Author: staff reporter

Second from left, Mr. Chike isiuwe, managing director/ CEO UBA Bank Kenya and Mr. Nicholas Koros group CEO brij in the middle,  during the first edition of Nigeria in Kenya business roundtable. 

By Benard Mulwa

A delegation of business people from Nigeria has kick started the first edition of trade strategies between Kenya and Nigeria with a focus to strengthen ties and enhance cross border trade and co-operation.

The objective of this business roundtable is to take the lead to better regional integration and promote bilateral and government to government relations. Nigeria and Kenya has been in partnership for the last 25 years which have seen 4.4 million exports to Kenya of petroleum products and 4.3 million dollars imports in agriculture, tea, Cocoa to Nigeria and is projected annual increase over 10 percent for the last 25 years.

Mr. Nicholas Koros, the group CEO of brij said there are new emerging markets in Technology both in Nigeria and Kenya, “We have different in political standards but we can use political means to resolve regulations, reciprocity and diplomacy” he said Key challenges are Political, economic and diplomacy.

There is need to look in to infrastructure by reducing transportation. Visa free to Nigeria to open markets access by removing barriers. Mr. Nicholas Koros also observed that over 4000 Nigerians resides in Kenya but Stereotypes affects business in Kenya, “Kenya shilling and Nigeria dollar do not trade, so in brij we have three products, currency interoperability, playbill Africa and remittance which the company operates in” Mr. Koros adds that out of a hundred percent of business transactions in Africa, 80 percent of the transaction are concluded out of Africa.

In the discussions, the delegation challenged governments of both countries to constantly engage and capitalize on free trade areas Mr. Koros said.  

At the same time, United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC which is a leading pan-African financial service institution with a global foot print signed an agreement with AFCFTA to promote the development of SMEs operating in four sectors under the first phase of the partnership by providing technical and financial solutions for intra-Africa domestic alternatives. These economies sector are Agro-processing, Transport and logistics, Automotive and pharmaceuticals.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) has delivered far greater benefits making it a potential game changer for Africa’s economic development.

Mr. Chike isiuwe, Managing director and CEO of UBA Bank Kenya, stressed the importance to adhere to law for the ease of doing business, he highlighted UBA’s commitment to compliance and its dedication to supporting Nigerian community in Kenya through customized and tailored business solutions. 

Many more MOU been signed between Nigeria and Kenya on oil, gas and agriculture. In 2004 Nigeria government established a foreign investment to ease the process in getting permits.  

Kenya and Nigeria are both important players in their respective economies, with Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa with over 200 million people and a GDP of 6 million US Dollar.

Shinali ikolomani MP and Rosa Mbuya MP Kisumu West.

By Benard Mulwa

A section of Kisumu Members of Parliament and Pharm Access Foundation have signed a deal to advance Universal Health Care (UHC) in Kisumu County which will safeguard people to access medical services without catastrophic expenditures. 

The law makers said they must be part of the discussions in order to know, to lobby and make a budget for the medical credit fund and financial protection program since they play a leading role when for instance when the area citizens passes away through contributing for mortuary and burial and other expenses.

Pharm Access Foundation works in four countries in Sub-Sahara Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana mainly focusing on safe care, medical credit and health insurance fund and working in collaboration with National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has been able to increase uptake by 9.5 percent, 12.5 percent in 2022 to 22 percent in 2023.

In 2006, the Health Insurance Fund was established by Pharm Access, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several multinationals to tap in to private sector potential to introduce public-private health financing schemes for people with low incomes.

In Kisumu, the foundation has wedded the community health strategy at 100 percent. The Kisumu solidarity Health Cover popularly known as “Marwa” which is the Luo word for “ours” is the name of the Kisumu Solidarity Health Insurance Scheme. Marwa is a digitally enabled health insurance scheme under the umbrella of UHC, designed to ensure that the most vulnerable and the non-poor informal sector populations of Kisumu County also have access to affordable and quality healthcare services, whenever they need it, and without suffering financial hardship. Underwritten by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Marwa contributes to UHC by identifying those who can pay and ensuring that they contribute, while subsidising those who cannot. In parallel, Marwa also helps clinics improve their quality. The initiative is an outcome of a MoU between the Kisumu County government and PharmAccess Foundation, whom they asked for support with technical assistance to help set up the scheme.

Shinali ikolomani Member of Parliament said, “with a well-organized system, we can reduce the cost by having few people in need of medical services.”   

“Marwa” seek to develop and implement the strategy to expand population coverage in Kisumu County to enroll the non-poor informal sector and retain them as members.

Support efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable households remain covered and expansion plans by the Kisumu County Government are rolled out.

Provide technical assistance to the Kisumu County Government on data insights through the digital platforms to drive decision making.

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Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru 

The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has commenced  a nationwide initiative to roll out the Cashless Revenue Collection policy, a significant step towards eradicating cash transactions within Land offices, ultimately reducing embezzlement.

Speaking Monday morning during the flagging off of the program, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru said the Ardhipay system is not only going to make work efficient but also easier and faster.

“We are doing this because we want to improve service delivery to our Citizens. The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has really worked to see that Kenyans are served fast and efficiently,” said CS Njeru.

In his remarks, Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Generali Nixon Korir said the program will ensure that no cash is involved in land transactions.

“We want to go cashless in all our registries Nationwide in 14 days starting today. For the last three weeks we have rolled out cashless at Ardhi House and it is working well,”said PS Korir.

PS Korir added that the State Department has developed Ardhipay system that is linked to the E-citizen which shall help in the implementation of the policy.

He noted that the policy mandates the use of digital payment methods (MPESA or banks) for all services, fostering accountability, precision, and timely reporting in revenue collection. Implementation in the 18 offices has demonstrated remarkable improvements in revenue collection.

The 18 stations where the Cashless policy is already in effect include Wundanyi, Kiambu, Muranga, Ruiru, Thika, Ngong, Kajiado, Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Machakos, Gatundu, Naivasha, Survey of Kenya, Ardhi House, Yatta, and Kisamis.

 To expedite this nationwide transition, PS Korir noted that the State Department will embark on an extensive 14 days exercise to implement the policy in the remaining 76 Land offices. This initiative includes the provision of computers and essential ICT equipment, ensuring that all Land offices are well-prepared to implement the policy and embrace the future digitization of Lands services.

Dedicated field office staff will receive specialized training in cashless revenue collection, ensuring a smooth transition.

Public awareness campaigns will also be conducted, educating citizens on the straightforward steps to make payments. Additionally, demonstration of how the public can conveniently utilize the Ardhisasa platform for seamless Land Rent payments will be done as well.

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Date: October 3, 2023

By Meresia Aloo

In a high-profile gathering that kicked off today in Mombasa,Africa’s top legal minds convened for a three-day conference aimed at addressing the pressing issues of transnational crimes and illicit financial flows on the continent. Organized under the guidance of Principle Judge Kennedy Okelo, the conference seeks to tackle these pervasive vices that have been plaguing Africa’s business, people, and wildlife.

Justice Okelo, while moderating his panel,emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, which transcend national borders and have proven notoriously difficult to control. “These vices move from border to border, affecting multiple countries and regions,” he stated, underlining the complex nature of these transnational issues.

This gathering brings together judges from 21 African nations, all committed to engaging in fruitful discussions about strategies to combat transnational crime and the illegal flow of finances across borders.

“I have just moderated a session where judicial officers shared their experiences in combating these vices through rulings and judgments arising from trials. What is emerging is that many African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia, have implemented various measures to combat these vices,” Justice Okelo informed the press.

While legislation plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, it is not a silver bullet. Justice Okelo emphasized that these crimes continually evolve with advancements in technology. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is necessary.

“The quality of evidence often falls short due to the elusive nature of these vices,” he noted, highlighting the challenges faced by legal authorities in collecting solid evidence against perpetrators involved in transnational crimes and illicit financial activities.

The panel discussions at the conference stressed the importance of African countries collaborating to combat these crimes effectively. These criminal activities encompass a wide range of offenses, including narcotics trafficking, child trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and various other forms of illegal financial flows.

The outcome of this gathering is expected to serve as a foundation for future cooperative efforts among African nations to strengthen their legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in the fight against transnational crimes and illicit financial flows.

Apostolic bishop of Kenya Assemblies of God Nyahururu District Bishop Simon Kieru has taken a moment to commend the church for it’s role in promoting good governance and hard stance against corruption.

Kenya being a predominantly Christian Nation, Bishop Kieru noted that since time immemorial, the Church has always been keen to oversight Government whilst entrenching virtues and respect for the rule of law.

Notably, if we go down the history line, we can pinpoint the footsteps of forthright men of God who stood firm to call out oppressive regimes and urged them to respect the Constitution.

Men of God like Archbishop Gitari, Timothy Njoya, Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki are just but a few

And today more than ever before, the Government has involved the church in matters Governance and citing a case of Bishop David Oginde who is the current Chairperson of Kenya anti corruption authority

“This is a step in the right direction and is a good indication of the Governments commitment to uphold rule of law in respect to service to wananchi.

By Grace Mwende

The Government has affirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the Creative Economy to ensure that the sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s national development through job opportunities for the youths as well as wealth creation.

While speaking on Friday 29^th September 2023, during the inaugural first-ever State-of-the Film Industry Summit, organized by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) in partnership with the Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFTPA) and other industry stakeholders, which was held at the Nairobi Film Centre (NFC), the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, CS Hon. Ababu Namwamba EGH, said the Creative Economy is among key priorities of the Government as established in the Kenya Kwanza PLAN.

“The film sector has been treated badly. To correct that history of mistreatment, and neglect, we have ensured that this sector is anchored in the manifesto of the PLAN on what the Government desires for this key sector of the economy”, the CS said, adding that among the five pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the fifth pillar is all about transforming the film sector into an industry that sustains decent livelihoods.

Hon. Namwamba stated that the Government through his Ministry is championing key reforms and initiatives aimed at transforming the Creative Economy with the key focus of putting money in the pockets of creatives, and sportsmen and women who have continued to fly the Kenyan flag high on the local and international stage.

The CS lauded the first-ever film summit, noting that it resonated well with his Ministry’s agenda, specifically the TalantaHela Initiative.  “Our focus is to ensure that we have an industry that is profitable. To do so, we need to invest in original quality production outlets and exhibition spaces,” the CS said.

He further said that monetizing talent under the #Talenta Hela’ which basically means ‘putting money in the pockets of creatives and sports persons, is the top-most priority of the Government, emphasizing that the 5^th Administration is banking on the Creative Economy as one of the quick-win sectors in fostering economic recovery and opening new opportunities for the youth under the economic blueprint of BETA.

The CS revealed that his Ministry has embarked on the process of reviewing and where necessary, developing new policies and legislative documents, noting that one of the key aims of these reforms is to provide mechanisms for the establishment of a Film Fund to facilitate access to rebates for both local and foreign filmmakers.  The Fund will also provide access to finance for the acquisition of modern equipment and film production infrastructure by local filmmakers, and promotion of the country as a filming destination.

On royalties and revenue streams for creatives, the CS said that the Government is keen on restructuring the investment and financing space in a manner that attracts investors. “We must invest in infrastructure equipment, quality production, and training facilities that can support the industry,” he stated.  

As part of recognizing and appreciating creatives, the CS further revealed that his Ministry is putting together an award scheme that is unique, prestigious, and accompanied by a serious financial award.  

The CS lauded KFCB, KFTPA, and all industry stakeholders for spearheading the Summit, stating that there is a need to collectively champion programs and initiatives that will spur the growth of the Kenyan Creative Economy.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the CS chaired a meeting with Netflix officials, led by Ms. Shola Sanni, Director of Public Policy, Sub-Saharan Africa, and discussed collaboration between Kenya and Netflix in content monitoring, moderation, regulation, and monetization, among other issues.

On his part, Mr. Ismail Maalim Madey, PS, State Department for Youth Affairs and The Arts, reiterated the Government’s commitment to revamp and spur the Creative Economy.

“The Government is keen on revamping the Orange Economy by creating enablers that will facilitate investments in the film industry,” the PS said.

Maalim urged stakeholders in the Creative industry to support initiatives that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports is fronting to spur the Creative Economy in line with BETA.

The KFCB Ag. CEO, Joel Wamalwa, affirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives geared towards identifying and nurturing talents among the youths in the Creative sector for job opportunities and wealth creation, through a facilitative regulatory environment that will spur the growth of the Creative Economy.

In a move geared towards creating a facilitative regulatory environment for the Creative Economy to thrive, Wamalwa said that the Board, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, has proposed a review of the Films and Stage Plays Act Regulations and Guidelines. Through the regulations and guidelines, the Government has proposed a 15% reduction in licensing fees for local filmmakers.

“As KFCB evolves into a 21^st-century film regulator, we want to reassure our stakeholders in the entire value chain that we will live up to our brand promise; of Safeguarding Your Reel World’. We shall ensure that we remain progressive in our policy propositions while safeguarding our Kenyan culture, values, and national aspirations,” Wamalwa said.

Themed: Breaking barriers and shaping the future, the Summit sought to provide a platform for industry professionals to gain insights into the latest trends, policy matters, challenges, and advancements within the film sector as well as advocate for the industry’s interests.

Other speakers at the Summit were KFCB’s Board Chairperson Hon. Njogu Wa Njoroge HSC, the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, Mr. David Omwoyo, Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, KFTPA, Chairperson, Dr. Ezekiel Onyango, Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating Kenya National Theatre, KNT, CEO, Mr. Michael Pundo, and representatives from local Creative space.

Stanley Kamanguya, OGW, Chief Executive Officer, ICT. PHOTO: File

By Benard Mulwa.
The government through the ministry of Information Communication and technology, ICT is seeking to formulate policies and guidelines that will help in the disposal and management of e-waste in the country, setting in motion a dialogue between the Ministry of ICT, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, PPRA and the private sector.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, ministry of Information Communication and Technology, while addressing a high profile symposium in Nairobi today, Stanley Kamanguya, said last year alone the ministry of ICT have collected 63 million of mobile devices, “we have more electronic devices which ranges from mobile smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers than the people population”, he said, adding that there is also economic opportunities by having a lot of e-waste which are lying idle in the households and government offices.
The government has taken a number of steps including engaging manufactures to look at ways to manufacture devices which can be easily repaired and recycled, he said in the last nine months, the ministry have received 11 thousand devices.
The Chief Executive Officer also added that space on where to keep the e-waste devices was another challenge and that the government has developed a center with ICT experts to look at how to repair some of these devices adding that this move will support schools by providing computers to the learners.
Also in his speech to heads of Directors at the symposium today, the CEO said the ministry is looking on how to manufacture devices with negative effects and the life cycle of the devices, “we want to light fire for companies who provide us with eye spectacle, they should be recycled to reduce to reduce individual foot print and create economy both directly and indirectly” he said.
At the same time, the head of Public Procurement Regulation Authority, PPRA, Dr. Maximus Siwa, also voiced is concerns, saying that the government is seeking alternative solutions at the time of purchasing these devices, “ all this starts at the procurement level, so there is need to factor in sustainable Public Procurement and to ensure procurement and sustainable partners” he said, Kenya does not have a comprehensive e-waste management policy that outlines the principles, objectives and strategies.
The potential catastrophic these e-waste devices produce is very huge, the Deputy Director at the National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA, Dr. Charles Lange, also said at the symposium, “there is a lot of toxic materials in these e-waste devices and the population is exposed to cancer risk” he said.
The Ministry of Information Communication and Technology is currently conducting training to 500,000 youths on e-waste management, repair and maintenance of ICT devices at Konza city where skills like the old recycled batteries are being used in the boda boda sector and to produce solar panels are applied.
The National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA will be converging in Mombasa next week to discuss in details on e-waste one of the best minds in the world.
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by Ronald Njoroge

International landscape architects congress opened in Kenya amid calls for built environment to combat climate change

Lawrence Mochama,  representative of the Cabinet Secretary in the State Department for Public Works emphasized on the government’s commitment in making the cities sustainable in line with the African Climate Summit discussions.

“The theme recognizes the undeniable truth that collaboration is required in order to work together to save our biodiversity.The government is committed not just to make urban cities a center of economic development but also a place where people can live in dignity.

Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini lauded the efforts made by the built environment professionals of both countries to learn from each other and discuss climate change.

“It is important to build smart, healthy and efficient cities where people can integrate, communicate and move freely. Landscape architecture plays an important role in shaping sustainable development,” Vicini added.

Florence Nyole, President of AAK, noted that today, the world stands at a critical point, where rapid urbanization continues to put pressure on the finite resources available and increase impact of climate change. Africa and Kenya is no exception is rapidly urbanizing with a projection that by 2050 more than half the population will be living in urban areas. Therefore, it is imperative that we embrace sustainable development at this point.

She said that AAK has been at the forefront of working towards reducing the impact of urbanization and the resultant Climate Change in Kenya. We have a homegrown Green Building Rating

Tool that is focused on rating buildings based on our local context called the Safari Green Building Index (SGBI). With this tool we are advocating for its use in projects within Kenya to ensure that our work as built environment professionals meets the international standards using local criteria.

by Meresia Aloo

In a recent address, Dr. Anne Beatrice Kihara, a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, and the President-elect of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), shed light on the pressing issue of obstetric violence through the lens of the #HeshimuUzazi campaign. Obstetric violence encompasses the mistreatment and neglect that women can face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Dr. Kihara’s remarks emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, which have left many women traumatized, emotionally scarred, and, in some tragic cases, resulted in the loss of both mother and child. She emphasized the need to transform these shared experiences into concrete legislative and policy changes that prioritize the dignity and rights of women during maternity care.

One key highlight of the discussion was the diverse panel of experts who participated in the dialogue. Doctors, lawyers, gender specialists, members of the parliamentary group, and Kewhopa, among others, gathered to discuss the multifaceted dimensions of obstetric violence. Representatives from the Council of Governors and the Senate were also present, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach.

The need for a multi-sectoral approach to legislation and policy was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Dr. Kihara stressed the importance of harmonizing existing legislation related to gender equality, human rights, and maternal health to create a unified framework that guarantees the highest standard of care, including reproductive health, as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution.

Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the significance of empowering clinicians involved in maternity care with the necessary soft skills and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that patients receive dignified care and have the opportunity to provide informed, voluntary consent for medical procedures, eliminating coercion and discrimination.

Collaboration emerged as a critical point of action. Dr. Kihara urged stakeholders to break free from working in isolation and encouraged collective efforts to address the root causes of obstetric violence. This collaborative approach, encompassing professionals from diverse backgrounds, will pave the way for substantial improvements in Kenyan healthcare.

In conclusion, Dr. Anne Kihara’s leadership and advocacy for women’s rights and dignity in maternity care are driving positive change. The #HeshimuUzazi campaign and the recent discussions represent a promising beginning for a comprehensive, rights-based, and patient-centered approach to maternity care in Kenya. This forum marks a crucial step toward providing Kenyan citizens with the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

by Meresia Aloo

At the just concluded conference on obstretic violence aimed at sensitizing different stakeholdees to advocate against obstretic violence among women ,Gathoni Wamuchomba reiterated the significance of every woman noting that all women regardless of race deserves a dignified and respectful child birth experience. called on

She called on everyone to undo the injustices suffered by women under OBV in Kenya.

Her statement was strongly backed by co Dr. Anne Beatrice Kihara, a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, and the President-elect of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), who shed light on the pressing issue of obstetric violence through the lens of the #HeshimuUzazi campaign.
Obstetric violence encompasses the mistreatment and neglect that women can face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Both their remarks emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, which have left many women traumatized, emotionally scarred, and, in some tragic cases, resulted in the loss of both mother and child. She emphasized the need to transform these shared experiences into concrete legislative and policy changes that prioritize the dignity and rights of women during maternity care.

One key highlight of the discussion at the KEWOPA meeting was the diverse panel of experts who participated in the dialogue. Doctors, lawyers, gender specialists, members of the parliamentary group, and Kewhopa, among others, gathered to discuss the multifaceted dimensions of obstetric violence. Representatives from the Council of Governors and the Senate were also present, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach.

The need for a multi-sectoral approach to legislation and policy was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Dr. Kihara further stressed the importance of harmonizing existing legislation related to gender equality, human rights, and maternal health to create a unified framework that guarantees the highest standard of care, including reproductive health, as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution.

Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the significance of empowering clinicians involved in maternity care with the necessary soft skills and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that patients receive dignified care and have the opportunity to provide informed, voluntary consent for medical procedures, eliminating coercion and discrimination.

Collaboration emerged as a critical point of action. the attendees urged stakeholders to break free from working in isolation and encouraged collective efforts to address the root causes of obstetric violence. This collaborative approach, encompassing professionals from diverse backgrounds, will pave the way for substantial improvements in Kenyan healthcare.

In conclusion, honourable Wamuchomba’s leadership and advocacy for women’s rights and dignity in maternity care are driving positive change. The #HeshimuUzazi campaign and the recent discussions represent a promising beginning for a comprehensive, rights-based, and patient-centered approach to maternity care in Kenya. This forum marks a crucial step toward providing Kenyan citizens with the high-quality healthcare they deserve.