Global beauty brand, The Body Shop, has opened a new store in Village Market Mall along Limuru Road Nairobi.Tge entrance into the Kenyan market aims to meet the growing demand for ethically and sustainably produced beauty products.
The British-founded, change making beauty brand which retails over 800 products opens its first outlet in Nairobi at the Village Market through their exclusive franchisee, The Mask Retailers. The Body Shop has also disclosed plans to launch an e-commerce platform in 2023 to enable consumers in the East Africa region easier access to their products.
Sarah Jackson, The Body Shop EMEA & LatAm Franchise Business Director said about the launch: “Kenya is a fast developing economy which is well positioned to attract global brands aiming to strategically have a share of this market. The Kenyan consumer deeply cares about how ethically and socially conscious a business is across its entire value chain and also value for their money. The Body Shop is bringing the consumer over 800 products that meet their need for high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, hair care and make-up, produced ethically and sustainably”.
Famous for its high-quality naturally-inspired cosmetic and toiletry products, The Body Shop is known all over the world for pioneering the philosophy that business can be a force for good, for launching new standards of ethics in business and for its consistency in campaigning for change on behalf of those without an effective voice. Some of their products are locally sourced from Mt. Kenya and the East Coast regions in Kenya.
Ms Jackson added: “The Body Shop Kenya store has been designed around the brand’s strategy to minimise its environmental footprint. It has been built with reclaimed wood and recycled plastics destined for landfill. The facade is made from zinc/aluminium-low energy metal that is infinitely recyclable and worktops are 100% recycled wood. Customers can also purchase a refillable 300ml aluminium bottle and fill it up with any of 12 brand’s best-loved shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and hand washes”.
In 2020, The Body Shop started sourcing tea tree oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya and the east coast region working with the Kutoka Ardhini (‘from the ground’ in Swahili) group which supplies the key ingredient from a network of over 1,000 farmers. This is implemented through The Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade programme that helps producers gain market access and invest in social and environmental projects that benefit their communities. Over 13,500 farmers, producers and artisans are part of the Community Fair Trade programme globally.
Besides supporting farmers in the community, The Body Shop, as part of its Christmas community support, is running an activism campaign dubbed ‘Be Seen. Be Heard’, to amplify young voices in the halls of power. Each purchase over the Christmas period will help The Body Shop donate a minimum of £500,000 to organisations across the globe that support young people who are contributing to their communities to make the world a fairer, more wonderful place.
Forum on recognition of prior learning (RPL) for Solar Skills was held in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.
The event brought together more than 50 stakeholders in the education and energy sectors.
The half day conference was organized by Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Habitat for Humanity (HFH), and the Toolkit iSkills (TTI) under the theme: “Unlocking Job Opportunities for Youth in Solar Energy Kenya”.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) means a person gets their skills recognized, assessed and certified. In the case of solar energy, RPL enables the youth engaging in solar work to get licensed and comply with the law which requires all solar installers to be certified and licensed. As such, solar companies can only give job opportunities to solar technicians who are certified.
Dr Alice Kande (Ag. Director General- KNQA), Caroline Njuki (Officer in Charge & Chief Technical Advisor – ILO), Jane Muigai-Kamphuis (Director/Founder – Toolkit iSkills) and other key stakeholders attended the event.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has spearheaded the roll out of Kenya’s RPL Policy and key successes include assessment of youth in construction trades and more recently, assessment of solar skills.
During the event the stakeholders proposed the inclusion of the Solar Energy Sector in the Recognition of Prior Learning Process.
By Fred Maingi Meru born Ian Mutwiri has appealed to Kenyans to invest in herbal products which he believes are effective in containing chronic diseases. Mutwiri who operates from Redhill in Kiambu has been supplying and distributing his herbal pastes to various supermarkets, individuals according to orders. His products which are approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) include herbal juices which are ready to drink. His products are effective in treating chronic ailments like Blood Sugar, heart related diseases, blood pressure, cancer, and containing covid pandemic among others Mutwiri feels all treatment, vaccination, examination and services should be provided free of charge or at a very low cost since the Government collects taxes from Kenyans. Ian Farm House, a processor of tamarind fruit products was founded in 2018 purely for value addition purposes. He began his business in a tiny kitchen in lower kabete where he started by making 250 grams Tamarind paste. He owned only a meko and small cooking pots. Mutwiri was not sure that people would buy his products. Mutwiri started by selling it to his neighbors and friends. Three months later, more people started requesting for the product, as demand increased, it made sense to brand and commercialise the product.He did his labels and migrated to glass jars. Mwaniki said his business was boosted in 2019 when KEBS approved the Tamarind Paste ready for market.The feedback from his clients gave him confidence to progress. He delivered samples to big stores in Nairobi and succeeded in penetrating the Healthy U stores which deals with quality organic products. He went on to add “We sold 350 grams jars, during the onset of the pandemic. Coincidentally, people realised our products were good for boosting the immune system”
Ian Mutwiri – has done wonders with his herbal products. His juices are effective in containing chronic disease like blood pressure and diabetes among others. He can be reached on 0720 864 659
“Early 2021, mutwiri added, we simplified the product to expand our reach and appeal. Business grew and we launched a premier product,our ready-to-drink Marisha juice which has different exciting flavours. It is ideal for road trips, post workouts, kids, office and as a whisky accompaniment”he noted
Samchi Group of companies CEO Dr. Esther Muchemi helps young boy Emmanuel Kerr in planting seedlings at the Nairobi City park
By Fred Maingi
Samchi Group of companies is targeting to plant 10,000 tree seedlings by end of the year 2023 Samchi group CEO Dr. Esther Muchemi further disclosed that she will personally spear head the tree planting exercise.
The CEOs attention was captured by a 5 year old Environmentalist, Emmanuel Kerr who has so far planted 450 trees in various parts of the country. “My team and I will continue to support Emmanuel. I pledge our resources to see to it that Emmanuel realizes his dream. My company will sponsor 700 trees for Emmanuel to continue with his dream. And as part of our 2023 CSR, we will plant 10,000 trees by December” Said Muchemi. The CEO was Speaking at City Park where she had joined other passionate Environmentalists to celebrate Emmanuel’s graduation to grade 1.
Emmanuel’s father, Mr Caleb Otieno lauded his son saying, My son’s future looks bright. I can only play my part as a Father and support my sons dream.”
Maendeleo ya wanawake National Chairperson Rahab Muiu Mwikali addresses members during a consultative meeting to mark the 16 day of activism against gender based violence at Maendeleo ya Wanawake House in Nairobi
By Fred Maingi Maendeleo ya Wanawake women organisation (MYWO) has urged women to be custodian of their families. Mywo National chairperson Rahab Muiu Mwikali urged women not to run away from their responsibilities when faced with domestic misunderstanding and leave children behind s with their father. “If the marriage is unbearable, there is no need to kill one another. Immorality has gone up while integrity has gone down. Let women be the custodian of their families” observed Mwikali. She spoke during a consultative meeting to mark the 16 day of activism against gender based violence(GBV) held at the Mywo headquarters.
She was flanked by the entire Executive led by CEO Isabella Ndolo, National Secretary General Elizabeth Mayieka,National treasurer Susan Owino and Commisioner Purity Muthoni Ngunjiri among other county representatives. The National Chairperson while lauding the Government for advocating zero tolerance against FGM and gender based violence issues attributed Poverty as the major issue affecting many families. “We shall work, and support the Government led by President Dr. William Ruto, churches including Sheikhs, and stakeholders from all sectors”she noted. Speakers urged members to be on the frontline by leading the war against violence against women and remain firm in their decision s.
Xi Jinping visits an industrial park that produces high-end auto parts and molds in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) — For the past nearly three years, President Xi Jinping has been leading China in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.
Xinhua reporters recounted some of the key moments and stories of how Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has led the nation through the most challenging moments all the way toward victory.
SLEEPLESS NIGHT
In early 2020, central China’s Hubei Province bore the brunt of the epidemic. The provincial capital Wuhan was particularly hit hard.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday for the Chinese people, Xi had a sleepless night, with COVID-19 clouding festivities.
The next day, Jan. 25, Xi convened a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on epidemic control. He told his six colleagues on the standing committee that the situation was pressing and they needed to study the issue together. “I could not sleep well on the eve of the Lunar New Year,” Xi said.
Xi Jinping inspects Beijing Ditan Hospital in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
“LET’S NOT SHAKE HANDS”
On Feb. 10, 2020, when the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Beijing reached 342, Xi, wearing a mask, visited a residential community, a hospital and a district disease prevention and control center.
He held out his wrist to have his body temperature checked upon entering every location. Xi chatted with residents in a street, asking them about the prices of vegetables.
“Let’s not shake hands at this unusual time,” Xi said. “We must have confidence that we can prevail over the epidemic.”
“We can absolutely beat it,” the residents responded.
ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT WUHAN PEOPLE
On March 10, 2020, Xi visited a residential community in Wuhan. On that day, the daily number of new confirmed cases on the mainland dropped to 24, but Wuhan still had 14,514 COVID-19 patients. The task of containment remained arduous.
Walking between apartment blocks, Xi looked up and waved to residents under lockdown who stuck their heads out of their windows and balconies to greet him.
“Let’s keep it up! Hold on for a little longer!” Xi said.
Speaking at a symposium in Wuhan, he made a special request for officials to supply more fish, a favorite food of the Wuhan people.
Combo photo shows Xi Jinping waving to residents who are quarantined at home and sending regards to them at a community in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, March 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
“I AM REALLY IMPRESSED”
In May 2020, at the annual session of the National People’s Congress, Xi talked about an interview of a local hospital president that impressed him.
Luo Jie, a national lawmaker from the hard-hit Hubei, told reporters how medical workers in his hospital spent 47 days saving an 87-year-old COVID-19 patient.
“So many people worked together to save a single patient. This, in essence, embodies doing whatever it takes (to save lives),” Xi said. “I am really impressed.”
“MOST BEAUTIFUL ANGELS”
In March 2020, Xi lauded medical workers as “the most beautiful angels” when he inspected the command center of Huoshenshan Hospital in virus-hit Wuhan.
Xi noted that medical staff, including military medical personnel, rushed to Hubei and Wuhan without hesitation after the epidemic outbreak, and have made important contributions to curbing the epidemic.
Xi Jinping speaks with a patient and medical workers by video link at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, March 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
COORDINATING EPIDEMIC CONTROL WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Xi has been emphasizing the need to balance epidemic control and economic development over the years.
On March 29, 2020, when he inspected coastal Zhejiang Province, Xi visited Ningbo-Zhoushan Port whose throughput had recovered to normal levels due to the timely measures it adopted to resume production.
He called for efforts to blunt the adverse impact on cargo shipping brought by restrictive measures adopted by various countries to fight the coronavirus. He also urged facilitation for the country’s smooth trade flow.
During the epidemic, he went to places including Zhejiang, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces to oversee production resumption and poverty reduction.
In 2020, China was among the first countries in the world to resume work and reopen schools and businesses. In 2021, China registered a GDP growth rate of 8.1 percent, among the fastest in the world’s major economies.
HONORING HEROES
On Sept. 8, 2020, a national meeting honoring heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“Are you keeping well?” After having a photo taken together with the honored, Xi stood up and greeted then-84-year-old epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan.
“Great!” said Zhong, expressing his willingness to continue working at the front line of combating respiratory diseases and handling public health emergencies.
Zhong was one of those who had been awarded by Xi in person the Medal of the Republic or the title of the People’s Hero for rendering meritorious service and making outstanding contributions in the COVID-19 battle.
A SLEW OF LEADERSHIP MEETINGS
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Xi chaired more than 30 meetings of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee or of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss virus response measures.
Under Xi’s leadership, the nation was quickly mobilized and took a myriad of containment measures in accordance with various epidemic situations. This made it possible for China to curb the spread of the virus and protect the lives and health of the Chinese people to the greatest extent.
GOLD MEDAL FOR CHINA’S COVID-19 RESPONSE
When the COVID-19 pandemic continuously wreaked havoc across the world, China came into the global spotlight with the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics culminating with fruitful outcomes.
Under the leadership of Xi, China fulfilled its promise to deliver streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world.
China’s COVID-19 response policy has once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to battle the virus and host major international events, Xi said at a commendation gathering for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
“As some foreign athletes said, if there were a gold medal for responding to the pandemic, then China would deserve it. I would say that this gold medal belongs to all the staff involved in hosting the Games,” said Xi.
Xi Jinping meets with Imran Khan, then Pakistani prime minister, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
CONTRIBUTING TO GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
In the strenuous fight against the virus, China has been committed to safeguarding people’s lives and health. Meanwhile, it has taken due responsibility for the public health of the international community.
Under Xi’s leadership, China initiated the country’s largest global emergency humanitarian assistance since 1949. It sent medical experts and anti-virus materials around the globe. It provided over 2.2 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations.
Meeting with Xi in Beijing in February 2022, then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for helping his country fight COVID-19. “The vaccines offered by China have not only saved our people, but also our economy,” he said. ■
The International Kingdom University USA on Saturday conferred honorary Doctorates to four deserving Kenya philanthropists.
Bishop Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba, chair of the International Gospel Ministries, worldwide conferred the awards to Elizabeth Githua, Margaret Karungaru Gachagua and Grace Wairimu Gitonga due to their outstanding work to humanity in the country.
Bishop Kavune urged Kenyans to extend a helping a hand to those in need regardless of tribe and religion
He added that service to humanity is an outstanding gesture of love which people must continuously embrace especially in this time where so many Kenyans are going through tough times.
Margaret Karungaru Gachagua, who is the a former first lady of Nyeri county has done tremendous work that has helped to transform the lives of many vulnerable individuals in society.
“As Kenyans we need to take care of anybody who needs help,” said the widow.
She revealed that her philanthropy comes from her up bring.
“When I was growing up, our house was always open and neighbors used to come for food and shelter,” she added.
Elizabeth Githua said that she has dedicated her life to serve all needy persons including orphans and widows.
“This doctorate degree is not for me but for the people who have assisted me in my journey,” she noted.
Grace Wairimu Gitonga said that she started taking care of vulnerable children more than 30 years ago due to her love for humanity.
“So far I have impacted about 50 children who have since completed school and are now productive members of society,” she added.
She revealed that her philanthropy emanates from her father who used to help the less fortunate members of society.
Nairobi leading retailer Naivas Supermarket is scheduled to open 3 branches in a span of one week ahead of the Kenyan Christmas festivities which are typically kicked off by Jamhuri Day. This development will bring the retailers’ store tally to 91.
These store openings come as the 12th edition of Kikwetu, Naivas annual festive season campaign is transitioning into more festive gear. This year the campaign is dubbed TeamNaivas and for the first phase, it delivered, Kikombe Kikwetu and as from the Jamhuri weekend it’s presenting Krisii Kikwetu and this is a great opportunity to welcome the new communities into the festivities.
The Naivas Christmas kikapu carries Naivas Foodmarket Ojijo at Boardwalk Mall located in Parklands along Ojijo Road which opens its doors to the public on 9th December 2022.
The store is of the elevated foodmarket concept and beautifully compliments the very exquisit new mall. The next goody in the Naivas Christmas kikapu is Naivas Nairobi West located in Nairobi West shopping center. This store will start serving customers on Saturday 10th December, 2022. The final gift in the form of a store opening for the year will be NaivasExpress Uthiru on Friday 15th December. “This new development was motivated by the need to offer convenience to our shoppers by offering them a world-class shopping experience at their doorstep. We have not had a presence in all these three places and we are elated to be welcoming more communities into Team Naivas,” said Willy Kimani Naivas Chief Commercial Officer. “Our excitement is also compounded by the fact that this is when all the get-togethers, sherehez and homecomings are held and we now have three additional communities where we shall be a part of these life moments,” concluded Willy Kimani.
With Team Naivas shoppers across all 91 branches will enjoy market-leading sale promotions and different giveaways ranging from Naivas Gift vouchers, the Iconic Mbuzi, ksh.200 cash backs from Visa and 65’’ tvs from Coca-Cola. It is exciting that the residents of Parklands, Nairobi West and Uthiru will get to experience the joy that is the Naivas festive season as they join in on Krisii Kikwetu.
Kenya has taken measures to mitigate the climate’s effects on the wildlife in different parks as the country is facing the most prolonged drought in recent history.
The second phase of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has opened in Montreal, Canada. Join Xinhua’s Peng Zhuo for her journey covering the high-profile UN conference. #GLOBALink
