By Amos Kareithi
Narc-Kenya hit the brick wall again in the rush to December poll as President Kibaki’s re-election vehicle.
It was a long day for the party as disagreements over who should constitute the interim management team dominated, forcing Vice-President Moody Awori to ask the National Governing Council to defer the nomination of national officials for two weeks.
At the heart of Narc-Kenya’s latest headache, which has been snowballing for months, is the chairman’s seat, which is being fought for by five heavyweights — all members of the Cabinet.
The ministers who had by yesterday each lined up supportive branches were Dr Mukhisa Kituyi (Trade), Prof George Saitoti (Education), Mr Kipruto arap Kirwa (Agriculture), Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Environment), and Mr Raphael Tuju (Foreign).
Mr Awori, who reportedly met President Kibaki for two hours before dashing to the meeting where several lists were being floated, said the postponement would allow the party to come up with the ‘face of Kenya’.
Party to hold elections in June
The V-P, who is the party’s Deputy Leader and official spokesman, said the party would hold its ‘troubled’ elections in June.
This is the same month its rival, ODM-Kenya, said it would have picked its flagbearer.
The postponement came as four top contenders for the chairman’s seat furiously worked the spanners against each other.
The party was in a catch-22 position as MPs confided that naming of the new officials could plunge Narc-Kenya into even deeper crisis.
It was an anti-climax for the awaited party move as Awori emerged from KICC; the venue of the party’s National Governing Council, where MPs, ministers and aspirants were told the new line up was yet to be named.
Awori had earlier kept the MPs waiting for two hours, before he turned up for the meeting to make the announcement.
After the meeting held under tight security, the VP disclosed that there has been intense canvassing for the top positions. "Due to the huge interest, the period set aside by the council for two weeks is inadequate. I have been given two more weeks to complete the consultations," he said.
The chairmanship was the contention
Awori, assisted by the nine- member nomination committee, was supposed to come up with a list of 36 people who would occupy the party’s national posts.
Sources at the meeting on Friday intimated to The Saturday Standard that the chairmanship was the contention. Without the heat the race to grab it has generated, the members would have easily agreed on the team.
At one point, the sources intimated the top slot had been reserved for Dr Kituyi. But things changed later after some members separately lobbied for Mr Tuju, Prof Saitoti and Mr Kirwa.
Shortly before the meeting, Kituyi, Kirwa and Saitoti held separate consultations with their supporters in different corners of the venue.
Sources at the meeting, which was closed to the media, said there was intense lobbying by supporters of each aspirant for chairmanship.
The meeting was by invitation and aspirants who had no letters were turned away.
MPs who entered the venue had to sign against their names.
Cabinet ministers who attended the meeting, apart from the aspirants, were: Ms Martha Karua (Justice), Mr Gideon Konchella (Immigration), Mr Ali Chirau Makwere (Transport), Mr Suleiman Shakombo (National Heritage) and Mr Maina Kamanda (Sports).
Groups conversed in conspiratorial tones
The party’s interim chairman, Mr Asman Kamama (MP Baringo East) had resigned to his fate, of losing the seat and opened the meeting by biding the members goodbye.
When the meeting closed and because of the stalemate, he was happy his tenure at the party’s watchtower had been extended.
The members got down to business after Awori arrived accompanied by Narc-Kenya’s director of elections, Mr Lee Karuri.
It lasted barely 15 minutes, and left the anxious members saying it was an anticlimax, thereby opening floodgates for more lobbying.
The meeting room at KICC’s First Floor was a marketplace as small groups conversed in conspiratorial tones.
Over 200 party members, among them, the Cabinet ministers, had to wait for the Vice-President for more than two hours as he was said to be still consulting.
There was a light moment when former Mungiki leader, Mr Ndura Waruingi came to KICC and barred photojournalists from taking his picture.
Members said problem was postponed
Awori told parliamentary aspirants that they would be consulted and included in the party’s National Executive Council.
He further said Kamama would continue being the interim chairman until the NGC meets. Two weeks ago, party bigwigs decided to call off the much-awaited national elections and resolved to pick 36 people who would lead the party tentatively.
The polls for national officials were suspended for fear that they would precipitate a falling out in the run-up to the General Election, thus undermining the party’s popularity.
On Friday, disappointed party members said the problem had been postponed, warning that the more it remained unresolved the riskier it was for the party.
During the meeting, sources said Kituyi wanted to know whether mechanisms had been put in place to eradicate canvassing, saying this was not good for the party.
During the meeting, Saitoti, said he expected wider consultations before the national officials are picked to make them more effective in uniting the party, ahead of the General Election.
Assistant ministers, Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri and Mr Kalembe Ndile had suggested that the party goes for a retreat to unlock the stalemate.
Composition of board criticised
This idea was, however, rejected by the VP who felt that his nomination committee would complete the task in a fortnight.
All the aspirants complained that the party constitution favoured MPs, saying the composition of the board that would pick the national officials was biased.
"We are supposed to be represented by two people. They were never consulted when the list was made. We are entitled to 18 of 36 positions," said an aspirant, Mr Peter Mbae.
After the meeting the aspirants regrouped to plan how to approach the next NGC. There was a collective sigh of relief by some MPs and aspirants, who feared that naming the party national officials without building consensus, would have rocked the party.
________________
Sources: Standard
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Mwakwere should act on errant matatus
Letters to the Editor:______________________
Though the minister for Transport Mr Ali Chirau Mwakwere claims that the never-ending chaos in the matatu industry in the country are exaggerated, he needs to pay a visit to the matatus plying the Kayole route in Nairobi.
He will witness the mayhem caused by matatu owners and operators, who have defied all the rules in the book.
Mwakwere, who has confessed to owning a fleet of matatus and which he says are some of the best managed and maintained in the country, should board the Kayole ones and learn for himself the latest tricks they have employed to evade the laws.
Most of the matatus designed to carry a maximum of 29 passengers have added another row of seats to increase their capacity to 35.
Surprisingly, these matatus have not had their bodies widened to accommodate additional passengers.
This is despite the fact that a Transport Licensing Board (TLB) permit, marked in bold letters on these matatus clearly indicates that they are licensed to carry 29 and not 35 passengers.
The TLB ought to shed light on this issue. Is someone sleeping on their job. Does the insurance cover 29 or 35 passengers?
If the comfort of passengers does not matter to the matatu operators, does it matter to the guardian of the transport rules?
Where are the traffic police department officers on this route or are they part of the conspirancy?
___________________
Simon Wanyoike,
Nairobi
Though the minister for Transport Mr Ali Chirau Mwakwere claims that the never-ending chaos in the matatu industry in the country are exaggerated, he needs to pay a visit to the matatus plying the Kayole route in Nairobi.
He will witness the mayhem caused by matatu owners and operators, who have defied all the rules in the book.
Mwakwere, who has confessed to owning a fleet of matatus and which he says are some of the best managed and maintained in the country, should board the Kayole ones and learn for himself the latest tricks they have employed to evade the laws.
Most of the matatus designed to carry a maximum of 29 passengers have added another row of seats to increase their capacity to 35.
Surprisingly, these matatus have not had their bodies widened to accommodate additional passengers.
This is despite the fact that a Transport Licensing Board (TLB) permit, marked in bold letters on these matatus clearly indicates that they are licensed to carry 29 and not 35 passengers.
The TLB ought to shed light on this issue. Is someone sleeping on their job. Does the insurance cover 29 or 35 passengers?
If the comfort of passengers does not matter to the matatu operators, does it matter to the guardian of the transport rules?
Where are the traffic police department officers on this route or are they part of the conspirancy?
___________________
Simon Wanyoike,
Nairobi
Monday, April 23, 2007
Our local media on the spot!
_____________
by Omar Ahmed Ali
In the recently released study on the performance of our media by the African Women and Child Features Service (AWCFS), I must say the research Media Score Card Report (MSCR) hit the nail on the mark in several spheres.
From what I have read, the study findings are so precise such that it is apparent that the media has failed Kenyans and the country. The media has faired worse than the politicians who are always blamed to have failed the country and left it to the dogs.
Being in a position where I did not see the study findings in their entirely, but only reading from what has been published in the media; from that stand point, I have several remarks to make. One media report notes: “The MSCR says that there are rampant cases of ethical violations against social responsibility and public interest, professional integrity, respect for human rights and search for truth.” The study continues: “Most Kenyan journalists have failed to make sound moral decisions and judgement, thus jeopardising truth and objectivity which are pillars of the media industry.” In this area the study indicated that the newspapers scored highly on the count of accuracy but poorly on fairness.
As human-beings, we are all culprits of certain pre-conceived prejudices, biases and bigotry. Majority of these biases and prejudices have no affect on others as they are secretly kept by respective individuals and in most instances are applied clandestinely. But when it is practised by the media and when it goes beyond bias, it becomes very harmful, wrong and unacceptable.
The media houses can be and are very harmful to the national development. We know that the scribes are trained to write in a tactical manner that can look or appear as if their writing is unbiased in their effort to influence the thinking of their unsuspecting public. This style is reporting is what the MSCR study findings concluded that to be the cause of moral torture to the general public who are the direct consumers of information.
Yes, in the simplest language this commentary will show how the media in Kenyan is a culprit of bad biases and prejudice. But first to clear the air, let me first talk about thyself as a columnist and political commentator. I for one do not deny some bias, but I have always made it very clear on the onset that when I support an individual I have bee the consistent in stating so without hiding such a fact. I never distort a fact but instead bring all the available facts to the table for all and sundry to see and challenge if they so wish.
Take the case of my strong support for President Mwai Kibaki and his Government of National Unity. Conventional wisdom would have it I should support the Opposition, but I don’t and do not hide that fact. One can be tempted to ask me this question: ‘Is President Kibaki a tribalist?’ My answer is there is no shadow of doubt about that – looking at appointments in his Government; the President’s tribe is given most of the plum jobs. The only explanation for this is tribalism, no matter any way one looks at it.
There might come yet another question: ‘Do you think Kibaki is the best President for Kenya? My answer: ‘You bet he is. Looking at a bigger picture, Kibaki although favours his kinsmen; he at the same time also gives other tribes a chance. Kibaki has a completely different modus operandi as opposed to his two predecessors- former presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.
Another example of someone I support is the Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere. I have never pretended otherwise when it comes to my support for this Coastal political leader. And like my support for Kibaki, I do not hide my support for the Matuga MP. The former Foreign Affairs Minister is the best Coastal legislator and he stands as one among equals nationally in all aspects of his career — from the National Assembly to the Cabinet where he has had the privilege to serve in three ministerial dockets.
Some of us are candid in stating our position for those we think deserve our support, but others use tactical moves with their hidden biases on the pretext of being impartial in their likings and support or hatred.
This brings me to this question: What cardinal sin did Mwakwere commit such that he is hated so much by a section of some media houses-hated to the level of "religious fanaticism." It is possible that, Mwakwere refused "to play ball" in declining to ensure the scribes give his positive media image. Or is it perhaps there are some politicians, his colleagues probably influencing some media persons to discredit the Minister in order to hinder his soaring career?
Let me explain this situation further. I can say with certainty that some certain newspapers editorial teams always look into the opportunity to fault Mwakwere. Take for instance as a prefect example the Daily Nation’s April 12, 2007 editorial titled ‘Ministry can do better’. The editorial although referring to the Roads and Public Works Ministry after the ministry’s Assistant Minister Joshua Toro, admission in Parliament that the State was unable to instill discipline on the road. This editorial craving to somehow look to fault Mwakwere for anything that pertains to the transportation notes in part: “Cabinet Minister John Michuki, as Transport Minister, made name precisely because of introducing and enforcing tough traffic rules that saw dramatic decline in road accidents. The current occupant of that office, Mr Ali Mwakwere, of course, has made a mess of it.”
The editorial is not placing any praise to the former OP Provincial Administration and National Security Minister Dr Christopher Murungaru under whom the cops, Traffic Police unit worked under when traffic law enforcement was at its best in the country. In addition the editorial does not see anything wrong now where ironically the same Traffic Police Unit which used to enforce the law when the Kangema MP was the Transport minister are now working directly under Michuki and are not seen to effectively enforce the same rules he (Michuki) is being praised to have enforced.
Then when people get the chance to read honest and unbiased commentaries they realize how the media are cooking up stories for the individuals they hate.
What the media has done is that they have tried to make it appear that the Minister of Transport is a mere "Matatu" Minister and nothing more. They are blinding an unsuspecting public not to see the developments taking place under this ministry. Remember the MSCR study findings: “causes moral torture to the general public who are the direct consumers of information. “
Although people might have noticed, but it is a fact that no one has ever placed blame on the two individuals who have manned the Road and Public Works docket, Raila Odinga and his successor Simon Nyachae. Poor roads and the state of affairs of our roads system is so bad such that one wonders what the ministers in this docket have been doing. The Langa’ta MP when he was in-charge at this ministry at one time returned the money to the Treasury while the country’s roads are worst in the Eastern Africa sub-region. We used to read editorials describing the roads conditions but you never heard Raila being blamed when he manned that docket nor Nyachae being blamed.
Why are you being so naive, Mr Mungatana?
Three Ministers-Mwakwere, Morris Dzorro (Tourism and Wildlife) and Suleman Shakombo (State VP Office, for National Heritage) cannot all be wrong. And Dunson Mungatana a ( thirty-something) junior minister cannot be right in his thinking that the Ministers’ support for Harrison Kombe in the Magarini seat by-election is an imposition.
The Garsen MP wants President Kibaki to think that the ministers are wrong in their support for the immediate former MP Kombe simply because Shirikisho Party Kenya of which Kombe is his party of choice will seek to recapture his seat with is in ODM-Kenya.
If one may ask Mungatana, isn’t Kanu in ODM-K and aren’t there Kanu MPs serving in the Kibaki-led GNU government at Cabinet level? One would have thought Mungatana to be a clever and smart young lawyer legislator, but he isn’t. He is acting more like an ignorant and naïve leader. We all know that in Kenya it doesn’t matter where one’s party is allied to. It is the individual’s personal position and or stand that matters. Kombe who has the support of the three Coastal Ministers is not only a Mijikenda in a Mijikenda constituency, but has also consistently voted with the Government when it counted.
Mungatana might want to pretend he is above the tribal lines by supporting a mzungu candidate for NARC Kenya. He is either kidding or fooling himself if he thinks people will take him seriously. There is a reason why the three individuals are Cabinet Ministers and he is a junior minister. It not just a coincidence.
_______________________
omarahmedali@gmail.com
http://www.timesnews.co.ke/22april07/editorials/bscripts.html
From what I have read, the study findings are so precise such that it is apparent that the media has failed Kenyans and the country. The media has faired worse than the politicians who are always blamed to have failed the country and left it to the dogs.
Being in a position where I did not see the study findings in their entirely, but only reading from what has been published in the media; from that stand point, I have several remarks to make. One media report notes: “The MSCR says that there are rampant cases of ethical violations against social responsibility and public interest, professional integrity, respect for human rights and search for truth.” The study continues: “Most Kenyan journalists have failed to make sound moral decisions and judgement, thus jeopardising truth and objectivity which are pillars of the media industry.” In this area the study indicated that the newspapers scored highly on the count of accuracy but poorly on fairness.
As human-beings, we are all culprits of certain pre-conceived prejudices, biases and bigotry. Majority of these biases and prejudices have no affect on others as they are secretly kept by respective individuals and in most instances are applied clandestinely. But when it is practised by the media and when it goes beyond bias, it becomes very harmful, wrong and unacceptable.
The media houses can be and are very harmful to the national development. We know that the scribes are trained to write in a tactical manner that can look or appear as if their writing is unbiased in their effort to influence the thinking of their unsuspecting public. This style is reporting is what the MSCR study findings concluded that to be the cause of moral torture to the general public who are the direct consumers of information.
Yes, in the simplest language this commentary will show how the media in Kenyan is a culprit of bad biases and prejudice. But first to clear the air, let me first talk about thyself as a columnist and political commentator. I for one do not deny some bias, but I have always made it very clear on the onset that when I support an individual I have bee the consistent in stating so without hiding such a fact. I never distort a fact but instead bring all the available facts to the table for all and sundry to see and challenge if they so wish.
Take the case of my strong support for President Mwai Kibaki and his Government of National Unity. Conventional wisdom would have it I should support the Opposition, but I don’t and do not hide that fact. One can be tempted to ask me this question: ‘Is President Kibaki a tribalist?’ My answer is there is no shadow of doubt about that – looking at appointments in his Government; the President’s tribe is given most of the plum jobs. The only explanation for this is tribalism, no matter any way one looks at it.
There might come yet another question: ‘Do you think Kibaki is the best President for Kenya? My answer: ‘You bet he is. Looking at a bigger picture, Kibaki although favours his kinsmen; he at the same time also gives other tribes a chance. Kibaki has a completely different modus operandi as opposed to his two predecessors- former presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.
Another example of someone I support is the Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere. I have never pretended otherwise when it comes to my support for this Coastal political leader. And like my support for Kibaki, I do not hide my support for the Matuga MP. The former Foreign Affairs Minister is the best Coastal legislator and he stands as one among equals nationally in all aspects of his career — from the National Assembly to the Cabinet where he has had the privilege to serve in three ministerial dockets.
Some of us are candid in stating our position for those we think deserve our support, but others use tactical moves with their hidden biases on the pretext of being impartial in their likings and support or hatred.
This brings me to this question: What cardinal sin did Mwakwere commit such that he is hated so much by a section of some media houses-hated to the level of "religious fanaticism." It is possible that, Mwakwere refused "to play ball" in declining to ensure the scribes give his positive media image. Or is it perhaps there are some politicians, his colleagues probably influencing some media persons to discredit the Minister in order to hinder his soaring career?
Let me explain this situation further. I can say with certainty that some certain newspapers editorial teams always look into the opportunity to fault Mwakwere. Take for instance as a prefect example the Daily Nation’s April 12, 2007 editorial titled ‘Ministry can do better’. The editorial although referring to the Roads and Public Works Ministry after the ministry’s Assistant Minister Joshua Toro, admission in Parliament that the State was unable to instill discipline on the road. This editorial craving to somehow look to fault Mwakwere for anything that pertains to the transportation notes in part: “Cabinet Minister John Michuki, as Transport Minister, made name precisely because of introducing and enforcing tough traffic rules that saw dramatic decline in road accidents. The current occupant of that office, Mr Ali Mwakwere, of course, has made a mess of it.”
The editorial is not placing any praise to the former OP Provincial Administration and National Security Minister Dr Christopher Murungaru under whom the cops, Traffic Police unit worked under when traffic law enforcement was at its best in the country. In addition the editorial does not see anything wrong now where ironically the same Traffic Police Unit which used to enforce the law when the Kangema MP was the Transport minister are now working directly under Michuki and are not seen to effectively enforce the same rules he (Michuki) is being praised to have enforced.
Then when people get the chance to read honest and unbiased commentaries they realize how the media are cooking up stories for the individuals they hate.
What the media has done is that they have tried to make it appear that the Minister of Transport is a mere "Matatu" Minister and nothing more. They are blinding an unsuspecting public not to see the developments taking place under this ministry. Remember the MSCR study findings: “causes moral torture to the general public who are the direct consumers of information. “
Although people might have noticed, but it is a fact that no one has ever placed blame on the two individuals who have manned the Road and Public Works docket, Raila Odinga and his successor Simon Nyachae. Poor roads and the state of affairs of our roads system is so bad such that one wonders what the ministers in this docket have been doing. The Langa’ta MP when he was in-charge at this ministry at one time returned the money to the Treasury while the country’s roads are worst in the Eastern Africa sub-region. We used to read editorials describing the roads conditions but you never heard Raila being blamed when he manned that docket nor Nyachae being blamed.
Why are you being so naive, Mr Mungatana?
Three Ministers-Mwakwere, Morris Dzorro (Tourism and Wildlife) and Suleman Shakombo (State VP Office, for National Heritage) cannot all be wrong. And Dunson Mungatana a ( thirty-something) junior minister cannot be right in his thinking that the Ministers’ support for Harrison Kombe in the Magarini seat by-election is an imposition.
The Garsen MP wants President Kibaki to think that the ministers are wrong in their support for the immediate former MP Kombe simply because Shirikisho Party Kenya of which Kombe is his party of choice will seek to recapture his seat with is in ODM-Kenya.
If one may ask Mungatana, isn’t Kanu in ODM-K and aren’t there Kanu MPs serving in the Kibaki-led GNU government at Cabinet level? One would have thought Mungatana to be a clever and smart young lawyer legislator, but he isn’t. He is acting more like an ignorant and naïve leader. We all know that in Kenya it doesn’t matter where one’s party is allied to. It is the individual’s personal position and or stand that matters. Kombe who has the support of the three Coastal Ministers is not only a Mijikenda in a Mijikenda constituency, but has also consistently voted with the Government when it counted.
Mungatana might want to pretend he is above the tribal lines by supporting a mzungu candidate for NARC Kenya. He is either kidding or fooling himself if he thinks people will take him seriously. There is a reason why the three individuals are Cabinet Ministers and he is a junior minister. It not just a coincidence.
_______________________
omarahmedali@gmail.com
http://www.timesnews.co.ke/22april07/editorials/bscripts.html
Sunday, April 22, 2007
MAGARINI NIGHTMARE FOR PARTIES
_______________
ERICK OTIENO & ABDALLAH SEIF
THE Magarini by-election that was billed as a test of the political might of Narc Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement Kenya (ODM-K) ahead of the December General Election has into a nightmare for the parties.
The acrimony that has characterised the nominations of the two parties' candidates in the by-election has fomented divisions within the parties that may take a long time to heal. According to political pundits the schisms that have hit the two main contenders for the forthcoming General Election may witness political alignments.
The nomination of candidates to represent the two parties in the polls slated for May 14 has brought out underlying enmity among leaders of the two parties, especially supremacy battles in the Coast Province since the death of Kiasuni MP Karisa Maitha.
And the divisions that marked the search for candidates could be a clue to what awaits the parties at the nominations for parliamentary and civic candidates for the December polls.
In Narc Kenya, the differences pitting Transport Minister, Ali Chirau Mwakwere and Justice Assistant Minister, Danson Mungatana will negatively impact on the party’s already shaky unity and spill to the General Election where they are expected to play pivotal roles in campaigning for Narc Kenya in entire Coast Province.
While Mungatana (Garsen) wanted Narc Kenya to field a candidate in the by-election his Matuga counterpart Mwakwere rallied behind the immediate former MP, Harrison Kombe who is defending his seat on a Shirikisho ticket.
Mungatana had hit the campaign trail drumming up support for his preferred candidate Franco Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian extract even as other Coast leaders led by Mwakwere insisted on Kombe, a fellow Mijikenda, as their choice.
Yesterday, Mungatana told the Sunday Times that he will not participate in the campaigns and dismissed Shirikisho as a party whose sole aim was to curve out Coast Province from the entire country.
Narc-K had four aspirants battling for its ticket until Thursday when they were invited to State House and prevailed upon to step down for Kombe.
Three of the candidates, Esposito, Rev Mweni Katiso and Simon Kahindi were treated yesterday by the
Vice President, Moody Awori at his Funyula home in Busia where he thanked them for accepting to step down for Kombo.
They were accompanied to the meeting by the party’s interim chairman, Asman Kamama, National Heritage Minister, Rashid Shakombo and the party’s Chief Whip, Jayne Kihara, who is also the Naivasha MP.
Awori on his part noted the move by the three to withdraw from the race was brave, and would go a long way in strengthening the nascent party’s unity in the constituency.
He said their decision to support Kombe was in the spirit of the Government of National Unity (GNU), of which the former MP has been a keen supporter.
But Mungatana while ruling out any wrangling in the party over the by-election maintained Narc-K should not have opted out of the poll in favour of an Opposition party.
He said the tenets of Shirikisho as a party were different from those of Narc-K which preaches the spirit of one nation, one people.“There are no feuds in the party, what we have is a group of people who are trying to push a candidate from the Opposition to be elected,” he said on phone.
In the ODM-K, the nominations exercise that ended yesterday after Jefwa Kingi was declared the winner was marked with violence in various polling station.
Kingi was declared the winner after he garnered 1495 votes against his closest rival, Ahmed M Ali who had 758 votes followed by Stephen Taura (399), Willy Mure (173) and Jeremiah Kadzungu (73). The exercise was characterised by fist fights, and allegations of vote buying across the polling centres.
The search for the party’s candidate brought out political differences between presidential hopefuls Raila Odinga and Kalozo Musyoka with allies of the two leaders campaigning for different candidates.Allies of the two presidential aspirants had positioned themselves in the area just days after the seat was declared vacant with each faction trying to impose a candidate for the party.
Like Mwakwere and Mungatana, the ODM-K debacle pitted Mvita MP, Najib Balala and his Malindi counterpart Lucas Maitha.
The two almost exchanged blows last week at the Malindi Eden Rock Hotel before the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary Mumbi Ngaru following disagreements over the mode of nomination.
Balala was said to be pushing for the direct nomination of Kingi, a lawyer, an idea that did not go down well with Maitha who insisted the party pull out of the race and support the immediate former MP whose election was nullified by court.
Kombe is tipped to win the race following support from parties in the GNU including Ford Kenya whose chairman has pledged to personally campaign for him.
____________________
Source: SUNDAY TIMES
April 22, 2007
THE Magarini by-election that was billed as a test of the political might of Narc Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement Kenya (ODM-K) ahead of the December General Election has into a nightmare for the parties.
The acrimony that has characterised the nominations of the two parties' candidates in the by-election has fomented divisions within the parties that may take a long time to heal. According to political pundits the schisms that have hit the two main contenders for the forthcoming General Election may witness political alignments.
The nomination of candidates to represent the two parties in the polls slated for May 14 has brought out underlying enmity among leaders of the two parties, especially supremacy battles in the Coast Province since the death of Kiasuni MP Karisa Maitha.
And the divisions that marked the search for candidates could be a clue to what awaits the parties at the nominations for parliamentary and civic candidates for the December polls.
In Narc Kenya, the differences pitting Transport Minister, Ali Chirau Mwakwere and Justice Assistant Minister, Danson Mungatana will negatively impact on the party’s already shaky unity and spill to the General Election where they are expected to play pivotal roles in campaigning for Narc Kenya in entire Coast Province.
While Mungatana (Garsen) wanted Narc Kenya to field a candidate in the by-election his Matuga counterpart Mwakwere rallied behind the immediate former MP, Harrison Kombe who is defending his seat on a Shirikisho ticket.
Mungatana had hit the campaign trail drumming up support for his preferred candidate Franco Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian extract even as other Coast leaders led by Mwakwere insisted on Kombe, a fellow Mijikenda, as their choice.
Yesterday, Mungatana told the Sunday Times that he will not participate in the campaigns and dismissed Shirikisho as a party whose sole aim was to curve out Coast Province from the entire country.
Narc-K had four aspirants battling for its ticket until Thursday when they were invited to State House and prevailed upon to step down for Kombe.
Three of the candidates, Esposito, Rev Mweni Katiso and Simon Kahindi were treated yesterday by the
Vice President, Moody Awori at his Funyula home in Busia where he thanked them for accepting to step down for Kombo.
They were accompanied to the meeting by the party’s interim chairman, Asman Kamama, National Heritage Minister, Rashid Shakombo and the party’s Chief Whip, Jayne Kihara, who is also the Naivasha MP.
Awori on his part noted the move by the three to withdraw from the race was brave, and would go a long way in strengthening the nascent party’s unity in the constituency.
He said their decision to support Kombe was in the spirit of the Government of National Unity (GNU), of which the former MP has been a keen supporter.
But Mungatana while ruling out any wrangling in the party over the by-election maintained Narc-K should not have opted out of the poll in favour of an Opposition party.
He said the tenets of Shirikisho as a party were different from those of Narc-K which preaches the spirit of one nation, one people.“There are no feuds in the party, what we have is a group of people who are trying to push a candidate from the Opposition to be elected,” he said on phone.
In the ODM-K, the nominations exercise that ended yesterday after Jefwa Kingi was declared the winner was marked with violence in various polling station.
Kingi was declared the winner after he garnered 1495 votes against his closest rival, Ahmed M Ali who had 758 votes followed by Stephen Taura (399), Willy Mure (173) and Jeremiah Kadzungu (73). The exercise was characterised by fist fights, and allegations of vote buying across the polling centres.
The search for the party’s candidate brought out political differences between presidential hopefuls Raila Odinga and Kalozo Musyoka with allies of the two leaders campaigning for different candidates.Allies of the two presidential aspirants had positioned themselves in the area just days after the seat was declared vacant with each faction trying to impose a candidate for the party.
Like Mwakwere and Mungatana, the ODM-K debacle pitted Mvita MP, Najib Balala and his Malindi counterpart Lucas Maitha.
The two almost exchanged blows last week at the Malindi Eden Rock Hotel before the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary Mumbi Ngaru following disagreements over the mode of nomination.
Balala was said to be pushing for the direct nomination of Kingi, a lawyer, an idea that did not go down well with Maitha who insisted the party pull out of the race and support the immediate former MP whose election was nullified by court.
Kombe is tipped to win the race following support from parties in the GNU including Ford Kenya whose chairman has pledged to personally campaign for him.
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Source: SUNDAY TIMES
April 22, 2007
All airports to undergo massive improvement to curb terrorism
Security at all the airports are set for a massive improvement in efforts to combat terrorism and high level crime at transit points.
This will be undertaken by a joint venture of the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Airports Authority.
This will be undertaken by a joint venture of the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Airports Authority.
The project entails training of security personnel, and the upgrading of security equipment.
Transport Minister Ali Chirau Mwakwere said recent terrorist attacks has prompted security agencies and civil aviation sectors to collaborate to ensure safety at the airports.
Kenya Wildlife Services director Julius Kipng'etich said the newly established courses for Kenya Airport Authority security recruits is in line with emerging security risks posed by technological advancements. Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director George Muhoho says 365 Airports security officers have undergone training at Manyani field training school describing it a clear indication of the government's commitment to enhance safety at the airports.
Transport Minister Ali Chirau Mwakwere said recent terrorist attacks has prompted security agencies and civil aviation sectors to collaborate to ensure safety at the airports.
Kenya Wildlife Services director Julius Kipng'etich said the newly established courses for Kenya Airport Authority security recruits is in line with emerging security risks posed by technological advancements. Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director George Muhoho says 365 Airports security officers have undergone training at Manyani field training school describing it a clear indication of the government's commitment to enhance safety at the airports.
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Sources:Kenya Broadcasting Corp.
Written By:Anthony Kaikai , Posted: Sat, Apr 21, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
BILLIONS TO DREDGE
KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY LAUNCHNEW CUSTOMER SERVICE CHARTER
SPECIAL REPORT FROM ABDISHUKRI OSMAN
SPECIAL REPORT FROM ABDISHUKRI OSMAN
Coastweek - - Kenya Government has approved K. Shs. 3.5 billion for dredging works at the port of Mombasa to deepen and widen the channel to allow larger vessels.
This project will be carried in three phases beginning 2007 to run till 2010.
Also work on the design of berth no. 19 is on going and is expected to be complete by 2009. This will increase the current hand-ling capacity of the terminal.
Meanwhile, in yet another effort to realize its vision to be rated amongst the best port in the world in terms of performance and reputation, Kenya Ports Authority has launched its new customer service charter.
This project will be carried in three phases beginning 2007 to run till 2010.
Also work on the design of berth no. 19 is on going and is expected to be complete by 2009. This will increase the current hand-ling capacity of the terminal.
Meanwhile, in yet another effort to realize its vision to be rated amongst the best port in the world in terms of performance and reputation, Kenya Ports Authority has launched its new customer service charter.
Addressing port users at Nyali Beach Hotel over the weekend, Transport Minister Chirau Makwere said the charter will significantly improve the services offered by KPA and enhance its relationship with its customers.
The minister added that the Performance at the port was commendable with traffic in-creasing from 10.6 million tons in 2002 to 14.4 million tons in the year 2006.
"The maritime industry is faced with challenges such as rapid growth in container traffic, increasing ship sizes requiring deeper draughts and better equipment among others," asserted the minister who was accompanied by Assistant Minister Robinson Githae, the Chairman Gen Rtd Joseph Kibwana and the Managing Director Abdlalla Mwaruwa.
The managing Director said the charter will forge better working relationship with the customers and spell out the standards expected of KPA.
He added that it will establish and entrench customer oriented processes and culture in the organization. "This is expected to result in mutual benefits to both the authority and the customers," said the MD.
"The maritime industry is faced with challenges such as rapid growth in container traffic, increasing ship sizes requiring deeper draughts and better equipment among others," asserted the minister who was accompanied by Assistant Minister Robinson Githae, the Chairman Gen Rtd Joseph Kibwana and the Managing Director Abdlalla Mwaruwa.
The managing Director said the charter will forge better working relationship with the customers and spell out the standards expected of KPA.
He added that it will establish and entrench customer oriented processes and culture in the organization. "This is expected to result in mutual benefits to both the authority and the customers," said the MD.
The charter which defines the mandate, business objectives and the service standards of KPA is believed will provide consistent, professional and high quality service that will be delivered in a prompt and responsive manner.
Mr. Mwaruwa also said the port performance over the last five years is a clear evidence that there is need to improve services at the port as more customers are turning towards Mombasa to handles their cargo.
The customer service charter is meant to improve operational and financial performance at the port of Mombasa.
It further promises efficiency, diligence and professionalism not to forget treating customers with courtesy.
The customer service charter is meant to improve operational and financial performance at the port of Mombasa.
It further promises efficiency, diligence and professionalism not to forget treating customers with courtesy.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
War of words looms in Narc-K over Magarini by-election.
A war of words is looming between Coast Members of Parliament affiliated to NARC-Kenya over a decision to field a party's candidate in the forth-coming by-elections in the Magarini constituency.
Garsen MP Danson Mungatana who is also the Justice assistant minister is accusing a section of coast MP'S led by transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere of practicing tribal politics by insinuating that the flower party backs former MP Harrison Kombe whose election was nullified by the court over electoral irregularities.
Mungatana says the party will nominate and field its candidate and defended an aspirant of Italian origin Franco Esposito whom Mwakwere and his group had termed as an outsider.
Over the weekend a section of coastal politicians had said NARC-Kenya should support Kombe, calls Mungatana dismissed saying anyone has a right to vie for any seat despite of their origin.
Meanwhile, Mathira Member of Parliament Nderitu Gachagua said Narc-Kenya should not field a candidate in the Magarini by-elections scheduled for mid next month.
Gachagua said the party should instead support the former MP Harrison Karama Kombe for the Shirikisho party who was kicked out after a court ruling nullified his election. He said the remaining life of parliament is just six months to the general election, and called on Kenyans to give the former mp the opportunity to accomplish the development projects he had initiated.
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Source: Kenya Broadcasting Corp.
http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=42114
Written By:Gakii , Posted: Mon, Apr 16, 2007
Garsen MP Danson Mungatana who is also the Justice assistant minister is accusing a section of coast MP'S led by transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere of practicing tribal politics by insinuating that the flower party backs former MP Harrison Kombe whose election was nullified by the court over electoral irregularities.
Mungatana says the party will nominate and field its candidate and defended an aspirant of Italian origin Franco Esposito whom Mwakwere and his group had termed as an outsider.
Over the weekend a section of coastal politicians had said NARC-Kenya should support Kombe, calls Mungatana dismissed saying anyone has a right to vie for any seat despite of their origin.
Meanwhile, Mathira Member of Parliament Nderitu Gachagua said Narc-Kenya should not field a candidate in the Magarini by-elections scheduled for mid next month.
Gachagua said the party should instead support the former MP Harrison Karama Kombe for the Shirikisho party who was kicked out after a court ruling nullified his election. He said the remaining life of parliament is just six months to the general election, and called on Kenyans to give the former mp the opportunity to accomplish the development projects he had initiated.
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Source: Kenya Broadcasting Corp.
http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=42114
Written By:Gakii , Posted: Mon, Apr 16, 2007
Kenya-Somalia: Gov’t overturns arming cargo ships crew to Somalia
(SomaliNet) The Kenyan Transport minister has dismissed calls to Kenyan Government to provide arms for ships delivering food aid for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia to protect the crew against armed pirates. Mr. Chirau Ali Mwakwere said International protocols and conventions do not allow any country to give arms to commercial merchant ships crew. Kenyan government has ruled out the possibility of Kenya providing arms to cargo ships crew travelling to war-torn Somalia.
"The international protocols and conventions allow only naval ships to carry arms and we cannot violate this regulation," Mwakwere said. Mwakwere said at the weekend that Kenya and Somalia authorities were addressing the issue of pirates. The Minister also advised ship owners to install modern communication gadgets to enable crew make distress calls promptly. He said even if commercial ships crew were to be armed, the issue would fall under the ministries of Defence and Internal Security.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr Leo van dee Velden, said arming commercial vessels crew would not stop attacks on ships. "I think the most effective way is to arrest the pirates on land and not wait until they attack ships at sea," Velden said.-The Standard
Mon. April 16, 2007 06:53 am.- By Bonny Apunyu. -
http://somalinet.com/news/world/East%20Africa/9551
"The international protocols and conventions allow only naval ships to carry arms and we cannot violate this regulation," Mwakwere said. Mwakwere said at the weekend that Kenya and Somalia authorities were addressing the issue of pirates. The Minister also advised ship owners to install modern communication gadgets to enable crew make distress calls promptly. He said even if commercial ships crew were to be armed, the issue would fall under the ministries of Defence and Internal Security.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr Leo van dee Velden, said arming commercial vessels crew would not stop attacks on ships. "I think the most effective way is to arrest the pirates on land and not wait until they attack ships at sea," Velden said.-The Standard
Mon. April 16, 2007 06:53 am.- By Bonny Apunyu. -
http://somalinet.com/news/world/East%20Africa/9551
Mombassa channel to be dredged and widened
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News sources in Africa say the port channel at Mombasa in Kenya will be deepened and widened this year to allow larger ships to call at the port.
The project will reportedly cost the Kenyan Government Sh3.5 billion and needs to be completed soon to avoid the risk of the port being reduced to a feeder port.
Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the Kenyan Government has finally approved a proposal from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for dredging work.
The minister was addressing Mombasa port users last week when he made the announcement.
"The dredging project will be undertaken in three phases starting 2007 to 2010," Mwakwere said, and will be implemented alongside construction of a second container terminal at the port.
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Dredging News Online
A publication for the worldwide dredging industry published by Clarksons
News - April 17, 2007
The project will reportedly cost the Kenyan Government Sh3.5 billion and needs to be completed soon to avoid the risk of the port being reduced to a feeder port.
Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the Kenyan Government has finally approved a proposal from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for dredging work.
The minister was addressing Mombasa port users last week when he made the announcement.
"The dredging project will be undertaken in three phases starting 2007 to 2010," Mwakwere said, and will be implemented alongside construction of a second container terminal at the port.
___________________
Dredging News Online
A publication for the worldwide dredging industry published by Clarksons
News - April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Mombasa upgrade to go ahead
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Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has been given government approval to deepen and widen the Mombasa port channel, news reports said. Development of the Mombasa port channel, costing the government $51 million, will allow larger ships to call at the port.
Kenya's Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere has also announced the launch of a new customer service charter for the KPA. The charter is a response to shipping company complaints about bureaucracy and delays.
The minister said the dredging project would be in three phases, starting this year and continuing to 2010. Mwakwere also mentioned plans to spend $291 million building a second container terminal for Mombasa. He said the projects would modernise Mombasa to meet emerging maritime challenges.
The announcement of the dredging project comes on the back of a memorandum of understanding between KPA and China's Tianjin Port to form a partnership for the bilateral exchange of information, port services and mutual studies.
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Sources: portwolrd
Leaders throw their weight behind Kombe
Story by NATION Correspondents
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Four Mijikenda MPs and elders have vowed to campaign for the re-election of former Magarini MP Harrison Kombe during the May 14 by-election.
Led by the community’s chairman, Mr Ali Said Chizondo, the leaders said Mr Kombe’s election had not been nullified due to “any slip-up on his part.”
The leaders were Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, assistant ministers Joseph Kingi and Anania Mwaboza as well as Kinango MP Gonzi Rai. The four vowed to convince the Magarini electorate to give him the opportunity to complete projects he had initiated.
“There are only five months or so before Parliament is dissolved. By electing a new person as MP, Magarini residents will be putting an amateur who will finish his term without implementing any project,” said Mr Mwakwere in his capacity as Mijikenda spokesman during a press conference in Mombasa yesterday.
Major surprise
They said they will visit Magarini tomorrow to drum up support for Mr Kombe.
Their stand is in direct conflict with that of assistant minister Danson Mungatana who has been campaigning for Mr Franco Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian origin, to stand on a Narc-Kenya ticket.
Mr Mwakwere warned Mr Mungatana to prepare for a major surprise.
ODM presidential hopeful Najib Balala and Malindi MP Lucas Maitha will lead the party’s campaign in Magarini.
Conduct nomination
Mr Maitha said the party would conduct its nomination on April 20. Five ODM aspirants for the seat will be interviewed by a team to be chaired by secretary-general Anyang Nyong’o in Malindi tomorrow.
On the other hand, Narc-Kenya has cleared two candidates for their nomination set for April 21.
“The by-election will be a litmus test for parties ahead of the December General Election. Its results will greatly tell Kenyans what will happen in December,” said Mr Balala in Malindi yesterday. He said the party had a point to make in Magarini.
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Daily Nation
16 April 2007
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Four Mijikenda MPs and elders have vowed to campaign for the re-election of former Magarini MP Harrison Kombe during the May 14 by-election.
Led by the community’s chairman, Mr Ali Said Chizondo, the leaders said Mr Kombe’s election had not been nullified due to “any slip-up on his part.”
The leaders were Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, assistant ministers Joseph Kingi and Anania Mwaboza as well as Kinango MP Gonzi Rai. The four vowed to convince the Magarini electorate to give him the opportunity to complete projects he had initiated.
“There are only five months or so before Parliament is dissolved. By electing a new person as MP, Magarini residents will be putting an amateur who will finish his term without implementing any project,” said Mr Mwakwere in his capacity as Mijikenda spokesman during a press conference in Mombasa yesterday.
Major surprise
They said they will visit Magarini tomorrow to drum up support for Mr Kombe.
Their stand is in direct conflict with that of assistant minister Danson Mungatana who has been campaigning for Mr Franco Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian origin, to stand on a Narc-Kenya ticket.
Mr Mwakwere warned Mr Mungatana to prepare for a major surprise.
ODM presidential hopeful Najib Balala and Malindi MP Lucas Maitha will lead the party’s campaign in Magarini.
Conduct nomination
Mr Maitha said the party would conduct its nomination on April 20. Five ODM aspirants for the seat will be interviewed by a team to be chaired by secretary-general Anyang Nyong’o in Malindi tomorrow.
On the other hand, Narc-Kenya has cleared two candidates for their nomination set for April 21.
“The by-election will be a litmus test for parties ahead of the December General Election. Its results will greatly tell Kenyans what will happen in December,” said Mr Balala in Malindi yesterday. He said the party had a point to make in Magarini.
____________
Daily Nation
16 April 2007
Plan to allow large ships to dock
In the picture is the Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakere (right) is welcomed to the Nyali Beach Hotel by port users to launch the Kenya Ports Authority Customer Service Charter. The organisation is set to begin a project that will open up the port to larger vessels. Photo/ GIDEON MAUNDU_______________
The Government has approved a Sh3.5 billion project by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to dredge the Likoni channel, to allow larger vessels to call at the port of Mombasa.
The project which will be done in three phases, is set to begin before the end of the year and run up to 2010.
Although the port has been growing in terms of business and tonnage, there has been a danger of the facility being turned into a feeder port, due to a shallow and narrow channel that cannot allow bigger ships to dock.
Deeper draughts
“The maritime industry is faced with challenges such as rapid growth in container traffic, increasing ship sizes requiring deeper draughts and better equipment, as well as heightened competition between ports,” said the minister for Transport Chirau Ali Mwakwere at the weekend.
He was speaking at a hotel during the launch of the KPA customer service charter.
The port of Mombasa is already faced with stiff competition from the that of Dar es Salaam, which has undertaken major modernisation of its facilities and reduced bureaucracy.
Pegging this
Customers at the Mombasa port have been complaining of delays in clearing goods, pegging this to a poor information flow network, too much paper work and a lethargic staff.
He said there were already plans to construct a second container terminal at the port, and noted that a Japanese company had been identified for the project.
KPA managing director Abdalla Mwaruwa, said the port’s modernisation was already afoot and will see the establishment of the Kilindini Waterfront System, which will automate port operations and reduce cargo clearance time.
“An electronic data interchange system has now been implemented allowing agents to electronically lodge manifest with both KPA and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KPA),” he said. He said the corporation had already taken measures to address various complaints raised by customers, as it moves towards realising its vision to be rated among the top 20 ports in the world.
____________
Daily Nation
16 April 2007
The project which will be done in three phases, is set to begin before the end of the year and run up to 2010.
Although the port has been growing in terms of business and tonnage, there has been a danger of the facility being turned into a feeder port, due to a shallow and narrow channel that cannot allow bigger ships to dock.
Deeper draughts
“The maritime industry is faced with challenges such as rapid growth in container traffic, increasing ship sizes requiring deeper draughts and better equipment, as well as heightened competition between ports,” said the minister for Transport Chirau Ali Mwakwere at the weekend.
He was speaking at a hotel during the launch of the KPA customer service charter.
The port of Mombasa is already faced with stiff competition from the that of Dar es Salaam, which has undertaken major modernisation of its facilities and reduced bureaucracy.
Pegging this
Customers at the Mombasa port have been complaining of delays in clearing goods, pegging this to a poor information flow network, too much paper work and a lethargic staff.
He said there were already plans to construct a second container terminal at the port, and noted that a Japanese company had been identified for the project.
KPA managing director Abdalla Mwaruwa, said the port’s modernisation was already afoot and will see the establishment of the Kilindini Waterfront System, which will automate port operations and reduce cargo clearance time.
“An electronic data interchange system has now been implemented allowing agents to electronically lodge manifest with both KPA and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KPA),” he said. He said the corporation had already taken measures to address various complaints raised by customers, as it moves towards realising its vision to be rated among the top 20 ports in the world.
____________
Daily Nation
16 April 2007
Minister opposes arming of sailors
Story by Patrick Beja
The Government has ruled out the possibility of Kenya providing arms to cargo ships crew travelling to war-torn Somalia.
Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, said international protocols and conventions do not allow any country to give arms to commercial merchant ships crew.
Mwakwere dismissed calls to Government to provide arms for ships delivering food aid for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia to protect the crew against armed pirates.
"The international protocols and conventions allow only naval ships to carry arms and we cannot violate this regulation," Mwakwere said.
Speaking to The Standard in Mombasa at the weekend, Mwakwere said Kenya and Somalia authorities were addressing the issue of pirates.
He also advised ship owners to install modern communication gadgets to enable crew make distress calls promptly.
The minister said even if commercial ships crew were to be armed, the issue would fall under the ministries of Defence and Internal Security.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr Leo van dee Velden, said arming commercial vessels crew would not stop attacks on ships.
"I think the most effective way is to arrest the pirates on land and not wait until they attack ships at sea," Velden said.
__________________
Sources: The Standard
April 16, 2007
http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143967400
The Government has ruled out the possibility of Kenya providing arms to cargo ships crew travelling to war-torn Somalia.
Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, said international protocols and conventions do not allow any country to give arms to commercial merchant ships crew.
Mwakwere dismissed calls to Government to provide arms for ships delivering food aid for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia to protect the crew against armed pirates.
"The international protocols and conventions allow only naval ships to carry arms and we cannot violate this regulation," Mwakwere said.
Speaking to The Standard in Mombasa at the weekend, Mwakwere said Kenya and Somalia authorities were addressing the issue of pirates.
He also advised ship owners to install modern communication gadgets to enable crew make distress calls promptly.
The minister said even if commercial ships crew were to be armed, the issue would fall under the ministries of Defence and Internal Security.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr Leo van dee Velden, said arming commercial vessels crew would not stop attacks on ships.
"I think the most effective way is to arrest the pirates on land and not wait until they attack ships at sea," Velden said.
__________________
Sources: The Standard
April 16, 2007
http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143967400
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Free markets and matatu saga
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Story by DIANA PATEL
Prof Stephen Parente and Nobel Prize winning economist Edward C. Prescott, in their seminal book Barriers to Riches, demonstrated in a remarkable mathematical model why incomes do not equalise across countries as classical economic theory predicts.
In a novel and insightful supporting study, Parente and Prescott showed that cross country differences in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) were a significant factor in the failure of the expected equalisation to occur.
The reason TFP and thus incomes differ among countries is attributed to government policies that protect industry insiders by imposing restrictions on work practices and choice of technology. Vested interests use their influence and insider status to gain monopoly protection that leads to inefficiencies and less than optimal use of resources. TFP in such environments is lower and thus resources flow at a proportionally lower rate.
Monopoly, oligopoly and government protection are well known in Kenya, and not only explain much of the country’s poverty, but also much of the disparity in incomes between the rich and poor. The rich sometimes get richer by using their access to government machinery to award themselves an unfair advantage over their less influential competitors.
Prof Stephen Parente and Nobel Prize winning economist Edward C. Prescott, in their seminal book Barriers to Riches, demonstrated in a remarkable mathematical model why incomes do not equalise across countries as classical economic theory predicts.
In a novel and insightful supporting study, Parente and Prescott showed that cross country differences in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) were a significant factor in the failure of the expected equalisation to occur.
The reason TFP and thus incomes differ among countries is attributed to government policies that protect industry insiders by imposing restrictions on work practices and choice of technology. Vested interests use their influence and insider status to gain monopoly protection that leads to inefficiencies and less than optimal use of resources. TFP in such environments is lower and thus resources flow at a proportionally lower rate.
Monopoly, oligopoly and government protection are well known in Kenya, and not only explain much of the country’s poverty, but also much of the disparity in incomes between the rich and poor. The rich sometimes get richer by using their access to government machinery to award themselves an unfair advantage over their less influential competitors.
While no claims have been made that influence was a factor in the recent 14-seater matatu saga, it’s striking that there was no public debate and minimal discussion before Legal Notice 111/2006 was quietly gazetted on August 18 last year. Whether through influence or omission, clearly a mistake was made, and in February this year, in an admirable display of intellectual honesty, the mistake was corrected by Transport minister for Chirau Ali Mwakwere.
It may be regrettable that some businesses invested in new buses on the strength of the notorious gazette notice, but it would be far worse if this travesty of justice and affront to the spirit of free competition were to take effect, leaving the average Kenyan at the mercy of an oligarchic transport industry with its inevitable increase in fares.
HOW DOES THE LITTLE GUY PULL himself out of poverty when certain industries become the sole preserve of the rich by government fiat? Income differentials will increase if free competition is restricted.
If it is true, as claimed by one city commuter transporter, that 25-seater buses make economic sense, then the free market will push the 14-seater matatus out. But it is difficult to believe there is no role for smaller vehicles, particularly in low density areas of town. What would happen to areas in which it is difficult to fill a 25-seater? People will wait, and people will walk. And it is even more difficult to believe that 14-seaters are unpopular if it requires a law to eliminate them! These matatus exist because they provide an affordable service.
Claims of deterioration in matatu behaviour since the Michuki rules were overturned are neither here nor there. Regulations are still in place governing road worthiness, as are traffic rules and speed limits.
Other arguments citing congestion in the city centre are equally misplaced. Most countries penalise single-passenger vehicles, building new roads, giving right of way to buses, and providing adequate parking to reduce the endless driving around looking for space. It is inequitable to make the poor suffer to keep roads clear for sleek cars and limousines and it’s inefficient in terms of moving large numbers of people.
Mr Mwakwere saw the point and reversed a hastily made and poorly considered decision. He should be commended.
_______________________
Ms Patel, an economist, is the managing director of Avenue Healthcare
Sources; Daily Nation
Saturday, April 14, 2007
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&newsid=95860
It may be regrettable that some businesses invested in new buses on the strength of the notorious gazette notice, but it would be far worse if this travesty of justice and affront to the spirit of free competition were to take effect, leaving the average Kenyan at the mercy of an oligarchic transport industry with its inevitable increase in fares.
HOW DOES THE LITTLE GUY PULL himself out of poverty when certain industries become the sole preserve of the rich by government fiat? Income differentials will increase if free competition is restricted.
If it is true, as claimed by one city commuter transporter, that 25-seater buses make economic sense, then the free market will push the 14-seater matatus out. But it is difficult to believe there is no role for smaller vehicles, particularly in low density areas of town. What would happen to areas in which it is difficult to fill a 25-seater? People will wait, and people will walk. And it is even more difficult to believe that 14-seaters are unpopular if it requires a law to eliminate them! These matatus exist because they provide an affordable service.
Claims of deterioration in matatu behaviour since the Michuki rules were overturned are neither here nor there. Regulations are still in place governing road worthiness, as are traffic rules and speed limits.
Other arguments citing congestion in the city centre are equally misplaced. Most countries penalise single-passenger vehicles, building new roads, giving right of way to buses, and providing adequate parking to reduce the endless driving around looking for space. It is inequitable to make the poor suffer to keep roads clear for sleek cars and limousines and it’s inefficient in terms of moving large numbers of people.
Mr Mwakwere saw the point and reversed a hastily made and poorly considered decision. He should be commended.
_______________________
Ms Patel, an economist, is the managing director of Avenue Healthcare
Sources; Daily Nation
Saturday, April 14, 2007
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=25&newsid=95860
Friday, April 13, 2007
SIA Cargo seek Kenyan bounty
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13-Apr-2007 : SINGAPORE Airlines Cargo (SIA Cargo), has commenced a once-weekly service to Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi is the fourth city in Africa and the 75th destination in the airline’s passenger and cargo network. SIA Cargo expects the new service to boost growing freight business links between Kenya and Singapore.
Bilateral trade has been steadily increasing for some years and includes IT and telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals and electronics on the import side and flowers and agricultural produce on the export side.“We look forward to serving the people of Kenya by providing trade links not only between our two countries but also between South East Asia, South West Pacific and other key markets,” said Zainul Aljunied, SIA Cargo’s vice-president for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey.
The Honourable Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Kenya’s Minister for Transport added: “The entry of Singapore Airlines in the cargo transport business between Kenya and Singapore and Europe will greatly boost the import and export business between the East African region and the Far East as well as with Europe.”
Sources: aircargo news
the worlds best-read air cargo newspaper
Mwakwere is innocent over road chaos
By Joseph Odongo Manyala
In the past few months, a lot has been said about deaths through road accidents.Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere and the ministry have been blamed for the mess on our roads. The media have even suggested that the minister is sleeping on the job. Strangely, even Parliament has bought into the propaganda. If we are interested in solving the problem, then the truth must be told.
The truth is that before the introduction of the Legal Notice number 161 of October, 2003, more than 3,000 people would die in road accidents a year. Globally, up to 1.2 million people a year would perish, 85 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa although the region has only four per cent of the world’s vehicles. From the statistics, Kenya contributed a large percentage of the deaths in road crashes.
The Transport ministry, therefore, came to the conclusion that if nothing was done to reduce road accidents, then the number of deaths would outstrip those caused by malaria and HIV/Aids. This was the rationale behind the legal notice. It came to force in February 2004, and since then the benefits have been evident for all to see. Deaths on the road decreased, especially during the first six months, by 73 per cent.
This was because more than 2,000 public service vehicle drivers were removed from our roads, some for using fake licences. Most unroadworthy vehicles were also removed, but most importantly was the support of the public. At that initial stage, traffic police performed their duties wonderfully.
It can be recalled that joint crackdowns were carried out in Nairobi, led by the Transport ministry, Transport Licensing Board, Traffic Police and even the Administration Police. This outcome was good and in 2005, the death toll reduced from more than 3,000 to 2500. Last year, the number went up to 2,700 deaths.
There are many factors that cause road accidents — 85 per cent are the result of human error: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving without valid licences — 11 per cent due to mechanical defects and four per cent due to environmental factors, including poor roads, animals and lack of road signs.
Human error is still the major cause of accidents. This is not under the control of the Transport minister or the agencies under the ministry. It has everything to do with road users. Every road user must know what is required by the Traffic Act and should follow the Highway Code. It is never the function of the minister to ensure that a pedestrian crosses the road at the right place or a passenger wears a seat belt.
Commuters know it is illegal to board overloaded vehicles. It is, therefore, their responsibility to give overloaded vehicles a wide berth. If laws are not observed, the traffic police should arrest and charge the culprits. Enforcement of the law falls under the Internal Security minister, not Transport.
According to the Traffic Act, Sections 69 and 105, uniformed police should stop a vehicle and check whether it is overloaded. When TLB and the Motor Vehicles Inspection Unit want to inspect a vehicle, they must use the police. If the law is not being enforced, the enforcers are sleeping on the job and the Transport minister should not be made to carry their cross.
Unroadworthy vehicles also cause road accidents. It is the responsibility of vehicle owners to ensure that the vehicles are in good shape. The police should seize them and charge the owners. Again the Transport minister has no role in this.
On poor roads, the Roads and Public Works ministry should take responsibility, not the Minister for Transport.
________________________
Sources: The Standard,
Published, April 13, 2007
**Mr. J.O. Manyala is the Assistant Director of Information at the Transport ministry
In the past few months, a lot has been said about deaths through road accidents.Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere and the ministry have been blamed for the mess on our roads. The media have even suggested that the minister is sleeping on the job. Strangely, even Parliament has bought into the propaganda. If we are interested in solving the problem, then the truth must be told.
The truth is that before the introduction of the Legal Notice number 161 of October, 2003, more than 3,000 people would die in road accidents a year. Globally, up to 1.2 million people a year would perish, 85 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa although the region has only four per cent of the world’s vehicles. From the statistics, Kenya contributed a large percentage of the deaths in road crashes.
The Transport ministry, therefore, came to the conclusion that if nothing was done to reduce road accidents, then the number of deaths would outstrip those caused by malaria and HIV/Aids. This was the rationale behind the legal notice. It came to force in February 2004, and since then the benefits have been evident for all to see. Deaths on the road decreased, especially during the first six months, by 73 per cent.
This was because more than 2,000 public service vehicle drivers were removed from our roads, some for using fake licences. Most unroadworthy vehicles were also removed, but most importantly was the support of the public. At that initial stage, traffic police performed their duties wonderfully.
It can be recalled that joint crackdowns were carried out in Nairobi, led by the Transport ministry, Transport Licensing Board, Traffic Police and even the Administration Police. This outcome was good and in 2005, the death toll reduced from more than 3,000 to 2500. Last year, the number went up to 2,700 deaths.
There are many factors that cause road accidents — 85 per cent are the result of human error: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving without valid licences — 11 per cent due to mechanical defects and four per cent due to environmental factors, including poor roads, animals and lack of road signs.
Human error is still the major cause of accidents. This is not under the control of the Transport minister or the agencies under the ministry. It has everything to do with road users. Every road user must know what is required by the Traffic Act and should follow the Highway Code. It is never the function of the minister to ensure that a pedestrian crosses the road at the right place or a passenger wears a seat belt.
Commuters know it is illegal to board overloaded vehicles. It is, therefore, their responsibility to give overloaded vehicles a wide berth. If laws are not observed, the traffic police should arrest and charge the culprits. Enforcement of the law falls under the Internal Security minister, not Transport.
According to the Traffic Act, Sections 69 and 105, uniformed police should stop a vehicle and check whether it is overloaded. When TLB and the Motor Vehicles Inspection Unit want to inspect a vehicle, they must use the police. If the law is not being enforced, the enforcers are sleeping on the job and the Transport minister should not be made to carry their cross.
Unroadworthy vehicles also cause road accidents. It is the responsibility of vehicle owners to ensure that the vehicles are in good shape. The police should seize them and charge the owners. Again the Transport minister has no role in this.
On poor roads, the Roads and Public Works ministry should take responsibility, not the Minister for Transport.
________________________
Sources: The Standard,
Published, April 13, 2007
**Mr. J.O. Manyala is the Assistant Director of Information at the Transport ministry
http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143967253&date=13/4/2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Uncertainty over hostages' release / Mediator withdraws from talks
By Atul Aneja
MANAMA, AUG. 1. Negotiations to seek the release of seven persons, including three Indians who had been taken hostage in Iraq, appear to have hit a last-minute snag, with the Iraqi mediator, Sheikh Hisham Al Dulaimi, announcing his withdrawal from the talks.
"I am withdrawing because I have reached no agreement with the [men's employer] Kuwaitis," Mr. Al Dulaimi said.
He said he had received a letter signed by the commander of the Islamic Secret Army asking him to withdraw from the negotiations if no agreement was reached by 6 p.m. (8.30 IST). Quoting from the letter, he said the kidnappers would then take "appropriate measures with regard to the hostages."
Mr. Al Dulaimi denied agency reports from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, quoting the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, that all the hostages, including three Kenyans and an Egyptian, had been released and brought to the Egyptian Embassy in Baghdad. "This is all news to me," AFP quoted him as saying.
'False statement'
The Iraqi negotiator said the Kuwaiti transport company, Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL), was "not responding to us." KGL had agreed to cease its operations in Iraq, as had been demanded by the kidnappers, but was "still arguing" about the payment of compensation to the families in Fallujah that had suffered due to American aerial bombardment of the city. Asked to comment on the Iraqi mediator's remarks, the KGL spokesperson, Rana Abu Zaineh, told The Hindu that she hoped that "Mr. Al Dulaimi would reconsider his statement and continue with the negotiations." Asked to comment on whether the hostages had been freed, she said: "This is a false statement by the Kenyan Foreign Minister."
The captives' release had earlier appeared imminent when Mr. Al Dulaimi made a statement this afternoon that a breakthrough could be achieved during the day.
Speaking on Al Araybia television, Mr. Al Dulaimi, in response to a question said that an "agreement" with the kidnappers belonging to the Black Banners Brigade of the Islamic Secret Army was likely. Asked specifically whether the hostages would be released today, Mr. Al Dulaimi said: "Yes, we hope so."
Company was optimistic
Striking an equally optimistic note, the KGL spokesperson had said that the talks were in their final stages and the settlement with the kidnappers could be reached at any time. Asked whether the kidnappers would need to extend the deadline that they had set for executing a hostage by another 24 hours, Ms. Rana had said: "I do not think so, unless there are some procedural matters that may have to be cleared."
Indicating that an end to the hostage crisis was near, the Kenyan Foreign Minister was quoted as saying that, "They're (the kidnappers) ready to release them right away. It's a question now of where." Mr. Mwakwere said that Kenya's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia was on his way to Kuwait to receive the Kenyan hostages in the event of a possible release.
Mr. Al Dulaimi had told Al Araybia television during the day that KGL did not have to pay compensation for the losses suffered for the people of Fallujah. He had pointed out that the demand for compensation was "political" and was "out of the purview of the company."
Sources; The Hindu-- Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday,
Aug 02, 2004
MANAMA, AUG. 1. Negotiations to seek the release of seven persons, including three Indians who had been taken hostage in Iraq, appear to have hit a last-minute snag, with the Iraqi mediator, Sheikh Hisham Al Dulaimi, announcing his withdrawal from the talks.
"I am withdrawing because I have reached no agreement with the [men's employer] Kuwaitis," Mr. Al Dulaimi said.
He said he had received a letter signed by the commander of the Islamic Secret Army asking him to withdraw from the negotiations if no agreement was reached by 6 p.m. (8.30 IST). Quoting from the letter, he said the kidnappers would then take "appropriate measures with regard to the hostages."
Mr. Al Dulaimi denied agency reports from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, quoting the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, that all the hostages, including three Kenyans and an Egyptian, had been released and brought to the Egyptian Embassy in Baghdad. "This is all news to me," AFP quoted him as saying.
'False statement'
The Iraqi negotiator said the Kuwaiti transport company, Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL), was "not responding to us." KGL had agreed to cease its operations in Iraq, as had been demanded by the kidnappers, but was "still arguing" about the payment of compensation to the families in Fallujah that had suffered due to American aerial bombardment of the city. Asked to comment on the Iraqi mediator's remarks, the KGL spokesperson, Rana Abu Zaineh, told The Hindu that she hoped that "Mr. Al Dulaimi would reconsider his statement and continue with the negotiations." Asked to comment on whether the hostages had been freed, she said: "This is a false statement by the Kenyan Foreign Minister."
The captives' release had earlier appeared imminent when Mr. Al Dulaimi made a statement this afternoon that a breakthrough could be achieved during the day.
Speaking on Al Araybia television, Mr. Al Dulaimi, in response to a question said that an "agreement" with the kidnappers belonging to the Black Banners Brigade of the Islamic Secret Army was likely. Asked specifically whether the hostages would be released today, Mr. Al Dulaimi said: "Yes, we hope so."
Company was optimistic
Striking an equally optimistic note, the KGL spokesperson had said that the talks were in their final stages and the settlement with the kidnappers could be reached at any time. Asked whether the kidnappers would need to extend the deadline that they had set for executing a hostage by another 24 hours, Ms. Rana had said: "I do not think so, unless there are some procedural matters that may have to be cleared."
Indicating that an end to the hostage crisis was near, the Kenyan Foreign Minister was quoted as saying that, "They're (the kidnappers) ready to release them right away. It's a question now of where." Mr. Mwakwere said that Kenya's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia was on his way to Kuwait to receive the Kenyan hostages in the event of a possible release.
Mr. Al Dulaimi had told Al Araybia television during the day that KGL did not have to pay compensation for the losses suffered for the people of Fallujah. He had pointed out that the demand for compensation was "political" and was "out of the purview of the company."
Sources; The Hindu-- Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday,
Aug 02, 2004
Kenya will not deploy peacekeepers in Somalia: FM
NAIROBI, Feb. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Kenya will not send peacekeepers inwar-torn Somalia, Foreign Affairs Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said Tuesday, adding that involving its troops in combat with Somali marauding militias would compromise its mediation role in the region.
Mwakwere told a news conference in Nairobi that Kenya was willing to send peace monitors and provide logistical aid for the deployment of the peacekeepers, which was approved by the African Union summit in Abuja last week.
"We have decided not to send a peacekeeping force but we will send monitors or observers and provide food aid and other forms ofsupport to the peacekeepers," Mwakwere said in Nairobi upon his return from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he attended a meeting on anti-terrorism.
"Because of the location and the role Kenya has played, we willcontinue to serve as center of activities for developments in Somalia," the minister added.
He said the governments of Djibouti, Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopiahave expressed their commitment to supporting a peace mission for Somalia by providing troops to help the exiled government currently based in neighboring Kenya relocate to the chaotic country.
He said Ethiopia has pledged the largest battalion of soldiers and equipment, followed by Uganda, Sudan and Djibouti, which will send a military detachment to Somalia.
The foreign minister said the east African nation's leading role as the chief mediator in Somalia would be compromised if its troops are associated with acts of misdeeds during the peacekeeping mission.
"We are talking about personnel and the arms to be used during the monitoring, the possibilities of groups taking sides. It is important that we do not take sides," Mwakwere said.
The newly created transitional government of Somalia, however, remains in Nairobi, where it was set up, because security concernsand lack of resources have prevented members of the administrationfrom moving to Mogadishu, the Somali capital.
The IGAD Defense Ministers Council is set to meet in Kampala later this week to fine-tune plans for the deployment of the troops.
Kenya said it would be represented at the meeting, which will also discuss alleged opposition to peacekeepers by Islamic fundamentalists.
Last October, Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed asked the pan African body, the African Union (AU) for 20,000 peacekeepers to help disarm militias and provide a safe environment for the return of the Somali government.
The AU which in January accepted in principle the deployment ofAfrican troops to Somalia, bestowed Inter-Governmental Authority Development (IGAD) nations with the responsibility of initial troop deployment pending the arrival of the AU troops.
Diplomatic sources said that a study team is expected to go to Somalia on Friday to assess the situation before troops finally arrive in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
Over the weekend, the Somali government accepted the deploymentof a peace mission to the country but the decision was met with stiff opposition from the warlords who control fiefdoms across thecountry.
For almost 14 years, warlords and their militias loyal to specific clans and sub-clans have been battling each other and civilians for control over certain areas of the country, with no central authority to stop their actions. Enditem
www.chinaview.cn
2005-02-08 22:42:52
Mwakwere told a news conference in Nairobi that Kenya was willing to send peace monitors and provide logistical aid for the deployment of the peacekeepers, which was approved by the African Union summit in Abuja last week.
"We have decided not to send a peacekeeping force but we will send monitors or observers and provide food aid and other forms ofsupport to the peacekeepers," Mwakwere said in Nairobi upon his return from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he attended a meeting on anti-terrorism.
"Because of the location and the role Kenya has played, we willcontinue to serve as center of activities for developments in Somalia," the minister added.
He said the governments of Djibouti, Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopiahave expressed their commitment to supporting a peace mission for Somalia by providing troops to help the exiled government currently based in neighboring Kenya relocate to the chaotic country.
He said Ethiopia has pledged the largest battalion of soldiers and equipment, followed by Uganda, Sudan and Djibouti, which will send a military detachment to Somalia.
The foreign minister said the east African nation's leading role as the chief mediator in Somalia would be compromised if its troops are associated with acts of misdeeds during the peacekeeping mission.
"We are talking about personnel and the arms to be used during the monitoring, the possibilities of groups taking sides. It is important that we do not take sides," Mwakwere said.
The newly created transitional government of Somalia, however, remains in Nairobi, where it was set up, because security concernsand lack of resources have prevented members of the administrationfrom moving to Mogadishu, the Somali capital.
The IGAD Defense Ministers Council is set to meet in Kampala later this week to fine-tune plans for the deployment of the troops.
Kenya said it would be represented at the meeting, which will also discuss alleged opposition to peacekeepers by Islamic fundamentalists.
Last October, Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed asked the pan African body, the African Union (AU) for 20,000 peacekeepers to help disarm militias and provide a safe environment for the return of the Somali government.
The AU which in January accepted in principle the deployment ofAfrican troops to Somalia, bestowed Inter-Governmental Authority Development (IGAD) nations with the responsibility of initial troop deployment pending the arrival of the AU troops.
Diplomatic sources said that a study team is expected to go to Somalia on Friday to assess the situation before troops finally arrive in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
Over the weekend, the Somali government accepted the deploymentof a peace mission to the country but the decision was met with stiff opposition from the warlords who control fiefdoms across thecountry.
For almost 14 years, warlords and their militias loyal to specific clans and sub-clans have been battling each other and civilians for control over certain areas of the country, with no central authority to stop their actions. Enditem
www.chinaview.cn
2005-02-08 22:42:52
SPEAKERS CAUTION AGAINST POST-SEPTEMBER 11TH STEREOTYPING, LINKING ISLAM
27/09/2004
Press ReleaseGA/10263
Press ReleaseGA/10263
Fifty-ninth General Assembly
Plenary
11th & 12th Meetings (AM & PM)
_______________________________________________________
Plenary
11th & 12th Meetings (AM & PM)
_______________________________________________________
CHIRAU ALI MWAKWERE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya, welcomed the ongoing efforts to reorganize and revitalize the United Nations. Those efforts must reaffirm the status of the General Assembly as the pre-eminent policy-making body, and should result in a Security Council that was enlarged, democratized, and more representative of the Organization’s membership in the twenty-first century. Thanking the Secretary-General for his efforts to enhance the capacity of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the only United Nations headquarters in a developing country, he also requested a significant increase in the regular budget component of funding for the Nairobi Office, to bring it into line with the administrative and financial arrangements of similar United Nations offices at Geneva and Vienna.
Among other international issues he highlighted the problems caused by the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel landmines, and urged countries to send high-level delegations to the upcoming “Nairobi Summit 2004 on a Mine-Free World” (the first review conference of the Ottawa Convention), to be held from 29 November to 3 December. Kenya had also been at the forefront of regional initiatives to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and welcomed the convening of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region on Conflict and Development, scheduled for 17-20 November in the United Republic of Tanzania.
He noted Kenya’s role in working for peaceful solutions to conflict in the region, as chair of the Southern Sudan Peace Process and the Somali Reconciliation Process. Regarding the southern Sudan, he said that prospects for a final peace agreement were within reach, and that he hoped recent events in the western region of Darfur would not subsume positive developments in resolving the two-decades–long conflict. Progress in Somalia could be seen in last month’s inauguration of a Transitional Federal Parliament, he said, adding that Kenya hoped to witness the installation of the Federal Government of Somalia by the end of the year. He appealed to the international community, and the United Nations in particular, to provide necessary support for infrastructure, security, and capacity-building for the new Government. Kenya, which had long been a major troop-contributing country in peacekeeping operations, called on the international community to assist the African Union in establishing a standby African force that could be a key tool for ensuring peace and stability on the continent.
Turning to the issues of poverty and development, he said that current trends indicated that countries in sub-Saharan Africa would fall short of the Millennium Development Goals. The attainment of those Goals would depend, in part, on how effectively countries in the region deal with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other related communicable diseases. He added that while Kenya received international assistance to contain a severe famine caused by drought this year, additional aid was needed.
_____________________**********________________________
Other dignitaries who spoke in this session are:
ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI, Prime Minister of Malaysia,
FAROUK AL-SHARA, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Syria,
LI ZHAOXING, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China,
N. HASSAN WIRAJUDA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia,
ALBERTO ROMULO, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines,
NIZAR OBAID MADANI, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia,
YOUSEF BIN ALAWI BIN ABDULLAH, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman,
SODYQ SAFAEV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan,
KEITH DESMOND KNIGHT, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica,
CHOE SU HON, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
RADNAABAZARYN ALTANGEREL, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia,
SOMSAVAT LENGSAVAD, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,
HOR NAMHONG, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia,
RASHID MEREDOV, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan,
BILLIE A. MILLER, Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Barbados,
MARWAN MUASHER, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan,
KOSTYANTYN GRYSHCHENKO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine,
MAMADY CONDE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea,
SURAKIART SATHIRATHAI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand,
BAMBA MAMADOU, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire,
LE CONG PHUNG, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam,
RADNAABAZARYN ALTANGEREL, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia,
SOMSAVAT LENGSAVAD, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,
HOR NAMHONG, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia,
RASHID MEREDOV, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan,
BILLIE A. MILLER, Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Barbados,
MARWAN MUASHER, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan,
KOSTYANTYN GRYSHCHENKO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine,
MAMADY CONDE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea,
SURAKIART SATHIRATHAI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand,
BAMBA MAMADOU, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire,
LE CONG PHUNG, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam,
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Mwakwere blesses the refurbished airport terminal II in Mombasa
Transport Minister Hon. Chirau Ali Mwakwere has officially opened the newly renovated state of the art Terminal II at Moi International Airport Mombasa renovated at a cost of Ksh200 million.
The Minister, who was the chief guest, said that his Ministry would continue to facilitate bilateral air service agreements (BASAS) with other countries in order to bring in more airlines to Kenya and support the National Carrier. He said that given the country's rapidly growing economy currently estimated at 5.8 per cent per annum the aviation industry was poised for rapid growth. He added that when the current Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovations are complete the facility will have achieved category I status which would enable direct flights from Nairobi to the United States of America.
Speaking during the occasion, Kenya Airports Authority Man-aging Director George Muhoho said that the renovation of Moi International Airport coincided with the 35th IAAF World Athletic Cross Country Championship, Mombasa 2007. This major sporting event was estimated to bring an estimated 100,000 passengers to the coastal city.He added that the I.A.A.F. Cross Country Championship event would greatly boost the Mombasa and Kenyan economy at large. Mr. Muhoho noted that over 90 per cent of visitors coming into Kenya use the country's airports hence Kenya Airports Authority passion to create the best impression to visitors to Kenya.
The refurbishment of terminal II includes:
• An additional VIP lounge,
• More parking bays,
• An extra traffic lane at the entrance gate,
• Canopies,
• Repainting all the airport facilities,
• Repairing of the roof for both terminal I and terminal II and
• Street lighting within the airport.
Board Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said that KAA since inception in 1991, Kenya Airports Authority had the mandate to maintain and keep high standards of all the airport s and airstrips in the country. The Authority is committed to spend Kshs.15 billion over the next 5 years to maintain various airports and airstrips all over the country.
He also said Kenya Airports Authority was proud to have sponsored the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships with Kshs.15 million as Kenya is synonymous with long distance running which has become a key tourist attraction to the country.
The Minister, who was the chief guest, said that his Ministry would continue to facilitate bilateral air service agreements (BASAS) with other countries in order to bring in more airlines to Kenya and support the National Carrier. He said that given the country's rapidly growing economy currently estimated at 5.8 per cent per annum the aviation industry was poised for rapid growth. He added that when the current Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovations are complete the facility will have achieved category I status which would enable direct flights from Nairobi to the United States of America.
Speaking during the occasion, Kenya Airports Authority Man-aging Director George Muhoho said that the renovation of Moi International Airport coincided with the 35th IAAF World Athletic Cross Country Championship, Mombasa 2007. This major sporting event was estimated to bring an estimated 100,000 passengers to the coastal city.He added that the I.A.A.F. Cross Country Championship event would greatly boost the Mombasa and Kenyan economy at large. Mr. Muhoho noted that over 90 per cent of visitors coming into Kenya use the country's airports hence Kenya Airports Authority passion to create the best impression to visitors to Kenya.
The refurbishment of terminal II includes:
• An additional VIP lounge,
• More parking bays,
• An extra traffic lane at the entrance gate,
• Canopies,
• Repainting all the airport facilities,
• Repairing of the roof for both terminal I and terminal II and
• Street lighting within the airport.
Board Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said that KAA since inception in 1991, Kenya Airports Authority had the mandate to maintain and keep high standards of all the airport s and airstrips in the country. The Authority is committed to spend Kshs.15 billion over the next 5 years to maintain various airports and airstrips all over the country.
He also said Kenya Airports Authority was proud to have sponsored the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships with Kshs.15 million as Kenya is synonymous with long distance running which has become a key tourist attraction to the country.
Minister tells of plot to back Italian
A Cabinet minister has alleged that the Government is fronting a local tycoon of Italian origin for the Magarini constituency by-election.
Transport minister Ali Mwakwere, speaking in the company of former area MP Harrison Kombe, said the Government was supporting Mr Franco Esposito alias Kasoso wa Baya of Narc Kenya in the by-election to be held on May 14.
Transport minister Ali Mwakwere, speaking in the company of former area MP Harrison Kombe, said the Government was supporting Mr Franco Esposito alias Kasoso wa Baya of Narc Kenya in the by-election to be held on May 14.
Mr Mwakwere said the Mijikenda community had been abused, oppressed and neglected for a long time by past regimes. “As the spokesman of the Mijikenda Council of Elders Association and the Mijikenda community, I reject the Italian candidate for this and any other constituency in Coast.
“I say that only our own person will be able to understand our problems,” Mr Mwakwere said.
The chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), Mombasa branch, Sheikh Juma Ngao, who was also in the area campaigning for Mr Kombe, said it was not right for a “foreigner” to be elected in the area as “this is returning colonialism in our country”.
He urged voters to return Mr Kombe to enable him complete projects he had initiated in the area.
“I say that only our own person will be able to understand our problems,” Mr Mwakwere said.
The chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), Mombasa branch, Sheikh Juma Ngao, who was also in the area campaigning for Mr Kombe, said it was not right for a “foreigner” to be elected in the area as “this is returning colonialism in our country”.
He urged voters to return Mr Kombe to enable him complete projects he had initiated in the area.
The leaders spoke at Makumba primary school during a prize-giving day day ceremony that was turned into a campaign rally the former MP.
Mr Kombe accused assistant minister Danson Mungatana of being the architect of the Esposito project.
Mr Kombe accused assistant minister Danson Mungatana of being the architect of the Esposito project.
But in a quick rejoinder, Mr Mungatana, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs assistant minister, denied fronting anybody for Magarini.
He said on phone from Nairobi: “Neither I nor the Government is sponsoring any candidate in Magarini. It’s a free field where anybody can venture.
“One’s colour, race, religion or ethnicity is irrelevant. So it is nonsensical what these leaders are saying.”
He said on phone from Nairobi: “Neither I nor the Government is sponsoring any candidate in Magarini. It’s a free field where anybody can venture.
“One’s colour, race, religion or ethnicity is irrelevant. So it is nonsensical what these leaders are saying.”
Mr Mungatana revealed that Narc-K had dispatched a strong team of four party officials on the ground to establish which candidate would be supported.
“As I talk now, a Narc-Kenya party team, led by deputy executive director Mr Sande Oyolo, is on the ground for an exploratory mission.
“Our interest is for the party not individuals,” the assistant minister said.
“As I talk now, a Narc-Kenya party team, led by deputy executive director Mr Sande Oyolo, is on the ground for an exploratory mission.
“Our interest is for the party not individuals,” the assistant minister said.
Daily Nation
Story by Daniel Nyassy
Date: 4/4/2007
Story by Daniel Nyassy
Date: 4/4/2007
Mwakwere defends Cabinet on graft claim
The Bunge
____________
A Cabinet minister yesterday denied claims that corruption was entrenched in the highest organs of Government. Transport minister Chirau Mwakwere defended his colleagues and accused Mr George Khaniri (Hamisi, Narc) of misleading members that grand corruption was the order of the day in the Cabinet.
In his contribution to the presidential address, the Hamisi MP had claimed that having worked in the Kanu and Narc administrations as an assistant minister, he had observed that high stakes corruption had gone up.
Lip service
Lip service
Mr Khaniri took issue with President Kibaki for pledging to fight graft when he took over four years ago while his Government was giving lip service to the war on corruption.
The MP maintained that graft had increased and not decreased since Kanu was defeated at the 2002 polls.
The MP maintained that graft had increased and not decreased since Kanu was defeated at the 2002 polls.
Asked the minister: ‘‘Is the member in order to use hearsay to accuse ministers of getting billions of shillings in graft compared to their colleagues in the Kanu regime who used to get millions.’’
But when asked to substantiate, Mr Khaniri said he did not have to state the obvious as he had heard it on the city streets.
But when asked to substantiate, Mr Khaniri said he did not have to state the obvious as he had heard it on the city streets.
In his contribution, the Transport minister appealed to members to start investing in aeroplanes and helicopters to carry out their duties in their respective constituencies. Mr Mwakwere, the MP for Kinango, described MPs as busy people who should use air transport to conduct their duties in their respective areas.
Said Mr Mwakwere: ‘‘MPs should not shy away from approaching financial institutions for loans to buy helicopters!’’
But the minister denied claims by his critics that he was ‘‘sleeping on the job’’ by not acting on the matatu menace, saying the police were responsible for enforcing the law.
Meanwhile, Mr Nicholas Biwott (Keiyo South, Kanu) supported proposals to increase the number of judges from 50 to 200, but demanded that all corners of the country be represented.
Shield and defender
Said the former Cabinet minister: ‘‘Justice is the basis of stability and we must ensure that justice remains our shield and defender.’’
Mr Biwott told members that graft was caused by greed and not only by poverty. He said good laws alone would not stem graft, and more must be done to educate the public on the negative impact it has on the economy and the livelihoods of ordinary people.
Daily Nation
Story by NATION Reporter Parliament Publication Date: 4/4/2007
Sector in chaos, says minister
_____________
Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, has described the road transport sector, which he heads, as "a total mess".
He said the sector requires a total overhaul to return it to a state of normalcy.
"I am in trouble as everyone is pointing fingers at me saying I am sleeping on the job," he said.
The minister, however, said he was not entirely responsible for the disorganised sector, blaming the traffic police and Ministry of Roads for the increased road carnage.
Mwakwere, who was addressing a workshop on road safety in Nairobi on Tuesday, said his ministry was working on ways to make road transport cheaper, safer, efficient and reliable.
The workshop was organised by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and it brought together officials from the Roads and Transport ministries, Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit and the Traffic Department.
Transport Permanent Secretary, Mr Gerrishon Ikiara, and KAM chairman, Mr Steven Smith, attended the workshop.
But Mwakwere said he was happy with the sea and air transport. He said his ministry was often solely blamed for the chaos on the roads.
"I am not responsible for the potholes and I don’t test the competence of drivers," he added.
He said his ministry was mainly responsible for the evaluation and monitoring of traffic regulations.
The minister told the workshop that the way forward was to identify areas of weakness in the sector. He further said his ministry was in the process of introducing legislation and amendment to the Traffic Act to improve road safety.
He noted that the management of road transport system was a monumental undertaking requiring collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
Mwakwere said the Integrated National Transport Policy was ready and awaiting ratification by Parliament.
"We have also embarked on efforts to revitalise the National Road Safety Council," added the minister.
He said the ministry intended to decentralise the activities of the Transport Licensing Board to have the issuance of licenses done at expiry dates rather than at the end of the year.
The East African Standard, April 4, 2007
Story by Allan Kisia
He said the sector requires a total overhaul to return it to a state of normalcy.
"I am in trouble as everyone is pointing fingers at me saying I am sleeping on the job," he said.
The minister, however, said he was not entirely responsible for the disorganised sector, blaming the traffic police and Ministry of Roads for the increased road carnage.
Mwakwere, who was addressing a workshop on road safety in Nairobi on Tuesday, said his ministry was working on ways to make road transport cheaper, safer, efficient and reliable.
The workshop was organised by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and it brought together officials from the Roads and Transport ministries, Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit and the Traffic Department.
Transport Permanent Secretary, Mr Gerrishon Ikiara, and KAM chairman, Mr Steven Smith, attended the workshop.
But Mwakwere said he was happy with the sea and air transport. He said his ministry was often solely blamed for the chaos on the roads.
"I am not responsible for the potholes and I don’t test the competence of drivers," he added.
He said his ministry was mainly responsible for the evaluation and monitoring of traffic regulations.
The minister told the workshop that the way forward was to identify areas of weakness in the sector. He further said his ministry was in the process of introducing legislation and amendment to the Traffic Act to improve road safety.
He noted that the management of road transport system was a monumental undertaking requiring collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
Mwakwere said the Integrated National Transport Policy was ready and awaiting ratification by Parliament.
"We have also embarked on efforts to revitalise the National Road Safety Council," added the minister.
He said the ministry intended to decentralise the activities of the Transport Licensing Board to have the issuance of licenses done at expiry dates rather than at the end of the year.
The East African Standard, April 4, 2007
Story by Allan Kisia
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
UN General Assembly General Debate, September 21 - September 30, 2004: Excerpts on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & International Security
United Nations General Assembly, 59th Session, General Debate, September 2004, last updated, October 1, 2004.
Notes: the President of the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is Mr Jean Ping, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Gabonese Republic.
Kenya: H.E. The Honourable Chirau Ali Mwakwere, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, September 27
"Let me turn to an issue of great importance to the international community. The production, stockpiling, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines is a problem of major proportions which has caused untold suffering to populations world-wide. With respect to this problem, Africa is the most mine-affected continent. Kenya has been bestowed with the honour to host the First Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). The Conference, also known as the "Nairobi Summit 2004 on a Mine-Free World", will be held from November 29 to December 3, 2004. Among the scheduled events will be Pre-Conference Ceremonies on November 28, 2004, presided over by the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honourable Mwai Kibaki who has extended invitations to World Leaders to attend the Conference. I take this opportunity to welcome each and everyone of you to participate at the highest possible level at the Conference. I encourage you to take advantage of your presence in Nairobi to sample Kenya's hospitality and particularly the world famous Safari and the sandy beaches along Kenya's Coast...
"Long running conflicts in our sub-region have led to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which constitute major security concerns to my country and others. For this reason, Kenya has been at the forefront of regional initiatives to combat the menace. In March 2000, Kenya hosted the First Ministerial Conference, which produced the Nairobi Declaration on the problem of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. In April this year, Kenya hosted the Second Ministerial Review Conference of the Nairobi Declaration, which adopted the Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons. These efforts are intended to consolidate a regional framework within which to deal with the problem of proliferation in order to improve security to enable the people of the region to re-direct their energies and resources towards meaningful economic activities."
Source: UN Press Service
http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/keneng040927.pdf
Notes: the President of the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is Mr Jean Ping, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Gabonese Republic.
Kenya: H.E. The Honourable Chirau Ali Mwakwere, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, September 27
"Let me turn to an issue of great importance to the international community. The production, stockpiling, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines is a problem of major proportions which has caused untold suffering to populations world-wide. With respect to this problem, Africa is the most mine-affected continent. Kenya has been bestowed with the honour to host the First Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). The Conference, also known as the "Nairobi Summit 2004 on a Mine-Free World", will be held from November 29 to December 3, 2004. Among the scheduled events will be Pre-Conference Ceremonies on November 28, 2004, presided over by the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honourable Mwai Kibaki who has extended invitations to World Leaders to attend the Conference. I take this opportunity to welcome each and everyone of you to participate at the highest possible level at the Conference. I encourage you to take advantage of your presence in Nairobi to sample Kenya's hospitality and particularly the world famous Safari and the sandy beaches along Kenya's Coast...
"Long running conflicts in our sub-region have led to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which constitute major security concerns to my country and others. For this reason, Kenya has been at the forefront of regional initiatives to combat the menace. In March 2000, Kenya hosted the First Ministerial Conference, which produced the Nairobi Declaration on the problem of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. In April this year, Kenya hosted the Second Ministerial Review Conference of the Nairobi Declaration, which adopted the Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons. These efforts are intended to consolidate a regional framework within which to deal with the problem of proliferation in order to improve security to enable the people of the region to re-direct their energies and resources towards meaningful economic activities."
Source: UN Press Service
http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/keneng040927.pdf
Kenya urges African airlines to merge to survive
Kenya on Monday urged African airlines to merge or increase cooperation to cope with losses due to high fuel price and increased competition if they are to survive in the competitive industry.
Kenya's Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the African airlines must consolidate and increase efficiency to cope with myriad challenges facing the industry.
"African governments must be prepared to operate joint ventures aimed at forging mergers or increasing cooperation between airlines to survive the ever-increasing competition," Mwakwere told a regional aviation meeting in Nairobi.
The minister said plans to merge or cooperate are underway among the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
"Africa's civil aviation industry is faced with many challenges and therefore is unable to cooperate with the expected efficiency associated with the industry," he said.
State-run South African Airways is the continent's biggest carrier while other airlines serving the region include Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya's flag carrier, Kenya Airways.
European carriers Air France and British Airways also have a big presence, usually linking the continent with Europe.
The International Association of Transport Association (IATA) had forecast airline losses in 2005 of 7.4 billion U.S. dollars as soaring fuel costs outstrip measures by airlines to cut costs.
"In order for civil aviation to survive the dynamics that characterize the industry and which to a large extent are dictated by technological advancement far beyond the regulatory frameworks of governments, adoption of cost cutting measures and innovative ideals is inevitable," the minister said.
"This has also necessitated the introduction of structural adjustment, which at times is a threat to the job security for those working in the industry. It is incumbent upon managers in the industry to ensure that workers are made aware of such challenges in order to avoid industrial unrests."
Mwakwere said the maintenance of safety and security standards in the civil aviation was prerequisite to the growth of the industry.
"This requires strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety and security requirements by airline operators as well as through monitoring of the same by the relevant governments bodies," the minister said.
He warned that safety and security should not be compromised for commercial considerations.
Aviation authorities say safety concerns have led some countries to ban suspect airlines from landing at their airports, with some African airlines included on the list.
The world aviation body, IATA said recently it was working with its members in Africa to increase efficiency in their system and was negotiating with airports to lower their user charges.
A key measure is helping airlines in Africa to switch from paper tickets to electronic ticketing ahead of the association's targeted deadline of 2007.
So far Africa has achieved 40 percent usage of electronic ticketing.
But the figure is misleading because only airlines in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe have made progress.
A three-day International Transport Federation/International Labor Organizations East Africa Civil Aviation conference brought union officials representing workers in the aviation industry from East, Central and Southern Africa.
Source: Xinhua
June, 6, 2006
Kenya's Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the African airlines must consolidate and increase efficiency to cope with myriad challenges facing the industry.
"African governments must be prepared to operate joint ventures aimed at forging mergers or increasing cooperation between airlines to survive the ever-increasing competition," Mwakwere told a regional aviation meeting in Nairobi.
The minister said plans to merge or cooperate are underway among the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
"Africa's civil aviation industry is faced with many challenges and therefore is unable to cooperate with the expected efficiency associated with the industry," he said.
State-run South African Airways is the continent's biggest carrier while other airlines serving the region include Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya's flag carrier, Kenya Airways.
European carriers Air France and British Airways also have a big presence, usually linking the continent with Europe.
The International Association of Transport Association (IATA) had forecast airline losses in 2005 of 7.4 billion U.S. dollars as soaring fuel costs outstrip measures by airlines to cut costs.
"In order for civil aviation to survive the dynamics that characterize the industry and which to a large extent are dictated by technological advancement far beyond the regulatory frameworks of governments, adoption of cost cutting measures and innovative ideals is inevitable," the minister said.
"This has also necessitated the introduction of structural adjustment, which at times is a threat to the job security for those working in the industry. It is incumbent upon managers in the industry to ensure that workers are made aware of such challenges in order to avoid industrial unrests."
Mwakwere said the maintenance of safety and security standards in the civil aviation was prerequisite to the growth of the industry.
"This requires strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety and security requirements by airline operators as well as through monitoring of the same by the relevant governments bodies," the minister said.
He warned that safety and security should not be compromised for commercial considerations.
Aviation authorities say safety concerns have led some countries to ban suspect airlines from landing at their airports, with some African airlines included on the list.
The world aviation body, IATA said recently it was working with its members in Africa to increase efficiency in their system and was negotiating with airports to lower their user charges.
A key measure is helping airlines in Africa to switch from paper tickets to electronic ticketing ahead of the association's targeted deadline of 2007.
So far Africa has achieved 40 percent usage of electronic ticketing.
But the figure is misleading because only airlines in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe have made progress.
A three-day International Transport Federation/International Labor Organizations East Africa Civil Aviation conference brought union officials representing workers in the aviation industry from East, Central and Southern Africa.
Source: Xinhua
June, 6, 2006
Fourth sitting Tuesday, 8 June 2004, 10.15 a.m.President: Mr. Ray Guevara, Mr. Attigbe, Mr. Maatough
Statement by Mr. Mwakwere Minister for Labour and Human Resources Development, Kenya
... The decision to adopt a comprehensive standard in the fishing sector is timely, given the fact that the sector is one of the most hazardous and has the highest fatality rate. Let me take this opportunity to express the Kenyan Government's appreciation of the ILO for the technical assistance given in the re- view just completed of six core chapters of our country's labour laws, with the aim of ensuring harmony between our domestic legislation and various international labour standards which we have ratified...
... The decision to adopt a comprehensive standard in the fishing sector is timely, given the fact that the sector is one of the most hazardous and has the highest fatality rate. Let me take this opportunity to express the Kenyan Government's appreciation of the ILO for the technical assistance given in the re- view just completed of six core chapters of our country's labour laws, with the aim of ensuring harmony between our domestic legislation and various international labour standards which we have ratified...
Kenya and Brazil Have Been Finding Ways to Improve Bilateral Relations
Brazilian President Lula
_____________
Brazil wants to strengthen its political and commercial ties with Kenya. The Kenyan chancellor, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, is in Brasília for the first meeting of the Brazil-Kenya Joint Commission.
At the opening of the meeting, in the Itamaraty Palace, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, said that Brazilian exports to Kenya can grow beyond their current level of US$ 20 million.
He added that trade channels between the two countries need to be discovered. Other partnerships may be signed in the spheres of education, culture, technical cooperation, health, agriculture, and environment. The Minister revealed that the two countries expect to sign an agreement in the area of sports.
Another item that was discussed was the United Nations Security Council. The Kenyan chancellor declared that his country will back Brazil's bid for a permanent Council seat, if the proposal to increase the number of permanent seats emerges victorious in the reform process.
Another fruit of the negotiations approximating Kenya and Brazil is the opening of a Kenyan embassy in Brasília. This process is well advanced, according to press office of the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
___________________
Written by Keite Camacho
Agência Brasil
Friday, 12 August 2005
He added that trade channels between the two countries need to be discovered. Other partnerships may be signed in the spheres of education, culture, technical cooperation, health, agriculture, and environment. The Minister revealed that the two countries expect to sign an agreement in the area of sports.
Another item that was discussed was the United Nations Security Council. The Kenyan chancellor declared that his country will back Brazil's bid for a permanent Council seat, if the proposal to increase the number of permanent seats emerges victorious in the reform process.
Another fruit of the negotiations approximating Kenya and Brazil is the opening of a Kenyan embassy in Brasília. This process is well advanced, according to press office of the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
___________________
Written by Keite Camacho
Agência Brasil
Friday, 12 August 2005
China, Kenya Enjoy Strong Relations
_____________
China is ready to work with Kenya to boost the countries' new style partnership to a new height, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Thursday.
During a meeting with visiting Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Tang said China and Kenya have traditional friendship and cooperative relations. Since their establishment of diplomatic relations 42 years ago, China and Kenya have conducted fruitful cooperation in such areas as politics, economics, trade, culture and education, he noted. They have supported each other and have cooperated closely on international affairs.
The Chinese government thanks the Kenyan government for the long-term adherence to the one-China policy, Tang said. Bilateral relations between the two countries have become the outstanding features of true friendship, equality, mutual trust, mutual support and close cooperation.
Mwakwere said the people of the two countries share a strong friendship and that the two countries have been carrying out sound cooperation in all areas.
The Kenyan government thanks the Chinese government for the long-term aid and assistance it has provided for the economic development of Kenya, and is ready to join efforts with China to continuously advance bilateral relations, Mwakwere said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2005)
China is ready to work with Kenya to boost the countries' new style partnership to a new height, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Thursday.
During a meeting with visiting Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Tang said China and Kenya have traditional friendship and cooperative relations. Since their establishment of diplomatic relations 42 years ago, China and Kenya have conducted fruitful cooperation in such areas as politics, economics, trade, culture and education, he noted. They have supported each other and have cooperated closely on international affairs.
The Chinese government thanks the Kenyan government for the long-term adherence to the one-China policy, Tang said. Bilateral relations between the two countries have become the outstanding features of true friendship, equality, mutual trust, mutual support and close cooperation.
Mwakwere said the people of the two countries share a strong friendship and that the two countries have been carrying out sound cooperation in all areas.
The Kenyan government thanks the Chinese government for the long-term aid and assistance it has provided for the economic development of Kenya, and is ready to join efforts with China to continuously advance bilateral relations, Mwakwere said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2005)
Monday, April 2, 2007
TRANSPORT MINISTER HON. CHIRAU ALI MWAKWERE
______________
Coastweek - - Transport Minister Hon. Chirau Ali Mwakwere has officially opened the newly renovated state of the art Terminal II at Moi International Airport Mombasa renovated at a cost of Ksh200 million.
The Minister, who was the chief guest, said that his Ministry would continue to facilitate bilateral air service agreements (BASAS) with other countries in order to bring in more airlines to Kenya and support the National Carrier.
The Minister, who was the chief guest, said that his Ministry would continue to facilitate bilateral air service agreements (BASAS) with other countries in order to bring in more airlines to Kenya and support the National Carrier.
He said that given the country's rapidly growing economy currently estimated at 5.8 per cent per annum the aviation industry was poised for rapid growth.
He added that when the current Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovations are complete the facility will have achieved category I status which would enable direct flights from Nairobi to the United States of America.
He added that when the current Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovations are complete the facility will have achieved category I status which would enable direct flights from Nairobi to the United States of America.
Speaking during the occasion, Kenya Airports Authority Man-aging Director George Muhoho said that the renovation of Moi International Airport coincided with the 35th IAAF World Athletic Cross Country Championship, Mombasa 2007.
This major sporting event was estimated to bring an estimated 100,000 passengers to the coastal city.
This major sporting event was estimated to bring an estimated 100,000 passengers to the coastal city.
He added that the I.A.A.F. Cross Country Championship event would greatly boost the Mombasa and Kenyan economy at large.
Mr. Muhoho noted that over 90 per cent of visitors coming into Kenya use the country's airports hence Kenya Airports Authority passion to create the best impression to visitors to Kenya.
The refurbishment of terminal II includes: • An additional VIP lounge, • More parking bays, • An extra traffic lane at the entrance gate, • Canopies, • Repainting all the airport facilities, • Repairing of the roof for both terminal I and terminal II and • Street lighting within the airport.
Board Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said that KAA since inception in 1991, Kenya Airports Authority had the mandate to maintain and keep high standards of all the airport s and airstrips in the country.
Mr. Muhoho noted that over 90 per cent of visitors coming into Kenya use the country's airports hence Kenya Airports Authority passion to create the best impression to visitors to Kenya.
The refurbishment of terminal II includes: • An additional VIP lounge, • More parking bays, • An extra traffic lane at the entrance gate, • Canopies, • Repainting all the airport facilities, • Repairing of the roof for both terminal I and terminal II and • Street lighting within the airport.
Board Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said that KAA since inception in 1991, Kenya Airports Authority had the mandate to maintain and keep high standards of all the airport s and airstrips in the country.
The Authority is committed to spend Kshs.15 billion over the next 5 years to maintain various airports and airstrips all over the country.
He also said Kenya Airports Authority was proud to have sponsored the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships with Kshs.15 million as Kenya is synonymous with long distance running which has become a key tourist attraction to the country.
He also said Kenya Airports Authority was proud to have sponsored the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships with Kshs.15 million as Kenya is synonymous with long distance running which has become a key tourist attraction to the country.
Michuki linked to new matatu chaos
Dr. Chris Murungaru
The return of the matatu (public transport) chaos has been linked to supremacy fights in President Kibaki’s Government.
Internal Security minister, Mr John Michuki, is being accused of sabotage.
Internal Security minister, Mr John Michuki, is being accused of sabotage.
A reportedly frustrated Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere, last week told a Parliamentary departmental committee on Energy, Roads and Public Works of what he termed the "truth behind the return of the matatu chaos".
Sources close to the meeting said allegations of sabotage in the enforcement of the "Michuki rules" dominated the proceedings.
Consequently, the House committee resolved to summon Michuki to shed more light on the matter, sources told The Big Issue.
Consequently, the House committee resolved to summon Michuki to shed more light on the matter, sources told The Big Issue.
It is ironical that the brains behind the rules that saw sanity restored on roads after Narc came took over power could be the same ones working to stifle them.
The Mwakwere testimony could be shocker to many Kenyans, especially public transport commuters who bear the brunt of matatu madness. Michuki became a household hero following his almost one-man struggle to streamline the industry.
The Mwakwere testimony could be shocker to many Kenyans, especially public transport commuters who bear the brunt of matatu madness. Michuki became a household hero following his almost one-man struggle to streamline the industry.
The House meeting, which preceded a press conference, later n the week, at which Mwakwere spoke of his difficulties in dealing with the matatu menace, heard that soon after Michuki took over the docket of Internal Security, he sought to make his presence felt by allegedly sabotaging two (first Dr Chris Murungaru and now Mwakwere) of his colleagues at Transcom House.
Michuki was moved on February 14, 2005, in a reshuffle that saw him swap places with Murungaru.
Michuki was moved on February 14, 2005, in a reshuffle that saw him swap places with Murungaru.
And on December 7, 2005, following the Government’s defeat at the November 21 referendum on the proposed constitution, the President unveiled a new-look Cabinet, dropping his close ally Murungaru together with seven others.
Sources said Mwakwere told the meeting, chaired by Baringo Central MP, Mr Gideon Moi, that the problems being witnessed on the roads had nothing to do with his ministry.
When Michuki was appointed Transport minister, Mwakwere is said to have told the committee, he enforced the traffic rules with the assistance of traffic police officers.
When Michuki was appointed Transport minister, Mwakwere is said to have told the committee, he enforced the traffic rules with the assistance of traffic police officers.
This he did following an arrangement with Murungaru, who assigned him Traffic Department officers under the Transport ministry, the committee was told.
"The minister explained to our committee that Michuki was successful because of the support Murungaru gave him by instructing the police to cooperate,’ sources told The Big Issue.
Mwakwere shocked the committee with the claim that the return of the matatu chaos coincided with the departure of Michuki from the Transport ministry.
"The minister explained to our committee that Michuki was successful because of the support Murungaru gave him by instructing the police to cooperate,’ sources told The Big Issue.
Mwakwere shocked the committee with the claim that the return of the matatu chaos coincided with the departure of Michuki from the Transport ministry.
But the arrangement was ended immediately he left for the Office of the President.
Oddly, it would be Murungaru, with whom Michuki had the "mutual arrangement", who was to become the first victim of this alleged treachery.
Oddly, it would be Murungaru, with whom Michuki had the "mutual arrangement", who was to become the first victim of this alleged treachery.
"It is not just Mwakwere who has suffered under Michuki; even Murungaru, who had helped
Michuki, was a victim of the same Michuki," an MP who is a member of the committee and attended the session said.
Withdrew traffic officers
Withdrew traffic officers
The source added: "The minister told us that Michuki withdrew all the traffic police officers working under the Transport ministry."
Michuki directed that the officers report directly to their commanders.
The sources said the action by Michuki was being viewed as a bid to stamp his authority at the security docket.
Michuki directed that the officers report directly to their commanders.
The sources said the action by Michuki was being viewed as a bid to stamp his authority at the security docket.
When The Big Issue contacted Murungaru through his lawyer, Mr Paul Muite, the Kieni MP confirmed that he had entered into a special arrangement with Michuki.
"I can tell you that Murungaru has confirmed what you have just asked me about the enforcement of the traffic rules and the arrangement he had with Michuki when he was at the office of the President," said Muite, the Kabete MP.
"I can tell you that Murungaru has confirmed what you have just asked me about the enforcement of the traffic rules and the arrangement he had with Michuki when he was at the office of the President," said Muite, the Kabete MP.
And a source at the meeting conclusively said: "We concurred with Mwakwere over this matter because nothing has changed and that the police who are responsible for the traffic rules are the ones who ought to be carrying the blame as they are the enforcement organ".
Sources: The East African Standard
Story by Martin Mutua
Transport Minister:Kenya to Rehabilitate transport network on L. Victoria
The Kenyan ministry of Transport has rolled out plans to rehabilitate major marine, air and road transport infrastructure in the Lake Victoria port city of Kisumu to boost trade in the East African region, according to government official Thursday.
Top on the list is the rehabilitation of the main pier at the Kisumu port, which is in a state of disrepair, transport Minister, Ali Chirau Mwakwere, who toured the dilapidated infrastructure told PANA.Wagon ferries and the dry dock where marine vessels had been undergoing repair works would also be rehabilitated to strengthen trade through Lake Victoria and ease transport costs on roads.
Mwakwere, however, clarified that the Kisumu pier was still being managed by his ministry and was not part of the concession given to the Rift Valley Railways Company, which is presently managing the Kenyan and Uganda railway networks.He said the government was, instead, working in conjunction with the Rift Valley Railways Company to dredge the port and rehabilitate cargo ferries, he clarified.
Mwakwere challenged entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of the inland cargo depot at Kisumu, which has state of the art facilities but was currently being under-utilized, with only 21 percent of the facility being put to use.He also announced that Kisumu Airport would be expanded to international standards.
22 February 2007 - PANA
Top on the list is the rehabilitation of the main pier at the Kisumu port, which is in a state of disrepair, transport Minister, Ali Chirau Mwakwere, who toured the dilapidated infrastructure told PANA.Wagon ferries and the dry dock where marine vessels had been undergoing repair works would also be rehabilitated to strengthen trade through Lake Victoria and ease transport costs on roads.
Mwakwere, however, clarified that the Kisumu pier was still being managed by his ministry and was not part of the concession given to the Rift Valley Railways Company, which is presently managing the Kenyan and Uganda railway networks.He said the government was, instead, working in conjunction with the Rift Valley Railways Company to dredge the port and rehabilitate cargo ferries, he clarified.
Mwakwere challenged entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of the inland cargo depot at Kisumu, which has state of the art facilities but was currently being under-utilized, with only 21 percent of the facility being put to use.He also announced that Kisumu Airport would be expanded to international standards.
22 February 2007 - PANA
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