WAMA International Group, a holding company that oversees franchise operations across Africa is celebrating a successful partnership with ALDO Group International by opening the second ALDO Store in Nairobi at Westgate Mall. The first store opened its doors on April 15th at The Sarit Center Mall. WAMA International has been granted the exclusive license to establish, own, and operate ALDO stores in Kenya. This follows the Distribution Agreement between ALDO Group International and Gedeon & Co, SARL. WAMA International’s expansion plans in East Africa continue to flourish with this exciting partnership following their successful ventures with various brands in Libya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The ALDO Group International brings a wide range of fashion footwear and accessories all offered at accessible prices. This partnership will pave the way for up to four new stores to open soon, as WAMA International seeks to expand its presence in the region. WAMA International expressed their excitement over the new partnership, which they believe will bring the latest fashion trends and top-quality products to the Kenyan market. The company is committed to providing a unique shopping experience to its customers and is confident that the venture will be a success. The opening of the second ALDO store in Kenya is a significant milestone for the fashion industry in the region. Customers can expect special promotional discounts for the grand opening, and the brand promises a unique shopping experience that has made it a worldwide destination for on-trend fashion footwear and accessories.
By Maximilla Wafula Samsung Electronics today has announced the grand opening of its latest retail store at Maralal Oasis, in Hurlingham Nairobi. This new addition to the Samsung family signifies their commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and innovative products closer to the heart of Nairobi and, enhancing the retail experience for the local community. This comes at a time when the global tech brand has just introduced the premium fifth generation Flip and Fold phones. This makes this store the 3rd store to be opened this year making it the 19th experience store for the company in Kenya. Samsung’s Maralal Oasis store is designed to offer customers an immersive and interactive environment where they can explore our wide range of products, from smartphones and tablets to home appliances and wearables. With expert staff on hand to provide guidance and assistance, customers can make informed choices to meet their specific needs. “The opening of our new store is a testament to Samsung’s dedication to our valued customers in Hurlingham and the surrounding areas. We believe in providing our customers with access to the latest technology, and this new store will serve as a hub for innovation, education, and exceptional customer service to cater to our customer who have over the years supported and enjoyed our timepieces.” Charles Kimari, Director Mobile Experience at Samsung. The new Samsung store boasts a comprehensive display of Samsung’s latest products, including smartphones, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and more and hands-on experience zones where customers can test and explore the features of Samsung devices. Samsung remains committed to enriching the lives of Kenyan consumers through its innovative products and dedicated customer service. The Maralal Oasis store is another step toward making Samsung’s world-class technology accessible to everyone in the region.
Samsung Electronics today announces a new promotional package that is designed to ensure customers enjoy the ultimate customization and functionality that speaks to their lifestyle. The curated package of Samsung’s popular Bespoke range of home appliances invites consumers to style their homes their way, with tailored packages, discounted by as much as 20%, that offer unparalleled customization and savings. The promotion has been dubbed the “Bespoke Home Combo Offer”. The prootion period will start from 1st September 2023 and end on 8th October 2023. With the increasing demand for individualized solutions in homes, Samsung’s Bespoke series has been at the forefront of providing modular designs that reflect personal style. The Bespoke Promotion Combo,your home, your style, your way takes this vision further, allowing consumers to benefit from exclusive packages and savings when choosing multiple products from the Bespoke line. Samsung is offering two promotional combos; the White combo offer and the Black combo offer whereby customers can mix and match products according to their needs and will enjoy a 20% discount on purchase. The ‘White Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a carefully curated set of clean white iconic appliances, which includes the white bespoke top mount refrigerator and the white bespoke front load washing machine that can be purchased at a 20% discounted rate of Ksh. 239,990, while the ‘Black Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a black top mount refrigerator, a black front load washer and dryer and a black microwave which can be purchased at a 20% discounted price of Ksh.314,990. “Our goal has always been to understand and address the evolving needs of our consumers. The Bespoke Home Combo Offer is a reflection of Samsung’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that don’t compromise on quality, innovation, or value. The combination deal we have introduced is a manifestation of our commitment to provide tailored choices, ensuring every individual can create an environment that’s uniquely theirs,” said Mr Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Appliances Samsung East Africa “By bringing together our most innovative appliances in harmonious combinations, we are not only offering unmatched value but also an opportunity for our customers to redefine their living spaces.” Bespoke Home Combo customers will benefit from extended warranties and premium after-sales services, ensuring peace of mind with their purchase. Customers can purchase these appliances exclusively from the Housewife’s Paradise Store or online. Samsung invites everyone to redefine their living spaces with home appliances that truly resonate with their style and needs. The future of home living is bespoke, and with Samsung, the possibilities are endless.
Davis & Shirtliff has achieved a major milestone by receiving an Integrated Management System (IMS) certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to bring about robust systems for quality, environment, and health and safety in its bid to improve lives through the provision of water and energy solutions.
The IMS certification reinforces Davis & Shirtliff’s position as a market leader and showcases its readiness to delivering excellence in critical areas that impact the well-being and economic advancement of its customers spanning all 47 counties and the certification are a result of the company’s dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of innovation and sustainability in all its operations.
Speaking during the event, Group Chairman Davis and Shirtliff Alec Davis, stated that they are honored for having added one more badge to their certification achievements, which confirms the unrelenting resolve to deliver quality game-changing solutions in the country being certified means ensuring maximum reliability and dependability of all our products and solutions to help Kenyans rip their benefits to the highest capacities.
“The IMS certification integrates three vital management systems: Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018) and further, an alignment with global concerns regarding climate change and sustainability, ensuring the safety of stakeholders through compliance with regulations and hazard prevention and the certification covers a broad spectrum, including 83 sites across eight countries where Davis & Shirtliff operates,” said Alec Davis.
He added that D&S joins other top organizations that have received IMS certification in Kenya such as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya, EABL, Safaricom, Bidco Africa, and Isuzu East Africa and the IMS certification was officially approved by the KEBS Certification Committee on July 17, 2023, and the certificates will remain valid for a period of three years.
“Integration of the management systems is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to streamline their management processes, reduce costs, improve overall performance, and demonstrate commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health, and safety,” concluded Alec Davis.
SASA PAY, the leading digital payments service provider has rebranded and unveiled its new strategy as the company targets to increase its customer base both in Kenya and the diaspora market.
It’s new strategy centers around the provision of cutting-edge seamless financial solutions and ensuring a secure payments experience for a diverse range of businesses including financial services sector players banks, Saccos and digital lenders, as well as SMEs in general trade, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, transport sector players, agricultural enterprises and manufacturers.
Speaking Mr. Kevin Mutiso chairman Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya during a rebrand event and unveiling of sasa pay 2.0 after the success of sasa pay module one,has louded Sasa Pay for the digital transformation in easing the cost of transactions to be competitive in pricing,innovations and alternative data by incorporating new technology.
Mr Mutiso has said there is need to regulate the Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the fit principle to ensure there will be no financial instability by the technology,he has urged the government to put the data on Hustler fund to other credit lending institutions to create a data base for those eligible for loans.
Sasa pay CEO Stephen kaguchia has promised more tangible benefits to customers calling for collaborations with sector players to tap on wider customer base, accelerate growth and give more value for their wallet in cross border payment.SMEs will not pay any fee in using the sasa pay platform a move that will unlock opportunities and growth.The platform will also offer shop now pay later model to it’s customers.
One can earn through transacting with sasa pay,save, insure and borrow and earn an interest by having money in sasa pay account.SasaPay acts as a bridge between businesses and capital providers offering affordable access to working capital for businesses.
The new revolution in digital payment of sasa pay is used in the new environment friendly electric buses for customers to pay their bus fares which is safe and convenient,According to George Githinji a business man who has been using sasa pay, the digital payment has an advantage of having 4 wallets accounts which can hold upto 1.2Million mobile money, enabling one to pay staff ,transact and invest.
Ghana’s Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) now known as BulK Energy Storage & Transportation (BEST) Limited is projecting revenues of 10 billion Ghana Cedi ( 871 million U.S. dollars) for 2023, up from 3 billion Ghana Cedi’s recorded in 2022, an official of the company disclosed on Saturday, a day after the APSCA awards ceremony.
Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal, managing director of (BEST) said the increase in sales will be driven by rising demand for affordable fuel in the Ghanaian market as well as from its landlocked countries in the north such as Mali and Burkina Faso. “Due to our efficient processes we are the most preferred source of refined petroleum products,” Provencal said in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. BEST which is a Ghanaian state owned enterprises is mandated to develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country as well as keep the Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana. The Company currently has 6 depots nationwide which are located in the Accra Plains, Mami Water, Akosombo, Kumasi, Buipe and Bolgatanga and a pipeline network of about 360 km.
Provencal said BEST plans to double its pipeline network through a public private partnership. The firm is planning to partner with private investors to build about 360 km additional pipeline network at a cost of circa 400 million U.S. dollars. “We are going to float a competitive tender bid in the last quarter of this year. Actual construction of the pipeline is set to begin in May and be complete after 24 to 36 months,” Provencal said. Ekow Hackman, board chairman of BOST said that the net profit margin of BOST has increased from GH₵161 million in 2021 to GH₵342 million in 2022. This is a remarkable turnaround as the company has been making losses in the previous decade.
Due to the company’s improved performance, BEST emerged as winners during the 4th Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards (APSCA) that took place on the sidelines of during the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya. The APSCA Awards, which aim to acknowledge excellence in public policy innovation and outstanding leadership across various levels of governance awarded BOST the most transformed public enterprise in Africa. The Ghanaian state enterprise also won the silver award for the public sector team, while Edwin Alfred Provencal won a personal award as the best public sector CEO in Africa.
The Africa Climate Summit -Non-State Actors’ Committee (NSAC) welcomes the Declaration of the Africa Climate Summit, issued by the Heads of States on September 6, 2023, as a positive step towards a more ambitious,fair, equitable, ecologically just and inclusive global response to the climate crisis. We recognise the pressing need for the global community to decrease emissions, decarbonise economies and align with the Paris Agreement, and appreciate the Declaration for reaffirming the principles of common but differentiate responsibilities and equity, which are vital for a just and efficient global response.
Therefore,we also commend the Declaration for acknowledging the problem of loss and damage caused by climate change, which is already affecting several African communities. We urge the international community to put into effect the Loss and Damage Facility established during COP27 and to provide sufficient and consistent assistance to the countries and individuals who are most vulnerable.
As NSAs, we strongly support the Declaration’s call for investing in public finance for green economic development. We equally reiterate our unequivocal support for reforming the global financial architecture to address African countries’ challenges, especially climate finance. Particularly, we welcome proposals for debt relief, concessional finance, and innovative financial mechanisms, and endorse the Bridgetown Process, which aims to align finance with sustainable development goals and human rights –all in a sense, signalling the acknowledgement of the imperatives of climate justice!
We appreciate the recognition of the critical importance of reversing biodiversity loss and explicit commitments made to protect and enhance nature and biodiversity, and to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity, as well as restoration of degraded lands.
However, we are still concerned that the Summit missed an opportunity to have a strong African position that established the route to addressing the climate crisis. We express our disappointment that the Declaration does not prioritize adaptation as a critical concern for Africa and leaves it a mere peripheral issue. We would like to remind the Heads of States that adaptation is not only crucial for survival but also a matter of justice.
Africa is one of the regions that are most affected by climate change, even though it contributes the least to its causes. Therefore, we urge the authorities to accord equal attention and resources to both adaptation and mitigation in their national and international actions. Additionally, we demand that adaptation strategies are designedbased on local knowledge, needs, capacities, and human rights principles.We are also concerned that the Declaration does not adequately address the emotive issue of just transition, which is crucial for ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift to a low-carbon economy. We note that the Declaration only mentions just transition once without any details or commitments on how we should define itin our own narratives and perspectives, and how it will be implemented.
Therefore, the NSAC urges Heads of State to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to just transition that is contextual and responsive to African realities, aspirations, and desires, and will discourage experimentation on false solutions that exacerbate the climate crisis. This approach involves the meaningful participation of workers, communities, civil society, and other stakeholders in planning and implementing policies that promote decent work, social protection, human rights, gender equality, and environmental justice. Such an approach should also ensure the vast resources driving the transition, including wind, solar and geothermal, as well as critical minerals spread across the continent, restore hope to the people who have known such resources to be the source of pain, conflict and misery.
Curiously, also, the Summit did not pronounce itself on how African leaders will collectively work together to exert pressure on developed countries to deliver on the financial commitments previously made by the historical emitters. The failure to advance for framework for pushing for a funding mechanism to fund some of the critical climate-related interventions that protect those most affected by inequality and discrimination who are often children, youth and women, was another waterloo for the Summit’s Declaration.
The propagation and political advancement for implementation of the carbon market with no clear evidence that it works remains one of the bold posters of the Global North attempting to advance approaches that exonerate them and transfer the burden of action to the victims of their actions. Right at the onset, the Summit exonerated the rich countries from taking full responsibility for their historical and current emissions that have taken us to the current state of global warming. We are disappointed the Declaration’s Call to Action does not reflect this recognition of the value of nature and biodiversity. Consequently, the NSAC urges the Heads of State to include more specific actions and targets in their national and regional plans and policies for biodiversity conservation and restoration.
In addition, the NSAC calls on them to ensure that they integrate nature-based solutions into their mitigation and adaptation strategies.
As we head to COP28, NSAC insists on the following:
Developed countries fulfil their historical responsibility and provide adequate and predictable finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to support adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage in Africa. We are much more keen to collaborate in pushing for grant-based funding mechanisms.
Reiterate our Position on the rejection of the promotion of Carbon Markets that are not responsive and do not serve the climate justice imperatives for Africa. We further urge for continued dialogue in the spirit of closing knowledge gaps on Carbon Markets that are apparent, at all levels.
African leaders commit to a just and equitable transition to renewable energy, ensuring that energy access is prioritised for the poor and marginalised and that community ownership and participation are guaranteed.
Urge African leaders to stand by the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and intergenerational equity in all climate policies and actions.
In conclusion,the NSAC is optimistic that this Declaration is a forward step towards accomplishing more ambitious and comprehensive climate action in Africa and globally. The NSAC is fully prepared to collaborate with the Heads of State and other stakeholders in the implementation of the Africa Climate Summit’s Declaration and in collectivizing Africa’s position towards COP28.
Hayford Siaw recognized for policy innovation and exceptional leadership in promoting literacy and access to information.
(Nairobi, Kenya) – The Ghana Library Authority (GLA) is celebrating a momentous achievement as its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hayford Siaw, was honored with the Young Public Sector CEO of the Year award at the 4th Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards (APSCA) during the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya.
The APSCA Awards, which aim to acknowledge excellence in policy innovation and outstanding leadership across various levels of governance, recognized Mr. Siaw for his exceptional work in revitalizing Ghana’s library system. His innovative approach included the establishment of libraries across regions of Ghana, the introduction of technology applications, and the successful implementation of the “Year of Reading Project.”
Under Mr. Siaw’s visionary leadership, the Ghana Library Authority has achieved significant milestones in promoting literacy and access to information throughout the country. His dedication to expanding and modernizing Ghana’s library network, as well as fostering a culture of reading, has had a lasting impact on numerous individuals and communities.
The Young Public Sector CEO of the Year award serves as a testament to Mr. Siaw’s remarkable leadership and innovation at the Ghana Library Authority. This prestigious accolade recognizes his unwavering commitment to improving the public sector, particularly in the field of education and literacy.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Hayford Siaw stated, “It is truly an honor to be awarded the Young Public Sector CEO of the Year. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of the Ghana Library Authority in enhancing the library system and promoting a reading culture in Ghana.” He further extended his appreciation to the APSCA for the recognition and acknowledged the efforts of his team at the Ghana Library Authority in making their vision a reality.
Additionally, the Ghana Library Authority received the Most Promising Public Sector Agency of the Year award, further highlighting their commitment to excellence in public service.
During the 4th Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards (APSCA) Konza Technopolis Development Authority clinched the prestigious Award for excellence in smart city development. The award recognizes Konza’s unwavering commitment to shaping the future of smart cities.
John Paul Okwiri CEO of Konza Technopolis Development Authority said the award in recognition of Konza efforts to build a well-developed smart city that meets environmental and social standards.
Okwiri noted that so far 100 investors have expressed interest in investing in Konza city.
By Benard Mulwa Even as the government is thinking to improve the quality of health system service in all public and private health care facilities under the Universal Health Coverage programme, Kenya medical training college (KMTC) students, staff and physiotherapy experts in Nairobi today held celebrations at Kenya medical training college Nairobi campus grounds in a bid to generate awareness about the significance of early diagnosis, increase access to people livening with inflammatory arthritis and the crucial contribution physiotherapists make to society. Mr. Henry Opondo, the President, Kenya Society of Physiotherapy said physiotherapy is a very critical profession which needs a lot of advocacy and awareness for the general public to realize its significance. “Physiotherapy largely prevents the side effects of drugs commonly used muscle reluctant and pain killers” he said, The Kenya medical training college have implemented higher diploma and short courses for students taking Physiotherapy studies at the college. However, he said the trainings needs to be sustainable and participation of community services and activities to escalation advocacy in physiotherapy. The Deputy Registrar quality assurance at Kenya medical training college, Mrs. Lucy, said quality is of paramount and thus all health workers receive a systematic training at the institution, “People don’t talk about physiotherapy but it is the giant that can kill” she said, the management of the institution through the College Principal, is looking to develop a curriculum to enhance the students capacity to take physiotherapy health care to people. Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, the Deputy Director at the Kenya Medical Training College challenged the Ministry of health to strengthen this kind of training saying Physiotherapy is very dynamic and it plays a promoting role in health through exercise, Physiotherapy has a relationship with disability. The rehabilitation services reliefs from arthritis pain, mobility problems, treatment for a sports injury, and rehabilitation after injury or surgery among many others. Dr. Nyawira also praised the Kenya Society of Physiotherapy for its deliberate efforts to give back to the community yesterday at the Kenya Medical training College grounds where they offered free screening and assessment to the public. The Chief Physiotherapy also observed the important roles played by other private consultant physiotherapists at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest to the Kenyan team, to the police and military forces across the country saying physiotherapy services can reduce diseases and disability.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed real estate investment trust ILAM Fahari Real Estate Investment Trust, conversion and redemption offer seeking to redeem up to 36.5 million units on the Nairobi bourse as part of an operational restructuring effort is set to open this Wednesday, ICEA LION Asset Management (ILAM) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Einstein Kihanda has confirmed.
In Kenya, the ILAM Fahari I-REIT has invested in a portfolio of high-quality investment real estate properties that provide sustained returns and operating performance, including Nairobi’s Greenspan Mall, Highway House, a three-storey industrial building off Mombasa Road and 67 Gitanga Place .
Speaking during a media workshop on the REIT conversion and redemption process, Mr. Kihanda said it is now all systems go for the proposed Kshs 402 million month-long offer that opens on Wednesday, 6th September and closes on Friday, 6th October 2023.
During the offer period, Mr. Kihanda, who was accompanied by the ILAM Fahari I-REIT CEO Mr. Raphael Mwito, said the REIT Trustee will be seeking to receive redemption applications from non-professional investors wishing to redeem up to 36,585,134 Units currently listed at the NSE, at a more than 82% premium over the current trading price as at the announcement date.
As part of the offer, the target unit holders will have an opportunity to either redeem their units at a Redemption Offer Price of KSH 11 per unit, top up to the Kshs 5 million professional investors threshold as prescribed by regulatory provisions or opt to be bundled under a nominee account holding all non-professional investors who fail to take up the redemption offer.
“ILAM has been working for the past year to restructure the REIT to ensure its sustainability and improve its ability to generate returns for unit holders. A recent strategy review recommended undertaking an operational restructuring plan, which paved the way for this transaction,” Kihanda said, adding, “This transaction provides a viable path to restructure this popular REIT without the price volatility experienced on the NSE. We are clear that the REIT needs to grow substantially in size to achieve economies of scale, which can only be done through the acquisition of assets.”
ILAM Fahari Real Estate Investment Trust recently received regulatory approval from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to convert its unrestricted ILAM Fahari Income Real Estate Investment Trust (IFIR) into a restricted I-REIT.
Alongside the operational restructuring of the REIT, ILAM Fahari I-REIT Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raphael Mwito reiterated that the firm has continued to perform strategic and operational functions in managing the property portfolio and cash reserves to ensure effective long-term management of the REIT, deliver attractive investor returns and ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.
“ILAM Fahari I-REIT aims to provide consistent income and capital growth in the long term. Our active management approach targets quality properties within carefully chosen economically growing nodes,” said Mwito.
IFIR will remain regulated by the CMA and is registered as a REIT with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), thus continuing to enjoy statutory tax advantages.
Last year, ILAM Fahari I-REIT’s distributable earnings increased by 39% to Kshs. 141.9 million compared to Kshs. 102.0 million the previous year.
The ILAM Fahari I-REIT’s concept is globally recognized. It operates in line with international standards, allowing the REIT to own and manage income-generating real estate for the benefit of its investors. The REIT provides regular distributions to investors, underpinned by commercial leases
