300 Meter Skyscraper Under Construction in Kenya To Become Africa’s Tallest Building

 Construction has begun on a 70-floor ultramodern twin tower building in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.   On completion, the 300-meter-tall skyscraper, known as the “Pinnacle,” will become Africa’s tallest building, beating the current holder, the 223-meter-tall Carlton Center in Johannesburg.   The $200 million project is being financed by Dubai-based private investor firm Hass Petroleum and White Lotus Group, according to CNN.   The.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 11th August 2017

Kenyan key contract being built by Bechtel

 Bechtel has won a major project to build and important highway link in Kenya. This will be the first long stretch of high-speed expressway in Kenya and will connect the capital, Nairobi, with the country’s main port, Mombasa. The project for the 473km connection is being supported with financing from US and UK sources. Once the new route is open to traffic, journeys between Nairobi will take just four hours by road, instead of 10 at present.   Construction will.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 11th August 2017

EABL launches construction of Sh15bn plant

 Beer maker EABL #ticker:EABL has broken ground on its planned Sh15 billion brewery in Kisumu, signalling good tidings for thousands of farmers who will be contracted to supply raw materials.   The brewer, whose ground-breaking was officiated yesterday by President Uhuru Kenyatta, is projected to handle up to a quarter of the output by Kenya Breweries.   “The plant should be up and running in 18 months. We are hoping that the farmers around here will become.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 11th August 2017

Sh2.9bn centre to house Kenya roads agencies

 The World Bank is set to fund the construction of a Sh2.9 billion complex in Nairobi that will house Kenya’s road institutions and the National Construction Authority. China’s firm, Avic has already won the project’s tender.   The project, being overseen by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), will see the setting up of four office blocks covering 35,000 square metres, a 500-seater auditorium and a service building.   Avic, through its.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 11th August 2017

New construction bill proposes radical changes to the sector

 In a bid to tame rogue contractors and ensure accountability in the construction sector, a bill has been introduced in Parliament to ensure that each construction project has a professional manager. The bill introduced in Parliament in March seeks to have Kenya follow in the footsteps of South Africa, which is the only country in Africa with such an arrangement where the manager oversees the process of construction.The bill will await the next Parliament.   This has.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 11th August 2017

ICT Regulation: Efficiency in transforming Rwanda's economy

 Aline Uwitonze, an entrepreneur from Gatsibo District, says she no longer has to travel long distances, to access Banks or carry out financial transactions.   “All I do is use my mobile phone, to send and receive money, read the news and most importantly, make calls to my customers from anywhere at affordable rates,” she says.   Uwitonze’s story has been possible thanks to relentless efforts of the Government and President Kagame’s visionary.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

Rwanda's essential oils offer big profits from little land

  Inside a metal shed in southeastern Rwanda, Nicholas Hitimana brandished a plastic container holding a green liquid: geranium essential oil, freshly distilled and ready for export at more than US$200 a kilo.   The pioneer of essential oils in Rwanda, Mr Hitimana said he understood over a decade ago "the need to develop high-value crops" in his hilly nation of just 2.6 million hectares.   Agriculture accounts for nearly a third of GDP and employs.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

Rwanda: Telecoms Turn to Data as Voice Revenues Dip

 With growing competition and diminishing voice revenues, Rwanda's telecom firms are increasingly turning to the data market segment to stay competitive and profitable. The situation (low voice earnings) is compounded by the declining (active) subscriber numbers and the increasing popularity of messaging services such as WhatsApp, Messenger or Viber, industry insiders say, adding that the market is 'overcrowded' and stagnated.   "We have seen sms usage drop.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

Alibaba CEO Jack Ma Announces 4 Big Projects at Youth Connekt Summit

 Chinese Billionaire Jack Ma has announced four groundbreaking projects at the ongoing Youth connekt summit in Kigali, Rwanda.   The billionaire arrived with a delegation aboard three planes that landed at Kigali international airport to attend the summit also attended by Rwanda President Paul Kagame.   Without beating around the bush, Jack took the microphone thanked delegates attending the summit.   Under project number one – Jack Ma has invited 200.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

Assam’s Luxmi Tea to develop 4,500 hectare plantation in Rwanda

 In a first for an Indian company, Assam’s Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd has concluded a deal with the government of Rwanda to develop around 4,500 hectares (ha) of tea plantation jointly with local growers.   Capping three years of negotiations, Luxmi Tea has secured 438ha under lease from the Rwandan government. The company will support local growers with know-how to cultivate 4,000ha more, and buy their crop paying a 44% share of revenue, director Rudra Chatterjee said.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

IMF Commends Rwanda’s Economic Reform

 The International Monetary Fund executive directors has commended Rwandan government for maintaining economic stability, and for its sound macroeconomic policies and progress with economic reform in recent years.   Based on the assessment report issued by IMF, policies and progress made in process, have virtually contributed to strong economic growth and poverty reduction Rwanda’s economic development.   Following the executive board discussion, Mr. Tao.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017

Rwanda: E-Health Key in Leveraging the Quality of Healthcare Services

 Information and communication technology (ICT) is no longer just bits and bytes; it has become a tool to scale the world to greater heights. Various sectors have embraced it as a tool driving development, the health sector inclusive.   During the African Health Forum of the World Health Organisation that was held last month, e-health was one of the topics discussed.   e-health is the use of ICT to provide and support healthcare service delivery.   Edith.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 9th August 2017