Author: staff reporter

By Our Reporter 

A principal in Kibwezi Subcounty, Makûenî County is in the radar of EACC officers for alleged mismanagement of School funds and conflict of interest in awarding of the School tenders.

Stephen Silingi of Ulilinzî Secondary School is being accused of awarding tenders to his friends and family members.

“Baraka Stores which supplies the School with detergents, for example, belongs to him and his wife”, said a source who sought anonymity. 

The Principal is also being accused of supplying the school with fresh vegetables which he personally buys from the local market every Friday and ferries them to school using his car.

Although the Ministry of education requires schools to issue students with exercise books, Mr. Silingi has violated this directive and has been demanding parents to buy Exercise books for their students. This has been happening since last year.

Our investigations has also revealed that Mr. Silingi has occassionally misappropriated funds from the School’s Repair and Maintainance account with the school lacking proper infrastructure since 2017.

“Although the school currently boasts of an enrolment of over 350 students, there is no single infrastructure done from this account since 2017. The only few structures we have here were sponsored by CDF, CBC and World Bank”, said a parent. 

The Principal is also being accused of misamanaging monies for environmental conservation and the worst of all for the last five years he has been keeping his Sheep and Cattle in the School Compound destroying trees and the environment. 

He has refused to employ a groundsman and a gateman for the school. 

Mr. Silingi has a very poor relationship with the Parents, students and the workers and brags that he has enough money to bribe auditors and education officials. 

In a period of two years since 2022 he has amassed alot wealth buying himself a new car, new palatial home, new flats at manyanga, established a bar and restaurant at manyanga market. 

When reached by journalists over this allegations, Mr. Silingi dismissed them as witch-hunt from some of his opponents who competing with him in the Kenya secondary schools heads Association(KESSHA) elections

Mr. Silingi said his bosses in the education ministry had not raised a matter with his style of running the school and so if anyone had any issues with him he should report to the ministry. 

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The newly opened Naivas branch at Shell Survey along Thika Road which is also the chain’s 103rd store countrywide.
PIC By TUM

By Tum David

The soaring success story of Naivas, Kenya’s leading supermarket chain, has yet again stamped its authority as it returns to the legacy highway, Thika Road with the unveiling of its 103rd outlet at Shell Survey.

The Survey branch comes barely a month after the store number 102nd was unveiled at Mwanzi Market along road in Westlands.

The newly opened outlet becomes the 12th store by Naivas within the greater Thika Road region comprising of all store formats that the retailer operates.

” Even as we celebrate this milestone, we’re cognizant of the fact that we’re in unchartered waters by being the very first supermarket in the country to scale beyond the 100 branches,” remarked Andreas Von Paleske, the Chief of Strategy at Naivas.

” The founders of Naivas Supermarket, the Mumuha family set very strong foundations and as the business scaled, they introduced key partners at a critical point to strengthen corporate governance, the lead in a consortium of investors, IBL brings with it a legacy of 109 years of a successful global family business which is a huge business for us, ” said Andreas Von Paleske the Chief of Strategy.

Highlihting the successes of the evergrowing food chain, Peter Mukuha, the Chief of Operations at the Naivas had this to say:
” Our mission has always been to provide a world class shopping experience to our customers and we have kept true to this by opening and operating outlets that stand shoulder to shoulder with global brands”.

Some of the upcoming outlets to watch out for in the coming few months are Langata and Buruburu.

By Eric Ziribagwa

The Zizi Afrique Foundation has joined forces with African Union to declare the year 2024 as the year of education with an aim of adapting to the competency-based education systems in East Africa.

With the theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive and Lifelong Learning”, the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) is aiming at nurturi learner’s potential and mainstream values as well as impact them with life skills that will help them navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

Dr. John Mugo the Executive Director, Zizi Afrique Foundation, stated that this is the first time in history African Union has considered education central for human capital development across the continent.

Dr. Mugo’s remarks stated that Zizi Afrique Foundation together with other partners in East Africa are working together to ensure that CBC will work out for the betterment of learners.

“As Kenya and East Africa we are bringing together contribution not to just complain about CBC and what is not working but bringing our contribution so that CBC can work.” Dr. Mugo sated.

According to the AU, an assessment focussing on three skills (self-awareness, collaboration, problem solving) and one value (respect) was done across East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar).

The findings indicated that out of over 45,000 in-school and out-of-school adolescent boys (48.6%) and girls (51.2%) from 13 to 17 years of age, less than 10% have proficiencies in the skills.

On 27th February 2024, ALiVE conducted the first pilot of the tools in three schools in Kenya: Kamihindu, Ngurubani Westlands primary schools, located in Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nairobi counties, respectively where lessons drawn from the pilot will inform the national assessment that shall conduct later in the year will be shaped.

Second from left Mr. Francis Nderitu, Managing Director Raino Tech4Impact. Photo: Courtesy of Sankalp / Bobo Wambugu

By Benard Mulwa

Raino Tech4Impact has worn an ecosystem award at the 11^th edition of Sankalp Africa Summit 2024, Africa’s largest convening on impact entrepreneurship and sustainable development which kicked off yesterday in Nairobi, immerging one of the best enterprise that leverages technology to strengthen the African value chain by deploying technology-enabled solutions in agriculture and health to increase productivity and efficiency, powered by renewable energy to achieve sustainability.

The multi-billion enterprise which was established in 2020 provides cooling solutions to over 4,000 fish folks in Lake Victoria, Homa Bay, Lake Turkana, Lodwar and Nairobi with over Ksh.300 million investment.

Raino Tech4Impact has employed over 50 full time staff, 25 casuals and 10 beach management unions, “on a daily basis we operate between five and fifteen metric tonnes of fish depending on the season,” Mr. Francis Nderitu, the Managing Director Raino Tech4Impact said, adding that the enterprise helps the fish folks to do best practices on the effects of climate change in fishing and offers them market access to fish products.

 Mr. Francis Nderitu alluded the ecosystem award to Raino Tech4Impact was because of recognition of the work they do, “it was a good recognition for us and the entire team,” he said adding that the enterprise offers cooling boxes to the fishermen at a fee of Ksh.500 per week because of competition and buys from them as well.

Over the last 10 years, Sankalp Africa summit has witnessed thousands of stakeholders, entrepreneurs, investors, entrepreneur support organizations and other sustainable development practitioners from across the ecosystem coming together to rally for the entire region. With participants from over 65+ regional and global countries, the summit plays host to a curated set of outstanding thought leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa, and enables premier networking opportunities for the region.

by James Nyabola

Nairobi Single Mothers Lobby Group has called out Muthoni Ouko for opposing Dishi Na County program.

The Patron of the Nairobi Single Mothers Lobby Group Edward Githaiga, said that Muthoni Ouko has taken to court the issue of hot lunches in schools because she had earlier planned on launching the same kind of enterprise.

Muthoni Ouko was fired by the previous Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko because of misappropriation of bursaries that involved private companies being paid as schools. She was re-appointed as Minister of Education by former speaker Mutura without vetting which was unprocedural appointment. This therefore means that the salaries she received are irregular earnings. We appreciate Justice Mugure for refusing to grant Muthoni her interests. She wanted Governor Sakaja’s Dishi Na County program stopped. She is after her own personal and selfish gains at the expense of the welfare of Nairobi’s children. We also ask ODM Party not to associate with her since she went there to get political clout. We speak against corruption in our Government institutions. Our organization remains committed to transparency, justice and accountability.

Nairobi Single Mothers Lobby Group, Secretary General Maria raised the issue of embezzlement of bursary funds by Muthoni Ouko not only in the previous County Government regime but again also in this current County Government regime. The amounts embezzled run into tens of millions of shillings. This misuse of funds affects countless children that desperately need assistance.

Wangeci Grace Kahuria Executive Director IMLU

By WENDY KEZIAH

In a report launched on Friday served as a testament to the unwavering commitment of IMLU to uphold the principles of dignity and justice in the face of adversity. Over the course of several months, the organization diligently monitored 22 protests, meticulously documenting 303 distressing alerts that underscored the urgent need for intervention and reform.

“We extend our gratitude to everyone who played pivotal role in the successful completion of the comprehensive report conducted by IMLU on gross human rights violations during January the January September 2023 protests. This significant initiative, diligently overseen by IMLU’s secretariat, human rights monitors, and professionals, represents a critical endeavor in exposing the multifaceted dimensions of human rights abuses in Kenya protests. “Noted Wangeci Grace Kahuria Executive Director IMLU.

IMLU’s commitment to providing psycho-social support to survivors emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of tragedy and loss. In a world fraught with uncertainty and despair, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to offer solace and support to those grappling with the aftermath of unspeakable trauma.

“We express gratitude to the victims who trusted IMLU despite facing death, torture and pain, as well as the families that cooperated with us amid grieving the loss of their loved ones. Special thanks to the victims who sought justice beyond IMLUs direct service provision by going to police stations to obtain OBs despite the loss of trust”. Said madam Kahuria

The report itself serves as a sobering indictment of systemic failures and institutional shortcomings that perpetuate cycles of violence and impunity. Through meticulous analysis and documentation, IMLU has unearthed a disturbing reality, the disproportionate toll exacted on individuals who fall victim to the indiscriminate use of force and brutality.

Additionally, the report reveals a chilling pattern of violence, with many individuals succumbing to injuries inflicted by bullets or suffering fatal mauling a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and intervention strategies aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Her impassioned plea fo0r expanded training initiatives resonated deeply, underscoring the urgent need to equip responders with the tools and resources needed to effectively address instances of violence and unrest. By investing in training and capacity-building efforts, stakeholders can empower communities to confront the root causes of violence and foster a culture of accountability and respect for human rights.

She also continued to state that despite vigorous denials of severe violations, the distressing reality is that torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings persist at alarming rate.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon.Susan Nakhumicha giving her speech during the official opening of KEMRI Annual Scientific Health(KASH)

BY NJOKI KARANJA

The Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon.Susan Nakhumicha today initiated the official opening of the KEMRI Annual Scientific and health(KASH) conference and the launch of the Human Genetics and Genomics Society of Kenya.
The four days conference whose theme is geared on harnessing Biomedical Research Innovations and Big Data for Health System Resilience, Local Manufacturing,and Commercialization commenced at a hotel in Nairobi.

The CS commended the organizers for focusing on key areas such as building a Regional Biopharmaceutical Innovation and production ecosystem and building a regional Medtech Innovation and Production Ecosystem.
She said that the sessions are pivotal in shaping the landscape of medical manufacturing in our region, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation that will undoubtedly contribute to the health security of our nations.

Mr Rajnickant Chandulal Vora D.C.K Chandulal Vora and Companies LTD with Health CS Hon .Susan Nakhumicha after the official launch of Kasha.

The Director General (KEMRI) Prof.Elijah Songok gave an overview of what is expected of the four days confrences.indicating other sub themes that are expected to reflect on the diverse and dynamic landscape of biomedical research, addressing pressing issues that impact global health. From One Health and the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) to the intersection of climate change and health.
He said ,”topics such as mental health, trauma, and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs,innovations in infectious and parasitic disease control, discuss the vital nexus of nutrition and food security, and unravel the potential of Omics and forensic”.

He added that other focus will be directed to emerging technologies, vaccines, and product development, emphasizing the pivotal role of health systems, big data, and digital health in shaping the future.
According to the Chairperson Board of Directors KEMRI Dr.Abdullahi Ali in his speech said Research and development will allign with the government’s strategic emphasis on enhancing local manufacturing for advancement of healthcare.

KASH chair Dr Cecilia Mbae said the theme underscores the commitment by Kemri to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and utilisation of transformative technology.
“We believe that through collaborative efforts and innovative research and development, we can contribute significantly to the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya”.Dr Abudhuahi said.
The conference brings together researchers, collaborators both local and international, various stakeholders, partners and policy makers to share information.

Among the prominent collaborators and entrepreneur in the health sector was Mr Rajnikant Chandulal Vora who has positively collaborated with the team to work alongside the Gates Foundation to develop the above patent.Advised the team on the partnership with various organizations including UNICEF, PFSCM, AMSP and others for the procurement of medical devices for global supply.
The health pioneer and entrepreneur gave insights and pioneers local manufacturing health products and technologies (UCH) which will not only empower Kenya as a country but also the health sector at large .

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Mr. Marcus CEO Mento labs, Middle Product Marketing Manager Opera Dr.Tosin Onikosi and Product Marketing manager Celo, Kate Eldaly

By Maximilla Wafula

In a groundbreaking development towards financial inclusion, Opera, in collaboration with Celo and Mento Labs, proudly announces the achievement of surpassing 1 million users for the MiniPay wallet across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. This milestone will be celebrated at the Africa Money and DeFi Summit in Nairobi on February 14-15, 2024.

Empowering Financial Inclusion

MiniPay, a self-custodial dollar stablecoin wallet seamlessly integrated into the Opera Mini browser, is empowering users to save, send, and receive funds instantly on their mobile phones with minimal transaction fees. Built on the Celo blockchain, MiniPay’s mission is to bring the benefits of decentralized finance (DeFi) to millions across Africa.

The strategic partnership between MiniPay, Celo, and Mento Labs is focused on fostering financial inclusion and economic stability in Africa. Mento’s decentralized cUSD stablecoins, integrated into the MiniPay ecosystem, play a crucial role in mitigating currency volatility, providing a reliable store of value, especially in regions affected by hyperinflation.

User-Friendly Design and Collaboration

Charles Hamel, Product Director at MiniPay, highlights the user-friendly design, making MiniPay accessible for users of all experience levels to benefit from decentralized finance. Jason Rodrigues, Head of Founder Programs at the Celo Foundation, expresses excitement about supporting the mission, aiming to provide real-world users with access to inclusive financial tools seamlessly.

Markus Franke, CEO at Mento Labs, adds enthusiasm for supporting the MiniPay rollout, emphasizing speed, reliability, and financial inclusivity as core project values.

Africa Money and DeFi Summit Highlights

The Africa Money and DeFi Summit will feature a Fireside Chat Keynote titled “Onboarding Millions of Users Across Africa to Web3.” This session, scheduled for February 14 at 10:30 am, will provide insights into the future of decentralized finance, offering a unique perspective on empowering individuals across the African continent.

Attendees are invited to explore MiniPay at Booth #77, where live demonstrations and engaging conversations will showcase the transformative impact of fast, easy, and affordable payments.

Encouraging User Adoption

MiniPay encourages users in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana to download or update the Opera Mini browser, set up a MiniPay wallet, and start enjoying the benefits of sending more and paying less.

Opera Mini, launched in 2006, continues to offer a superior internet experience with features like data compression, offline file sharing, and a built-in ad-blocker, connecting millions worldwide.

Opera, a global web innovator with over 25 years of innovation, provides a range of products and services, including desktop and mobile browsers, gaming, crypto, and classifieds apps.

Celo, an emerging Ethereum layer-2 blockchain, supports a rich ecosystem with over 1,000 projects worldwide in DeFi, ReFi, and NFT sectors.

Mento Labs, the development team behind Mento, enables real-world use cases of digital assets, supporting four decentralized stable assets and providing customized solutions for partners to launch and operate digital assets globally.

This collaboration signifies a remarkable step towards a more inclusive and accessible financial landscape, bringing the benefits of Web3 to the heart of Africa. The future holds promise as MiniPay, Celo, and Mento Labs continue to revolutionize financial inclusion on the continent.
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Zoho on Wednesday announced a partnership with Momo pencils a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly stationery.

Small and Medium Enterprises and local startups can now access business training programmes after the World Bank and the Kenya government facilitated formalisation of business development services. The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), which launched operations with 40 members has now grown its membership to 150 entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) now tasked with creating tailor-made business programmes that support sector-specific needs of local businesses.
Speaking in Nairobi during the ASSEK Ecosystem Enablers Forum 2024 that was attended by ESO founders and chief executives, ASSEK Chief Executive Mercy Kimalat said ASSEK is now well-placed to support SMEs and Startups’ growth plans through provision of business training that enables the later to enhance their productivity as well as improve on the quality of their services and products.
“We have transformed SMEs and Startups by matching them with the right coach and mentor to help them grow. This is done by ensuring they have access to international opportunities though the stakeholders that we have partnered with. This has enabled many to sell their services and products regionally and beyond,” she said.
Ms Kimalat said SMEs and startups trained through their programmes would also benefit from seed funding adding that the small businesses will have access to diversified funding tailored to their needs through the ASSEK network who also de-risks them through seed grants and providing technical support.
Assek, she said, was actively involved in formulation of Startup Bill, a framework that creates incentives for local and international investors to catalyse local innovations thereby benefiting local innovators by helping fasttrack development of new products for the market.
“The key objective of ASSEK is to boost job creation and growth. This forum facilitates a collaborative discussion focused on realigning the collective vision for ASSEK, identifying emerging opportunities, and fostering an environment conducive to meaningful networking,” she said.
The establishment of the Association, five years ago, has resulted in increased inclusion in the ecosystem, standardisation of approaches, collaboration in attracting investment opportunities, job creation, value addition to local and international stakeholders enabling the innovation space in Kenya as well as policy-makers, enterprise support organisations (ESO’s), financial supporters and more. Assek is also spearheading the formation of a regulatory body for ESOs which will ensure startups and SMEs receive professional business support and investor-linkages thereby enabling them to scale at a faster rate.

Currently, most small businesses rely on family savings and bank loans with no access to professional business support to help them access standardisation services and product improvement services that would help them gain international market access.

About ASSEK
The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is an association that brings together and represents the interests of Entrepreneur Support Organisations that support the development and growth of startups and SMEs.