Wrap-Up: Our pick of main stories, Wednesday September 8th, 2015

Airtel threatens Kenya exit over Safaricom ‘dominance’….. World Bank releases Kshs 54 billion for S. Sudan fibre optic link….. Kenya’s media accused of bias….and much more.

Airtel threatens Kenya exit over Safaricom ‘dominance’

Telecommunications firm Airtel could exit the Kenyan market if new regulations are not passed to curb Safaricom’s dominance, its chief executive Adil El Youssefi said on Tuesday. Mr Youssefi said “anti-competitive behaviour” by the market leader had condemned competitors to losses, claiming that it also contributed to the exit by Essar — Yu network operator — as well as the expected pull out by France Telecom from Telkom Kenya.

World Bank releases Kshs 54 billion for S. Sudan fibre optic link

The World Bank has released over Kshs 54 billion to fund the laying of fibre optic cable and construction of a superhighway connecting Kenya and South Sudan. The project, which runs concurrently in the two countries, was commissioned Wednesday following the release of the funds.

Kenya’s media accused of bias

A report by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) titled Digital Combat: An assessment of media coverage of the digital migration process and debate in Kenya, says local media had vested interest in the digital migration and consequently failed to represent the situation accurately. The report reads in part: “The media has not fairly covered the digital migration process. Considering that they have vested interests in the process, how unfairly media has covered the discussions on digital migration has been glaringly obvious.”

ICT job creation program launched at Strathmore University under the SAP Skills for Africa Initiative

SAP Africa and Strathmore University have today announced a partnership on a job creation program under the SAP Skills for Africa Initiative. Dubbed the SAP Dual Study Program, this initiative co-sponsored by SAP has awarded scholarships to thirty students towards the globally recognized SAP Associate Financial Consultant certification. Apart from the technical training, the students will get a chance to enhance their business acumen and refine their project management, communication, presentation, negotiation among other skill sets.

Construction of Kenya, South Sudan Fibre optic cable commences to enhance communication and inter-border trade

Kenya and South Sudan will be connected to a high-speed fibre optic cable within the next two years enhancing communication and inter-border trade. The ICT Authority is implementing the Kenyan-side of the project through a World Bank fund estimated at a cost of US $25.5 million dollars, while the Sudan side is estimated to cost USD 15 million dollars. The road construction between Lokichar and Nedapal is worth US $ 500 million dollars and will be funded by World Bank.The full cost of the road construction from Eldoret to Sudan border is an estimated US $ 1.2 million dollars.

Jovago to hold customer care training workshop in Nairobi

Jovago.com is set to launch a series of customer experience training workshops across the country this week.The training, fully sponsored by Jovago will take place on Sept. 9th at Pride Inn – Westland. The newly-launched programme, dubbed Jovago e-booking receptionist will debut a series of training forums aimed at equipping front office and reservation staff with proficient skills pertaining to online tourism.