Vodacom Tanzania targets SMEs with solution that grows business through tech

Tanzania’s integrated telecommunication service provider VODACOM Tanzania has launched a comprehensive communication solution targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on helping the SMEs grow their businesses through technology.     Dubbed Vodacom for SME, the solution is an attempt by the telco to tap into the growing SME space in the country.   The Minister for Industry Trade and Investment Charles Mwijage was all praises to Vodacom.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Ethiopia: Projecting Technology-Based Change in Sugar Supply

Sugar sector is one of the major focus area that would play important role in the forthcoming political economy of the country.   Currently, industrial development becomes an important component and the key direction of the government to shift from agriculture-led to industry-led economy. Thus, to hasten the development of the industry sector, the need for advanced technologies is very crucial.   Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology has been developing a.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Tanzania: Manufacturers, Gold Boost Export Earnings

Manufacturing sector and gold emerged to be the key contributors of export earnings after posting 6.042tri/- in May, this year, Vodacom launches communication solution for SMEs compared to 5.82tri/- generated in the previous month.   Manufactured goods posted 18 per cent increase to 3.27tri/- (1,516.5 million US dollars) in May this year compared to 11.4 per cent to 3.22tri/- (1,493.5 million US dollars) of the previous month.   Gold exports recovered slightly by 3.6.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

New plan to improve cancer treatment at a lower cost

Plans are underway to increase the amount of money offered to patients with cancer under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).     The move is meant to relief the Kenyans who are covered by the NHIF, the heavy financial burden that comes with treating cancer.     According to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Cleopa Mailu the NHIF board shall be engaged to increase the money which is extended to people with cancer, to address a public outcry over.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Sh3.2 billion set aside for Eldoret – Lokichar road, to ease transport of oil

Cabinet approved Sh3.2 billion for the upgrade of Eldoret (Leseru) – Lokichar Road during a special sitting on Thursday.   The carriage way is envisioned to facilitate movement of crude oil from Turkana to Mombasa, from where it will be exported.   The road will be used to move 2000 – 4000 barrels oil per day as state prepares to commercialise the mineral.   The Cabinet also approved the upgrade of Kainuk bridge to ease movement of large trucks that.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Scientists develop new mosquito trapping for tropical Africa

Kenyan and Dutch scientists have developed a mosquito trap, which uses "human odour" to attract the malaria-carrying insects.   The researchers from the Nairobi-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) said the new Solar-Powered Mosquito Trapping system is baited with a synthetic odour blend that mimics human odour.   The research was conducted between 2012 and 2015 in a project known as SolarMal, with more than 4,200 households on.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

China transformational partner for African development: Kenyan expert

China has been a transformational partner from the standpoint of Africa's development, a Kenyan expert said on Thursday.   Prof. Lemma Senbet, executive director of African Economic Research Consortium, said China is playing a vital role in mitigating the resource curse in Africa by helping transform the natural resource comparative advantage into an advantage for sustained development.   "China has emerged as Africa's largest trading partner, but China's engagement.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Tea output to increase by 13pc despite strikes

The agricultural industry regulator is bullish that Kenya’s tea output will hit over 450 million kilograms despite recent strikes that paralysed activities at the country’s tea companies.   According to Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Authority, the June and July strikes by 20,000 tea pickers in Bomet and Kericho counties over pay dispute are unlikely to cut the production forecast. “There is no change to the output forecast,” Agricultural, Fisheries.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Plans for Nairobi city road network laudable

At the weekly State House Summit yesterday, plans for the construction of a Sh38 billion overpass from Mlolongo suburb to Westlands and the imminent launch of a Sh15 billion light train between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the city centre were unveiled. These are key projects that will surely transform the lives of city commuters in a big way. And they  couldn't have come at a better time.   Over time, Nairobi's population has grown exponentially, outstripping.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

President Uhuru Kenyatta's road dream for Nairobi road network

An elevated road with two lanes is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta‘s plan to decongest Nairobi. The Sh38 billion double-deck road between Mlolongo and Westlands that is set to be constructed from next year, when completed, will render the city‘s traffic nightmare a thing of the past.     Motorists would, however, have to pay every time they want to use it at toll stations. Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia expects to get the project funding from the.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Kenya to soon start refining crude oil in Mombasa

The country will start refining her first crude oil at the Kenya Petroleum Refinery in Mombasa in readiness for export.     To facilitate transportation from the Turkana oil fields, the Eldoret-Lokichar road is being upgraded at the cost of Sh3.2 billion.     Yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired a special Cabinet meeting, which gave the nod to full exploration of crude oil discovered in 2012 by UK-based oil and gas exploration firm, Tullow Oil, in.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 12th August 2016

Tanzania to connect one million homes to power

Tanzania plans to spend $3.21 billion over the next five years to connect about one million rural households to electricity, a senior government official has said.   East Africa's second-biggest economy wants to use some of its natural gas reserves to end power shortages and boost industrial growth.   "The five-year rural electrification project whose implementation starts in this 2016/17 government financial year is expected to benefit up to five million.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 16th August 2016