Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) kicked off in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, on Monday as participants seek to tap investment in the tourism sector.
The three-day event brought together over 500 delegates from more than 40 countries, including senior government officials, hospitality investors, and industry experts to showcase opportunities in Africa’s hospitality industry.
In his opening remarks, Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the conference comes at an ideal time when Africa’s tourism sector is rebounding from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Africa is open to all those who are eager to invest and capitalize on the abundant opportunities available in the thriving sectors of the tourism industry,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that most African countries have put in place supportive business environments that make the region an ideal hospitality investment destination.
John Ololtuaa Principal secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, said that his country is keen to attract more foreign investors into the hospitality sector.
“Kenya has a large pool of hospitality talent who possess the knowledge and expertise to ensure the success of new hospitality ventures,” she added.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said his country’s tourism sector is in the midst of recovery, buoyed by increased interest from international visitors.
He noted that Zimbabwe has also prioritized investments into the hospitality sector, one of the largest sources of foreign
Haitham Mattar, special advisor of the United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO) and managing director of Middle East, Africa, and SouthWest Asia at the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Hotels and Resorts, said that North Africa is leading the way in the continent’s hospitality rebound while sub-Saharan Africa is gaining momentum.
He urged African governments to partner with the private sector to expand the hospitality sector.
Mattar noted that foreign investors are turning to Africa because of the growing optimism over the prospects of the continent’s tourism sector. ■
A petition has been filed challenging the introduction of Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) which will aims at giving newborns in Kenya a distinct lifetime registration number. In court papers, Operation Linda Jamii argues that the government is contravening the constitution, adding that there was no public participation on introducing the UPI.
“Unique Personal Identifier known as Digital ID is yet to be rolled out and the taxpayers’ money is to be used in driving the implementation of this project which has not undergone public participation,” reads court papers.
The petitioners now want the court to bar the government from proceeding further with any act and/or process of rolling out the UPI, also known as Digital ID.
They argue that the government had already spent Ksh.11 billion on the Huduma Namba project which was safer.
Operation Linda Jamii calls on the government to leverage and build on the existing infrastructure provided for through Huduma Namba.
“We are grappling with a high cost of living and tough economic times and it makes no sense for the President to waste taxpayers’ money on a new digital ID project when the Huduma Namba exists,” they said.
The group further wants court to issue a permanent injunction barring the respondents from having servers of the Huduma Namba project or any other project in a foreign land.
A report released by the PKF organization has shown that Kenya’s total nominal public guaranteed debt as of December 31, 2022, was Sh9.1 trillion, representing 63 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to Sh8.2 trillion by the end of 2021.
PKF Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alpesh Vadher said the debt accounts for both domestic and external debt stock at 48.9 per cent and 51.1 per cent respectively, which he attributed to exchange rate fluctuations.
The CEO, who was speaking Tuesday during a pre-budget media briefing at a Nairobi hotel, said according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report, Consumer Price indexes and inflation rates for March 2023 were estimated at 9.2 per cent from 5.6 per cent in March 2022.
“The report has shown that a breach ceiling by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) with a target range of 2.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent escalated the inflation rate thereby increasing prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, furnishings, housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel, amongst others,” he stated.
Mr. Vadher said the organization’s aim in reviewing the current budget is to shed light on critical topics such as expert analysis of the proposed tax measures outlined in the finance bill, in-depth economic assessment, and outlook analysis.
Vadher noted that many importers have continued to face serious challenges with the availability of foreign currency despite the economy experiencing liquidity challenges, noting that CBK has maintained that foreign exchange reserves continue to provide adequate cover.
“The Central Bank of Kenya interest rate rose from a steady rate of 7.0 per cent in March 2022 to 9.5 per cent in March 2023. This is a five-year high, as it was previously experienced in 2018,” said Vadher.
He reiterated that the monetary policy committee increased the benchmark interest rate reflecting on the rise of inflation, global risks, and their impact on the domestic economy, which called for strict measures of monetary policy.
Echoing his remarks, PKF Tax Consultant James Mulili said that the government and relevant parties involved have an obligation to cushion citizens from the overall inflation rate by exempting the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Import Declaration Fee in order to lower the cost of living.
Mulili highlighted that the proposed increase in the value added tax on petroleum products from eight to 16 per cent will negatively impact the country as there’s a huge reliance on these products as the main source of energy.
“Kenya has remained narrow, exerting the tax burden on a few taxpayers in the economy. There, however, remains a large informal sector that has remained ‘hard to tax’ and therefore is not contributing to the national tax basket,” said Mulili.
He stated that expansion of the tax base would promote equity and fairness in the tax system and recommended that the government should keep abreast of taxation measures for its subjects.
Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Attorney General Africa – Africa Programme and other stakeholders in the IP industry are hosting a unique three-day IP Enforcement symposium in Nairobi, Kenya on June 13-15 that convenes prominent stakeholders, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and international organizations involved in trade, intellectual property protection and enforcement.
This symposium will serve as a knowledge-sharing and networking platform, fostering discussions and collaborations to tackle the emerging issues of counterfeiting and IPR infringement. It will create an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies on how more effective international cooperation and collaboration can be developed to improve both strategic and operational responses to what is now a global economic and criminal issue
Speaking during the conference the principal secretary state department of industrialization Dr.Juma Mukhwana stated that until COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya was one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with annual average growth of 5.9% between 2010 and 2018 and there is recovery from covid pandemic that is supported by ongoing public infrastructure projects,strong public and private sector investment and appropriate economic and fiscal policies
“Protection of such an economy is importance and robust if enforcement plays a vital role in stimulating innovation, driving economic growth, protecting investments, attracting investments and promoting cultural development and our government has made great stories and continues to promote a favourable environment for businesses to thrive spurring economic activity and benefiting society,” said “Ps Juma Mukhwana
The chairman of the Anti -counterfeit Authority Hon Josephat Kabeabea stated that the latest intellectual property investment in October 2019 and February 2020 of the extent of counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade in Kenya showed the value of counterfeit trade to be close to shillings 100billion in review in 2018
Speaking at the conference,Mr John Edozie , Attorney General Alliance _Africa programme said that intellectual property in the 21st century is a critical driver of progress and prosperity as it fuels innovation and fosters creativity
Save the Children Jacob Arii Ekidor on Tuesday called for the amendment of basic education act of 2013 with a view to ensuring that APBET schools are expressly provided for under the definition of Basic education.
According to the International NGO recognition of APBET schools remains the most significant challenged faced by APBET schools in Kenya.
Ekidor said that the absence of official recognition hampers these schools from receiving necessary support, resources and funding.
“As a result, they struggle to provide quality education to their students, leading to lower learning outcomes,” said the NGO.
Ekidor observed that APBET schools in Kenya are denied access to government support programs designed to uplift and improve quality of education.
Today, LemFi, a top cross-border payment solution, formally began its services in Kenya, making history by revolutionizing the global money transfer business. LemFi promises ground-breaking solutions and does away with transaction fees in an effort to transform how the diaspora community sends and receives money back home.
With a strong focus on customer convenience, LemFi offers customers in the UK, US, and Canada a seamless experience. Users can send money directly to bank accounts and mobile money accounts without paying any fees just by downloading the LemFi app. The app’s adaptability also includes the ability to support multiple currencies through specific wallets, empowering users to open and fund a variety of accounts.
For the Kenyan market, LemFi introduces a Kenya Shillings wallet feature, allowing customers to open and fund their accounts via mobile money. This provides users with the flexibility to convert their Kenya Shillings to currencies such as USD, GBP, and CAD, depending on their transaction requirements.
LemFi has set its sights on serving over 500,000 Kenyans living abroad, with popular destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Leveraging its extensive suite of fintech offerings, LemFi strives to offer Kenyans the ability to send money instantly to their loved ones back home, all while benefiting from the best foreign exchange rates.
During the launch event held in Nairobi, LemFi’s Country Manager, Kakea Mbacha, highlighted the importance of maintaining connections with home while living abroad. “When Africans leave their countries to work, study, or live abroad, they still maintain family, business, and friendship connections back home. These connections are often maintained through communication and the need for effective ways to send and receive items and money from home. It is for this reason that LemFi exists,” Mbacha stated.
LemFi is proud to have a strong local partner supporting its operations in Kenya, Pesa Swap. As an esteemed online and mobile payment solutions company based in Nairobi and the United Kingdom, Pesa Swap offers locally relevant and alternative payment methods to global, regional, and local merchants. This partnership reinforces LemFi’s commitment to providing efficient, affordable, and user-friendly services to its customers.
Kenyans living in the diaspora will benefit from LemFi’s zero-fee policy, ensuring that remittances are affordable and accessible. “Our services will not attract any fees as we strive to ensure that Kenyans in the diaspora can send money home instantly, at the best rates. This is the brand’s promise,” added Kakea.
Furthermore, LemFi remains dedicated to enhancing its product based on direct feedback from customers. Through strategic collaborations, such as the partnership with the Stoke UK Diaspora SACCO, LemFi actively engages with its user base to improve the user experience. Such initiatives provide customers with an opportunity to share their insights and suggestions on optimizing the service.
During the event, LemFi also proudly announced the appointment of renowned comedian Blessed Njugush as their brand ambassador. With his vibrant personality and significant influence, Njugush will collaborate closely with LemFi to promote the company’s services and products within the Kenyan diaspora. He will lend his voice to LemFi’s marketing campaigns and initiatives, amplifying the brand’s reach and engagement.
About LemFi: Established in 2020 as Lemonade Finance, LemFi emerged with a clear vision to empower the diaspora community in their pursuit of greater achievements. Through their innovative mobile app, LemFi enables users to send money to over 10 countries. The recent rebranding reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying its contribution and capturing the essence of its vision amidst the evolving financial services landscape.
The United Natioms General assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 declaring June 7th as the World Food Safety Day (WFSD) celebrations . This annual event aims to raise awareness of food safety’s importance and promote action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks.
In commemoration of the 2023 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), the African Union Commission, East African Community, the Government of Kenya, TradeMark Africa, MESPT, and Partners organized an event from 5 to 7 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya to raise awareness on food safety. The meeting was held under the theme “Food Standards Save Lives”. The objectives of the summit were to:
i. Raise awareness of the importance of food safety and to promote action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.
ii. Provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices on implementation and compliance with food safety standards and measures.
iii. Foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to amplify the impact of food safety interventions in Africa.The Summit brought together 220 participants from 30 African Union member states, 2 RECs (EAC, ECOWAS), AUC, and Development Partners (EU, USAID, DANIDA).WE the Member States of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Development Partners, Food Producers, Processors, Marketers and Consumers.
RECALLING the momentum created from the previous World Food Safety Day celebrations, and desirous of collaborating in unison to focus efforts on reaching state and non-state actors as well as those directly involved in food systems on the continent in order to raise the profile of food safety.
RECOGNIZING that foodborne diseases make 91 million people ill and cause 137,000 premature deaths annually in Africa and that this translates into productivity losses of US$95 billion a year in developing countries alone;
COGNISANT that application of, and compliance with, food standards is a critical factor to promoting safe food value chains and reducing the public health and socio-economic impacts of the high foodborne disease burden in Africa.
AWARE of the need to promote safe trade in food to realize the continental objectives of ending hunger and tripling intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services by 2025.
RECOGNIZING the importance of food standards and risk-based food safety measures in assuring the safety and quality of food products for public health protection and trade facilitation.
MINDFUL of the peculiar challenges the Member States face in the development, enforcement, and compliance with risk-based food safety measures.
ACKNOWLEDGING that by enhancing investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting collaborations, we can establish and operationalize functional and resilient national food control systems that safeguard the health of consumers and promote safe trade.
HEREBY call for the following actions:
Enhance participation in international standard-setting bodiesImprove AU member states’ engagement in international standard-setting bodies to contribute effectively to the development of food safety standards.
2. Increase investment in food safetyInvest more in food safety, including capacity building for value chain actors, to manage risks and ensure compliance with food standards. 3. Improve surveillance and monitoring systemsEnhance and sustain foodborne disease surveillance and monitoring by improving laboratory capacity, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
4. Promote research on food safetyEncourage and support research initiatives focused on developing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance food safety management systems and mitigate foodborne risks.
5. Support policy implementationSupport the implementation of continental, regional, and national food safety policies, frameworks, and strategies.
6. Strengthen regulatory mechanismsDevelop and enforce robust food safety policies, regulations, and standards to enhance regulatory mechanisms.
Promote collaborationFoster regional and continental collaboration among African Union member states to enhance food safety practices, facilitate trade, and establish partnerships and knowledge-sharing networks.
8. Establish public-private partnershipsEncourage strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and joint initiatives in food safety throughout the value chain.
Food is an essential part of what it means to be human. Improving food safety requires sustained investment in several areas from stronger regulations to better coordination, better laboratories, more stringthen surveillance and better training and education among others.
“For the last 5 years MESPT through the financial support from the European Union and the Royal Danish Embassy has been implementing a food safety system for value chain as part of the larger AGRIFI programme.” Said Rebecca Amukhoye MESPT CEO.
In conclusion food standards contribute to the safety and quality of local and international food trade and prevent unfair trade.
The presiding Bishop Hon David Thagana of Glory Outreach Assembly and also the Secretary General Federation of Evangelical Churches of Kenya has hit out at the opposition leaders whom did not join the 20th National Prayers Day in Nairobi,which was to reconcile government and the opposition side.
Bishop Thagana who is also the founder of Global outreach Assembly has said it was unfortunate to see opposition missing to be part of the 20th National prayers day held to bring unity among leaders and kenyans as a whole.
The 20th National Prayers day this year theme was : Reconciliation,which he said was meant to bring two antagonist groups together for the peace of the nation.
Speaking during the National Prayer Day held in Nairobi,Bishop Thagana said “its very uncalled for and unfortunate if the other side of the opposition were totally did not feature in the Reconciliation table with the National government,he adds
He said with opposition missing to attend the meeting it bring a bad picture to the nation and to the world that kenya still have got a long way to reconcile towards a peaceful environment.
Bishop Thagana said the prayers were not for the national government but for all kenyans to meet and end the disagreements after election.
The Senate Health Committee, Chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, met with the former PS, State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Josephine Mburu, former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Hon. Daniel Rono and the current suspended Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO, Ms. Terry Ramadhani, over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Dr. Josephine Mburu apprised the Committee on 1.The distinct roles and responsibilities between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and KEMSA with regards to the procurement process; 2. Clarifying KEMSA’s involvement in the procurement of the long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs); 3. Whether the PS herself was indeed aware of the tender specifications for the LLINs as required by Global Fund, whilst further indicating whether they met the requirements of the Ministry of Health; 4. Stating if indeed there were any differences between the specifications for the LLINs by Global Fund and the MoH, 5. The expected role in recommending the type of nets to be procured in her capacity as the Accounting Officer; 6. Whether the PS was in agreement with the type of LLINs that were to be procured by Global Fund; 7. Whether there was loss of public funds during the tender; and 8. finally shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her subsequent termination from office.
Hon. David Rono, in his submission to the Committee, shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the KEMSA tender of the LLINs, and his subsequent suspension from the Board.
Ms. Terry Ramadhani, apprised the Committee on the following concerns; 1. When the tender was advertised; 2. When the tender was opened, and when it was closed; 3. The reasons as to why the tender was extended; 4. Submit details of how many suppliers applied during the initial tender period; 5. Submit details of how many additional suppliers applied after the extension; 6. Whether there was any loss of public funds during the tender; and 7. Shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her consequent suspension from office.
Other Members present were Vice Chair Sen. Mariam Sheikh, Sen. Esther Okenyuri, Sen. Abdul Haji, Sen. Hamida Kibwana, Sen. Ledama Olekina, Sen. Raphael Chimera and Sen. Samson Cherargei as a friend to the Committee.
South Africa and Kenya hosted a high level reflection roundtable on their 30 years struggle for Democracy.
The particular discussion involving Operation Linda Ugatuzi in collaboration with KENYA Bora TUITAKAYO majored on lessons for constitution making process with reference to the two respective countries and also added their voices to the conversation taking place in Kenya, especially on the issue of the financial bill.
Speaking during the forum, The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Professor Moeletsi Mbeki noted their guaranteed role in advancing a well governed, peaceful and economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.
He pointed out that some of the challenges that the struggle for Democracy caused to South Africa include poor electricity, collapse of railway, 42% unemployment, 27% of children stunted because of malnutrition, 70 murders a day among other challenges.
Dr. Mbeki added that African middle class level has grown and due to this, over the past few years, South Africa has always been ruled by the consumption driven class, which is the middle class.
“Due to the middle class ruling, a lot has changed in South Africa comprising of abolished rule of the white, introduction of universal coverage, political power being herited by a new elite, “ added Dr. Mbeki.
He also noted that in order for South Africa to have stable elections, they need to modernize their economy, create a new entrepreneurial class that is conversant with the digital technology and also draw up urbanization plans.
Also speaking at the event, Operation Linda Ugatuzi leader Professor Fred Ogola on the issue of the financial bill noted that it is the most discussed bill ever in Kenya.
“This bill has seen submissions from so many people and also so many memoranda have been done, for Operation Linda Ugatuzi, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Association of Manufactures have all submitted their memoranda on the same,” said Ogola.
He further noted that if the bill is passed, it will only increase the cost of living, as everything will go up.
“Overtaxing Kenyans at a time when unemployment is very low and inflation is very high simply means that Kenyans who are poor are going to be made poorer, the middle class will shrink and the only people who will enjoy are those in the government who have those salaries and are enjoying the benefits of being in the government,” added Ogolla.
