KENYA

Court ruling seeks to end retirement age cheating

The Employment and Labour Relations Court has ruled that where staff fail to state the retirement age, the employer should use the general retirement age in the public service.

However, the court noted that such should be treated cautiously and brought to the attention of the employee in good time.

“There is no permanent employment in law or in fact, each type of employment is terminable due to different aspects including that of attaining a retirement age,” said Justice Monica Mbaru.

Justice Mbaru ruled that unless the employer has caused the employee to register and state the date of birth or month, he or she cannot turn around and assign a date unilaterally.

(Business Daily)

TANZANIA

India, Tanzania strengthen ties

India is targeting the health, education and water sectors, as the Asian country expresses its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Tanzania.

The Indian investment projects were estimated at 630 worth $3.74 billion by 2021/22 and were expected to create over 6,000 employment opportunities when they were fully implemented.

Addressing the audience during the celebration of 77 years of India’s independence on Tuesday evening, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abdalah Ulega, said the relationship between the two countries is remarkable due to many areas of cooperation.

Mr Ulega added that India is the fifth largest investor in Tanzania, as the trade volume has increased to $3.1 billion in 2021/22 from $2.2 billion in previous years, and he welcomed more business and investment.

(The Citizen)

UGANDA

MPs propose mandatory policy on tree planting

Members of Parliament have urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to consider enacting a policy requiring all large-scale farmers to plant trees on a specified percentage of land.

The legislators said the policy would stimulate efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change through tree planting.

“If we do not plant trees at our farms, we will be left with small forest cover. Why can’t we put up a policy and say that if you have such a farm, a certain part should be left for tree planting,” said Benjamin Kamukama (NRM, Ruhama East County).

Kamukama said the move would complement the national forests which he said were being degraded.

(Independent)

ETHIOPIA

UN vows to further enhance long standing partnership with Ethiopia

The State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, conferred at his office with the incoming United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr Ramiz Alakbarov.

During the meeting, the State Minister briefed the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on current affairs, the dividends of the home-grown economic reform agenda and reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation with the UN in key areas. 

Speaking of the post-war peace consolidation efforts across the country, Ambassador Mesganu stated the progress on the implementation of the transitional justice policy options and reiterated the Government’s continued commitment to further cement peace.

(Ena.Et)

SOMALIA

Education ministry implements new requirement for university-bound students

In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Education in Somalia has unveiled a transformative plan aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education in the country.

Effective from the academic year 2023/2024, the ministry has mandated that all high school graduates seeking admission to universities must first complete a comprehensive one-year foundation education program.

The newly introduced foundation education program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for their successful transition into university-level studies.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, the programme is intended to provide students with a solid academic grounding and a holistic understanding of various subjects.

(Radio Dalsan)