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AFRAA seeks to boost air connectivity in Africa

by Sharon Chepngetich November 12, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with Air Mauritius kicked off AFRAA 51st Annual General Assembly on Monday with a call to support African airlines achieve sustainable operations for improved air connectivity in Africa.

This year’s Assembly was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Mauritius and has brought together more than 400 delegates from across 60 countries. It was noted that the theme of the summit

“Success in an integrated and interconnected Africa” will help uncover challenges, opportunities, lessons and recommendations that will help galvanize efforts towards making the aviation sector in Africa more resilient and competitive.

Speaking as Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony, H.E Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius said: “I am delighted that the AFRAA AGA is being held in Mauritius following a successful Stakeholder Convention last May. Our island state is a vivid example of the impact Air Connectivity can have on a country’s economy. Africa is a continent of opportunities. Only a collaborative effort from all of us can help unlock the potential of aviation and stimulate further economic growth on our continent. I wish all delegates a fruitful summit.”

In his opening speech, Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary-General said: “In an effort to boost the competitiveness of African airlines we have created the AFRAA consulting unit which will serve as a knowledge and expertise hub for the African air transport market. Furthermore, our vision, mission and strategic objectives have been revamped to ensure we can better meet the needs of African carriers so they can become key players and drivers of African economic development.”

He added that the governance framework of the Association has been redesigned to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

On his part, Mr. Somas Appavou, CEO of Air Mauritius said: “Most agree that in order for African aviation to achieve its true potential, a major paradigm shift is required; not only among key players, but also among all stakeholders within the continent’s aviation ecosystem. Improved collaboration among African airlines is probably the single most urgent target we must set for ourselves because alone, no African airline will successfully overcome the hurdles of scale and the high cost base that are holding back the African aviation industry.”

Mr. Appavou also reiterated his wish for the creation of a first African Alliance. Deliberations over the course of the 51st AGA which feature high level partners such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, The International Air Transport Association (IATA),the African civil aviation commission and others will delve into matters of interest of the African air transport market including the reconciling of the Single African Air transport market with airline strategic plans, growth avenues to be found in positive synergies and the next steps towards enhancing competitiveness to boost employment creation, revenue generation and continued economic transformation.

AFRAA currently represents more than 85 per cent of the air transport market in Africa and has recently grown its fraternity with five new members namely: Safarilink aviation, Air Djibouti, Air Senegal and Uganda National Airlines and Air Peace.

November 12, 2019 0 comments 278 views

Banking

DTB joins Mastercard, DPO Group to extend digital payments to global markets

by Sharon Chepngetich October 11, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), the East African banking group, has joined African payment services provider DPO Group, and Mastercard, the global payments technology company, in the rollout of a business to business (B2B) virtual payment card in Kenya and Tanzania. The DPO Virtual Card will improve the reach and ability of businesses to make instant digital payments to other businesses in Africa and across the world without the need for a physical credit card, debit card or bank account, improving cash flow for firms and opening up African businesses to other markets.

Merchants of the DPO Virtual Card will receive a 16-digit card number, security code and expiry date and this acts like a digital account which can be used worldwide much like a physical card. The virtual card will enable secure, swift online payments to be made to any vendor both within and outside the DPO network, decreasing the risk of fraud and loss. The card has been piloted by travel and tourism operators who have used it to pay international suppliers and other vendors.

DTB is DPO’s sponsor bank which enables DPO to issue cards in partnership with Mastercard.

DTB’s Head of Products and Marketing, Farouk Khimji said, “At DTB, we believe in innovation and see it as a crucial pillar for businesses going forward. Already, more than 50 per cent of transactions at DTB are done outside the bank, and this is made possible because of the excellent IT infrastructure in this country. We are happy to be the sponsor bank for the DPO Virtual Card and look forward to the growth that this will bring to our business.”

Eran Feinstein, CEO of DPO Group commented, “This partnership between DPO Group, DTB Group and Mastercard is an exciting development not only for DPO Group but also for African businesses which will be able to transact swiftly and securely, reach new markets and grow with the virtual card. We’re delighted to be working together with DTB and Mastercard who share our drive to find innovative ways of improving the payments landscape enabling African businesses to flourish.”

The virtual card replaces the need for merchants to make wire transfers to international merchants, allowing them to avoid foreign currency conversion fees. As well as being a multiple use card, the DPO Virtual Card is also available as a one-time use card; creating a card number that is used only once and for a specific purpose, making the process secure, easy to track and reconcile.

Adam Jones, Area Business Head, East Africa, Mastercard added, “Mastercard is constantly partnering with key stakeholders to deliver relevant solutions that enable consumers and merchants to transact more efficiently and safely. This partnership with DTB and DPO will enable even more businesses of all sizes in Kenya and Tanzania to leverage MasterCard’s unique virtual card technology to make seamless transactions across borders removing several barriers to trade and enabling them efficiently track and reconcile all payments.”

DPO Group is in the process of securing partner banks, like DTB, in other countries across Africa, which will allow it to facilitate more virtual card payments, giving businesses in other African countries greater access to the global market.

October 11, 2019 0 comments 272 views

Women in Nyeri County Benefit from Breast Cancer Screening Campaign

by Sharon Chepngetich October 11, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

The Nyeri County Government, Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) and GE Healthcare have launched a Mammography screening campaign across Nyeri County to promote early detection of breast cancer. The one-month campaign will target over 10,000 women aged 40 years and above which is the recommended age for mammography screening. Over 50 Community Healthcare Volunteers and 30 healthcare professionals were trained to support the campaign.

The Nyeri County Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu said, “Breast cancer is a cancer that affects the breasts, mostly in women and it can also affect men though it is rare. In 2018, breast cancer was the most common cancer treated at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital.Out of the 10 cases of cancer reported at Nyeri County referral hospital, 7 cases are breast cancer cases. Even with this occurrence, only two mammogram exams were done per day around the same period indicating under utilization of the digital mammography machine available at the hospital. This campaign seeks to challenge women to do their Mammo screening which saves lives.”

Dr. Karugu will be the ambassador for the campaign promoting mammography screening in the fight against breast cancer. Leading by example, Dr. Karugu got her first mammogram exam at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital during the launch of the campaign, together with other attending the event as a way of motivating more women to participate in the screening.

“As a trusted partner to healthcare providers globally, we are excited to partner with NCCP and Nyeri County to provide the women of Nyeri County access to world-class mammography solutions that have positive impact on early breast cancer detection. GE Healthcare is committed to developing solutions for women that encourage adherence to screening guidelines and improve outcomes for breast cancer screening.” said Brenda Mbathi, CEO GE East Africa.

GE Healthcare’s Senographe Crystal digital mammography machine will be used for the screening at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital. The system delivers excellent image quality facilitating early detection while ensuring a positive patient experience.

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2022 is one of the government’s Big Four priority agenda aimed at ensuring that no Kenyan undergoes financial hardship while seeking health care. The government has ensured access to digital mammography services across the 47 public hospitals across the country for women in places that need it the most. Decentralization of these services and the UHC pilots have seen a dramatic direct and indirect cost saving to patients seeking breast cancer screening services.

According to GLOBOCAN 2018, breast cancer is the leading cancer in incidence in Kenya with almost 6,000 new cases, accounting for over 2,500 deaths and making it the 3 rd leading cause of all cancer deaths in the country. Additionally, seven women die every day in Kenya as a result of breast cancer. The campaign is geared towards cultivating a culture for screening amongst women. Mammography is the only screening method that has been shown to be effective in reducing breast cancer mortality.

October 11, 2019 0 comments 291 views

Business

Airtel, Mastercard partner to Connect 100 Million Consumers in Africa

by Sharon Chepngetich October 8, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Airtel Africa on Tuesday announced a partnership with Mastercard, giving over 100 million Airtel Africa mobile phone users across 14 African countries access to MasterCard’s global network.

The Mastercard virtual (non-plastic) card allows Airtel Money customers, even those without a bank account, to make payments to local and global online merchants that accept Mastercard cards, while ensuring that the customer’s financial data is always secure and private.

In addition, Airtel Money customers will also be able to make in-person payments at outlets via Quick Response (QR) codes (whereby payments are made from an Airtel mobile phone by scanning the QR code displayed at checkout or by entering a merchant identifier, at any location worldwide that Mastercard QR is accepted). To date, there are over 1 million merchant locations across Africa that accept Mastercard QR payments.

Airtel Money customers will also benefit from competitive pricing and preferential exchange rates for international payments, and gain access to other domestically relevant use cases including bill payments, merchants payments and value added services such as cash management solutions.

Raghunath Mandava, the CEO of Airtel Africa said, “Airtel and Mastercard have a shared passion for digital transformation and making mobile financial services accessible to everyone across the continent. Through our partnership we will enable over 100 million Airtel Africa customers make safe mobile money purchases online and in person. The partnership will also significantly bolster Airtel’s position as one of the largest offline-to-online digital payment network in Africa. We are really excited to embark on this partnership with a globally trusted brand like Mastercard. This partnership is truly revolutionary in our market, giving millions of people better access to the digital and online world.”

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President for Market Development, Mastercard Middle East and Africa, said, “Across the MEA region our digital partnerships strategy remains focused on enabling digital transformation for our partners so that their consumers can enjoy seamless access to payments and a superior experience. We are very excited to partner with Airtel to lead the transition to digital by enabling access to their millions of consumers for online and in-person payments across the globe. Mastercard is uniquely positioned as a single technology provider to enable our digital partners like Airtel to transition seamlessly into digital”.

Mobile internet connections are expected to grow rapidly in Africa due to low cost smartphones and high-speed GSM networks being rolled out by Mobile Network Operators like Airtel. This growth in internet connections is creating increased demand for digital content, social media, m-commerce even online education and a need to make online payments easily and securely by both banked and unbanked consumers.

October 8, 2019 0 comments 304 views

Business

Kenya’s real estate market remains stagnant in Q3

by Sharon Chepngetich October 8, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Cytonn Real Estate, the development affiliate of Cytonn Investments, has released the Q3’2019 real estate market review, highlighting the performance of various sectors including the residential, commercial office, retail and land sectors.

According to the report, the real estate market performance remained largely stagnant in Q3’2019, with the residential sector yield remaining unchanged at 4.9 per cent, while commercial office and retail sectors recorded rental yields of 7.7 per cent and 8.0 per cent, respectively in Q3’2019, from 7.8 per cent and 8.2 per cent, respectively, in H1’2019.

The sector was mainly constrained by;

i) Delay in the processing of construction permits by some county governments,

ii) Oversupply in the commercial office and retail sectors with a surplus of 5.2 mn SQFT and 2.0 mn SQFT, respectively, as at 2018,

(iii) Slow private sector credit growth.

In the residential sector, Ruiru and Kilimani ranked best in terms of rental yields recording 6.1 per cent and 5.8 per cent, respectively:

No.	Residential Neighbourhood	Price per SQM (Kshs)	Rent per SQM (Kshs)	Occupancy	Rental Yield	Total Return
1	Ruiru – Detached	92,178	407	80.4%	6.10%	4.2%
2	Kilimani- Apartments	119,276	863	75.9%	5.80%	4.1%
3	Donholm & Komarock – Apartments	72,033	382	89.9%	5.80%	4.5%
4	Kileleshwa – Apartments	116,294	765	86.5%	5.70%	6.2%
5	Kitengela- Apartments	60,750	400	71.8%	5.70%	4.5%
6	Athi River – Detached	93,939	393	74.8%	5.50%	6.0%
7	Thika – Detached	66,778	458	79.4%	5.50%	5.2%
8	Upper Kabete – Apartments	80,883	447	82.0%	5.40%	5.2%
9	Rosslyn – Detached	164,377	848	83.3%	5.30%	5.3%
10	Parklands- Apartments	121,917	679	62.3%	5.30%	4.3%
11	Runda – Detached	229,183	1033	93.3%	5.10%	5.8%
12	Donholm/Komarock – Detached	87,571	342	98.0%	5.10%	5.2%
13	Thindigua –Apartments	94,083	472	90.8%	5.10%	4.7%
14	Ngong Road- Apartments	97,288	571	72.2%	5.00%	5.0%
15	Langata –Apartments	110,659	503	88.0%	5.00%	3.9%
16	Ruaka – Apartments	98,979	507	73.9%	4.90%	5.7%
17	Syokimau- Apartments	65,046	280	89.4%	4.90%	4.5%
18	Westlands – Apartments	145,299	806	75.5%	4.80%	5.8%
19	South B/C – Apartments	99,201	406	93.3%	4.70%	5.2%
20	Langata – Detached	137,755	675	93.1%	4.60%	5.2%
21	South B/C – Detached	106,460	421	95.7%	4.50%	4.1%
22	Syokimau/Mlolongo –Detached	74,211	306	83.0%	4.40%	5.4%
23	Loresho – Apartments	116,411	559	63.9%	4.40%	4.9%
24	Athi River –Apartments	62,423	369	74.3%	4.40%	5.0%
25	Karen – Detached	188,172	763	73.8%	4.20%	4.8%
26	Kitisuru – Detached	219,812	842	76.7%	4.20%	2.5%
27	Loresho – Detached	149,941	941	88.2%	4.20%	4.5%
28	Runda Mumwe –Detached	151,951	563	89.5%	4.10%	3.9%
29	Lavington –Detached	200,187	648	77.2%	3.70%	3.7%
30

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October 8, 2019 0 comments 284 views

Technology

Cellulant targets 8 countries with new payments app

by Sharon Chepngetich October 8, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Fintech firm, Cellulant on Tuesday announced the launch of Tingg, an all-in-one, multi-functional consumer super app that will include a wide array of payment, commerce and financial services into a single platform that will revolutionize the way customers interact with digital payment services in the continent.

Tingg is Cellulant’s solution to the fragmentation in the African digital payments space, particularly in cross-border payments. As a platform that supports payments, financial services and commerce at a local level, Tingg seeks to eliminate boundaries across channels and geographies. This all-in-one app will offer an integrated and efficient user experience that is adapted to local contexts, thereby making it easier for customers and businesses to conveniently make and accept payments, as well as access digital financial services.

Ken Njoroge, co-CEO, Cellulant said, “Recent statistics indicate that roughly 62 per cent of sub-Saharan Africans are unbanked. However, even those of us who are able to open bank accounts often face challenges such as high transaction costs, fragmented markets and inconvenient payment options. It is for this reason that we have built a digital commerce platform that tackles not only the access problem but also offers a variety of financial services and improved user experiences.”

Cellulant’s digital payment infrastructure connects consumers and business to over 120 banks, 40 mobile network operators in one inclusive network allowing for interoperability that has eluded numerous players in the payments space. This sets Tingg on the path to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation by connecting consumers and business to a simple, fast and secure financial services experience.

Bolaji Akinboro, co-CEO, Cellulant, highlighted, “Currently, Africa moves more money on mobile phones than any other economy in the world and has a growing interest in digital financial solutions. Our team believes that this gives our region the unique opportunity to lead the way in developing robust financial platforms that can be customized to the needs in each country or locality while infusing cutting-edge technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.”

Now available in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana, Tingg becomes Cellulant’s new unifying brand identity that will deliver on the company’s promise of a robust single payments platform for Africa’s marketplace.

“We are excited to unveil Tingg as a brand that embodies the excitement and promise of our continent. This name, which has been associated with one of our market-leading platforms in Nigeria, will bring all our platforms, including the iconic Mula app, under the umbrella of a single, authentically African identity,” Commented Divine Muragijimana, Chief of Brand at Cellulant.

Through Tingg, which is available as a mobile app, a USSD shortcode service and as a web-based application, customers can access numerous services across different value chains in key sectors, namely: Agriculture & Retail (farm to fork), Transport & Logistics and e-Commerce.

October 8, 2019 0 comments 250 views

Health

Stakeholders call for prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya

by Sharon Chepngetich October 8, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Various stakeholders have been urged to embrace collaboration and partnerships in tackling the burden of cardiovascular diseases, focusing on awareness, screening initiatives and strengthening of healthcare systems.

This was highlighted during the launch of the World Heart Day campaign on Friday by the Kenya Cardiac Society in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Novartis and other partners in an effort to raise awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), including heart failure.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, every year, 17.9 million people die from CVDs representing 31 percent of deaths worldwide 1. In Kenya, 13 percent of deaths are related to CVDs and account for 25 percent of hospital admissions according to the National Step wise Survey 2015.

Heart failure has been flagged as a disease that health stakeholders need to pay more attention to since it is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body. Heart failure can be caused by current or past medical conditions, which either damage or add extra workload to the heart. Common causes include past heart attacks, high blood pressure, lung conditions, diabetes, alcohol & drug abuse, congenital heart defects among other ailments.

“We have joined the world to continue driving awareness of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya which have become a burden on the economy and the society at large. Eight percent of Kenyans in the 40-69 age group are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases with only 6.2 percent of them currently receiving drug therapy and counselling to prevent heart attacks and stroke ii. There is a need to prioritize prevention and control at both national and county level by the government and the public.” Said Dr Ephantus Maree, Head of NCD prevention& control unit.

“To tackle the growing problem at hand, we need to come together as a society and observe what we are consuming; hence encourage consumption of healthy diets, promote physical activity, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking cessation. One of the major challenges we face is the low level of awareness of the causes and the impact of cardiovascular diseases among the general population. There is need for sustained awareness creation on CVD prevention, early detection and management across the country’’ said Dr Bernard Gitura, President of the Kenya Cardiac Society.

Arpit Bansal, Country Group Head, English East Africa at Novartis said: “It is our belief that collaboration and partnerships are crucial to tackling the burden of cardiovascular diseases focusing on awareness, screening initiatives and strengthening of healthcare systems. At Novartis, we care about heart health and we support people living with cardiometabolic diseases not only with innovative treatments but also driving patient awareness through patient education materials such as the ‘Heart Failure Symptom Checker’ and ‘Talking to your Doctors Guide’ which are tools developed in collaboration with healthcare partners to improve health outcomes’’

He added that the company has partnered with various health stakeholders in Kenya to increase learning, up skilling on diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

October 8, 2019 0 comments 231 views

East Africa

AfDB approves $229m for expansion of ‘Great North Road’

by Sharon Chepngetich October 4, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved loans of around €209 million to fund the expansion of a highway that links major economic hubs in Kenya.

The approval was granted on 26 September during a meeting at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

The total project cost is €257.68 million, of which €178.02 million (69 per cent) will be financed by the Bank Group, while 12 per cent will come from the Africa Growing Together Fund, set up by the Bank and the People’s Bank of China in 2014. The remaining 19 per cent will be financed by the Kenyan government.

“About 1.15 million people will benefit from the upgraded highway”

The five-year project will convert the 84km Kenol–Sagana–Marua Road in central and eastern Kenya from a two-way single carriageway into a dual bypass, and is due for completion in 2025. The new road will enhance traffic flow between the port city of Mombasa and major centres like Nairobi. It will also ease transport between Nairobi and the Mount Kenya region; and ultimately Ethiopia.

The current Kenol–Sagana–Marua Road is situated along the “Great North Road”, which forms part of the 800km stretch between Nairobi and Moyale and runs across the five counties of Muranga, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Embu and Nyeri.

Kenol–Sagana–Marua Road is also part of the Trans-Africa Highway, commonly known as the Cape to Cairo route.

According to a project report, about 1.15 million people will benefit from the upgraded highway. 44 per cent of the beneficiaries are likely to be women. The beneficiaries include producers, manufacturers and traders, who will save time and money, thanks to improved access on the main corridor to the north.

Building a 21^st century road must also take into account climate change, which often leads to road runoff, flooding and erosion. In order to counter these phenomena, trees will be planted in the surrounding area.

The project is part of broader government efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure, including the construction of 1,304 km of new roads in recent years. The Bank’s present portfolio in Kenya consists of 38 operations, totaling around $3.3 billion.

October 4, 2019 0 comments 251 views

Agribusiness

East African rice farmers to benefit from US$3 million grant

by Sharon Chepngetich October 4, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

Rice farmers in East Africa are set to benefit from a US$3.1 million dollar grant to a rice sector promotion project which will be implemented over a period of three years.

The Competitive African Rice Initiative in East Africa (CARI-EA), which is being implemented jointly by the East African Community (EAC) and Kilimo Trust (KT) seeks to improve the rice sub-sector in the region. The project was approved for funding by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in April 2019 and is now at the initial stage of implementation.

The project targets to reach 660,000 farming households (220,000 directly and 440,000 indirectly impacted). It aims to contribute to inclusive transformation of the rice sector in East Africa for sustainable increase in incomes of women, men and young people employed in the value chain of locally produced rice.

The 13^th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security held in Arusha, Tanzania was informed that the project will be implemented over a period of 36 months (April 15^th, 2019 – April 14^th, 2022).

The project funding is worth US$3,133,378 courtesy of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), whereby EAC will receive a grant of US$322,600.

CARI-EA will support the EAC Secretariat to address the most critical bottlenecks in creating an enabling environment for structured trade in rice at both national and regional levels.

Key activities will include supporting EAC Partner States governments to develop clear rice development plans and mobilize private sector investments in rice mills as well as public sector investments in irrigated rice schemes.

CARI-EA will also support private sector millers to utilize opportunities at the national, regional and extra-regional levels through strengthened market linkages to ensure sustainable rice supply. The project will also carry out assessment of supply chain and logistical constraints and opportunities that hinder processors from attaining desired quality and quantity of paddy from smallholder farmers.

To ensure that farmers sustainably increase productivity to supply the contracted volumes of paddy agreed with SMEs and large traders, CARI-EA will promote the use of irrigation technologies and use of residual moisture during the dry season for a second crop e.g. vegetables or beans so as to enable income continuity for farmers over the year while increasing household food security and reduction in vulnerability.

On its part, the EAC Secretariat will aim to develop an EAC rice trade strategy involving all Partner States, establish the EAC Regional rice platform and increase the membership of private sector processors and rice value chain actors in the industry platform, and undertake research into the issues affecting rice regional trade.

The Secretariat will also establish a rice traceability and certification mechanism for locally produced rice in the EAC and promote the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) protocol already developed by the Community.

The ultimate aim of the project is to unlock constraints that hinder regional rice trade and thus catalyse growth by stimulating investment, create competitiveness and inclusiveness in the rice industry.

Furthermore, CARI-EA will partner with National Agricultural Research Centres and seed agencies in Partner States to ensure that enough breeder seed is available for multiplication by commercial rice seed companies.

The 13^th Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security consequently noted the introduction of a new programme on rice sector development and urged Partner States to support its implementation.

On aflatoxin control and management, the Sectoral Council urged Partner States to address the issue of aflatoxin as serious matter by putting in place measures to address contamination and disposal challenges along the food and feeds value chains.

The Community adopted the EAC Aflatoxin Prevention and Control Strategy, Action Plan and Results Framework adopted by the 36^th Council of Ministers in February 2018.

Speaking at the opening session of the meeting, the Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana, said that the agricultural sector contributes between 24 and 44 per cent of Partner States’ GDPs. Dr. Mukeshimana, who is also Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, further noted that agriculture employs between 70 – 80 per cent of the population in the region. She added that it was a key sector in the transformation and development of EAC Partner States, particularly in employment creation and increasing national agriculture export earnings.

Dr. Mukeshimana underscored the need for Partner States to prioritize and invest in livestock and fisheries value chains taking cognizance of their important role in the food and nutrition security.In his remarks, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of the Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said that the EAC has a huge potential for agricultural production, but the sector was facing challenges related to food insecurity, climate change, and trade.

“The sector supports over 80 per cent of the population and is the main source of raw materials for industries in the region. More than 70 per cent of the industries in the region are agro-based and agricultural commodities and products constitute about 65 per cent of the volume of intra-regional trade,” said Hon. Bazivamo.

He noted that region has been experiencing a decline in intra-regional trade over the last five years yet trade was essential for the promotion of agricultural production and industrial development.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Kenya’s Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri; Hon. Dr. Rurema Déo-Guide, Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock (Burundi); Hon. Kibazanga Mbalibula Christopher, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Uganda), and Hon. Luhaga Joelson Mpina, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries (Tanzania).

October 4, 2019 0 comments 494 views

Agribusiness

Government equipping youth to sustain agriculture sector

by Sharon Chepngetich October 3, 2019

written by Sharon Chepngetich

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday said the government is undertaking measures to ensure that a new generation of farmers emerge to sustain the agricultural sector in the country.

The President said there is need to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector by encouraging the participation of the nation’s youth through technology and innovation.

He said the government’s measures to encourage the youth to take up farming are informed by the fact that the average age of a Kenyan farmer is 59 years while the average age of the consumer is 17 years.

“In order to foster the participation of the youth in agriculture, my government has prioritized the creation and adoption of programmes that ease access to land, financing, mechanization and knowledge among our youth,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke when he opened the 2019 Nairobi International Trade Fair at the Jamhuri Park Showground.

The President said 300 youth have already undergone a rigorous trainer-of-trainers programme in Israel since the year 2016 as part of government’s capacity building programme to empower and encourage the youth to take up farming.

He said the Government has continued to promote access to Agricultural Technical Vocational Education Training (ATVET) learning opportunities under the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme.

“Over the past five years, this initiative has led to the development and approval of more than 44 Competency Based Curricula for agricultural middle level colleges in selected key value chains such as dairy, horticulture, poultry, aquaculture and agri-entrepreneurship,” the President noted.

The Head of State said the government is prioritising access to affirmative action funds for youth, women and persons living with disabilities so as to avail the requisite capital needed by these special groups to establish and grow vibrant enterprises in agriculture.

“These and other initiatives are expected to contribute to our position as the gateway to the Eastern and Central Africa Region; through a full-spectrum of Micro, Small, Medium, Large and Mega Enterprises participating in both the traditional and new economies,” the President said.

On the economy, President Kenyatta said Kenya’s economic growth potential is limitless and urged both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the the opportunities presented by the improving ease of doing business in the country.

“Join us and reap the rewards of a vibrant economy; characterized by innovation and technology that builds upon a tradition of strong and stable macroeconomic framework as the basis for sustainable current and future growth in agriculture, trade and other economic sectors,” he said.

The Head of State said the agricultural sector remains strong and assured that the government will continue strengthening it by leveraging on established competencies.

“It is our goal to retain and build upon our traditional strengths and advantages in agriculture, horticulture and related fields, so as to have a strong and steady base upon which our economy can continue to be diversified and take advantage of the opportunities of the 21st century,” he said.

The President said Kenya, which has a track record of promoting technology and innovation across the full scope of economic activities, will continue to deploy innovations to boost agriculture.

“We are now seeking to embed this tradition of innovation and excellence within the agricultural and trade sectors. The policies, programmes and initiatives that promote innovation and technology in agriculture and trade in Kenya are on show before you today,” the President observed.

As part of efforts to make the agricultural sector more vibrant, the President said Kenyan universities and research institutes are providing leadership in developing new varieties of high yielding and drought tolerant crops.

He said the recently enacted Warehouse Receipting System law provides an opportunity for investors to construct standardized and accredited facilities to provide storage services to commodity producers and traders.

President Kenyatta said the 2019 to 2029 agricultural transformation and growth strategy being implemented by the government is aimed at increasing small holder farmer incomes through increased production and value addition.

Before his address, the President who was taken on a guided tour of the various exhibition stands also inspected the ongoing construction of the Jamhuri Park Expo and Conference Centre.

Further, the President presided over the auctioning of livestock where the supreme and reserve supreme champion cross breed bulls each weighing 630 kg from Kenya Seed Company were auctioned at Shs 800,000 each.

The champion boran cow weighing 550 kg also from Kenya Seed was sold at Shs 690,000 while another boran bull from the Agricultural Development Corporation was auctioned at Shs 410,000.

National Chairperson of the Agricultural Society of Kenya Mrs Annabella Kiriinya, Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri also spoke at the event.

Governor Mbuvi who announced plans to transform Uhuru Market in Nairobi into a textile centre of excellence said his administration is revamping retail markets in the city to empower small holder traders especially those dealing in agricultural produce.

CS Kiunjuri thanked the President for his commitment to the development of the agriculture sector saying his ministry is implementing various programmes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in the country.

October 3, 2019 0 comments 267 views

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