Sakaja stated that city hall is looking to add value to these spaces by introducing amenities such as food stalls, bouncing castles, recreation facilities, and boat riding.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has clarified that Uhuru Park and Central Park will only be leased for recreational activities in a bid to better serve the public.
Sakaja stated that city hall is looking to add value to these spaces by introducing amenities such as food stalls, bouncing castles, recreation facilities, and boat riding.
He said such services will be provided by interested parties to enhance the experience for the thousands of visitors.
“Uhuru Park is not up for lease. It belongs to the people. On a good weekend, we host between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors. Our goal is to ensure they can relax, enjoy refreshments, and participate in park-like activities,” Sakaja said.
He emphasized that Uhuru Park remains public property and as such cannot be leased or privatized.
He said the new measures aim to make Uhuru Park a vibrant, family-friendly destination while maintaining its legacy as a cherished public space in Nairobi.
“Our public spaces are treasures, and we are committed to preserving and protecting them for future generations,” he said.
The decision to introduce these services was reached during a recent Cabinet meeting, where the executive highlighted the need for such amenities to align with global standards for recreational spaces.
“Globally, parks offer a variety of activities to enhance visitor experiences. These services have been missing in Uhuru Park, even after its renovation,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja says under the plan, a limited number of food stalls, children’s bouncing castles, and boat riding services will be made available.
He says the county will collaborate with interested parties to provide these amenities while ensuring public interest remains paramount.
“The county government cannot run food stalls or boat rides. Our role is not to make a profit but to facilitate public enjoyment. Those interested in offering these services will have the opportunity to contribute to enhancing the park experience,” Sakaja said. By Sharon Resian, Capital News
Dong Jun says China willing to work with armed forces of regional countries to strengthen concept of shared destiny, promote systematic maritime cooperation
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun Thursday met naval chiefs from African nations, stressing the “concept of shared destiny.”
Dong met the visiting naval commanders from Nigeria, Gabon and other nations in Shanghai, according to the Chinese Defence Ministry.
The visiting heads of delegations from 18 countries are attending the 2nd Seminar on the Security Situation in the Gulf of Guinea, organized by Chinese navy.
“The Gulf of Guinea is the common home of regional countries and an important link for China and Africa to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and build a community with a shared future for the ocean,” Dong said.
He said China is “willing to work with the armed forces of regional countries to strengthen the concept of shared destiny, shoulder the common responsibility of maintaining security, promote more systematic maritime cooperation, and continue the traditional friendship of sincere solidarity.”
“It is hoped that all parties will work together to … benefit the people of the region, and actively contribute to the construction of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era,” said the Chinese defence chief.
Dong’s appearance at the seminar comes after UK-based daily Financial Times last week reported that the Chinese defence minister was under probe.
Beijing rejected the reports, calling it unfounded and that of “shadow chasing.”
The Defence Ministry, however, later said that a top Chinese military general was being probed for a “serious violation of rules” and has been suspended from his position.
Miao Hua, one of six members of the Central Military Commission (CMC), is undergoing investigation for suspected serious violation of rules, the ministry said.
“Serious violation of rules,” in Chinese state jargon, usually refers to cases of graft. Dong is not a member of the CMC. By Riyaz ul Khaliq, Anadolu Agency
Tanzanian Bank CRDB was honoured with the prestigious title of "Best bank in Tanzania 2024" at The Banker Awards in London. The event was organized by the Financial Times at The Peninsula Hotel and celebrated exceptional performance and innovation in the global banking industry. The prestigious event was hosted by UK's broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald.
The award for CRDB Bank was received by TullyEsther Mwambapa, Managing Director of the CRDB Bank Foundation. She was accompanied by Emmanuel Kiondo, Head of Corporate Affairs, and Adam Mhagama, Senior Official from Tanzania Embassy in the United Kingdom.
This Award is like the icing on the cake for CRDB bank this year as it comes after other major victories. CRDB also won "Best Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank in Tanzania" by Global Finance and the "Best Mobile Banking App" by Euromoney. Together, these awards underscore CRDB Bank’s leadership in innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable banking.
Highlights of CRDB Bank’s Success
CRDB Bank’s recognition by The Banker was driven by its:
-Robust Financial Growth: A 20.4% increase in Tier 1 capital to TZS 1.78 trillion, a 14.48% rise in total assets to TZS 13.32 trillion, and a 20% growth in net profits to TZS 422.79 billion.
-Strategic Expansion: Successful establishment of operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and new branches across Tanzania to support underserved communities and enhance financial inclusion.
- Technology-Driven Innovation: Cutting-edge digital platforms such as SimBanking and TANQR that simplify transactions and deepen customer engagement.
-Commitment to Sustainability: The ground-breaking Kijani Bond, Sub-Saharan Africa’s first green bond, raised TZS 171.82 billion to fund environmental and social initiatives.
From Left TullyEsther Mwambapa MD CRDB Bank Tanzania, Emmanuel Kiondo , Head of Corporate Affairs CRDB Bank and the Chief Editor of Informer East Africa Newspaper UK
Driving Tanzania’s Financial Leadership
Speaking on the achievement, TullyEsther Mwambapa stated, “Winning The Banker’s award solidifies our position as a financial leader in Tanzania and beyond. This recognition celebrates the hard work of our teams and partners in creating impactful solutions that uplift communities and promote sustainable development.”
This award also reflects Tanzania’s growing prominence as a regional financial hub, thanks to a supportive regulatory environment and robust economic policies. Over the years, Tanzania has made significant strides in fostering financial inclusion, digital transformation, and cross-border investment opportunities. These developments, coupled with a stable macroeconomic framework, have positioned the country as a beacon of growth and innovation in the region, attracting both local and international stakeholders to its financial ecosystem.
The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards
These are some of the most prestigious in global banking. The scope of the awards covers more than 120 countries worldwide. Licensed full-service commercial banks, retail banks and digital lenders compete within their local markets, and one winner is chosen in each country to receive the Bank of the Year accolade. The Banker’s awards are judged by a panel of editors, including regional and sector specialists, a process which takes over 5 months to conduct. The decisions are made according to a key criterion of improvements made over the past 12 months. Small and large banks compete on an even playing field.
CRDB Bank Plc is one of the leading commercial banks in East Africa, serving diverse sectors and clients across Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rated "B1, stable" by Moody's, CRDB Bank holds one of the strongest ratings for banks in East Africa and over 3 decades, the bank has significantly contributed to economic transformation in its markets. In 2019, CRDB was accredited by the UN Green Climate Fund, and in 2023, it issued a green bond to support environmentally friendly projects.
With over 5 million customers, CRDB Bank operates 250+ branches, 25,000 agents, and 650+ ATMs. Its quest to promote financial inclusion resulted to the establishment of CRDB Insurance and CRDB Bank Foundation in 2023, wholly owned subsidiaries that further contribute to economic growth and complement the banking business.
Facilitator of Mulika Initiative George Biruri addressing members of press in Murang’a on Wednesday, December 4, 2024
A section of religious leaders from various denominations in Murang’a County have urged the government to speed up the process of reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Committee (IEBC).
The clerics allied to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims on Wednesday argued that the absence of a functioning electoral body has left some constituencies and wards unrepresented.
Coalescing under a lobby dubbed Mulika Initiative, the clergy expressed concerns about the apparent delay in reconstituting IEBC yet registration of new voters should be taking place.
The facilitator of Mulika Initiative George Biruri, noted that since March this year, voter registration has stalled, leaving a majority of young people unable to register.
“We urge Parliament to act with speed and make sure that we have IEBC in place because we want the youth to be registered as voters and we also want the boundaries of electoral units set and reviewed as well as assigning names to new units,” he said.
Biruri also cautioned political leaders against making divisive remarks, noting that their speeches can stir mayhem in the country.
He called for peaceful engagements on matters touching national interest and urged leaders to exercise tolerance by holding divergent opnions without inciting hatred.
“The government should make sure that political leaders do not disrupt peace in the society during public events,” he said, further calling on the leaders to stop their early campaigns and instead choose to work for the electorate.
Alhajj Shaban from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, warned state officials against side-lining religious leaders, saying they should collaborate to foster unity.
He called for a national dialogue conference to resolve tensions between religious institutions and the state.
“The President should invite all religious leaders for a national conference where differences between the state and religious leaders should be resolved to promote peace and cohesion in the country,” he advised.
The meeting was also attended by scores of youth, identified alcoholism and unemployment as key issues facing the country.
Monica Kimani, a youth representative from Kigumo Sub County, highlighted that some alcohol outlets in rural areas are operating round the clock while selling counterfeit products.
She urged national and county governments to intensify efforts to curb the sale of illicit and substandard alcoholic products; and trafficking of drugs like bhang. KBC
Dr Kizza Besigye (L) and Obeid Kamulegeya in the court martial
There is a teaching in the Islamic tradition which tells us that God gave us treatment for all illnesses – except old age.
Yes, aging is illness that eats away a thousand pleasures. We might not have discovered the treatment for a specific illness (or the ever-profiteering pharmaceutical companies might be hiding the formula from the world), but this treatment surely exists and is simply yet to be discovered.
The Creator never gave us anything as an anti-ageing remedy. Not nutrition, not exercise, nor plastic surgery can stop the wrath of aging. There is an entire billion-dollar industry nowadays that claims to slow down ageing. But cannot stop it. After some time, the body finally starts to collapse.
This is a fact awaiting all of us: where once fine skin stood, gives way to wrinkles. Where once a beautiful smile charmed the world, ugliness takes its place. Shakespeare talks about the seven ages of man, and in the final age, one loses almost their pack of aesthetics: teeth, hair, speech, agility, memory and several others.
What is true presently is that there is no amount of internal opposition in Uganda – democratic or otherwise – that can overthrow Museveni’s government. Exactly because Ugandans never put Museveni into office. Neither have Ugandans maintained him in that position.
As we know, plenty of evidence abounds, Museveni was put in office by a mutant imperial machine of the Western world. (Thanks to Kalundi Serumaga’s recent review of William Pike’s book, Combatants. It is incredible how William Pike revealed so much about Museveni’s colonial propping by writing so little).
This explains why our entire economy (banking, energy, Umeme, cash crop farming, Lake Victoria, gold mining, telecoms, etc.) is all in the hands of foreign monopolies because that was the deal Museveni negotiated with the UK’s MI6 as Pike would reveal to us.
The point I am making here is that Museveni can only overthrow himself. But this would mean, all of a sudden becoming a communist and trying to promote local capital and enterprise.
But as the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) dissolution recently demonstrated, even at 80, Museveni is not about to flirt with local capital growth. Exactly, because he has a deal, which he has to uphold for his entire lifetime.
IT IS NOT BESIGYE
In being a committed worker for foreign capital, brother Yoweri Museveni has also helped many folks into some form of wealth. These folks, who form most of the visible state (public service heads, high-end dealers) and the deep state are endlessly cutting deals with foreign capital and making sumptuous cuts. (Although, it is my position these cuts are really miniscule compared to what the foreigner takes out of the country. But, granted, they are exciting to an individual).
If I were one of these people, and had a future plan to continue benefitting from the deals cut under Yoweri Museveni for myself and own offsprings, I would be watching Museveni very closely. This does not mean beefing his security personnel against a potential overthrow, but I would be watching and making calculations around Museveni’s time machine.
Its battery life is closer to its limit than ever before. Museveni’s deep state has so short-sightedly taken this democratic joke too far. They have somehow focused on an already-finished opposition – forgetting that Yoweri Museveni is his own opposition.
Look, to stay in power as long as he wants, bwana Museveni has had to play only two cards: be an honest and committed caretaker for Uganda on behalf of the new colonisers (International Monetary Fund, World Bank, the United Kingdom and others in this league), and make sure he stays healthy. On both, the man has done well. Unlike his peers, like his co-president brother, Gen Salim Saleh, the man neither drinks nor smokes.
M7’S TIME BATTERIES
But we need to be honest with ourselves, if Museveni lived to be as old as Cameroon’s Paul Biya, there are no guarantees for a similar presidential life as Biya’s. Born out of different histories, Biya governs from Paris, from where he does the same things as Museveni. But in truth, like a couple other countries in West Africa, France directly governs Cameroon.
But Museveni is never “running” Uganda from London. But even if he were to live and have the same presidential career as Biya (which will be too bad for my friend, Muhoozi Kainerugaba), both men will have to succumb to the wrath of aging at some point. It is the inevitable.
If Museveni presently wobbles when he walks, and, we are told, sleeps through meetings, surely by 2034, he will be in a different world altogether. And as time continues to rain blows on his already haggard frame, the more precarious the fortunes of those harvesting the fruits of his presidency will be.
Thus, if I were in the deep state, I would worry more about the man’s ticking clock, and not an already emasculated opposition – for which we also have an already proven formula to deal with it. Because once the man finally loses himself to age (not necessarily through death, but say become a Joe Biden of sorts), there will be sheer pandemonium both inside the palace and the streets of Kampala.
Now this is an entirely different world. My point is this: I find it entirely useless for the deep state spending creative energies on Dr Kizza Besigye or Bobi Wine or other smaller folks.
It is wasteful to escalate these games, and exhaust yourselves when your man can only end himself. How I wish these energies were spent on cobbling a legit internal replacement. By Yusuf Sserunkuma, The Observer
Informer East Africa is a UK based diaspora Newspaper. It is a unique platform connecting East Africans at home and abroad through news dissemination. It is a forum to learn together, grow together and get entertained at the same time.
To advertise events or products, get in touch by info [at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447957636854. If you have an issue or a story, get in touch with the editor through editor[at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447886544135.
We also accept donations from our supporters. Please click on "donate". Your donations will go along way in supporting the newspaper.
