PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ODM YOUTH LEAGUE ON PARTY AFFAIRS

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ODM YOUTH LEAGUE ON PARTY AFFAIRS The ODM is, has been and remains a strong political movement in Kenya, founded on the philosophy of social democracy and equity. It is a party that has strongest roots in every corner of the republic and a powerful ideology that is shared with many people. Since its inception in the run-up to the 2005 referendum on the infamous Kilifi-draft constitution, the ODM has walked through tempestuous times to reach where it is today. It boasts of many successes including having the highest number of legislators in two successive parliaments and controlling majority of County Governments and Assemblies. It however, remains the most stable political party in Kenya, envied by the others that remain seasonal. As we approach the 2017 general election, our political detractors will want to do everything possible, including spending public money to try and destabilize our party. As the ODM Youth League, we say NO to this. Like a locomotive engine, we remain strong. We reaffirm our commitment to our party leader the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga and fully support his bid for the country’s Presidency. He fits the bill. As the youth leaders of the party, we are embarking on an ambitious ‘get the vote’ programme where we shall visit all parts of the country to sensitize, mobilize and educate the youths on the need to register as voters and get out to vote on the election day. Application for Identity Cards for youths who have attained the age of 18 years will be part of this programme. The on-going Kikao County Forums dubbed “Ujana si Hukumu” is one of the activities lined up to have the youth meet and interact with the party leader who is normally invited to grace them. We support this initiative and urge our youths to support it too. In encouraging many youths to go for elective posts in the next general election, the OYL shall propose to the party NEC to consider reducing the nomination fee for the youthful aspirants who want to vie for the various elective positions. This is part of youth empowerment that ODM has always championed for. As young people, our visions are vibrant, and our hearts are open. We believe that the bad guy always loses the focus and that the tooth fairy sneaks into our rooms at night to put money under our pillow. Everything amazes us, and we think anything is possible. We continuously experience life with a sense of newness and unbridled curiosity. As the OYL, we remain focused. We remain steadfast. We remain united behind our party leader. No amount of spending by our antagonists shall dissuade us from resolve to rally the country’s youth behind the Raila candidacy. We shall not be cowed by the self-seeking politicians whose aim is only to satisfy their stomachs and in the end leave us to continue with our day-to-day hustles and bustles. Those who have opted to alight from the journey to a better and brighter Kenya, we will not fault them, we shall not cry for them, the best we will do is to wish the well and tell them these words by Socrates “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have”. Thank you and God Bless Kenya. Orange Democratic Movement, Orange House Kilimani, Box 2478-00202 Nairobi

BRIEF ON THE CURRENT FLOODS IN KENYA

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT MINISTRY OF STATE FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

1. How many people have died? Been displaced? 66 have died and over 4,360 households have been displaced. 2. What is the Government doing about it? • The Government has provided early warning information through the Meteorological Department on the impending rains, outbreak of diseases in areas prone to malaria and other waterborne diseases. • Government in conjunction with the Kenya Red Cross has also provided humanitarian support of food and Non food Items to the areas affected by floods and landslides such as Magarini, Narok, Mai Mahiu, Kitengela and Budalang’i. Over the past one month, the Ministry of State for Special Programmes has distributed the following amount of food to the floods victims: - 4,500 x 90 Kgs Bags of Maize, 2,450 x 50 Kgs bags of rice, 2,155 x 797 Kgs bags of beans, 500 cartons of vegetable oil and 286 bales of nutropup all valued at Kshs. 51,823,850. This has interfered with the routine monthly distribution. • The Government has advised people living in flood and landslides prone areas to move to higher grounds motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving. 3. Does the Government have arrangements for the displaced? • We’ve advised people to move to higher ground in areas such as Budalang’i and we’ve further set-up Mudere Multi-purpose Centre to host the displaced. • Apart from that we’ve cleared rivers that have been clogged for ease flow of water. • Food and Non-food items have been prepositioned in areas that have been affected by floods and landslides. 4. Any latest prediction on the rain patterns. • The Meteorological Department says in the week ending on the 19th May 2012 areas in Western, Central Highlands and Nairobi will experience rains in less intensity. • Pick up rains will be experienced in North Eastern part of the country • Heavy rainfall expected in South Coast regions. 5. Are there any assessments that have been conducted to evaluate the situation and other hazardous areas? • Yes, there have been evaluation by technical teams from various Government agencies including Ministries of Special Programmes, Provincial Administration, Health, Public Works, Roads and Agriculture in areas affected by the rains. It has been found that damage to infrastructure is estimated at Kshs. 70 billion during the current rainy season. • In addition the Disaster Management Committee has been put on high alert so that they can respond promptly when disaster strikes. • The Hon. Minister, Asst. Minister and PS of MOSSP have all visited the areas affected to coordinate humanitarian assistance. 6. Will the Government compensate the families that have suffered losses i.e. in hospitals and lose of live? The Government is not in a position to compensate those affected by these natural calamities. We are however, helping those affected to quickly resume their normal livelihood. 7. What the Government planning to in order to mitigate this occurrence • The Government packaged precautionary information which contains measures to be taken on imminent threats to help people and institutions respond and cope with effects of disasters. These include production and distribution of standard information booklets on various disasters in the country in Swahili language. • Train District Disaster Management Committees in each district to be able to plan for risks and disasters and manage them should they occur. • We are building capacities of Secondary schools students and other institutions on Disaster Management. • We have developed the National Disaster Management Policy which provides for a clear structure on the coordination of all stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and management. • A Disaster Response Plan has been developed which assigns different stakeholders roles that they are supposed to play in the event of disasters. This enables the Government to utilize disaster management resources held by sector. • Developed the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction which provides for measures that Government should undertake in advance at the community level in anticipation of disasters hence reducing disaster risks.

NAIROBI:SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DROUGHT SITUATION IN THE HORN OF AFRICA, UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, GIGIRI, 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted that you all found time to personally participate in this conference on the Horn of Africa crisis.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I warmly welcome you all to our country and to this important Conference.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the international community for supporting this Conference. My special thanks to the United Nations for graciously hosting us in this beautiful complex.
Allow me to also appreciate the World Bank for the financial assistance extended for this Conference, as well those friendly Governments and development partners who played an important role in the organization of this Conference. Indeed, the impressive turn out by world leaders and other dignitaries signifies the international community’s commitment towards helping us resolve the crisis in the Horn of Africa.
This Summit and Conference has been convened against the background of the ongoing drought, which has led to famine and an increased refugee influx that has extended across most of the countries in the Horn of Africa region. You will all appreciate that, apart from the more familiar episodes of the refugee influx and uncontrolled immigration, this Summit has also been called to devote critical attention to the long-term solutions to this problem which has such devastating consequences to the region.
I am sure it is a matter of great concern to all of us that over the last decade, the Horn of Africa has frequently been affected by severe drought. Equally critical, particularly in the recent past, are the effects of Climate Change which pose serious social, economic and environmental challenges, both at the local and global levels.
The recurrence of extreme weather and climatic events in the region, including the on-going drought, is progressively increasing in intensity and frequency on account of
climate change. As a result, a large number of communities have been displaced with grave consequences for their traditional means of livelihood. This has led to increased conflicts for water and other natural resources between communities living within and across national borders. Worse still, climate change has had adverse effects on the key economic drivers, including water resources, agriculture, energy and transport.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the last decade or so, a large number of refugees, mainly from Somalia, have continued to cross borders into Kenya and Ethiopia seeking to free themselves from the ravages of hunger and conflict. In Somalia, the situation is aggravated by the country’s ongoing state of violence and general instability. Currently, the influx of refugees into Kenya has risen sharply over the last couple of months, reaching an all time high of over 1,500 per day. The result has been that the modest refugee camp that was built at Dadaab in Northern Kenya over two decades ago to handle about 40,000 people is now home to more than 500,000 Somali citizens, many of whom are fleeing on account of the drought.
This continuous inflow of refugees undermines national and regional security arrangements. With the large number of people arriving at the camps on a daily basis, it has become more difficult to control the smuggling of small arms and light weapons into neighbouring countries. It has also been a challenge to effectively deal with cross-border crimes, illicit trade and other activities, including the entry of undesirable elements.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My Government has been working closely with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development the U.N. system and the World Bank to think through the strategies and possible solutions that we will be discussing today. Let me note, however, that any permanent solutions to the Horn of Africa crisis must be anchored in our respective countries through concrete programmes and action plans with clear timelines to ensure expeditious implementation.
We in the East African Community, an important trading bloc within the region have taken bold steps to create a framework and structures to address issues of food security. The Community has developed an E.A.C. Climate Change Policy, Food Security Action Plan and a Regional Strategy on Peace and Security. I urge my fellow colleagues from EAC partner states to embark on full implementation and coordination of these instruments with a view to mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security. My Government has embarked on this process, and will fully support any regional initiatives aimed at dealing with drought and its consequences in the region.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While I note that the impact of drought in Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea is particularly grave, I believe the situation in Somalia calls for special attention as the country has approximately 4 million people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. This situation is aggravated by the fact that Somalia remains in the throes of conflict.
The Government of Kenya considers it extremely critical that we collectively find a permanent and sustainable solution to the conflict in Somalia which has persisted for over two decades. In particular, we must devote our attention to a long-term solution for Somalia if we are to succeed in resolving the crisis within the Horn of Africa.
Your Excellencies,
It is gratifying to note that the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia is working with all the countries in the region, as well as the international community, to re-establish a working government and to ensure stability and nationhood. It is my Government’s sincere belief that a firm commitment will come out of this Summit towards supporting the cause of peace and stability in Somalia.
Finally, Excellencies, let me note that resource mobilization efforts to mitigate the effects of the on-going drought situation have, to a large extent, focused on short term emergency needs. It is my Government’s belief that we must now develop a combined regional approach, anchored on comprehensive country programmes, and supported by the international community. Only then can we achieve decisive and long term solutions to the Horn of Africa crisis. I therefore call upon each one of you gathered here to devote yourselves to the task of finding long term solutions to the continental crisis.
Thank you and God bless you all.

Source:State House Kenya

NAIROBI: SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DROUGHT SITUATION IN THE HORN OF AFRICA, UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, GIGIRI, 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted that you all found time to personally participate in this conference on the Horn of Africa crisis.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I warmly welcome you all to our country and to this important Conference.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the international community for supporting this Conference. My special thanks to the United Nations for graciously hosting us in this beautiful complex.
Allow me to also appreciate the World Bank for the financial assistance extended for this Conference, as well those friendly Governments and development partners who played an important role in the organization of this Conference. Indeed, the impressive turn out by world leaders and other dignitaries signifies the international community’s commitment towards helping us resolve the crisis in the Horn of Africa.
This Summit and Conference has been convened against the background of the ongoing drought, which has led to famine and an increased refugee influx that has extended across most of the countries in the Horn of Africa region. You will all appreciate that, apart from the more familiar episodes of the refugee influx and uncontrolled immigration, this Summit has also been called to devote critical attention to the long-term solutions to this problem which has such devastating consequences to the region.
I am sure it is a matter of great concern to all of us that over the last decade, the Horn of Africa has frequently been affected by severe drought. Equally critical, particularly in the recent past, are the effects of Climate Change which pose serious social, economic and environmental challenges, both at the local and global levels.
The recurrence of extreme weather and climatic events in the region, including the on-going drought, is progressively increasing in intensity and frequency on account of
climate change. As a result, a large number of communities have been displaced with grave consequences for their traditional means of livelihood. This has led to increased conflicts for water and other natural resources between communities living within and across national borders. Worse still, climate change has had adverse effects on the key economic drivers, including water resources, agriculture, energy and transport.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the last decade or so, a large number of refugees, mainly from Somalia, have continued to cross borders into Kenya and Ethiopia seeking to free themselves from the ravages of hunger and conflict. In Somalia, the situation is aggravated by the country’s ongoing state of violence and general instability. Currently, the influx of refugees into Kenya has risen sharply over the last couple of months, reaching an all time high of over 1,500 per day. The result has been that the modest refugee camp that was built at Dadaab in Northern Kenya over two decades ago to handle about 40,000 people is now home to more than 500,000 Somali citizens, many of whom are fleeing on account of the drought.
This continuous inflow of refugees undermines national and regional security arrangements. With the large number of people arriving at the camps on a daily basis, it has become more difficult to control the smuggling of small arms and light weapons into neighbouring countries. It has also been a challenge to effectively deal with cross-border crimes, illicit trade and other activities, including the entry of undesirable elements.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My Government has been working closely with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development the U.N. system and the World Bank to think through the strategies and possible solutions that we will be discussing today. Let me note, however, that any permanent solutions to the Horn of Africa crisis must be anchored in our respective countries through concrete programmes and action plans with clear timelines to ensure expeditious implementation.
We in the East African Community, an important trading bloc within the region have taken bold steps to create a framework and structures to address issues of food security. The Community has developed an E.A.C. Climate Change Policy, Food Security Action Plan and a Regional Strategy on Peace and Security. I urge my fellow colleagues from EAC partner states to embark on full implementation and coordination of these instruments with a view to mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security. My Government has embarked on this process, and will fully support any regional initiatives aimed at dealing with drought and its consequences in the region.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While I note that the impact of drought in Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea is particularly grave, I believe the situation in Somalia calls for special attention as the country has approximately 4 million people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. This situation is aggravated by the fact that Somalia remains in the throes of conflict.
The Government of Kenya considers it extremely critical that we collectively find a permanent and sustainable solution to the conflict in Somalia which has persisted for over two decades. In particular, we must devote our attention to a long-term solution for Somalia if we are to succeed in resolving the crisis within the Horn of Africa.
Your Excellencies,
It is gratifying to note that the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia is working with all the countries in the region, as well as the international community, to re-establish a working government and to ensure stability and nationhood. It is my Government’s sincere belief that a firm commitment will come out of this Summit towards supporting the cause of peace and stability in Somalia.
Finally, Excellencies, let me note that resource mobilization efforts to mitigate the effects of the on-going drought situation have, to a large extent, focused on short term emergency needs. It is my Government’s belief that we must now develop a combined regional approach, anchored on comprehensive country programmes, and supported by the international community. Only then can we achieve decisive and long term solutions to the Horn of Africa crisis. I therefore call upon each one of you gathered here to devote yourselves to the task of finding long term solutions to the continental crisis.
Thank you and God bless you all.

Source: State House Kenya

NAIROBI: MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF ZANZIBAR:

At a time we are struggling to come together as an economic unit and a political federation, a tragedy in any of our countries in the East African Community takes the whole region several steps backwards. One tragedy in any of our regional countries is therefore a tragedy to us all.
It is with this in mind that I extend deep felt condolences to the people of Zanzibar and, by extension, the United Republic of Tanzania following the boat tragedy that has left hundreds dead and hundreds of others injured in the island of Zanzibar.
I thank the Zanzibar and Tanzania authorities in general for the response that has significantly ensured that the injured are attended to and families are able to get the information about their loved ones.
Zanzibar is a significant segment of our EAC economy particularly in terms of tourism. I appeal to the region and the international community to stand in solidarity with the people here in helping ease the pain and ensuring quick recovery from the tragedy. We must not allow the pain linger too long and cause too much pain to our tourism economy.
Our prayers go to those who have lost loved ones and the injured and those nursing them.


RAILA A. ODINGA;
10.09.2011

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER IN TRANSMARA AND KISII

Prime Minister Raila Odinga tours Transmara and Kisii beginning tomorrow, 10th September, 2011.
The PM will address a Leaders' meeting at the Lolgorian Catholic church at 10 am tomorrow then address a rally at the Kilgoris D.E.B Primary School grounds and in Lolgorian later in the afternoon.
On Sunday, September 11, the PM will attend a church service in Kitutu Masaba then hold a leaders' meeting in Kisii town.

DENNIS ONYANGO.

NAIROBI: MEDIA ADVISORY: ATTENTION NEWS/ BUSINESS EDITOR

ADOPTION OF INTEGRATION REPORT

Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 Minister Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya will today, officially close the Fifth Conference of African Ministers in Charge of Integration (COMAI V) at the Intercontinental hotel.

The Ministers will also adopt the report on integration and sovereignty following their lengthy discussions on the subject.

WHAT: Closing of the COMAIV Conference and adoption of report.

WHERE: Intercontinental hotel, Nairobi.

WHEN: Friday, September 09, 2011.

TIME: 3.00 pm


Kindly provide coverage.

Regards,

Dave Jones Buchere

PRO Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030

NAIROBI: Immobilize all unregistered phone numbers, President Kibaki orders

President Mwai Kibaki has directed the Ministry of Information and Communications to immobilize all unregistered phone numbers so as to protect Kenyans from criminals.
President Kibaki said the action would wipe out all unregistered mobile lines being used to perpetrate criminal activities and thus safeguard the lives of wananchi from high-tech crimes.
The President was speaking today when he presided over the official opening of the Telkom Kenya-Orange 3G Network at the Laico Regency Hotel.
During the same occasion President Kibaki castigated increased vandalism of vital installations in the telecommunication sector which he termed a major setback to vital sector saying it was an impediment to the realization of the country’s development goals
He was, however, optimistic that recently enacted laws would safeguard telecommunications and electricity infrastructures installed for the benefit of both the consumer and service providers.
The Head of State emphasized that the government had enacted laws that provided for harsher sentences to eradicate vandalism of vital telecommunication and electric installations.
In order to develop Kenya into a knowledge driven economy, President Kibaki directed the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology to team up with other line ministries to convert at least two public universities into institutes of technology.
He said this was important in order to create requisite capacity to move the country to greater heights.
President Kibaki said, “In the last few years my government in partnership with the private sector has realized major milestones towards the achievement of a Knowledge Based economy.”
The Head of State stressed that the institutes would focus on research in science and technology and strive to produce competent graduates who can sustain the economy in the future
He remarked, “We must all work together to develop home grown capacity in these new technologies. In this regard, I urge mobile operators to work with the Government and the Universities to realize the human capacity we need for our twenty thirty vision on technology. It is anticipated that the technology we are launching today, will make it easier for the said institutions of learning to access the required data and information at any location any time.”
During the occasion, he affirmed that the government was also promoting knowledge based industries covering both high and medium technology industries
These include Business Process Outsourcing, Computer/Electronic hardware manufacturing, Software Development, Information and Broadcasting,Filmingand Digital content development, Communication and financial services among others.

“The aim is to increase our service sector contribution to GDP to more than 30 per cent by the year twenty thirty. The growth of these sub-sectors holds much promise for job creation for our youthful population that has proved extremely competent in the area of ICT,” President Kibaki remarked.
Commending Telkom Kenya for positioning themselves as major data services player in the country, President Kibaki asserted that the government recognized the important role that access to knowledge, information and communication had in the development of any country.
Said the President, “Telkom Kenya becomes the second mobile service provider to launch its 3G network in the country. We congratulate Telkom Kenya for making such a bold stride in the ever dynamic field of Information, Communications Technology.”
The Head of State noted, “Last July, I launched the Open Data Portal to further give the on-going reforms the necessary impetus to make core Government development data and information available to the general public. Mobile telephony will indeed enhance access to this Open Data Portal.”
During the occasion he expressed delight at the increased number of internet subscribers in Kenya rising from 3 million users in 2009 to over 11 million subscribers to date of whom 64 per cent use their mobile phones.
Terming the launch of the fast and reliable network by the company timely so as to serve the many users efficiently, the President said the new technology would boost internet penetration as well lay a firm basis for employment creation.

SOURCE: STATE HOUSE KENYA

NAIROBI: ADVISORY ON COVERAGE OF SUMMIT ON HORN OF AFRICA FRIDAY

The climax of the Horn of Africa Crisis meeting at the UN takes place tomorrow at the UN Gigigiri. The function tomorrow features heads of state and government. It will kick off at 9 am.

Members of the press covering the event will be spared the processes of earlier registration. But they will need to carry their press identification cards to be allowed in at the gate.

DENNIS ONYANGO.
08.09.2011.

NAIROBI: CHANGE IN PROGRAMME:

The PM will attending the burial of the late Wambui Otieno in Upper Matasia at 10 am today and later go to Parliament. Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula will therefore open the Ministerial meeting in Gigiri today.


DENNIS ONYANGO

NAIROBI: PM OPENS MINISTERIAL MEETING ON HORN OF AFRICA

Prime Minister Raila Odinga will tomorrow, September 8, 2011, open the Ministerial Meetings on the Horn of Africa Crisis at the UN Complex in Gigiri.
The ministerial meeting will feature ministerial level consultations and discussions in order to agree on respective actions plans ahead of the heads of State and Goverment meeting on Friday, September 9, 2011.
Discussions tomorrow will feature Peace, Security and Humanitarian Assistance and Sustainable Development in Somalia, Country-based programmes to end drought emergencies, among other topics.
The PM will open the meeting at 9 am.
DENNIS ONYANGO.

NAIROBI: Vice President Kalonzo to open COMAIV Conference

Media Advisory

September 6, 2011

H.E Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka will tomorrow Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 9.00 am officially open the Fifth Conference of African Ministers in Charge of Integration (COMAIV) at Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi.

Experts have been meeting at the hotel since Monday ahead of the Ministers' meeting with the theme integration and sovereignty.

What: VP to open Fifth Conference of Ministers in Charge of Integration

Where: Intercontinental hotel

When: Thursday, September 8,2011

Time: 9am

Kindly provide coverage

Regards,

Dave Buchere

PRO, Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030

Tel. 0722376916.

NAIROBI:MEDIA ALERT

Members of the Borana Community from Isiolo County will tomorrow (Thursday 8th Sept. 2011) address a Media Conference on the escalating cases of insecurity in the County which have for the past one year alone claimed over 30 lives and over 16,000 livestock taken away by militia claimed to be from the neighbouring Samburu County.

These cases have been going on unabated and this is a worrying trend according to them.

In their hundreds, the Isiolo County residents will address the press at Uhuru Park at 10.am and thereafter hold a peaceful procession to the Offices of the President, Prime Minister and Vigilance House to present a memorandum on the same.

Your esteemed Media House is invited to cover this event.

Thank you and God Bless.

P. A. Etale.

NAIROBI: MEDIA BRIEFING ON HORN OF AFRICA CONFERENCE

We invite you to a media briefing on the above conference at the PM's offices at 2.30 PM today.
Various government ministers and officials will attend. The Conference opens on Thursday and runs till Friday this week.

DENNIS ONYANGO

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MEETS KNUTS OFFICIALS

The PM and other government officials is shortly going into a meeting with KNUT over the strike threat. He will brief the media at midday at the PM's office on the outcome of the meeting.

DENNIS ONYANGO

NAIROBI: Vodacom Tanzania gets new MD

SA's largest cellular company, Vodacom, has appointed a new MD for its Tanzanian operation.
The company this morning issued a statement saying Rene Meza would take over from Dietlof Mare, who had requested a change in roles after spending almost five years in Tanzania.
Meza is currently MD of Bharti Airtel's Kenya operations, and has more than 12 years' experience in telecommunications across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Meza will take up the position later this year.
CEO for international operations Johan Dennelind says: “We're very excited to have Rene [Meza] joining the team.”
Dennelind says Meza has a range of experience in emerging markets as diverse as Paraguay, Pakistan and Kenya.
Tanzania is now Vodacom's second-largest operation outside South Africa, with more than nine million customers.
“Dietlof has led the business admirably and has been instrumental in the implementation of M-Pesa and other initiatives that have placed the company well for the future,” says Dennelind.
Vodacom has more than 40 million subscribers on the continent. It operates networks in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Lesotho, and provides carrier and business services to customers in over 70 African countries.
An announcement as to Dietlof's new role will be made in due course

Source: www.itweb.co.za

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER ON MAU MAU CASE

Prime Minister Raila Odinga today promised to initiate serious consultations to in Cabinet to ensure the government comes to the aid of Mau Mau war veterans who are seeking compensation from Britain for the atrocities committed during Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Speaking when he met Mau Mau war veterans together with their British and local lawyers at his offices, Mr Odinga said the case the group has launched against Britain has sympathy in government, although the Cabinet is yet to take a position.
The PM said the Mau Mau case is a matter of principle and its resolution is critical to creating a nation that is at peace with its history.
He noted that while the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission currently in place seeks to address the human rights abuses from 1963 to 2008, there was need for the country to come to terms with pre-independence history, which is what the Mau Mau case seeks to achieve.
“We have recently lost Wambui Otieno. But we also know Wambui’s grandfather, Waiyaki wa Hinga was buried alive and these are some of the things we really need to address,” the PM said.
The lawyer for the veterans Mr Martyn Day, who was accompanied by local counterparts Paul Muite and Gitobu Imanyara, said there were high chances of the veterans winning the case.
He said the British government has recently declassified documents that would be useful in the case but appealed for government support.
Muite said the British is dragging the case, while the veterans are wallowing in poverty, with many dying. He cited the death of Mrs Wambui Otieno as one such blow.
Mr Odinga said he is happy with the progress made on the case so far and promised personal support as he lobbies the government to fully back it.

“Although we have TJRC looking into the post-independence abuses, the picture will not be complete until we deal with what happened earlier,” the PM said.
The PM said the country has not done well in recognizing and honouring its heroes, adding that the situation is set to change with the recent approval of the Kenya Heroes Bill 2011.
The Bill provides for the recognition, identification and selection of heroes and the category of heroes. It further establishes the National Heroes Council that shall establish the criteria of selecting and honoring national heroes. The criteria shall be based on such values as patriotism, integrity, visionary, courage, enterprise, sacrifice and lasting national impact.
“The people who fought for the freedom of this country have to be remembered more substantively than has been the case where they are paraded out during national holidays.
He said he is keen to see the freedom fighters given time to speak to the country on public holidays as opposed to the situation now where those who have second hand information on where the country is coming from play lead role.
PMPS.

NAIROBI: Press Statement on Libya

We have been following with utmost attention the rapidly evolving situation in Libya. Consistent with the African Union Road map for Libya, Kenya has always believed that only a political solution will make it possible to fulfill the mutually reinforcing objectives of peace, democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law, and national reconciliation for the people of Libya.
With the impending collapse of the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddaffi, Kenya urges that all efforts be exerted for the early restoration of peace and stability in Libya. We therefore call on the interim authority to proceed with the immediate establishment of an all inclusive political dialogue aimed at bringing together all the people of Libya, and that will culminate in the holding of free, fair and transparent elections under a new constitution.
The task ahead of restoring order, forging reconciliation and national cohesion, restoring infrastructure and reviving the economy is indeed a tall one. Kenya stands ready to work with the people of Libya, the African Union and the International Community to help build a new Libya.
Hon. Prof. George Saitoti, EGH, MP

AG. MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA TOURS LANGATA AT 10.30

The Prime Minister will this morning make extensive tour of South C, in his Langata Constituency to inspect roads and also meet constituents. The PM will begin his tour at Nairobi West Shopping Centre at 10.30 am. He will go through Muthaiti Avenue, Sumba Road, Msufi Road, Gandhi Avenue-Langata Road, Mai Mahiu Road, Muhoho Avenue and later attend a meeting with constituents at the MOW Club in South C.


DENNIS ONYANGO.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011.

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MEETS MAASAI ELDERS

PMPS 29th August 2011.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has directed the Ministry of Lands to investigate how a public land that Maasai herdsmen temporarily handed over to the government for livestock development changed hands and became a private property of few individuals.
He ordered the Ministry of Lands to recover the land and revert it to the Maasai community if it is established that the land was acquired illegally by individuals.
Odinga said the disputed land, measuring 2,912 acres attracted private developers after the purpose for which the herdsmen had donated it to the government expired.
The PM was speaking at his offices when he hosted elders from the community who presented him with a memorandum protesting against allocation and forceful eviction of locals from the disputed land.
The elders said the land was meant to hold Sheep and Goat for slaughter at the Kenya Meat Commission.
The then Ministry of Livestock Marketing Department initiated the sheep and goat multiplication project, paddocked the land and fenced it, thereby displacing the community in the process.
The elders’ delegation presented the memorandum on behalf of the Kitengela Ilparakuo Land Owners Association.
According to the elders, the Sheep and Goat Multiplication Project stalled in the late 1980s and the land was surrendered back to the government and the community was allowed to continue living on it.
They said a small portion measuring about 101.2 hectares was excised from the land and transferred to a private company without the knowledge of the initial owners, although the company purported to represent the Maasai community.
They petitioned the government to authorize a survey on the land to establish all its boundaries, adding that the community was willing and able to meet the cost of such survey.
The PM said land remains a thorny issue that the new constitution plans to address comprehensively, adding that some cases of grabbing were obvious and could be dealt with immediately.
At the same time, the PM asked the Maasai community to start shopping for credible female politicians who could take up the special slots for women under the new constitution.
He told the elders that new constitution allocates a specific number of seats that must be occupied by women.
“Women interested in politics of 2012 should start taking up their places ahead of the polls, and you have a duty to support them to fill the slots that the constitution grants them,” the PM said.
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