Author: staff reporter

by Maximilla Wafula

Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights. Hon. Harriette Chiggai (CS) during the Consultative Forum on Women’s Rights held at Radisson Blu , appreciated the currenty Government for creating the office of the Women’s rights advisory in the presidency and elevating it to the status of a Cabinet Secretary, and further trusting a Woman to spearhead the docket.

In this capacity , as long standing members of civic society and as key promoters of Women’s Rights in Kenya , is that this is just the first meeting of its kind with a Series of many more to follow. We can work for women and girls inclusive of the boy child in this country.

The presidential plan for his administration has put women front at the centre of the transformation agenda . It is the solution that we seek to foster a healthy and wealthy nation for posterity.

I believe in making incremental progress .Change is both a radical rupture and a series of small consistent steps that lead in the right direction. Creation of the office of the women’s rights advisory was such a radical rupture in the case of gender equality and inclusion in Kenya .

Let us always remember a famous quote “service to humanity is service to God ” embrace dialogue and negotiation as our mode of interaction breeds more problem solving solutions .

The pending two – third gender rule legislation, we have women suffering discrimination in the public service as well as the private sector, both in finding work placement as well as getting promotions on the job . Cases of gender based violence , sexual offences , Female Genital Mutilation , our task is to reduce them to the size is a laundry bucket.

Alloy my office to be your voice . My voice will, as required , coordinate and implement the work you all do on daily basis in relation to achieving Women’s Rights in Kenya .

Finally let’s always applause the many women in the past who gave their lives in championing for women empowerment indeed their efforts can never go unnoticed .
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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) receiving training through a collaboration between Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been challenged to ride on improved productivity to expand into new markets.

During a seminar themed ‘Enhancing Enterprise Competitiveness Through Aapplication of Japanese Management Excellence,” the SMEs were urged to use the training to acquire competitive advantage and set eyes on the export markets.

“JICA is pleased to be associated with the implementation of this project in Kenya whose aim is to promote sustainable growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs in Kenya.  The project focusses on training and on-site consultancies in the areas of quality and productivity improvement, marketing and sales as well as on financial management,” said Mr Hajime Iwama, chief representative of JICA Kenya office during the Wednesday seminar held in Nairobi.

“SMEs have to become more competitive and productive at their home base to enable them integrate into global value chains through trade and investments including linkages with foreign direct investments. Building on this foundation, this project has expanded to include the export-oriented manufacturing sector,” added Mr Iwama.

 The project, which was signed in 2019, targets enterprises within Nairobi and its environs, Eldoret and Mombasa. The term of cooperation runs from January 25, 2021 to February 28, 2025 with room for extension.

The project, among other deliverables, enhances the ability of small enterprises to access financing by equipping them with knowledge such as that of preparing financial documents for loan screening.

SMEs are also put in an ecosystem for interacting and collaborating with trade and financial institutions including Kenya Bankers Association to improve their business processes and receive support from financial institutions and investors.

A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) showed 2.2 million micro small business shut down in the five years ending 2016.

The figure is an equivalent of approximately 440,000 MSMEs closing yearly, a statistic that the JICA training wants to overcome by equipping small firms with new skills set to run sustainably.

JICA, through Japan Productivity Centre in collaboration with KIBT, has so far trained 18 firms and targets to hit 48 by end of the project. In addition, it has trained 15 master trainers and 20 trainers.

According to JICA, it will have trained 35 master trainers and 60 trainers by the end of the project, enabling them to roll out consultancy services for other enterprises looking to enhance business competitiveness.

“JICA has assisted our trainers and I believe the pace of expanding to reach more firms will be rapid because those already trained will be able to train others,” said Dr Catherine Waweru, director of KIBT.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr Haron Komen, the director of administration in the State Department of Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) Enterprise Development, said the JICA project is key in the technical transfer of the Japanese philosophy and tools of management excellence to Kenyans firms.

“It is expected that by the time of the completion of the project, all involved pilot enterprises would transform by achieving productivity, be more competitive in the market and serve as model enterprises for bench-marking by other SMEs,” said Dr Komen.

“There are new and emerging markets in places such as middle East which Kenyan firms can take advantage of. We need to put these ideas into practice and manufacture high quality products to satisfy what has been set in overseas markets,” added Dr Komen.  

During the seminar, Kega Fashions, an apparel manufacturing firm that has also participated in the JICA training was feted for emerging the winner of Excellent Award in SME Category during the Africa Kaizen Award 2022 held last month.

Kenya government’s vision 2030 identified the promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and human resources development as key in achieving the desired 10% annual GDP growth.

By Fred Maingi
Sports Cabinet secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba has urged Sports Federation to toe the line by aligning to the Sports Act 2013.
He said the Government will not associate with Federations that do not align with 2013 Sports Act.
Addresing the media after chairing a well attended Sports Federation meeting at Kasarani, Namwamba averred that the Government will not associate with briefcase federations that don’t ave a functioning secretariat.
“This is a new down. We want to do things differently. I was surprised to hear our Kenya 100 meters Champion Ferdinand Omanyala narrate how he pays Sh200 to train in a day our top sports facilities. Its sounds quite strange for a Kenya flag bearer like Omanyala going deep in his pocket to pay for his training in our major stadium. “noted Namwamba.

” We are going, added the newly appointed Sports chief, to remove such barriers to ensure our Sportsmen train effectively”
“We must follow the law but not the rule of the jungle. We need to be transparent and accountable. We shall not give money to briefcase Federations that are not transparent and accountable” Observed Namwamba.
The meeting was graced by sports registrer Madam Rose Wasike, several Federation presidents that included Athletics Kenya Chairman Rtd Jackson Tuwei, Kenya Paralympic Boss Agnes Oluoch, Charles Nyaberi of Kenya Volleyball Associations (KVA), Paul Otula of Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF),and Emmaculate Karaba of Kenya Netball Federation among others.

By Fred Maingi
Over 40 countries are expected to participate during this year’s World Tong-IL Moo-Do event that will be staged in Mombasa.
The Annual glamour event, according to the president of the Federation Master Clarence Mwakio Ingalwa will kick off from Dec 16-18th at the Aga Khan Hall in Mombasa.
The president who is an household name in Africa and also an International Instructor said the event this time will be bigger compared to last years event that attracted 16 teams.
Some of the countries that ave confirmed their participation include battle hardened Philippines who finished second behind Kenya during last years event, DR Congo, Ethiopia, and United states of America(USA), among others.

Mwakio disclosed that they had a fruitful meeting with Sports cabinet secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba who assured the Federation of Governments support.
“With the Government assurance,we are fully set for the Mombasa event. We are talking with some few partners like Kenya Tourist Board(KTB) and several others and see how they can come on board.We expect a good turn-out, so far our preparations are going on very well”Observed Mwakio.
” So far, added Mwakio, we are spread in 16 counties that include Kilifi, Mombasa, Kiambu,Nairobi, Siaya, Kitale, Bungoma,and Vihiga among others.

By Jeff kizzilah

Kenblest initially produced 80,000 loaves per day, but that grew almost three-fold in just few years creating a packaging crisis that was only resolved 12 years later with the establishment of Nav Plastics subsidiary.

As far as brand recognition goes across Africa, Kenblest is arguably among Kenya’s top its popular bread of the same name having landed on nearly 80 per cent of the country’s breakfast tables.

But then again it is just bread one of the simplest consumer goods to make and the entry bar is not so high.

Speaking when the company joined other manufactures companies at the KICC during expo, Managing Director Mr.Mayur Shah said the investment to generate more jobs in addition to the already people employed.

KenBlest group now boast of McNeely Millers limited and Kifaru industries limited.

Where they are producing polythene paper in large quantities targeting the mass market,Mr. Mayur adds.

by Maximilla Wafula

Parliamentarians Coffee Caucus led by the Chairperson Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba MP Githunguri with other officials during press briefing at Sarova Panafric Hotel Nairobi on 15th , October 2022.

This happened when the Coffee farmers expressed hope that the New parliament will pass a bill that will rescue the coffee sector.

National members highligted that coffee farming is a highly profitable activity that has been used by few people to exploit farmers leaving them impoverished servants.

Esther Kariuki, a coffee farmer from Nyeri county
, said the outgoing Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya did his best to support the sector but some of the coffee bills had not been amended.

She said the sector should be streamlined to ensure the farmer benefits from the crop. “Munya tried but there was a lot of politics in it. Those individuals who are surrounding the coffee sector should be removed,” Ester said

She also noted that they, with other farmers, visited other counties like Nyeri, Tranzoia , Bungoma , Kirinyaga and concluded that coffee farming is profitable business which only needs government intervention in removing cartels.

In addition, she called for lowering of pesticides as well as provision of coffee stems to the new farmers. “Coffee farming has a lot of money; from the evidence in counties we have gone it only needs assistance from the government. The cost of pesticides should also be reduced,” he said.

“For youths who want to start coffee farming the government can provide 30 to 50 stems as the capital,” esther added.

Esther said these depend on the will of the new government to assist the farmers as they raised the issues during the meeting with leaders in the sidelines of campaign’s.

The new government should pass and implement the coffee bill. She said they elected new leaders hoping they will see the coffee price per kilo double.

“The new government which we elected because of their agenda on agriculture should help us. We want to see price per kilogram move from 100 to 200,” Kinyua said.

“We urge the new government to check on the coffee sector as a matter of priority. We forwarded our requests during economic forums both verbal and written,” Esther said.

She said commodity funds are not friendly as cooperatives charge high interest rates and ask for security and also too much bureaucracy. He further call for reduction of inputs and fertilizers.

“Commodity funds are simply not available because you fill forms and forget. The fertilizer should also be reduced to Sh2000 per 50kg bag,” he added.

She said that the government should come up with the reality that the majority of farmers are not happy with the coffee prices amidst the challenges the industry experienced following the outbreak of Covid-19 as well as management of the sector.
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by jeff Kizzilah

ANC party has confirmed Governor ISSA Timamu as their party leader.

This comes after Hon Musalia Mudavadi was appointed as the Prime Cabinet Secretary in the current government of Kenya Kwanza.

The party top leadership of the party approved Lamu County Governor unanimously to take over as ANC party leadership.

Speaking when he took over, Governor said he is up to the task to ensure and we are going back to the drawing board to prepare for 2027 election.

by Jeff Kizzilah

The Kenya Real Estate market is still not sufficient. A good number of end users still do not have the information of who to trust and who not to in the industry. This network event is a first step in the right direction.

The Property Homes Expo bring key players in the market together especially Real Estate Agents and Developers and allow the public to come and get informed from the right people in the market.

On 2 Dec 2022, to connect and network with reputable players in the real estate sector and foster lasting business connections.

” This real estate market is has not been invested enough,we have many investors who are ready to invest but they don’t get permit to realize it,but now we have the platform to ensure that happens,” CS water said.

by Maximilla Wafula

High Commission of India Ms Namgya Khampa with other officials in collaboration with NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) today organised a Technology Business Meet in Nairobi.

The event brought together a 14-Member visiting IT delegation under aegis of NASSCOM and Kenyan Government stakeholders, chambers of commerce, and businesses.

High Commissioner of India, Ms Namgya Khampa in her remarks underscored the opportunities for fruitful partnerships in this sector. She described Kenya as an important partner of India with whom we enjoy robust bilateral trade and investment linkages. In the fiscal year 2021-2022, India-Kenya bilateral trade increased by 38.7% to US$ 2.76 billion. Both exports from India to Kenya and imports from Kenya into 3India registered healthy growth. India is also among the top investors in Kenya cutting across manufacturing, real estate, pharmaceuticals, telecom, IT & ITES, banking among other verticals.

The forenoon session also included presentations by Vice President of NASSCOM, Mr. Shivendra Singh, and representatives form Institute of Economic Affairs, Kenya Investment Authority; Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI); State Department for Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The presentations gave detailed overview of the available opportunities, regulatory environment and other aspects of the Kenya’s economy.

NASSCOM gave an overview of the already existing strong ICT sector in India and its growth potential and mentioned that India-Kenya can look to join hands for Government to Business and Business to Business opportunities 3in the sector. Praising the progress made by Kenya in technological sector, NASSCOM described the country as a well suited partner for Indian companies to work together.

The Meet provided a platform for the ICT companies of India and Kenya to discuss possible business collaborations.

Later in the afternoon, in collaboration with Kenya India Friendship Association (KIFA), High Commission of India is also organising a talk on Technology Sector in India by NASSCOM at the University of Nairobi which is expected to be attended by over 200 students.
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by Maximilla Wafula

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has today launched the 29th IEK International Convention where discussions will revolve around a sustainable engineering profession in the era of rapid climate change. The Convention kicks off on 21st to 25th November 2022 in Diani, Kwale County with a rich menu of discussions and breakaway sessions centering on the big elephant in the room; climate change.

The goal of the convention is thus to come up with resolutions that can be implemented in the context of engineering practice, policy, education or research to mitigate the negative impact of climate change locally and globally.
Sustainable engineering is all about designing and operating daily systems in such a way that the energy and resources that they use are sustainable – that is, they are used at a rate that doesn’t compromise the natural environment and its ability to be used by future generations to meet their own needs.

Engineers play an integral role in shaping our interaction with the world. The decisions we make on a day-to-day basis through our work can have a range of environmental, social and economic impacts. This is why this conversations are important,” said Hon. Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, who was also the Chief Guest at the launch of the Convention.

Climate change is currently one of the greatest threats to the world’s development agenda. Activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have caused huge amounts of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere.
Some of the catastrophic consequences of climate change include global warming, air pollution, more severe floods and storms, heatwaves, droughts and a rise in sea level which can cause destructive erosion and wetland flooding. This then causes further health issues, water resources management issues and a high demand for water and energy.

This year’s Convention will thus bring together over 3000 engineering practitioners to chart a way forward to engineering sustainability.
The convention shall host other sub events namely: 5th Women Engineers summit titled “360° Women Engineers: A Catalyst for Change”, 1st Future Leaders Summit titled” Back to Basics” and Side event for Men Engineering Summit titled “Reinvention towards a Sustainable Future“ which are all scheduled as parallel events. The convention shall be attended by international and local engineers, student engineers among other professionals.

Our target is to have over 3000 voices in the practice to participate either physically or virtually and collectively come up with resolutions that we can all apply in our everyday engineering practice to safeguard future generations, said IEK President Eng. Erick Ohaga during the launch of the convention.
Sustainable engineering impacts every single aspect of our daily lives: from the water that runs through our taps to the process of removing and breaking down the rubbish you throw in your bin. Sustainable engineering is crucial to ensuring that life continues with ease for many generations to come. 
Engineering forms an interface between the design (i.e., the idea how to provide a sustainable solution to a technical problem) and implementation and production. Sustainable engineering focuses on developing enduring systems in food production and preservation; housing and shelter, waste disposal and management; pollution reduction; water supplies; energy development and consumption; transportation; restoring natural resource environments and improvements in industrial processes.

There are many opportunities for engineers to contribute to climate change solutions in fields such as sustainability, climate resilience, climate risk, climate finance, climate justice, climate hazards and climate change law.
The sub-themes that will be delved into at the week-long Convention include; Building resilient infrastructure; Harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable development; Innovation; Mitigation measures against climate change; Climate adaption; Climate change Impact & Engineering; Artificial intelligence; Energy transition; Role of Nuclear and Renewable Energy in Combating climate change; as well as the role of Green Financing and Green Economy.
IEK and its members will continue to uphold standards and adapt to mitigative measures to evade the adverse effects of climate change for generational sustainability.
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