Author: staff reporter

Mizizi Africa Homes Chief Executive Officer (CEO), George Mburu has commended the Government’s move to set aside prime land for free to private developers which will help to significantly lower overall cost of home-ownership in Kenya.

Mburu lauded the move saying it will accelerate construction of affordable housing units and fix housing gaps by bringing more Kenyans into home-ownership.

“This will be a big relief for private developers as the cost of putting up units will reduce significantly since land takes up the largest share of construction costs and this is also dependent on location of land,” said Mburu.

The CEO added that the cost of land takes anything between 30-70 percent depending on the location and cost of the development and consequently, consumers will be the biggest beneficiaries as these reduced cost benefits are passed to the buyers.

“The impact of this deliberate effort is huge with its ripple effects set to be felt across the real estate industry, manufacturing and financial sectors in terms of increased activities and money circulation into the economy,” he reiterated.

President William Ruto during the launch of the Listing of Laptrust Imara real estate investment trust (REIT) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in March 2023, said County governments have already donated to private developers more than 4,000 acres valued at Sh30 billion for construction of affordable housing.

Mburu noted that the move will also spur economic activities in the counties and open up sleeping towns to create more jobs for residents and income to the government.

Kenya’s annual housing demand is estimated at 250, 000 units but the market has been supplying just 50,000 new houses every year, leaving an 80 percent deficit.

International Jaamia of Languages and professional Studies (IJLAPS) on Wednesday opened a new branch at the Warwick centre in Gigiri.

Dr Hassan Kinyua Omari, the Managing Director of IJLAPS said that the Gigiri branch which is located inside Kenya’s diplomatic enclave will offer a range of languages courses, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin and German.

“The new centre will also tap into the growing demand among diplomatic community in Gigiri,” Kinyua said.

He noted that IJLAPS is committed to youth empowerment through foreign language learning.

IJLAPS believes that learning a new language is crucial in today’s interconnected world and aims to create employment opportunities among the youth with the ability to speak foreign languages.

Rains are on, so are the environmentalists who have been waiting for them. Dedan Kimathi Foundation has been on a rush to support tree growing nation wide by donating tree seedlings from its central nursery and distributing ones donated by Kenya Forest Service and other partners to the identified planting sites.

Today, Monday 3rd April 2023,the team of environmental enthusiasts under the leadership of the Foundation CEO ; Ms. Evelyn W. Kimathi, has conducted a series of tree planting activities in Limuru, Kiambu.

The collaboration between the Foundation, Rotary Club of Limuru, Rotaract Club of St. Paul’s University and Young Theologians Initiative for Climate Action landed the team to P.C.E.A Nyoro Primary School, Rironi Location Chief’s Office, Kiroe Assistant Chief’s office and Makutano Secondary school. All these beneficiaries have received both indigenous and exotic tree seedlings to serve commercial and environment conservation purposes. Quick sites preparation led by the foundation green army enabled the team to plant all the tree seedlings donated.

The Foundation continues to sensitize masses to swing to tree growing action in the advantage of the falling rains to actualize the presidential 15bn tree growing plan.

To crown the noble environmental sensitization and tree planting work, the combined team together with Limuru Sub County Environment Officer and county environmental officers carried out a litter picking clean up activity in Limuru town to make the town more appealing for the residents. The team eased run off water drainage trenches by unclogging them.

Limuru Rotary club president; Ms. Hellen Njiraini expressed her gratitude to to the Foundation and other partcipants for sparing time, resources and sharing their knowledge with pupils and students to make them better people. Dedan Kimathi Foundation C.E.O; Ms. Evelyn W. Kimathi emphasized on the need to embark on heavy tree planting to mitigate climate change terming the crisis as more threatening than the old days British colonialism.

By Eric Ziribagwa Ogott

Estimates suggest the economic cost of lost learning from the Covid-19 crisis will run into trillions of US dollars if corrective action is not urgently taken. While many other sectors
have rebounded when lockdowns eased, the damage to children’s education is likely to
reduce their wellbeing and productivity.

This consequently makes education disruption one of the biggest threats to medium-and long-term recovery unless governments act swiftly.

For children to learn and thrive, this further calls for urgent recovery efforts,
rethinking, and resetting education provision.
With the aid of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – What Works Hub, Zizi Afrique Foundation is hosting a regional convening to talk about Foundational
Learning & Numeracy in Sub-Saharan Africa in association with the British Council, the Education Development Trust, Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP), and
Education Evidence for Action (EE4A). Academics, data producers, decision-makers, and scholars from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone will
be among the participants. Numerous representatives from African education ministries

By Steve El Sabai

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has moved to assure businesses of their support to help develop the economy.

KNCCI President Richard Ngatia while addressing the Uasin Gishu business community last week said that KNCCI will continue to support businesses through initiatives such as training and mentorship programs, access to financing, and advocacy efforts, with an aim to create an environment in which local businesses can succeed and flourish.

Ngatia underscored the importance of value addition on agricultural products noting that this will increase the marketability and profitability of the products and access to global markets.

The Uasin Gishu business forum was hosted by the KNCCI Uasin Gishu Chapter in collaboration with the County Government of Uasin Gishu on Thursday 30th March at Rupas Mall under the theme ‘New Opportunities in the upcoming city’. Ngatia emphasized the importance of digitalization to businesses. He encouraged the Uasin Gishu county chapter on making it an annual event and invite investors to enhance access to markets. He concluded by encouraging the county chapter to continue supporting and promoting business within the region through such forums.

Ngatia and the chamber’s first vice president Dr. Erick Rutto were accompanied by KNCCI county chairpersons from various counties and National directors to the business forum.

Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Hon. Jonathan Bii appreciated KNCCI on the continued support in the growth and development of business in the county. He gave his assurance to ensure full automation of county processes and licensing. He also noted that when the town becomes a city, the devolved unit stands to receive additional revenue allocations for development projects from national government agencies and other development partners.

The Governor also noted that he would work closely with KNCCI- Uasin Gishu Chapter to put in place the proper policies to promote a conducive business environment and the development of an industrial park that will help in the creation of opportunities for the people of Uasin Gishu. He concluded by assuring the business people that his government will improve security in order to protect their businesses.

Dr. Rutto in a panel discussion appreciated the county government for its continuous support through the office of the Governor. He emphasized the importance of the City status on Eldoret will be of benefit to the development of infrastructure, growth of business in the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), and increase in Tourism in the Region.

He challenged the business to adopt value addition in order to produce products that meet the needs of the export market. He encouraged the SMES to join KNCCI in order to grow businesses through networking and business forums, capacity building, access to information, and benefits from projects and programs.

The panel elaborated on the importance of technology to SMEs to help in connecting the business locally, nationally, and internationally.

KNCCI -Uasin Gishu chapter Chairman Willy Kenei emphasized the partnership between the KNCCI and the County government to help in creating opportunities and advocating for the growth of the business community. He appreciated the new appointment of Eldoret as a city and the opportunities for growth.

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Public Service governance known as “PSG” group a non governmental organisation has introduce the (Affordable Kitchen Bill) to the Senate.

The bill seeks to legislate zero taxation of 5 major kitchen challenges as well as bring demonstration of high cost of living to an end.

Speaking to the press in Nairobi,Ambassodor Esther Waringa, President of Public Service Governance said the kenya high cost of living has escalated and PSG is calling for a very honest ,objective,non-political and result based anc strategic action about the high cost of living.

Ambassador said “its an evident that after every election the country plunges into an acute economic meltdown,acute political division,tribsl division.

She added that therecmust be an end to everything.The fragrance of general election has faded away.

The Ambassodor has requested Mps to unanimously vote for the bill for the sake of all kenyans.

The PSG group has also promised to sponsor “Kenya Bila Uchaguzi Bill” to parliament.

PSG has said thst the bill is already under way anf the bill if passed will see abolishment of General Election in kenya and birthing of public Service System of Government in Kenya.

Octagon Africa, a leading regional financial services provider, has lined-up a three-day conference on fostering sustainable pensions. The conference is scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th April 2023 at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel, Nakuru

Themed “Recreating Sustainable Retirement – Adequacy & Security of Pension Funds”, the conference will bring together leading experts, pension fund managers, regulators, trustees, employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the pensions industry to discuss the current state of pensions management in Kenya, the challenges facing pension fund management, and explore innovative solutions for ensuring a sustainable retirement for all.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Octagon Africa Group CEO Fred Waswa said the forum is essential as it will bring together experts and stakeholders in the pensions industry to discuss the challenges facing pension fund management in Kenya and find solutions that will ensure that retirees have adequate and secure retirement benefits.

“We are excited to bring together stakeholders from across the pensions industry to share ideas, experiences, and insights on creating sustainable retirement solutions,” says Mr. Waswa. “We believe that by working together, we can create a future where retirement is a time of joy and fulfillment for all.”

The event will feature keynote addresses from industry experts, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering topics such as Social Security & coverage – Realignment of pension schemes to the NSSF Act 2013, the role of pension schemes in socioeconomic development, Structuring Investment mandates to optimize returns, and Risk mitigation strategies for sustainability & adequacy.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers, learn from experts, and share best practices for achieving sustainable retirement. Some confirmed speakers include Chief Investment Officer Co-Optrust Investment services George Gikunju, Octagon Pension Services Chief Actuary & Actuarial Society of Kenya Chairman Sahib Khosla, Pension Investment Consultant Mercy Gakii Muthuuri, FSD Africa Senior Manager, Risk Regulations Elias Omondi, CIC Life Assurance Head of Retirement Benefits & Corporate Sales Vincent Ochoi, and Centre for Corporate Governance Programme Coordinator Education & Training Ernest Najoli.
According to the International Labour Organization, pension coverage remains low in Africa with only 9.6% active contributors from the working-age population (15-65 years).
“At Octagon Africa, we are committed to changing this narrative by creating sustainable retirement solutions that ensure financial security and peace of mind for all,” Octagon Africa General Manager Marketing, Business and Product Development Davis Ongiro said.

Popular businesslady whose fame spread like bushfire who is fondly referred to as Njeri wa Uji has taken a moment to share with us her thoughts on the importance of hard work.

Njeri wa Uji pioneered the naturally derived porridge from carefully selected natural ingredients that leaves her customers smiling and yearning for more.

Her uji is tasty and laden with health promoting benefits.
She says,

“Money tastes so good when you work for it, amkeni tuka hustle,” Njeri said.

At Kenya Top Stories, we wish her success and God’s blessings in all her work.

BY ERIC OGOTT

Kenya Coalition of Churches Alliance and Ministries have today called on the Government and the Opposition to settle their issues through dialogue to avoid any situation leading to violence.

The Spiritual Leaders noted that the recent political trajectories of events like burning of places of worship Church and Mosque in Kibra Yesterday after the demonstartions was a poor action by the culprits. Northland Property belonging to the Former president Uhuru were also damaged together with the damage caused East Afrca Spectre Limited atvIndustrial area.

“We as spiritual leaders are concerned about the trajectory of events like burning of worship places destruction of property.
It appears that the goons have started to take advantage of the demonstrations by the opposition.
We urge our political leaders to adress the challenges in a dialogue manner. We also call on them political leaders to create an enabling envoronment for the sake of the kenyans.
We utge security enforcements to show restraint towards use of excessive forces. We are also request the youth a d kenyans at large to remain peaceful for a better Nation.” Said Bishop stanley Michuki.

Northlands farm and East Africa spector properties were hugely damaged as a result.
A certain group of goons is taking advantage of the demonstrations to destroy properties.

The Church Leaders are now urging the Youth and Kenyans at large not be used wrongly by any political leaders. The Nation needs to unite and God to grant our leaders with wisdom to solve issues quickly.

Kirinyaga County Senator James Murago is seeking a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on the state of labour export from Kenya.

In his request, the Senator wants the committee to state the measures the government has taken, if any, to reduce unemployment among the youths and explain the steps taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to facilitate Kenyans applying for job opportunities abroad.

The lawmaker further requests the committee to appraise the senate on whether there are any bilateral agreements in place with any foreign country or organization for the export of both skilled and unskilled labour and provide data on the current state of labor export to foreign countries, including the number of Kenyans working abroad and the amount of remittances received annually.