implements.
"Development loans" are designed for project financing, and Business
loans which provide working capital and other business requirements to
business people. Others include, Equiloan available to salaried people
through a check-off system, salary advance loans, Medical loans for
both inpatient and outpatient medical cases, and "Education loans".



In addition, the bank offers overdrafts on which allow clients to overdraw up to a certain amount,and also offer "Share Finance Loans" a facility that helps clients to purchase shares.


The latest services offered at Equity Bank include, M-KESHO
Account, Insurance services, Custodial services and nationwide ATM
machines. Cash back services allow you to shop, pay and withdraw cash
from leading supermarkets, pharmacies and other retail outlets.
Customers and non-customers with Visa branded cards can also withdraw
cash through Equity Bank ATMs.

www.equitybank.co.ke

Standard Group H1 Profit up 139 per cent

The Standard Group has reported 139 per cent growth in pretax profit
for the first half of 2010. The company's pretax profit rose to sh
216.7 million up from sh 90.5 million record in the first six months
of 2009.

According to the company's unaudited financial statements, total
revenue grew to sh 1.54 million, a 14 per cent increase, up from sh
1.35 billion, riding on the back of a recovery in economic growth and
an increase in advertising spend.

Total operating costs and net finance costs decreased from sh 1.2
billion and sh 56.5 million respectively.

Basic Earning per share increased 207 per cent to sh 2.92 from sh 0.94.

Mr Paul Melly, the company's deputy chairman and Chief Strategist told
shareholders to expect an increment in dividend payout. He emphasized
that the Group's current investment is enough to generate income for
the next 20 years without reinvesting a significant portion of the
income.

IIEC bereaved as Kenyan poll kicks off

The presiding officer died Tuesday night following a short illness.

The officer who was a teacher at Queen of Peace Secondary School in Marakwet District, had on Monday evening been admitted to AIC Mission Hospital in Kapsowar complaining of chest problems.

President Kibaki votes in referendum

The president cast his vote at Munaini Primary school in his Othaya constituency shortly after 11:00 am Addressing wananchi after voting, President Kibaki urged Kenyans to embrace peace during and after the referendum "Let's vote peacefully and get back to our nation building duties. We should also ensure that peace is maintained at all times," he said. The President at the same time wished all Kenyans well as they exercise their democratic right during this period of the referendum. A large voter turnout was reported at Mululu primary School, Sabatia Constituency in Western Kenya where the local MP who is also the deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi cast his referendum vote. Mr. Mudavadi accompanied by his wife, Tessy and mother, Hanna voted at 9am. According to the presiding officer, Fredrick Isaji, over 50 per cent of registered voters had cast their votes by 12 o'clock. In Vihiga Constituency, some people complained that their names were missing from the main register and they could not, subsequently, vote. But the returning officer, Richard Onyango urged those affected to check for their names in the white book which, he said was used as a back up. The book, he said, was in polling stations with the presiding officers. National Assembly Speaker, Kenneth Marende, who was earlier reported to have voted electronically from Nairobi, finally appeared at Mumboha polling station and cast his vote at 11.50am. Area MP, Yusuf Chanzu, and his family voted at Mazigulu primary school while the chairman of Independent Boundary Review Commission, Andrew Ligale cast his vote at Mahanga Primary school at 8am. Meanwhile internal security minister Prof George Saitoti assured Kenyans that security has been beefed across the country to ensure Kenyans enjoyed their democratic rights to vote in the referendum for the proposed constitution peacefully. Prof Saitoti was speaking at Ngong township school in Kajiado North constituency where he cast his vote. Meanwhile it was joy for 156 inmates at the biggest penal institution in the country Naivasha G.K prison when they made history by participating in the referendum. The inmates who included fifty three who are serving life sentences expressed their happiness after they were allowed to vote. Dressed in their white stripped prison attire and open sandals, the inmates started voting at around 8am in the smooth exercise. However IIEC officials admitted that the biggest challenge facing the voting inmates was illiteracy and several of them had to be assisted by their fellow inmates to vote. "We have read and understood the proposed draft and we feel great for been given a chance to decide on how we shall be governed," the inmates said. In Naivasha town, long queues were witnessed at the various polling stations. Security was intensified and police patrols were evident a day after some families were reported to be fleeing as the 136,900 voters cast their votes in the 257 polling stations in the constituency. Naivasha area was one of the most affected by the post election violence of 2008 and the government has taken precautionary measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Wananchi Group and Cisco Sign Multiyear Contract to Take Triple Play to Next Level

Cisco announced on 2 August 2010 that the Wananchi Group, Africa's pioneering provider of triple-play (broadband, multichannel cable television and voice telephony) and VSAT (broadband data and Internet) services, has signed a contract for the purchase of Cisco® network technology solutions and services in East Africa. The agreement is supported by Cisco CapitalSM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, specializing in providing effective financing solutions and a deep understanding of Cisco's products, services and customer business requirements.

Wananchi Group, currently the only triple-play operator in East Africa, will roll out its new services in nine countries in the eastern African region: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Ethiopia, Sudan and Zambia. The contract will also enable the Wananchi Group to deploy Cisco's integrated end-to-end network technology solutions, encompassing Cisco's Borderless Networks, collaboration and data center virtualization solutions, as their customer base expands and technology advances.

Highlights / Key Facts:

* The agreement represents an important milestone in Cisco's Africa investment strategy and its goal to deliver advanced communication and collaboration services throughout the sub-Saharan African region. The Wananchi Group is one of the first companies in the region to utilize the additional innovative resources that Cisco has to offer beyond its products and standard maintenance services. Additionally, the agreement demonstrates Cisco's ability to adapt to change and align with an organization's business and financial requirements.

* Cisco has been selected as the Wananchi Group's preferred supplier of the end-to-end infrastructure, encompassing access technologies (fiber and cable), the core Internet Protocol network, optical transport up to the video head-end, data center solutions, and multimedia set-top boxes.

* As a key part of Cisco's total solution, Cisco Capital is uniquely positioned to arrange the most competitive and flexible financing (whether directly or through its finance partners).

* Under this agreement, Cisco and Wananchi Group will provide a number of innovative and competitive managed and hosted communications and collaboration services for the residential, corporate and government sectors.

Executive Quotes:

Mark Schneider, group chairman, the Wananchi Group
"The entertainment market for both home and corporate customers in Africa, as a whole, continues to be reshaped in light of technological advancements and new industry partnerships. The Wananchi Group's key objective is to expand our portfolio and enhance our commercial proposition, revenues and reputation. Cisco will help us to continuously deliver the necessary technology enhancements to our infrastructure to serve our ever-growing customer needs and remain at the forefront of delivering new and innovative services to our customers."

Paul Mountford, president of emerging markets, Cisco

"This agreement with Wananchi is significant for Cisco's business in Africa because it demonstrates our strong business partnership and consultancy capabilities beyond just being an end-to end network solutions technology provider. This is becoming increasingly important for our customers in Africa where we are witnessing major developments in the information, communications and technology landscape."

Ernst & Young Eastern Africa Practice appoints new CEO

Ernst & Young would like to announce the appointment of Mr. Gitahi Gachahi as its new Chief Executive Officer for its Eastern Africa practice. He will replace Mr. Coutts A. Otolo as the CEO of EY Eastern Africa practice, with immediate effect. In addition Mr. Gitahi will assume the role of Country practice leader and will also become a member of the EY Africa Sub-Area Executive team.

Mr. Gitahi has been with the firm for over twenty years and was until recently, the Regional Tax Leader as well as the People (HR) Partner. Gitahi has over twelve years professional experience in the Assurance service line and eight in Tax. Gitahi is known for his knowledge of regional tax issues and has been involved in many tax initiatives in Kenya. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Gitahi has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an MBA in strategic Management.

Mr. Gitahi will replace Mr. Coutts Otolo who until recently was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ernst & Young Eastern Africa practice, country practice leader and a member of the Ernst & Young Africa Sub-Area Executive. Mr. Otolo’s career with EY spans a period of 33 years, during which time the firm has recorded significant growth not only in Kenya, but also across the Eastern Africa region. After a successful career with the firm, Coutts has decided to change course and pursue other interests outside the firm.

Philip Hourquebie, Managing Partner: Africa at Ernst & Young recently commented that the firm’s integration had exceeded expectations, particularly in East Africa (which includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia), since its introduction 18 months ago. This initiative, which has resulted in Ernst & Young becoming the first and only fully integrated global firm, has significantly strengthened business operations across Africa.

Investors offered 13 new sites for building top Lodges

The Kenya Wildlife Service is offering local and international investors 13 new sites for building lodges in the expansive and popular destination Tsavo Conservation Area. The Service has advertised for Expression of interest for lease, development and operation of tourist accommodation facilities in three national parks in this area. The construction of the high quality lodges and permanent luxury tented camps in low use and wilderness activity areas of Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu National Parks is part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 development plan.


The offer, expected to realise an additional 422 beds in the three parks is open to experienced local and international tourism investors. The lucrative investment opportunity is the first phase of a 10-year management plan that seeks to diversify Tsavo’s tourist experience by promoting investment in low volume, high value tourism in the conservation area’s low use and wilderness areas. The plan further proposes to develop tourist products that appeal to different market segments and provide a high quality, low environmental impact visitor experience. Despite the Tsavo area having 2,796 permanent beds, most of which are in high use zones of Mzima Springs, Kamboyo and Voi, 70 per cent of the conservation area remains underutilised. To enhance the value of the sites for investment, KWS plans to improve accessibility and security presence. The Vision 2030 blueprint’s under utilised parks initiative provides for expansion of bed capacity, opening up of less visited parks and increasing visitation to 3 million tourists by 2012. This initiative targets various national parks, including Meru, Mt Kenya, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Ruma and Mt Elgon.


The development of high-end visitor facilities is part of the strategic positioning of Kenya’s tourism sector to tap into the World Tourism Organisation projected 1.6 billion international tourist arrivals by 2020. Currently, during peak tourism, bed occupancy levels are close to full occupancy at 92 per cent. Additional numbers can only be accommodated if Kenya increases the bed capacity.


The Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) consists of Tsavo East National Park 13,747 km2, Tsavo West National Park7,065 km2, and Chyulu Hills National Park -700 km2. TCA is the tourism flagship of Kenya Wildlife Service’s protected areas and offers a distinctive visitor experience that capitalises on its exceptional resource values. The Conservation Area is known for its sheer size as Kenya’s largest Protected Areas complex (covering approximately 4 per cent of the country’s landmass). It boasts of a variety of ecosystems, biodiversity and natural habitats and is home to a high number of endangered species most notably the country’s largest elephant population, black rhinos, hirola and Grevy’s zebra. In terms of scenic beauty, Tsavo is famed for its diverse landscapes and scenery, untamed wilderness and magnificent volcanic features. History of the conservation area, including exploits of the early European explorers, the Man-eaters lions and railway construction has been subject of world renowned documentaries and films.


Tsavo accounts for over 20 per cent of average annual visitation into KWS parks. The coastal resorts, with its large pool of tourists seeking alternative activities to beach holidays, generate most visitors to Tsavo. The area is well integrated with inland tourist circuits and provides a favoured destination for wildlife related tourist activities. Currently, the Conservation Area has well-developed tourist infrastructure albeit spatially restricted in the High Use zone of Mzima, Kamboyo and Voi representing only about 30 per cent of the total conservation area’s land. A total of 2,796 permanent beds are available (this includes privately operated tented camps, Ecolodges, bandas and lodges). However, 64 per cent of these are found outside the protected area boundaries. Density of tourism infrastructure and facilities within just a portion of the Parks coupled with visitor concentration threatens the authenticity and quality of the parks’ tourist product and also limits realization of the entire conservation area’s tourism potential.

About 70 per cent of the conservation area remains underutilized.There is scope for development of additional bed capacity within the conservation Area’s Limits of Acceptable Use. However, further development in the High Use Zones will not be allowed.KWS has put together a comprehensive management plan for the Conservation Area. The 10-year plan to be implemented between the years 2008 to 2018 is a result of a consultative planning process under the Protected Area Planning Framework, which involved input from a cross section of stakeholders, Park management, and planning expert teams. The plan proposes a Tourism Management and Development Program whose aim is to ensure that the “Tsavo Conservation Area’s position as a premier tourist destination is maintained and enhanced” In addition to managing traditional vehicle-based tourist activities in the high use area, the plan proposes to diversify Tsavo’s tourist experience by promoting investment in low volume, high value tourism in the conservation area’s low use and wilderness areas. The plan further proposes to develop tourist products that appeal to different market segments and provide a high quality-low impact visitor experience.


In the plan’s implementation, KWS intends to offer new sites for development of high quality tourist accommodation facilities in the low use and wilderness activity areas of the TCA. To prop up the sites for investment, KWS will in the plan’s life enhance their management and administrationsystems. Roads, bridges, security and management presence will be put in place to promote accessibility and use of the areas. KWS has identified 13 sites for development of permanent luxury tented camps and eco-lodges within Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks. In this first phase of the area’s development, KWS expects to realise an additional 422 beds through private investment. The 13 sites are distributed throughout the low use and wilderness areas of the conservation area. In Tsavo East National Parks’ Emusaya wilderness area 64 beds are planned; 70 beds in the Ithumba low use area; 102 and 84 beds in Tsavo West’s Low use areas of Murka and Jipe respectively and 102 beds in Chyulu Hills Low use areas. KWS wishes to invite private sector investors to partner with it in developing top-market tourist accommodation facilities in the Tsavo’s low use and wilderness areas. This is a lucrative commercial opportunity for both KWS and the private sector partners. It is expected that, these developments will leverage on the opportunity to create a diversified tourist product that will be easily integrated into, complement and enrich the already popular Tsavo tourist circuit.


KWS shall invite ‘Expressions of Interest’ for lease and development of the sites detailed herein through an open tendering process.

Kenya Leads The Way in Africa’s mobile web explosion

Mobile web use is exploding in Africa, according to Opera’s State of the Mobile Web Report, published today. Triple-digit growth rates are routine in the region where page views in the top 12 countries in Africa increased by 182% year-over-year, unique users increased by 124%, and the amount of data transferred increased by 160%.

Opera’s State of the Mobile Web Report, published monthly, provides information on the top global trends affecting the mobile Web. The full report is available from http://www.opera.com/smw/ (English only). This month’s report includes a geographic spotlight on Africa, and also highlights the top sports sites on the mobile Web.

Global trends

* In June 2010, Opera Mini had over 59.4 million users, a 3.2% decrease from May 2010 but an increase of 124.7% since June 2009. The slight decrease in key metrics can be traced to certain countries where we have experienced some technical and political challenges that now are about to be solved.

* Opera Mini users viewed over 27.3 billion pages in June 2010. Since May, page views have gone down 3.4%. Since June 2009, page views have increased 161.8%.

* In June 2010, Opera Mini users generated over 416 million MB of data for operators worldwide. Since May, the data consumed went down by 4.0%. Data in Opera Mini is compressed up to 90%. If this data were uncompressed, Opera Mini users would have viewed over 3.8 PB of data in June. Since June 2009, data traffic is up 147.1%.

* Ukraine, South Africa, the United States and Vietnam all rose one position on the list of top ten countries (number of Opera Mini users), while Nigeria dropped from position 5 to position 9.

Africa trends

* In Part 3 of this month’s report, we look at countries in Africa. The top 12 countries using Opera Mini in that region are South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Mozambique and Mauritius.
* Some numbers: From June 2009 to June 2010, page views in the top 12 countries in Africa increased by 182%, unique users increased by 124%, and the amount of data transferred increased by 160%.

* Growth rates in Africa: Sudan and Ghana lead the top 12 countries of the region in terms of page-view growth (4,645.6% and 916.5%, respectively). Sudan and Ghana also lead the top 12 countries of the region in growth of unique users (1,225.0% and 498.8%, respectively). Kenya leads the top 12 countries of the region in page views per user, with each user browsing 639 pages on average each month.

* Facebook, Google and YouTube all do well in Africa. Facebook is the top-ranked site in six of the twelve listed countries, and Google is ranked #1 in the remaining six countries.

* Nokia remains the most popular handset brand in Africa, followed by Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG.

Google To Host Kenya Technology Conference

GOOGLE will soon be hosting a three day web and mobile conference for tech savvy entrepreneurs and developers in Kenya.

The conference will take place at Strathmore University in Nairobi from 6th to 8th September 2010, where over 1200 engineers, product managers, entrepreneurs, students and web developers will gather to discuss the future of web application development, and receive training on Google products and online business skills.

In a statement, Google said the web and mobile themed conference, named G-Kenya, represents Google’s commitment to driving the web forward in Africa, and highlighting the entrepreneurial opportunities presented by the internet.

G-Kenya will focus on Google’s developer and business technologies ranging from Chrome Extensions and App Engine, to mobile and AdWords.

Attendees will have the chance to explore Google’s open source technologies through a combination of tech talks, breakout sessions and codelabs run by engineers and business teams from across the globe.

Key among the speakers will be Nelson Mattos, Engineering Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Google lead for sub-Saharan Africa Joe Mucheru commented, “Forums such as these bring our specialists together with a diverse group of people to share their knowledge, and contribute to efforts to make the internet part of everyday life in Kenya. It is an excellent opportunity for both developers and entrepreneurs to learn more about the enormous potential of the web.”

“This conference is the latest in a series of interactive forums and tech days that Google has been holding across Africa this year, to promote innovation and business in the region.

“A similar event will take place in Kampala on 1st and 2nd September 2010. If you would like to attend, you can find more details and register online at the G Kenya and G Uganda websites,” said the statement

Referendum Campaigns Intensify

President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are leading the Yes team at Uhuru Park while the NO Team led by Higher Education Minister William Ruto is holding a rally at Jamhuri Park.

The two rallies come a day after similar meetings on Saturday in Kisumu and Eldoret.

The two sides are expected to wind up their campaigns on Monday as president Kibaki and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka expected for a yes rally in Kitui in the morning before addressing another rally at Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu in the afternoon.

Ruto and his team will be in Samburu. The NO team which has been agitating for amendments of the new law before the referendum is calling on Kenyans to reject the document claiming contentious issues should be addressed first.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has appealed to the disciplined forces in the country to be impartial in dealing with any form of lawlessness that may arise during or after the referendum.

Homa Bay Catholic Bishop Philip Anyolo says the move will help prevent a recurrence of tribal hostilities witnessed after the 2007 general election.

Speaking during a thanks giving prayers session for the disciplined forces in the area, bishop Anyolo recounted how the post election violence almost wrecked the country's peaceful atmosphere, and urged the forces to exercise their responsibilities professionally.

Elsewhere Youth leaders from the green team are traversing various estates in Nairobi city calling on the young people to come out in large numbers and endorse the proposed constitution on Wednesday.

The Youth leaders took issue with the church claiming that it was misinforming the faithful on the contents of the proposed law.

They reiterated that the document was the best for Kenyans as it will liberate wananchi from past injustices. The leaders emphasized on the need to embrace peace during and after the referendum.