Habari Za Nyumbani–on jambonewspot.com

Visit www.jambonewspot.com…..your community website for more

Archive for July 7th, 2010

Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah could pass Arizona style immigration laws

Posted by Administrator on July 7, 2010

By Michael W. Savage
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 7, 2010; 5:00 PM

Which state is the next Arizona?

Attention is focused on the federal government’s decision to challenge Arizona’s strict immigration law, but three other states could pass similar legislation next year. Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah have each taken steps against illegal immigration, and politicians in the three states are advocating further measures when their legislatures reconvene early next year.

The Obama administration sued Arizona in federal court Tuesday, charging that the state law usurps federal authority, would hamper immigration enforcement and would lead to police harassment of those without proof of lawful status.

Lawmakers in at least 17 states drew up bills this year similar to Arizona’s law, which allows officers to question anyone they suspect of being in the county illegally. But most of those measures are not considered likely to be adopted by state legislatures or signed by governors.

In Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah, however, political factors improve the chances that state legislatures could follow Arizona’s lead when they convene in 2011.

In 2007, Oklahoma led the way on such laws by adopting legislation that was the toughest ever against undocumented immigrants. The measure made it a felony to knowingly provide transport or shelter to an illegal immigrant, and blocked illegal immigrants from obtaining driver’s licenses and tuition.

The lawmaker responsible for the measure, state Rep. Randy Terrill (R), has expressed a desire to go even further than the Arizona law when he introduces another bill next year that would seize property from businesses that knowingly employ undocumented immigrants.

Terrill cited the arrest of an alleged Mexican drug cartel member last week as evidence that an “Arizona-plus” measure is needed urgently. He said the effect of Arizona’s law had been to push illegal immigrants “straight down Interstate 40″ toward Oklahoma.

Vivek Malhotra, advocacy and policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the administration’s decision to sue Arizona could discourage other states from doing the same. But he said similar laws could be adopted in 2011.

“After the other border states, it is natural to look at the states that have enacted the most anti-immigrant laws” before Arizona, Malhotra said. He said he expected Oklahoma, Utah and South Carolina to make the “most vigorous effort” to enact similar legislation early next year.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) touted a comprehensive set of new measures against illegal immigration as the strictest yet when he signed it into law in 2008. The far-reaching measure forced businesses to check the immigration status of their workers. Harboring and transporting illegal immigrants also became a state crime. State lawmakers are seeking to build on it and were quick this year to draw up an Arizona-style bill, introducing it less than a week after the Arizona measure had been signed.

“We had a bill that was introduced this year that was very similar to the final version of the Arizona legislation. It was too late for us to move on it, but I have every expectation a new bill will be introduced in January,” state Sen. Larry Martin (R) said in an interview.

“As long as an officer has a lawful reason to question someone, and then a suspicion develops [that] they are an undocumented person, then I think our law enforcement folks ought to be able to pursue that,” he said.

In Utah, pro-immigrant advocates fear that new legislation clamping down on illegal immigration is inevitable next year. Several lawmakers there are advocating a crackdown.

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom (R), who has said he is interested in drawing up an Arizona-style law, was among a group of Utah’s Republican state representatives to visit Arizona last week on a fact-finding expedition. Utah’s Republican governor, Gary Herbert, has said he does expect to sign some form of immigration legislation next year. He is already meeting with those on all sides of the debate to find a way forward.

Utah also has a track record in delivering tough regulations designed to tackle illegal immigration. A state law that went into effect last year makes it illegal to harbor or employ undocumented aliens.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070703017.html

Posted in Immigration | Comments Off

Wedding planners back on growth path

Posted by Administrator on July 7, 2010

Couples hosting a few guests are advised to leave planners out on the account of costs. Photo/REUTERS

Couples hosting a few guests are advised to leave planners out on the account of costs. Photo/REUTERS

Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence, of hope over experience.”

-Oscar Wilde

—————–

The wedding industry has evolved over time to become one of the most lucrative businesses across the world.

In the US, 2.3 million couples wed every year, meaning that there are nearly 6,200 ceremonies daily.

At an average cost of $20,000 (Sh1.6 million), organisers spend $72 billion per year.

About $8 billion is spent per year on honeymoons, pushing the figure to $80 billion.

Research by wedding services company Samantha’s Bridal last year found that at least 28,000 couples wed in Kenya yearly.

The average cost of a wedding for middle- and upper-middle class families was pegged at about Sh1.5 million.

This translates to Sh42 billion.

These figures have seen the wedding planners grow from a handful providers five years ago to 150 today.

Like other industries, the wedding business is also coming out of the post-election gloom to near 2007 levels when the industry was at its peak thanks to consumer confidence.

In the past, weddings used to be run by committees drawn from both the couples’ families and friends.

The committees would handle planning and raise funds.

More players

Not anymore; there is a slow but definite change of roles.

The middle and upper classes are doing away with committees and embracing professional touch — at a cost.

“The general change in socio-economic trends has seen the wedding industry develop to accommodate more players ,” said Hope Mwinzi, a wedding planner and publisher of Raspberry Weddings magazine.

The cost of nuptials is rising, with costs averaging Sh1 million compared to Sh500,000 five years ago.

Wanjiru Kariuki, who is the online administrator of a website providing wedding content, says planning has become detailed, involving, and getting more complex as tastes change.

“If well managed it can register good returns. You, however, need to have a lot of professionalism, uniqueness and innovation to give your clients what they want and more if you want to get into this business,” she said.

Wedding experts advise that one has to ensure that everything is in place: the venue, the caterers, décor, transport and other ‘small’ bits for a successful staging.

Ms Kariuki says the cost is a status affair.

“Weddings to most people are a sign of a person’s social class; so, it is the image that one is trying to portray that will determine their budget,” said Ms Kariuki.

While one couple will spend Sh200,000, another will budget with Sh15 million according to taste.

Some elements are constant while others vary. Hiring vehicles, officiating fees, and photography usually do not change while catering, entertainment, the venue and the décor change.

The variables determine the budget line. If a couple, for example, wants the reception at an exclusive five-star restaurant with a live band and rare blue roses, they have to produce more for the colour and ambience.

Sometimes a couple can find it difficult to stick to the budget owing to new demands along the way.

This presents a headache to planners who have to play with the figures without compromising quality.

According to Ms Kariuki, this is not uncommon and one needs to be prepared for it.

“The best thing is to have a fall back plan; a supplementary budget of sorts that will cater for any emergency that will crop up along the way”, she says.

To save on costs, most couples make arrangements several months prior to the big day to facilitate organised and meticulous plans.

The average time to hire a wedding planner is four to six months, giving them room to understand and provide what the couple wants.

Some couples however, decide to do things on their own as opposed to hiring a planner.

While this may cut costs, Ms Kariuki cautions against it, saying it might get complex along the way for the couple.

“Wedding planners are experienced and have a wider network of service providers owing to their experience so it would be wiser to hire a planner instead of sourcing for the services on your own.”

For couples with more modest budget lines, a wedding planner is, however, an unnecessary expense.

“If you have like Sh50,000 to spend with a limited number of guests, it would be unwise to commission a wedding planner who is going to cost you Sh30,000,” she said.

With the growth in the Kenyan economy and as more people move into the middle- and upper-class, planners are increasingly finding a growing market in couples who want to do things professionally.

Business Daily

Posted in Kenya | Comments Off

Kenya drawn into US-Russia spy saga

Posted by Administrator on July 7, 2010

New York newspapers are on display featuring personal photos of suspected Russian spies Anna Chapman (L) and Richard and Cynthia Murphy at a news stand in New York, June 30, 2010. Russia and the United States sought to cool a heated scandal sparked by the arrest of 11 suspected Kremlin spies, amid fears the Cold War-style furore could harm improving ties. PHOTO/AFP

New York newspapers are on display featuring personal photos of suspected Russian spies Anna Chapman (L) and Richard and Cynthia Murphy at a news stand in New York, June 30, 2010. Russia and the United States sought to cool a heated scandal sparked by the arrest of 11 suspected Kremlin spies, amid fears the Cold War-style furore could harm improving ties. PHOTO/AFP

The father of a Russian woman arrested in the United States on allegations of espionage worked in Kenya in the early 90s.

Ms Anna Chapman, 28, who was seized last week is believed to have been part of a KGB spying ring.

Now Kenya has been dragged into the controversy after it emerged that her father worked at the Russian embassy in Nairobi.

The international media was on Tuesday abuzz with reports that Mr Vasily Kuschenko, was also suspected of being an undercover agent when he was in Kenya.

According to the reports, Mr Kuschenko ran a sky diving school in Kenya during his tour of duty, raising suspicion that he could have been on a secret mission.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has promised to issue a statement on the matter on Wednesday.

“Let me check out all the facts about the matter then I can speak tomorrow,” Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula said on Tuesday.

Right wing British tabloid Daily Mail described Ms Chapman as a “practised deceiver” whose father, 53-year-old Kuschenko, worked in Kenya when she was a teenager.

According to the reports, the Russian Foreign ministry has refused to discussion about Mr Kuschenko or his career.

British papers report that much of Mr Kuschenko’s work was undercover. He and his wife Irina, 51, live in Moscow flats set aside for diplomats.

Also dragged into the saga is Zimbabwe following revelations that Ms Chapman had links with a Harare tycoon.

Her former husband, Briton Alex Chapman, reportedly told British intelligence that she set up a company, Southern Union with Mr Ken Sharpe, a Zimbabwean businessman.

The company, which has charitable status was set up to enable Zimbabwean expatriates send money back home at competitive exchange rates.

Zimbabwe’s state-owned Herald newspaper on Tuesday reported that Mr Sharpe was recently involved in brokering a deal between the Harare City Council and a Ukrainian company for the construction of a major road in the capital.

British media report that Ms Chapman moved millions of US dollars between Zimbabwe and the UK using Southern Union.

The money was allegedly laundered for espionage purposes.

There have also been claims that her father, was a KGB agent in Zimbabwe at the time.

Source: Daily Nation

Posted in Kenya | Comments Off

Sh24bn makeover for Nairobi train transport

Posted by Administrator on July 7, 2010

Kenya Railways to upgrade current rail system into an efficient modern network.

Kenya Railways to upgrade current rail system into an efficient modern network.

By JUSTUS ONDARI
Posted Monday, July 5 2010 at 14:57

When Nduva Muli talks these days, he gets dreamy. And so the Kenya Railways Corporation managing director spent two hours on Thursday explaining Kenya’s next wonder: a modern rail system that promises to revolutionise commuter life and cargo transport.

“As a country, we have not given due emphasis to our rail transport system and, therefore, mostly go for short-term solutions. Yet railway transport is a long-term and expensive undertaking, which needs careful planning and execution,” he said. “The time has come for us to change this and let us seize the moment.”

Picture this: the Nairobi commuter train will be leaving the station at intervals of 30 minutes and less than 20 minutes between the city centre and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, down from the average 90 minutes it takes to navigate jammed city roads.

Cut commuting time

The trains will pick and drop passengers at trendy stations between 5am and 9pm. The three phase project will cut commuting time by more than half. For instance, it will 45-50 minutes from the city centre to Thika, 50 minutes to Limuru and 35-40 minutes to Athi River/Lukenya compared to the present unpredictable travel, which takes an hour for the shortest distance in the best case scenario.

While the current train moves five million passengers per year, which translates to about 20,000 passengers per day, the proposed rail will haul 60 million passengers per year or 200,000 passengers per day upon completion at a cost of Sh24 billion ($300 million). Countries aspiring to ease city transport have adopted this model, and India has been the latest with its recent upgrade of Mumbai commuter transport. Prof Evaristus Irandu, a transport expert, says this could help decongest city roads.

“Commuter train is a good mode of transport because one train could carry 4,500-5,000 passengers per trip, which is the capacity of about 100 buses,” said Irandu, an associate professor at the University of Nairobi’s department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Conceived in 1992 as a knee-jerk reaction to a strike by matatus, the project began in April 2009 when the corporation signed a joint development agreement with InfraCo, a donor-funded infrastructure development company.

The company, which shoulders much of the upfront costs and risks of early stage development, thereby reducing the entry costs for private infrastructure developers, gave the corporation a grant of Sh320 million to meet the costs. The first phase of the project, which was allocated Sh600 million in the 2009/10 budget for feasibility studies, will involve the rehabilitation of about 160km of the existing rail system within Nairobi.

The project will also involve the construction of 7km of a new track to JKIA’s Unit 3, and rehabilitation or construction of stations and other facilities along the network. The government has allocated Sh1.9 billion in this year’s budget to finance this.

Modern stations

“We are soon starting to upgrade the track ourselves because we have the expertise,” said Mr Muli. “Subject to getting approvals from the Nairobi City Council, we plan to procure contractors to start building the stations by latest December this year.” The stations, which will have shopping centres, car parks and bus stations, will be constructed in Embakasi Village, Makadara, Buru Buru, Mwiki, Kibera and Githurai. The station planned on Mombasa Road near Syokimau will have parking for 1,000 vehicles.

The track upgrade and the new stations, which will expand social and economic opportunities for city residents besides introducing efficient transport, is expected to be complete by late 2011 or early 2012. “The current track, which is underutilised, is sufficient in terms of its gauge because it can provide us with fairly good speeds for passenger transport of 70-80km.

If it were freight trains, then we could need the wider gauge track for more speed, stability and capacity to haul larger weights,” said the KRC managing director. Even with increased vandalism on some sections, especially in Kibera where residents uproot the rail whenever they protest, he ruled out relocating the line. “We need the people of Kibera because they are our passengers,” he said.

To wean them off the vice, Kenya Railways has received Sh880 million under the Relocation Action Plan funded by the World Bank to build a wall along the railway line and construct stalls on the land side of the wall to be leased out to residents. They will also put up houses away from the line to accommodate those living close to the track and provide them with community centres, water and waste management facilities.

But there are those who feel the corporation and the government could be biting more than they can chew with such an ambitious project. “We need the metro rail. But I am not sure we can afford it. Also I feel some of our people may not be able to pay the high fares needed, a situation that raises the question of sustainability,” says Mr Edwins Mukabana, the managing director of Kenya Bus Service Management Ltd.

Only the city centre-JKIA route may be economical, he said, explaining that the Thika route would face serious competition from “another fast track” in the form of PSVs after the expansion of Thika Road. “It may not be the best option because rail transport transports only 15 per cent of the total commuters while the rest use buses,” he said.

Prof Irandu disagrees. “If the overloading of the trains we see whenever there is a matatu crisis is anything to go by, rail transport is a mass capacity and cheap mode of transport ideal for the low income and congested areas like Kibera, Dandora and Umoja,” he says. The project will be a public private partnership, where the government will own, upgrade and maintain the track, stations and the signalling system, while the private sector operates the rolling stock.

“If I may use the railway transport language, we will own the track while the private sector owns the wheel. Simply put, it is like we are building a road and the private sector will buy the matatus to operate on that road,” he said. To finance part of the project, Kenya Railways is seeking approval to float a Sh16 billion bond.

“It has worked in the UK and that is why Richard Branson has Virgin trains,” he said. It is easier for the private sector to obtain equity and debt financing for rolling stock as opposed to raising money for fixed infrastructure like a railway line. And experts can’t agree more. “With the help of a metropolitan transport authority, all transport systems compliment each other rather than competing against each other,” says Mr Mukabana of Kenya Bus, “such that you can use one ticket to board a train and a bus.”

The system will be replicated in Mombasa and Kisumu. “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the local authorities of Mombasa and we have contacted those around Kisumu,” said Mr Muli.

jondari@nation.co.ke

Source: http://www.nation.co.ke/magazines/smartcompany/Sh24bn%20makeover%20for%20Nairobi%20train%20transport/-/1226/952362/-/sc6uctz/-/index.html

Posted in Kenya | Comments Off

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 153 other followers