Some of the stranded passengers at JKIA take a nap as aviation workers staged a strike over contraversial take over by a foreign investor on September 11, 2024.[Collins Oduor, Standard]
As the country grapples with the effects of the controversial takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Adani Holdings that has sparked national outrage, it is emerging that the Indian firm has spread its tentacles to the energy sector as well.
On Thursday, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who has been pursuing Adani deals in the country, told the Senate that besides the JKIA deal, the company was on the verge of entering into an agreement with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) for electricity transmission lines.
“It should be brought to the attention of the nation that besides the JKIA deal, Adani Limited is on the verge of entering another contractual agreement for a transmission lines project by Ketraco without public participation,” Onyonka said.
He, at the same time, sought a statement about the activities of the Indian company in the country. The Kisii senator dropped the bombshell moments after Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir came under fire after he appeared before the Senate Roads and Transport Committee over the controversial JKIA– Adani deal without the necessary documentation.
Last week, when the country was experiencing inexplicable nationwide blackouts, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi justified Kenya’s need of a new power transmission line.
Wandayi claimed the government had recently approved a Sh117 billion power transmission infrastructure proposal from power distribution company Adani Energy Solutions Limited that is aimed to turn around the sector.
The project aims to construct 371 Kilometres of transmission lines and five substations in Eastern and Western Kenya as part of a public-private partnership with Adani Energy to ensure stability in supply.
The move, according to Wandayi, was part of the country’s broader plan to upgrade the ageing infrastructure while reducing leakages and frequent outages which has led to Kenyans incurring losses every time there is a major blackout across the country.
The National Treasury approved the project’s feasibility study report in March 2024 with the initiative also serving as part of the country’s strategy to turn to private-sector investment to cut government spending on infrastructure.
Adani Energy is planning to do 197KM – 400KV along Gilgil – Thika – Mala – Konza, 101KM-220KV along Rongai – Keringut- Chemosit, 90KM – 132KV along Menengai – Olkalau – Rumuruti, 400/220KV sub stations at Lessos and Rongai, and 132/33KV thur –dibuoro substation estimated to cost Sh 127 billion.
Yesterday, Onyonka said it was disappointing that Chirchir had not made available the necessary documentation to the Senate since the matter needed to be given the attention it deserves for senators to have full information so that they can be able to explain to Kenyans what was happening as far as the Adani company deals in the country are concerned.
Chirchir was ordered to appear before the committee chaired by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa this morning with all the relevant documents relating to the controversial deal that has attracted the attention of Kenyans with more details emerging over the Adani Limited deals.
Onyonka said the matter is weighty and very complex and does not deserve to be trivialised and that nothing stops the committee from demanding for documents and that there is no contradiction at all since these are the same documents to be presented in court if needed.
“Unless the CS presents documents that can be adopted as evidence even in a court of law, there is no reason for the committee meeting to proceed since, at the moment, I do not have any questions to ask Chirchir since he has not presented documents answering the questions I asked over the Adani Limited deal,” said Onyonka.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the Senate had dispatched a letter to the Ministry of Roads and Transport on August 6 asking for the details of the Public Private Partnership between Adani Limited and the government since Kenyans wanted to know what is in the deal.
Sifuna said he was disappointed with Chirchir for failing to bring the documents, observing that the senators were being accused by citizens for not speaking about the Adani issue yet they have nothing to say about it with the matter being discussed in entertainment and even places of worship across the country.
“I have heard my colleagues congratulating Davies Chirchir for being appointed Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary. I am withholding my congratulations until he proves to me that he is up to the task. Personally, I know nothing about the Adani deal despite being the senator of Nairobi,” said Sifuna.
Chirchir said there were two court cases over the matter, one coming up on September 24 for directions while another one will be mentioned on October 8 and that there is a privately initiated investment proposal by Adani Limited to develop JKIA under the public-private partnership arrangement.
The CS said he was ready to proceed with the matter before the Senate that he was only notifying senators of the court cases against the government about the Adani Limited deal and that it was in the interest of the government to have full disclosure on the matter.
Chirchir said they were ready to provide the documents requested but sought time to appear before the committee on Monday or Tuesday next week when they will have given senators time to go through the documents and interrogate the matter. Thangwa overruled him. By Edwin Nyarangi , The Standard
ATIDI announces a financial contribution of $40,000 to Street Child in Burundi to finance the construction of six classrooms in two primary schools as a sustainable educational response for displaced children in Gatumba, Burundi
Burundi has been confronted with frequent climate change related disasters, including torrential rains mixed with heavy wind as well as the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika. The education sector has been affected harshly, and suffered severe material damages, resulting in the impracticability of school infrastructure
The project is in support of SDGs 4 which aim to provide quality education and aligns with the priorities outlined in Burundi's National Development Plan for 2018-2027 and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research's Sectoral Plan for 2020-2023.
Bujumbura, September 12, 2024 - The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) has announced a financial contribution of $40,000 to Street Child in Burundi. This contribution is aimed at improving educational opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba and reflects ATIDI's dedication to tackling critical social issues and promoting sustainable development. Through its CSR programs, ATIDI is committed to advancing sustainable development, addressing pressing social challenges, and fostering economic stability across Africa.
Burundi has recently experienced severe climate change-related disasters, including heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and rising Lake Tanganyika waters, causing frequent flooding. This has led to repeated displacement of families, particularly affecting children and adolescents who represent over 60% of internally displaced persons. The education sector has been severely impacted, with at least 80% of schools in Gatumba suffering from flooding, damaged classrooms, and lost educational materials, putting over 30,000 children at risk of not completing their school year.
Commenting on the donation, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said, "Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and we at ATIDI are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Burundi. By supporting the construction of these classrooms, we are investing in the future of these young minds and fostering long-term growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Street Child Social Action for Development (S.A.D.) for this vital project."
ATIDI's support has therefore facilitated the successful construction and equipping of six permanent classrooms in two primary schools, "Kigwati" and "Village du Développement." This initiative now provides educational access to at least 300 children affected by the Gatumba floods. The project aligns with Burundi's National Development Plan for 2018 -2027 and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research's Sectoral Plan for 2020 - 2023.
Street Child Country Representative in Burundi Jolien Van den Broeck thanked ATIDI for the generous support, adding that the donation was more than just building classrooms, but restoring hope and creating opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba.
"At Street Child, we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter their circumstances. Together with ATIDI, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the most vulnerable communities in Burundi," Broeck said.
Beyond constructing classrooms, the project emphasizes the promotion of education for all children, community mobilization, and active participation in regular and effective monitoring. The objective is to ensure that the local community, administration, and stakeholders understand the merits of the project, fostering a sense of ownership. This collaborative approach will engage all parties in monitoring the school's functioning and maintenance, resulting in a sustainable impact and guaranteeing quality education for all.
ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and, Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD85 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an 'A/Stable' rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor's, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody's, which has now been revised to A3/Positive.
Your garden, particularly your lawn, is usually the first thing visitors notice when they visit your home and the beauty of a perfectly manicured lawn never fails to impress. As the long, dry winter months gradually give way to the promise of spring, this seasonal transition also presents one of the biggest gardening challenges: how to transform the brown thin-looking grass of winter back to its former summer beauty?
Lorna Ochiell, East Africa Representative for Husqvarna Group, explains, "During winter, grass often enters a natural state of dormancy as a protective measure and temporarily stops growing. This is triggered by cold weather and that is why lawns turn brown. However, a little patience and some loving care can work wonders."
She shares Husqvarna's five top tips for a picture-perfect lawn:
1. Get your soil right
To thrive, grassroots need air and space. Loose, well-drained soil allows the roots to spread easily and therefore absorb enough water and nutrients. Of course, if you aren't blessed with perfect soil, you can use an aerator to poke holes in the ground allowing water to penetrate deeper. Apply a balanced fertilizer when your grass is actively growing and consider adding a thin layer of organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure). It improves soil structure and provides nutrients.
2. Be water wise
Extra watering can kickstart dormant grass as light watering at this stage is often insufficient and can cause roots to rise to the surface, making them more susceptible to drought. Aim to water your lawn once or twice a week, providing approximately 1 to 1½ inches (about 25 to 38 millimetres) of water per week. Consistency matters, so try to split this watering schedule over two sessions during the spring period to encourage a healthy, deep root system. Use a rain gauge to check how much water has gone in, and make sure the water also has time to sink away. Once your lawn is established you can reduce the watering frequency.
3. Cut back
To ensure optimal performance, your trusty mower needs to be regularly maintained and serviced professionally at least once a year before the mowing season kicks off. As your grass starts to grow, begin by adjusting the mower at the higher end of the recommended range. This should give your grass enough length to absorb sunlight and generate food and nutrients. Gradually lower your lawn mower blades as shorter grass encourages deeper roots. Aim for a mowing height of about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cm). Frequent mowing will help manage new growth and remember to adjust settings for wet and potentially muddy conditions.
4. Stay sharp
Sharp blades matter – they are essential for the perfect finish to your lawn. The sharper the blades are, the cleaner the cut will be. Less pulling on the lawn’s roots results in less shock and stress and reduces the risk of your grass becoming brown and patchy in areas. So remember, sharpen your mower’s blades at least three times a year so your lawn retains that perfectly manicured look.
5. Lighten up
A heavy lawn mower can create unsightly track marks on your pristine lawn so be kind to your lawn (and yourself!) with a lightweight mower such as the Husqvarna battery-powered lawn mower. Thanks to its low weight and excellent manoeuvrability, you can mow your lawn without digging into the soil or leaving any track marks. And you won't break into a sweat while operating it either! Whether you choose a push or self-propelled model, you are guaranteed a user-friendly mower that is easy to handle and maintain with less noise and fewer emissions. Husqvarna‘s electric mowers are also kinder to the environment than petrol mowers, producing around 99% fewer methane emissions and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 38%.
"Consistently following a few simple steps can make all the difference to your lawn, turning it into a lush green carpet — just in time for those long, lazy summer days outdoors,” concludes Ochielle.
Nelson Amenya, the whistle blower who exposed the controversial Adani takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), is living in fear.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) student at a French University has been receiving threats since he revealed details of a contract that could leave Kenyan taxpayers facing exorbitant compensation claims and tarnish the country’s international reputation due to “Adani Group’s controversial business practices.”
“I was warned by international journalists in France and other places that Adani would use various means to intimidate me, and I have to be careful. I’ve been attacked, trolled, and threatened by bloggers from India for defending my country,” Amenya told The Standard yesterday adding, “It would be hard for me to come to Kenya.”
Amenya, 30, a former manager at a multinational company in Kenya, left the country in pursuit of better opportunities.
Last week, he received a letter from Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) informing him that his company was under investigation.
This came two months after he began exposing the Adani documents online, detailing terms that include sole control over JKIA, the power to amend Kenyan laws, and restrictions on competition, which would undermine Vision 2030 and limit the development of other Kenyan airports.
“I send my lawyers and the police said they are investigating fraud that my company is involved in cryptocurrency, something we have never done,” Amenya said.
Courtesy of Amenya’s outpouring of confidential information about the deal between the government and Adani group, Kenyans now know that if the deal is disrupted due to protests or unfavourable parliamentary actions, Adani is entitled to compensation for lost returns and investment costs. These disruptions, classified as “Material Adverse Government Actions (AGA),” could also trigger the termination of the agreement, leading to hefty pay outs to Adani. By Benjamin Imende, The Standard
The conflict arose between former Chairperson Tito Awen Bol and Garang Akuei Deng, who was appointed by the former governor's administration to replace Tito. The national youth union intervened and appointed a new body to succeed both individuals.
AWIEL – Youth leaders in Northern Bahr El Gazal state who have been involved in a power struggle for the leadership of the youth union have refused to hand over the union’s assets, despite being removed from their positions by the national youth union leadership.
The conflict arose between former Chairperson Tito Awen Bol and Garang Akuei Deng, who was appointed by the former governor’s administration to replace Tito. The national youth union intervened and appointed a new body to succeed both individuals.
The state’s minister of youth and sports, Bol Akuar Gamar, said a preparatory committee had been formed to oversee the election process for the new youth body. He called on Awen and Deng to hand over assets such as stamps, computers, and bank accounts.
“What is confusing is the refusal of Tito Awen and Garang to hand over the assets,” Akuar said. “We need them to hand over the assets so that the smooth transfer of power can be initiated.”
Tito Awen, who was officially elected but had clashed with former governor Tong Aken, resigned his position along with his team, citing irregularities and politicization of youth affairs. He argued that the minister’s demand for asset handover was premature.
“We can’t hand it over to the preparatory committee. We are going to give the assets to the new body. The stamp is for the officially elected Northern Bahr El Gazal youth chairperson, not for the Preparatory Committee,” he said.
“The preparatory committee has to get their own stamp. We are waiting for the new body to give them what we have,” he added.
Garang Akuei Deng, who served as acting chairperson during Awen’s ouster, expressed surprise at the lack of cooperation with Minister Akuar. He said they would hand over the assets once they were officially called to do so.
The elections for the new youth body face uncertainty due to the interference of politicians in youth affairs, which has angered many young people. Sudan's Post
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