Category Archives: BLOGGERS

SHORT RAINS HAVE ARRIVED WITH CALAMITIES AND TRAGEDIES OF THUNDERBOLT DEATHS IN KENYA

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo.

In an African society the arrival of the new rains season after along spell of the biting drought is regarded and viewed as good and promising the rural farming community of a bumper grain harvesting in the near future and food security.

However, the latest of the current short rains in many parts of Western Kenya has brought with it a lot of natural calamities and tragedies leaving many villagers in mourning mood.

Two male students were struck dead at Chepkemei Secondary School when they were struck by the thunderbolt early this week. Tragedy occurred on Monday at about 4.30 PM. It was during the game time when students were preparing themselves to go home after the day long classroom work.

Nan di County is laying about 200 kilometers north west of the Kenyan capital Nairobi and in the highlands west of the Rift Vally. It left ten other students injured and were admitted at the Moi Teaching and Referral hospital in Eldoret Town.

The Principal of the school was quoted in the local media as having said that this was the first incident of it its kind to be experienced. He said, however, that the tragedy had robbed the school two of its brightest students. The bodies of the victims were taken away to the morgue after their parents had been informed.

Within 30 kilometers away at Soy Primary in the neighboring Kakamega Count , 30 primary school pupils were injured when the lightning struck their classes. The affected pupils were in standard seven and eight. The tragedy occurred during games time and late afternoon downpour at about 5.P.M local time.

The pupils were outside in the field playing, but dashed back to clash rooms for shelter when the rains began with storms. The head teacher Wafula Nyongesa said that many pupils were now keeping out of the school due to fears. They are scared to death and unwilling to enter into their classrooms, something which could adversely interfere with their performance.

Last year ten people were killed when the thunderbolt struck in West Pokot also located in Western Kenya. The regions are prone to lightning attack, mostly during the short rains seasons which begins in August and ends in December.

Many parts of Western Kenya regions do experience thunderstorms every year, with Kisii County leading the pack, followed by Nandi, Busia, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, SiayaI, MIgori ,Kericho, Trans-Mara Narok and Migori.

About ten years ago, the retired President Daniel Arap Moi had initiated the crash programme for the installation of lightning arrestors in schools buildings and in all other public institutions

Zimbabwe is leading the rest of Africa in lightning death at an annual rate of 280 followed by Zambia at about 186 annually. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia followed with the number being put relatively at below 100 annually.

In some community lightning incidents are always associated with witchcrafts.

ENDS

KENYA: RANGWE MP PLEADS WITH HIS COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED SUGAR MILL IN HIS CONSTITUENCY.

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo in Homa-Bay own.

Poverty index in Rangwe constituency in general and Homa-BAY County in particular is the highest, and means and ways must be found of stamping out the abject of poverty in the area. And the only sensible and quickest way of enhancing the purchasing power of the locals is for the elected leaders in the region to support the proposed white sugar mill slated to be established in Rangwe as soon as the government give its okay for the project to start.

These views were expressed by the Rangwe MP George Oner at the weekend. Speaking during an exclusive interview with this writer in Kisumu city. He expressed the home that his fellow legislators fro the region, MCAS professionals, businessmen, traders and rural folks will join him in supporting the noble project which is said at lifting the standard of living of the residents of the regions involved.

The MP said the project has received wider support and unanimous blessing and backing from the County governments of Homa-Bay, Migori and Kisii. On completion and during its operational, the proposed new white sugar processing mills to be located at Aoch Muga in Gem West Location, Homa-Bay district will receive the bulk its raw cane material from Homa-Bay at the rate of 9 per cent, and 10 per cent from Migori, and Ndhiwa as well as the same percentage from the southern part of kisii and Kasipul constituency.

The youthful MP said the new mill will enhanced the income of the rural farming population in the region because there will be better schools, better and modernized health facilities such as private, hospitals. Rural farmer will have an easy access to market for their farm products next door as the purchasing power of the locals would be enhanced considerably.

The MP thanked the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Felix Kosgei who made an extensive toured the region on July 6th and personally listened to the pleas of the farmers and their cries for the project. The MP said he was too optimistic that president Uhuru Kenyatta’s government would soon sanctioned the licensing of the project so that the construction of the mill to start the earliest, and that the CS Kosgei would soon return to Homa-Bay County to officially officiate I the groundbreaking ceremony so that the construction work on the new mill could start immediately.

The MP also thanked the CEO of the Kenya sugar board Rosemary Mkok who accompanied the Agriculture CS Kosgei during his tour and the representative of the HOMA-bayanbd MIGORI county governments. H was also thankful to governors Cyprian Awiti of Homa-Bay and Zachary Okoth Obado of Migori county for the blessing of the new sugar project. He said the feasibility studies of the projects were completed several years ago. The developers had strictly observed the rules and regulations lay down by the KSB which stipulates that those intending to establish new sugar factory must ensure that the new facility is located in a location which is 40 kilometers apart from the existing factory in distance. In the case of the Rangwe project, it will be located about 46 kilometers from Sukari Industries in Ndhiwa and 41 kilometers from the Awendo based SONYSUGAR factory.

The MP, however, strongly abhorred the alleged secret maneuvers by an unnamed senior politician from the region who is reported to have raised an objection against the licensing of the new sugar mill under the pretext of flimsy and lame excuses, adding that such a leader should be classified and isolated as someone who is anti-development character.

Unemployment in our region is the highest and anyone who has the capacity of putting up a project of this magnitude should be highly appreciated and give the necessary assistance.

Meanwhile the former vice chairman f the defunct County council of the greater Southern Nyanza EX-Coun, Elisha Adeny Rachilo has threatened that he would mobilize about 100 elders from the region to travel to Nairobi and visit State house to petition President Uhuru Kenyatta and ask him to intervene on the matter with the view to ensure that the Homa-Bay sugar mill is licensed as soon as possible should there be any further delay in granting of the same.

Speaking on a different forum Ex Coun Adeny Rachilo said that the rate of unemployment among the youth in the region has reached an alarming proportion and because President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are known to be totally committed to economically empowering the youth of this country his team would request the President to visit the region and see for himself what his people on the ground are saying about this most important economic project, the only one of its kind I the vast region.

Meanwhile this writer made an extensive visit to Hom-Bay and Migori Counties over the weekend and conducted interviews with the stakeholders, politicians and opinion leaders who appeared to be unanimous in support of the Rngwe sugar mill project.

The writer visited Rongo, Awendo and Migori towns and wound up in Oyugis. The surety revealed that there would be close to 30,000 hectors of land readily available to be used as sugar cane growing zones, in areas covering Kodera and kotieno in Ksipul. Kagan nd Gongo Locations, Gem Central east and South locations ,Kamagambo West, north,Kitutu Chache South and North Bonchari and south Mugirango regiona. All these areas are potential for sugar cane growing and could produce as many as 60,000 hectare of sugar cane growing potential area which will br sufficient to sustain a larger sugar mill.

Ends.

KENYA: RONGO MP DALMAS OTIENO IS CRITICIZED FOR ALLEGEDLY SABOTAGING THE NEW SUGAR MILL

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Business feature By Leo Oder Omolo in Homa-Bay Town.

Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno has come under the scathing criticism by the residents of Homa-Bay county for allegedly gross interference and trying to sabotage the planned multi billion white sugar Mill in the region

The resident are up in arms against the MP’s alleged maneuvers and canvassing against the Ministry of Agriculture and the Kenya Sugar Board recent approval of a the license for the establishment of the new sugar mill in parts of Rangwe constituency in Homa-BAY County

The residents of both Homa-BAY, Migori and Kisii Counties which stands to benefit a great deal from the planned sugar mill have vowed to petition President Uhuru Kenyatta to plead with him to intervene and ensure that the investors for the project are issued with the license as soon as possible.

The new white sugar mill ‘output when fully operational is expected to be 3000 metric tone of made sugar per day. Its construction cost is estimated to be around Kshs 4.6 billion. The new factory will offer job opportunities for close to 2,500 workers on direct employment while similar number of farmers will also benefit from their sugar cane products as out growers in the region covering Homa-Bay, Kisii and Migori counties.

The criticism of the Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno has come as the result of the recent visit by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Felix Kosgei. The CS toured the region on July 6th. Kosgei was accompanied by the CEO of the Kenya Sugar Board Rosemary MKOK, Rngqwe MP George Oner two representatives of Homa-Bay and Migori County governments and a large number of cane farmers from Rongo,Rangwe and Southern Kisii regions. Kisi regions.

The CS led the group on a visit to the site of the proposed new sugar mill at Aoch Muga in south Gem location, Rangwe constituency in Homa-Bay county. ALso present at the public BARAZA WHICH WAS Addressed by the CS Kosgei were the representatives of the investors the entrepreneurs from Kisumu.

Kosegei disclosed at the meeting that application for the new mill would be approved. The CS said this after listening with his own ears what the residents, especially the potential out growers.

Kosgei advised the residents of the affected areas to shun politics and redouble their efforts in growing more sugar cane, and that he was satisfied that the people were yawning for the new mill to start its production the soonest.

The CSe promised that he wold write a letter of approval to the relevant authority when he get back to his Nairobi office.

However, following the publication of of news about the planned new sugar mill in the local media, the Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno is alleged to have started an aggressive canvassing with the higher echelon snd government offices and allegedly trying hard to sabotage the project under the pretext that he should be the one who should be given a license for establishing the new sugar mill in the area.

His is one song which the Rongo MP has been singing for the last 15 years, but he has never come forward with a tangible plan and a written application for the same. A source at the Nairobi offices of the KENYA sugar Board confided to this writer that their office has not received any application from Dalmas Otieno nor have received from any from any company Associated with him.

DALMAS Otieno IS CURRENTLY FACING LEAN TIME HAVIG RECENTLY DISAGREED WITH EH odm leader Raila Odinga might find it an up-hill task to initiate any sugar mill project even in his own Rongo constituency.

According to the ODM chairman in the Migori County branch Eng. Phillip Makabong’o

The Homa-Bay ‘s proposed new sugar mil has received the blessing of both Homa-Bay governor Cyprian Awiti and the Migori governor Ok0t Obado. And when operational, the mill will receive and crush 90 per cent of its row sugar cane from within Homa-Bay County with small percentage of raw materials from Migori and Southern Kisii farmers per cent from with the same percentage from out growers cane farmers from Southern Kisiii regions.

How can he come out full blast trying to stop this noble and important project which is aimed at empowering the community economically?

The MP had earlier announced for the formation of a new political movement called Kalausi, which has so far failed to take off from the ground.

Eng Makabong’o declared that Otieno is no longer ODM and the process to have him kicked out of Parliament is under way He termed the alleged MP’S interference in the proposed sugar mill project twould be a political suicide for him.

ends

African wealthy individuals invited to invest in the USA and obtain US Green Card

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From: Yona Maro

PRESS RELEASE

ArKay Beverages Inc. is Inviting African Wealthy Individuals to Invest in the USA and Obtain their US Green Card

If you are a foreigner investor and eligible, ArKay will help to get your US residence for you and your family

NEW YORK, July 17, 2014/ — ArKay Beverages Inc. (http://shop.arkaybeverages.com), the world’s first maker of alcohol free liquors, is inviting African wealthy individuals to invest in the USA in a new concept of ArKay Non Alcoholic Bar & Lounge that will serve food and non-alcoholic cocktails during the day and transform itself in a fun place at night.

“The reason behind ArKay expansion into “the non-alcoholic bar and lounge market” is obvious,
peoples want to have fun without having to drink liquor, with ArKay the party never stops!”, said Sylvie Grattagliano, President of ArKay Beverages.

According to the company, ArKay non-alcoholic bar & lounge will be serving up an assortment of high end coffee, sandwiches, salads, and even, croissant burgers. Not to mention, over 100 non-alcoholic cocktails .

ArKay non-alcohol bar and club will be very successful because ArKay is unique concept in its kind, ArKay anticipate opening hundreds of locations in the USA and overseas where consumers are trying to get away from liquors and still want to have fun.

The typical size of an ArKay N/A Bar and Club will be 250 square meters or 2,800 square feet, the cost to build and equip the unit is approximately one million dollars and the projected ROI should be 8 % yearly.

Investing in ArKay Beverages is an excellent opportunity for foreign investors for the following reasons:

– ArKay will take care of all permits.

– ArKay will take care of finding the best location.

– ArKay will train you and your team.

– ArKay is not a franchise, there is no fee or key money required to open ArKay N/A bar.

– ArKay is the world first alcohol free liquor company.

– ArKay has no competition.

– ArKay is inviting African investors to be part of this project.

If you are a foreigner investor and eligible, ArKay will help to get your US residence for you and your family. A minimum investment of USD 1 million is required. If you are interested in opening your own ArKay N/A bar and club.

This is not an offer to buy company stock or a franchise. All ArKay Non-alcoholic bars and boutique will be independently owned.

Terms and Condition may apply and change at any time.

For more information click on this link: http://shop.arkaybeverages.com/content/40-invest , and/or please contact us: https://shop.arkaybeverages.com/contact-us

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of ArKay Beverages Inc.

Contact:

Sylvie Grattagliano
President
ArKay Beverages Inc.
401 East Las Olas Blvd.
Suite #1400.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 – USA

Tel + 1 954 536 8413

E-mail: Management@arkaybeverages.com

—

Yona Fares Maro

Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

Ukraine-related Sanctions; Publication of Executive Order 13662 Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List

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From: Yona Maro

7/16/2014

?Today, OFAC is introducing the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List to identify persons operating in sectors of the Russian economy identified by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Executive Order 13662. Directives found within the list describe prohibitions on dealings with the persons identified.

Specially Designated Nationals List Update

In addition, the following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

BESEDA, Sergey (a.k.a. BESEDA, Sergei; a.k.a. BESEDA, Sergei Orestovoch); DOB 1954; Commander of the Fifth Service of the FSB; Commander of the Service for Operational Information and International Communications of the FSB; FSB Colonel General; Colonel-General (individual) [UKRAINE2].

BORODAI, Aleksandr (a.k.a. BORODAI, Alexander); DOB 25 Jul 1972; nationality Russia (individual) [UKRAINE].

NEVEROV, Sergei Ivanovich (a.k.a. NEVEROV, Sergei; a.k.a. NEVEROV, Sergey); DOB 21 Dec 1961; POB Tashtagol, Russia; Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation; Member of the State Duma Committee on Housing Policy and Housing and Communal Services (individual) [UKRAINE2].

SAVELYEV, Oleg Genrikhovich; DOB 27 Oct 1965; POB St. Petersburg, Russia; Minister for Crimean Affairs (individual) [UKRAINE2].

SHCHEGOLEV, Igor (a.k.a. SHCHYOGOLEV, Igor Olegovich); DOB 10 Nov 1965; POB Vinnitsa, Ukraine; alt. POB Vinnytsia, Ukraine; Aide to the President of the Russian Federation (individual) [UKRAINE2].

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

DONETSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC, Donetsk Region, Ukraine [UKRAINE].

FEDERAL STATE UNITARY ENTERPRISE STATE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE BAZALT (a.k.a. FEDERAL STATE UNITARY ENTERPRISE, STATE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE BAZALT; a.k.a. FSUE SRPE BAZALT; a.k.a. STATE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE BAZALT), 32 Velyaminovskaya, Moscow 105318, Russia; Website www.bazalt.ru; Email Address moscow@bazalt.ru [UKRAINE2].

FEODOSIYA ENTERPRISE (a.k.a. FEODOSIA OIL PRODUCTS SUPPLY CO.; a.k.a. FEODOSIYA ENTERPRISE ON PROVIDING OIL PRODUCTS; a.k.a. FEODOSIYSKE COMPANY FOR THE OIL; a.k.a. THEODOSIYA OIL TERMINAL), Feodosiya, Geologicheskaya str. 2, Crimea 98107, Ukraine; Feodosia, Str. Geological 2, Crimea 98107, Ukraine [UKRAINE].

JOINT STOCK COMPANY CONCERN RADIO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES (a.k.a. CONCERN RADIO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES; a.k.a. ‘KRET’), 20/1 Korp. 1 ul. Goncharnaya, Moscow 109240, Russia; Website http://www.kret.com; Registration ID 1097746084666 [UKRAINE2].

JOINT STOCK COMPANY CONCERN SOZVEZDIE (a.k.a. JSC CONCERN SOZVEZDIE), 14 Plekhanovskaya Street, Voronezh, Russia; 14 ul. Plekhanovskaya, Voronezh, Voronezhskaya obl. 394018, Russia; Registration ID 1053600445337 [UKRAINE2].

JOINT STOCK COMPANY MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA (a.k.a. JOINT STOCK COMPANY MILITARY INDUSTRIAL CONSORTIUM NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA; a.k.a. JSC MIC NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA; a.k.a. MIC NPO MASHINOSTROYENIA JSC; a.k.a. MIC NPO MASHINOSTROYENIYA JSC; a.k.a. MILITARY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION NPO MASHINOSTROENIA OAO; a.k.a. OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY MILITARY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION MACHINE BUILDING ASSOCIATION; a.k.a. VOENNO-PROMYSHLENNAYA KORPORATSIYA NAUCHNO-PROIZVODSTVENNOE OBEDINENIE MASHINOSTROENIYA OAO; a.k.a. VPK NPO MASHINOSTROENIYA), 33, Gagarina St., Reutov-town, Moscow Region 143966, Russia; 33 Gagarin Street, Reutov, Moscow Region 143966, Russia; 33 Gagarina ul., Reutov, Moskovskaya obl 143966, Russia; Website www.npomash.ru; Email Address export@npomash.ru; alt. Email Address vpk@npomash.ru; Registration ID 1075012001492 (Russia); Tax ID No. 5012039795 (Russia); Government Gazette Number 07501739 (Russia) [UKRAINE2].

JOINT-STOCK COMPANY CONCERN ALMAZ-ANTEY (a.k.a. ALMAZ-ANTEY CORP; a.k.a. ALMAZ-ANTEY DEFENSE CORPORATION; a.k.a. ALMAZ-ANTEY JSC; f.k.a. OTKRYTOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO KONTSERN PVO ALMAZ ANTEI), 41 ul.Vereiskaya, Moscow 121471, Russia; Website almaz-antey.ru; Email Address antey@almaz-antey.ru [UKRAINE2].

KALASHNIKOV CONCERN (a.k.a. CONCERN KALASHNIKOV; a.k.a. IZHEVSKIY MASHINOSTROITEL’NYI ZAVOD OAO; f.k.a. IZHMASH R&D CENTER; f.k.a. JSC NPO IZHMASH; f.k.a. NPO IZHMASH OAO; a.k.a. OJSC CONCERN KALASHNIKOV; f.k.a. OJSC IZHMASH; f.k.a. SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION IZHMASH JOINT STOCK COMPANY), 3, Derjabin Pr., Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic 426006, Russia; Registration ID 1111832003018 [UKRAINE2].

KONSTRUKTORSKOE BYURO PRIBOROSTROENIYA OTKRYTOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO (a.k.a. INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU; a.k.a. JSC KBP INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU; a.k.a. KBP INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU; a.k.a. KBP INSTRUMENT DESIGN BUREAU JOINT STOCK COMPANY; a.k.a. ‘KBP OAO’), 59 Shcheglovskaya Zaseka ul., Tula 300001, Russia; Website www.kbptula.ru; Email Address kbkedr@tula.net; Registration ID 1117154036911 (Russia); Government Gazette Number 07515747 (Russia) [UKRAINE2].

LUHANSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC (a.k.a. LUGANSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC; a.k.a. PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF LUHANSK), Luhansk Region, Ukraine [UKRAINE].

URALVAGONZAVOD (a.k.a. NAUCHNO-PROIZVODSTVENNAYA KORPORATSIYA URALVAGONZAVOD OAO; a.k.a. NPK URALVAGONZAVOD; a.k.a. NPK URALVAGONZAVOD OAO; a.k.a. OJSC RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CORPORATION URALVAGONZAVOD; a.k.a. RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CORPORATION URALVAGONZAVOD; a.k.a. RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CORPORATION URALVAGONZAVOD OAO; a.k.a. URALVAGONZAVOD CORPORATION; a.k.a. ‘UVZ’), 28, Vostochnoye shosse, Nizhni Tagil, Sverdlovsk region 622007, Russia; 28 Vostochnoe shosse, Nizhni Tagil, Sverdlovskaya oblast 622007, Russia; 40, Bolshaya Yakimanka Street, Moscow 119049, Russia; Vistochnoye Shosse, 28, Nizhny Tagil 622007, Russia; Website http://www.uvz.ru/; alt. Website http://uralvagonzavod.com/; Email Address web@uvz.ru [UKRAINE2].

Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List Update

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List:

GAZPROMBANK OAO (a.k.a. GAZPROMBANK GAS INDUSTRY OJSC; a.k.a. GAZPROMBANK OJSC; a.k.a. GAZPROMBANK OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY; a.k.a. GAZPROMBANK OTKRYTOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO; a.k.a. GPB, OAO; a.k.a. GPB, OJSC), 16, Building 1, Nametkina St., Moscow 117420, Russia; 63, Novocheremushkinskaya St., Moscow 117418, Russia; SWIFT/BIC GAZPRUMM; Website www.gazprombank.ru; Email Address mailbox@gazprombank.ru; Registration ID 1027700167110; Tax ID No. 7744001497; Government Gazette Number 09807684 [UKRAINE-EO13662].

OAO NOVATEK (a.k.a. FINANSOVO-INVESTITSIONNAYA KOMPANIYA NOVAFININVEST OAO; a.k.a. NOVATEK), 2, Udaltsova Street, Moscow 119415, Russia; 22 A, Pobedy Street, Tarko-Sale, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District 629580, Russia; 22a Pobedy ul., Tarko-Sale, Purovski raion, Tyumenskaya Oblast 629850, Russia; Email Address novatek@novatek.ru; Registration ID 1026303117642 (Russia); Government Gazette Number 33556474 (Russia) [UKRAINE-EO13662].

OPEN JOINT-STOCK COMPANY ROSNEFT OIL COMPANY (a.k.a. OAO ROSNEFT OIL COMPANY; a.k.a. OIL COMPANY ROSNEFT; a.k.a. OJSC ROSNEFT OIL COMPANY; a.k.a. ROSNEFT; a.k.a. ROSNEFT OIL COMPANY), 26/1 Sofiyskaya Embankment, Moscow 115035, Russia; Website www.rosneft.com; alt. Website www.rosneft.ru; Email Address postman@rosneft.ru; Registration ID 1027700043502 (Russia); Tax ID No. 7706107510 (Russia); Government Gazette Number 00044428 (Russia) [UKRAINE-EO13662].

VNESHECONOMBANK (a.k.a. BANK FOR DEVELOPMENT AND FOREIGN ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (VNESHECONOMBANK) STATE CORPORATION; a.k.a. BANK RAZVITIYA I VNESHNEEKONOMICHESKOI DEYATELNOSTI (VNESHEKONOMBANK) GOSUDARSTVENNAYA KORPORATSIYA; a.k.a. ‘VEB’), 9 Akademika Sakharova prospekt, Moscow 107996, Russia; SWIFT/BIC BFEA RU MM; Website http://www.veb.ru; Email Address info@veb.ru; BIK (RU) 044525060 [UKRAINE-EO13662].

—

Yona Fares Maro

Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

KENYA: MIGORI ODM WARNS MCAS AGAINST ALLOWING DIVISIVE POLITICS BY OUTSIDERS

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

THE ODM Migori County branch has issued a stern warning to MEMBERS OF THE county Assembly to guard against any attempt by outsiders to divide them.

The COUNTY mcas have also been advised that they had no power of removing in any party member holding elective post from his position without consulting the county branch.

Issuing the warning the branch chairman Eng. Philip Makabong’o advised the MCAS to work in unity and to protect the party interest at all costs.

Eng Makabong’o warning in the wake of claims and statement recently made by the MCAs that they had sacked the Assembly majority leader Johnson Omolo Owiro from his position. He added that as far as his branch is concern it has received no complaints from the MCAS accusing him of Owir0 of lackluster nor dismal performance. Owiro is a forthright party members and a hard working MCA representing Central Sakwa ward in Awendo district and as such cannot be used as punching bag by the self seekers and youthful MCAS.

Owiro had moved to the High court in KISII and challenged his removal by the MCA as irregular and constitutional. Lady Justice Sitati who had the inter-party case ordered the stay of execution and called for both parties to present their case in court on July 17 o that the accusing party cold be given 21 days to file a motion and a take the date for hearing o f the cases. The Judge has set the hearing date for August 5th,2014 for full scale hearing.

But the ODM branch insist that the MCAS are not mandate to remove any elected member from his or her position unless it is with consultation with the party. \in this case, Makabong’o said the NMCAS at no time did they file any complaint with the party accusing the majority leader Owiro of any wrong doing, therefore his alleged sacking is null and void.

Meanwhile rumors making the round within migori town and its environs are pointing an accusing finger to an ODM Member of parliament who is being accused as being responsible for spreading divisive in the area. The MP who is a fast time “green horn” is said to be Inciting the MCAS against each other. He is always bragging himself as the one who is the confidant of the ODM party leader Raila Amolo Odinga and he is fond of intimidating other elected leaders including the MCAS. On one occasion this MP was accused of having mobilized youth to demonstrate against the Migori governor Okoth Oado.

The unnamed MP is among the who were recently summoned to record statements with the police on hate speeches.

Further inquiry by this writer revealed that the youthful MP is a non-LUO, but represented a constituency whose constituents are predominantly members of the Luo community.

ENDS

Unlocking Economic Growth and Development through Travel Facilitation

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From: Yona Maro

The 21st-century traveller has high expectations when it comes to efficiency and a low tolerance for barriers to global mobility. Unfortunately, travel infrastructure and bureaucracy are decidedly 20th century, something that is particularly noticeable at airports and in the visa application process. Indeed, in 2013, destinations worldwide required on average two-thirds of the world’s population to obtain a visa prior to departure. A “smart travel” model, one that includes smart visas, smart borders, smart security processes and smart infrastructure, could revolutionize the travel and tourism sector the way the smartphone has transformed the telecommunications and media industries. As such, it represents one of the most effective near-term measures available to policy-makers seeking to create jobs and boost growth.

http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00081851:b9eacbf4f78b362164c32be502dd9a8f.pdf

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Yona Fares Maro
Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

Hearing: Human Rights Vetting: Nigeria and Beyond

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From: Yona Maro

Prepared Statement of COL Peter W Aubrey USA (ret) President, Strategic Opportunities International Before the The Houe Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organization Hearing: Human Rights Vetting: Nigeria and Beyond 10 July 2014

http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00081990:72030b020550272e1c909554b32d0a92.pdf

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Yona Fares Maro
Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

Kenya: MIGORI GOVERNOR OBADO UNDER FIRE FOR HIS INTERFERANCE IN NYATIKE MULTIBILION SHILLING IRRIGATION SCHEME.

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From: LEO ODERA

The Migori County governor Zachary Okoth Obado has come unde scathing criticism for his recent claims that the Nyatike multi-billion shilling irrigation scheme project has been abandoned alleging that the money meant for the project has been embezzled.

These remarks which were made over the weekend in Nyatike has provoked angry reaction from the area MP Edick Omondi Anyanga who dismissed the governor’s utterances as having come out of the tots ignorancy.

He explained that the project is being undertaken by the Central government and is not the project of the Migori County government project, therefore governor governor Obado has no business visiting there.

Anyanga explained that the project in lower Kuja river is estimated to cost about KSHS 4.5 billion and is to be implemented in three phases. The phase one of the project which has cost The government KSHS 700 million and has already been implemented and the contractors have already keft th site.

Anyanga has confirm that he has invited the CS to visit the project the coming Sunday and invite all the stakeholders to be there and see for themselves the amount of work already put on the ground.

A cross section of interviewed Nyatike residents felt that Obado reckless utterances about this multi-billion shillings project amounted to gross interference..He should stop poking his nose to this project, which has nothing to do with he County government in MIgoriI. The Migori County government has squandered millions of tax-payer’s money on some not very viable projects, but the governor has never initiated not even one viable economic project in Nyatike constituency and as suh he should keep off.,said one resident enard ocholla.

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HOW PRESIDENT JOMO KENAYYATTA SECRETLY ORDERING THE RELEASE FROM PRISON OF THE JAILED TOP LUO CIVIL SERVANT

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An historical feature By Leo Odera Omolo Omolo

CONTRARY to the belief by many Luos that our founding President Jomo Kenyatta was always nursing a deeply rooted hate for the members of the Luo community, the late Kenyatta was at peace with the Luos like he was with any other Kenyan communities.

In fact Kenyatta was very much fond of Luo talents and their administrative prowess. He always talked good about several academic giants of the community who had excelled in their academics fields and professionals. In order to justify this claim Kenyatta secretly ordered the release of the jailed former Permanent Secretary – – to be released prematurely before he completed his four years prison terms, and instructed him to stay out of sight of the public and to stay at his rural home not to appear anywhere in public until after the remaining period of his prison term were over.

Aloys Philip Achieng’ was the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries when he was accused of stealing from the public, convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment. Achieng’ had taken out of his Ministry some money in the form of impress. The cash money was around kshs 70,000..

During his trial Achieng’s defense lawyer had produced documentation before the court showing that Achieng’ had already surrendered the impress money back to the Ministry. But the prosecution and the trial magistrate would not hear of this. They went on and convicted Achieng’ and consigned him to a four year prison terms.

What later transpired was that Achieng’ who was a confidant of the late Tom Mboya was the victim of a vicious circles comprising of anti-Mboya elements within the government. Mboya had died in the hails of bullets fired by an assassin in a Nairobi street on JULY 5, 1969 and his enemies were hell-bent to ensure that all his influence within and outside the government were routed completely.

After serving his prison terms for about one and half year, the information which filtered out of the Kamiti Maximum security prison was that Achieng’ was seriously down with a combined diabetic and high blood pressure and wad gradually loosing his eye sight..

When the information about Achieng’s poor state of health in prison reached South Nyanza district, a group of his friends hurriedly convened an emergency meting to find the best way possible how they could lend him a helping hand.

Most of those who attended the meeting were senior Chiefs, civic leaders relatives and top businessmen. Members of this elites were people who were personally known to President Jomo Kenyatta some of them at persona level. The group quickly resolved to draft a petition letter to president Kenyatta requesting for his personal intervention in Achieng’s case and to see to it that he was provided with a good medical doctor.

Members of this hastily organized group included Senior chief DAMIAJNUS ajwang’ {Gembe|}, senior Chief Samuel Odoyo {Kanyaea} Senior Chief Zephania Malit {Karachuonyo}, Civic leaders were councilor Wilson Lando {Ndhiwa}, Counc. George Joseph Bonga {Karachuonyo}also in attendance wete two prominent businessmen in the region, Rakwach Ochila {Lambwe} and Mzee Alfred Ogwago Opiyo {Karachuonyo}

A letter petitioning Kenyatta wad drafted and the Rift Valley P.C Isaiyah Mathenge who had served in South Nyanza as a D.C was chosen as the potential conduit for the purpose of delivery of this petition to President Kenyatta while this writer was appointed an emissary who was to deliver the letter to Mathenge at his Nakuru P.C.’s Office..

On the very day this letter was delivered to Mathenge who in turn handed it over to Kenyatta only after gauging out the President’s mood that evening. The delivery was made after the old man had enjoyed cultural and traditional dances performed by Nyakinyua women traditional Kikuyu dancers from Subukia and Rongai

Within the next two days, Achieng’ was summoned by the PRISON COMMANDER AT Kamiuti and told to get ready of going home. tHe former PS was to tall friends year latter that he could believed what he was hearing and the news came to him like a dream. The same morning he was airlifted by the Police Airwing fronm Wilson Airport in Nairobi Nairobi to Kabunde Aerodrome near Homa-Bay town..The plane touched down in the ,id-morning and there he was whisked out of sight of everyone around snd placed in a police van which drove him to his k0ochia Karamul village home about ten kilometer in the southeast of Homa-Bay town.

The next day a team of workers from the MOW visited his home to carry out a thorough renovation work on his house. President Kenyatta coughed out his personal money to the tune of Kshs 20,000. Achieng’ instructed him not to appear anywhere in public place, market place, or by the main road until after the time when his prison terms are over. Kenyatta later helped Achieng’ financially, which enable him win the a Parliamentary seat the larger Homa-Bay constituency in 1974.

For the whole duration of the period when Achieng’ was confined into his own home this writer acted as an emissary delivering messages from Achieng’ to President Kemnyata.

It was during these exercises that I learnt that Kenyatta only ideologically disagreed with his former Vice President and a close friend Jaramgi Oginga Odinga, and not the entire members of the Luo community. He loved the talent and used to speak well of the two Luo academic giants in the name of Prof; David Wasawo and Prof Alan Bethwell Bethwell Ogot, Dr William Odongo Omamo and George King Omolo George King a perfet English speaker and an educationist who had acted as English interpreter during his in famous Kapenguria trial of 1953.

Aloys Philiph Achieng’’ was a multi-talented person who was also a pilot and a sharp shooter as well as a Makarere trained fisheries spevialist.

He once shot and killed a rougue bull Hipo which was causing havoc in Mzee Kenyatta’s farm near Ruiru town. But their relations was cemented down when the emperor HAILIE Salessie of Ethiopia came visiting Kenya on a State Visit.

Kenyatta, according to Achieng’s testimony several years later was told the Emperor loved feeding ann Guinea fawls and not chicken and Jomo instructed Achieng’s with a daunting task of looking for several Guinea Fowls. The former PS moved to Kadiado with a shot guns and sh0t dead six guinea fowls. When be brought the dead birds to State House, Nairobi, Kenyatta told him that the Emperor cannot feed himself on dead birds. Achieng’s got disturbed and wondered as to where he could find the live guinea fowls. Fortunately one European resident of kilimani was breeding guinea fowls in his compound. Acieng’s visited the man and secured six live birds for which he paid dearly and brought them to Stte House amd this pleased mzee Kenyatta very much who praised him lavishly for his effort. This became the beginning of the friendship bond between the two men.

The obediency and the bond of friendship between Achieng’ and Mzees later to pay him handsomely.

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KENYAN POLICEMEN MYSTERIOUUSLY DISAPPEARED WITH MILLIONS CASH MONEY THEY WERE VESCORTING TO THE BANK IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEISTS.

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo.

The Kenyan press reported this morning that three police officer and two security guards escorting close to Kshs 78 million from a commercial bank located in the suburb of the city of Nairobi disappeared with the largest amount of money last night.

The police have mounted one of the biggest man-hunts for their missing colleagues and the colossal amount of money.

The officials at the Central BANK OF Kenya where the money was being taken to were quoted as saying that the money was still in transit therefore did not belong to them until it is safely delive5ed to them.

The incident is the latest in which huge sums of cash money in transit has gone missing in Kenya. In 2012 more than Kshs 40 million, which was in transit from NAIROBI TO THE South Sudan capita, juba went missing in similar circumstances.

The money was part of the USD 500,000 of cash collected at the Kenya commercial Bank, Moi Avenue, Nairobi.

In the same year, 2012 another large sum went missing after the police escorting guards transporting the cash from the Western Kenya towns of Busia and Kisumu abandoned the vehicle mysteriously by the roadside and disappeared with no trace.

The CENTRAL bank of Kenya has recently devised the new method of safe delivery of bank from the inter-bank transactions, but the situation has remained unchanged as the latest heist attracted the persons entrusted with the escorting and safe custody of the cash are the one who in turn disappeared with it.

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KENYA; THERE ARE NO POLITICAL WARS IN KARACHUONY0OO AS ALLEGED IN REPORTS

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Writea Leo Odera Omolo.

ODM officials in Homa-Bay County branch have strongly refuted claims that there was a political wars between the Homa-Bay governor Cyprian Otieno Awiti and the Karachuonyo MP Eng. James K. Rege.

The allegations about the perceived rift between the two top politicians in Karachuonyo constituency within Homa-Bay county contained in an article which appeared in one of the weekly newspapers early this week.

It claims that the disagreement between the two top party officials has come about following individuals interests in the recently concluded preliminary nominations. The by-election was called to fill the vacant KibiriI MCA’s ward following the murder three months agoof its former incumbent the late Boaz ondiek, who was gunned down by unknown persons at night while a sleep in his rural home.

The result of the nomination exercises which were held at Kandiege secondary School and supervised by two officials sent from the party’s headquarters at the Orange house in Nairobi and also by the County branch officials was described as one of the most peaceful and democratic nominations ever held in the region in the recent years.

The publications complained off had stated interalia that Governor Awiti was backing one aspirant while MP Rege was supporting the other. But the article allegedly written by one Jeff Otieno Aguko did not mentioned specifically as to whose favorite candidate had won the nomination to contest the election proper which is scheduled for August 7, 2014.

The ODM head office had posted one Juma Nyabinda to go and supervise the exercises. He was assisted by the former Nyakach MP MP Peter Odoyo while the County ODM branch team was led by the branch chairman Martin Otieno Ogindo, the branch secretary, Eng James K.Rege and treasurer Achilla Gogo and others.

The officials rubbished the report dismissing it as the work of super-extortionist and propagandists. Party officials at the branch and members alike, however, advised all the elected persons to respect one another and work together harmoniously while avoiding sponsoring slanderous articles against each other.

ODM as a party, they said, would not hesitate from taking a stern disciplinary action those involved in clandestine activities and the spreading of malicious propaganda. Governor Awiti and MP Rege have the responsibility to display a high quality of dynamic political leadership and at the same time avoid working while panicking in fear of each other. There is no elections coming soon in the area until the 2017 therefore the two are still having plenty of time to deliver the goods to the electorate thereafter which they would be qualified to attract the electorate to elect them back to their respective offices when the time comes

Awiti and Rege should cultivate a working friendly relationship in order to ease any tension that could have arisen as the result of the malicious publications and at the same time ensure that they restrained their supporters and aides from acting emotionally in manner which could be viewed as being tantamount to harassment..

The article has elicited a lot of controversies and raised political temperatures nib Karachuonyo sparking off claims that governor Awiti and his close political associates might have overreacted over a non-existence issues. The two should also thrive to discourage idle talkers and rumor-mongers and instead redouble their effort in development activities.

The Karachuonyo electorate wanted nothing from the two but the delivery of goods to the electorate.

The cross section of those interviewed residents of Karachuonyo alleged that of the office of the governor at Homa-Bay is full of loiterers and loose talkers, they should be engaged on constructive activities that could promote development an growth, while MP Rege is busy legislating in Nairobi and has shown less interest in the governor’s work.

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An appeal to the Quartet on the Middle East to sack Tony Blair

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From: Yona Maro

This Friday, 27 June, will mark the seven-year anniversary of Tony Blair’s appointment as the Quartet representative to the Middle East. We, the undersigned, urge you to remove him with immediate effect as a result of his poor performance in the role, and his legacy in the region as a whole.

We, like many, are appalled by Iraq’s descent into a sectarian conflictthat threatens its very existence as a nation, as well as the security of its neighbours. We are also dismayed, however, at Tony Blair’s recent attempts to absolve himself of any responsibility for the current crisis byisolating it from the legacy of the Iraq war.

In reality, the invasion and occupation of Iraq had been a disaster long before the recent gains made by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The sectarian conflict responsible for much of the war’s reprehensible human cost was caused in part by the occupying forces’ division of the country’s political system along sectarian lines.

In order to justify the invasion, Tony Blair misled the British people by claiming that Saddam Hussein had links to al-Qaida. In the wake of recent events it is a cruel irony for the people of Iraq that perhaps the invasion’s most enduring legacy has been the rise of fundamentalist terrorism in a land where none existed previously.

We believe that Mr Blair, as a vociferous advocate of the invasion, must accept a degree of responsibility for its consequences.

The occupied Palestinian territories represent another tragic failure of western engagement in the Middle East.

It is our view that, after seven years, Mr Blair’s achievements as envoy are negligible, even within his narrow mandate of promoting Palestinian economic development. Furthermore, the impression of activity created by his high-profile appointment has hindered genuine progress towards a lasting peace.

Seven years on there are still over 500 checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip, severely damaged by Israel’s 2009 bombing, remains in a humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its population reliant on foreign aid for survival. Israel continues to build settlements that are illegal under international law. According to the Palestinian Authority’s former chief negotiator, Nabil Shaath, Tony Blair has “achieved so very little because of his gross efforts to please the Israelis.”

It is also our view that Tony Blair’s conduct in his private pursuits also calls into question his suitability for the role. Mr Blair has been widely criticised for a lack of transparency in the way he organises his business dealings and personal finances, and for blurring the lines between his public position as envoy and his private roles at Tony Blair Associates and the investment bank JPMorgan Chase.

With the current impasse in negotiations, it is time to rethink international engagement on the Israel-Palestine question. Alongside our call for you to remove Tony Blair as the Quartet special envoy, we are urging members of the public who feel the same way to sign the petition via the campaign website, sackblair.org.

Signed:

Mamdouh Aker, Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights
Mourid Barghouti, Palestinian writer and poet
Crispin Blunt MP, Conservative party
Professor Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sir Richard Dalton, former UK ambassador to Libya and Iran
Professor Hani Faris, University of British Columbia
George Galloway MP, Respect party
Jeff Halper, director, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Ken Livingstone, former mayor of London
Christopher Long, former UK ambassador to Egypt
Caroline Lucas MP, former leader of the Green party
Michael Mansfield QC, barrister
John McDonnell MP, Labour party
Sir Oliver Miles, former UK ambassador to Libya
Peter Oborne, writer and journalist
Professor Ilan Pappé, Israeli historian, University of Exeter
Rt Hon Clare Short, former secretary of state for International Development
Baroness Tonge, independent Liberal Democrat peer
Tom Watson MP, former defence minister, Labour party

Tony Blair’s office has responded as follows:

“These are all people viscerally opposed to Tony Blair with absolutely no credibility in relation to him whatsoever. Their attack is neither surprising nor newsworthy. They include the alliance of hard right and hard left views which he has fought against all his political life. Of course he completely disagrees with them over the Middle East. He believes passionately in the two-state solution, but also believes that can only be achieved by a negotiation with Israel.

“The truth, and anybody who knows anything about the situation in respect of Palestine knows this, is that transformational change is impossible unless it goes hand in hand with a political process. There was hope that this could progress with the recent US-led talks which were underpinned by a hugely ambitious economic plan spearheaded by Mr Blair.

“Mr Blair has done no work for JPMorgan in the Middle East – he is the chair of their International Advisory Council – where he provides advice on global political issues.”

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/24/appeal-to-quartet-on-middle-east-sack-tony-blair?CMP=fb_gu
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Yona Fares Maro

Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

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Energy Access and Security in Eastern Africa – Status and Enhancement Pathways

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From: Yona Maro

A report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which assesses the state of energy access and security in 14 States of the Eastern Africa Region by employing energy access and security assessment methodologies was launched on 10th June in Kigali, Rwanda.

The report entitled “Energy Access and Security in Eastern Africa – Status and Enhancement Pathways” investigates on issues of energy technology, energy resources governance, energy and the environment, energy trade and the impact of energy on the macro-economy. It also reviews, in depth, the issues of energy access and security based on regional analysis, and case studies of Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda. It suggests pertinent recommendations on enhancing the state of energy access and security in the sub-region.

The share of the population with access to electricity in Eastern Africa is among the lowest globally. The report cites for example, that in South Sudan, a mere 1 percent of the population has access; in Burundi 2 percent; in DR Congo 9 percent; and in Uganda 12 percent. The regional access level of 27% is also below the level for middle-income countries (a policy aspiration of member States) of 82%. “Structural transformation aspiration of member States will need to overcome the energy access bottleneck impairing the pace of industrial development,” the report says.

The report further notes that due to limited progress in transition from traditional biomass as a main source of energy, since 1990 there has been a forest stock decline of 20% in Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania, nearly 40% in Uganda and Burundi and between 4-8% in DR Congo, Eritrea, Kenya and Madagascar, leading to household energy challenges.

Reflecting on energy security in the petroleum sub-sector, the report highlights that the region nearly exclusively relies on imported refined petroleum, with declining regional refining capacity and increasing consumption levels (increased by 63% in the last decade). Oil import is now taking a large share of GDP in member States, diverting financial resources from development. The needs for a regional and country framework on energy security management are discussed.

Yohannes Hailu, the Economic Affairs Officer in Charge of Energy at UNECA. “Energy trade with neighboring countries and regionally is an untapped opportunity in Eastern Africa” “Countries in the region which have the capacity to generate more power, given their energy resource potential, should increasingly look at regional energy trade opportunities that would mutually benefit all the economies of the region.” he added.

Hailu further noted that regional opportunities for energy sector development would have to be supplemented by greater efforts at the country level to develop indigenous energy resources, along with a national strategy and framework for energy security management.

http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00081815:4acc122bed60e46f11b73cd6bbff3b1a.pdf

Corruption: The Unrecognized Threat to International Security

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From: Yona Maro

Corruption is typically seen as a pathology, a fraying at the edges of a system or, at worst, a sign of system failure. Consequently, much of the work to devise remedies is entrusted to aid agencies and local civil society actors, whose hard-fought efforts strive for small-scale, concrete successes. These interventions tend to be focused on remedying technical deficiencies or building capacity.

But in a range of countries around the globe, corruption is the system. Governments have been repurposed to serve an objective that has little to do with public administration: the personal enrichment of ruling networks. And they achieve this aim quite effectively. Capacity deficits and other weaknesses may be part of the way the system functions, rather than reflecting a breakdown.

This structural dynamic—together with the strong correlation between acute corruption and breaches of international security—suggests that corruption may be a higher-stakes problem than has been commonly thought. Foreign and defense policymakers, as well as multinational corporations, need to mainstream consideration of corruption into their decisionmaking processes.

But currently, Western governments and key business actors are not well set up to respond in this holistic way. Information on the organization, manning, and practices of kleptocratic networks in key countries is not systematically gathered. Corruption is not on the agenda for high-level bilateral exchanges. Experts and specialized departments working on the issue are rarely at the table when critical decisions are made. They are insufficiently resourced even to carry out the relatively marginal tasks they are assigned. And relationships or cooperation models come in too few varieties, precluding subtle or creative ways of furthering anticorruption priorities so an all-or-nothing approach prevails.
http://m.ceip.org/publications/?fa=55791
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Yona Fares Maro

Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

KENYA: ALILA URGED KENYAN LEADERS TO STOP THE CARNAGE AND ALARMING DEATH CAUSED BY JIHAD TERRORISTS

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City
.
The rate of daily deaths in Kenya at the hands of foreign sponsored terrorists has reached the most alarming proportions which now calls for a quick solution.

A Homa-BAY politician Hilary Ochieng’ Alila has said that if the dialogue which is sought by the opposition group could save the country from further bleeding to death, then such a meeting is necessary and must be held urgently before any more deaths.

Alila who is also a businessman in Nairobi spoke to this writer by phone from Dubai where he had gone for business. He said he was disappointed to read the disturbing news of fresh terrorists attack in Mpeketoni in Lamu which has left 48 Kenyans dead and property worth millions of dollars destroyed. ”We have lost so many precious lives in Kenya in the last ten years. We now say enough is enough. “This is a very serious issue and there is joking about it. Our leaders must come forward and save the lives of Kenyans.”

Alila criticized those who he described as amateurish politicians who instead of acknowledging the existence of Jihadists terrorists in Kenya were shifting the blame on to the CORD opposition leader Raila Odinga.

He said Odinga has been out of Kenya for close to three months, and during his absence from this country, there were more than 20 terrorists attacks in Mandera, Mombasa, Likoni and Nairobi in which innocent Kenyans lost their precious lives. He told those tasked with the responsibilities of protecting Kenyans and their properties to take the responsibilities and quit their jobs with immediate effect to take responsibility for the complacency and laxity.

The on going blames gamed and irresponsible comments from amateurish politicians out to attract cash handouts are some of the factors in undoing things. “Kenyans from all walks life must be patriotic enough to protect their beloved motherland, and its hard-worn independence.

Alila pointed out that it is was wrong to places all the security responsibilities in the hands of people from one ethnic background. This has made the security of our country becoming compromised. And this has resulted in the lapses of security apparatus in this country. The government must ensure that the posting of the key security men carries the face of the entire Kenyan society..

Alila warned those bad mouthing the others to tread carefully. They should only make their constructive contributions towards the need for a genuine dialogue between the opposition and the government. Some of the sycophants around the president have since coined the word, that Raila wanted to overthrow the government of President Kenyatta.

The politician did not say he had read the statement by the Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku via CNN news footage and felt that the man is not up to the task nor is he capable of holding the so important security docket. Ole Lenku should quit and go home to take care of his herds of cattle instead of making big blunders in a such life threatening situation in KENYA. He appeared not to know what he is doing. In such important docket with the government security docket

Turning on ODM politics, Alila heaped a lot of praise on Raila Odinga for having met with then Nairobi governor Sr. Evans Odhjiambo Kidero to iron out a few contentious issues affecting the party and its members in the City. Yhe Raila / Kidero meeting was a healthy and fruitful one. Leaders must consult one another in a friendly atmosphere and discuss issues affecting the wananchi This is why I am supporting to the hilt the idea of the proposed meeting between President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga so what they should work out a road-map to permanent peace and tranquility in this country..

Alila at the same time advised theODM HOma-BAY county branch officials who were recently ousted from the leadership to take things easy. They should go home and re-brand themselves resolved to come back and claim the leadership in the future. But for now, the team which was formerly led by Gerald Otieno Kajwang’ are no longer in the picture..

ends

Unholy alliances: Organized crime in Southern Africa

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From: Yona Maro

The growth of illicit networks and organized crime in Africa are interwoven into the narrative of independence and statehood on the African Continent. In Africa, as with the world as a whole, criminal activity has integrated itself into the legitimate economy, and the line between legitimate and illegitimate behaviours is increasingly blurred.

[ . . . ]
The objective of the meeting was to serve as a platform to better understand and assess the way that organized crime is engaging with governance, democracy, statehood, human security and development. By bringing together policymakers, practitioners and analysts dealing with these challenges, the Global Initiative hopes to develop a working network among relevant actors and share information that, in turn, can translate into more effective strategies to combat transnational organized crime in the region, or potentially more broadly. While the experiences, trajectories and contexts of each country, and the prevalent organized crime flows and structures with which it is grappling are different, a number of key themes emerged over the course of the meeting:
[ . . . ]

read rest of article at …
http://www.globalinitiative.net/unholy-alliances-organized-crime-in-southern-africa/

Yona Fares Maro
Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

KENYA: DIALOGUE BETWEEN PRESIDENT KENYTTA AND THE OPPOSITION LEADERS IS A GOOD IDEA

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Commentary By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

KENYANS are lucky for having a well schooled and dynamic President in the name of Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta who in my opinion has the wealth of experience in public affairs, which if properly utilized could turn our beloved country into the highest height of economic development and growth.

HOWEVER, Kenyatta and his ruling jubilee coalition appeared to be vulnerable and easily panicking a lot about several issues of national importance, which only calls for soberly approach.

This panic has made the jubilee coalition government full of contradictions, utterances coupled with loose tank and chest thumping whose uncoordinated utterances which are only polluting the air and polarizing the existing peace and tranquility in the country.

The recent utterances from both the jubilee and the CORD opposition are only fueling further political wrangling instead of cooling down the existing high political temperatures in our country.

Any sane person and good Kenyan who have the country’s interest could see that the situation is genuinely calls for a dialogue between our national leaders from the political divide.

And while blaming Kenyatta and his team for being belligerent and overreacting to issues, which need some kind of sober approach, the opposition group under the flagship of CORD coalition calls stand blamed for poorly presenting its call for the national dialogue, which is of course a good idea while at te same time issuing threats intimidation and ultimatum to the government.

It could be that the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula were carried by the huge and enthusiastic crowd of people that turned out at the UHURU park to welcome Raila home. The trio, however, In my opinion have other alternative way of constructively engaging the Jubilee government on the dialogue issue instead of issuing threat of mobilizing mass action and mob justice.

There has been a lot of reckless utterances of the Jubilee government I response to this calls. Two wrongs never made good ends. There has been a lot of hustling recklessness in speeches by those purported supporting the government, which did not go down well with the moderately thinking Kenyans who cares for the well being of Kenyan people and their hard acquired properties.

The call for a national dialogue is genuinely a good gesture, which should be deliberated in a sober manner, especially when considering the myriad of problems facing our country at the moment

Kenya is on the cross road, taking into account the thousands of sophisticated weapons now in the hands of criminal thugs. A day hardly passed without a newspaper report about a Kenyan trader having been shot and killed with these illegally acquired weapons.

And even in the usually quiet rural locations in the countryside, thugs are ruling, though its more worse in urban areas and trading centers and in market places.

The prices of the basic commodities like food, fuel, detergent etc have skyrocketed and have become unaffordable by ordinary average Kenyans rural folks.

Most Kenyan families can now ill-afford three or four meals a day. the Taveta MMP DR Naomi Shaban opening her big mouth before a huge crowd in KISII and telling President Kenyatta before a huge crowd of people in KISII that those opposition leaders pressing for the national d Kisii and telling President pack lies by saying that those opposition pressing for a national dialogue between the government and the opposition groups were liars. These kinds of sycophantic outbursts to appease the President are so opportunistic and are some of the undoing on the part of jubilee government.

I trust that President Kenyatta is capable of using his own political magnanimity to decide which way forward for Kenyans who have mandated him to rule this country, and he will make a firm and positive response response on this contentious issue of the national dialogue.

The president and his handlers also need to instill some amount of disciplined to his outspoken Deputy president whose language need to be out into a constant check. Ruto’s belligerent and quick rejoinders on some issues only amounted to loose talking and careless utterances, which nobody needs now in a situation where Kenya is grappling with myriad of problems including terrorists threat and insecurity.

Let the President not to allow his Deputy to plunge this our beautiful country into a distasteful and chaotic situation.

We are not on election mood. The elections are still four years away and I therefore concurred with President Kenyatta that he should be given time and a breathing space to implement his election pledges to Kenyans and those dissatisfied lots could wait until 2017.

ABOUT the author; LEO ODERA OMOLO is a veteran Kenya journalist ho comments regularly on topic issues

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KENYA: KISUMU COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS FAILING IN ITS SERVICE DELIVERY

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KISUMU ASSEMBLY IS ACCUSED OF SQUANDERING MILLIONS OF TAXPAYERS MONEY ON USELESS FOREIGN TRIPS.

Writwea Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

RESIDENTS of KISUMU city are up in arms against the county government headed by governor Jack Ranguma of spending the taxpayers money extravagantly by sponsoring foreign trips for MCA’s with no material gains to the residents

The issue has raised political temperatures in this lakeside City, which is now stinking in filth owing to non-existence of refuse and garbage collection. With waste paper littering the town streets and broken and sewerage lines goes unrepairable for weeks, some of the broken sewerage lines passes through the residential estates thereby posing health hazard to the residents.

Some of the MCAS who are scrambling for inclusion into the numerous foreign trips are semi-illiterate persons who can gain no experience that could be beneficial to the residents due to their communication problems’. The Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma seemed to have been captivated by the MCAs and is therefore unable to control the county government’s budget making millions to go to waste.

Discontent has arisen following the revelation that sixteen Kisumu MCAs have left the country for the tour of the State of Israel amid public protest against these fruitless and no value added foreign trips by MCAS which have no value to the residents. However, sources have revealed that when the sixteen return home, another 25 MCAs will also make yet another money fubbling trip to Singapore. Later this month. These trips, says the residents, could gobbles being stinking and giving bad dour everywhere include a Central Business district {CBD}, these valueless trips could cost the Assembly as much money as Kshs 30 million, which goes to the wastes and yet the City lacked basic amenities such as street lights, persistent acute shortage of water and poor system of refuse collection which as contributed to the City to be in bad state of stinking due to left and uncollected garbage and waste papers.

Those who are reported to have traveled to Israel are members of the County who have nothing to learn in the ultra modern Israeli farming system due to their communication problems. Some of them were petty kiosk traders with no elementary education before they were elected from the various town wards to the Assembly.

They include the Assembly Speaker Ann Adul and the Clerk Nelco Sagwe. The same Assembly Speaker Ann Adul last year squandered the sums of Kshs 694,847 when she was sponsored by the Assembly to attend a conference in Atlanta, US.

In January, this year, the County government coughed out the colossal amount of money when it sent 47 MCAs on a six days educational tour of the neighboring Uganda at the average rate of Kshs 3000 expenses per day each, The Assembly was also on spot for s trip to Germany for eleven MCAS who were paid Kshs 3000 each per day expenses per day.

Upon these MCAs return from such luxury trips, they offer no explanation of the experiences they gained in those countries, which could be of benefits to the Kisumu residents. These MCAS only come home quietly without calling either a press conferences to explain the gains and experiences they had acquired as a result of their expensive trips abroad. The residents of Kisumu now viewed and maintains that these trips are amounting to naked looting of the Assembly resources and therefore must be stopped. The Central government should ma pout the plan governing foreign trips by MCAs. The Office of the President must also initiate the system of giving clearance for such trip in conjunction with the relevant ministry in charge of the devolution .

The residents now call upon the Central government to intervene and to ensure that these luxurious Childish and useless foreign trips by KISUMU MCAs are stopped forthwith.

There is also a disaster in waiting in KISUMU. The dumpsite, which is located between Kachok and the Moi’s stadium, has attracted a lot of birds, feeding on the filth. The dump site is located right in the middle of the town. It is on the direct routes of the aircraft flight coming and leaving the recently much improved Kisumu International Airport. And the risk of the bird strikes on aircraft is there. This is because the dump site is on the direct route of aircraft coming and leaving the recently expanded Kisumu International Airport. Therefore there is an urgent need fr the KISUMU County government to look for another suitable dump site. Air disasters have occurred in other countries caused by birds hitting the airplane engines in flights and causing death and injuries to the passengers.

It is even causing amusement to leaned that the Assembly is currently using street urchins [Ninjas} for the purport of refuse collections in the town. Why? This kind of negligence is impacting negatively on the residents of KISUMU. The main Kisumu Bus terminal is stinking with dirty garbage and the same is sighted n Henderso,Lumumba, Ondiek, Kaloleni and Maakasembo and other residential estates

Ends