Author: staff reporter

By Steve El Sabai

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has moved to assure businesses of their support to help develop the economy.

KNCCI President Richard Ngatia while addressing the Uasin Gishu business community last week said that KNCCI will continue to support businesses through initiatives such as training and mentorship programs, access to financing, and advocacy efforts, with an aim to create an environment in which local businesses can succeed and flourish.

Ngatia underscored the importance of value addition on agricultural products noting that this will increase the marketability and profitability of the products and access to global markets.

The Uasin Gishu business forum was hosted by the KNCCI Uasin Gishu Chapter in collaboration with the County Government of Uasin Gishu on Thursday 30th March at Rupas Mall under the theme ‘New Opportunities in the upcoming city’. Ngatia emphasized the importance of digitalization to businesses. He encouraged the Uasin Gishu county chapter on making it an annual event and invite investors to enhance access to markets. He concluded by encouraging the county chapter to continue supporting and promoting business within the region through such forums.

Ngatia and the chamber’s first vice president Dr. Erick Rutto were accompanied by KNCCI county chairpersons from various counties and National directors to the business forum.

Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Hon. Jonathan Bii appreciated KNCCI on the continued support in the growth and development of business in the county. He gave his assurance to ensure full automation of county processes and licensing. He also noted that when the town becomes a city, the devolved unit stands to receive additional revenue allocations for development projects from national government agencies and other development partners.

The Governor also noted that he would work closely with KNCCI- Uasin Gishu Chapter to put in place the proper policies to promote a conducive business environment and the development of an industrial park that will help in the creation of opportunities for the people of Uasin Gishu. He concluded by assuring the business people that his government will improve security in order to protect their businesses.

Dr. Rutto in a panel discussion appreciated the county government for its continuous support through the office of the Governor. He emphasized the importance of the City status on Eldoret will be of benefit to the development of infrastructure, growth of business in the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), and increase in Tourism in the Region.

He challenged the business to adopt value addition in order to produce products that meet the needs of the export market. He encouraged the SMES to join KNCCI in order to grow businesses through networking and business forums, capacity building, access to information, and benefits from projects and programs.

The panel elaborated on the importance of technology to SMEs to help in connecting the business locally, nationally, and internationally.

KNCCI -Uasin Gishu chapter Chairman Willy Kenei emphasized the partnership between the KNCCI and the County government to help in creating opportunities and advocating for the growth of the business community. He appreciated the new appointment of Eldoret as a city and the opportunities for growth.

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Public Service governance known as “PSG” group a non governmental organisation has introduce the (Affordable Kitchen Bill) to the Senate.

The bill seeks to legislate zero taxation of 5 major kitchen challenges as well as bring demonstration of high cost of living to an end.

Speaking to the press in Nairobi,Ambassodor Esther Waringa, President of Public Service Governance said the kenya high cost of living has escalated and PSG is calling for a very honest ,objective,non-political and result based anc strategic action about the high cost of living.

Ambassador said “its an evident that after every election the country plunges into an acute economic meltdown,acute political division,tribsl division.

She added that therecmust be an end to everything.The fragrance of general election has faded away.

The Ambassodor has requested Mps to unanimously vote for the bill for the sake of all kenyans.

The PSG group has also promised to sponsor “Kenya Bila Uchaguzi Bill” to parliament.

PSG has said thst the bill is already under way anf the bill if passed will see abolishment of General Election in kenya and birthing of public Service System of Government in Kenya.

Octagon Africa, a leading regional financial services provider, has lined-up a three-day conference on fostering sustainable pensions. The conference is scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th April 2023 at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel, Nakuru

Themed “Recreating Sustainable Retirement – Adequacy & Security of Pension Funds”, the conference will bring together leading experts, pension fund managers, regulators, trustees, employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the pensions industry to discuss the current state of pensions management in Kenya, the challenges facing pension fund management, and explore innovative solutions for ensuring a sustainable retirement for all.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Octagon Africa Group CEO Fred Waswa said the forum is essential as it will bring together experts and stakeholders in the pensions industry to discuss the challenges facing pension fund management in Kenya and find solutions that will ensure that retirees have adequate and secure retirement benefits.

“We are excited to bring together stakeholders from across the pensions industry to share ideas, experiences, and insights on creating sustainable retirement solutions,” says Mr. Waswa. “We believe that by working together, we can create a future where retirement is a time of joy and fulfillment for all.”

The event will feature keynote addresses from industry experts, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering topics such as Social Security & coverage – Realignment of pension schemes to the NSSF Act 2013, the role of pension schemes in socioeconomic development, Structuring Investment mandates to optimize returns, and Risk mitigation strategies for sustainability & adequacy.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers, learn from experts, and share best practices for achieving sustainable retirement. Some confirmed speakers include Chief Investment Officer Co-Optrust Investment services George Gikunju, Octagon Pension Services Chief Actuary & Actuarial Society of Kenya Chairman Sahib Khosla, Pension Investment Consultant Mercy Gakii Muthuuri, FSD Africa Senior Manager, Risk Regulations Elias Omondi, CIC Life Assurance Head of Retirement Benefits & Corporate Sales Vincent Ochoi, and Centre for Corporate Governance Programme Coordinator Education & Training Ernest Najoli.
According to the International Labour Organization, pension coverage remains low in Africa with only 9.6% active contributors from the working-age population (15-65 years).
“At Octagon Africa, we are committed to changing this narrative by creating sustainable retirement solutions that ensure financial security and peace of mind for all,” Octagon Africa General Manager Marketing, Business and Product Development Davis Ongiro said.

Popular businesslady whose fame spread like bushfire who is fondly referred to as Njeri wa Uji has taken a moment to share with us her thoughts on the importance of hard work.

Njeri wa Uji pioneered the naturally derived porridge from carefully selected natural ingredients that leaves her customers smiling and yearning for more.

Her uji is tasty and laden with health promoting benefits.
She says,

“Money tastes so good when you work for it, amkeni tuka hustle,” Njeri said.

At Kenya Top Stories, we wish her success and God’s blessings in all her work.

BY ERIC OGOTT

Kenya Coalition of Churches Alliance and Ministries have today called on the Government and the Opposition to settle their issues through dialogue to avoid any situation leading to violence.

The Spiritual Leaders noted that the recent political trajectories of events like burning of places of worship Church and Mosque in Kibra Yesterday after the demonstartions was a poor action by the culprits. Northland Property belonging to the Former president Uhuru were also damaged together with the damage caused East Afrca Spectre Limited atvIndustrial area.

“We as spiritual leaders are concerned about the trajectory of events like burning of worship places destruction of property.
It appears that the goons have started to take advantage of the demonstrations by the opposition.
We urge our political leaders to adress the challenges in a dialogue manner. We also call on them political leaders to create an enabling envoronment for the sake of the kenyans.
We utge security enforcements to show restraint towards use of excessive forces. We are also request the youth a d kenyans at large to remain peaceful for a better Nation.” Said Bishop stanley Michuki.

Northlands farm and East Africa spector properties were hugely damaged as a result.
A certain group of goons is taking advantage of the demonstrations to destroy properties.

The Church Leaders are now urging the Youth and Kenyans at large not be used wrongly by any political leaders. The Nation needs to unite and God to grant our leaders with wisdom to solve issues quickly.

Kirinyaga County Senator James Murago is seeking a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on the state of labour export from Kenya.

In his request, the Senator wants the committee to state the measures the government has taken, if any, to reduce unemployment among the youths and explain the steps taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to facilitate Kenyans applying for job opportunities abroad.

The lawmaker further requests the committee to appraise the senate on whether there are any bilateral agreements in place with any foreign country or organization for the export of both skilled and unskilled labour and provide data on the current state of labor export to foreign countries, including the number of Kenyans working abroad and the amount of remittances received annually.

Nyota Njema real estate firm on Saturday launched a mobile app that will enhance its customer experience.

Perminus Kariuki CEO of Nyota Njema told journalists in Nairobi that the Njema app is already on playstore but will be available in appstore in a month.

“The mobile app will enable customers to see which plots are available as well provide real time information on the balances of their accounts,” Kariuki said during the award ceremony of 300 title deeds to new owners.

He noted that customers can also use the mobile app to refer new customers to buy plots and make commissions in the process.

Kariuki also urged the youth to invest in real estate instead of indulging in betting.

Nyota Njema which was founded in 2019 has so far handed over 600 title deeds to its customers and last year alone the real estate firm did another 300 titles.

“My greatest joy is to deliver our promise to customers,” Kariuki added.

By Eric Ogott

Naivas supermarket today  launched  their annual seasonal campaign. The campaign promises to  be authentically Kenyan while delivering memorable experiences through thematic campaigns while exceeding customer’s expectations.

This inaugural campaign comes  barely a week after  Kenyans took to the street to protest over the High cost of living.

Therefore, Kenyans are already feeling the heat and inflation is only getting worse due to high importation cost and supply chain disruptions.

“It is moments like this that define our character and with the odds stuck against the Kenyan people, as a homegrown retailer and supermarket of choice for Kenyan people ,we have  to set up and truly live to our promise,saves you money.

We understands that the baskets are shrinking every single day,but this should not be the case at our stores and for this this reason we have launched our seasonal campaign dubbed “Naivas Kikapu Kibonge” with the tagline being ” Kiextra offers,Kibbigie discounts and Kibunda Choices,” Said Willy Kimani,Naivas Chief Commercial Officer.

“As a brand that understands customer’s  needs,this is our small bidding in  making the long holiday  a little more bearable,affordable and memorable.

The campaign promises  9 weeks of the very best everyday price and exceptional sales promotion covering
Ramadhan,Easter,Eid ul Fitr, Labour Day, Back to School  and Mother’s Day.

Therefore, what we are saying is,this   holiday period does not have to be grim ,we have got you covered, no need to downsize or downtrade  your shopping because  at Naivas Kikapu ni Kibonge.

This has been  made possible through support from our partners, who have seen to it that our customers enjoy great value across all categories ranging from fresh produce,daily groceries and household, ” Concluded Mr. Kimani.

By ERIC OGOTT.

The National Council of Kenya Churches (NCCK)  held a meeting at Jumuia Conference and  country home,Limuru  to reflect on the state of the nation in the context of the rising tensions due to politically  instigated disillusionment.

The meeting took note that the desire  of Kenyans to have a healthy environment to “Lead a quiet life,to mind your own business and work with your hands.” Said Rev Kinyanjui.

He further said that all Kenyans  are obliged to adhere to the Constitution in all activities and engagements,for without this , the nation  will .

In addition, he requested His Excellency   the President of Kenya  Dr. William Ruto  to  lead the Government in adhering to the Constitution and laws of Kenya in all operations,policies and pronouncements.

He also urged the President to embrace dialogue and promotion of public participation to ensure all Kenyans contribute to betterment of our nation.

He further appealed that,the President should rivet the attention on the nation crippling drought and famine that continue to ravage the country ,which has increased  the cost of living radically,stating that Kenyans are suffering and the situation is worsened by a government that’s is focused on politicking rather than providing solutions.

In addition, he urged the opposition leader Rt Hon Raila Odinga to ensure that all the actions and pronouncements are in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of Kenya.

Therefore,people should take opportunity to hold leaders accountable so as to forestall corruption and ensure they deliver on their mandates with justice and equity .

“Dear brothers and sisters, we commend you for maintaining peace and cohesion in the country.” Rev Kinyanjui Concluded.

Dedan Kimathi Foundation has continued to be a champion in matters Afforestation. This was evident during celebration to mark
The International Day of Forests. The main celebration was held in Kereita Forest Station in Kiambu county.
In addition to the 15,000 seedlings planted in Kiambu county, 73,010 seedlings were also planted in Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Laikipia and Nyandarua couties.

In Eastern Conservancy, 3,320 seedlings were planted with the Governor of Makueni County His Excellency Mutula Kilonzo Jr taking part in the activities while a total of 6,110 were planted in Western Conservancy.

The KFS coordinated activities attracted dignitaries and leaders of different stature and partners from different organizations including among others.