Mr. Paul Gitau- Key Accounts & Institutions Manager- Grain Industries Ltd.
By Benard Mulwa
Kenya’s leading market research and consulting firm Ipsos and brand and business advisory consulting BSD Group, in partnership with the Top 100 Most loved Brands by women in Kenya has accorded Ajab Fortified All-purpose home baking flour as one of the most loved brands by women in Kenya today at an inaugural innovative market study in Kenya that establishes the authority of women consumers as an emerging, significant and consumer market.
Ipsos undertook a countrywide study where they interviewed a statistically significant sample of women aged 18 – 65, which is representative of the women population in Kenya. Insights drawn from the study elaborate how women drive consumer purchase decisions as the primary shoppers for their homes. The study leverages and highlights the potential opportunities that brands, business, or other non-commercial organization may loose by not understanding female consumers. It is an innovative and descriptive tool aimed at accelerating gender parity, equity and fair engagement for women in boardroomdecisions that drives the creation, production, pricing, communication and delivery of products, services and causes.
Mobile money, M-Pesa topped the list coming number one followed by Safaricom, Equity Bank coming third position followed closely by Samsung then Ajab- which is produced by Grain Industries Ltd.
HON. GEOFFREY KAITUKO PRINCIPAL SECRETARY FOR SHIPPING AND MARITIME AFFAIRS. PHOTO:File.
By Benard Mulwa
The government through the State Department for Shipping and maritime affairs is set to sign an MOU with Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology on employment of Kenyan seafarers.
This comes even as the Principal Secretary Hon. Geoffrey Kaituko led a team of senior officers from the State Department, the Oceans and Blue Economy Office in the Executive Office of the President, the CEO and other senior officers of the Bandari Maritime Academy and members of the Transport & Infrastructure Committee of the National Assembly on a visit to South Korea on a number of key institutions in the maritime industry.
The visit was an opportunity for the Kenyan delegation to communicate the Government of Kenya’s agenda for building a Trusted Kenyan Seafarer Brand that would attract employment of Kenyan Seafarers in shipping companies globally.
The delegation was further required to engage the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Korea on the status of a draft MOU on mutual recognition of Certificates of Competence (COC) submitted to the Ministry in January,2024.
“Additionally, Kenya intended to develop cooperation frameworks/agreements between the Korean Maritime and Oceans University and relevant Kenyan Maritime Education and Training (MET) Institutions with the aim of transferring knowledge and technology in training of Kenyan Seafarers,” the PS said.
The highlight of the visit was the execution of a finalized MOU between with the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) and the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA).
During the visit at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the delegation met the Vice Minister of the Ministry, Mr. Song Myung-dal. The leaders agreed to fast track a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on mutual recognition of Certificates of Comptency(COC) that will open up opportunities for Kenyan seafarers to secure employment of 1000 ratings and officers on board Korean ships annually. The MOU is in the final stages of approval and will be signed by the respective Cabinet Secretaries/Ministers during the Korea-Africa Summit in June, 2024.
The Delegation also met the Korea Ship Owners Association (KSA) led by the Vice Chairman ,Mr. Yang,Chang Ho. The Vice Chairman noted that KSA owns a fleet of over 1600 commercial ships with a workforce of 11,000 seafarers. The workforce is projected to increase to 14,700 in the year 2030.
The supply of this workforce is sourced from Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. KSA intends to diversify their workforce and their focus is in Africa more particularly, Kenya, “The Kenyan Sea farer brand is high since they are physically fit, can speak fluent English and they are disciplined, therefore, in order for Kenya to successfully produce enough seafarers for the Korean Market, there is need to increase its Maritime Training Institutes to enable Kenya to meet the seafarer demand,” the PS told journalist.
The meeting agreed that the Kenyan Government will identify a manning agent to handle seafarers’ welfare in Korean Ships. The agent will be the Kenyan maritime liaison officer and will work closely with the Korean Government to handle any issues arising on board ships.
The highlight of the visit was the signing of an MOU between the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology and the Bandari Maritime Academy where I witnessed. The main area of cooperation in the MOU is cooperation by the two Institutions in development of training standards, curricula development and implementation, as well as training of trainers and exchange of faculty.
“Given the opportunities in the maritime sectors, there is need to increase the number of qualified seafarers through training and certification and therefore we urge the National Assembly to increase financing for maritime education and training centres”, the PS said adding that the government further urge the Kenya youth to embrace the maritime sector and take advantage of the various maritime opportunities available in Kenya and globally.
Korea currently has signed MOUs with 42 countries, while the MOU signing is essential for Kenyan seafarers to board Korean-flagged ships.
his statement reads in part, “Kenya is implementing maritime education and training following the Safety, Training Certification & Watch keeping requirements by IMO Kenya is an IMO White List country. “Kenya has signed MOUs with Panama, Liberia, Palau, and Jamaica.”
Several Korean shipping companies have demonstrated interest in hiring Kenyan seafarers, but an existing MOU on mutual recognition of certificates between the two countries is a prerequisite.
According to confidential documents seen by journalists, to date, 25 Kenyan maritime university students have completed onboard training at Korean shipping companies.
Some Korean shipping companies are considering employing Kenyan students who completed onboard training.
The support of the Korean government is required to expand the employment of Kenyan seafarers to Korean shipping companies.
Visits by officials, students, and trainers during which presentations on strategic matters that are of mutual interest of the Parties may take place. Exchanges of trainees and researchers for participation are in talks, conferences, workshops, and investigations.
Cooperation in promoting research and development and innovation projects. Exchange of publications, educational materials, and information, Participation of trainees in activities at sea for the purposes of practice and training.
Cooperation in development of training standards, curricula development and implementation, as well as training of trainers and exchange of faculty.
Development of capacity of instructors and assessors, sharing of results, conclusions, best practices, lessons learned and all others as decided in mutual discussion.
The Principal Secretary witnessed the signing of an MOU between KIMFT and BMA on the following areas of cooperation: As of October 2023, the Korea Ship-owners Association (KSA) sought member shipping companies’ opinions on whether they intend to employ about 100 Kenyan-rating seafarers, KSA and KMOU are preparing the 4th – and 5th-class seafarers’ fostering program to serve on Korean coastal ships and Support from the Korean government is required to enable Kenyan students to participate in these programs.
By TUM DAVID Naivas Supermarket, the leading FoodStore in Kenya has unveiled its 3rd annual seasonal campaign dubbed : NAIVAS KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI” in a colourful ceremony in Nairobi.
Amid tough economic times, Naivas Supermarket now with 103 outlets across the country, has embarked to intensify its commitment to providing accessible and affordable shopping solutions for every Kenyan household.
Peter Mukuha, Naivas Chief Operations explained the importance of collaboration between Naivas and its suppliers.
“In ensuring our customers get exceptional value across all the categories, ranging from fresh produce, daily groceries, household items, electronics and much more during the campaign. The period us a journey punctuated by many festivities and we shall be there at each of these stages ensuring each of our customers walks out with a ‘KIKAPU KIBONGE’. said Peter Mukuha, Chief Of Operations at Naivas.
Building in the success of previous years, Naivas Supermarket pledges to further enhance customer experience by offering even larger shopping baskets. This initiative aims to assist shoppers in navigating the challenging times with a greater ease.
“Our NAIVAS KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI campaign reflects our dedication to serving as the dependable big brother for the Kenyan consumer” remarked Peter Mukuha.
He said that by working together, their customers are assured to receive unparalleled benefits throughout the campaign. With 103 outlets nationwide, Naivas remains committed to providing accessible and affordable shopping solutions for every household.
As the campaign unfolds, Naivas, Kenya’s popular retailer invites customers to experience the journey of “big shopping Naivas Kilocol way”.
” Last year, we promised Kenyans that we are going to super-size their baskets and we lived upto that promise and this year we are telling customers we are giving them bigger baskets to help them navigate this season of their lives with even more ease”, emphasized Peter Mukuha Naivas Chief Of Operations.
” It’s moments like these that define our character and with the odds stuck with the Kenyan people, we understand that ‘undugu ni kufaana si kufanana’ and we are going to be the big brother looking out for them. For this reason, we are launching our seasonal campaign: NAIVAS KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI telling Kenyans to ‘shika njia ya shopping’ the Naivas kilocol way” added Peter Mukuha.
Even as Naivas proudly announced the launch of its 3rd edition if their seasonal campaign designed to resonate authentically with Kenyan values while offering unforgettable experiences, the campaign aims to surpass customer expectations.
” Amidst challenging economic times, with inflation burdening Kenyan households, and global chain disruptions escalating costs, Naivas recognizes the pressing need to support its customers, ” remarked Mr Rodney Wood, Chief Commercial Officer.
“As a home grown brand dedicated to improving lives, we’re determined to exceed expectations and alleviate the strain on our customers” Mr Rodney emphasized.
By Maximilla Wafula Nairobi, 15th March 2024 – In the serene town of Ekero, nestled under the golden rays of the setting sun, a community gathered to celebrate the life of Benjamin Wanzetse. Born on the 14th of July, 1967. Benjamin’s journey began with a sparkle of curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
From an early age, Benjamin’s passion for learning was evident. His educational odyssey was marked by milestones of academic excellence, fueled by a relentless dedication to broaden his horizons. His community admired him not just for his achievements but for the humble, compassionate soul he was.
Upon the canvas of his professional life, Benjamin painted a masterpiece of perseverance and determination. Rising through the ranks, he became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring minds, embodying the values of hard work and integrity.
But amidst his professional triumphs, Benjamin’s heart found its true joy in the embrace of love. In the warmth of companionship, he met his soulmate, and together they wove a tapestry of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Their bond was a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment.
Life, however, often presents challenges, and Benjamin faced them with a courage that inspired all who knew him. When sickness cast its shadow, he stood tall, his unwavering spirit a beacon of hope and resilience. His strength became a source of strength for those around him, a testament to his indomitable character.
As the sun set on Benjamin’s earthly journey, tributes poured in from every corner of his life. His wife spoke of his unwavering love and support, his brothers of his guidance and wisdom, his mother of his kindness and filial piety, his daughters and sons of his enduring presence and laughter, and his nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law of his warmth and generosity.
A solemn mass at his home brought together family and friends, where prayers and hymns filled the air, honoring a life lived with purpose and love. And as night descended, a vigil was held under the starlit sky, candles flickering in remembrance of the light Benjamin brought into their lives.
Benjamin Wanzetse’s journey may have reached its sunset, but his legacy of love, strength, and faith will forever illuminate the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. In Ekero, by the grace of Christ the King, his spirit lives on, a testament to a life well-lived.
Lawmakers risk missing a golden opportunity to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarette smoking if they launch an indiscriminate and ill-informed offensive against safer alternatives, harm reduction specialists warned today.
The experts were responding to an announcement by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni that she intends to “wipe out” nicotine products
Dr Michael Kariuki, secretary-general of the Harm Reduction Society, said: “Alternative nicotine products like regulated vapes and oral pouches are scientifically proven to be far less harmful than cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit. “Regulation of these products is, of course, necessary, to protect children and the youth. However, that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate to the risks posed, after taking into consideration the smokers who need these therapeutic products.”
Joel Sawa, spokesperson for Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), said: “If smokers can’t or won’t quit, we need to help them switch to safer alternatives. The best way to save lives is to ensure that tobacco-free products like regulated nicotine pouches and vapes are affordable and accessible.
“Wiping them from the market leaves smokers with no option but to keep smoking. It’s unthinkable that policymakers are even considering indiscriminate, ill-informed and non- evidence-based actions against them without any heed to this potential mishap.” The experts, speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi, pointed to the growing weight of international evidence showing the beneficial impact of alternative nicotine products:
Researchers at the University of Nairobi have found that there was little or no quality control in terms of levels of toxicants or psychoactive ingredients of oral stimulants such as khat and smokeless tobacco products such as pan, tambu, gutkha, Kuber, toombak, sniffed and chewed tobacco in Kenya, which put their users at considerable health risks and that regulated oral nicotine products carry similar levels of toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies which feature on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
The US Food and Drug Administration says Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs) “will significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole”1 .Such MRTPs are regulated nicotine pouches and vapes which are largely used in countries such as Swede
Founder and secretary-general Harm Reduction Society
By Benard Mulwa
The government has been called upon to seek safer alternatives to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarette smoking. This comes even as Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government proposes to “wipe out” nicotine products.
Dr Michael Kariuki, secretary-general of the Harm Reduction Society, said: “Alternative nicotine products like regulated vapes and oral pouches are scientifically proven to be far less harmful than cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit.
Harm reduction is a public health strategy that has been used successfully for years to address various health-related behaviours, including drug abuse, alcohol consumption, reproductive health and smoking. A good example locally are the methadone clinics for opioid users.
The purpose of tobacco harm reduction is to minimize the health risks associated with smoking by offering pragmatic alternatives that carry a lower level of risk. WHO’s FCTC Part 1 Article 1 (d) defines “tobacco control” as a range of supply, demand and harm reduction strategies that aim to improve the health of a population by eliminating or reducing their consumption of tobacco products and exposure to tobacco smoke.
“Regulation of these products is, of course, necessary, to protect children and the youth. However, that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate to the risks posed, after taking into consideration the smokers who need these therapeutic products.”
Joel Sawa, spokesperson for Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), said: “If smokers can’t or won’t quit, we need to help them switch to safer alternatives. The best way to save lives is to ensure that tobacco-free products like regulated nicotine pouches and vapes are affordable and accessible.
“Wiping them from the market leaves smokers with no option but to keep smoking. It’s unthinkable that policymakers are even considering indiscriminate, ill-informed and nonevidence-based actions against them without any heed to this potential mishap.”
The experts, speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi, pointed to the growing weight of international evidence showing the beneficial impact of alternative nicotine products,
Researchers at the University of Nairobi have found that there was little or no quality control in terms of levels of toxicants or psychoactive ingredients of oral stimulants such as khat and smokeless tobacco products such as pan, tambu, gutkha, Kuber, toombak, sniffed and chewed tobacco in Kenya, which put their users at considerable health risks and that regulated oral nicotine products carry similar levels of toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies which feature on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
The US Food and Drug Administration says Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs) “will significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole”1 .Such MRTPs are regulated nicotine pouches and vapes which are largely used in countries such as Sweden and the UK to assist cigarette smokers to quit.
In countries worldwide, from the UK and France to the USA, Pakistan and New Zealand, innovative alternative products are already helping smokers who had despaired of ever being able to give up their deadly tobacco habit.
Non-Tobacco Nicotine products do not contain tobacco and extensive international research has found them 95% less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes.
Studies show that regulated modern oral nicotine products carry similar levels of toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), which are on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines.
Sweden is about to achieve the status of being the first country in the world to become officially smoke-free after making safer alternatives acceptable, available and affordable to adults. It now has the lowest smoking and tobacco-related disease rates in Europe.
Eng. Dr. Elisha Akech Ochungo has embarked on a campaign with a bold vision for the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), as he vies for the position of Honorary Secretary for the term 2024-2026. Central to his manifesto are three key agendas, the first of which is Distributive Equity, aiming to ensure fair opportunities and recognition for engineers.
In outlining his plans for distributive equity, Dr. Akech emphasized the importance of building team spirit within the engineering community. “With a common purpose, we shall increase our visibility and earnings,” he asserted. He intends to leverage the professionalism of engineers to showcase their value to the public, fostering closer collaboration and mutual benefit.
“We are the most disciplined profession after the military,” Dr. Akech stated, highlighting the dedication of engineers to their calling. He stressed the need to communicate this professionalism effectively to the wider society to ensure that engineers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
Drawing from his 22 years of experience in business, Dr. Akech expressed his desire to mentor younger engineers and instill in them the confidence that opportunities are within reach. “My desire is to impact the younger engineers to have this confidence that opportunities are made,” he affirmed, emphasizing the potential for collective success.
Furthermore, Dr. Akech pledged to champion the debate on opening up new opportunities for engineers, addressing concerns about engineers being edged out of development projects. “People are building and companies are in development but engineers are being edged out. This must be corrected,” he asserted.
In conclusion, Dr. Akech urged engineers to support his candidacy, stating, “Vote me in on 21.3.2024 as your next Honorary Secretary in the 2024-26 IEK Council.” He believes that through distributive equity and collective action, the engineering profession can thrive and contribute significantly to the advancement of society.
Women facing land injustices can now report their grievances through a mobile application.
Haki Ardhi App, a women land rights reporting tool, was launched during the International Women’s Day in Nairobi on Friday.
The App, which was piloted in Kakamega and Taita Taveta counties last year, is an initiative of the Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) and other partners.
The tool also has a toll-free text function which has been effective in helping women report land rights injustices in a timely manner.
KLA chief executive Faith Alubbe said the effectiveness of the App and the data collected has made it possible for the courts to accelerate the prosecution of some of the stalled land rights violation cases where women are victims.
“It was important for us to launch the App because we noticed that there is a big gap in terms of access to remedy for most women, most women face a lot of challenges yet they do not understand or they do not know where to get their justice,” Alubbe said.
Alubbe said the App documents women’s land grievances in order to catalyse response while avoiding risks associated with in-person complaints.
With Haki Ardhi, women will be able to report abuses and violations in a safe way that will also enable faster access to support and local organisations supporting them will be able to digitise the case files that are currently on paper.
This will in turn enable a close follow-up on cases and the centralisation and display of data to identify trends and push for systemic policy change.
In a landmark move, the East African Community (EAC) has unveiled plans for a transformative Science and Technology Innovation (STI) conference aimed at driving sustainable socio-economic development in the region. Aligned with the EAC Vision 2050, which recognizes STI as a key catalyst for progress, the conference will focus on four critical thematic areas: Agricultural Productivity, Resilience and Food Security; Health and Nutrition; Natural Resources Management; and Information Communication Technology and Digital Economy.
Papers submitted for the conference undergo a rigorous peer-review process, with accepted works set to be published in the prestigious East African Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation (EAJSTI). This initiative aims to enhance the dissemination of valuable research findings, ultimately boosting regional visibility and competitiveness.
Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) representing the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kenya Hon. Ezekiel Machogu at the official opening of the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference today in Nairobi.
The conference was opened by the Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Dr Walter Oyawa, on behalf of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu. Other notable dignitaries present included the Executive Secretaries of IUCEA and EASTECO, Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona and Dr Sylvance Okoth, respectively, and donor
Dr. Sylavance Okoth, Executive Secretary, EASTECO at the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference in Nairobi. Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), the conference is being held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and globally.
Recognizing existing challenges such as fragmented collaboration and underutilized research, the conference strives to bridge gaps by fostering networking relations among researchers, technology developers, and innovators. It further seeks to establish a collaborative platform for stakeholders to collectively set agendas and priorities, promoting effective linkages between academia, industry, and the public sector. The conference’s overarching goal is to enhance capacity and create meaningful partnerships, providing a catalyst for the much-needed advancement of research, extension services, teaching, and learning in the East African region.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has said it will initiate contempt of court proceedings against the Kenya Revenue of Authority commissioner general over alleged illegal deduction of housing levy.
Addressing the press Monday, LSK president-elect Faith Odhiambo said there was no legal basis for the taxman including other state agencies to deduct the funds from employees.
It has also called on Kenyans who may have fallen victims to volunteer the information to the LSK.
“We call upon all employees who have suffered this illegal deduction to get in touch with the LSK through the email address lsk@lsk.or.ke and share their payslips,” said Odhiambo.
This, she pointed out, is to facilitate the filing of the application seeking a refund of the illegally deducted dues.
“The payslips will be redacted to conceal identity details that can be used to identify and possibly punish any employees that share the details with us,” she added.
Outgoing LSK president Eric Theuri said The statement by the society comes in the wake of an advisory by Attorney General Justin Muturi asking KRA to stop collecting housing levy from salaried Kenyans saying it lacks legal basis.
In a letter to KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, the AG said the Court of Appeal’s January 26 decision declining to stay High Court orders that declared the levy unconstitutional still stands.
“The upshot of this is that there is no legal basis on which the Housing Levy as provided in section 84 of the Finance Act, can be implemented,” Muturi said.
He was responding to a letter from Wattanga dated February 12 seeking guidance on the government’s position on the matter.
The High Court on November 28, 2023, declared the Housing Levy illegal citing various reasons including that it was discriminatory as it secluded workers in the informal sector.
The three-judge bench, however, stayed the execution of the orders until January 10, 2024, pending the filing of an application for conservatory orders to stay the decision and allow the government to continue collecting the levy.
But on January 26, the Appellate court dismissed the application and reaffirmed the High Court’s ruling that the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy which is meant to finance the affordable housing programme is illegal.
