Caterpillar has introduced the 973D tracked loader featuring load-sensing hydraulics, joystick steering, a new operator’s station (with tilting cab) and 10 per cent more power than its 973C predecessor.

According to the company, the new 28 tonne model - like the 973C - is an “all-purpose performer” and retains similar design features, including a hydrostatic drive, Cat C9 engine, single-fabrication mainframe, Z-bar loader linkage and oscillating undercarriage.

The prices of houses in Nairobi’s upper and high-end markets are set to drop after two years of steady rise, a new housing index indicates.

The Composite Index and Hass Property Index developed by property firm Hass Consult indicate that house prices increased constantly from mid 2006 to 2008 and started levelling off heading towards 2009.

The two indexes show that the high-end property market was undergoing a market correction after an initial bubble burst in 2006.

Sanghi Cement of India is teaming up with local firm Cemtech to put up a Sh8 billion cement plant in the country with a view to supplying the south Sudan market, a government official has said.

The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mr John Lonyangapuo, said Thursday that the companies have bought 650 acres in the remote West Pokot region in western Kenya and that they will lease more land with lime deposits from the local authority and pay royalties.

“This type of investment will simply open northern Kenya in a very massive way

Property developers with projects exceeding Sh1 billion will now get easy access to loans after Shelter Afrique and Housing signed an agreement to co-finance such mega projects.

The agreement also allows the two institutions to participate in other new ventures in housing as well as expertise sharing.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Shelter Afrique Managing Director Alassane Ba said the institution seeks partnership with financial institutions as part of its mandate to mobilise additional resources for housing development in Africa.

Europe’s Hitachi Construction Machinery has launched a new 2.7 tonne mini excavator, the ZX27-3. The new addition, says the company, has been designed with comfort, safety and transportability in mind.
Hitachi compact equipment product sales manager for Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Joep van den Maagdenberg said, “The ZX27-3 is a highly versatile machine and is suitable for a broad range of applications, including utilities and general groundwork. Like all Zaxis minis, it is easy to operate and this model is the largest Hitachi that can be transported by trailer …