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Postmaster general assures GPO customers on box safety
The postmaster general has assured Posta customers renting a mail box that they have at least 21 days to renew their annual subscription before the post office box is reallocated. Nairobians rely on the post-box system for their mail, which they collect from stations such as GPO (General Post Office) at the edge of the central business district. Customers are also assured by the postmaster general that a new lock is installed before a box is reallocated.
Traffic blockages on Ngong Road
There are complaints about traffic blockages on Ngong Road. According to a writer in the East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column, these blockages stretch from Valley Arcade to the Hurlingham area. They also affect areas as far a field as Kawangware, where public transport vehicles are said to be contributing to the bulk of disruptions in traffic flow.
Nairobian industry could satisfy consumer demand
Kenya’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) comes from agriculture, services, and industry. The bulk of GDP (over 60%) comes from services, whereas industry only accounts for under 20% of the nation’s GDP, according to 2001 figures. Nairobi is already the nation’s largest industrial centre, involving manufacturing of building materials, textiles, food, telecommunications equipment, and so on. There is nevertheless need for expansion in the city’s industrial activities, for job creation and to serve consumer demand that is otherwise met by imports.
Nairobi’s floral factories to enjoy Valentine boom
Kenya’s floral industry supplies many overseas retailers with flowers, and the surge in demand for Valentine’s day will result in an increased surge in floral exports. Many retailers overseas report that Valentine’s day floral sales are higher than the combined floral sales for the rest of the year. The popularity of the day amongst Nairobians will no doubt lead to both local and international surges in demand for flowers packed in Nairobi’s factories.
Nairobi on bird flu alert
Following the first discovery of the presence of bird flu in Africa, regions across the continent are on high alert. The first case of bird flu in Africa was reported in Nigeria in January, but this was only confirmed a month later, causing concerns about the impact of this delay on the uncharted spread of bird flu. A ban by Kenyan officials has been announced on poultry produce from regions with known cases of bird flu.
*picture (City Hall) by Nairobi City Council;
According to a member of the public, writing to the Nation’s ‘watchman’ column, the queues at Nairobi’s KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) headquarters are unbearable. This is because of heavy under-staffing, resulting in many unattended counters. The writer also wonders whether there are more supervisors than counter staff. KRA is based at Times Tower in Nairobi.
Mombasa Road under repair
The potholes on the long stretching Mombasa road are currently being repaired. Mombasa road serves Nairobians travelling between the central business district and the southern regions of the city, including the international airport. Motorists are urged to beware of disruptions due to road works.
Gender gaps in literacy rates may be lower in Nairobi
Kenya’s literacy rates are approximately 85.1%, according to 2003 estimates. However, female literacy rates in the country are about 79.7%, compared to a figure of 90.6% for males. Analysts believe that gender equity in literacy is greater in urban areas, compared to rural areas, which means that the gender gap may be lowest in Nairobi.
Mombasa Road repair techniques causing disquiet
Motorists are apparently disgruntled with the road repair methods being applied on Mombasa road. A writer in the East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column complains that the techniques used by repair staff are causing more traffic disruption than is necessary. Motorists may be caught unawares by what the writer describes as ‘gulleys’, particularly if they are travelling at night.
Clarification sought on matatu decoration rules
The East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column is asking Nairobi’s traffic boss to clarify rules on matatus’ decorations. Specifically, the traffic boss is asked whether matatus (being public transport vehicles) are allowed to decorate their rear lights with reflective materials that bar light from shining through when it should. Many matatus have apparently taken up this fashion, assuming that it is allowed by the transport department.
Police inaction over central business district muggers causes outrage
According to the East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column, Nairobians are puzzled by the police’s lack of action against muggers hovering around Tom Mboya street, Kenyatta avenue, and Moi avenue. There are reports of pedestrians receiving little assistance from police on patrol when they report the muggers.