Author: staff reporter

by Maximilla Wafula

Cabinet Secretary Mithuka Linturi said Wednesday during the launch of the Training of Trainers (TOTs) of Assistant County Commissioner’s on registration of farmers for the fertilizer subsidy programme, that the data will help the government to make targeted interventions as it races to enhance food productivity. Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 4 – Agriculture to collect on farmers across the country will play a critical role in ensuring there is food security in the future.

The registration exercise targets farmers involved in various crop production and aims to establish a credible national database of all farmers, including farmers’ identity, profiles, crop acreage, and fertilizer requirements.

“I am sure that if we continue with this initiative, we will be able to collect crucial data that will benefit our country, and with the aid of the National Government, we will make ensure that productivity increases in the next year and 18 months looking into the current strategies put in place,” Linturi said.

The Agriculture CS said that a time had come for the country to become self-sufficient and move away from overdependence on aid during drought.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with other departments including county governments to ensure the success of the countrywide exercise.

On his part Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo reiterated that the exercise will be voluntary and urged National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to uphold inclusivity, integrity and fairness throughout the registration process.

He noted that the registration of farmers will be free of charge warning any administrator who plans to take advantage of the exercise to charge farmers.

“We will be decisive against dereliction of duty and indiscipline by any of our officers,” Omollo warned.

The Interior PS said that the training will equip the administrators who with the requisite, knowledge and skills necessary for the program.

“You will be required to diligently transfer and cascade this knowledge to the other officers and stakeholders across the country. In particular upon conclusion of this training, you will be required to train the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in your respective countries in preparation for the registration,” he said

He directed the administrators to play a leading role in mitigating and manage any misinformation that he argues may accrue from this program by providing factual information.

Besides the daily online registration that will be transmitted to the current platform, PS Omollo said NGAOS at all levels will be required to submit daily County reports to his office, on the status of registration as part of tracking, monitoring and reporting the progress of the registration exercise.

Ends…….

by Maximilla Wafula

Hon. Peninah Malonza, OGW, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage has today opened the International Ice Hockey Tournament at Panari Hotel on wedsaday , 4th January , 2023 .

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism, due to the increased number of sporting events being held around the world. Tourists travel to attend popular sporting events and also to compete in the events themselves.
Speaking during the launch CS, Malonza says “The sports tourism market size is a fast-growing sector of the global travel industry which was valued at over 300 million dollars in 2020, and it is projected to reach over 2 billion dollars by 2030, registering a growth 0f more than 16 per cent from 2021 to 2030”

On the other hand Kenyan government has focused on the growth of different sporting activities to attract more tourists. It has tapped into athletics, golf, rugby, swimming, and Safari rally while diversifying to more innovative sports tourism activities such as ice hockey activities to attract local and international visitors. Ice Hockey is among the innovative sports tourism activities which are relatively new in Kenya and whose potential has not been fully exploited. Aggressive tourism marketing is, therefore, mandatory to draw more local and international tourists.

According to the event organizer Mr. Scott from Canada says Kenya plays a great role in the region in promoting Ice Hockey.

“From this global event that has taken place here in Kenya, the tourism economy is set to reap from my participants and also present a good opportunity to sell Kenya as an Ice hockey tourism sports destination across the region.

Kenya is the only ice rink of its kind in East and Central Africa, the Solar Ice Rink, here in Panari.
Ends……

The South Sudanese Diaspora in Kenya have celebrated the  loss of a great man Ajiengdit Deng who was the  spiritual leader of Twic Mayardit of Warrap State.

The revered leader  died in Nairobi hospital in December 2021.

Thousands of South Sudanese  living in Nairobi flocked to the Kenyatta International Conference Center to celebrate the life of the legend.

Among those in attendance was South Sudan Ambassador to Kenya as well as other dignitaries.

Hon. Ayuel Tauping Malek leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Diaspora in Kenya said that Ajiengdit Deng was a great inspirational leader and made a great impact during the Sudan Civil war that led to the independence of South Sudan.

“He shall forever remain in our memories for the good deeds he performed,” he added.

Ajiengdit Deng who hails  from Wunrock  was an exceptional leader who was respected all communities in South Sudan.

Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya (LATAK)  on Friday opposed the proposed increase of land rates by the Nairobi County government.

Ben Liyai, Secretary General of LATAK told journalists in Nairobi that an increase in land rates will have a negative impact on the cost of living as the country is already suffering from  diffirent economic situation.

“We need adequate public participation as enshrined in our constitution before any land rate increases are effected,” Liyai said.

LATAK is an organization established to defend and protect the rights of 5 million landlord and 18 million

Tenants.

He noted that a lot of disruption took place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic because it caused lost of jobs and massive defaults on the part of landlords and tenants.

“Landlords failed to meet their expectation on loan repayment and many tenants have since been affected,” he observed.

Over 500 christian faithful are expected to converge at Kirima Tent of Prayer which is  located in Kiambu County for a New Year crossover crusade.

The 60 acre Holy land will   host Christians who will praise and worship God in spirit and truth for a 14 day prayer marathon.

Bishop Kirima said that the prayer session  will include  a thanksgiving service for the peaceful 2022 presidential elections as well as blessing for the upcoming 2023.

“We are also seeking divine intervention for God to bring rains for our crops,” she added.

The prayer sessions will run from December 17 to January 3 but the climax will be on New year’s eve.

by Maximilla Wafula

The 8th African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation- ASENTI was hosted at The Boma Hotel in Nairobi Kenya in November 10-11.
The summit brought together 100 physical and 200 online attendees for the two days. The summit was in partnership with Oracle Academy Innovate UK. Mindlands Enterprises and Midlands UK.
The summit brought together delegates from over 10 countries UK, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Benin, Zambia, USA, Italy, Somaliland and Uganda
Oracle Academy was recognize for the exemplary work they are doing in the education sector in Kenya especially with a focus on working with the Universities in Kenya and beyond.
During the conference Ms. Bekere Amassoma, Oracle Academy Program Manager, Sub Saharan Africa shared on how partnerships with both the Institution of higher learning will be key in advancing digital learning
Blending Education and Technology; enhancing digital learning for higher education in Africa.
Moderator by Sofina Merinyo Education, ITF- Kenya
Panel speakers:
• Bekere Amassoma – Oracle Academy Program Manager, Sub Saharan Africa
• Mr. John Ngila-Social Entrepreneurship Lead, Africa Nazarene University-Kenya
• Helen Donnellan- Prof Vice-Chancellor Regional Business and Innovation
De Montfort University, Director Midlands Enterprise Universities (MEU)
• Dr. Jeremy Hague Nottingham Trent University, Director of Knowledge Exchange

The The Agripreneurship session youth specific efforts to enforce the role of young people in African agricultural transformation for sustainable food systems.
Presentation; Sheila Birgen Country Lead- Innovate UK-Kenya
Moderated by Wafulla T. Nekesah – Business Development Manager, Crop Nutrition Laboratory services (Cropnuts), Kenya
Panel speakers:
● Noah Nasiali- Kadima, CEO A farmer Media
● Stephen Mwongela, the Founder & CEO, Plusfarm Kenya.
● Lynn Odiwo- Co-founder-Nature’s Best Green Culture-Kenya
Sheila Birgen focused on the need for more youth to get involved in agribusiness and the role of Innovate UK KTN in Kenya’s agribusiness space.

Next year’s African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation-ASENTI 2023 will be hosted in South Africa.

By Fred Maingi
Two traders in Umoja 1 estate will spend the long festivities in tears after they were arrested with over 40 gallons of illicit brew suspected to be the dreaded Ethanol stuff.
Acting on a tip- off, the duo a man and a lady were caught unaware at Umoja one Peacock stage Area E by a high powered security team led by KRA County officials, BuruBuru D. C. I Inspector Koech, and Assistant county commissioner, a one Celestine.
Others who were in the crackdown team included area chief Shaban Juma, Ass. Chief Veronica Mueni, ward and Administration officers and public health officials.
The suspects were also caught with fake KRA stamps.
A KRA official said they will tighten surveillance in Nairobi County.

The crackdown at Umoja 1 caught residents unaware . The two suspects were taken to Buruburu Police Station for further interrogation and subsequent arraignment in court.
Area chief(Shaban Juma) clarified that the incident was perhaps the first one to occur in the area. He urged area administrators to be vigilant and thanked residents for availing the information.

Neighbouring residents said they were not aware illicit brew trade was rampabt in the area.
One mother who did not disclose her name said of late their cars ave been vandalised during the night only to wake up and realise sidemirrors, tyres and car lights were missing.
The residents thanked the combined effort of BuruBuru and Umoja local administration for the crackdown which they said will eliminate crime and mantain peace and security in the area.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been in the forefront fighting against local pubs for playing loud music and stamping on illegal illicit brews.

By Fred Maingi
Opera Mini followers will celebrate the looming festivities in great style after their favourite browser was nominated as the top downloaded Application in the country.
Their top position was determined by the success of the
Opera’s “Shake and Win” campaign.
The
Opera Mini – the data-saving browser already boasts over 100 million users across Africa.
Dedicated to football’s greatest celebration, the World Cup, “Shake and Win” offered Opera fans the chance to win over $300,000 in prizes.
Users needed only to shake their phone to potentially win airtime from popular providers, cash prizes, or brand-new phones.
Africans responded enthusiastically to the excitement of this year’s Workd Cup unforgettable tournament: Over 13 million people participated across the continent, shaking their phones over 1,000,000 times a day. More than 200,000 prizes have been won, with many grateful users taking to social media to comment on how much fun they’ve had with “Shake and Win.”
Kenyans were especially caught up in the spirit of the fun, with daily shakes peaking at over 1,000,000 shakes in the app for the entire campaign across markets, and over 53,000 prizes given away in Kenya alone.
According to the organisers, New Kenyan users downloaded Opera Mini immensely whereby it was not a surprise to cruise to number one in the Google Play Store.
Opera Mini is a unique, data-saving browser built with the needs of Africans in mind.
In recognition of the extremely high data costs on the continent, it allows users to save up to 90% of their data. Moreover, Opera always adds new features to the browser to craft the best online experience possible: there’s an integrated messenger, regular campaigns offering free data, and now live scores of football games and news about the latest matches, to name just a few.

“The ‘Shake & Win’ campaign was a huge success. Football fans in Kenya should continue to keep their eyes on Opera Mini, since we plan to continue bringing amazing user experiences to football fans there, especially with the return of the Premier League just around the corner,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera.
Opera Mini is an important component of Opera’s Africa First strategy. Announced in December 2017, the company has pledged to develop mobile products and services tailored first and foremost to the needs of the African consumer.
“We’ll keep the ball rolling in 2023 as we continue to bring Kenyans updates and products that are fast, efficient, and focused on our users. “noted Arnesen.

by Josephat Juma

The ongoing fever-pitch global tension and fear occasioned by competition among major political and economic powers of the world is not new. It dates back to naval wars to control sea trade routes, control global resources and flaunt power.
This was observed by policy makers, academia, lawyers, political analysts, business and Foundations during the 20th IREN Africa Resource Bank Forum that was held in Nairobi on 14th December 2022. The forum themed: “A New Game? Situating Africa in Strategic Geopolitical Competition;” was co-sponsored by The Friedrich Naumann Foundation – a German political Foundation.
Geopolitical competition in Africa is as old as the continent. Global powers have competed to tailor Africa’s social, cultural, political, and economic landscape in an effort to secure their geopolitical interests. The Scramble for Africa, which took place between the years 1881 and 1914, represents the single most consequential illustration of geopolitical competition playing out within the African continent. The process, which culminated in the rapid invasion, annexation, partitioning, and colonisation of most of Africa by Western European powers, inspired African states to appreciate the need for strategic geographical alliances to stand up to exploitation and further their shared interests. The Cold War era (1947 – 1989) also saw the Union of Social Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R) and the United States fiercely compete for geopolitical influence across Africa in the wake of the conclusion of World War II.
The participants noted that the unipolar World is fast receding as liberalism and Western hegemony comes under increased scrutiny for failure to guarantee delivery of good socio-political and economic outcomes. Further, global upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; climate change; democratization of access to information by use of digital technology and the raw narrative wars by big powers place Africa in a precarious position.
Consequently, there is a litany of geographic alliances across Africa formed specifically to shore up nation states’ bargaining power and standing within the international community even as China, Russia, the United States, Europe, and Gulf states seek to strengthen their influence across the region.
The just concluded 20th IREN Africa Resource Bank Forum resolved that no new game is at play, rather, new players are actively displacing old ones on the African scene.
A contest between new players whose activities range from investments, trade, finance, technology, and education and display of power are rapidly gaining ground against the 500-year-old West’s grip on Africa. The short run impact of this contest on Africa is disruption of supply chains, inflation, turmoil in financial markets, energy crises, food insecurity, reversal on skills gains and ultimately socio-political tensions.
Participants observed that due to inherent fear of displacement by new actors in the arena of big power politics, Africa has become a battlefield of clashing systems.
The forum participants proposed a number of measures that Africa should take in the ongoing geopolitical contest.
To begin with, it is urgent that African leaders, intellectuals and academia, take time to reflect and develop a position from which Africa can navigate the ongoing strategic geopolitical competitions. A joint foreign relations strategy that draws from Africa’s experience in history and an eye on Africa’s own interests should be of the continent’s top priority.
Second, it is important that Africa crafts a strategy to convert the rational fear by global powers into a geopolitical advantage for the continent. Uganda, for example, is strategically using the refugee crisis to leverage its bargaining position globally.
Third, Africa ought to use its natural resource ability, intellectual resource, and multiple players courting the continent as a bargaining tool for a win-win deal for Africa. The question should be, who has better strategic offers that address Africa’s long term interests? Africa should not rely on single partners. In the ongoing predator-victim contest, Africa must strategically avoid being the victim.
Fourth, it is crucial that Africa takes its agency to another level, stop thinking along colonial formations and pursue its agenda 2063 roadmap.
Fifth, Africa must learn from history to comprehend what makes the big powers tick. Whether it is a mixture of bandwagoning, neutrality, power balancing or hedging, Africa must choose a strategy that works for it.
Sixth, nearly 80% of global trade and transactions is dominated in United States of America dollars. Due to sanctions occasioned by the Russia-Ukraine war, many nations are rethinking the use of the dollar. The dollar’s share is currently falling gradually as evolution of markets and technology weaken its market share in global payments. Can Africa cash in on the rise of central bank digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and other innovations to shore up an African currency?
Seventh, Africa should capacity build and position its bulging population projected to be 2.5 billion by 2050 to be strategic players in the comity of nations.
Eighth, Africa should not isolate itself from the world. However, it should look inward, enhance intra-Africa trade, and strengthen the “morning economy” that draws inspiration from Africa’s production rhythm and culture to proactively plug into global markets.

By Fred Maingi
History has been made in Kenya’s digital taxi ailing industry after the Taxi drivers and car owners agreed to unite and work together under the newly formed Ridehail Transport Association.
Over 12 driver led saccos drawn from various counties who met at a Ngong Hotel entered into partnership to work under the Association.
Through Ridehail Transport partnership, members felt they will benefit alot and in the process clear all the huddles which existed before.
The 12 saccos that attended the meeting were drawn from Mombasa, Kajiado, Machakos, Naivasha,Nairobi and Mombasa among others.
Ridehail Transport Association Chairman Daniel”Mamba” Manga termed the new partnership as a game changer. He blamed App companies for taking advantage of their disunity to undermine and torture members with low payment and poor working environment.
The Ridehail association spokesperson Wycliffe Alutalala said members have agreed to work together under Ridehail Association for the benefit of their members.
Despite licensing seven firms, Alutalala appealed to the National Transport Authority(NTSA) to move with speed and act on Apps which are not licensed to be switched off.

Vice chairman David Muteru said the Industry has a bright future under the new umbrella body.He urged other saccos to join the movement which he noted will listen, accomodate and address all issues facing their members.
A member Lance Marley expressed confidence that members will benefit alot from the new partnership. He accused foreign Apps for divide and rule tactics that targeted to deal with drivers individually
“Our rights as drivers, he added, will be respected under the new partnership .We want to work together under the new Association so that sanity can be achieved. All our complains previously landed on deaf ears but now we have a road map that will guide us”
A member Julius Adongo who is the chairman of Magadi Road online sacco from Kajiado noted with pride that members will benefit alot aiming to make the Industry vibrant and accomodative.
The meeting was also graced by Karani Vir Singh who is the CEO Yego mobility. He said he was excited to work with drivers and car owners in Kenya for the betterment of their lives. Yego mobility is one of the licensed application companies that started in Rwanda 12 years ago and has been in Kenyan market for the last 7 weeks and has a driver workforce of 12,000 drivers.