NAIROBI, KENYA, DECEMBER 10, 2024: Bolt, a leading mobility platform across Africa and Europe, has officially launched Bolt Market, its new grocery delivery service aimed at making everyday shopping more convenient. With this expansion, Bolt taps into the growing demand for fast, on-demand grocery delivery, offering customers a convenient way to access essentials. The move is part of Boltβs strategy to expand its services, grow its market share, and establish itself as a trusted platform for convenient, on-demand grocery delivery.
Bolt Food app customers can now make grocery delivery orders from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm as well as schedule their essentials and grocery delivery 24 hours in advance. Bolt Market will operate within a 10 km radius from its Bolt Market store in Kilimani. To celebrate this, Bolt Market will offer free delivery to up to 3KM and up to 80% discount. Integrated seamlessly into the Bolt Food app, Bolt Market customers can access over 2,000 carefully curated products in the stores, from fresh produce from local providers to household essentials and beverages.
Bolt Food General Manager, Edgar Kitur said: βWith the launch of Bolt Market grocery delivery in Kenya, we aim to better serve a thriving food and grocery ecosystem that is a foundation for a city people love to live in. Bolt Market offers a selection of over 1,500 carefully curated products, from fresh produce to household essentials. The store teams have no interruptions and handle products with care, making sure customers get the quality they would choose on their while saving their time.β
To order groceries from Bolt Market, customers can download the Bolt Food app, where they will be able to see the selection of products offered in the store. Before confirming the order, the app shows the price and estimated delivery time of the order. In order to pay for the order, the customer has to enter their bank card details into the app.
Hustler Fund borrowers will enjoy enhanced loan limits following the launch of two initiatives to boost its capacity and effectiveness. Marking the Fund’s second anniversary at the KICC, Nairobi, on Monday, President William Ruto announced the creation of Hustler Fund behavioural credit rating system aimed at expanding credit accessibility to borrowers who repay within the stipulated 14 days. He also launched the Bridge Loan product, which will enable good borrowers to access larger credit amounts and enjoy a longer repayment period. The Hustler Fund credit rating system assigns all beneficiaries of the Fund a score ranging from A1 (Very good) to C3 (Very poor). The score has nine bands: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2 and C3 to indicate credit worthiness. “We are assigning a credit score to every borrower so that this becomes their new collateral,” the President said. Depending on the score, some beneficiaries will double or even triple their current limits. He added that more than two million beneficiaries have demonstrated good borrowing behaviour, and their positive credit behaviour will reward them with higher limits based on their credit worthiness. President Ruto said the credit score will be automatically adjusted to a beneficiary’s borrowing pattern, thus ensuring transparency in the process “You don’t have to know the chief, the Principal Secretary or the President to get a good credit rating – all you need is your phone,” he said. The President urged banks and other financial institutions to use the credit score rating data from the Hustler Fund to assess the credit worthiness of their customers, especially those who have taken loans from the Fund. “Please pick them up and take them to the next level,” he said. Meanwhile, the Bridge Loan will transition good borrowers to the mainstream financing sector by exposing them to the banking environment, he said. The beneficiaries will establish relationships with banks and start gaining the banking experience. Their credit history will inform their bankability. The repayment period for the loans has also been increased from 14 days to 30 as requested by borrowers. Interest rate remains unchanged at 8 per cent a year. The product also provides enhanced loan limits depending on the behavioural rating score, allowing beneficiaries to substantially increase their current limits. “Good borrowers will be able to triple their credit limits. Those who are at KSh50,000 will now be able to borrow up to KSh150,000, while those at KSh5, 000 will move to 15,000 and so on,” he said. In the two years of the Hustler Fund, it has established credit profiles of 24.7 million Kenyans who have so far benefitted from the Fund’s inaugural personal loan product, which has disbursed over KSh60 billion. In addition, borrowers of the Fund have saved KSh3.4 billion in mandatory savings of 5 per cent per borrowing, with where 70 per cent going to long-term savings and 30 per cent to short-term. The President also announced that long-term Hustler Fund savings will be managed by the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust, a government pension scheme for Kenyans in the informal sector. “Instead of putting your money in the bank where it earns 4, 5 or 6 per cent interest, KNEST will give you the Treasury Bill’s rate which currently stands at 11 per cent,” he said. The Principal Secretary State Department of Micro Small Enterprises development, which houses the Hustler fund, Susan Mangeni had this to say on the transformative power of this phenomenal financial inclusion instrument. “Hustler Fund is a credit card that we have offered to Kenyans especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid to access credit and meet their needs in a dignified manner. We are the first economy in the region and we could even be the first in the world to have come up with such a deliberate and international intervention of depleting financial inclusion in our society.”
The State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs has earned national recognition for excellence in financial reporting, clinching the prestigious 1st Runners-Up position at the 2024 FiRe Awards. The event, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, celebrates exemplary financial reporting, corporate governance, and sustainability practices across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Kenya.
The FiRe (Financial Reporting) Awards are a distinguished annual initiative organized jointly by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). They aim to promote accountability, transparency, and adherence to international accounting standards in both the public and private sectors.
Receiving the award on behalf of the department, Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko expressed immense pride in the accomplishment. “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of financial reporting and resource utilization. It reflects the diligence and professionalism of my team, led by Henry Mobegi, in adopting international accounting principles to ensure transparency and efficiency,” said Kaituko.
The department’s outstanding performance earned it the second overall ranking among all MDAs in the country, a testament to its leadership in governance and financial integrity.
Kaituko reaffirmed his department’s dedication to sustaining these high standards in service to the public. “This achievement inspires us to aim even higher as we continue to uphold the principles of accountability and excellence in all our operations,” he added.
The recognition is not only a milestone for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs but also a strong message of the government’s commitment to financial transparency and effective resource management.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, started her week on a high note, underlining her commitment to the growth and resilience of Kenyaβs tourism sector. During a courtesy visit to Kenyatta University, she held productive discussions with Vice Chancellor Prof. Wacheke Wanjohi and visited the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre for Eastern Africa (GTRCMC-EA), where she serves as the Chair of the Centreβs Board.
The GTRCMC-EA, headquartered at Kenyatta University, plays a vital role in enhancing tourism resilience and performance across 14 countries in Eastern and Central Africa, including Kenya. Reflecting on the visit, Miano emphasized the Centre’s transformative impact on the tourism industry, adding that its programs have significantly contributed to the sector’s recovery and growth.
The Cabinet Secretary outlined key focus areas that will steer the Centre’s efforts: the establishment of a revolving fund to support internship programs for young professionals, mapping tourism products across the country to enhance global visibility, and capacity building to equip industry players with skills to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
βThese initiatives aim to elevate the performance of Kenyaβs tourism industry while fostering resilience in the face of global uncertainties,β Miano noted.
The Cabinet Secretaryβs proactive leadership underscores her dedication to not only positioning Kenya as a premier tourist destination but also ensuring the sector remains robust and adaptive in a dynamic global environment.
As the festive season begins, Kenyans find themselves caught between the traditions of celebration and the harsh realities of their daily struggles. In an impassioned address issued from the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on December 9, 2024, former Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka spoke to the soul of the nation, urging reflection on the state of the country while calling for renewed hope and decisive action.
Traditionally, Jamhuri Day marks the start of a joyous season, blending into the Christmas and New Year festivities. However, Musyoka struck a sobering note this year, acknowledging the profound challenges many Kenyans face. βIt has been a very difficult season,β he said, pointing to unemployment, heavy taxation, confusion in education, a crumbling healthcare system, and a government he accused of being unresponsive and oppressive.
This year, Jamhuri Day coincides with other significant observances, including the International Anti-Corruption Day and the International Human Rights Day. Musyoka urged Kenyans to reflect deeply on the meaning of these moments, questioning the countryβs progress in human rights and its commitment to addressing gender-based violence.
In his speech, Musyoka painted a troubling picture of the past year. From allegations of government-led corruption involving fake fertilizers and seeds to the mishandling of disaster management during devastating floods, he argued that the administration had failed its people. Families were left marooned in floodwaters, he said, while funds earmarked for disaster relief remain unaccounted for. Forced demolitions under the pretext of the “Affordable Housing Project” added to the plight of many, with the project itself shrouded in what he called “blatant opaqueness.”
The former Vice President accused the regime of turning its back on essential sectors like education and healthcare, as teachers, university lecturers, and health workers went on strike over unmet agreements. Meanwhile, confusion and unrest plagued hospitals, universities, and even the airports, which Musyoka attributed to poor governance and reckless policies.
Musyokaβs outrage was most palpable when addressing the abductions, disappearances, and killings of young Kenyans who protested against the government. He described these incidents as a brutal assault on democracy and human dignity, asking, βWhat government does this, anywhere in the world, in this 21st Century?β
Despite the grim realities, Musyokaβs speech was also a rallying cry for hope and resistance. He warned those engaged in corruption and impunity that their time was running out. βWe are going to talk about corruption, and we are going to fight it, too. No amount of threats or intimidation will stop us from demanding accountability,β he vowed.
Addressing the youth directly, he promised they were not alone in their struggles. βYour welfare is of the greatest import to us. We shall not look on as your future is stolen,β he said, urging them to prepare for what he called the βfinal liberation.β
Musyoka also criticized Kenya’s actions on the international stage, particularly the controversial deployment of police officers to Haiti, which he described as tarnishing the nationβs reputation. He expressed concern over alleged abductions and deportations of foreign nationals, acts that he said undermined Kenyaβs standing in global diplomacy.
In his closing remarks, Musyoka reminded Kenyans that brighter days lie ahead, urging them to reject the governmentβs attempts to paint a misleading picture of success. βOur day as Kenyans is coming,β he declared, calling for resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
As the country approaches Jamhuri Day, Musyokaβs address stands as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability, justice, and a recommitment to the ideals of independence. His words offer not only a critique of the current state of affairs but also a vision of hope for a Kenya where the dignity and rights of its people are restored.
Willstone Homes, one of Kenyaβs most trusted property developers, has once again solidified its position as a leader in the real estate industry. At the recently concluded Dependable Awards, the company walked away with three prestigious honors, further cementing its legacy of excellence under the guidance of Managing Director Ejidio Kinyanjui.
The awards, which celebrate innovation and outstanding contributions in various industries, saw Willstone Homes recognized in three major categories:
Best Luxury Project Developer
Best Housing Company of the Year
Lifelong Achievement in Real Estate
This triple win highlights the companyβs commitment to delivering high-quality housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of homeowners. Speaking after the ceremony, Ejidio Kinyanjui expressed his gratitude to the team and clients who have been instrumental in the companyβs success. βThese awards reflect our dedication to excellence and innovation in creating homes that inspire trust and satisfaction. We are honored to be your partner in making homeownership dreams come true,β he said.
Willstone Homes has consistently set the standard in the real estate sector with its focus on luxury, affordability, and unmatched customer service. The companyβs projects are known for their modern designs, strategic locations, and long-term value for homeowners and investors alike.
As part of its customer-centric approach, Willstone Homes is inviting potential homeowners to take advantage of free site visits available every day of the week. This initiative allows prospective clients to explore their dream homes firsthand and make informed decisions.
With this latest recognition, Willstone Homes continues to build not just houses but trust and lasting relationships, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of Kenyaβs real estate success story
In an address to the nation, Kenyaβs government spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mago Mwaura has highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting employment in the country.
Speaking to the public, Dr. Mago emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that more Kenyans have access to job opportunities, both within the country and beyond.
“Kenya will rise, Kenya will stand, and Kenya will prosper through unity and patriotism. I am proud to say that Kenya is finishing the year strong,” Dr. Mwaura began, reflecting on the country’s progress in the past year. He pointed out that the government is working diligently to create opportunities for citizens, with a particular focus on employment, an area many Kenyans desire to improve.
Dr. Isaac Mwaura highlighted the significance of celebrating human rights, particularly the right to work. As Kenya approaches December 12th, a day dedicated to commemorating these rights, the spokesperson emphasized that employment remains a critical need for many. The government has prioritized filling job vacancies to empower citizens and contribute to economic growth.
“Whether it’s through physical or online jobs, or employment abroad, we are creating avenues for Kenyans to find meaningful work,” he said. Dr. Mago also discussed various initiatives, including the ongoing recruitment of teachers, which has been a significant area of focus. The government has employed thousands of teachers across the nation and continues to work on increasing these numbers to meet the growing demand in the education sector.
The spokesperson also mentioned the governmentβs efforts to tackle youth unemployment, which includes training programs and partnerships with institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS) and agricultural projects aimed at empowering young people.
“We are investing in our people, with billions allocated to improve the job market. Our aim is to reduce unemployment and provide sustainable livelihoods for Kenyans across all sectors,” Dr. Mwaura noted.
The government’s approach to tackling unemployment involves a blend of local employment opportunities, international job placements, and training programs to ensure that all citizens have a chance to thrive in the labor market. This strategic focus is seen as an important step in ensuring a prosperous future for the country.
Mombasa, Kenya β In a display of unity and support for the East African Community (EAC) Games, Members of Parliament (MPs) boarded the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Mombasa, emphasizing the railway’s efficiency and economic significance. During the journey, Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. Philip Mainga highlighted the SGR as not just a transportation solution but a vital catalyst for economic growth and tourism. “By choosing to travel with us, MPs are showcasing a commitment to supporting national infrastructure,” he stated. Speaker Hon. Mosses Wetangula echoed this sentiment, calling the decision a milestone that enhances economic opportunities and visibility for key transport hubs. The journey underscores the SGR’s strategic role in fostering regional integration and boosting local businesses, positioning Kenya as a central hub for sports and tourism as the nation celebrates the upcoming EAC Games
Mwea, Kirinyaga County: Residents of Kanduma in Nyangati Ward are celebrating a new chapter in their lives after their village was officially connected to electricity. The transformative project was launched by the Member of Parliament for Mwea Constituency, Hon. Mary Maingi, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
Speaking at the event, Hon. Maingi emphasized the importance of electricity in driving development and improving the lives of her constituents.
“Today, the residents of Kanduma will no longer live in the dark. This electrification initiative will connect 70 households and is part of 27 similar projects across Mwea aimed at achieving 100% power connectivity. My vision is to ensure every household in Mwea has access to reliable electricity, unlocking opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth,” she said.
The electrification project is expected to have a profound impact on the community by enabling small businesses to expand, improving access to modern education and healthcare, and creating a foundation for future investments.
Residents could not hide their joy, expressing gratitude to Hon. Maingi for her efforts to prioritize infrastructure development. For many, the arrival of electricity symbolizes progress and hope for a brighter future.
“We have waited for this moment for so long. Now, our children can study better, our businesses can grow, and our lives will improve. We thank our MP for delivering on her promises,” said a jubilant resident.
This project is part of Hon. Maingiβs broader development agenda under the #MweaKwanza initiative, which focuses on empowering the people of Mwea through strategic investments in energy, infrastructure, and social services.
With 27 electrification projects currently underway, Hon. Maingi is confident that Mwea Constituency will soon achieve universal electricity access, ensuring no household is left behind in the journey toward sustainable growth.
This landmark event has set the stage for Kanduma and the entire Mwea region to unlock new opportunities and realize its full potential.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro Small Enterprises (MSME) Development, Hon. Susan Mangβeni, on Friday underscored the critical role of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kenyaβs economic transformation.
Speaking during a meeting with MSEA County Heads, PS Mangβeni emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable enterprise growth to drive inclusive economic development. She highlighted the governmentβs commitment to empowering the MSE sector as a key pillar of Kenyaβs economic strategy.
“Micro and small enterprises are the backbone of our economy. By supporting this sector, we create jobs, enhance livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth. It is crucial that we align our efforts with value chain priorities to ensure maximum impact,” said the PS.
MSEA CEO and Director General, Mr. Henry Rithaa, reaffirmed the Authorityβs dedication to advancing President William Rutoβs vision for the MSE sector. He emphasized MSEAβs strategic alignment with national development goals to unlock the potential of small enterprises across the country.
“MSEA is committed to designing programs that not only support MSEs but also contribute to sustainable growth by addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities within key value chains,” he stated.
The Authority has been at the forefront of initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and market access needed to thrive in a competitive environment. Through targeted interventions, MSEA aims to create an ecosystem where small businesses can flourish and contribute to Kenyaβs long-term development goals.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and driving impactful programs that empower MSEs nationwide
