Kenya extends deadline for phasing out old generation passports to November
31 January 2022
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FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE
Kenya extends the deadline for phasing out old generation passports to November 2022
Kenya has extended the deadline for phasing out old generation passports to November this year. This decision was made last week at a council meeting of the East African Community (EAC) member states.
Kenya began issuing the new East African format ePassport in September 2017 and the Government had previously set a deadline of 31 December 2021 for the phasing out of the old generation passport.
The new system (ePassport)is aimed at improving efficiency and enhance security.
SECURITY
Countries issue “Terror alert “ in Kenya
The Dutch, German, French and UK consulates in the country issued a terror alert in Kenya on Thursday, January 27. The US embassy also issued a warning the next day.
The Kenyan government announced that it has heightened security to forestall any terror threat.
“There is the potential for increased crime and acts of violent extremism in Kenya this time of year. The US Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for sustained vigilance in public locations such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, clubs, restaurants, transportation hubs, schools, places of worship and other areas frequented by tourists,” - US embassy website.
TRAVEL
Both Kenya and Dubai lift ban on passenger flights
Background
Kenya had suspended all inbound and transit passenger flights from the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) as of 10 January 2022, in retaliation against a move by Dubai to ban all passenger flights from Kenya over fake Covid-19 tests.
Last week, Kenya was first to lift its ban on passenger flights from Dubai. A few days later, the United Arabs Emirates also lifted the ban on all passenger flights from Kenya.
The UAE government also announced the resumption of entry for passengers from Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe as from January 29.
Note: Passengers from Uganda, Ghana, and Rwanda will be subjected to strict entry requirements into Dubai.HIGH COURT DECISION
Civil servants seeking elective office in the August election are required to resign
Last week, The High court struck out a petition challenging the enforcement of Section 43(5) of the Elections Act which requires civil servants seeking elective office to resign six months before the date of the General Election.
The petitioner had alleged that it was discriminatory to force civil servants to resign as a pre-requisite qualification to vie for elective seats, while their rivals in the private sector and those holding political positions remained in office.
However, The judge struck out the petition and stated that 6 months is sufficient for a candidate to prepare himself/herself for an election.
Looking forward
As per the ruling, Public officers seeking elective seats on August 9 2022, have till 9th February to resign.MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSING
Motor vehicle Dealers ordered to surrender all red KG number plates
As per a directive issued by the Interior Cabinet Secretary, motorists are required to surrender all red Kenya Garage (KG) number plates by 1st April 2022.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will then replace the number plates with green KG plates for garages, KC for container freight stations and KT for towing firms. (The picture above shows the new number plates)
The Cabinet Secretary also directed all motor vehicle and motorcycle dealers operating in Kenya to apply afresh for licensing by NTSA before April 1.
“The Dealers who qualify will be issued with digital licensing cards and Existing licenses will stand revoked upon expiry of that period.” - Interior Cabinet Secretary.
MOBILE LOANS
Treasury announces that it will guarantee mobile phone loans given to small traders
Treasury announced that it will guarantee 25% of mobile phone loans given to small traders as an incentive to increase the supply of credit to the unbanked.
The move by government is its attempt to boost the supply of State-backed micro loans through mobile phones and other digital platforms.
The mobile loans have a limit of ksh5 million per borrowerThe repayment period will be 36 months.
LEGAL
Scottish judge allows Kenyan farmers to sue firm in Scotland
A Scottish judge stated that he will allow hundreds of Kenyan farm workers to take legal action against Finlays company in Scotland.
Finlays is a multi-national company and is one of the largest producers of tea and coffee worldwide. It is a Scottish company incorporated in 1925 with a registered address in Aberdeen.
The workers (who are current and former employees) claim that conditions on Finlays' tea farms in Kenya damaged their health and are suing for damages in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Description of working conditions at James Finlay (Kenya) Ltd
At a previous court hearing, the workers claimed that they were routinely asked to work up to 12 hours a day without a break, for six days a week.
They also stated that their average monthly wage was £100.
MUST KNOW
Braeburn Schools to acquire Hillcrest International -Braeburn Schools Limited announced that it will acquire Hillcrest International. The sale transaction is set to start at the beginning of 3rd term of the 2021/22 academic year.
Braeburn Schools Limited stated that Hillcrest Schools will continue operating under the Hillcrest brand.
Ethiopia lifts six -month state of emergency - Ethiopia's cabinet approved the lifting of a six-month state of emergency after a change in security conditions in the country.
“Now we have reached a stage where threats can be neutralised through regular law enforcement mechanisms," - Prime minister’s Office
State rejects bid to renew fuel prices twice a month - The Energy ministry rejected a proposal by oil marketers to review fuel prices twice a month stating that the monthly reviews ensured price certainty.
Oil marketers had argued that a bi-monthly review of fuel prices would boost their cash flows because it would increase the certainty on prices and allow them to sell available stock
Unilever Tea Kenya Limited to make a licence application for generating power to its Tea estates - Unilever Tea Kenya Limited is seeking approval from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to generate, transmit and supply power for its tea estates in Western Kenya.
The power will be generated from existing power stations around Kericho (at Kimugu and Jamji Power stations).
Government Orders People Living Around Power Transmission Lines To Vacate Within 30 Days - People residing on land set aside for power transmission lines across the country have 30 days to clear from the areas before eviction by government.
The government expects that this will curb vandalism cases like the ones earlier this year which resulted in countrywide power blackouts.
solar energy firm Bboxx obtains Sh1.6bn SBM loan to connect homes with solar - SBM bank lent Bboxx ksh 1.6 billion to connect 470,000 homes to the renewable energy source.
Bboxx will target mostly rural areas, a majority of whom use torches and kerosene as their main source of lighting.
The project is expected to create an additional 100 long-term jobs at Bboxx Kenya.
The company currently employs 300 workers.