Nairobi, 19th December 2003

Seven firms have entered the race for Kenya's Second National Operator (SNO) licence.

The firms submitted their pre-qualifications bids today before the set deadline of 3.00p.m.>

The firms are:

1. Alldean Satellite Networks (K) Ltd. and Gilat Satellite Network Ltd (Israel).

2. China Network Corporation International Ltd., ZTE Corporation and Kensim Ltd.

3. Telenor (Norway)

4. Sasktel International (Canada)

5. Africa Bell Communications Ltd. (Pegrume Kenya, TCIL India, Tata India, PCA UK, British Telecoms UK, Wizcor, South Africa)

6. China Netcom International Corporation

7. Detecon and Deutsche Telekom Consortium

The Commission will now commence the process of evaluating the pre-qualification bids with a view to establishing the companies that have met the criteria set in the pre-qualification notice.

To pre-qualify, bidding consortiums were required to submit evidence of:

• A minimum annual turnover of more than USD 150 million.

• Experience in managing a network of in excess of 500,000 subscribers.

• In addition, interested parties were expected to submit a financial and network history of consortium members including past three years' annual reports. Members of the bidding consortium were required to provide year-end financial statements for the last three years.

• Further, and in accordance with Government policy, prospective bidders were notified that at least thirty percent (30%) of the equity must be owned by Kenyans.

  Upon pre-qualification, approved bidders will be invited to participate in a formal tendering process and will be eligible to obtain tender documents from the Commission. The Commission shall notify the pre-qualified bidders in writing.

Announcing investor response to the pre-qualification notice, CCK Director-General assured bidders of the Commission's commitment to managing the licensing process for the Second National Operator in a fair and transparent manner.

Click here for Director-General's full press statement