Whispers Wire

BUSINESS

CMC Motors Group Ceases Operations Across Kenya, Uganda And Tanzania

CMC Motors Group has announced its decision to shut down operations in East Africa. This means they will stop operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This will mark over 40 years of business within the countries. The decision followed an evaluation of business in light of sustained market challenges such as economic pressures, currency depreciation and rising operational costs. CMC Motors groups has been known for the vital role in supporting East Africa\’s agricultural sector through the delivery of quality service, mechanization solutions and steadfast support to its customers. However, despite the restructuring efforts and transformation program initiated in 2023, the marked conditions did not provide a sustainable path forward. After Over 40 years of operations, CMC Motors Group is set to cease operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania citing sustained market challenges such as economic pressures, currency depreciation and rising operational costs. pic.twitter.com/6ddjJML7Ri — BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) January 17, 2025 During the transition, the company will be committed to supporting its employees and will ensure a smooth and orderly wind-down in adherence to all relevant agreements and regulations. CMC Group Limited was the fifth largest importer of vehicles and the fifth largest car assembly in Kenya also the largest economy in the East African community which was founded in 1912.

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Sugar Prices Set To Surge As New Levy Takes Effect In February

Consumers are set to pay more for sugar starting February 1st, 2025. This followed the introduction of a new tax on the sweetener. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially gazetted the Sugar Development Levy Order, 2025, which imposes a levy of four percent on both domestic and imported sugar. The new levy followed the signing into law of the Sugar Act of 2024 by President William Ruto three months ago. There is hereby imposed a levy, as prescribed in section 40(1) of the sugar Act 2024, at the rate of four per cent of the value for domestic sugar and four percent of CIF (cost of insurance and freight) value on imported sugar.  Aden Duale stated. The levy shall be remitted to the board not later than the 10th day of the month following the month during which the levy shall become due.  Aden Duale added. The funds that will be collected from the Sugar Development Levy will be used to support various operations within the sugar industry, including the price stabilization, infrastructure development and research. The allocations from the levy will be set as follows: 15 per cent for factory development, 15 per cent for research, 40 per cent for cane productivity, 15 per cent for infrastructure in sugar-cane-producing regions, 10 per cent for KSB administration and 5 per cent for farmers\’ organization. The new tax will be expected to accelerate the cost of sugar which had recently seen a significant price drop.

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EPRA Increases Fuel Price Amid Economic Pressure

The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has revealed an increase in prices of Super petrol, Diesel and Kerosene. The new fuel prices will be effective as of January 15th to February 15th, 2025. In accordance with section 101 of the petroleum and Legal Notice No. 192 of 2022, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from 15th January 2025 to 14th February 2025.  Director General of EPRA Daniel Kiptoo noted. During the forced period, the maximum allowed petrol pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now increase by Ksh.2.00/litre and Ksh.3.00/litre respectively. The prices are inclusive of the 16% value added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance ACT 2023, The Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 0f 2020.  He added. Following the review, a litre of Super petrol in Nairobi will now retail at Ksh.176.58, Diesel at Ksh.167.06 and kerosene at Ksh.151.39. In accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, we have calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products, which will be in force from 15th January 2025 to 14th February 2025.^DC pic.twitter.com/DHRZVaITSt — Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (@EPRA_Ke) January 14, 2025 The average landed cost of imported Super petrol decreased by 0.14 from US$612.53 per cubic metre in November 2024 to US$611.69 per cubic metre in December 2024. Diesel increased by 0.6% from US$644.10 per cubic metre while kerosene decreased by 1.62% from US$660.30 per cubic metre to US$649.64 per cubic metre over the same period.  Daniel Kiptoo further noted.

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Nairobi Set To Host Continental Air Cargo Exhibition

Nairobi is set to host major continental Air Cargo exhibition Africa 2025. The exhibition will be premiered from February 19th to 21st 2025 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. The aim will be to unite the global and regional stakeholders to explore the latest innovations in airfreight and multi-modal transport solutions. The event this year will feature over 60 exhibitors and 2,000 professionals, including logistics giants like Swissport, Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Cargo among others including Kenya Airways Cargo. The event will be a full-day session on February 21 dedicated to health and humanitarian logistics which the industry’s best will be celebrated at an exclusive awards ceremony hosted by Stat Media. Air Cargo exhibitors are trade fairs that showcase the latest air freight technologies and solutions as well as providing opportunities for networking and business development. Among activities that happen at Air Cargo exhibition includes showcasing products, leaning about innovations, networking and attending conferences to learn from industry experts.

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Importers To Receive Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Starting In February

All importers in Kenya will be required to acquire digital marine cargo insurance cover for their imports from locally licensed insurance companies beginning February 14th, 2025. The process followed a joint directive from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requiring importers to insure their cargo against risks during transportation. The insurance cover will be processed from the IRA platform and electronically submitted to KRA integrated customs management systems for customs clearance. To process the digital marine cargo certificate, each importer will mandatorily be required to have an active Import Declaration Form (IDF)- a form that contains all details on the imported cargo and will be used to update the digital marine certificate. After the completion of the required fields for the certificate, the importer will pay the respective premiums and submit the certificate to the IRA electronic platform. The certificate will then be submitted to the IRA electronic platform.

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Kenyans to Travel to Russia Using Single Electronic Visa

The Government of Russia has announced that Kenyans can now travel to Russia with a single electronic visa. This they released in statement on their social media account. They said in their statement that the countries which could use single electronic visa includes Kenya, Eswatini, Zimbabwe. The Government of Russia has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Russian Federation with a single electronic visa. The list now includes the following: Kenya, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. The Russian Embassy said in their statement. A single-entry visa is a temporary permit that allows a person to enter a country for a specific purpose such as tourism, business or medical reasons. Kenyans who want to apply for the electronic Visa will need: A valid passport, a recent photo or selfie, contact details, travel information, proof of hotel booking, yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from an endemic country. The electronic visa once processed is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Once can apply for up to three months before their trip but it’s recommended to apply 2 weeks in advance. The cost varies depending on the country’s destination.

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President Ruto Announces SGR Extension to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC

The Head of State has announced the extension of SGR rail network to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. This he said while speaking during the official opening of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa. The Head of the republic said that the deal was sealed following an agreement with the neighboring countries to allow swift movement from Mombasa to DRC for economic integration. He also praised the MPs for using SGR to travel to Mombasa for the EALA games instead of using air to travel. I want to give you more good news, we have agreed with Uganda, Rwanda and DRC that SGR will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda and Rwanda to DRC so that in a few years, they too can use the SGR when they want to come to Mombasa. The president said. Works on the Naivasha-Malaba section by our Kenyan counterparts will start very soon. The two countries have agreed on the timelessness of the two projects to ensure the seamless movement of trains from Kampala to Mombasa. The head of State further said.

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Skyward launch

Skyward Express Launches Nairobi – Dar Es Salaam Route in Star-Studded Event

Renowned Kenyan airline Skyward Express has finally launched its much anticipated Nairobi – Dar es Salaam route. The event started at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday, November 15, morning and culminated with another event at Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport. It was all pomp and colour as many stakeholders in the aviation business arrived at the JKIA to a grand reception that saw them get the ultimate Skyward experience. Guests from the business sector, aviation, celebrities, public figures, and politicians gathered to celebrate the new phase of East Africa travel. Stakeholders who graced the event Some notable names included actress Bridget Shigadi, comedian Eric Omondi, Senator Allan Chesang, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, and CS for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir. Skyward Express CEO Mohamed Abdi noted the tremendous achievement of celebrating 11 years and launching their 11th route simultaneously. “I’m excited to announce that soon we’ll also be expanding our operations to DRC Congo, broadening our horizons and connecting more travelers across the region,” Abdi said. CS Chirchir praised Skyward for going beyond the status quo and entering a space known to be filled by international investors. He said the milestone was a tribute not only to Skyward but also to Kenya’s immense potential in shaping the future of aviation across the continent.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fly Skyward Express (@skyward_express) Guests and team travel to Dar After the Kenyan launch, Skyward’s CEO, CS Chirchir, and other stakeholders boarded the first plane for Dar es Salaam, where another launch awaited. The team enjoyed a grand launch at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, with the heads from the Tanzanian side celebrating the milestone.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fly Skyward Express (@skyward_express) The flights are expected to cost KSh 18,500 and have an impressive baggage allowance of 23kg each. The airline sees this as an opportunity to celebrate its growth and thank its clients for their trust and loyalty.  

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Skyward

Skyward Express Gifts Customers KSh 11k Special Offer Flights to Dar Es Salaam to Mark 11th Anniversary

Kenyan artline Skyward Express are celebrating 11 years of operation in the country and are letting their beloved customers join in the fun. The airline has announced a special offer for their customers to get flights to Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam at only KSh 11,000. This offer will be in celebration of Skyward’s 11 years operation and kicked off on 06/11/2024  at 11:00 AM and will run up until Monday 11/11/2024 11:00 PM. The travel duration for the tickets will last from November 15, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The airline sees this as an opportunity to celebrate it’s growth and give back to the clients for their trust and loyalty.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fly Skyward Express (@skyward_express) Earlier, Skyward announced that it will be moving into the Tanzanian market, with November 15th being the first day of operation. The flights will operate from Nairobi’s JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) terminal 2 to Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport. The flights are expected to cost KSh 18,500 and have an impressive baggage allowance of 23kg each. The airline is famous for their incredible services, switch and comfortable flights and also affordable prices to ensure their customers get the best of air travel.  

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Safaricom Inks Deal with Cloud flare and Copycat to Help Secure Local Business

Safaricom officially announces partnership with Cloud flare and Copycat Group. Safaricom is a Kenyan network operator which provides a wide range of services including mobile service, messaging, data, financial services and digital services. It’s the largest telecommunications provider in Kenya and most profitable companies in East and Central African Region. The company recently announced on their social media that it has formed a new partnership with Cloud flare and Copy Cat Group. The reason for the partnership was to provide affordable and reliable digital security solutions and micro, small and medium size enterprises (MSMEs) and large enterprises in Kenya. Safaricom added that they were looking forward to protect the business of Kenyans from data breaches and modern-day cyber threats allowing to run businesses worry-free. Cloud flare is one of the world’s largest network operating on the internet. Cloud flare services is used for the purposes of increasing the security and performance of their website and services. Copycat Group is a leading fully integrated Office Automation outfit selling products including but not limited to Copy Printers, Fax Machines and Shredders which was first established in 1984. Safaricom believes that with partnership they have formed, they will be able to safeguard the digital future of Kenyans.

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