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Global peace Kenya Country director Mr.Daniel Juma have urge youths across the country to maintain peace as election nears next month.

Speaking during an event organized by Daystar university students an other stake holders,he said let’s peace be the key and avoid being lured to cause chaos.

” I urge youths not to be bribed or cheated by any leader or join group to participate in,let’s vote an go back home wait for the results “, he adds

He said Kenya is for us all and by keeping peace we grow as a nation.

The event was attended by almost 400 youths from across the country.

BrighterMonday Kenya in partnership with GIZ Agri-jobs 4 Youth, supported by the German Development Cooperation have collaborated to implement a Human Resource(HR) Forum in Kisumu . The theme of the event is “ Managing a Multigenerational Workforce” and aims to tackle the labour sourcing challenges and solutions in the Agri food value chain in Western Kenya to increase access to job opportunities for the youth.

The forum aims to offer solutions that will  empower Human Resource professionals with the proper skills required to manage their workforce, to ensure employees operate at maximum productivity at the workplace . 

This in turn runs hand in hand with the launch of the Vijana na Kilimo project that was launched in March, to help the youth in Western Kenya get access to jobs in the agriculture sector.

The forum held in depth discussions under 3 main topics, that will see improvement in productivity in  the agri-food sector value chain, Thus: 

• Upskilling to create youth employment and maintain a productive team
• Bridging the pay vs work mismatch to create a viable agri-food sector
• Hiring processes & guidelines, labour laws and Policies deep dive

According to Pancy Maina the Campaign Manager at BrighterMonday Kenya, upskilling to increase employability is a key aspect that needs to be addressed in order for the youth to be more employable. 

“ we are constantly working to ensure that the youth are upskilled in order to be attractive to hiring managers. Our partnership with GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth is an avenue that provides this platform for the youth. We are happy that this HR Forum is bringing together industry players to tackle some of the challenges that they face when hiring the youth with the larger aim of enabling the youth and creating employment opportunities for them in the Agri-food value chain.

Julia Mueller, Labour Matching Advisor for GIZ Agri-Jobs 4 Youth added that they are leveraging data and technology in order to enhance youth employment. 

“Through such partnerships, we want to ensure that the youth in Western Kenya get access to jobs in the agri food chain. There may be a skills gap , but through our upskilling and training programs,through the partnership with BrighterMonday,  we endeavour to bridge the skills gap that job seekers have, that limits them from accessing jobs. Our mandate remains empowering the youth with employment opportunities and we are happy to be doing that through the Vijana na Kilimo project.

Deputy President William Ruto has emerged on top in a latest presidential elections survey released on Tuesday.

The duo of William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua Rigathi  received 49.9 percent as compared to their closest competition Raila Odinga and Martha Karua pair  who polled 42.5 percent in a survey conducted by Intel Research Solutions (IRS).

IRS  is an African based full market and social Research company Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with affiliate offices in Uganda and Tanzania.

Karen Mwangi, CEO of IRS told journalists in Nairobi that Dr.Ruto is likely to manage a round one win against his competitor going by the numbers.

“A runoff is not a possibility in this case given that there is a month of intense campaign ahead to garner the minimum 50+1,” Mwangi said.

The National Opinion Poll Survey Report used 23,464 respondents drawn from across the country.

George Wajackoyah and Justina Wamae polled 2.8% while David Waihiga and Ruth Mutua had 1.1 % of the votes nationally.

Mwangi said that veteran opposition politician Odinga maintains popularity of 42.5% which has been the same for the two polls in a month giving him runners up position in the race slated for August 9.

She said that the mountain has significantly rallied behind the DP despite the intense lobby by the Odinga camp.

According to the results, Ruto has 73.1 percent of the votes while Odinga has 18.4 percent of the votes in Mt Kenya East.

“The significant difference is likely to produce the swing vote for the election,” she added.

Preferred 2022 Presidential Candidate  Mt Kenya West remains Ruto at 66.6 % compared to 24.8 percent for Odinga.

However, Odinga has maintained a lead in Nairobi 53.7 percent vs 38.1 percent of the vote for William Ruto.

She said Coast is a region to watch, as the intense campaign by Kenya Kwanza has increased their popularity in the region with Odinga  receiving  50.2 percent and  Ruto getting 41 percent.

by Jeff Kizilah

East Africa biggest paint suppler recorded the highest profit ever.

“We have established a substantial share in the regional markets. We are number two after Uganda and Tanzania in the region”, .Said Patrick Mwati,Chief Finance Officer,Crown Paint Kenya

He said that the increase in prices in the shopping and production cost also is our biggest challenges but cannot pass the entire prices.

However he said that crown paint strength and network of stakeholders an their resilience continue to yield better returns and will remain for the future.

Mwati recognize the weakening of the shillings against the dollar last year has also contributed to the price growth this year.

” Our growth strategy is anchored on research to develop a tailor made product that addresses the emerging customer needs.

Life-saving humanitarian operations have been either suspended, reduced, or will be terminated if the funding situation remains as it is. Current estimates indicate that US$400 million dollars are urgently required to provide minimum humanitarian services to alleviate people’s immediate needs.

If not addressed, these funding gaps will leave millions of the most vulnerable people at risk of losing access to vital humanitarian assistance and protection. “The humanitarian context in South Sudan is daunting and is the worst that it has ever been. Everything including protection of women and girls, food, nutrition, and shelter, is needed. There are over two million people displaced in South Sudan, and absence of funding means that those in camps risk to be left in critical need of water, sanitation and hygiene, and health services. The lack of safety and security will further deepen these risks. The resources have dwindled, but lives should not”, said Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.

For over a decade, the people of South Sudan faced multiple crises. People’s lives have been shattered by years of conflict, social and political instability, unprecedented climate shocks, ongoing violence, frequent displacements, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity and multiple disease outbreaks.

In South Sudan, some 8.9 million people, more than two-thirds of the population, are estimated to need significant humanitarian assistance and protection in 2022. The Humanitarian Response Plan requests US$1.7 billion to target 6.8 million people with life-saving assistance and protection services. Currently, the humanitarian response plan is funded only at 27 per cent, almost 14 per cent of which was funded by the OCHA-managed Pooled Funds Central Emergency Response Fund and South Sudan Humanitarian Fund. “With such funding gaps, vulnerable suffer more and humanitarian partners are forced to prioritize, making heart-wrenching choices between severe needs. We cannot give up because the cost of inaction is too high, and people in need cannot afford to pay this price. We need urgent funds, and are appealing to the world to remember the most vulnerable in South Sudan”, stated Ms. Nyanti.

The funding gaps are across all humanitarian interventions in the country and severe consequences are likely if urgent financing is not secured. The lack of funding for nutrition support will immediately leave 127,000 children, and 115,000 pregnant or lactating women without vital treatment services. An estimated 1.9 million people will not have access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services without more funds. As a consequence, illness is likely to rise placing an increased burden on health facilities and drive rising trends of malnutrition. Women and girls risk gender-based violence when attempting to seek water and access to sanitation outside their homes. Food security and livelihoods interruptions will affect almost two million people. Without urgent funding, 1.3 million protection services for an estimated 900,000 people will not be provided. In education, the lack of funding will result in 700,000 vulnerable boys and girls with no access to safe learning spaces and will increase school dropouts, risking 3.5 million children being out of school. Without further funding, eight camps for internally displaced people be left unmanaged. The recent reduction in funding for health interventions directly impacted 220 primary health care units and nine state hospitals, and they risk being forced to discontinue services from August. 2.5 million people who are already in vulnerable health conditions will not have access to health services.

TECNO, a global premium smartphone brand, has today added a new member to its portfolio of Brand Ambassadors. Following the successful launch of TECNO Spark 9 on June 20^th, 2022, TECNO Mobile Limited Kenya has today taken another bet with Octopizzo as its Brand Ambassador.

“We are excited to announce Octopizzo as the Brand Ambassador for the TECNO Spark 9 series. Octopizzo brings with him a wealth of creativity and talent that goes hand in hand with the brand purpose of creating devices for the young at heart.” Said Mr. Peter Shi, TECNO Mobile Limited, Kenya Brand Manager.

Octopizzo otherwise known as number nane is an award winning, recording and performing artist, humanitarian and an entrepreneur. He has won several awards and twice considered for the Grammy’s. He’s toured Africa and the world as well as sold millions of singles and albums.

Born and bred in Kibera, Octopizzo has defied odds to become an icon of success and hope for the youths in Kibera and Kenya at large. As a young, creative artiste, Octopizzo will be able to resonate well with the target audience for the Spark 9 series. He will also lead the Spark your dream campaign that is powered by TECNO Spark 9 series.

As a young, creative artiste, Octopizzo will be able to resonate well with the target audience for the Spark 9 series. He will also lead the Spark your dream campaign that is powered by TECNO Spark 9 series.

TECNO SPARK your dream campaign is an activity that is targeting the youth from the ages of 18 and above. Through this campaign, TECNO will support the dreams of 3 people who will be carefully selected and vetted by our pool of abled judges. The support will be in form of cash and a 6 months mentorship program.

TECNO is calling upon everyone to participate in this campaign by following the instructions on all our social media platforms.

 H.E. Abdulla Mohamed Alblooki, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Protocol Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation received a copy of the credentials of H.E. Garang Garang Diing, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan.

Alblooki wished the South Sudanese Ambassador success in the performance of his duties and in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the UAE and South Sudan.

The newly appointed Ambassador expressed his pleasure at representing his country in the United Arab Emirates, which enjoys a prestigious regional and international position under the visionary policy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

To respond to a new wave of displacement in Northern Mozambique the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) distributed this week household essentials to 6,000 people. The displaced families arrived in Mieze, Cabo Delgado province, after the conflict drove them from Ancuabe district over the past weeks.

“It is heartbreaking to see the terrible condition people arrive in. Entire families leave their homes with nothing,” says Abdirizak Ahmed Maalim Mohamednoor, the ICRC Economic Security Coordinator in Mozambique. “People in Mieze opened their doors to the displaced, but they also have large families and  in some cases the conditions are precarious. Some families have no roof over their heads,” he adds.

Displaced people living in relatives’ houses or with host families in Mieze received tarpaulins, buckets, blankets, mosquito nets, soap and kitchen items, such as pots and cutlery. 

The ICRC is increasingly concerned by the cumulative humanitarian impact of the ongoing armed conflict. Many of the newly displaced families had come to Ancuabe from other places in search of safety and this was the second displacement they experienced. They had to flee by foot or by bus, reaching new destinations with no means to support themselves.

On the road family members often become separated, and many children find themselves without adult guardians. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 55% of the recently displaced are under 18years old.

Displacement leads to a rapid increase of population in host towns and villages, and access to essential services like education, healthcare and clean water becomes a challenge. 36,000 people fled the district of Ancuabe during the month of June. In total, more than 780,000 people in Cabo Delgado are displaced due to the armed conflict.

Four Points by Sheraton (https://bit.ly/3R7c5Cg), part of Marriott Bonvoy’s (www.Marriott.com) portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, marking the brand‘s debut in Rwanda. Designed to appeal to both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, approachable and relaxed design, and stylish comfort in the heart of the capital city.

With easy access from Kigali International Airport and just a few minutes away from the city’s main embassies, the hotel sits in an enviable location and seamlessly blends vintage and modern design elements with distinct local touches to create a vibrant aesthetic and a compelling sense of place.  

“We are very proud to work with Marriott International to bring the Four Points by Sheraton brand into Rwanda and we are confident this hotel will set a new benchmark for hospitality within the country,” said Mr. Hatari Said Sekoko, Chief Executive Officer of New Century Development.

“I am thrilled that Four Points by Sheraton is set to be among the top contributors of Rwanda’s tourism growth and am pleased the hotel has created more job opportunities for the local energetic youth and will support the growth of the country’s tourism, hospitality, and conference and events sectors,” said Mr. Matthias Widor General Manager, Cluster General Manager for Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali.

Signature global brand programing and the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes Four Points by Sheraton Kigali an ideal gathering place for guests and the local community to kick back and relax.

Designed for the modern traveler with an emphasis on delivering what matters the most, all 154 guestrooms offer magnificent views of Kigali, floor-to-ceiling windows, a 55-inch smart TV, ergonomic workspaces, and complimentary high-speed internet. The property comes complete with 12 Suites, including three Family Suites and one spacious Loft Suite for those looking to enjoy the company of family or friends.

The property features three distinctive dining venues offering a wide selection of global cuisine. The all-day-dining restaurant, FP Social, blends European and international cuisine with flavors from East Africa while the snack bar, Brew Bar, has a menu of light snacks and the brand’s signature Best Brews^TM program which offers local craft beers on tap. Guests can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, fresh juices, or light bites at Coco Fizz, the pool bar terrace.

A place for business and leisure, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali offers more than 700 square meters of dedicated meeting space featuring nine flexible meeting rooms including a 314-square-meter ballroom that can cater for up to 200 guests. All meeting rooms are equipped with sophisticated AV facilities and endless connectivity through high-speed WiFi. With creative menu options and thoughtful service, the hotel provides both choice and flexibility, making it an exclusive option for medium scale business meetings, social events, weddings or smaller intimate gatherings.

Leisure amenities include a state-of-the art fitness center with cutting-edge equipment available 24 hours a day, a spa and an outdoor pool for guests to relax and recharge for the day.

Four Points by Sheraton Kigali is Marriott International’s second property in Rwanda.

Burundi’s representative at the UN Human Rights Council has shut down hope, once again, that the country would cooperate with the newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur, who is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the country’s human rights situation. Burundi accuses the Council of politicized interference in its internal affairs.

On June 29, after an update given by the Special Rapporteur, some states raised concerns about the “targeting of political opposition figures.” They also called for the authorities to “thoroughly investigate and prosecute cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations and abuses.” But at the same time, many praised the government’s efforts, supposed progress achieved, and the questionable work of its national human rights commission, which lacks independence.

From where we stand, it’s unclear what efforts the government is truly making to tackle systemic human rights violations in Burundi. Since President Évariste Ndayishimiye came to power two years ago, our reports have highlighted the same patterns of abuses that took place under the 15-year rule of Pierre Nkurunziza, his predecessor.

We have seen limited positive steps under Ndayishimiye. Burundi’s authorities did lift some suspensions of media and civil society and release several jailed human rights defenders and journalists. But much more is needed if the government is serious about its stated desire to implement reforms and improve its image.

Meanwhile, lawyer and former human rights defender Tony Germain Nkina, who was arrested in October 2020, remains unjustly imprisoned. Despite no credible evidence presented by the prosecution, he was convicted of collaborating with a Burundian rebel group operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo that is accused of attacks in Burundi.

The government’s repression remains entrenched, and our latest report documented yet more killings, disappearances, arbitrary detention, and torture of suspected government opponents. The judiciary is not independent. One egregious case involved eight Burundians who were detained incommunicado and tortured in Tanzania. When Tanzania forcibly returned the refugees, Burundi’s authorities put them on trial for participation in armed groups. Despite a Burundian judge saying the case was political, and the court acquitting them of all charges in August 2021, then again on appeal in March 2022, six of them remain jailed.

It’s time for Burundian authorities to turn promises into action. Giving access to the Special Rapporteur, releasing all those unjustly jailed, and arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of human rights violations would demonstrate its commitment to do so.