Author: staff reporter

MR CHARLES KIMARI
DIRECTOR OF MOBILE EXPERIENCE SAMSUNG EAST AFRICA

BY NJOKI KARANJA

 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced its fifth generation of Galaxy foldables: Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5. The launch event took place at Shamba Café in Nairobi and was attended by tech enthusiasts from the East African region. The smartphone manufacturer also announced a tree-planting initiative that is guided by the Samsung global environment strategy. During the launch event Samsung Electronics East Africa planted an estimated 10,000 trees that were distributed in the Ngong Hills area by air.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 form factors offer unique experiences for every user with sleek and compact designs, countless customisation options, and powerful performance. The new Flex Hinge makes the foldable experience possible, while offering an aesthetically balanced and solid design. These remarkable foldable devices unlock extraordinary camera capabilities such as FlexCam to take photos from creative angles. With strong performance and an optimised battery powered by the latest processor, the Samsung Galaxy Z series transforms what is possible with a smartphone – open or closed.

 
“Samsung is revolutionising the mobile industry with foldables by setting the standard and continually refining the experience,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Every day, more people choose our foldables because they offer an experience people want that they can’t get on any other device. Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are the latest devices that prove our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers through innovative technology.”

Samsung’s heritage of innovation and dedication to the foldables category has created incredibly versatile devices available. With a strong belief in the potential of the foldable format, paired with world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Samsung has consistently refined and optimised the Galaxy Z series lineup. From content creation on Galaxy Z Flip5’s new Flex Window to seamless multitasking on Galaxy Z Fold5, this series of Galaxy foldables meets and exceeds the distinctive needs of today’s users.

Furthermore, both Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are carefully designed to meet durability expectations. The main screen is equipped with a shock dispersion layer and a redesigned back for a more solid display. Along with IPX8 support, Armor Aluminum frames, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®2 applied to both the Flex Window and back cover, Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 provide the protection consumers expect, enhanced further by Flex Hinge. This new integrated hinge module features a dual rail structure, diffusing external impacts.

Galaxy Z Flip5: The ultimate pocketable self-expression tool without compromise. The Galaxy Z Flip5 delivers a stylish, unique foldable experience from a pocket-sized device built for self-expression.

The new Flex Window, now 3.78 times larger than the previous generation, offers a wide range of existing and new capabilities. It provides more customisation options, including informative and graphical clocks that can match the face design of a user’s Galaxy Watch6 series, as well as stylish frames. In addition, Galaxy Z Flip5’s new Flipsuit Case provides device protection with a changeable NFC card, so users can match their Flex Window design and case design for even more personalisation options.

Closed, the Galaxy Z Flip5 offers more usability than ever before. From the Flex Window, quickly and effortlessly access useful information. With Widgets, users can check the weather, control music playback and listen to their favorite music with Media Controller, or catch up on the latest global stock market updates with the Google Finance widget. Simply view all Widgets at a glance and switch between them instantly with a pinch of the screen to activate Multi Widget View. Plus, easily check notifications and access Quick Settings for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Without ever opening the device, browse through call history to return missed calls, and reply to texts on-the-go using Quick Reply with a full QWERTY keyboard and visibility of chat history.

With its unparalleled design and form factor, Galaxy Z Flip5 also offers the most versatile camera experience on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Take high-quality selfies with the rear camera thanks to the larger Flex Window. Users can capture stunning hands-free photos from creative angles with FlexCam. It’s quick and simple to view and edit shots in Flex Mode too. Users can review, adjust the color tone, or delete images easily with the Quick View in the Flex Window.  When taking a photo of a friend, Dual Preview lets them see themselves in the Flex Window so they can make adjustments in real-time for the perfect shot. Users can get a smooth shot on the go with camera-stabilizing Super Steady, while Auto Framing ensures that no one is left out.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 adds AI solution improvements to the powerful camera experience, bringing every photo to life. Get creative, even in low light, with improved Nightography capabilities that optimize photos and videos in ambient lighting conditions. The AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm corrects any visual noise that typically spoils low-light images while enhancing details and color tone. Even from a distance, photos are clearer with the digital 10X zoom.

Galaxy Z Fold5: The ultimate productivity powerhouse with a large screen Offering an immersive, large screen and a long-lasting battery in the thinnest, lightest Fold yet , Galaxy Z Fold5 is easy to take anywhere, while delivering the most powerful performance in the Galaxy Z series. 

The Galaxy Z Folds’ robust, big screen experience, has evolved from Multi Window  and App Continuity  to a wide range of features including Taskbar , drag and drop, and optimization of third-party apps. S Pen Fold Edition introduced in the third generation Fold in 2021, has also been fine-tuned to deliver a superior writing experience on Galaxy Z Fold5. These features and tools come together to deliver powerful productivity on a large screen and enable users to complete important tasks from anywhere.

The improved Taskbar enables dynamic productivity by allowing users to quickly switch between frequently used apps. Now up to four recent apps are at the ready for more efficient working. Newly enhanced two-handed drag and drop  can also ramp up productivity when moving content between apps and screens. Simply touch and hold an image in Samsung Gallery with one finger and use another finger to open the Samsung Notes app to drag-and-drop the image. With hidden pop-up , an app can continue running in the background, allowing users to watch video content in full screen and chat with friends in a floating pop-up on the side of the screen.

The new slimmer  and more compact S Pen Fold Edition  makes real-time annotating and ideation easy while being able to fit more comfortably in the pocket. The Slim S Pen Case is nearly the same thickness  as a regular case for the Fold and available in a variety of styles and colors  so users can carry their S Pens in style.

Helping users do more on the go, the 7.6-inch Main Screen  provides expansive and uninterrupted viewing so users can enjoy their favorite movie in portrait or landscape. Plus, peak brightness has increased by more than 30%, up to 1750 nits , for an optimal viewing experience outdoors even under bright sunlight.

Providing users with an immersive gaming experience on the largest Galaxy smartphone screen, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy  enhances graphics and uses AI to enable dynamic gaming and multi-game functionality. The Galaxy Z Fold5 can comfortably handle marathon gaming sessions with its advanced cooling system that dissipates heat more intelligently for less lag and no drop in performance.

Delivering a positive impact for the planet :

Samsung continues to demonstrate progress toward the company’s environmental vision and accelerate actions that help achieve its goals, including reaching net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2030 for the Device experience Division.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 feature  a wider variety of recycled materials  than their previous generations, including pre-consumer recycled glass and aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics, sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles. Even the paper used for their packaging box  is made using 100 percent recycled material . These innovations have also been purposefully designed for optimized longevity. Each device comes with five years of security updates and four generations of OS upgrades, helping to extend the product lifecycle.

Availability :

The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 will be available for pre-order in select markets from July 26, with general availability starting August 11th.Galaxy Z Flip5 lets users express themselves with colors including Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender , as well as a range of accessories  .

Galaxy Z Fold5 is available in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, and Cream , along with a variety of cases that offer practicality and style including a Slim S Pen Case, Clear Gadget Case, Eco-Leather Case, and a Standing Case with Strap .Samsung is committed to giving customers peace of mind with Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental screen damage. Customers can register within 30 days of purchasing their Galaxy Flip5|Fold5 and enjoy 1 free screen repair within a 12-month period. 

By Meresia Aloo

Location:Nairobi

In a groundbreaking event, the world-renowned tech provider, Samsung, took the digital platform by storm today with the grand unveiling of its latest technological marvels. Headlining the launch was the much-anticipated “Samsung Fold Five,” a cutting-edge foldable device that promises to revolutionize the way consumers experience technology.

Alongside the Samsung Fold Five, the company also introduced the “Watch Six Series,” a new line of smartwatches, and the highly awaited “9+ Series” tablets. These new products are poised to redefine user experiences and elevate Samsung’s position in the tech industry.

Key Enhancements of Samsung Fold Five:

Water and Dust Resistance: The Samsung Fold Five comes with enhanced water and dust resistance, ensuring durability and longevity, even in challenging environments.

Improved Elegance: Samsung has gone the extra mile to enhance the elegance of the device, ensuring that it stands out as a fashion statement in addition to its impressive tech features.

Compact Design: With an emphasis on portability, the Fold Five boasts a more compressed and lightweight design, making it easy for users to carry it anywhere.

Multi-App Functionality: One of the standout features of the Fold Five is its ability to use up to four apps simultaneously, allowing for seamless multitasking.

Enhanced Front Screen: The front screen has been upgraded up to seven times, resulting in a more immersive and visually stunning experience.

Mr. Charles Kimani’s Insights:

Mr. Charles Kimani, the Director at Samsung, emphasized that the key differentiator of these new offerings is the company’s focus on improving technology while prioritizing the user experience. By combining innovation and customer-centric design, Samsung aims to cater to the evolving needs of its users and exceed their expectations.

Pricing and Partnerships:

The Samsung Fold Five and Watch Six Series are available at a retail price of 193,000 Kenya shillings, while the 9+ Series tablets come at an exciting price point. To make these cutting-edge products accessible to a wider audience, Samsung has partnered with Abda Bank and retailers across the country to offer attractive financing options and special deals.

Preorders Surge:

During the media interaction after the launch, Mr. Charles Kimani revealed that Samsung has already received an overwhelming response from tech enthusiasts, with a staggering 70 preorders within a short span. This remarkable interest demonstrates the anticipation and excitement surrounding Samsung’s latest offerings.

As Samsung continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technology, it reaffirms its position as a leader in the global tech landscape. With the Samsung Fold Five, Watch Six Series, and 9+ Series tablets, the company is taking a giant leap towards shaping a more connected and immersive digital future for its consumers.

Disclaimer: Prices and product availability may vary depending on the location and may be subject to change after the news report’s publication date.

By Irene Mwende

The University of Nairobi (UoN) on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a first-of-its-kind agricultural technology centre at the Upper Kabete campus.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, lauded the project, saying it came at the right time when there was an increasing demand for agricultural products, driven by population growth.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya’s population is estimated to hit the 55 million mark by the end of this year and there is a need to meet the rising demands of the rapidly growing population.

“To meet the rising demands of this fast growing population, we need to invest and increase agricultural production by a minimum percentage annually,” he said.
Through adaptation of agricultural technologies and innovation, Mr Mudavadi believes the country will be able to reduce the number of poor people by 1 per cent for every 2 per cent increase in crop productivity

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony Elgon Kenya Limited Managing Director Bimal Kantaria said they will donate between Sh50 million and Sh60 million to the university for the project which will be completed in the next 12 months

He noted that once the project is completed, more partners will be needed as there are several departments that will be needed in terms of capacity building, personnel, equipment and support.

“Our concern is what will happen once the centre is ready, so we are also looking for partners. We want anyone who wants to partner with the university to be there,” he said.

Mr kantaria further urged the government to extend its support to the university as well, saying that once the project is completed, job opportunities will also be created.

In his remarks UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Gitahi Kiama noted that there has been persistent inadequate production of maize in the country, a crisis that can only be solved through partnership and by giving way to technology and innovation.

In conclusion He added that the project will contribute to the country’s Vision 2030 in terms of food security and improved livelihood

By Irene Mwende

African states urged to design a curricula that will not only enable youth to work but also empower them to be creative and be originators of tangible solutions to many challenges facing the continent

Speaking the 4th African curriculum Association conference held at Kenya institute of curriculum Development themed learning for sustainable features connections between Curriculum cognition and context ‘ Ghanaian minister for education Hon.Dr Yaw Osei stated that he observed the gaps between African system and that of the US and picked the positive lessons to build model classes in Ghana

He further illustrated with pictures and videos how a model school in Ghana has revolutionised classrooms construction that matches any in the developed West

In her remarks principle secretary for higher education Dr Beatrice Inyangala noted. that Kenya was at dawn of economic takeoff geared towards equipping students with skills that are readily required in the market

” Teachers must strive to be creative in their teaching to capture the imagination of learners giving an example like using music performance to personify the malaria causing pathogen plasmodium” said Inyangala

In his remarks Executive director of the Kenya institute of curriculum Development recommended that educators and curriculum developers in particular need to engage in robust contextual analyse and map strategies for navigating to enhance the acceptability, ownership and support for the curricula with ultimate focus on learning for sustainable futures

” We are currently on our seventh Grade and currently formulating content for senior secondary” said Ong’ondo

Some of the countries represented at the three-day conference include Chad, Benin, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo Brazzaville, Gambia, Eswatini, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, among others.

It’s all smiles for both Boxers Karim Mandonga (, left) and Daniel Wanyonyi after the rematch fight watched by a sell-out crowd. Both boxers admitted they were ready for another rematch

By Fred Maingi
Kenya’s top Boxer Daniel Wanyonyi admitted he did not target a technical knockout(TK0)win but prolong the fight against his Tanzanian opponent Karim “Mtu Kazi” “Mandonga during their weekend Light heavyweight rematch.
Wanyonyi said he wanted to prolong the fight for his fans to get full entertainment before unleashing the final killer blow.
However his Tanzanian arch rival admitted defeat saying he was ready for a rematch anywhere and anytime.
“I fell him down today and likewise he brought me down, I don’t feel I lost to a better person than me but what I can say my opponent has improved a lot since we last met on January in Nairobi where I knocked him in the fifth round, I congratulate him though “observed Mandonga.
The Tanzanian lost to Wanyonyi through unanimous points decision amid thunderous cheers before a massive crowd.

Kenya’s Boxer Daniel Wanyonyi climbs the ring after being declared the winner during their light heavyweight rematch at the Sarit Expo center before a massive crowd.

The exciting bouts were promoted by Maurice Odera of Ultra fight series (UFS) promotion. The explosive fights were brought Live on Standard Group PLC’s channel KTN Home
Odera thanked the boxers for showing maturity and discipline in the ring.
He further heaped praise to their hosts Sarit Expo center for their support.
Kenya. Professional Boxing Commision(Kpbc) president Hon. Reuben Ndolo lauded promoter Odera for supporting local boxing saying he has tranformed the sport to another level by creating jobs to many.
In the days programme, all Kenya local boxer triumphed in their assignments against their foreign boxers.

By Irene Mwende

Artists In the online platforms are calling on the government to remove the 5% tax imposed on their production. The artists have raised complain that the tax has become punitive especially to the upcoming artists and those are not making much from their online content.

While unveiling the 2023 ETA Awards nominees the artists also called on the government and cooperates to opportunities to the artists to work on the projects so as to get platforms to be productive.

Speaking during the ETA awards chief executive officer Edward Ndari noted that the awards were basically to recognize the artist who have quality and unique production

” But they have not received the recognition they deserve. ETA awards will also help the artists grow in the industry both financially and audience niche” said Ndari

He further added that ETA awards winners in the past 2 years pledged to support the nominated upcoming artists to grow in the industry as well as mobilize sponsors for support in
different media house and personnel’s who have been nominated for the year 2023 EAT awards while recognizing the work of the fourth estate saying that media delivery is also a form of art that is needed to be recognized just like any other art in the industry.

Mrs Rose Gatimu Kenya Representative and Mr Paul Karekezi ,Board Member and Africa Representative at Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (BRDF)

BY NJOKI KARANJA

The Dispute Resolution Board of Africa has urged the construction sector to use alternative dispute board to handle complaints before dispute happens.
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“Various mechanisms have been put to limit the risks. Given the lengthy procedures characteristic of litigation, that there has been a growing shift from the corridors of justice to out-of-court settlements”, said Mr.Karekezi.

Mr. Paul Karekezi,Board Member and Africa Representative at Dispute Resolution Board Foundation,(DRBF) was speaking during the DRB Regional Conference in Nairobi,where he said for a continent of Africa to be an effective player every sector must have a dispute boards.

“Our work is to give parties a formal assistance before the dispute is rwached where its not binding but sometimes it helps because it has helps most of the projects are completed on time”,he reiterates .

He added that, since the board was formed most of the projects are finalised on time because time taken to handle the dispute is short and effective within 3 months.

According to DRBF most of the cases going to the (DBs) only 2 percent are reversed because of small hitches among the party members while over 90% of disputes are always successful.

The board members chosen to sit in the dispute resolution board are selected by the two parties.

The board is composed of 7 African countries South Africa,Botswana,Kenya among the countries that have succeeded in the formation the DBs to sort out their disputes well.

In conclusion, DB are successful in the construction industry because of the unique features of construction those selected board still sits on arbitration and mediation.

The dispute board is always funded by JICA and AFDB and any organisation or a parastatal funded must initiative a DB in all their organisation and its formed as a contract.

by Irene Mwende

Kenya Pension Funds Investment Consortium (KEPFIC) has received infrastructure and alternative investment proposals collectively worth over Ksh.700 billion from project sponsors and fund managers looking to raise capital from the local retirement benefits schemes.

The proposals come as local pension schemes expand their search for suitable investments to provide diversification and higher returns for pensioners.

The announcement was made during the opening of the two-day KEPFIC Annual Investment Conference in Nairobi today, where the shortlisted investment opportunities were presented to the local pension fund investors and discussed with project sponsors, fund managers, and industry experts. The projects under evaluation by the pensions investors span different sectors such as energy, property, affordable housing, healthcare, water and sanitation, transport and logistics, agriculture, telecoms, and ICT among others.

The mobilization of funds for different sectors by KEPFIC aligns with the Kenyan government’s plan to mobilize over Ksh.100 billion in private sector capital through priority projects that deliver nationally significant infrastructure, drive growth and have the highest benefit to Kenyans as outlined in the 2023/24 National Budget Proposal.

“Kenyan pension schemes are in search of profitable, secure, and impactful investments for better returns for their members. Infrastructure and alternative assets are an attractive but untapped new asset class for pension schemes and offer attractive returns and much-needed portfolio diversification benefits, delivering better overall investment performance,” said Ngatia Kirungie, the Head of the KEPFIC Secretariat and CEO of Spearhead Africa, during the conference opening.

According to the Retirement Benefits Authority, the pension industry assets under management stand at approximately Sh1.5 trillion. Pension funds are allowed to put up 10% of their assets into infrastructure as per the RBA investment guidelines passed in 2020. Traditionally, pension funds have invested in government securities, listed equities, and direct property investments but infrastructure investments remain hugely untapped yet profitable and sustainable in the long term.

KEPFIC was , founded as an industry-wide initiative supported by the Joint Capital Markets Program (J-CAP), a World Bank Group program, and USAID, works together with pension fund trustees, fund managers and regulators to address the challenges that pension schemes face while investing in alternative assets some of challenges comprise of limited visibility on investment opportunities, large capital requirements, and a lack of specialized investment expertise.

“As a consortium, we look for bankable projects with suitable returns that support sustainable economic development. They also have to be backed by strong environmental, social, and governance principles. By the end of 2022, we had mobilized over Ksh15 billion from local pension scheme investors into a number of alternative asset opportunities,” Mr. Kirungie added.

Some of the investments by KEPFIC members include a bond issued by the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) for affordable housing mortgage refinancing, and the development of student housing through a real estate investment trust (REIT) established by developer Acorn Holdings. Another upcoming investment is in the Lot 3 road project in North Eastern Kenya under the Kenya Roads Annuity public-private partnership (PPP) program developed with technical assistance from the World Bank.

Through support from USAID, KEPFIC has established partnerships with US-based pension funds to explore infrastructure co-investment opportunities in the region. With the support and co-investment partnerships is has cultivated, KEPFIC aims to mobilize and invest at least USD250 million (Approx Ksh.35 billion) in infrastructure assets in the near term and provide competitive returns and diversification opportunities to the member funds and co-investors.

Meresia Aloo
In a remarkable keynote address at the Arbitration Conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Mombasa, Justice Charles Woode, a prominent judge in the United States, expressed his admiration for the quality of speakers and discussed the importance of enforcing international arbitral awards in Africa. The conference aimed to foster a deeper understanding of arbitration practices and strategies, with the goal of positioning Africa as an effective player in the global arbitration arena.
Justice Woode praised the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s profound insights into arbitration and the steps needed for Africa to become a leading destination for arbitration cases. He emphasized the continent’s potential to attract more arbitrations and asserted that the region was making significant strides towards achieving this objective.
During his upcoming session on the conference panel, Justice Woode highlighted the pressing issue of enforcing international arbitral awards on the African continent. He pointed out that the primary objective of arbitration is to offer a swift resolution compared to traditional court proceedings, which can take several years.
However, he acknowledged that enforcing arbitral awards in Africa has encountered challenges. Justice Woode specifically addressed the lack of uniformity in time limits across various African countries. This discrepancy creates difficulties for parties seeking to enforce arbitral awards in different jurisdictions. To address this concern, he proposed the adoption of uniform time limits to promote consistency and flexibility in arbitration enforcement.
Moreover, Justice Woode discussed the issue of national courts in Africa intervening in ongoing arbitration proceedings to avoid unfavorable financial obligations resulting from an arbitral award. He cited a recent case in Nigeria involving an oil company, where the government contested the authority of the arbitration panel, arguing that tax-related issues fell under the court’s jurisdiction.
The lower court in Nigeria supported the government’s argument, giving the arbitration panel the authority to rule on the tax matters. However, on appeal, the Nigerian Court of Appeal reversed some aspects of the lower court’s decision, affirming the award in part and denying the part that concerned tax issues.
The complexity of such cases, as demonstrated in the Nigerian case, highlights the need for clarity and consistency in the interaction between national courts and arbitration proceedings. Justice Woode stressed the importance of upholding the legality of arbitration processes and encouraged parties to resort to court involvement only when necessary and in accordance with established rules and principles.
In concluding his address, Justice Charles Woode called for collective efforts among African nations to address these enforcement challenges and enhance the continent’s attractiveness as an arbitration hub. With a growing appreciation for arbitration and the commitment of influential legal minds, the future seems promising for Africa’s emergence as a formidable player in the global arbitration landscape.

By Irene Mwende

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is now calling for political ceasefire and dialogue between opposition leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to end the planned three-day anti-government protests set to begin on Wednesday.

Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference, LSK President Eric Theuri said that a call for national dialogue is the answer to all challenges in Kenya.

Theuri called on Ruto to air the grievances of Kenyans citing that their agitation should be respected.

“Protests as they have been held, have created an atmosphere of tension, anxiety that makes it untenable for public order to prevail. We have seen the agitation that has been there in the members of the public, that agitation must be respected,” he said

Theuri added that they are not only calling for national dialogue but also to mediate between Ruto and Raila.

Azimio supporters gear up for planned protests scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.This is despite calls from Kenya Kwanza leaders and religious leaders to call off the protests.

However, the opposition chief has maintained that the protests will go on as planned.