Category: Uncategorized

By Irene Mwende

The University of Nairobi (UoN) on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a first-of-its-kind agricultural technology centre at the Upper Kabete campus.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, lauded the project, saying it came at the right time when there was an increasing demand for agricultural products, driven by population growth.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya’s population is estimated to hit the 55 million mark by the end of this year and there is a need to meet the rising demands of the rapidly growing population.

“To meet the rising demands of this fast growing population, we need to invest and increase agricultural production by a minimum percentage annually,” he said.
Through adaptation of agricultural technologies and innovation, Mr Mudavadi believes the country will be able to reduce the number of poor people by 1 per cent for every 2 per cent increase in crop productivity

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony Elgon Kenya Limited Managing Director Bimal Kantaria said they will donate between Sh50 million and Sh60 million to the university for the project which will be completed in the next 12 months

He noted that once the project is completed, more partners will be needed as there are several departments that will be needed in terms of capacity building, personnel, equipment and support.

“Our concern is what will happen once the centre is ready, so we are also looking for partners. We want anyone who wants to partner with the university to be there,” he said.

Mr kantaria further urged the government to extend its support to the university as well, saying that once the project is completed, job opportunities will also be created.

In his remarks UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Gitahi Kiama noted that there has been persistent inadequate production of maize in the country, a crisis that can only be solved through partnership and by giving way to technology and innovation.

In conclusion He added that the project will contribute to the country’s Vision 2030 in terms of food security and improved livelihood

By Irene Mwende

African states urged to design a curricula that will not only enable youth to work but also empower them to be creative and be originators of tangible solutions to many challenges facing the continent

Speaking the 4th African curriculum Association conference held at Kenya institute of curriculum Development themed learning for sustainable features connections between Curriculum cognition and context ‘ Ghanaian minister for education Hon.Dr Yaw Osei stated that he observed the gaps between African system and that of the US and picked the positive lessons to build model classes in Ghana

He further illustrated with pictures and videos how a model school in Ghana has revolutionised classrooms construction that matches any in the developed West

In her remarks principle secretary for higher education Dr Beatrice Inyangala noted. that Kenya was at dawn of economic takeoff geared towards equipping students with skills that are readily required in the market

” Teachers must strive to be creative in their teaching to capture the imagination of learners giving an example like using music performance to personify the malaria causing pathogen plasmodium” said Inyangala

In his remarks Executive director of the Kenya institute of curriculum Development recommended that educators and curriculum developers in particular need to engage in robust contextual analyse and map strategies for navigating to enhance the acceptability, ownership and support for the curricula with ultimate focus on learning for sustainable futures

” We are currently on our seventh Grade and currently formulating content for senior secondary” said Ong’ondo

Some of the countries represented at the three-day conference include Chad, Benin, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo Brazzaville, Gambia, Eswatini, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, among others.

It’s all smiles for both Boxers Karim Mandonga (, left) and Daniel Wanyonyi after the rematch fight watched by a sell-out crowd. Both boxers admitted they were ready for another rematch

By Fred Maingi
Kenya’s top Boxer Daniel Wanyonyi admitted he did not target a technical knockout(TK0)win but prolong the fight against his Tanzanian opponent Karim “Mtu Kazi” “Mandonga during their weekend Light heavyweight rematch.
Wanyonyi said he wanted to prolong the fight for his fans to get full entertainment before unleashing the final killer blow.
However his Tanzanian arch rival admitted defeat saying he was ready for a rematch anywhere and anytime.
“I fell him down today and likewise he brought me down, I don’t feel I lost to a better person than me but what I can say my opponent has improved a lot since we last met on January in Nairobi where I knocked him in the fifth round, I congratulate him though “observed Mandonga.
The Tanzanian lost to Wanyonyi through unanimous points decision amid thunderous cheers before a massive crowd.

Kenya’s Boxer Daniel Wanyonyi climbs the ring after being declared the winner during their light heavyweight rematch at the Sarit Expo center before a massive crowd.

The exciting bouts were promoted by Maurice Odera of Ultra fight series (UFS) promotion. The explosive fights were brought Live on Standard Group PLC’s channel KTN Home
Odera thanked the boxers for showing maturity and discipline in the ring.
He further heaped praise to their hosts Sarit Expo center for their support.
Kenya. Professional Boxing Commision(Kpbc) president Hon. Reuben Ndolo lauded promoter Odera for supporting local boxing saying he has tranformed the sport to another level by creating jobs to many.
In the days programme, all Kenya local boxer triumphed in their assignments against their foreign boxers.

By Irene Mwende

Artists In the online platforms are calling on the government to remove the 5% tax imposed on their production. The artists have raised complain that the tax has become punitive especially to the upcoming artists and those are not making much from their online content.

While unveiling the 2023 ETA Awards nominees the artists also called on the government and cooperates to opportunities to the artists to work on the projects so as to get platforms to be productive.

Speaking during the ETA awards chief executive officer Edward Ndari noted that the awards were basically to recognize the artist who have quality and unique production

” But they have not received the recognition they deserve. ETA awards will also help the artists grow in the industry both financially and audience niche” said Ndari

He further added that ETA awards winners in the past 2 years pledged to support the nominated upcoming artists to grow in the industry as well as mobilize sponsors for support in
different media house and personnel’s who have been nominated for the year 2023 EAT awards while recognizing the work of the fourth estate saying that media delivery is also a form of art that is needed to be recognized just like any other art in the industry.

Mrs Rose Gatimu Kenya Representative and Mr Paul Karekezi ,Board Member and Africa Representative at Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (BRDF)

BY NJOKI KARANJA

The Dispute Resolution Board of Africa has urged the construction sector to use alternative dispute board to handle complaints before dispute happens.
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“Various mechanisms have been put to limit the risks. Given the lengthy procedures characteristic of litigation, that there has been a growing shift from the corridors of justice to out-of-court settlements”, said Mr.Karekezi.

Mr. Paul Karekezi,Board Member and Africa Representative at Dispute Resolution Board Foundation,(DRBF) was speaking during the DRB Regional Conference in Nairobi,where he said for a continent of Africa to be an effective player every sector must have a dispute boards.

“Our work is to give parties a formal assistance before the dispute is rwached where its not binding but sometimes it helps because it has helps most of the projects are completed on time”,he reiterates .

He added that, since the board was formed most of the projects are finalised on time because time taken to handle the dispute is short and effective within 3 months.

According to DRBF most of the cases going to the (DBs) only 2 percent are reversed because of small hitches among the party members while over 90% of disputes are always successful.

The board members chosen to sit in the dispute resolution board are selected by the two parties.

The board is composed of 7 African countries South Africa,Botswana,Kenya among the countries that have succeeded in the formation the DBs to sort out their disputes well.

In conclusion, DB are successful in the construction industry because of the unique features of construction those selected board still sits on arbitration and mediation.

The dispute board is always funded by JICA and AFDB and any organisation or a parastatal funded must initiative a DB in all their organisation and its formed as a contract.

by Irene Mwende

Kenya Pension Funds Investment Consortium (KEPFIC) has received infrastructure and alternative investment proposals collectively worth over Ksh.700 billion from project sponsors and fund managers looking to raise capital from the local retirement benefits schemes.

The proposals come as local pension schemes expand their search for suitable investments to provide diversification and higher returns for pensioners.

The announcement was made during the opening of the two-day KEPFIC Annual Investment Conference in Nairobi today, where the shortlisted investment opportunities were presented to the local pension fund investors and discussed with project sponsors, fund managers, and industry experts. The projects under evaluation by the pensions investors span different sectors such as energy, property, affordable housing, healthcare, water and sanitation, transport and logistics, agriculture, telecoms, and ICT among others.

The mobilization of funds for different sectors by KEPFIC aligns with the Kenyan government’s plan to mobilize over Ksh.100 billion in private sector capital through priority projects that deliver nationally significant infrastructure, drive growth and have the highest benefit to Kenyans as outlined in the 2023/24 National Budget Proposal.

“Kenyan pension schemes are in search of profitable, secure, and impactful investments for better returns for their members. Infrastructure and alternative assets are an attractive but untapped new asset class for pension schemes and offer attractive returns and much-needed portfolio diversification benefits, delivering better overall investment performance,” said Ngatia Kirungie, the Head of the KEPFIC Secretariat and CEO of Spearhead Africa, during the conference opening.

According to the Retirement Benefits Authority, the pension industry assets under management stand at approximately Sh1.5 trillion. Pension funds are allowed to put up 10% of their assets into infrastructure as per the RBA investment guidelines passed in 2020. Traditionally, pension funds have invested in government securities, listed equities, and direct property investments but infrastructure investments remain hugely untapped yet profitable and sustainable in the long term.

KEPFIC was , founded as an industry-wide initiative supported by the Joint Capital Markets Program (J-CAP), a World Bank Group program, and USAID, works together with pension fund trustees, fund managers and regulators to address the challenges that pension schemes face while investing in alternative assets some of challenges comprise of limited visibility on investment opportunities, large capital requirements, and a lack of specialized investment expertise.

“As a consortium, we look for bankable projects with suitable returns that support sustainable economic development. They also have to be backed by strong environmental, social, and governance principles. By the end of 2022, we had mobilized over Ksh15 billion from local pension scheme investors into a number of alternative asset opportunities,” Mr. Kirungie added.

Some of the investments by KEPFIC members include a bond issued by the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) for affordable housing mortgage refinancing, and the development of student housing through a real estate investment trust (REIT) established by developer Acorn Holdings. Another upcoming investment is in the Lot 3 road project in North Eastern Kenya under the Kenya Roads Annuity public-private partnership (PPP) program developed with technical assistance from the World Bank.

Through support from USAID, KEPFIC has established partnerships with US-based pension funds to explore infrastructure co-investment opportunities in the region. With the support and co-investment partnerships is has cultivated, KEPFIC aims to mobilize and invest at least USD250 million (Approx Ksh.35 billion) in infrastructure assets in the near term and provide competitive returns and diversification opportunities to the member funds and co-investors.

Meresia Aloo
In a remarkable keynote address at the Arbitration Conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Mombasa, Justice Charles Woode, a prominent judge in the United States, expressed his admiration for the quality of speakers and discussed the importance of enforcing international arbitral awards in Africa. The conference aimed to foster a deeper understanding of arbitration practices and strategies, with the goal of positioning Africa as an effective player in the global arbitration arena.
Justice Woode praised the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s profound insights into arbitration and the steps needed for Africa to become a leading destination for arbitration cases. He emphasized the continent’s potential to attract more arbitrations and asserted that the region was making significant strides towards achieving this objective.
During his upcoming session on the conference panel, Justice Woode highlighted the pressing issue of enforcing international arbitral awards on the African continent. He pointed out that the primary objective of arbitration is to offer a swift resolution compared to traditional court proceedings, which can take several years.
However, he acknowledged that enforcing arbitral awards in Africa has encountered challenges. Justice Woode specifically addressed the lack of uniformity in time limits across various African countries. This discrepancy creates difficulties for parties seeking to enforce arbitral awards in different jurisdictions. To address this concern, he proposed the adoption of uniform time limits to promote consistency and flexibility in arbitration enforcement.
Moreover, Justice Woode discussed the issue of national courts in Africa intervening in ongoing arbitration proceedings to avoid unfavorable financial obligations resulting from an arbitral award. He cited a recent case in Nigeria involving an oil company, where the government contested the authority of the arbitration panel, arguing that tax-related issues fell under the court’s jurisdiction.
The lower court in Nigeria supported the government’s argument, giving the arbitration panel the authority to rule on the tax matters. However, on appeal, the Nigerian Court of Appeal reversed some aspects of the lower court’s decision, affirming the award in part and denying the part that concerned tax issues.
The complexity of such cases, as demonstrated in the Nigerian case, highlights the need for clarity and consistency in the interaction between national courts and arbitration proceedings. Justice Woode stressed the importance of upholding the legality of arbitration processes and encouraged parties to resort to court involvement only when necessary and in accordance with established rules and principles.
In concluding his address, Justice Charles Woode called for collective efforts among African nations to address these enforcement challenges and enhance the continent’s attractiveness as an arbitration hub. With a growing appreciation for arbitration and the commitment of influential legal minds, the future seems promising for Africa’s emergence as a formidable player in the global arbitration landscape.

By Irene Mwende

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is now calling for political ceasefire and dialogue between opposition leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to end the planned three-day anti-government protests set to begin on Wednesday.

Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference, LSK President Eric Theuri said that a call for national dialogue is the answer to all challenges in Kenya.

Theuri called on Ruto to air the grievances of Kenyans citing that their agitation should be respected.

“Protests as they have been held, have created an atmosphere of tension, anxiety that makes it untenable for public order to prevail. We have seen the agitation that has been there in the members of the public, that agitation must be respected,” he said

Theuri added that they are not only calling for national dialogue but also to mediate between Ruto and Raila.

Azimio supporters gear up for planned protests scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.This is despite calls from Kenya Kwanza leaders and religious leaders to call off the protests.

However, the opposition chief has maintained that the protests will go on as planned.

By Irene Mwende

The employment and Labour one of the Superior Courts, which has been a driver for social transformation as envisaged by the Constitution.

Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya Martha Koome, speaking during the event held at the KICC in Nairobi, noted that the mandate of the ELRC is to uphold the dignity and rights of workers and employers, foster harmonious industrial relations, and contribute to the social and economic development of the nation.

Koome congratulated ELRC’s commitment to service delivery with an impressive Case Clearance Rate of 168% in the third quarter of the 2022/2023 financial year and a reduction of case backlog by 18%, which proves the Court as a beacon of efficiency.

The court contributes to economic prosperity by creating a stable and conducive environment for industrial relations and by facilitating dialogue and cooperation between workers and employers, she added.

The Chief Justice went on to say, “ELRC has pushed the boundaries of justice delivery by embracing the multi-door approach and has recognised that justice can be achieved in multiple ways, through mediation, conciliation, and traditional justice systems (AJS).

Consequently, this diverse approach has made justice accessible and also helped to resolve disputes in a timely, amicable, and cost-effective manner, thus saving time and resources for both employers and employees.

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu pointed out that the ELRC has a unique place in the administration of justice with its specialised jurisdiction to deal with matters concerning employment and labour relations.

Justice Mwilu highlighted the Judiciary’s strategic vision, Social Transformation Through Access to Justice, which emphasises a people-centred justice approach that places the justice needs and justice problems faced by Kenyans at the centre of the administration of Justice.

“I urge you to engage, to learn, and to share jurisprudence, experiences, ideas, and best practises, for it is through the cross-fertilisation of these ideas, innovations, and approaches that our legal processes, frameworks, and jurisprudence on issues of employment and labour relations will be improved,” she emphasised.

At the same time, Principal Judge Byram Ongaya noted that the Kenya Vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising middle-income country, providing a high quality of life in a clean and secure environment, based on its economic, social, and political pillars.

Ongaya further analysed the objectives of the court, including creating and promoting awareness about the role of the Court; stakeholder sharing of best practises and experiences in the employment and labour relations sector; sharing emerging jurisprudence; providing a platform for stakeholders to exhibit innovations, productivity, and service delivery systems and requirements; and promoting harmony and common approaches in human resource management.

“As a Court, we seek to enhance our appreciation, not only to learn new things but also to rediscover new ways of learning for a more just, proportionate, and expeditious resolution of the disputes that are brought before us,” he added.

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Kenyan mining industry with bigger investments propelled by growing hopes of the government lifting a ban on new exploration licenses to tap billions lying in mineral reserves.International investors and local stakeholders in the sector have lined up events that they intend to use to revive investments and push the new administration to lift the moratorium that has locked out billions in capital.The mining act which was enacted in 2016 was to set frameworks and principles and strategies in promoting exploration and exploitation of mine.Therefore as Kenya Chamber of Mines brings together private and government players during Kenya Mines Week ahead of the planned rollout of a national digital mineral map, part of sector-wide reforms.International investment firm JIC Holdings is also planning a mining expo later this year that will bring in investors from around the world to explore Kenya’s untapped mineral wealth.When he represented the Cabinet Secretary of Trade and Industry Hon. Moses Kuria,the Principal Secretary Investments and Promotion Hon. Abubakar Hassan confirms that the State maintains the freeze was necessary for streamlining the sector, mapping mineral resources, and ensuring the validity of permits and activities.He said the mines policy was established to promote the use of technology and airborne geophysical technology.Total earnings from mineral production last year increased 16.6 percent to Sh35.2 billion but experts predict the country has a huge untapped potential.The ministry say that the Mining Act 2016 aims to reform the sector and allow the flow of new investments but the productivity has remained low.The Chairperson of Kenya Chambers of Mines Mr. Patrick Kanyoro has asked all miners to take mining to the next level and lets support the industry because gold is a silver of wealth “,he added