Tag Archives: Kenya

Politics & Govt

How Universal Health Care Will Help End Extreme Poverty in Kenya

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Kenyan government is rolling out the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program as part of a grand plan to transform Kenya into a newly industrialized middle income country by 2030.

The President said access to affordable and quality health services will help end extreme poverty and improve productivity especially in low and middle income countries.

“My Government’s Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrialized middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030.

“We believe that improving the health and welfare of citizens lays guarantees for economic growth and competitiveness by ensuring healthy productive populations,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke at the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA said the Kenyan government is rolling a UHC pilot phase targeting 3.2 million people.

He said the pilot phase now in its nineth month is focused on strengthening primary health care as well as identifying best practices, lessons and gaps.

The President who shared lessons from the pilot with the world leaders attending the forum said political commitment was key to the success of UHC.

“This commitment must embody a shared vision of all political leaders and actors, especially in countries with more than one level of government like Kenya.

“Furthermore, the commitment will only be impactful if translated from a shared vision to collaborative action,” the President said.

He said the largest dividend that can be gained from political commitment is the mobilisation of community and citizen ownership of UHC.

“The principle of ‘leave no one behind’, needs to resonate with each and every citizen, thus reinforcing the much needed social accountability for the success of service delivery interventions,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader said the harmonisation and alignment of all actions and interventions by health sector actors is key to the success of UHC.

He said the Kenyan UHC pilot phase has provided encouraging feedback that has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make further investments in affordable health care.

“It continues to be work-in-progress. We are inching closer to ‘leave no-one behind’ with special focus on the most vulnerable populations,” the President said.

He said the high-level meeting was an opportunity to renew and galvanize global political commitment while creating more partnerships towards realization of UHC for all.

While reiterating Kenya’s support and commitment to the global efforts towards the achievement of UHC and SDGs, the President said his administration is keen on forging partnerships that will assist it to invest more in health especially in primary health care services.

Earlier, President Kenyatta held bilateral talks with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during which the two leaders discussed Kenya’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2021 to 2022 as well as the ongoing UN reforms especially Nairobi’s desire to host a UN Global Service Delivery Model Centre (GSDM).

The President informed the Secretary General of the recent African Union’s endorsement of Kenya as Africa’s candidate for the UNSC seat saying the country is “finalizing on a comprehensive agenda for the security council membership.”

He said the agenda will address some of the current global challenges and ensure that Kenya makes considerable contributions to global peace, security and sustainable development.

On GSDM, the President welcomed the institutional reforms of the UN saying they are aimed at making the global body more efficient, effective and accountable.

He said Kenya welcomes the Secretary General’s proposal of Nairobi as one of the four global GSDM centres.

“I want to thank you for your confidence in Kenya and to assure you that Kenya will continue to give its full support to this initiative and to the overall reform process underway at the United Nations,” the President assured Mr Guterres.

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How the Kenyan Government is using Youth To Sustain the Agriculture Sector

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has 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 on Wednesday October 2, 2019.

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.

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KRA Portal

Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) training opportunities, requirements and how to apply at https://www.kesra.ac.ke/

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Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s premier training school specializing in Tax and Customs Administration, Fiscal Policy and Management. The School is one of the only four World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in Africa.

KESRA Academic Programmes

Certificate in Tax Administration

Requirements

Overview

This foundation course is designed to inculcate basic skills and knowledge required for entry into the Tax profession. Graduates of the KESRA Certificate in Tax Administration will have the requisite competencies to handle basic taxation for individuals and business enterprises

Duration

 1 Year

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-campus
Requirements
KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C- (Minus) with D+ in Mathematics and English

 

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Certificate in Customs Administration

Requirements

Overview

The clearing and forwarding sector plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and logistics, and is therefore an agent of economic development. In the East Africa Region, the sector plays an even more strategic role in the regional integration processes by providing essential services such as Customs clearance, warehousing and transportation. The course is designed to equip learners with the necessary technical skills and professional ethics to responsibly discharge their duties and responsibilities as Freight Forwarding Practitioners. It is critical in ensuring students understand managing transportation documentation, compliance with customs processes and regulations. The EACFFPC Certification is recognized in the East African region by all tax authorities.

Duration

 1 Year

 

Mode of Study

 Day & Evening
Eligibility
KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

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Diploma Programmes

Diploma in Tax Administration

Requirements

Overview

The dynamic and increasingly complex fiscal environment requires robust technical skills, knowledge and attitude in tax administration to manage emerging business, financial and economic environment. The KESRA Diploma in Tax Administration is designed to produce well-rounded graduates with the requisite capacity to effectively work in a Tax Administration, tax consultancy firms and audit firms the not-for-profit organizations, corporations and international responsibilities.

Duration

 2 Years

 

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-learning
Eligibility
KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C (Plain) with C- in Mathematics and English

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Diploma in Customs Administration

Overview

Requirements

This foundation course is designed to equip learners with basic skills, knowledge and attitude in Customs and its processes. Graduates of the KESRA Certificate in Customs Administration will gain knowledge about global operations of Customs and the requisite competencies to handle Customs Clearance and Freight Operations.

Duration

 1 Year

 

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-campus
Eligibility
KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C (Plain) with C- in Mathematics and English.

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Diploma in Maritime Transport Logistics

Requirements

Overview

The Diploma Programme in Maritime Transport Logistics prepares students to build knowledge and skills in the Maritime Industry.

Duration

 2 Years

 

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-learning
Eligibility
Certificate in Maritime Transport Logistics or • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with an average grade of C- (Minus) • Equivalent qualifications as determined by Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Postgraduate Programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Administration

Requirements

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Administration programme seeks to equip participants with skills, techniques and understanding required in the administration of Domestic Taxes in the private and public sectors of the economy. This programme will transform graduates in the disciplines of economics, business administration, finance, engineering, accounting, mathematics and law to tax administration professionals capable of working efficiently and effectively in a functionally-integrated tax authority as well as offer tax consultancy services to the public.

Duration

 1 Year

 

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-learning
Eligibility
A holder of a Bachelor’s Degree (with at least 2nd class Honors, Lower division) in any discipline from a University or Institution recognized by the commission for University Education (CUE).

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Postgraduate Diploma in Customs Administration

Overview

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Customs Administration programme seeks to equip participants with skills, techniques and understanding required in Customs administration in the private and public sectors of the economy. It aims at supporting the integration and economic development of East African Community.

Duration

 1 Year

 

Mode of Study

 Day/Evening/Weekend/e-learning
Eligibility
A holder of a Bachelor’s Degree (with at least 2nd class Honors, Lower division) in any discipline from a University or Institution recognized by the commission for University Education (CUE).

To apply:

  • Download the Application form by clicking on the Apply button.
  • Fill and submit the application form at Times Tower 8th Floor or KESRA Centre Westlands.

Masters Programmes

Master’s in Tax Administration (with specialization in Tax or Customs)

Requirements

Overview

This programme is an innovative and specialist graduate programme designed to impart advanced knowledge of major technical, conceptual and research issues in the areas of tax and customs administration and provide training in the practical and procedural aspects.

Duration

 2 Years

 

Mode of Study

 Evening/Weekend
Eligibility
Politics & Govt

Reorganization of Government- Full list of Principal Secretaries transferred by President Uhuru

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In order to enhance efficiency and service delivery, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, CGH, has made the following changes in Government affecting Principal Secretaries:

  1. Transferred Maj. Gen (Rtd) Gordon Kihalangwa from State Department for Defence to State Department for Public Works.
  2. Transferred Ms Betty Maina from State Department for Industrialization to State Department for Environment and Forestry.
  3. Transferred Dr Francis Owino from State Department for Public Service to State Department for Industrialization.
  4. Transferred Mr Julius Korir from State Department for Infrastructure to State Department for Public Service.
  5. Transferred Prof Dr Fred K Segor from State Department for Irrigation to State Department for Wildlife Services.
  6. Transferred Dr Ibrahim Mohamed from State Department for Environment and Forestry to State Department for Defence.
  7. Transferred Prof Paul Maringa from State Department for Public Works to State Department for Infrastructure.
  8. Merged the State Department Crop Development with State Department for Agricultural Research to create the State Department for Crop Development and Agricultural Research.
  9. Transferred Prof Hamadi Boga from State Department of Agricultural Research to State Department for Crop Development and Agricultural Research.
Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta Urges Asia To Use Kenya As Gateway To Africa’s Vast Market

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President Uhuru Kenyatta today called on Asian economies to use Kenya as a gateway to Africa’s market of over 1.2 billion people that is worth more than US$ 29 trillion.
President Kenyatta said Kenya is the best entry point for Asian businesses that want to trade in Africa with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).

“I invite you to use Kenya as a gateway to the African continent. It is not only one of the top-ten fastest growing economies in Africa but is also one of the most pro-business Nations on the continent,” said President Kenyatta today.
The President made the statement when he delivered the keynote address at the Singapore Summit 2019 on Saturday morning.

The Singapore Summit, started in 2012, is one of the foremost events that brings together business and thought leaders from Asia and around the world to discuss global trends in business, finance and geopolitics.
Addressing the business leaders gathered at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, President Kenyatta said Kenya is a leader in pro-business reforms.
He said the country has scored huge improvements in the World Bank’s Ease-of-Doing-Business index, jumping 107 places since 2012 to its present position of number 61 globally and 3rd in Africa.

The President said Kenya is also the leading country in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of ICT and technology-penetration, FinTech and Financial Inclusion.
Kenya’s mobile phone subscriptions currently stands at 95 percent of its population of more than 45 Million.

The country has also leveraged on its strength in ICT and mobile cellular subscription to become the global leader in mobile money and mobile banking.
“Kenya’s world-famous M-Pesa mobile money platform has promoted financial inclusion in our country and provided a template for reaching conventionally-unbanked populations across the region,” said the President.

He urged Asian investors to seek partnerships to access the vibrant Kenyan market and the wider continental market.
The President suggested several crucial steps to build strong foundation for the partnership between Singapore and Kenya as well as between the Asian and African continents.
He said Kenya and Singapore should strengthen cooperation in building and expansion of transport, communication, energy, housing, and ICT infrastructure in Kenya;
The second suggestion by the President was facilitation of mergers or collaborative arrangements between Asian companies and Kenyan companies; and promotion of linkages between Micro, Small, and Medium-Size Enterprises (MSMEs), on both sides of the Indian Ocean.

President Kenyatta said there should be collaboration between Asia and Africa in cultural exchanges, capacity building and information sharing as the foundations for forging a new path of productivity and commerce.
After delivering his keynote address, President Kenyatta joined the chairman of the summit Mr Ho Kwan Ping for a panel discussion on Kenya’s role in promoting closer partnership between Africa and Asia.

The President said Kenya’s skilled human capital, thriving service industry, its leading ICT sector and its strategic location make the country the right gateway into the African continent.
He said Kenya and Singapore are exploring the modalities for direct flights between the two countries. He said like Singapore, Kenya is a hub for the whole of Africa and is connected to all parts of the continent and Europe as well as America.

President Kenyatta’s visit to Singapore builds on the successful Afro-Asia Fintech Festival 2019, which was co-hosted by Kenya and Singapore in Nairobi in July 2019.
The President was accompanied by Central Bank Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and Amb Johnson Weru, the Director Economic Affairs and Commercial Diplomacy Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Politics & Govt

President Kenyatta Holds Bilateral Talks With Singapore PM Lee Hsien; Here is what was discussed

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President Uhuru Kenyatta today held bilateral talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong where the two leaders agreed to boost trade and cooperation between Kenya and the Asian nation.

President Kenyatta, who is on a visit to attend the Singapore Summit 2019, said Kenya and Singapore have led the way in developing Afro-Asian relations.

The Singapore Summit, started in 2012, is one of the foremost events that brings together business and thought leaders from Asia and around the world to discuss global trends in business and geopolitics. President Kenyatta is the keynote speaker at the event.

He cited the recent hosting in Nairobi of the first Afro-Asian Fintech Festival which was co-sponsored by the Central Bank of Kenya and its Singaporean equivalent — the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
He noted that in June 2018, the Enterprise Singapore Overseas Office was launched in Nairobi to promote trade between the two countries.

President Kenyatta said Kenya looks at Singapore as a “role model for what can be achieved through conscientious planning, diligent execution of people-centric policies, and the unwavering commitment to eliminating graft and inefficiency.”
“Taking heed of the examples set by Singapore and other Nations that have emerged from low-income nation status, Kenya has embarked on a transformative agenda to turn our Country into a newly industrializing middle-income country by the year 2030, through implementation of the Kenya Vision 2030,” said the President.

The President said his Administration has picked four main areas from the Vision 2030 to increase its focus in the short-term.
He called on Singapore and other Asian countries to invest in Kenya’s Big Four Agenda areas of focus that include Affordable Housing, Food Security, Jobs Creation through promotion of Manufacturing, and Universal Health Coverage.
“Exciting opportunities abound for Singaporean, Asian and other Business and Investment players in those four areas,” said the President.

President Kenyatta called for investments in Kenya’s plan to build new metropolitan areas and to expand existing ones in order to build 500,000 new housing units and their attendant supporting infrastructure by the year 2022.
He also called on Singaporean investors to partner with Kenya in the broad expansion of Agricultural Sector and Processing through the utilization of new technologies and techniques.

“To Singapore, Asia and the rest of the World, our Nation’s message is: Kenya is open for business and investment for players with a strategic interest in tapping into one of Africa’s fastest growing economies as well as the enormous potential of the entire Eastern and Central Africa Region,” said the President.
He proposed the establishment of a Joint Trade Committee to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties.
Prime Minister Lee said Singapore is keen on increasing its cooperation with Kenya and was also very interested in learning from Kenya’s experience in harnessing mobile money technology to enhance economic inclusion.

PM Lee said Singapore will support Kenya in improving the efficiency of its ports as the East African nation positions itself to serve the eastern and central African region effectively.
Earlier in the day, President Kenyatta visited the Housing Development Board in Singapore where he was taken on a tour of the types of houses that the Government builds and subsidises for its citizens.

80 percent of the people of Singapore live in Government built houses which are heavily subsidised by the State.
The President was taken through details of how Singapore has managed to maintain high standards in its housing programs to ensure that citizens get quality houses under the program.

The President also visited the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) which manages one of the most efficient and busiest seaports in the world.
The Kenya Ports Authority is already working in partnership with PSA to improve the efficiency of Mombasa Port, which like Singapore is a hub port.
President Kenyatta said he is looking forward to see improvement in the operational capacity of Mombasa Port through its partnership with PSA.

The President was accompanied by Central Bank Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge and Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga

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KPLC; Scheduled power interruption for today, Tuesday 13th November 2018

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Areas on Scheduled power outage, today;