Author: staff reporter

By John Kariuki

In the world of business and leadership, few individuals shine as brightly as Esther Muchemi, the CEO of Samchi Group of Companies. Known for her visionary leadership and motivational approach, Esther recently shared a profound morning thought that underscores the transformative power of a positive mindset—a lesson that resonates deeply as we navigate the challenges of a new year.

“Life is a mindset game,” she remarked, capturing the essence of her philosophy in a few simple words. For Esther, this is more than just a statement—it is a way of life, a guiding principle that has shaped her personal and professional journey.

She explained that maintaining a positive outlook has the ability to shift even the most difficult situations. “A positive outlook turns around even a seemingly bad situation,” she said, reminding us that the way we frame our thoughts determines how we face life’s challenges. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, the attitude we bring to the table often dictates the outcomes we achieve.

Esther’s call to action for 2025 is clear: “Let’s purpose to work on this this year.” Her words challenge us to adopt a mindset of optimism, resilience, and intentionality. Positivity, she believes, is not an abstract concept but a practical tool for navigating life’s complexities. By choosing to focus on possibilities rather than limitations, we position ourselves to discover innovative solutions, foster meaningful relationships, and inspire those around us.

As a leader, Esther has seen firsthand how a positive mindset can drive progress, not only in business but also in the broader community. Through the Samchi Group, she has built a legacy of empowerment and transformation, proving that optimism paired with action can create lasting impact.

Esther concluded her thought with a warm, conversational touch, asking, “Ama mnasema aje, watu wangu?” (loosely translated to, “What do you think, my people?”). This simple question invites us into a shared dialogue, reminding us that positivity is not just a personal pursuit—it is a collective endeavor. Together, we can cultivate an environment where encouragement, hope, and determination thrive.

As we step into 2025, Esther Muchemi’s words remind us of the immense power we hold in shaping our lives and the world around us. By embracing the mindset game, we can transform obstacles into opportunities and challenges into stepping stones. Let’s make this the year where positivity lights our path, inspiring growth, change, and boundless possibilities.

After a thrilling live showdown, DJ Klasiq has been
crowned the Nairobi region winner of the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats (SBOB). Fans from across the city cast their votes, and DJ Klasiq emerged victorious in an electrifying contest that brought together the region’s top 4 DJs.
The final round featured incredible performances by DJ Klasiq, DJ Vancie, Funkeed Mixxingenious, and DJ Leeboy, each showcasing exceptional talent and creativity. However, it was DJ Leeboy’s high-energy set, a seamless blend of genres that resonated deeply with the
audience, that earned them the prestigious title.
Reflecting on the competition, SBOB judge DJ Grauchi remarked, “The talent displayed in the Nairobi region has been outstanding. DJ Klasiq’s ability to connect with the crowd, innovate with their mixes, and maintain an electric energy throughout their set made them the
deserved winner. The audience truly made the right choice with their votes.”
The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats competition, part of Smirnoff’s “We Do We” campaign, celebrates the unity and joy that music brings. SBOB is more than just a competition — it is a platform for discovering and nurturing Kenya’s best DJ talent while empowering them to
grow as artists.
Speaking during the session, Smirnoff Spirits Marketing Manager, Kennedy Mutula, said, “This competition is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation
within Kenya’s music scene. We are proud of all the participants in the Nairobi edition and look forward to working with them in future Smirnoff events that continue to unite and inspire our communities.”
DJ Klasiq now joins an elite group of regional winners, including DJ Insta from the Lake region, DJ Kryptic from the Mountain region, Kay Jay the DJ from the Rift region, and Rattihy the DJ from the Coast region. These regional champions will compete for the ultimate Smirnoff Battle of the Beats title, bringing their A-game to the grand finale.
Stay tuned for updates on the national finals as SBOB continues its mission to uncover Kenya’s next DJ sensation while celebrating the collective spirit of music and creativity

By John Kariuki

Hon. Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting conservancies as a cornerstone of Kenya’s sustainable development. Her vision emphasizes the transformative role that community conservancies play in fostering coexistence between people and wildlife while driving socio-economic growth in the regions they serve.

Under her leadership, the ministry has prioritized infrastructure development in conservancy areas. According to Hon. Miano, access roads are not just a means of transportation but critical enablers of development. By opening up remote areas, these roads allow communities to transport goods, access education, and seek healthcare. They also promote trade and tourism, creating economic opportunities for people living near conservancies.

Hon. Miano has also highlighted the importance of water resource management in addressing conflicts between humans and wildlife. She notes that water scarcity often leads to competition, escalating tensions that are both costly and disruptive. To mitigate this, the ministry is actively supporting the development of water infrastructure within conservancies. By ensuring access to water for wildlife, agriculture, and daily needs, these initiatives reduce competition and foster harmony, benefiting both communities and ecosystems.

Hon. Miano believes in proactive conflict prevention rather than relying on compensation for damages caused by wildlife. She underscores that compensation is often unsustainable and leaves victims in prolonged distress. Instead, the ministry is focused on creating systems that prevent such conflicts from arising, ensuring long-term coexistence and resilience.

As the driving force behind these initiatives, Hon. Miano calls on stakeholders, development partners, and local communities to join hands with the ministry. She emphasizes that the success of conservancies is a collective responsibility and a vital investment in Kenya’s future.

With her unwavering dedication, Hon. Rebecca Miano is championing a transformative approach to conservancies, ensuring they serve as hubs of opportunity, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.

By John Kariuki

The Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC), under the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Issak Noor, is spearheading efforts to position Kenya’s leather industry as a key driver of the country’s economic growth. Through strategic initiatives aimed at value addition and manufacturing, KLDC is working to elevate the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

On Monday, Dr. Noor joined Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in an inspection tour of the Kenya Leather Industrial Park (KLIP) in Kenanie, Machakos County. The park is a flagship government project designed to enhance leather processing and manufacturing capacity.

The KLDC envisions transformative outcomes for the leather industry, with projections to increase the sector’s annual contribution from the current KSh 15 billion to KSh 175 billion. Additionally, job opportunities in the industry are expected to rise significantly, from 17,000 to 100,000.

Kenya’s economic transformation hinges on the growth of value addition and manufacturing across key sectors. In line with this vision, the government has made substantial progress in developing KLIP’s infrastructure. A state-of-the-art common user effluent treatment plant has been completed to ensure efficient water treatment for leather manufacturing. This facility will also serve Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factories along Mombasa Road and Athi River, as well as the leather factories within KLIP.

Furthermore, four warehouses have been constructed—two dedicated to turning raw hides and skins into leather and two for manufacturing finished leather products. Ongoing infrastructure work includes the installation of electricity and water systems and the deployment of permanent security services to ensure smooth operations.

During the visit, Dr. Noor and the Deputy President assessed the progress of ongoing works and outlined the remaining deliverables to ensure compliance with the Presidential directive for completion by March 31, 2025. The expedited completion of KLIP is expected to catalyze Kenya’s journey toward industrialization and global competitiveness in the leather industry.

KLDC’s unwavering commitment to boosting the leather industry reflects its dedication to driving Kenya’s economic growth and improving livelihoods across the country. With the completion of KLIP, the leather sector is set to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s manufacturing agenda, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for value addition, job creation, and sustainable development.

By John Kariuki

Comfort Homes, a leading name in Kenya’s real estate sector, has been consistently recognized as the most affordable land-selling company in the country. Under the wise leadership of Managing Director and CEO Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the property market. On a bright Tuesday morning, Dr. Kariuki shared valuable tips on the proper procedures for buying land in Kenya for 2024/2025.

The first step in buying land is visiting the physical location of the property. If you’re abroad, ensure a trusted and reliable representative visits on your behalf. Physically inspecting the land allows you to familiarize yourself with the property and confirm its existence. With the help of a registered surveyor, identify the beacons and ensure the land’s boundaries are accurately measured.

Request the land’s title deed or mutation form, ensuring it is registered with the Land Survey Department. Use the title deed to fill out an official search application on the Ardhisasa platform. Attach copies of your ID, KRA PIN, and pay the search fee. Submit the application to the relevant lands registry office where the property is located. For example, if the land is in Nyeri, submit the forms to Nyeri Lands Registry.

The search certificate will provide information on the true owner of the land, the land’s size, the land registrar’s signature and seal, and registration details from the land’s green card. Ensure the names on the search certificate match the title deed. If satisfied, proceed to purchase a map or mutation form from the land survey office. The map confirms the land’s existence and whether it’s public, community, or restricted land.

After verifying the land documents, arrange a meeting with the seller, a lawyer, and a witness. The lawyer will draft a sale agreement, ensuring both parties agree on the terms. Keep copies of the sale agreement, search certificate, map, and receipts.

The Land Control Board is a crucial step where the buyer and seller meet government officials to approve the land transfer. The board convenes once a month, and the parties must book a session in advance. Once approved, the consent document authorizes the seller to transfer the land to the buyer.

Both the buyer and seller must prepare copies of their ID or passport, KRA PIN certificates, and colored passport photos. The “Transfer of Interest in Land” document is then filled out. This vital form, detailing the buyer and seller’s information, is submitted to the lands registry for the new title deed issuance.

The land undergoes valuation to determine the stamp duty payable, typically covered by the buyer. The stamp duty fee varies by location and is paid via the Ardhisasa platform. Attach the title deed copy, buyer and seller IDs and KRA PINs, transfer forms, valuation forms, and registration forms. Submit the documents and pay the new title deed registration fees. Once all paperwork is complete, submit it to the lands registry for processing.

The new title deed can take 2-3 months to process. Any errors or missing documents may result in rejection, so ensure everything is in order. Avoid shortcuts and follow all legal procedures to safeguard your investment.

Buying land is a process, not an event. Always consult relevant government offices and seek guidance from professionals to avoid pitfalls. Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki emphasizes that informed decisions and due diligence are the keys to successful land ownership.

By John Kariuki

The Member of Parliament for Bahati Constituency, Hon. Irene Njoki, popularly known as “Mrembo na Kazi,” has once again demonstrated her unwavering commitment to improving education infrastructure in her constituency. Today, she officially handed over a newly constructed, modern storey building featuring four state-of-the-art classrooms at Lanet Umoja Primary School.

The new structure replaces the old, dilapidated building that had become a safety hazard for students and teachers. Hon. Njoki emphasized the importance of providing learners with a safe and conducive environment for education, noting that quality infrastructure is a key pillar in fostering academic excellence.

Speaking during the handover, Hon. Njoki reaffirmed her dedication to grassroots development, highlighting that projects like these are part of her broader mission to uplift communities through impactful initiatives.

“This is more than just a building; it is a testament to our commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality education in a safe and inspiring environment,” she stated.

The new classrooms are expected to significantly enhance the learning experience for students at Lanet Umoja Primary School, providing them with a modern, secure, and well-equipped space to pursue their studies.

Hon. Njoki’s efforts continue to resonate with the people of Bahati, further solidifying her reputation as a leader who delivers impactful results without the noise.

By John Kariuki

Comfort Homes Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki, has announced a new challenge aimed at recognizing the resilience of gospel artists in Kenya. In a recent post, Dr. Kariuki revealed that he awarded Ksh 100,000 to Stivo Simple Boy for being the most resilient artist of the year 2024.

Following the success of this initiative, Dr. Kariuki is now extending the same reward to the best gospel artist of the year, as voted by the public. “I am offering Ksh 100,000 to the gospel artist that you, the fans, will vote for. Tag your favorite artist in the comments, and whoever garners the most likes will receive the Ksh 100,000 prize on Thursday next week,” he said in the post.

To participate, Dr. Kariuki emphasized the importance of tagging either Comfort Homes or Together As One PLC in your timeline, ensuring that only those who follow the necessary steps will qualify for the challenge.

The competition is now live, and Dr. Kariuki encourages fans to rally behind their favorite gospel artists, as the challenge is expected to be a game-changer in recognizing and rewarding talent in the gospel music scene.

By John Kariuki

Madam Esther Muchemi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Samchi Group, is a woman whose leadership is deeply rooted in faith. A God-fearing leader, she attributes all her accomplishments, wisdom, and strength to the omnipotent power of God. For Madam Esther, God’s influence is not just a belief but a driving force in her everyday life.

In her Monday Morning reflection, Madam Esther took a moment to reflect on God’s immense power—one that is both all-encompassing and beyond human comprehension. She spoke of this supernatural energy as a force that fills not only her life but also the lives of all born-again believers. For her, this power is a tangible, transformative force that dwells within and energizes the body and soul.

Madam Esther teaches that this divine energy empowers believers to face challenges, make decisions, and achieve greatness, no matter the circumstances. She believes that God’s power is not a distant, abstract concept, but a living, breathing force that guides and strengthens us daily.

Her story is a powerful reminder that true strength doesn’t come from worldly achievements or material success, but from a connection to the Almighty. In surrendering to God’s will, Madam Esther has found a wellspring of strength, resilience, and guidance that empowers her as a leader, businesswoman, and individual.

By John Kariuki

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), under the wise and skilled leadership of President Hon. Faith Mony Odhiambo, has celebrated the safe return of two individuals who were abducted last month, bringing a sense of relief to their families and the wider community.

Billy Mwangi, who went missing on December 21st, 2024, in Embu County, was released this morning. His father, Gerald Mwangi, shared the joyous news: “Thank God Larry. The boy is back physically intact,” he said, visibly relieved after a harrowing wait.

In a further display of compassion, Faith Odhiambo also celebrated the release of Peter Muteti, who had been abducted from his apartment outside Nairobi on the same day, December 21st. Peter was also freed this morning, and his family confirmed the news. “Hey Larry, Peter has been released. He is currently with family. He is quite disoriented and not able to talk and give interviews at the moment,” a family member shared, expressing their gratitude while acknowledging the trauma Peter is still recovering from.

The Law Society of Kenya has played a vital role in advocating for the safety and rights of individuals, and President Hon. Faith Mony Odhiambo commended the joint efforts of law enforcement and the community in securing the safe return of these individuals.

These releases bring much-needed hope to families affected by abductions, reminding us of the importance of solidarity, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice. The Law Society of Kenya continues to stand firm in its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that justice prevails for all.

As the Mwangi and Muteti families reunite with their loved ones, their relief is shared by all, reaffirming the collective strength and resilience of the community.

By John Kariuki

As schools reopen this week starting Monday, January 6, 2025, parents and guardians face the challenge of settling school fees to ensure their children are ready for the first term. Thanks to Sasapay, this process has been made as easy as ABC, providing a seamless solution for managing school fees and unlocking educational opportunities for young learners.

Powered by the secure Sasapay e-wallet platform, the user-friendly Digikaro app eliminates the inconveniences of long queues and tedious paperwork. This innovative platform ensures that a student’s education is uninterrupted, making it a trusted partner for parents and schools alike.

One of Digikaro’s standout features is its cost-effective approach. Schools and parents can adopt the platform without incurring any initial expenses, making it accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, parents can benefit from the “Jazia” credit facility, which offers a flexible and manageable way to settle school fees, ensuring financial ease and peace of mind.

Digikaro’s automated reminders for upcoming fee payments help parents stay on track, avoiding missed deadlines and disruptions in their children’s education. With Digikaro, students no longer face the risk of being sent home due to overdue fees, promoting a stable and uninterrupted learning environment.

Accessible via the *USSD code 626# or through the Sasapay app, Sasapay offers the most affordable way to make payments. As a licensed and regulated entity by the Central Bank of Kenya, Sasapay guarantees security and reliability for its users.

With Digikaro, Sasapay is setting a new standard in school fee payment, ensuring that education remains a priority and is accessible to all. Parents and guardians can now enjoy a hassle-free, efficient process, securing their children’s educational future with confidence.