Category: Uncategorized

By Edna Okoth

Kayana Create, a leading platform dedicated to empowering women
entrepreneurs, dubbed Kayana Create, announces the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards at an annual event that shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond, celebrating their innovation, resilience, and leadership in driving
economic growth and social impact.

Speaking during the event,Founder and CEO of Kayana Create,Patricia Okelo noted that they are thrilled to honor the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs through the 2024
Kayana Female MSME Awards.

“These awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of individual businesses but also highlight the collective
strength and resilience of women in business, driving positive change and innovation across various
sectors and among this year’s nominees are pioneering businesses such as MRX Media Limited, Spectrum Engineering, and Essenpark Limited, each exemplifying excellence in their respective fields from
fostering community cohesion to promoting environmental sustainability, these businesses represent the diverse and impactful work being done by women entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond,” she added.

She also added that, in addition to recognizing individual achievements, the Kayana Female MSME Awards also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving business success.

“Through initiatives such as the Kayana Female MSME Awards, Kayana Create aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and recognition they need to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape and the public voting phase for the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards is now open, allowing members of
the community to show their support for their favorite nominees and winners will be announced at a gala ceremony scheduled for June 15, 2024, where they will receive recognition for their outstanding
contributions to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment,” she concluded.

It was also noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of global business, constituting 90 percent of
businesses worldwide and in Kenya, these enterprises play a pivotal role, contributing approximately 40% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, SMEs represent a staggering 98 percent of all businesses
in the country, generating 30 percent of new jobs annually.

Moreover, Gender dynamics within Kenya’s SME landscape, reveal a nuanced picture of the SMEs in Kenya, stating that, 31.4 percent are female-owned, while 48 percent are male-owned, with the remaining 17 percent co-owned by both genders, additionally, women lead 61 percent of unlicensed SMEs, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit despite facing hurdles such as regulatory compliance challenges.

Due to stringent collateral requirements
imposed by financial institutions, access to startup capital remains a significant obstacle for women-led businesses and further compounded by a lack of necessary entrepreneurial skills.

D.E.A.R MSME Awards, also known as The Kayana Female MSME Awards represent a
commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish and with over 1000 nominations received across nine different categories, the awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as community impact, environmental sustainability, and the innovative use of technology.

By Steve El Sabai

Amazon Web Services has announced availability of its initiative, ‘AI Ready,’ in Kenya. Designed to equip 2 million people by 2025 with free and essential artificial intelligence (AI) skills to thrive in the digital economy, this initiative now provides free AI skills training to Kenyans. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most transformative technology of our generation. If we are going to unlock the full potential of AI to tackle Africa’s most challenging problems, we need to make AI education accessible to anyone with a desire to learn,” said Robin Njiru, Regional Lead, Public SectorSub-Saharan Africa of Amazon Web Services. “Through our ‘AI Ready’ commitment, we are on a mission to democratize AI education and open opportunities for Kenyans in the workforce today and help the next generation benefit from the tremendous opportunity ahead.” The ‘AI Ready’ initiative offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of AI, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and more. The eight new generative AI and AI/ML courses offer something for everyone, including advanced courses for tech-savvy learners as well as foundational courses for executives in non-technical roles. Participants will have access to a wide range of resources, including online courses, hands-on labs, and webinars, all provided free of charge by AWS. “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform industries and revolutionize the way we work and live. Today the need for an AI-savvy workforce has never been greater. The Kenyan tech sector continues to be a stable source of growth and economic security in the country and by equipping millions of Kenyans with AI skills, we are not only preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow but also driving innovation and economic prosperity for the entire nation” said Eng. John Tanui the Principal Secretary State Department for ICT & Digital Economy. With the rapid advancement of technology, AI has emerged as a critical driver of innovation across various industries, presenting both opportunities and challenges for individuals seeking to stay competitive in the job market. AWS is continuing to invest in digital skills training by providing AWS re/Start, a free cloud skills training program designed to support people who are unemployed or underemployed, and who have little technology experience, for careers in cloud computing. In collaboration with Ajira, E-Mobilis and GetINNOtized, the program has enrolled more than 700 Kenyan youths across the country since 2021. To make the program even more inclusive, this year the first class of displaced learners in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps graduated from the program, created by AWS in cooperation with the Danish Refugee Council. As part of the ‘AI Ready’ commitment, AWS is democratizing access to generative AI by taking its availability beyond the realm of research and making it available to people and businesses of all sizes across Africa. Kenyans interested in participating in the ‘AI Ready’ initiative can visit this link for more information on available courses, resources, and enrolment details.

World Vision Kenya has embarked on a landmark campaign, “ENOUGH,” aimed at combating child hunger and malnutrition in Kenya. The campaign aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious food for their well-being and development.

Nearly 900,000 Kenyan children aged 6 to 59 months need assistance with acute malnutrition and food security. Malnutrition persists in arid counties due to multiple failed seasons, inadequate child-feeding practices, and high disease rates.

World Vision’s goal is to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable children in Kenya through targeted interventions, reducing hunger in the most affected communities through the three-year campaign.

According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), Kenya ranks 90th out of the 121 countries included in the Index, with a score of 22.0, indicating a serious level of hunger.

Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto E.G.H lauded World Vision for the initiative, noting that advocating for enough nutritious food for every child, both at home and in school, through ethical and sustainable sourcing is commendable.

“There’s no greater indignity than children attending school hungry. We’ve made significant strides, reducing stunting from 26% in 2014 to 18% in 2022. Overall, nutrition has improved. Yet, 847,000 Kenyan children under five face acute malnutrition, down from 14.5% in 2023. We must unite to scale interventions in food security, health, nutrition, and finance to reach our goal of less than 5% childhood wasting by 2025,” H.E Rachel Ruto said.

Mr Andreas Von Peleske, the Chief of Strategy of Naivas addressing the media during the opening of the Naivas Langata Road.

By Tum David

Naivas Supermarket continue to soar in its quest to meet and satisfy the ever increasing demands of its customers countrywide.

However, Naivas is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest outlet conveniently located in the populous residential area of the very busy Langata Road.

The new branch is located at Langata Med-Link, a mixed-use development on the busy Langata road opposite the Mbagathi road roundabout off Wilson Airport. It covers 28,000 sq ft of trading space. It has also a spacious retail floor showcasing a wide range of products and services.

The Naivas Medi-Link branch brings to three (3) the count of outlets along Langata Road one being at Freedom Heights, and another being the One Stop FoodMarkert located at
One Stop Arcade.

The newly opened Naivas branch at Langata Med-link adjacent to the busy Mbagathi road roundabout. Pic By TUM.

The branch features dedicated sections for electronics, home goods, clothing,fresh produce and other fast moving commodities. Also Naivas is proud of its knowledgeable and dedicated staff ready to serve its customers with great hospitality, as well as a secure parking and easy access for shoppers.

” We are excited to expand our presence in Langata, again, since this is an ever-growing area of Nairobi and once we identify a gap and a need in a community we move with speed and I’m a strategic, calculated manner to fill it,” said Andreas Von Peleske, Naivas Chief of Strategy.

He went on to say that the newly opened store is one such undertaking that shows how further the retailer has gone to provide a wholesome shopping experience aimed at meeting the every day needs and aspiration wants of its customers.

” This was always in the plan and from the word go, we were determined to deliver a store for the Langata residents that truly brings the world class shopping experience to them. As a home grown brand, we have our customer’s interests at heart hence the commitment not only to meet but also to exceed their needs in every way possible,” added Mr Peleske.

The newly opened branch comes at an exciting period when the KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI CAMPAIGN initiated by Naivas Supermarket chain is at its peak within the heart of its cherished customers countrywide.

The campaign has seen to it that that the retailer provides reprieve for Kenyans cushioning them during these very hard economic times through amazing sales promotions as well as reward points across all Naivas outlets.

” As we open the doors of Naivas Langata Med-Link, this newest store becomes our latest stage in our safari, and they get to join in the fun. Our customers are guaranteed that each time they walk through our doors they can trust us to deliver on our promises; thus NAIVAS SAVES YOU MONEY! Every store opening is also always an opportunity to appreciate the unwavering support from our customers. The support has ensured that the business has continued to grow from strength to strength and we want to reiterate our commitment to exceptional delivery as we continue in our great journey #Beyond1OO,” remarked Chief of Operations at the Naivas, Peter Mukuha.

Members of Non-Comminicable Diseases Alliance Kenya from left Mr. Thomas Lindi, Thomas Gikonyo of Renal patient Society of Kenya and Edward Konzolo addressing the media today in Nairobi. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa.
As the countywide doctors strike enters its 41days today, the government and doctors has been asked to move with speed and negotiate with patients in mind and bring the untold suffering to an end.
Renal Patients Society of Kenya Chairman John Gikonyo together with Non-Comminicable Diseases Alliance Kenya Members Mr. Thomas Lindi and Mr. Edward Konzolo has warned that 41 days by the striking medics took off is agonising long period for non communicale patients who needs constant periodic and management in hospitals.
The Caucus of patients led organisation on Non-Communicable Diseases has issued a statement critically appealing to the government and KMPDU to come to the negotiation table and resolve the onging stallment . “Currently, Non-Communicable Diseases amounts to over 50 percent of all hospitals admissions across the country with 33 percent of total deaths accounts for Non-Communicable Diseases across the country ” the Statement reads in part adding that it has dangerous disrupted health care services in government hospitals.

Mr. Edward Konzolo told journalists that the on-going strike has servery compromised with devastating effects and is critically worsening the prognosis of NCDs patients suffering from chronic diabetes, Kidney dialysis, hypertension and excetra.

he President of Renal Patients Society of Kenya was dismayed and warned of an immerging trend of dialysis units closing down due to luck of reimbursement by NHIF for dialysis services terming this a matter of life and death. John Gikonyo also told journalists that this month alone the Renal Patients Society have witnessed 4 units closing down as a results to non-reimbursement of dialysis unit by NHIF rendered to their members, adding that the closedown passed a great danger to close to 7000 kidney Patients who rely on NHIF cover to access the dialysis which will create un due pressure to the remaining units.
The President, Renal Patients Society of Kenya called on the NHIF to release all the pending reimbursement funds without further delays even as Social Health Authority is proposing to increase dialysis sessions per Patient to 3.

By Stephen Musyoka

Multichoice Kenya, a leading entertainment and pay-TV provider in the country, has launched a new Kenyan TV series, Shanga at Maasai Lodge, Nairobi County.

New local show to replace Salem, to air on Maisha Magic Plus on DStv Channel 163 and GOtv Channel 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Featuring Brahim Ouma (renowned for this role in the ‘Pepeta’ show) and Foi Wambui (recognized for her role in (‘Salem’), Shanga follows the story of Soilan, a Maasai girl.

When Naibei forcefully claims her as his bride, Soilan bravely stands up to him, sending shockwaves through the village.

This defiance leads to a confrontation at the Eunoto ceremony – a significant Maasai rite of passage where young men have their hair shaved, symbolizing their transition to adulthood –between Naibei and the renowned Maasai Moran named Ledama.

The story follows three main characters who, amidst pursuing their dreams, find themselves entangled in a love triangle.

Their aspirations and challenges are vividly depicted in this rags-to-riches narrative, richly intertwined with fashion, culture, color,and vibrancy.

The Maasai culture and its ‘nuances’ play a significant role in the storyline.

According to Nzola Miranda,Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya noted: “Today marks an exciting milestone for our viewers as we introduce ‘Shanga’, a compelling addition to our local content offerings.

We are committed to promoting local talent and narratives, fostering cultural preservation, and creating employment opportunities for Kenyans.”

“As Kenya’s most loved storyteller,we take pride in curating the country’s largest collection of local shows and remain committed to investing in local content.

Shanga joins a lineup of outstanding local productions, including ‘Kam U Stay,’ recently honored as Best TV Comedy at the Kalasha Awards, and ‘Haki Mwitu.’

As we look forward, our commitment is to continue producing and airing exciting and riveting local content and support Kenya Film Commission and Government grow local content.

We will continue to collaborate with film production companies to create high quality content that captivate global audiences.

Through industry-wide cooperation, our filmmakers and crew members will become household names beyond Kenya’s borders,” added Mr. Miranda.

By Benard Mulwa

Over 2000 teenage girls got pregnant in 2023, a study by forum for Africa Women Educationalist (FAWE) has revealed.
The study which was released today by the non for government organisation which is championing against teenage pregnancy has indicated that hash economy is the leading cause for teenage pregnancy in the informal settlements.

According to the Chairman for the NGO Mr. Justus Makhulo, he said the NGO which is sponsored by Mastercard foundation is closely working with other relevant children departments, the Ministry of education and Ministry Ministry of Health in a program to ensure the teenagers who gets pregnant go back to school.
The NGO yesterday brought together all the stake holders to deliberat on mitigations to reduce teenage pregnancy. The Chairman said that most of these cases occurs in the informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera, and Kariobangi adding that there is a need fot sensitisation in these communities especially especially to parents who appears to have neglected in their duties in bringing up their children.
The program dabbed “Linda Msichana” also brought men in this program as a mitigation to bring down the numbers of teenage pregnancy.

Third from left: Dr. Amit Thakker the board Chairperson Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) and other board members addressing the press in Nairobi today. Photo: Benard Mulwa

By Benard Mulwa
Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) a State agency working to strengthen the health sector in Kenya has today announced plans aimed to toughen the ailing health sector.
Led by the board Chairperson Dr. Amit Thakker, the board will unveil structures and systems of health on 15Th April this year. The agency which was established in 2022 is composed of the Chairperson, the Principle Secretary Ministry of Health, The Director General of health, The Attorney General, two representatives by the health regulatory boards established under the act of Parliament which is the Nursing Council and the Clinical Officers, the Council of governors, Health Professions Association and a one representative from the Private Sector Mr. Elyas Sheikh Abdinoor, a renowned entrepreneur who is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary, the Consumer Rights body and the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jackson Kioko.
The agency has seven mandate and legal functions which makes it a strong entity. The first is to maintain a duplicate registrar of all the professions working within the National and Country heath systems to bring all the registrar from all the different regulatory bodies together under one single register know as master health register.
The second function is to promote and regulate intra profession liaison between statutory regulatory bodies so as all to be working in harmony. The third function of the body is to coordinate joint inspections with all regulatory bodies.
The fourth function is to receive and facilitate resolutions of complaints from patients, aggrieved parties and regulatory bodies. “We have introduced a complete transparent patient grievance form under KMPDC which is available Online”, Dr. Amit Thakker said this is for any member of public who has not received good care by any health care profession to lodge their complains.
The fifth function is to monitor the execution of respective mandates and functions of regulatory bodies recognized under the Act of Parliament. “There are eleven regulatory bodies currently existing, we are going to help monitor and execute the executions of their mandate, our function is to help them perform even better” Dr. Thakker the board Chairperson told journalists.
The six function is to arbitrate disputes between statutory regulatory bodies and the last mandate is to ensure necessary standards for health professions are not compromised by the regulatory bodies.
The board is newly formed in 2022
In the recent past, Opticians in Kenya did not have an official paper to enable them open an optical outlet that will continue to see and treat the refractory process of Kenya but now all the opticians are licensed. Bio-medical engineers, emergence medical technicians, morticians, speech therapists, audiologists, are all now been registered after being vetted by this Board which was formed in 2022.

Mr. Solomon Osundwa, Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa and Chief Operating Officer Hass Petroleum Group during the state of the Petroleum and oil industry briefing at Serena Hotel, Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa
It usually goes unsaid but access to reliable, quality petroleum products is deeply intertwined with national security as it influences security operations both in terms of fuel for vehicles and aircrafts as well as power for police stations and communication systems, especially in far flung and hard to reach areas not yet connected to the national grid.
The Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa Mr. Solomon Osundwa, observed that energy infrastructure, such as petroleum pipelines and storage facilities are critical and protecting these assets from natural disasters, terrorist and cyber-attacks, or sabotage is vital for overall national safety and security.
The petroleum industry growth in Kenya, which has seen an increase in the number of outlets, storage and refilling facilities, has brought with it numerous challenges with the biggest one being the unauthorized refilling sites of petroleum products, specifically Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).
These sites normally refill cylinders belonging to licensed brand owners illegally with a case and point being the fire tragedy that occurred in the residential area of Mradi Area, Embakasi that claimed people’s lives and left scores injured.
The inability to trace the movement of petroleum products comes at a close second which presents serious safety concerns to consumers and the public at large.
Mr. Solomon Osundwa said “Illegal petroleum facilities, dumping of export petroleum products, adulteration of petroleum products, and siphoning of petroleum products along our major highways and transport corridors are likewise, emerging threats from sector cartels”.
The petroleum sector continues to harbor rogue business people while some elements within our law and enforcement agencies have been compromised thus the need to enhance intelligence-led enforcement, harden prosecution measures, and capacity building across enforcement agencies.
During the celebrations for the International Women’s Day held on 2nd March 2023, His Excellency the President conveyed his concerns about rogue business people dealing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other petroleum products. Equally, the
President ordered that government officials involved in granting licenses to unauthorized refilling plants to be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted.
On 28th March 2023, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration together with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in liaison with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Energy Police Unit, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, embarked on a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on rogue LPG dealers and petroleum businesses.
The RRI aimed to ensure compliance with licensing conditions at LPG and petroleum storage and filling plants and enforce safety measures to minimize the risk of accidents.
Correspondingly, a nationwide registration of all LPG and petroleum businesses was conducted to enhance management and regulation, his speech reads in part.
Mr. Solomon Osundwa, Vice Chairman Petroleum Institute of East Africa said, “As a result, a total of 17,958 LPG and 6,188 petroleum facilities were registered, with the Central region having the highest number. This was followed by Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza, Nairobi, Coast, Western and North Eastern regions respectively”.
Facilities operating without valid storage and filling licenses, usage of vehicles without permits to transport bulk petroleum products, refilling of LPG cylinders of other brands without authorization from the brand owners and tampering with EPRA seals were the most common illegalities found and files forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
From the exercise it was indeed clear that new measures to curb the illicit trade of petroleum products need to be established and I would like to summarize them as follows.
First, we need to deploy advanced technology for monitoring and surveillance of the supply chain to help in early detection of illicit activities. Rogue business people are ever changing their tactics and now leveraging on technology to extend their territorial reach.
We should not be left behind. I urge the petroleum sector to take advantage of our National Government Administrative Officers as coordinators of regular inspections and surveillance exercises at the County levels owing to their reach.
Second, there is need to update and strengthen legal frameworks to impose stricter penalties on those involved in the illicit trade including government officials found to have approved illegal facilities or turned a blind eye through corruption to unlicenced facilities and vehicles transporting petroleum products without valid permits.
Third, educating the public about the dangers of using illegally sourced LPG and petroleum products can help reduce demand for such products. Sponsorships from entities such as the Petroleum Institute of East Africa in conjunction with Enforcement Agencies and other public and private entities can amplify these efforts.
Fourth, training law enforcement and regulatory personnel on the latest techniques for detecting and preventing the illicit trade as well as involving the petroleum industry players in developing solutions and reporting suspicious activities can lead to a more comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.
A dedicated Energy Police Unit was already established to provide security to critical petroleum infrastructure and a review can be made to expand the Unit to co-opt all other enforcement.
The fight against the illicit trade in the petroleum sector requires a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between government agencies, industry players, the private sector, and the public.

After multiple election cycles of making no inroads in Mt. Kenya, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has embarked on a campaign to woo the region, signaling a strategic move towards fostering unity between the Kikuyu and Akamba communities.

The Kikuyu council of elders hosted Kalonzo at their Ruaka offices on Thursday, as the presidential aspirant sought to rekindle old ties between the two communities.

Kalonzo proposed the integration of the Kamba community into the GEMA (Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, Akamba) regional grouping. Kalonzo has in the past rarely acknowledged the ‘A’ in GEMA, but political realignments may now force him to pay more attention.

During the discussion, Kalonzo appealed to the Kikuyu elders to support his vision for unity.

He assured them of his commitment to fostering relationships with community leaders throughout the region, including plans to engage with the Meru council and Njuri Ncheke.

Kalonzo’s initiative is part of a broader outreach, indicating readiness to assume a leadership role within the Azimio coalition once ODM leader Raila Odinga transitions to the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

Wachira Kiago, the National Chairman of the Kikuyu council, lauded Kalonzo’s efforts towards unity and reconciliation, pledging support for ongoing discussions aimed at promoting regional growth and cooperation.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui and Matungulu MP Stephen Mule also voiced their support, emphasizing the importance of including the Akamba community within the GEMA alliance to bolster regional development and cooperation.

Former Women representative Rechel Shebesh praised Kalonzo’s longstanding support for the Mount Kenya community, notably his backing of Narc party leader Martha Karua for the deputy position in the Azimio leadership. She expressed the Jubilee party’s readiness to collaborate with Kalonzo and support his future endeavors.

However, Kalonzo faces internal challenges within the Azimio coalition, as evidenced by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua’s remarks questioning his suitability as a presidential candidate and urging him to focus on demonstrating his capabilities to voters. This public disagreement between two coalition principals cast doubt on the future of the movement as a whole.

Other prominent leaders who attended the Thursday meeting include: Boni Mwalika (MP Kitui Rural), Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central), Musila Mawathe (Embakasi South MP), Enock Wambua (Kitui Senator), and Daniel Maanzo (Makueni Senator), all showing a united front in support of Kalonzo’s initiative for unity across the Mount Kenya region.