KAM CEO’s Brief | 12th May 2017

Ministerial Conference on Agriculture and Nutrition Data Workshop

KAM participated in the Ministerial Conference on Agriculture and Nutrition data workshop in Naivasha from 3rd to 6th May 2017 with the objective to develop concept notes on the various thematic topics to be discussed during the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) Conference. The theme of the Conference is “Catalysing Agricultural Transformation for inclusive growth”.

The GODAN initiative originated from a G20 Summit which recognized that Data is useful for the development and growth of Countries. It further advocates for open data in agriculture and nutrition that is reliable, accessible and usable. The essence if to have decision making in agriculture and nutrition be based on data.

The conference will provide a platform for networking, peer learning, co-creation and sharing of experience/practices on proven success on the use of quality data and standards for agriculture and nutrition; increase financial, human and technological capacities in the global south for agriculture and nutrition data with emphasis on SDG’s; Seek to harmonize policies that improve collection, coordination and dissemination of agriculture and nutrition data across Government, Private sector and Academia and Adoption of youth driven agricultural innovations with the public sector.

For more information contact: brendah.wawire@kam.co.ke

NCAJ Special Working Group on Traffic Retreat

KAM participated in the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Special Working Group on traffic retreat in Mombasa on 3rd – 6th May 2017.

The NCAJ Special Working Group (SWG) on traffic matters was initiated with the sole intention of reducing public ignorance on traffic matters, Eradicating extortionist rings and cartels in road transport, Seal legal loopholes which occasion delays and lead to corrupt practices.

To this end the SWG is mandated to streamline the handling of traffic matters with the aim of; Enhancing road safety, Eradicating corruption and corrupt practices and Ensuring expediency, certainty and convenience of road traffic offenders and other road users.

The SWG membership is composed of the Judiciary, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Law Society of Kenya (LSK), National Police Service (NPS), Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) among other co-opted members

Currently, the SWG is overseeing; The development of Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) spearheaded by NTSA, usage of the penalty requiring suspension and cancellation of DLs, Review of the Traffic Act – an overhaul process will commence soon, Comprehensive yet simplified and easy to understand guidebook/handbook on the Traffic Act – for the public and Public engagement strategy & media campaigns to enhance sensitization.

For more information contact: joseph.wariuko@kam.co.ke

KAM meets KEBS on Plastic Bags Ban

Kenya Association of Manufacturers held a meeting with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director, Mr. Charles Ongwae on 12th May 2017 to discuss among other issues, plastics bag ban.

KEBS decline for approval of PVoC exemption based on the recent ban on the use and manufacture of plastic packaging has caused panic in the industry despite the ban coming into effect in August. KAM proposed KEBS reinstatement of the PVoC exemption of the plastic manufacturers and industry importing plastic bags for their own industrial use.

Other issues discussed include Standardization Mark Permit renewal challenges faced by members, KEBS Agents delays in verification and issuance of CoC, Surveillance and investigation among other issues faced by manufacturers.

For more information contact: maria.limo@kam.co.ke