Barely a week after mobile phone operators switched off fake handsets, technicians in the backstreets of Nairobi are activating the gadgets for as little as Sh1,000. According to the industry regulator, Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), the technicians are copying identity codes of original gadgets to fake phones to give them a new lease of life.

2. Move to Disband CCK in Favour of Independent Body with More Teeth

The government has set in motion plans to disband the Communications Commission of Kenya, replacing it with a new institution in line with the Constitution. Under the new law, CCK will be replaced by the Independent Communications Commission headed by a chairperson.

3. Lower Mobile Tariffs Lead to 30% Uptake

Lower telephone call tariffs have led to a 30 per cent increase in mobile phone penetration in the country, a cellular company has said. In a statement to media houses, Airtel Kenya says its low call rate has benefited low income earners in accessing telephone services, pushing mobile penetration in the country to 70 per cent from 40 per cent two years ago.

4. New Appointments at NHC

National Housing Corporation has new top officers after Housing Minister Soita Shitanda replaced James Ruitha as National Housing Corporation Managing Director and declined to renew the contract of Bosire Ogero as its chairman.

5. Rapid supermarkets expansion squeezes small traders out of the retail business

According to the Kenya Economic Survey 2012 the retail and wholesale sector grew by 19 per cent in the past five years becoming the second largest driver of economic growth after transport and communication.

6. Broke City Hall Turns to Equity for Salaries

Faced with an imminent go slow by unpaid employees of the City Council, town clerk Tom Odongo was yesterday forced to 'clarify' on the issues surrounding the controversial Sh5 billion loan from Equity Bank. In a paid-up statement, Odongo said that “the council appreciates the public interest the loan has generated over time, saying the council wishes to put the matter to rest by putting across matters that may have not been given adequate attention in these discourses.

7. Donors Eye Kenya Energy Sector

Kenya's renewable energy sector is headed for an overhaul following increased expression of interest from foreign donors. The potential for the country's renewable energy sources has never been in doubt with wind, solar, geothermal and coal leading the list and locations scattered across the country.

8. Tea Prices Set to Rise on Supply Woes

The adverse weather conditions across the globe have affected the supply of tea in the world market. With the exception of China, which is the largest producer of green tea and growing crop exponentially, extreme and erratic weather has affected production in Asia and Africa.