Kenya new Mining Act positions the country for great mining growth

 In an exclusive interview with Mining Review Africa, editor Laura Cornish spoke with Kenya’s new Mining Cabinet Secretary/Minister of Mines Hon. Dan Kazungu, who highlighted his passion and vision to see the country’s mining sector grow substantially over the next 10 years. And he is confident of success following the introduction of a new Mining Act in May this year aimed at providing investor confidence through transparent regulatory processes that embrace new.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Tanzania: NHC Rolls Out Big Dodoma Housing Plan

 Civil servants and employees from the private sector have been assured of adequate accommodation in the designated administrative city of Dodoma, as the National Housing Corporation (NHC) seeks to raise 60bn/- to put up between 300 and 500 houses in the capital.   Even with the envisaged development in Dodoma, the corporation maintained that it will continue undertaking projects in Dar es Salaam, given its strategic location, commercial influence and the fact that 70 per.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Sh60b Soroti solar project nears completion

 The solar project destined to generate 10MW is in the final stages ahead of its commissioning after major works have been completed. Access Uganda Solar Ltd, East Africa's largest solar IPP launched the project in March in Opuyo Parish in Soroti district.   The project worth sh60b shall produce power that will be added to the main power grid will help end load shedding.    "We have done 95% of the work here and by the end of this month the work shall be.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

East Africa: EAC Officials Say Science, Technology Should Be Priority for the Bloc

 Maximising use of science and technology is part of the government's agenda to increase products value addition, Education minister Papias Musafiri has said.   The minister was speaking, yesterday, as experts met to devise regional priorities in science, technology, and innovation funding workshop in Kigali. The workshop convened regional scientific bodies and commissions, under the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).   It sought to design a.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Architect David Adjaye Tells Us About Washington D.C.’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

 British architect David Adjaye, born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents, was already in his 20s when he visited the U.S. for the first time. But he now has a key role in conveying the American story. On September 24 in Washington, D.C., he will unveil his highly anticipated addition to the National Mall—the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). On a recent tour of the building he noted that its location, at the center of the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Kenyans divided on William Ruto lighting thatched huts

Deputy President William Ruto is in the coast region for a tour that includes launching of various projects including his trademark last mile project and opening the Law Society of Kenya conference.   Fresh from a trip to Rio de Janeiro where he cheered Team Kenya, the DP travelled down at the Coast as he lays the groundwork for President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is expected to start a tour of the region from Saturday, August 20.   Uhuruto are keen on eating into the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Dodging costs and power cuts, Tanzanian firms profit from solar drive

 With the help of government tax cuts, solar energy for manufacturing is taking off in Tanzania.   Mkarima Tarimo, managing director of Tarimo Industries, a Tanzanian company producing ice cream, yoghurt and fruit juice for export to Europe, is a happy man.   Since January, the firm, based in the northern town of Arusha, has relied purely on solar power to drive its machines.   The result is a healthier profit margin due to savings on electricity bills, and.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Students promote oral health to homeless

 A student at the University of Glasgow’s Dental School has created a society encouraging the city’s homeless to care for their teeth.   Claudia Wasige, 22, who is originally from Kenya, was first inspired to help vulnerable communities after visiting the Everlasting Food Bank, in Dennistoun, east Glasgow, with her church in 2013.   Initially working as a befriender, she met a man who was struggling to eat without any teeth.   After persuading him.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Forestry’s industrial revolution has job-creation potential

At a recent media briefing, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe stuck to his guns and refused to revise the gross domestic product (GDP) growth targets of 5.4 percent set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), despite the backdrop of stagnant economic growth since the 2008 financial crisis.   As players in South Africa’s forestry industry, we have been asking ourselves the question: what is our contribution to the NDP and most importantly, towards the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Kenyan Incubator Sote Hub invests in 3D printing start-up Re-Decor

 For the past couple of years, Kenya’s Sote Hub has been cultivating a creative atmosphere of innovation amongst the younger community in the rural county of Taita Taveta. Specifically targeting high school students and recent graduates who’ve yet to enter the white collar workforce, Sote Hub is working to encourage younger generations to take more creative, entrepreneurial routes in their careers. According to a recent profile on the new company, “the Swahili.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Government of Kenya signs Joint Venture deal with De La Rue

 The Government of Kenya has today signed an agreement to commence a joint venture with De La Rue.   Under the terms of the agreement, the Government of Kenya will take a 40% interest in De La Rue’s wholly owned subsidiary, De La Rue Kenya EPZ Limited for GBP£5million.   The transaction is expected to complete by the end of the year. De La Rue will continue to operate and manage the business after the completion.   Martin Sutherland, Chief.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016

Car makers flag SA as base for drive into Africa

 JOHANNESBURG - The global automotive industry produced more than 91-million vehicles in 2015, 1.1% up from 2014.   Of that number, Africa accounted for 960,527 units, with SA producing the bulk of these at 615,658.   In 2016, Ford announced a R2.4bn investment in SA to build its Everest sports utility vehicle (SUV). BMW is spending R6bn to switch production at Rosslyn from the 3 Series to the X3 in 2018. Chinese car maker Beijing Automotive Industry Company will.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 25th August 2016