1. Fuel Prices Could Go Up In This Month’s Review

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has increased the earning margins for oil companies by 38 cents per litre to cover for the financing costs they incur meaning fuel prices in this month’s review could increase marginally.

 2. Thousands Evacuated as Volcano Erupts in Guatemala

A volcano in the Western part of the Central American country of Guatemala has erupted, burying several villages in ash and leading to an evacuation of more than 33,000 people.

 3. CMC Boss Bill Lay Comes Under  Parliamentary Spotlight Again

A report tabled by a parliamentary committee has indicated that Mr. Bill Lay has been unable to show his job qualifications to lead CMC Motors Ltd.

 4. Government Plans To Establish Pharmaceutical Company in the Country

Medical Services Assistant Minister Kazungu Kambi has said that Kenya is currently in talk with development partners to finance the establishment of a pharmaceutical company in Kenya towards East Africa’s self-reliance in producing drugs.

 5. Regional Coca-Cola Office Gets New Head

Nigerian Kevin Balogun, formerly head of Coca-Cola Nigeria will from January head the Nairobi Coca-Cola office which is the regional hub for Coca-Cola’s operations in Central, West and East Africa.

 6. Longhorn Publishers Issues Profit Warning

Recently listed Longhorn Publishers Kenya has issued a profit warning for the financial year ended June 2012 owing to reduced sales and high financing costs, among other things. It the eight Kenyan listed company to issue a profit warning this year.

 7. Kenyan Stock Market Index Tops Previous High

The NSE 20 Share Index which rises based on the stock prices of 20 blue chip Kenyan stocks topped Wednesday’s 52 week high to a new one yesterday at 3,953.84 points pointing to growing investor demand for Kenyan stocks.

 8. Kenya Police on Go Slow Over Failed Pay Rise

Police are reportedly jamming their communication devices and creating intentional traffic snarl ups in their bid to get the government to fulfill their salary increments agreed on in 2007.