Category: Uncategorized

Roundtable dialogue at Desmond Tutu Conference center Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa

Artificial Intelligence – AI took the centre stage in a discussion by a section of interfaith today seeking a new legislative to be put in place to protect women and girls against Online Gender Based Violence, it has emerged.

This comes in the wake of alarming rise in femicide cases in Kenya which in many cases are instigated through social media, questioning the safety of internet.

On January 4, 2024, the stabbing to death of 26-year-old Starlet Wahu a popular Instagram figure in a short-term rental apartment made headlines. On the 14th January days after the brutal murder and dismemberment of a 20-year-old Rita Waeni in Nairobi with her remains scattered by the killer and some stuffed in a plastic bag sent shockwaves throughout our communities. Femicide Count Kenya which monitors killings reported in local news, recorded 58 deaths labelled as femicides between January and October 2022. In 2023, the organisation recorded at least 152 killings[1] – the highest in the past five years and 14 cases have already been reported in January 2024.

The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that over 40 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In all these cases, the blame has shifted from perpetrators to the victims. Evelyn Apondi, a feminist expert said “This staggering number only represents cases reported in the media and doesn’t represent the true count as on average a woman or girl is killed every day, often by a close family member”, adding that, Violence against women and girls is violence against the entire humankind, and should have no place in Kenya or anywhere in the world. It is disheartening to witness the loss of innocent lives, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by these tragic events.

Christian Aid Kenya Country Director, Mrs Janet Ngombalu, said in a statement, “Society’s response to gender-based violence can be enhanced if we invest in seeking to understand some of the key drivers of the epidemic adding that, the sacred texts are clear that we must seek knowledge having a fuller understanding of the complexity of gender-based violence will enable us to develop and implement more effective responses. “We can no longer remain silent, nor assume that gender-based violence is a ‘private issue.’ The statement reads in part, it is in many instances a matter of life and death; a matter of human security, dignity, faith, human rights and is key to the prosperity of the entire nation.

Sheik Abuhamza of Jamia mosque Nairobi said “we commend the media for amplifying the heinous acts of femicide and other forms of GBV and urge them to continue relentlessly, and we further commend all other organizations that have condemned the vice, including marching on the streets”.

 We call on the government of Kenya to hasten to make efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice,” We call on the Government of Kenya to ensure progress towards implementation of the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the National Policy on Prevention and Response to Gender based Violence 2014 outcomes, and the enforcement of all laws and policies that respond to Gender Based Violence. All relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government must task to work in concert with other institutions including law enforcement authorities in mitigating the heinous acts of femicide and other gender-based violence.  

We also call on government to enforce treaties it has ratified on this issue such as The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, (Maputo Protocol) and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) among others.

 We call all institution of learning to instil value for human life, and respect for the dignity and God’s image in every human being  

Our Commitment

The faith community in Kenya stands united, transcending religious boundaries to condemn femicide and all other forms of GBV in the strongest terms possible. Our shared commitment to justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of life compels us to address this issue comprehensively and collaboratively. We therefore commit to the following:

Education and Awareness: We commit to continue educating our congregations and communities on the root causes of femicide and other forms of GBV, dismantling harmful stereotypes, offering mentorship to boychild during cultural forums such as rites of passage to change the perception of young men towards women and promoting healthy relationships founded on mutual respect and equality right from family level.

Interfaith Collaboration: We recognize the strength in unity and commit to engage in continuous interfaith dialogue and collaboration toward addressing toxic societal norms that contribute to femicide for behavioural transformation.

We commit to promote theologies that affirm the dignity and equality of all genders.

Support Services: We commit to create awareness on existing support services (hotlines and safe houses). We further commit to establish and promote accessible support services, including pastoral counselling, psycho-social intervention and safe spaces, to aid survivors and their families in the aftermath of femicide and other forms of GBV.

Advocacy for strengthening legal frameworks: We commit to continuousengagement with policymakers to focus on strengthening the legal framework and ensuring its enforcement.

We therefore urge all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation, to join hands in the fight against femicide. It is our collective responsibility to create a society where women can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Together, let us strive for a Kenya where every life is valued, and every woman can realize her full potential without the threat of harm.

We thank you for your attention and collaboration in addressing this urgent matter. May our shared commitment to justice and compassion guide us in the pursuit of a safer and more equitable society.

By Wendy Keziah

Africa has been called upon to speak in the strongest terms possible against fossil fuels and extractive industry because of the evident human rights violations, family displacements, cultural interference, and the impacts on the environment associated with the said industries.
Speaking during the launch of the GreenFaith-Africa office in Nairobi, Meryne Warah, the GreenFaith Global Director for Advocacy, drew the attention of the multi-faith gathering at the All African Council of Churches (AACC) premises in Nairobi to the destruction the fossil fuels industry had caused people in Africa.
“We have enough renewable natural capital that can be harnessed to provide energy in Africa while at the same time living harmoniously with biodiversity,” said Ms Warah, adding that the faith communities were best placed to speak truth to powers that make decisions allowing foreign companies to destroy Africa’s beauty, environment and biodiversity through the oil and extractive industry.
The meeting was attended by representatives of indigenous communities, women and youth from several parts of Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Uganda and the DRC. There were also faith leaders from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and other communities.
Several teams presented videos showing the effects of fossil fuels in their communities. Tanzania and Uganda shared videos of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) affected persons, many complaining about poor compensation for land taken and disrespect for their kin’s graves during displacement, among other ills. Nigeria had evidence of oil spills and gas flaring in Port Harcourt, in the Niger Delta, which has polluted rivers and the soil, killing the farming and fishing communities’ sources of livelihood, and increasing cases of respiratory and other diseases.
Reacting to the videos, Rev. Dr Gibson Lesmore, the Director of Programs at the AACC, said: “We, as human beings, have a moral duty to preserve the embodiment of God in humanity, and that is by protecting our habitats.”
He rebuked efforts to sustain fossil fuels proliferation by playing with the language, especially at the global climate talks. “They are now talking of phase-down when we need a phase-out. The oil exploration in Africa is aided by insiders. We know the insiders, but we are not telling them the truth. Let us be united to speak truth to power around issues of climate change because these are matters of life and death. Silence is violence,” he said.
He called for more attention to the solutions different African and indigenous communities offered. “Listen to African indigenous knowledge and nature-based solutions, even in the face of development and technological advancement,” he said, adding that the global North’s efforts to dangle the carbon market when they had refused to honor the $100 billion climate fund pledge was pretentious. “Faith communities are our only hope. We must not politicize issues of climate change. Capitalism places its efforts on profits against human well-being. Matters of climate change are matters of life and death. No hypocrisy. No deceit. No lie,” he said.
GreenFaith Executive Director Rev. Fletcher Harper said: “Africa is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Global North corporations want to exploit the continent’s resources and addict Africa to fossil fuels. This is patently immoral. Our GreenFaith Africa team is campaigning for clean, safe, affordable, reliable energy for every African. We’re calling for millions of green jobs to lift people from poverty. We demand an immediate stop to new fossil fuel projects and loss and damage funds for those who have suffered permanent losses from climate change. Our faiths require nothing less.”
Hindu council of Kenya’s Sujarta Kotamraju urged participants to strengthen the link between spirituality and ecology. “Our differences in faiths must not enable destruction of mother earth, especially through fossil fuels extraction,” she said, adding that faith has a role to play in driving climate justice.
Elija Toirai, a representative of the indigenous community, said: “We must flow with nature in everything we do. The values we teach our children should encourage conservation. Indigenous people know climate change destroys their spaces. Certain cultural and ceremonial activities do not happen anymore, or their frequencies have reduced because climate change has messed up some of the sacred places where they used to happen”.
He said indigenous people bring historical and indigenous knowledge that helps deal with climate change, calling for more inclusion is solution finding. He thanked GreenFaith for strategically working with faith and indigenous communities as equal partners.
Ms Warah added: “When talking about Loss and Damage, it also means losing your identity. The indigenous communities have lost their identities. This is not something you can ever get back, even with the Loss and Damage fund”.
Sabina Chege, the Kenya Women of Faith Secretary, said women were disproportionately affected by climate change, and needed to be more economically empowered to offer solutions. “Women must be involved more in the fight for climate justice.”
Ezekiel Chibeze, the Executive Director of Strategic Youth Network for Development Executive Coordinator from Ghana, said youth have a role to play in climate education. “We are pushing advocacy and showing that young people have a solution to bring to the table. We are championing green ideas and jobs by turning organic waste into fuel for the stoves and also having young farmers in agroecology to deal with food security and enable the agriculture sector to employ more people. We have to do our job now. In the next 30 years, we will have a new crop of young people. We must nurture them now.”
Salim Bayani, a Muslim faith leader, said: “We were born with the responsibility of taking care of the environment. Nothing that is on this earth has not come through the Bible or the Quran, or other holy books”.
GreenFaith-Africa is now in 12 African countries. It brings together Christians, Muslims, those with traditional African beliefs, Hindus, and others for climate justice. It works with grassroots people of faith to stop new fossil fuel projects, and to call for universal access to clean energy and green jobs that can lift communities to a better future. Currently, GreenFaith is campaigning to stop the EACOP and has sustained momentum against any new oil and gas expansion or project.

Former Kenya’s Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has joined voices with other concerned Kenyans following the launch of Chinese Property Developers Association in Nairobi last week.

According to the association, they aim to to boost property development in the country.

The Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity.

However, many are reading from a different script with suspicions that there could be more into it than what the Chinese are saying.

“Nairobi has been auctioned off to the highest bidder under the “solicitous” gaze of Governor Johnson Sakaja.” Jerotich Seii, human rights activist says.

“The Chinese Association will turn whatever is left of the Green City in the Sun into a vast, unrecogizable jungle of high rise, concrete tenements that will enrich their Chinese shareholders and Kenyan surrogates, all the while destroying our children’s future.” She sounded the alarm.

She accuses the Chinese of operating with impunity in the country disregarding ethics laws.

“The Chinese Property Developers Association and their ilk fear no one – probably not even the law – and laugh at Nairobians because they know that the top leadership, including the Governor, already backs them. They will continue to exploit “grey areas” in spite of clear zoning regulations, environmental codes NEMA and constitutionally enshrined public participation requirements. They will despite their assertions – continue to hide behind architects and contractors who allegedly grease palms as needed aka the-cost-of-doing-business-in-Kenya. Their demarche on Nairobi is akin to a melting iceberg and I want to believe that we will wake up before we drown.”

In echoing her sentiments, Dr. Mutunga said, “Xi Jinping tells the world that China is different from the West. Like the West China does not respect our Constitution. Until we realize how enslaved our corrupt political leadership and the leadership of our institutions are we will lose our country.”

He went further, “I once described our economy as a bandit one ruled by national and international cartels. We are ruled by forces whose names don’t appear on the ballot papers when we vote. Those who entertain the idea that China will liberate the Global South from the West should think again.”

Okawo Nashon, a real estate expert in Nairobi has termed the association as a joke and insult to the professionals in the country, “it is a shameful joke that should be condemned and resisted. So what will be next; Chinese Engineers Association? Italians Contractors Association? Or Mongolian Architects Association? Why not join the well established Kenya Property Developers Association?What is so special about these Chinese developers? We want sanity in this industry not some entitled people out to kick the can down the road and flee back when things will be messy. Make no mistake, we welcome everybody, but we must have some order.” He opined.

During the launch, the Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity. Zhang said the association will act per government approvals and construct according to approved drawings. At the same time, he noted that the association will seek to protect the rights and interests of property owners.

At the backdrop of all this, one of the leaders in the association has been doing the opposite of what’s they’re saying and promising.

To elaborate that the association is not as ‘harmless’ and seeks to only do good things, Ms Seii who is also a leader of Kilimani Estate residents association, exposed how Alina Valley Company Ltd, a company associated with Mr. Jack Wu as the Managing Director. Mr. Wu also happens to be the Vice Chair of the Chinese Property Developers Association.

It emerges that the company has allegedly been frustrating the residents of Kilimani by putting up a structure contrary to the laid rules of the estate.

Anatomy of Corruption

1. April 2022: Alina Valley Company Ltd. begins to mobilise heavy duty machinery on a 1 acre plot on Likoni Lane to build 3 blocks of 17 storey apartments. They have no County Approvals, NEMA or NCA Licences. The residents are up in arms and block the road, forcing the developer to demobilise.
2. Residents demand that public participation is carried out. Alina attempts to carry out a sham public participation, where the Kenyan architect presents drawings labelled Chinese. The residents reject the project and ask the developer to go back to the drawing board and revise the drawings to meet the zoning guidelines and present them in English.
3. Alina returns and tries to forcefully carry public participation without giving the necessary notices and in the rain to discourage the residents from participating. The residents reject this and send the developer away.
4. Alina mysteriously gets approvals from the County without any public participation. The residents engage the Physical Planning Department to interrogate how this can be possible. The County duly ignores the residents.

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5. Alina then submits an EIA report to NEMA to apply for a licence. The residents engage NEMA and submit a comprehensive counter report outlining the unsuitability of the site for such a high- impact project.
6. Because the report by the residents makes sense, Alina decides to cancel the NEMA Licence application and begin the process all over again as advised by some NEMA insiders.
7. Alina once again attempts to force public participation to tick a box in meeting the legal NEMA requirements by hiring goons to attend the meeting and intimidate the residents, some who even threatened the lives of the residents. This is reported to NEMA and the County.
8. The County suspends all the approvals they had granted to the developer on account of the above.
9. The developer submits a fresh EIA report to NEMA, without any public participation. The residents counter this with a comprehensive report and signed petitions, with evidence of intimidation by the developer. NEMA disregards all of the above and grants the developer a licence.
10. Apropos of nothing, the Chinese Property Developers Association pays a visit to State House and meets with the First Lady, giving a donation of 100 water tanks and 10,000 tonnes of maize. (This often seen as a gesture of asking for favors).

The donations.

11. In early January 2024, the Chinese Property Developers Association visits Governor Sakaja.
12. The very next day, the suspended approvals for Alina Valley by the County are ‘mysteriously’ reinstated, and the NCA also grants them a licence in a record 24 hrs.
13. January 16, 2024, construction begins with earnest on the site. The narrow roads on Likoni Lane are unable to accommodate the construction trucks and machinery, so the roads are blocked by the trucks and the residents cannot access their homes. All this had been highlighted to NEMA in the report submitted by the residents, but fell on deaf ears as envelopes changed hands.

But one wonders how they can be able to pull off such projects.

They will invite you to fill in some questionnaires (and probably pad them with cooked responses). And then they will invite you to attend a public participation meeting. They will set it on a weekday and with less than a 14 day notice. You will object – because who wants 18 storeys built beacon to beacon next to them?

They will go away. Regroup. Go back to the County. Cook their EIA (usually written by someone from NEMA) and submit it to NEMA. Get their approvals at lightning speed.

Prior to That:

1. Scavenge for leasehold properties whose leases are coming to an end (preferably with elderly or deceased owners). OR prey on those who properties are so devalued through being surrounded by high rise buildings (also build by said Chinese). OR dupe some non-forward thinking individual into a JV using his/her land.
2. Import their architectural plans directly from China; written in Mandarin – not for our ease of reference. Find a local architect (usually not a very seasoned professional) to register/localise the plan.
3. Find their local fixers who are usually a combination of Chinese nationals (now Kenyan citizens) who are now called Aaron, Jack, etc, who work with a couple of Kenyans who are either the thuggish type or those who drive around in big vehicles wearing Gucci and entice neighbours and associations to receive “compensation” for what they are about to do. One such lady approached us on Ndemi Road and it was clear that her Mandarin was better than her English or even Kiswahili.
4. Look for the rogue-est of rogue salvagers/excavators who know how to “deal” with the locals.
5. Descend on the County, NEMA and all the usual suspects that need softening and all manner of inducements.
6. Pretend to tick boxes knowing full well that their “development” is already a fait accompli.

Ms Jerotich says the Kilimani case is not isolated, “this story is almost identical everywhere you go in Kilimani and beyond. How Nairobi City County and NEMA have turned against Nairobians is incredible. The Chinese Property Developers Association believes that by repackaging themselves; running to State House; giving donations; and then running to Governor Sakaja, they are above the law and the wishes of Kenyans. They are counting on our silence as they continue their demarche.”

She adds, “we speak up now or forever hold our peace. This is not just about Kilimani. This is about the Nairobi We Want for future generations and the Chinese Property Developers Association can only but contribute to a dystopian future because they have been allowed to run amok.”

Dr. James Mokoro, regulatory affairs Manager Reckitt, in the middle during the MOU signing Ceremony for the Sirikwa classic, World Cross County tour in Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa

An-Antiseptic Company Reckitt, famously known as Dettol, has today singed an MOU with Athletics Kenya to support the Sirikwa Classic World Cross tour.

Dettol is thrilled to be part of this partnership that will contribute to the success of the upcoming Sirikwa Classic, World Cross Country tour on 3^rd, February 2024 at the historic Lobo village in the heart of Uasin Gishu County, Kapseret Constituency.

Reckitt Company, according to the regulatory affairs Manager Dr. James Mokoro, inked a deal to support this event by giving Ksh 2.6 million and Dettol products to the athletes and majority of attending enthusiasts who will the opportunity to experience Dettol Cool, a trusted germ protection soap infused with a burst of refreshing menthol  for protection and freshness.

In a press conference today, Sirikwa Classic race Director, Mr. Barnaba Korir said Athletics Kenya and Reckitt will officially launch this event tomorrow in Uasin Gishu County adding that this event will attract top athletes from Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Germany, Britain, and USA.  

The Kenyan government has already demonstrated its dedication to identify and nurturing talents across the country through initiatives such as Talanta Hella, this initiative seeks to identify and foster exception individuals while also providing opportunity for them to monetize their abilities.

This partnership serves as a clear testament to Dettol’s commitment and active role in supporting young sportsmen and women on their journey to success in the years to come.

In his speech to the press today, Dr. James Mokoro, regulatory affairs Manager Reckitt, said, “don’t let hot weather ruin your day, Dettol Cool soap offers triple benefits providing protection against 99.9% of disease-causing germs, delivering up to five degrees of cooling sensation and ensuring protection against body odour” adding that it’s a product designed for instant freshness after various activities, including dancing sports, workouts and farming.  

“At Dettol, we recognize the significance of maintaining good hygiene practices, particularly during these challenging times, our mission is to assist our customers in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones from harmful germs and bacteria, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality products that effectively cater to their needs” adding that, with the introduction of Dettol 5 degree temperature Cool, Dettol has once again reinforced their commitment to protect consumers, promote good hygiene practice and inspire Kenyans to lead healthier lives, while keeping them cool and refreshed all day.               

By Steve El Sabai

East Africa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (EACCIA) President, Richard Ngatia, has partnered with the European Business Institute in Luxembourg to launch a groundbreaking initiative. The plan aims to issue 28,000 scholarships worth nearly Ksh 4 billion to address the financial literacy gap faced by small and micro enterprises in East Africa.

The partnership will distribute a minimum of 2,000 scholarships to each member of the East Africa Community, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zanzibar, DRC Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. With each scholarship valued at 740 Euros (Ksh 130,000), this collaboration represents a historic investment of Ksh 3.6 billion.

The scholarships will cover a three-month certificate course, running from January to March, offering subjects such as Business Management, Business Finance, Applied Blockchain Technology, Artificial Intelligence Integration, Micro and Macro Economics, Managerial Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Communication.

President Ngatia encourages entrepreneurs, particularly the youth, to seize this opportunity and apply immediately. The scholarships aim to enhance human capital in the region, leading to improved business management and sustainability.

To streamline the process, the EACCIA and the European Business Institute will ensure a smooth transition from scholarship confirmation to course enrollment through designated contact persons in each of the 14 East African countries participating in the program.

In addition to expanding its membership and outreach beyond East Africa, the EACCIA aims to strengthen SMEs and other informal sectors in the region. The organization also plans to provide capacity-building interventions to national chambers of commerce.

The scholarships, effective immediately, mark a significant step towards improving financial literacy and promoting a savings culture in the region. The EACCIA and the European Business Institute express their gratitude for the collaboration and dedication to advancing education in East Africa.

With a high percentage of financial illiteracy in the region, this initiative aims to boost savings and investments among households and small and medium businesses. President Ngatia, a member of the World Chamber Federation (WCF) Council, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in enhancing the region’s economic growth.

This initiative showcases Ngatia’s commitment to empowering businesses through education, building on his successful distribution of scholarships to women in the business chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).

The EACCIA also seeks to support learning processes through study tours and trade tours, facilitating peer education and knowledge sharing among traders.

The scholarships come at a crucial time, as the Global Financial Literacy Survey reveals a significant lack of financial literacy in the region. By addressing this gap, the initiative aims to foster a better savings culture and drive economic development.

The EACCIA’s dedication to advancing education and empowering businesses is commendable. This collaboration sets a positive example for the region and Africa as a whole.

Mr. Franck Obambi-Ngatse, President Zanduax, at a press conference in Olesereni hotel Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa

Captains of industry in digital market place across Africa will now be able to conform to Culture, collaboration and commerce converges seamlessly within the African business ecosystem.

This comes as Zanduax set up a Premier B2B digital market place for Africa, redefining the way business connect and thrive. Mr. Franck Obambi-Ngatse, President Zanduax who is an indigenous from Congo said, “Zanduax” is a word used in northern parts of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) connoting a market place.

In a statement to the press during the launch of Zanduax, One Africa one market, Mr. Franck Obambi-Ngatse said this will bridge the gap between the manufacturers, importers, suppliers and famers, increasing the number of stake holders in to the platform.

Business acumen in this platform is able to register as a merchant, list their items, sell, fulfill their orders and get paid instantly.

The Association of Kenya Suppliers CEO Ismail Bett said this plat form will mitigate challenges of unfair business practices and late payments and in addition ensure safe and secure online payments, “this will enhance security in terms of delivery of goods, trust verses payments” adding that, there are challenges of adoption of the platform within the African setup especially when applying money. However, there is an uptake in the young generation who quick to interact and engage with.   

Regulatory issues by the government is a realization that is shaping the ecommerce which is critical in linkage to the global market. Currently the government is reviewing key communication Act and implementing policies to increase trust by the consumers, according to the Director Postal and telecommunication Authority Kenya (CAK) Matano Ndaro, said, this is rife with modern cutting edge solutions in payment systems administered by Banks, “this will increase trust, breaking the barriers, enhance collaboration and inclusivity from Large and medium sized business” he said adding that most consumers luck the skills when it comes to ecommerce, which is not fully realized.

Mr. Franck Obambi-Ngatse, President Zanduax observed that the first stages of evolution of mankind, which is believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth, the only way mitigate poverty was to create wealth by doing business and African continent of poor because it does not do business to Africa.    

By Wendy Keziah

The new Showmax has arrived to change the game for streaming in Africa.

Ten months after MultiChoice, Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky announced a joint streaming vision for Africa, the new Showmax is here, featuring a refreshed brand and a massive content lineup, all delivered on a powerful new streaming platform.

At the heart of the new offering is the world’s first standalone Premier League plan for mobile, with all 380 games offered live on Showmax Premier League for just Ksh 500 a month.

In addition, there are two more Showmax plans available to customers in 44 African countries: Showmax Entertainment on mobile for an unbelievable Ksh 300 a month, as well as the Showmax Entertainment plan, where the monthly price falls from Ksh 760 to Ksh 650 per month.

“There are currently just over 450 million smartphones in the hands of individuals across Africa … and more than 250 million avid football lovers on the continent,” says Marc Jury, CEO of Showmax. “Showmax Premier League is a game-changing product that gives individuals a ticket to the football they love, wherever they are, on the device they always have with them, at a price that’s impossible not to love.”

“Africa is incredibly important to the Premier League and our clubs; 20% of TV audiences on any given matchday come from Africa,” says Richard Masters, Premier League CEO. “We are delighted with this Showmax initiative, which puts the Premier League in your pocket at a new price point so that millions more can enjoy our fantastic competition.”

Core to the success of Showmax’s streaming ambitions in Africa is a new technical platform that is robust and built to scale. With the launch of Showmax, the Peacock streaming platform will be active in more than 70 countries and is continually enhanced by the combined expertise of thousands of engineers. The world-class platform has brought millions of viewers popular events such as Super Bowl LVI, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final, the Olympics and WrestleMania 39. On 13 January, Peacock’s exclusive AFC Wild Card Game became the biggest live-streamed event in US history, reaching 27.6 million viewers and a record 16.3 million concurrent devices. In 2023, Comcast won a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award for its sports viewing experiences across Peacock, Sky and Xfinity.

“Peacock’s best-in-class technology platform will deliver a world-class streaming experience to Showmax audiences,” said Patrick Miceli, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Direct- to-Consumer & International, NBCUniversal. “The Peacock platform was designed from day one to support both live and on-demand content, including the biggest live sporting events, so we look forward to extending that capability and reliability to the new Showmax.”

Alongside the Premier League, the new Showmax also opens the door to a thrilling entertainment universe spanning a wide range of stars and stories across multiple genres. With no fewer than 21 new Showmax Originals launching in February alone, there will be more than 1 300 hours of Showmax Originals produced in the coming year, representing a significant 150% increase in production output compared to the year before.

Complementing this powerful African content slate is an international offering that will give viewers cause for celebration. As a result of MultiChoice’s partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky, Showmax is guaranteed an ongoing supply of the world’s most popular titles from the media giant’s renowned brands, including Universal Pictures, Focus Features, NBC, Peacock, DreamWorks Animation and Telemundo. The stellar content lineup includes films like the latest instalment in the hit Fast franchise, Fast X, and Wes Anderson’s comedy-drama Asteroid City; procedural drama series such as NBC’s The Irrational starring Jesse L. Martin; and Peacock original comedy series Killing It, from the creative team behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine, starring Craig Robinson.

Showmax will also continue to draw from the likes of Paramount, including Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning and Halo S2 in February, and HBO, with new seasons of House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, True Detective, and The White Lotus on the way.

Showmax’s content offering is further boosted by its focus on the African market and strengthened by the vast creative and commercial presence already established by MultiChoice. “Nobody understands Africa like we do. Showmax is putting the continent first with a powerful streaming service that will revolutionise streaming in Africa in 2024,” says Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO.

With the content and platform providing strong foundations for the new Showmax, ease of access for customers is another key business priority. As the first streaming service in Africa to make mobile downloads possible for offline viewing and the first to launch a mobile-only plan, Showmax has now delivered incredibly competitive new price points, with a growing network of payment options available to customers.

This payment ecosystem is facilitated by Moment, another MultiChoice joint venture partner. Working with more than 200 payment partners such as banks, mobile money providers, retailers and payment schemes, Moment is building the broadest pan-African payments network. In addition, DStv customers will continue to have the option of adding Showmax to their DStv bill each month and benefitting from significant discounts. Showmax will be announcing additional partnerships soon that will offer even more value to customers.

The new Showmax app will become available in app stores from 23 January 2024 onward, as part of a staggered migration process across 44 markets. This is an ongoing process that starts next week and will be completed in February this year. Existing Showmax customers will begin receiving communication with information on how to access the new app this week and by 12 February 2024 the new Showmax will be live in all markets.

About Showmax
Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries and the best kids’ shows, and will soon offer a mobile-only product to watch the Premier League (PL). Showmax is jointly owned by MultiChoice (JSE: MCG), the leading video entertainment platform and biggest producer of content in Africa, and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), one of the world’s biggest media companies.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Konza Technopolis Development Authority’s acting CEO John Paul Okwiri

By Maximilla Wafula

Kenya is set to host the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 at Konza Technopolis. It will be the first time Kenya is hosting the event in its 41-year history.

The meeting to be held from September 24 to 27, 2024, will discuss the impact of changing demographics on entrepreneurship and technology and explore ways to combat global challenges the world is facing. The conference is expected to bring together experts from science and technology parks and other areas of innovation, technology-based incubators, academia, the public sector, and business to discuss and debate in depth on the latest trends in the industry’s increasingly complex structures for professional innovation support.

Stakeholders of the the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 to be held at Konza Technopolis in September.

International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is a leading association of innovation ecosystems worldwide.

IASP Global President Ebba Lund Lund called on partners to among others engage and support the conference’s planning and positioning as a key event to look out for in Africa in 2024.

“We invite you to support the conference by way of sponsorship under different categories in kind and financially. Submit papers for presentation at the conference and publishing, nominate their spaces for consideration for IASP technical and cultural visits and mobilise delegates to attend the conference,” she said.

Lund made the remarks during a meeting by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and Konza Technopolis.

Present during the meeting included the CEO of Kenya Space Agency, Hillary Kipkosgey, National Commission for Science and Technology director general Walter Oyawa, CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya Stanley Kamanguya, PSs Juma Mukhwana (Industrialisation), Hassan Abubakar (Investment Promotion) and Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education), vice chancellors of public universities, Heads of Missions in Kenya and private sector and development Partners.

Konza, being at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa, has been presented with an opportunity to showcase its cutting-edge technology and innovation ecosystem and demonstrate its crucial role in driving Africa’s digital transformation.

The conference is themed, “Demographics, Entrepreneurship and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies.”

The theme was inspired by the rapidly shifting demographics occasioned by technological advancements, climate action and a focus towards Social Development Goals.

“Africa is broadly set to experience significant demographic changes in the coming years, and science parks and innovation districts such as the Konza Technopolis will play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth,” added Lund.

Key areas of interest for Kenya include the County Technology and Innovations Delivery Services Programme, Coordination of Technology, Innovation and Commercialization Programme, Science, Technology and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme.
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Lawyer Omwanza Ombati

By Maximilla Wafula

Lawyer Omwanza ombati who is race for Judicial Service Commission is a practitioner in field of law for 20 years and is competent to offer his candidature in Judiciary Service Commission

Omwanza ombati urged the president to cease attacking the judiciary and follow the right procedure , to handle the matter , this comes out after the President Ruto recently attack remarks on Judiciary over Corruption .

Speaking during an exclusive interview with the media lawyer Omwanza ombati said that the constitution of Kenya has created mechanisms of dealing with corruption in the judiciary

“The constitution of Kenya has created mechanisms of dealing with corruption in the judiciary,and the processes ought to be followed if anyone is aggrieved” said ombati

Inclusion he mentioned great objectives under thematic areas that is visible, accountable to the membership and leadership of law society of Kenya and champion for more opportunities for advocates at judiciary

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Carolyne Kamende Daudi holding LSK nomination papers with her supporters at the LSK offices

By staff reporter

Carolyne Kamende Daudi on Wednesday filed papers to run to be the 51st president of the Law Society of Kenya.

Kamende who previously served as vice president of LSK said that she is the best placed candidate to replace current president Eric Theuri when elections will be held on February.

Theuri was elected LSK boss after replacing Nelson Havi in March 2020 who was kicked out of the office before the end of his term in 2021.

The term of the president runs for two years.

Other vacant positions in the LSK polls include position of Vice-President, three (3) Representatives of the General Membership of LSK, four (4) Upcountry Representatives, three (3) Nairobi Representatives, one (1) Coast Representative which shall fall vacant on 25 th March, 2024.

Kamende who is a former legal assistant at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda vowed the champion the rights of legal practitioners in Kenya by ensuring that their welfare is enhanced.

“I am the best candidate best of my local and international experience in practicing law,” she said.

The other candidates eying the post of LSK president include current LSK vice president Faith Odhiambo, Harriet Mboche, Peter Wanyama, and Bernard Ngetich.

Kamende contested for the LSK top job in 2022 but lost to Theuri.