Rising sales of emergency contraceptives commonly known as “morning-after pills” is worrying experts, following growing abuse by Kenya’s sexually active youth. E-pills are used to prevent pregnancy within 120 hours of intercourse and are available over the counter, with trade reportedly booming in the recent past especially during weekends and holidays. This has seen the wholesale price of the drugs rise by 40 to 50 per cent in the last three months as frequency of use goes up.
2. Centum Raises KES 3.2 Billion Through Debt
Centum has raised 3.2 billion shillings ($37.7 million) from the debt market via a fixed-rate corporate bond and an equity-linked note, it said on Tuesday. The firm said the funds would allow it to take advantage of investment opportunities, without providing details.
3. Postbank is Now a Chasebank Agent
Chase Bank Kenya announced that it will be using Postbank branches countrywide as its agents starting yesterday. In a statement on the official Chase Bank facebook page, the bank said Postbank will from today act as its agent providing clients with convenient access to their funds. Chase Popote, the banks agency network will now be available at all Postbank branches and agents countrywide.
4. Kenya Bombs Somali Airport Held by Militants
Kenya’s military said Tuesday that its bombing of the Somali port city of Kismayo destroyed a warehouse and armory belonging to the Islamist militant group al-Shabab, which controls the city. Al-Shabab said on Twitter, however, that the three bombs which hit the airport didn’t cause any casualties or losses.
5. Troubled Blackberry Maker Sees Africa Potential
The mobile phones made by RIM hold the dominant market share in both Nigeria and South Africa, two of the biggest economies on the African continent. Now opening an office in Nigeria, RIM hopes to hold onto that African advantage as its sales in Western nations tumble, company officials say. “This is one of the fastest growing mobile markets in the world,” said Robert Bose, RIM’s regional managing director for the Middle East and Africa.
6. KCB to Boost Coconut Farming
KENYA Commercial Bank has pledged monetary and training support to coconut farmers in the Coast region to boost production and spur the economy. The bank through its foundation said it will train100 farmers and purchase equipment worth Sh1.7million for value addition of the product.
7. Celtel’s Founder Talks of Building Business in Africa
“But even I could see that developing mobile communications in sub-Saharan Africa—where most people had never used a phone, let alone owned one—was an opportunity too big to pass up. I realized that in many Westerners’ minds, Africa connoted uprisings, dictators, deserts, AIDS, and poverty—and it still does, even now.” Mo Ibrahim, founder of Celtel talks about building businesses in Africa.
8. Kenyan’s Set for 100% housing Loans from Britam
Britam has unveiled a new service that will allow potential home-owners to apply for 100% financing on mortgages. The product, dubbed Collateral Replacement Indemnity (CRI), is the first of its kind in Kenya. Britam adopted the idea from Home Loan Guarantee, a South African non-profit company which started the initiative 21 years ago.