Smart Times

LILONGWE, Malawi, June 10... The Malawi defense force aircraft left Lilongwe on Monday 10 June 2024 at 09:17 hours carrying the Vice president Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu international Airport at 10:02. "All efforts by Aviation Authorities to make contact with the Aircraft since it went off the radar has failed thus far". reads a statement. Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has since been informed and has cancelled his scheduled departure for the Bahamas and ordered all regional and national to conduct an immediate search and rescue operations to locate the whereabouts of the Aircraft. " The public will be updated on any developments on the situation as facts are established" the statement reads further.

PHOTO: EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo flags off e-bikes and e-motorcycles during Tusonge na Evs campaign launch. NAIROBI, Kenya June 4... Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) regulator has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed ' Tusonge na Evs ' to create awareness of safety, Affordability and rally the nation towards mass markets adoption with the support of Ministry of Energy and  Petroleum and United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). "The country has witnessed a steady increase in EV imports with electric vehicles rising by 1.6 percent in 2023 from 0.17 percent. Kenya's electric vehicle fleets currently comprises Over 3,700 registered units with approximately 90 percent being 2 and 3 wheelers" said Daniel Kiptoo Bargori, Director General EPRA. Additionally the campaign supports gocernment aspiration to attain a 5 percent market share of all newly imported vehicles being fully electric by 2025. while sales of EVs are increasing

PHOTO: Dr Canisius Kanangire, AATF Executive Director and Zubeidah Kananu the President of Kenya Editor's Guild after signing of MoU at AATF offices in Nairobi.  NAIROBI, Kenya, May 26... AATF and Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) signs memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance journalist capacity to report accurately on Agricultural biotechnology to address the misinformation around technology. Dr. Canisius Kanangire, AATF executive director acknowledge impprtance of accurate information and education in agricultural biotechnology to enhance adoption and uptake by end users- farmers. "Despite the 27 years since the introduction of genetic modified organism (GMOs), public perception on agricultural biotechnology remains clouded by misinformation" said Dr. Kanangire. "By uniting our efforts and lavereging the power of science and media, we can develop impactful solutions tailored to the unique needs for our region, our collaboration with Kenya's Editors Gui

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20...  The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) urges the Government and the National Assembly to reconsider the proposed imposition of 16 percent Value Added Tax on financial transactions outlined in the Finance Bill 2024. The Finance Bill 2024 introduces VAT on various financial services including issue credit and debit cards, telegraphic money transfers, foreign exchange transactions, cheque handling and more. "The increased cost of banking to customers will hamper financial inclusion efforts, particularly affecting low income individuals and small businesses couple with Excise duty, the total taxation on financial services would reach 40 percent from the current 15 percent ( exercise duty only),significantly impacting affordability and accessibility". In addition the proposed VAT on foreign exchange transactions will widen the margin charged on FX transactions it further poses a risk to economic growth by taxing export proceeds and hindering the competitive

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20... Max Schiff takes over management responsibility for Kenya and Africa's largest wind power plant following the exit of Mr. Phylip Leferink who served for two years during his second term as CEO which ended on 31st March 2024. "As CEO, Max will lead the operational and strategic direction of LTWP, he will provide oversight of all business functions within the organization his extensive experience and proven leadership in the industry will ensure LTWP's continued success". said Chairman of the Board , Mr Mugo Kibati. Mr. Schiff's career includes senior regional business development and general management roles with his trackrecord including delivery of improved performance of business units and high value projects in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Egypt, Malawi, Sudan and Eritrea. The newly appointed CEO sees an opportunity to strengthen LTWP's ambitions to deliver its promises with integrity and purpose while setting a positive example as a

PHOTO: During Knight Frank's Annual Wealth Report 2024. NAIROBI, Kenya, May 7.. .Kenya has emerged as a safe haven for its wealthiest investors, as the country’s growth lures funds back home amid world turmoil and post-Covid slowdowns, reported Knight Frank, as it unveiled its attitudes survey results in the Kenya edition of Knight Frank’s annual Wealth Report 2024. The attitudes survey, which is based on responses from the private bankers and wealth advisors, found expectations of wealth growth among Kenyan High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) remain strongly positive, with 62.5 percent anticipating wealth increases in 2024, and three-quarters expecting to maintain or increase their wealth, following from a shift in assets out of foreign markets and into expanded investments in Kenya. According to the IMF, Kenya’s GDP is forecast to rise by 5 percent in 2024, compared with a global average of 3.1 percent and an average of 4.2 percent across the world’s developing and eme

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 3... President William Ruto while issuing State of the Nation address at Statehouse,Nairobi has directed Ministry of Education to postpone reopening of schools for second term until further notice. The head of state stated that Cabinet had met three times on the flood crisis being experienced in the country as relocation notices have been issued to those living in flood prone areas. "The rains will persist increasing both in duration ans intensity for the rest of this month and possibly after" Said President Ruto. Weather man on his part has warned that heavy rainfall is set to be experienced in different parts of the country calling on citizens to take caution as Cyclone Hidaya likely to hit the Kenyan coast in 3 days as it may disrupt activities and settlement along the coast region. "Ministry of Agriculture through National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to make available food suppliers for relief as interior Ministry to coordinate re