Good People,
I support business 100% and I believe that, where there is safety, security, sustainability
with a balance in areas of Social, Economic and Political business interest spurs. This
means, Public mandate and interest is secured and is given priority in the improvement
of public welfare and terrorism and thuggery is curtailed under all circumstances, because,
peace and harmony is the basic fundamental requirment for any success story.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Fears over EAC’s future as Tanzania is sidelined again
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta ( left) has signed a pact with Uganda and Rwanda to remove travel barriers among the three countries in efforts to make it easier for entrepreneurs to operate across borders. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP.
In Summary
- The first of the tri-lateral talks took place in Entebbe in June when Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni hosted President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame to a summit that saw the three countries commit to vast investments in rail and oil infrastructure.
- An official with the ministry of Foreign Affairs who asked not to be named in order to speak freely on the matter, said that although Burundi and South Sudan had attended the meeting in Mombasa, they were not among the main repartees of the negotiations.
By MUTHOKI MUMO
That Tanzania has been left out of a series of regional talks on infrastructure and trade is raising questions about it’s place in the East African Community.
Responding to media inquiries, Kenya’s State House said that Tanzania had not been invited to the summits.
The Kenyan Government said Tanzania’s absence was not a problem because the talks were primarily concerned with easing transport logistics within the “Northern Corridor”.
“They were not invited because at the moment we are dealing with the Northern Corridor. This was about the Port of Mombasa and the infrastructure that feeds the Northern Corridor,” said Secretary of Communication Manoah Esipisu. This transit corridor links landlocked South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi to the Port of Mombasa.
The first of the tri-lateral talks took place in Entebbe in June when Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni hosted President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame to a summit that saw the three countries commit to vast investments in rail and oil infrastructure.
On Wednesday, it was Kenya’s turn to host its neighbours in the second infrastructure summit, a forum to measure progress made since the June meeting. This time round, however, the summit was expanded to include Burundi and South Sudan. The two countries will now “be part and parcel of the projects”.
Tanzania was the only member of the East African Community (EAC) missing in Mombasa. The country’s absence becomes even more conspicuous when one considers that South Sudan is yet to be accepted as an EAC member.
Tanzanian Government officials who spoke to the Sunday Nation said the country did not get an invitation to attend either of the meetings.
“I have just confirmed that we were not invited to Mombasa just like we were not invited to the meeting in Entebbe,” said Tanzanian Government Spokesperson Asah Mwambene in a telephone interview on Thursday. Mwambene did not comment on any specific projects undertaken by the summit, adding that any projects touching on Tanzania’s interests would be addressed through the “proper forums in the EAC”.
An official with the ministry of Foreign Affairs who asked not to be named in order to speak freely on the matter, said that although Burundi and South Sudan had attended the meeting in Mombasa, they were not among the main repartees of the negotiations.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs official said Burundi and South Sudan had expressed interest to be part of the summit.
Therefore, he argued, the summit had technically not overlooked Tanzania by admitting new members within its ranks.
However, during the meeting last week, heads of state were quick to remedy this. Ministers were directed to make provisions “to integrate the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of South Sudan into the Summit”. Further, the two countries are to be included in the technical committees steering the projects proposed by the summit.
In June, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya agreed to jointly invest in a high-speed railway network to link the three countries. There are also talks to build an oil refinery in Uganda and to extend a pipeline that had been planned to link Kenya and South Sudan to Kampala and Kigali. Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have also vowed to harmonise customs tax collection efforts at the Port of Mombasa.
During the meeting in Mombasa, the five countries in attendance agreed to extend the standard gauge railway to South Sudan and Bujumbura, Burundi.
However, the summit has engaged itself in more than just discussion over rail transport and oil infrastructure.
Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya adopted an agreement in which they vowed to accelerate regional integration.
Ministers from the three countries have been ordered to submit a progress report on the establishment of a single tourist visa valid in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda by October. They are also expected to start implementing immigration policies that will see national identification cards used as travel documents by January 2014.
INITIATIVES
These are initiatives that are already being pursued by the EAC in efforts to ease the movement of goods, capital and labour within the regional economic bloc. Mr Esipisu said that although Tanzania had not participated in the summit, its government had been informed of the agreements.
Further, EAC countries have adopted the principle of asymmetry which says that nations may adopt various measures on integration at varying speeds depending on their domestic, economic and political status. This means that countries that participated in the summit are empowered to accelerate the adoption of certain integration measures without the say-so of their partner states.
Tanzania’s absence from the summit may, nevertheless, emphasise the perception that the country is a lone ranger in the region’s economic integration despite hosting the EAC’s headquarters.
The country has often taken a cautious stance on some integration measures.
There have also been trade-related tensions between Tanzania and other countries in the EAC. Kenya, in particular, has often taken issue with Tanzania’s regulations over work permit fees.
The EAC secretariat last week sought to allay fears of a rift within the Community. During a press briefing in Arusha, EAC secretary- general, Dr Richard Sezibera, said trilateral and bilateral trade talks between some of the partner states would not weaken or break the community.
“The secretary-general of the East African Community said the community is not against having bilateral or trilateral arrangements among partner states in the overall context of the regional integration,” read part of a statement from the EAC.
Nairobi — The recent landmark deal between Kenya and Tanzania to collaborate on geothermal exploitation is stirring optimism among entrepreneurs over the possibility of increased business opportunities in alternative power across the region.
"It is a huge investment opportunity for mechanical and civil engineers, electricians and geologists, just to mention a few," said Isaac Kiva, director of renewable energy at Kenya's Ministry of Energy.
The two countries signed the bilateral agreement in Nairobi on August 9th. Under the deal, Kenya's state-owned Geothermal Development Company (GDC) will provide Tanzania with technical expertise and training in geothermal power production to help to develop this alternative energy sector.
Geothermal energy comes from natural heat stored within the Earth that can manifest on the surface in the form of hot springs that can be tapped for electricity production, according to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).
The bilateral partnership is to begin in October, Kiva told Sabahi.
"Before geothermal fields are opened up for drilling, civil infrastructural works such as roads, electricity and water connectivity must be put in place," he said. "This, therefore, presents a golden opportunity for Kenyan firms to bid for business in an environment with little competition because of the bilateral trade nature of the agreement."
Kenyan companies to profit from the deal:
Kenyan firms stand to profit from supplying geothermal plant components, while an established company like the GDC could bid for a licence to develop exploration sites as well as bid to build geothermal power plants in Tanzania, Kiva said.
Tanzania boasts East Africa's longest volcanic rift, but it has not yet exploited sources of geothermal energy that lie there. The country has at least 50 sites with the potential to produce 650 megawatts of power, according to a November 2012 Status Report by the Geological Survey of Tanzania.
"Like the rest of East African Community member countries, Tanzania is desperately looking for alternative sources of power to fuel its growing commercial and domestic energy demands," said Jamleck Kamau, a Kenyan lawmaker who chairs the National Energy, Communication and Information committee. "We agreed to help Tanzania set up the right regulatory framework for geothermal exploration and development."
Kenya also agreed to analyse Tanzania's geothermal samples in its geological laboratories until Tanzania builds its own geological labs, Kamau told Sabahi. In addition, Kenya will help Tanzania conduct micro-seismic studies, drilling and environmental studies, among other activities.
"In return, Kenya's private companies will enjoy preferential treatment in bidding for the supply of technical geothermal expertise either as data analysts, geologists, environmental impact mitigation experts or general consultants," Kamau said.
Tanzania chose Kenya as a partner for geothermal development because of its 50 years of experience in the sector, he said.
Kenya's Olkaria I Power Station was the first geothermal power plant in Africa and generates 45 megawatts of power, while the Olkaria II Power Station currently is Africa's largest geothermal power station generating 70 megawatts, according to KenGen.
Last year, Kenya started construction on Olkaria IV, which is expected to surpass Olkaria II as the largest geothermal plant in Africa, producing 280 megawatts when it is completed in 2014.
Geothermal a 'win-win' deal for East Africa:
Kenyans who own geothermal companies are excited by the bilateral deal.
"This agreement presents a win-win situation for both Kenyans and Tanzanians," said Ajay Shah, managing director of Geothermal Explorations Limited. "As an owner of a geothermal exploration company, this Kenya-Tanzania geothermal pact opens a new business frontier for me and many others."
"We hope to go beyond geothermal partnerships and collaborate on bilateral areas such as higher education, infrastructure development, and information and telecommunication," he told Sabahi.
Shah expressed hope that the agreement would speed up harmonisation of trade policies and tariffs between the two countries.
"For sure, Tanzania is sitting on a priceless natural asset. A site like Ngozi Crater Lake is an example of untapped geothermal resource, which I approximate has temperatures in excess of 220 degrees Celsius, which is adequate for supporting [a] 100-megawatt [plant]," Shah said. "Other parts in Tanzania that have huge potential include Lake Ngozi, the Mbaka River and Songwe around the Mbeya region."
Geothermal energy is more reliable, cost effective and friendly to the environment, he said.
"Should Tanzania fully exploit its geothermal capacity, the surplus geothermal power will be sold to Kenya at friendly tariff rates, which will benefit Kenya and the East African region in general, thus helping alleviate the perennial power shortages," lawmaker Kamau said.
"Helping Tanzania exploit its full geothermal potential is a power strategy for Kenya's ever-expanding industries viewed against the backdrop of Vision 2030," he said, referring to Kenya's long-term development plan.
The bilateral partnership will start with Tanzania sending four top geologists for extensive training at the Geothermal Development Company, GDC Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager Ruth W. Musembi said. The number of Tanzanian scientists receiving training at GDC will increase as their country's geothermal projects expand, she said.
"Since Kenya has more than 50 years of experience in geothermal sector, the two countries will collaborate on other issues like drafting geothermal legal policies and a regulatory framework, which is the priority area before issuance of geothermal exploration permits," she said.
Sabahi (Washington, DC)
Kenya: Geothermal Deal to Benefit Kenya and Tanzania
By Julius Kithuure, 30 August 2013Nairobi — The recent landmark deal between Kenya and Tanzania to collaborate on geothermal exploitation is stirring optimism among entrepreneurs over the possibility of increased business opportunities in alternative power across the region.
"It is a huge investment opportunity for mechanical and civil engineers, electricians and geologists, just to mention a few," said Isaac Kiva, director of renewable energy at Kenya's Ministry of Energy.
The two countries signed the bilateral agreement in Nairobi on August 9th. Under the deal, Kenya's state-owned Geothermal Development Company (GDC) will provide Tanzania with technical expertise and training in geothermal power production to help to develop this alternative energy sector.
Geothermal energy comes from natural heat stored within the Earth that can manifest on the surface in the form of hot springs that can be tapped for electricity production, according to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).
The bilateral partnership is to begin in October, Kiva told Sabahi.
"Before geothermal fields are opened up for drilling, civil infrastructural works such as roads, electricity and water connectivity must be put in place," he said. "This, therefore, presents a golden opportunity for Kenyan firms to bid for business in an environment with little competition because of the bilateral trade nature of the agreement."
Kenyan companies to profit from the deal:
Kenyan firms stand to profit from supplying geothermal plant components, while an established company like the GDC could bid for a licence to develop exploration sites as well as bid to build geothermal power plants in Tanzania, Kiva said.
Tanzania boasts East Africa's longest volcanic rift, but it has not yet exploited sources of geothermal energy that lie there. The country has at least 50 sites with the potential to produce 650 megawatts of power, according to a November 2012 Status Report by the Geological Survey of Tanzania.
"Like the rest of East African Community member countries, Tanzania is desperately looking for alternative sources of power to fuel its growing commercial and domestic energy demands," said Jamleck Kamau, a Kenyan lawmaker who chairs the National Energy, Communication and Information committee. "We agreed to help Tanzania set up the right regulatory framework for geothermal exploration and development."
Kenya also agreed to analyse Tanzania's geothermal samples in its geological laboratories until Tanzania builds its own geological labs, Kamau told Sabahi. In addition, Kenya will help Tanzania conduct micro-seismic studies, drilling and environmental studies, among other activities.
"In return, Kenya's private companies will enjoy preferential treatment in bidding for the supply of technical geothermal expertise either as data analysts, geologists, environmental impact mitigation experts or general consultants," Kamau said.
Tanzania chose Kenya as a partner for geothermal development because of its 50 years of experience in the sector, he said.
Kenya's Olkaria I Power Station was the first geothermal power plant in Africa and generates 45 megawatts of power, while the Olkaria II Power Station currently is Africa's largest geothermal power station generating 70 megawatts, according to KenGen.
Last year, Kenya started construction on Olkaria IV, which is expected to surpass Olkaria II as the largest geothermal plant in Africa, producing 280 megawatts when it is completed in 2014.
Geothermal a 'win-win' deal for East Africa:
Kenyans who own geothermal companies are excited by the bilateral deal.
"This agreement presents a win-win situation for both Kenyans and Tanzanians," said Ajay Shah, managing director of Geothermal Explorations Limited. "As an owner of a geothermal exploration company, this Kenya-Tanzania geothermal pact opens a new business frontier for me and many others."
"We hope to go beyond geothermal partnerships and collaborate on bilateral areas such as higher education, infrastructure development, and information and telecommunication," he told Sabahi.
Shah expressed hope that the agreement would speed up harmonisation of trade policies and tariffs between the two countries.
"For sure, Tanzania is sitting on a priceless natural asset. A site like Ngozi Crater Lake is an example of untapped geothermal resource, which I approximate has temperatures in excess of 220 degrees Celsius, which is adequate for supporting [a] 100-megawatt [plant]," Shah said. "Other parts in Tanzania that have huge potential include Lake Ngozi, the Mbaka River and Songwe around the Mbeya region."
Geothermal energy is more reliable, cost effective and friendly to the environment, he said.
"Should Tanzania fully exploit its geothermal capacity, the surplus geothermal power will be sold to Kenya at friendly tariff rates, which will benefit Kenya and the East African region in general, thus helping alleviate the perennial power shortages," lawmaker Kamau said.
"Helping Tanzania exploit its full geothermal potential is a power strategy for Kenya's ever-expanding industries viewed against the backdrop of Vision 2030," he said, referring to Kenya's long-term development plan.
The bilateral partnership will start with Tanzania sending four top geologists for extensive training at the Geothermal Development Company, GDC Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager Ruth W. Musembi said. The number of Tanzanian scientists receiving training at GDC will increase as their country's geothermal projects expand, she said.
"Since Kenya has more than 50 years of experience in geothermal sector, the two countries will collaborate on other issues like drafting geothermal legal policies and a regulatory framework, which is the priority area before issuance of geothermal exploration permits," she said.
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