Kenya Power to Conduct Neighbourhood Meetings

The manufacturing industry in the country can only flourish with reliable power supply. It is for this reason that the KAM’s Industrial Area has been in the frontline advocating for quality and sufficient supply of electricity to premium customers. Unlike in the past where general forums have been held, the chapter and Kenya Power Nairobi South management will be organizing for area-specific meetings to iron out critical issues affecting consumers.

Speaking to the Chapter Officer, Kenya Power Nairobi South Regional Manager, Eng. Machasio Aggrey, reiterated the utility supplier’s commitment towards better supply and a responsive team. He noted that through several initiatives, premium customers today enjoy dedicated account managers. He further urged manufacturers to make use of social media platforms, especially WhatsApp in reporting power concerns for timely attention. He acknowledged a number of challenges at the main sub-station that might have affected supply but assured customers that the situation has since been arrested.

KAM Industrial Area Chapter Chair, Mr. Manoj Shah, urged all manufacturers to invest in state of the art technologies such as harmonic filters to correct power supply.

Do you have an organized neighbourhood association; formal or informal? We would like to visit and discuss a myriad of issues affecting you. Kindly get in touch with the chapter officer through Robert.juma@kam.co.ke as soon as possible.

Unified Business Permit a Welcome Move

The Nairobi county government introduced the Unified Business Permit (UBP) late last year. The UBP collapsed the single business permit, fire clearance certificate, advertising signage, health certificate and food hygiene. Payment was automated and all you have to do is to log into www.epayments.go.ke to apply, pay and print the certificates. This move has been well received by the business community mainly because of the convenience.

To enable the county government advance their systems even better, you are hereby urged to share feedback by answering the following questions.

1. Do you find the UBP convenient enough?
2. Compared to the previous regime, has the UBP lowered the cost of setting up and doing business?
3. Do you think corruption levels will shrink with the new system in place?
4. What are your recommendations to improve ease of doing business in Nairobi County?

Nairobi City County Governor Tours Industrial Area

On Friday, 24th February, members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers Industrial Area chapter hosted Nairobi County Government lead by the Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero. Accompanied by his executive committee members, the Governor toured Falcon road, which is currently under construction, Enterprise Road, Kampala Road Serem and Nanyuki Road. During the tour, the governor reiterated his government’s commitment towards enhancing infrastructure to spur economic growth.

Dr. Kidero noted that Industrial Area is the country’s “bread basket” and deserves special treatment. He committed to spearhead the creation of a parking yard for oil tankers so as to decongest Nanyuki and Lunga Lunga roads. He also challenged Eng. Phillip Gichuki, the Managing Director, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, who was present at the meeting, to expedite plans to pipe more water to Industrial Area and expand the sewer infrastructure.

KAM Chief Executive, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga lauded the excellent working relationship enjoyed between the county government and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. She emphasized the need to improve the road network, develop proper drainage systems, and supply clean water to industries. Her remarks were reiterated by Mr. Arun Devani, a former KAM chair and director of Synresins who lauded the governor for being receptive to challenges affecting manufacturers.

Mr. Manoj Shah, the Industrial Area chapter chairman urged the county government to come up with a list of the bare minimum requirements for businesses to boost compliance. He further pointed out that cases of harassment might have come down, but are still not extinct. Ms. Anna Othoro, the CEC Trade and Industrialization challenged business to report county officers who fail to adhere to generally acceptable ethical standards in their line of duty.

Kitui Road Members Meet Kenya Power Management

The Kenya Power Nairobi South regional Manager, Eng. Aggrey Machasio and his team held a successful meeting with the members of the Kitui road business community on Wednesday, February 15th 2017. During the meeting, the regional manager urged the business community to make good use of the WhatsApp groups to address various power challenges they experience. To ensure effectiveness of social media in addressing customer concerns, Kenya Power plans to commission a study and encourages feedback from premium customers.

Frequent power surges and interruptions are likely to reduce immensely if Kenya Power ‘s plan to upgrade the infrastructure and adopt underground cabling is executed. Speakers at the meeting were especially concerned by the cost of power, an issue that KAM leadership is pursuing with relevant ministries. Members were further urged to invest in power quality systems and conduct energy audits. Similar meetings are slated for other areas and small neighbourhood communities in Industrial Area.

Chapter Committee Holds Bi-Monthly Meeting

The industrial Area chapter committee members led by the chairman Mr. Manoj Shah held its first bi-monthly meeting on Thursday, February 9th 2017 at Scania East Africa Limited. A number of issues affecting the industry were discussed at length: The current road improvement projects in the area stood out prominently, especially the delays on Enterprise-Likoni Rd junction. All contracts of the ongoing projects will be acquired from KURA just to ensure that they are completed on time. Improvement of Maasai and East Gate roads was also resolved as a major priority area for the year.

It was also noted that in as much as the cases of harassment have reduced, there are still some county inspectors who are keen on exploiting the business community. To resolve this, the county government will share a summary of all requirements for enhanced compliance. The committee would further like to urge members to make use of the sectors at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers as well as get actively involved in chapter activities. Members are further encouraged to take an active role in policy formulation.

Chapter leadership also resolved to prioritize roads, sewer, water, drainage, power, security, engagements with the county and national government as well as Kenya Power during this year. The chairman further urged members to expedite payment of their subscription as well as recruitment of all potential members. To enhance engagements with members, more emphasis will be put on neighbourhood associations.

More Roads in Industrial Area to be Improved-KURA

More roads will be improved in the second phase of a comprehensive road improvement plan. The plan that is targeting roads in Industrial Area. Road A, Road C and Lokitaung roads, has already been advertised and will go a long way in improving traffic flow, especially on Enterprise road.

This follows an appeal by the KAM Industrial Area chapter that saw the permanent secretary, Infrastructure Eng. John Mosonik visit the membership in June last year. A contractor is already working on Rangwe, Sasio, Nanyuki, Yellow and Changamwe roads. Eng. Silas Kinoti, the director general of KURA urges road users to be patient and bear with possible inconveniences these improvements might cause.

Share your feedback with the Industrial Area Chapter officer through Robert.juma@kam.co.ke.