Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

In the vibrant tapestry of Nairobi’s political landscape, one figure stands out for her unwavering dedication, principled stance, and independent mindset. Adorned with virtues of integrity, transparency, and a profound respect for the rule of law, Honorable Waithera Chege, the Member of the County Assembly representing South B, has become synonymous with relentless service to Nairobians.

Her journey, marked by resilience and advocacy for the voiceless and downtrodden, reached a pivotal moment of triumph on a bright Monday morning. Waithera’s unwavering commitment bore fruit as she was rightfully crowned the Leader of the Minority in the County Assembly of Nairobi, a testament to her tenacity and leadership acumen.

From our esteemed desk at Vipasho, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Waithera Chege. In this momentous juncture, we wish her robust health, a sound mind, and a soul filled with purpose. May divine blessings and unprecedented prosperity accompany her, transcending the bounds of imagination.

In her gracious acknowledgment, Waithera expressed her gratitude, recognizing the significance of this achievement. “This marks a new dawn for the UDA party in the Assembly. I am immensely delighted for this opportunity to serve,” she remarked.

Honoring the trust bestowed upon her, the UDA Party led by President William Samoei Ruto, and her esteemed colleagues in the Minority Party, Waithera underscored her commitment to women’s empowerment. “This victory is not just mine; it is a triumph for women’s leadership in Kenya. The UDA party and the Kenya Kwanza leadership have shown their unwavering belief in women’s empowerment,” she passionately declared.

Waithera Chege vowed to be a beacon of unity, transcending differences and fostering a spirit of collaboration. “I promise not to disappoint our members. My approach is rooted in unity of purpose. Together, we shall restore confidence in the party’s leadership within the Assembly,” she affirmed.

The next step, she indicated, would involve formal communication to the Assembly, a process she assured would be conducted with transparency and efficiency. As the assembly enters a new chapter, guided by Waithera’s leadership, the future holds the promise of renewed vigor and collective progress.

As countries across the world commemorate the Global Encryption Day today, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) condemns the stringent ban on using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Tanzania which undermines the rights of Tanzanian citizens to access information, communicate securely, and express themselves freely online. PIN believes that VPNs are a key enabler of human rights online and are a vital defense against censorship.

The stringent ban was announced by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) on October 14, a few days before the international commemoration of Global Encryption Day. The TCRA cited that the announcement was consistent with Regulation 16(2) of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2020. PIN condemns this announcement as it will clamp down on free speech, limit access to information, threaten the right to privacy and expose citizens who have been relying on VPNs to cyber threats and unauthorised surveillance.

“VPNs are an important part of digital democracy as they can safeguard citizens’ political rights online. In Africa, it has become common for governments to shut down or throttle the internet during electoral periods or to quell protests. VPNs have been providing refuge to millions of citizens and allowing citizens to exercise their rights to express themselves online and participate in civic discourse freely,” said Mr. Sani Suleiman, PIN’s Programs Officer.

Paradigm Initiative, which is a pan-African organisation that advocates for digital rights and inclusion across the continent further challenged key stakeholders to reject efforts aimed at undermining encryption.

The organisation underscored the importance of strong encryption citing that it cannot be overstated. “It is a cornerstone of a safer digital world for us all. The guarantee of secure and private communication is not only a fundamental human right but also an essential component of maintaining trust in the global digital ecosystem,” Sani said.

Encryption, he added, ensures that personal data, online communications, financial and sensitive information are shielded from prying eyes, enhancing the safety and security of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. It is also essential for protecting freedom of expression and association online.

“Any attempts to weaken this shield are tantamount to compromising the security of all who rely on it. As such, we remain steadfast in our commitment to repel any proposals that threaten to compromise this fundamental technology,” he continued.

Paradigm Initiative noted that currently, encryption is under threat. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in governments purchasing surveillance technologies capable of undermining end-to-end encryption, often done under the guise of national security or public safety. This is of concern in repressive regimes, where encryption is used by journalists, activists, and human rights defenders to communicate and share information safely.

The organisation is deeply concerned about the potential impact of these efforts to undermine encryption on human rights and democracy. Encryption is essential for protecting freedom of expression, association, and assembly online. It is also essential for protecting the right to privacy and security.

When encryption is weakened, it makes it easier for governments and other entities to spy on communications, steal data, and censor online activity. This can have a chilling effect on free speech and association and can also put people at risk of physical harm.

On Global Encryption Day, Paradigm Initiative therefore;

Recommends end-to-end encryption and that VPNs be legally available for use by everyone, more so human rights defenders, journalists, and others at risk around the world.

Urges governments and the private sector to reject all proposals that undermine end-to-end encryption. But rather support policies that enhance, strengthen, and promote the use of strong encryption to protect individuals globally.

Strong encryption is a critical tool toward a safer world for us all. We must protect it.

About Paradigm Initiative

Paradigm Initiative has worked to advance internet freedom in Nigeria since 2007 and has implemented multi-country programs within the African region since 2017. Throughout the African Continent, PIN promotes a rights-respecting continent through a team of digital rights advocates dotted in subregional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organisation’s interventions are spread across more than 28 African countries. Paradigm Initiative pushes for an Internet that is open, accessible, and affordable to all.

In a significant diplomatic move, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, welcomed Yemen’s Minister for Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Bin Mubarak, to his office at Parliament Buildings. This meeting underscored the deep historical and mutual interest shared by Kenya and Yemen, particularly in maritime trade. Yemen’s strategic location, controlling vital trading routes to Europe via the Red Sea, makes it a crucial partner for Kenya’s economic ambitions.

The discussions between Speaker Wetang’ula and Yemen’s Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak highlighted a shared goal: strengthening trade relations between the two nations, specifically in the lucrative coffee and tea markets. Recognizing the Middle East as a vital market, Kenya is keen to establish robust business connections. This collaboration aims not only to bolster trade but also to pave the way for potential investments and employment opportunities within Kenya.

Kenya’s deliberate policy of engagement with Middle Eastern nations stems from their significance as key consumers of Kenyan coffee and tea, as well as their role as transshipment points to other global markets. The visit by the Yemeni Minister signifies a joint commitment to fostering business and trade relations. Kenya, acting as a gateway to the East African trading bloc, is poised to facilitate this partnership, providing opportunities for mutual growth.

Speaker Wetang’ula, during the meeting, urged Yemen to consider investing in Kenya, emphasizing collaborations in food production and the establishment of trading hubs within the country. These initiatives would not only bolster business but also create employment opportunities for the Kenyan populace. Furthermore, the Speaker expressed his sincere hope for peace in Yemen, recognizing the direct impact stability in the region holds for Kenya.

The meeting, attended by key dignitaries including the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Glady Boss, Yemen’s Charge d’Affairs His Excellency Abdulsalam Alawi, and Yemen Honorary Consulate Sheikh Saleh Shigog, marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between Kenya and Yemen. The shared vision for economic collaboration and peace underscores the strength of their alliance, promising a future of fruitful cooperation between the two nations.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed real estate investment trust ILAM Fahari Real Estate Investment Trust (NSE: FAHR), redemption offer has been oversubscribed by 13.08%, paving the way for the next stage of strategic restructuring of the investment vehicle.

During the offer period, the REIT Trustee received applications for redemption of 41,371,604 units, which represents a subscription rate of 113.08%. The REIT also received an application for top-up additional units of 421,945 from Non-Professional Investors.

Speaking when he confirmed the offer results, ICEA LION Asset Management (ILAM) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Einstein Kihanda said the offer had received redemption applications from non-professional investors wishing to redeem up to 36,585,134 Units currently listed at the NSE, offered at a premium of more than 82% over the trading price as at the offer announcement date.

ILAM, he reiterated, has been working to restructure the REIT to ensure its sustainability and improve its ability to generate returns for unitholders. A recent strategic review recommended undertaking an operational restructuring plan, which paved the way for this transaction.

“This transaction provides a viable path to restructure the REIT. We are clear that the REIT needs to grow substantially in size to achieve economies of scale, which can only be done by acquiring additional assets,” Kihanda said.

“Following the close of the offer period, ILAM, in consultation with the respective transaction advisers, has provided the offering results to the Capital Markets Authority. The results indicate that the offer received a positive response with more than 13.08% above the target number of units,” Kihanda said.

He added, “With the positive outcome, we are now on course to complete the redemption process and proceed to the strategic restructuring of the ILAM Fahari I-REIT as we seek to position it for growth. The next step will be the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting in November. This is part of our strategic growth plans to deliver positive returns for our investors while deepening the local capital markets.”

The ILAM Fahari I-REIT Kshs 402 million month-long offer that opened slightly over a month ago sought to redeem up to over 36M units equaling 20.22% of the issued shares of the ILAM Fahari I-REIT as part of an operational restructuring effort.

As part of the offer, the target unit holders had an opportunity to either redeem their units at a Redemption Offer Price of Kshs 11 per unit, top up to the Kshs 5 million professional investors threshold as prescribed by regulatory provisions, or opt to be bundled under a nominee account holding all non-professional investors who failed to take up the redemption offer.

The Trustee redeemed up to 301,400 units from each unitholder that submitted their application.

Alongside the operational restructuring of the REIT, ILAM Fahari I-REIT Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raphael Mwito reiterated that the firm has continued to perform strategic and operational functions in managing the property portfolio and cash reserves to ensure effective long-term management of the REIT, deliver attractive investor returns and ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.

“ILAM Fahari I-REIT aims to provide consistent income and capital growth in the long term. Our active management approach targets quality properties within carefully chosen economically growing nodes,” said Mwito.

The Transaction results in ICEA LION Asset Management Limited increasing its unitholding to 22.74% post-redemption.

IFIR will remain regulated by the CMA and is registered as a REIT with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), thus continuing to enjoy statutory tax advantages.

The payments to unitholders will be done on October 24, 2023, while the suspension of trading in ILAM Fahari units at the NSE will be lifted on October 25.

The ILAM Fahari I-REIT has invested in a portfolio of high-quality investment real estate properties that provide sustained returns and operating performance.