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Fertilizer Shipment for Smallholder Tea Farmers Arriving in Kenya Ahead of Short Rains

Fertilizer Shipment for Smallholder Tea Farmers Arriving in Kenya Ahead of Short Rains

The Kenya Tea Development Agency Management Services (KTDA MS) has announced that a significant shipment of fertilizer, intended for smallholder tea farmers, is set to arrive in the country from September 10th. This delivery is crucial for the 2024/2025 farming season, ensuring that farmers receive the fertilizer in time for application ahead of the short rains. KTDA MS has imported 97,000 metric tonnes of NPK 26:5:5 fertilizer this year, marking an increase from the 88,000 metric tonnes procured last year. The rise in quantity reflects both the expansion of smallholder tea acreage and the growing preference among organizations and individuals…
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Ethiopian Government Mandates Electric Vehicle Imports for Diplomats

Ethiopian Government Mandates Electric Vehicle Imports for Diplomats

Ethiopia has issued a directive to all diplomatic and consular missions, as well as regional and international organizations based in Addis Ababa, regarding the importation of vehicles. In an official communication dated August 19, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to combating climate change and promoting renewable energy. As part of this commitment, the Ministry has prohibited the importation of vehicles with internal combustion engines that use petrol or diesel. The directive applies specifically to those with diplomatic privileges in the country. The Ministry's announcement highlights the pressing global challenges posed by climate change and underscores Ethiopia's…
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Kenya’s ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui Highlights the Transformative Power of AI and Calls for Ethical Governance

Kenya’s ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui Highlights the Transformative Power of AI and Calls for Ethical Governance

Principal Secretary for ICT, John Tanui, emphasized the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global economy and the need for ethical governance during a keynote address at the Kenya ICT Summit today. Speaking to an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts, PS Tanui underscored the importance of embracing AI as a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation. “AI is no longer science fiction—it's transforming our world today,” said PS Tanui. He highlighted the immense economic potential of AI, noting that “Generative AI alone could add $2.6-$4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. With 65% of…
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President William Ruto Meets with Sudanese Leaders, Urges International Support for Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

President William Ruto Meets with Sudanese Leaders, Urges International Support for Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

President William Ruto hosted Ahmed Ali Dinar, leader of the Fur in Darfur, and Abdulwahid Mohammed Ahmed Alnour, Chairman and Founder of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed the ongoing efforts by civilian coalition groups to address the challenges facing Sudan. During the meeting, President Ruto was briefed on the progress made by these groups in tackling the complex issues plaguing Sudan, including the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The President encouraged the leaders to continue strengthening their collaboration with all relevant institutions and stakeholders, particularly through initiatives like the Geneva…
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Brigadier Paul Njuguna Appointed New Chief of Strategic Communications for KDF

Brigadier Paul Njuguna Appointed New Chief of Strategic Communications for KDF

Brigadier Paul Njuguna officially assumed the role of Chief of Strategic Communications of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Brigadier Njuguna succeeds Brigadier Zipporah Kioko, following a series of KDF postings, promotions, and appointments announced on Thursday, 26 July 2024. Brigadier Njuguna brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Colonel of Public Affairs and KDF spokesperson. His extensive background includes a notable tenure as the spokesperson for AMISOM (now ATMIS) Force. With this new appointment, Brigadier Njuguna is expected to continue fostering strong relationships with the media, ensuring consistent and transparent communication about KDF's…
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Wycliffe Oparanya Meets National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula

Wycliffe Oparanya Meets National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula

The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMEs), Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, paid a courtesy call to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. The meeting marked an important step in fostering collaboration between the Ministry and the National Assembly to support the government’s legislative agenda. During their discussion, CS Oparanya and Speaker Wetangula explored a wide range of issues related to governance and how the two institutions can work together to ensure the smooth running of government operations. They focused on ways to leverage legislative support to advance the…
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Uganda: Grant of tax waiver to companies queried

Uganda: Grant of tax waiver to companies queried

Legislators on the Committee of Finance have questioned the manner and criteria the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)is using to extend tax waivers to companies and individuals. While appearing before the committee, the State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said the tax waivers will be extended to eight organisations which include academic institutions and business entities. Musasizi was appearing before the committee on Tuesday, 20 August 2024. Among the companies under review by the committee is M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited which is seeking a tax waiver worth Shs2.718 billion as at 01 December 2023, accounting for interest…
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Comoros Set to Become WTO’s Newest Member as 30-Day Countdown Begins

Comoros Set to Become WTO’s Newest Member as 30-Day Countdown Begins

The 30-day countdown to Comoros's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) officially commenced on July 22, 2024, following a significant milestone in the island nation’s economic integration. Ambassador Sultan Chouzour of Comoros handed over the country’s instrument of acceptance for the Protocol of Accession to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a meeting of the General Council, signaling the final step towards full membership. During the same event, Comoros also submitted its instrument of acceptance for the WTO’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, increasing the total number of acceptances of the Agreement to 82. This dual submission underscores Comoros's commitment to…
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Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in Somalia. During a recent field visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, the administrative capitals of Hirshabelle and South West States, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, along with Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma ATMIS Force Commander pledged to enhance the capacity of the Somali Security Forces and intensify military offensives against Al-Shabaab. “The African Union will never abandon Somalia and its people in their quest for peace and stability,” said…
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CS Salim Mvurya Issues Warning to Investors Hoarding Licenses in Special Economic Zones

CS Salim Mvurya Issues Warning to Investors Hoarding Licenses in Special Economic Zones

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Salim Mvurya, today delivered a strong message to investors hoarding licenses within Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for the Crystal Frozen and Chilled Foods Limited SEZ in Naivasha, CS Mvurya emphasized the government's firm stance on ensuring timely investment and development within these zones. CS Mvurya warned that investors who fail to commence operations within one year of receiving their licenses will face the revocation of those licenses. He directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, making it clear that investors must…
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