President Kenyatta bitter exchange with Raila

Story by Albert Bwana

President Kenyatta slammed out to the opposition leader over the remarks he made on the trade agreement that he signed between Kenya and Uganda .

                 The deal between President Kenyatta and his counterpart from Uganda was about Kenya importing sugar from Uganda in return Kenya to export meat and milk products.

Speaking during the closing of Eastern African Pan African congress, Kenyatta said that the agreement will enable Kenya to benefit 700million dollars in the trade exchange between the two countries.

“I urge my colleague Raila to correct me where am going wrong rather than criticizing all that I initiate for the betterment of the country”

In response opposition leader said that ,”allowing such an agreement will lead to the collapse of the local sugar manufacturing  industries in Kenya.”

  

We to recognize the challenges that we have and look for ways on how to overcome them as Africans.

The president of Kenya , Uhuru  Kenyatta  was addressing delegates   during the Eastern  Africa Region  Pan African Congress  at Kenyatta International conference centre.

He added that Africans should gourd well the constitution that they fought for back in the years and transform it for the future generation.

The President also noted that  East Africans  should be able to sale every country its goods instead of considering  other continents since they can boost the trade sector within themselves.

“ Africa we are  living in to date  is more democratic than the past “ said the President.

Ends

Sudan: Attacks in South Kordofan ‘constitute war crimes’
New report documents:
·        targeting of civilians, schools, hospitals and local relief organizations
·        indiscriminate aerial bombardments and ground offensives
·        use of cluster munitions and prohibited weapons
Government forces in Sudan have committed war crimes against the civilian population of South Kordofan, Amnesty International has definitively confirmed for the first time in a new report published today.
 
The report, Don’t we matter? Four years of unrelenting attacks against Civilians of Sudan’s South Kordofan State, chronicles the human cost of the conflict which has claimed hundreds of civilian lives and sparked a dire humanitarian crisis. It finds that indiscriminate aerial bombardments and ground offensives as well as the deliberate targeting of schools and hospitals constitute war crimes.
 
“For years Sudanese Armed Forces have been raining down bombs and shells indiscriminately on civilian populations, destroying lives and livelihood and triggering a major humanitarian crisis,” said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International’s ‎Deputy Regional Director.
 
“Targeting civilian infrastructure and civilian areas which have no legitimate military objective, using prohibited weapons and other weapons in an indiscriminate way are war crimes. It is time for the international community to stop averting its gaze from South Kordofan and take urgent action to end this conflict.”
Conclusive evidence of war crimes 
 
Based on a research mission to the country, Amnesty International has found that Sudanese Armed Forces have targeted civilian areas and infrastructure which have no legitimate military objective.

The use of prohibited weapons – such as cluster bombs - launched from high flying aircraft, has resulted in civilian casualties. Amnesty International found cluster munitions at four sites in two separate locations in Dalami and Umm Dorain counties and heard testimony of how children have been killed playing with unexploded ordinance.

Between January and April 2015, the Sudanese Air Force dropped more than 374 bombs on 60 locations across South Kordofan under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N). The aerial bombardments and ground shelling over this period resulted in the deaths of at least 35 civilians, injured a further 70 individuals, and damaged civilian buildings including schools.

Since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, 26 health facilities (hospitals, clinics and health units) have been bombed in SPLA-N controlled areas, some of which were clearly identified with flags and crosses on their roofs. Only two out of four hospitals in SPLA-N controlled areas are still functioning.
 
Alfadil Khalifa Mohamed described to Amnesty International how an Antonov aircraft bombing raid killed his pregnant wife and unborn child in an IDP camp where they sought refuge in Dalami county on 6 February. “The bomb fell, only about ten metres from where she was standing. I ran to where she was, but she was already dead. Our baby was still alive.  But there was no medical treatment available to save the baby’s life.”
 
The bombing campaign has left many afraid to work in their fields with devastating consequences for food security. The intensification of bombings during harvest time and the planting season raises concerns that this might be part of a deliberate strategy by the Sudanese government to hinder people’s ability to cultivate their crops.
 
Salha, an internally displaced person in Kimli IDP site, told Amnesty International researchers: “We haven’t planted anything for the past two years. We couldn’t because we had to run away. We are too afraid to work in our fields.”

Humanitarian crisis
The Sudanese government has refused to allow humanitarian relief into areas controlled by the SPLA-N exacerbating a protracted humanitarian crisis and has leaving the population without access to vaccinations and essential medicines.  Children in SPLA-N controlled areas in South Kordofan are excluded from an ongoing UNICEF/WHO immunization campaign against measles in Sudan. Between May 2014 and January 2015 an outbreak of measles claimed the lives of at least 30 of these children in one hospital alone.

Massive displacement has left around one-third of South Kordofan’s population of approximately 1.4 million people internally displaced, living in precarious and insecure conditions. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, close to 100,000 people have fled to refugee camps in neighbouring South Sudan, itself wracked by internal conflict.
 
“We have been telling the world but nothing changes”
Despite the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth year, and escalation of attacks in recent months, the regional and international response has all but ceased. There has been no UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on South Kordofan since 2012.

 Recent UNSC resolutions and statements failed to address concerns in South Kordofan. African Union (AU) efforts to mediate the conflict between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N, facilitated by the AU High-Level Implementation Panel, ground to a halt in December 2014.
 
Alfadil Khalifa Mohamed, told Amnesty International: “We have been telling the world for four years about what is happening to us. The facts are well known. But nothing changes.”
 
Amnesty International is calling on the UNSC and the AU Peace and Security Council, to put pressure on the Government of Sudan and SPLM-N to allow for unfettered humanitarian access in South Kordofan.
 
“This conflict has settled into a vicious deadlock and international bodies must urgently re-engage in order to end these grave human rights violations and war crimes and to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Michelle Kagari.
 
“War crimes cannot be allowed to be committed with impunity and a population facing a protracted humanitarian crisis can no longer be ignored by the world.”

The report is the outcome of a field mission carried out by Amnesty International researchers in May 2015.
Failure to distinguish between civilians and combatants is a breach of the fundamental “principle of distinction” under international humanitarian law. It is a war crime to intentionally direct attacks against civilians or civilian objects.

What African Leaders Should Emulate on the visit payed by US President Barrack Obama

Corruption being a threat in the growth of the African Continent, the US president Barrack Obama has urged leaders to set an example in the senior most government officials by taking legal actions once they involved in any manner of curruption to the junior level.
Obama was speaking during the GES entrepreneur summit that was held in Kenya, adding that   that its through democracy that will make the continent thrive in its economy .
He also urged citizens to be united and end tribalism as it is a menace to the country.

DHL Africa optimistic in regards to Kenya’s growth pattern

By Albert bwana

Leading international express and logistics company, DHL Express considers East Africa and particularly Kenya as a key region for growth within sub-Saharan Africa.

Charles Brewer ,Managing director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa {SSA},who is currently meeting key players, customers and media to share the key priorities of partnerships.

“The international monetary Fund IMF] has forecasted a GDP growth of around 6.9% for Kenya in 2015 which mirrors our confidence in the country performances” according to Brewer.

Although the recent 2015 Ernst & Young Global Limited’s attractiveness survey reported that Kenya received less FDI than previous years, that shows that investors still have a firm interest to the country”, he said.

Mr. Brewer pointed out point that the importance of having engaged employees in their organization is the main core of the companies business and they are able to provide a great service and retail loyal customers.

He said the company is embanking on a programme which will see more engagement with the SME’s on trade and other sectors across the global in partnership as well as staff retention and development with award winning learning and development programme, Certified International Specialist [CIS].

As the market leader, we will continue to invest in our people, equipment and facilities to ensure that we continue to exceed the demand of all our customers.” said Alan Cassells, Country Manager.

PREPARE FOR WORSE, TRADERS’ UNION CONGRESS (TUC) TELLS GOVERNMENT.

STORY BY: ALBERT BWANA

The TUC in conjunction with the Kenya Union of teachers and the University Academic Staff Union today held a joint press conference in urging the government to regulate to revoke the new gazette notice of the National Health Insurance Fund.

Speaking during the briefing at their office, the KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion lauded the workers grievances to revoke the notice as it will punish them by cutting their mere salaries as it is a plan by the government to make a source of revenue through their salary.

Sossion also added that the salaries and remuneration commission has no role in evaluating the salaries of the teachers and working Kenyan citizens as they have increased the salaries of state officials from nowhere hence undermining others.

He also gave the government an ultimatum in revoking the new NHIF  rates till july 1^st 2015 and if not they will join the Okoa Kenya in collecting the signatures of all workers grievances  for a better implementation and in getting rid of SRC from office.

The union also added that it has written a letter to the governes , security unit, federation of Kenyan employees ,central organization trade unions and the private sector to have a look keenly on the matter.

The Union affiliates urged all their members to cooperate together in achieving a common goal.

Ends…….

STORY BY: ALBERT BWANA

Kenya Tourism Federation welcomes lifting of the FCO Travel Advisory on the Kenyan Coast

The Kenya Tourism Federation welcomes the updated FCO Travel Advice for Kenya, which has removed the advice against ”all but essential travel” to parts of the Coast. 

KTF specifically wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the British High Commissioner, Dr, Christian Turner, for taking time to visit, first the Maasai Mara and then Coast to engage with the various stakeholders.  

The amendment of the FCO Advisory comes as a most welcome relief for Coastal tourism and is viewed as a direct reflection of the gains made to improve the safety and security in that region.  

The amended Advisory lifts earlier restrictions on travel to the city of Mombasa and its environs and through Moi International Airport all the way to the other major coastal towns of Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu.

This much awaited Update should not, however, cause the stakeholders at the Coast to rest on their laurels.  There is still need to remain just as vigilant as ever in order to safeguard the gains made.   The safety of our visitors remains a paramount concern and KTF urges stakeholders to jealously protect the tourism product at all levels.

We would like to convey the sector’s, appreciation to each and every one within and out of the tourism sector, who has over the last 19 months engaged different offices on the Travel Advisory issue.

We have all played a key role within and outside our borders, to inform, advice, debate, challenge and convince different offices, high commissions and embassies on the damage that the advisories have on the economy and livelihood of the Kenyan people.

The relaxing of the advisory by our friends the British, is a huge pat on the back for the collective efforts done by ALL OF YOU!

We are also very grateful to the Government of Kenya for the allocation of Kshs 5.2 billion specifically for tourism recovery. This is the biggest allocation that has ever been given to tourism. It is a clear indication that the Government now appreciates the impact of the downturn of the sector on the entire economy.

As the private sector in tourism it is our prayer that the monies allocated by the Government for tourism recovery, be used for just that and we pick the low hanging fruit that will hasten recovery of the destination.

These include:-

·         An immediate sales and advertising blitz in the key tourist source markets.

·         Marketing support to both Scheduled and Charter airlines flying into Jomo Kenyatta and Mombasa International Airports.

·         Deliberate effort to strengthen the Tourist Police Unit by

-         Employing more officers

-         Providing them with more equipment – vehicles, etc

-         Training of the officers – Private sector is willing to partner on this.

KTF manages the only Safety and Security Centre in East Africa that is geared towards monitoring the situation on the ground and informing the tourism private sector of prevailing conditions within the tourism circuits.   This ensures that operators are able to be fully informed as they go about their safaris.

We further take this opportunity to call upon our other source market Governments who had earlier issued Travel Advisories against parts of the Kenya Coast to follow the sterling example of the UK Government and ease these advisories.

Barclays Africa, To Acquire a Controlling Interest First Assurance In Kenya

STORY BY ALBERT BWANA

The Barclays Africa Group limited has reached an agreement to acquire approximately 63.3% of first assurance company in Kenya for a net consideration of Ksh.2.8billion that includes a capital injection of Kshs.0.7million.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals in South Africa , Kenya ,Tanzania and other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

“Barclays Africa wants to extend its customer offering to more people across the continent by expanding the range of financial products and services on offer” said Lanz Zulu the Managing Executive for Africa at wealth, Investment Management and insurance at Barclays Africa.

Zulu added that the planned acquisition of First Assurance is a good strategic fit for our business , provides us with a strong platform to expand our bank assurance in East Africa and complements the group’s financial target of increasing our revenues by 25% in Africa outside of south Africa.

Stephen Gathiga , Managing Director of First Assurance says ,”As a majority shareholder ,Barclays Africa brings a strong brand for us to leverage and a vast distribution network platform as well as technical support for our products and services.”

First Assurance has over 50,000 customer policies in force and employs 132 people in Kenya and Tanzania

In 2014 , First Assurance reported a profit after tax of Ksh 518 million and total equity of Kshs 2.1 billion which excludes the capital injection planned as part of the transaction.

Ends…..

TWO SOUTH SUDAN PASTORS RISK DEATH PENALTY

 Story by:Albert Bwana

Reverend Yat Michael and Reverend Peter Yen who had been held in communication by the Sudanese National Intelligence Service (NISS) were charged with eight offences under the 1991 Penal Code on 1 March. Two of these offences carry the death penalty.

Reverend Yat Michael and Reverend Peter Yen of the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church were arrested by the Sudanese National Intelligence Service (NISS) in Khartoum, Sudan on 21 December 2014 and 11 January 2015 respectively.

 They were charged on 1 March in Khartoum with eight offences under the 1991 Penal Code. They are charged with committing joint acts in execution of criminal conspiracy; undermining the constitutional system; waging war against the state; espionage against the country; disclosure and obtaining information and official documents; promoting hatred amongst or against sects; disturbance of the public peace;, and insulting religious creeds.

The offences of waging war against the state and of undermining the constitutional system carry the death penalty, while the other six offences carry flogging sentences. It is believed that the two pastors were arrested and charged due to their religious convictions.

The two pastors were held incommunicado by the NISS until 2 March, when they were transferred to Kober prison and permitted their first family visits.

Reverend Yat Michael and Reverend Peter Yen went on a hunger strike for two days on 28 and 29 March objecting to their continued detention without trial and to their lack of access to lawyers.

 They are both now being represented pro-bono by a team of lawyers. They have been to court twice, on 19 May and 31 May. Their next court appearance is on 15 June.

Amnesty International considers Reverend Yat Michael and Reverend Peter Yen as prisoners of conscience, arrested, detained and charged solely because of their peaceful expression of their religious convictions.

Reverend Yat Michael, was taken into custody on Sunday, 21 December 2014. He had been preaching that morning, at the Khartoum North Church of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC).

During the sermon, he had condemned the sale of the church land and property and raised concerns about the life of Christians in Sudan. After the service, several men who identified themselves as Sudanese government security officers, demanded that Reverend Yat Michael go with them.

They took him away without giving any further explanation. The next day, the security forces went to Reverend Yat’s home and took some of his clothes and personal belongings.

They informed his wife that he was being held in relation to an ongoing investigation but did not reveal any further details about the investigation, whether the reverend was under arrest and what the charges were.

Reverend Peter Yen, another South Sudanese pastor who was visiting Khartoum, was arrested on 11 January after he honoured summons to report to the NISS office. It appears that his arrest and detention is linked to a letter he sent to the Religious Affairs Office in Khartoum inquiring about Reverend Yat’s arrest.

The Penal Code of Sudan was introduced in 1991 and is based upon a narrow interpretation of Shari’a (Islamic law). It contains legal provisions which amount to a denial of fundamental human rights including limitations on the rights and freedoms of non-Muslims.

Sudan’s legal system allows and promotes the conversion of the Sudanese people from Christianity and other religions to Islam, but makes proselytizing of Sudanese Muslims a crime punishable by flogging, and conversion from Islam is considered apostasy, and is punishable by death.

Suppression of non-Muslim and Muslim minority groups and violations of freedom of religion is wide spread in Sudan. Since 1989, a specific interpretation of Islam was allowed to dominate the country’s laws, institutions and policies.

As a result, thousands of non-Muslims have been forced to convert to Islam, priests and church leaders persecuted and thousands of Christians punished according to Shari’a (Islamic law).

Amnesty International has documented several cases of individuals being persecuted owing to their religious affiliation in Sudan as well as several cases of people sentenced to flogging in Sudan. In August 2013, Meriam Yahya Ibrahim was convicted and sentenced to death on charges of adultery and apostasy.

She was detained in prison along with her son and gave birth to her daughter in Omdurman prison while in shackles. She was released on 23 June 2014 when her sentence was reversed by an appeals court and due to international outcry.

Punishment by flogging violates the absolute prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment in international human rights law. Amnesty International considers the death penalty to be the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and a violation of the right to life and opposes its use in all cases and without exception, regardless of the nature of the crime.

ENDS………