March 30, 2011

Government will continue to guarantee an enabling environment for investments with an aim of promoting trade.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has assured that the government will continue to guarantee an enabling environment for investments with an aim of promoting trade, improve economy as well as create more job opportunities.

Mr. Musyoka said that partnership between the government and the private sector is critical in accelerating the country’s pace towards attaining Vision 2030.

He was speaking during the official opening of Transami Mombasa Container Terminal (MCT) in Changamwe, Mombasa County where he was the chief guest.

Mr. Musyoka said that Kenya appreciates the vote of confidence investors have placed in the country that has led to increased investments and Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He particularly lauded the Bollore Africa Logistics for committing significant investment in Kenya and other parts of Africa, noting that the company through its subsidiaries such as MCT, SDV Transami, Socopao Kenya Ltd and East Africa Commercial Shipping have taken a leading role in promoting trade.

“An investment of a scale such as yours at MCT is an excellent illustration of how PPPs can be put together to achieve multiple benefits to participating partners. This particular PPP is premised on agreements made between MCT, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority,” Mr. Musyoka added.

The Vice President allayed fears that allowing private Container Freight Station Operators to compete with the KPA will affect business and affect government revenue.

Mr. Musyoka said that through the installation of efficiency systems the operations have improved both output and revenue levels for all participating partners due to increased earnings through additional capacity created by the Freight Stations.

He noted that based on successes of such  MCT’s there is room for broader participation of private partnerships with existing ports and additional ones  that  government has been engaged in establishing.

Managing Director MCT, Mr. Tony Stenning said the company has invested over 700million and created job opportunities for over 300 members of staff.

He added that the company is not only committed to the development of Kenya but also other countries where it is represented in the continent.

The Group Chairman, Mr. Samson Ndegwa assured that the company has confidence in Kenyan leadership, saying they will continue to expand the businesses.

Later, the Vice President made a stop over at Port Reitz, Changamwe Constituency to receive greetings from wananchi on his way to Voi.

Mr. Musyoka assured that it’s not the government’s policy to privatize the port of Mombasa, saying such a move must involve and incorporate all stakeholders.

He at the same time, called on investors in all sectors of the economy to modernize their infrastructure so as to ensure quality and efficiency in their operations.

Fundraiser for Malindi Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA)

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Kenyans to support the development of church projects, saying they assist in improving the standards of living in the country.

Mr. Musyoka commended religious organizations in the country for complimenting the government’s efforts in training Kenyans in various fields.

He urged religious leaders to be tolerant to one another irrespective of their religious affiliations, adding that Kenyans should coexist with one another like brothers and sisters.

“We need to go forward as one nation. We should join hands in order to fight poverty and other evils in the society”, he noted.

The Vice President made the remarks today during a fundraiser for Malindi Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) in aid of the Development Centre for training of church leaders.

It will also be the headquarters of PEFA Church in the North Coast region.

At the same time, Mr. Musyoka called on leaders to support the implementation of the new constitution, saying it was one of the best in the world if implemented well.

Nominated MP, Ms Shakila Abdalla called on religious leaders to join hands with Members of Parliament to support the implementation of the new constitution.

She urged Members of Parliament to take their roles as elected leaders seriously.

General Overseer, PEFA Church Kenya, Bishop Simeon Obayo said the church will continue to partner with the government in the provision of not spiritual needs of Kenyans but also training them in various fields.

Bishop Obayo urged leaders to enforce the rule of law in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the country. He called on Kenyans to love one another irrespective of their religious affiliations and where they come from.

Present were area MP, Gideon Mung’aro, former MP and National Organizing Secretary ODM-K, Mr. Lucas Maitha, Regional Overseer North Coast Region and Principal Shanzu Teachers Training College, Mr. James Ziro among other dignitaries.

Later, the Vice President opened the first ever International Karate Clubs Championship in Kenya organized by the Kenya Karate Federation (KKF) at a Malindi Hotel.

The aim is to promote sports tourism in the country while fighting the drug menace among youth. It brings participants from Mozambique, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya

Mr. Musyoka has called on Kenyans to say no to drug abuse for they were affecting the development of youths in the society.

He said the youths should be given time to exploit their talents by embracing sports as a profession.

The Vice President urged the youths to practice martial arts for they instill discipline and good behavior.

He urged Kenyans to embrace Karate and teach the youth the right values of life.

Mr. Musyoka commended the Police for their swift action in arresting the drug traffickers in Mombasa recently.

He noted that Kenyans want real action taken in accordance with the law of the land, saying in China drug traffickers get live sentence or death.

”It is time Kenyans said no to drug abuse”, he added.

The Vice President urged sports organizers to promote activities that bring Kenyans together.

Area MP Mr.  Mung’aro commended the police for being firm in fighting drugs and called for those involved to be prosecuted very first.

Ms Abdalla called on the media to follow up drug cases and expose all those who are involved in the drug trafficking.

Present were the Chairman KKF, Mr. Caleb Atemi, KKF officials and sponsors among other dignitaries.

March 23, 2011

Have called on the Brazilian business community to partner with Kenyans and take advantage of diverse investment opportunities.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the Brazilian business community to partner with Kenyans and take advantage of diverse investment opportunities in the country.

Mr. Musyoka said Kenya prides itself with a most competitive manufacturing sector which includes textiles and apparel manufacturing, metal engineering and motor vehicle assembly, thus an opportunity for interested partners in both countries to engage and strategize for mutual benefits.

He noted that both countries’ tourism industries are quite dynamic, boosted by good infrastructure net work, research and development over the years.

“There is room for partnership in this sector especially in construction of modern hotels in Kenya and employment of skilled Kenyans in Brazilian hospitality sector,” Mr. Musyoka added.

The Vice President was speaking today during the official opening of the First Brazil in East Africa EXPO 2011 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

The four day Trade Exhibition dubbed “The missing link” ends on 25th March, 2011.

Mr. Musyoka said Kenya’s importance to the Federative Republic of Brazil was recently underlined when His Excellency Luiz Inacio da Silva, made an official visit to Kenya on 5th to 6th July, 2010, the first visit by a President from Brazil and accompanied by a large contingent of Brazilian business delegation.

He said the Federative Republic of Brazil considers Kenya as an important partner in the East Africa Region having established a resident diplomatic mission in Nairobi way back in 1967 whereas Kenya opened an Embassy in Brasilia in October, 2006.

The Vice President noted that the choice of Kenya as entry to the East African region, will serve as access point for existing regional economic blocks COMESA, IGAD, and EAC, saying the three blocks have a combined population of close to 500 million people.

Mr. Musyoka said Kenya’s strategic focus towards Brazil and the wider South American economies are hinged the promotion of trade, investment and tourism.

He said the drive in opening new investment opportunities to foreign investors resonate quite well with Kenya’s Foreign Policy which place significant emphasis on economic and commercial diplomacy; as Kenya strives to realize long term development blue print commonly referred to as Kenya Vision 2030.

H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka Opened first Bio Gas project at Embu Prison.

The Vice President made an extensive tour of Embu Prison where he officially opened the first biogas project at the facility.

Mr. Musyoka who was accompanied by Prisons commissioner Mr. Isaiah Osugo reaffirmed the Government was committed to full implementation of reforms in prisons to ensure it attains international standards.

Government is committed to uplifting education standards to achieve middle in-come status.

Plans are underway to develop a comprehensive scheme of service for primary school head teachers in the country reflecting their roles as chief executive officers of their institutions, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

Mr. Musyoka said it is time primary school head teachers get a scheme of service as the only way to improve their terms and conditions of service, thus boost their morale.

The Vice President told over 2,000 head teachers from Eastern Province meeting in Embu town, that the Government is committed to uplifting education standards to achieve middle in-come status.

Present were assistant ministers Kilemi Mwiria (Higher Education), Peter Munya (East Africa), Cecily Mbarire (Tourism) and MPs Emilio Katuri (Manyatta), Lenny Kivuti (Siakago), Eastern PC Mrs. Clare Omolo among other leaders.

"You are managers of teachers and you must be truly recognised as chief executive officers of the schools by getting a scheme of service," Mr. Kalonzo said

The VP said the school heads are responsible for the standards of performance in the schools.
He noted that their influence and steady hand over teachers and pupils would usher in progress and ensure a bright future for the country. Mr. Musyoka said it is the head teachers who allocate resources to areas that are critical to the performance of the school, monitor the implementation of the curriculum and measure the impact of the allocated resources.
The VP also has clarified that the United Nations Security Council has not rejected the Kenyan request for the deferral of the International Criminal Court case.

He said that Kenya has not yet had a formal deliberation with the UN Security Council but had only sought for an informal meeting which will not provide a final verdict until a formal meeting is held.

He, however, added that Kenya had a broad based approach to the ICC matter where by besides the request to the UN, the Attorney General can invoke article 19 of

the Rome statute.

Mr. Musyoka maintained that the Government is committed to eradicating impunity in the Kenyan society and ensures justice for all its citizens alongside national healing and reconciliation.

The Vice Presidents emphasized on the need for leaders to unte and speak with one voice in matters of development in the area.

He said development is elusive to achieve in an area where leaders do not speak with one voice and solve the problems facing their people collectively.

Mr. Musyoka urged secondary and primary school head teachers to make sure that no students are locked out from the ongoing registration exercise for KCPE and KCSE respectively due to lack of birth certificates.

He said it is time for African leaders to team up and speak with one voice in exploring ways of solving the many challenges facing the continent.

"it is time the African leaders team up, stand up and never be misused," said Mr. Musyoka.

Speaker after speaker supported the Vice president’s move to ensure the Kenyan cases at the ICC are deferred back to the country.

Have urged Members of Parliament to work as a team in ensuring speedy implementation of the new constitution.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Members of Parliament to work as a team in ensuring speedy implementation of the new constitution.

Mr. Musyoka said the implementation of the new constitution will help in the fight against corruption and impunity in the country.

Mr. Musyoka reiterated the Government’s commitment to fast tracking the implementation of the new constitution and urged the legislators to work together in ensuring the implementation of the new laws.

"With the implementation of the new constitution, corruption and impunity among other vices will be firmly dealt with in this country," said Mr. Musyoka.

The Vice President urged leaders to show their seriousness in addressing the problem of negative ethnicity in the country.

The Vice President challenged Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was present to stop the continued use of the tag KKK, saying the continued use of the word amounts to hate speech.

He said there is only one K which stands for Kenya which should always be used to unite the people of this country.

Mr. Musyoka said it is high time for leaders to lead the way in the fight against negative ethnicity by desisting from issuing inflammatory statements which amount to hate speech.

He said inflammatory statements can create tension and hatred among peace loving Kenyans.

Speaking during the burial of the late former Defense assistant minister James Njeru Gituriandu at his Tharaka home, the Vice President said leaders should rededicate most of their time in preaching peace and reconciliation in peace and stability has to be maintained at all times.

"This is time for national healing and reconciliation and leaders should not issue inflammatory statements which can create tension and hatred among peace loving Kenyans," added Mr. Musyoka.

Present were Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Joseph Nyagah (Minister for Cooperative Development) MPs Martha Karua (Gichugi), Emilio Katuri (Manyatta) Alex Mbuuri (Tharaka), wife of the Prime Minister Ida Odinga and Regional Commissioner Joseph Kimiywi among other top government officials.

He warned leaders against engaging in divisive politics and instead work towards uniting Kenyans irrespective of ethnic or political affiliation.

He clarified that Kenya has not failed in its bid for deferral of International Criminal Court cases back into the country, noting that the session was informal.

"What happened in New York was just an informal consultation. To put that Kenya has failed in its deferral bid to have its cases back to the country is not correct," he said.