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Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • Kush Cultural Festival To take Place in Naivasha Kenya

    Kush Cultural Festival To take Place in Naivasha Kenya

    Fatih-Keer-KUSH-Executive-Director-and-Rachuonyo-Duncan-KUSH-Media-Liason-Officer-.

    The Kush Cultural Festival is a groundbreaking event that will
    celebrate the ancient Kingdom of Kush’s rich history and cultural legacy. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hell’s Gate
    National Park in Naivasha, Kenya, this 7-day festival (October 7-13th 2024) will offer a unique blend of historical immersion, cultural exchange, artistic expression, and much more.

    The Significance of Kush
    The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful ancient civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Sudan, played a pivotal role in shaping African and world history. Renowned for their advanced society, architectural marvels, and influential trade networks, the Kushites left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue. This
    festival aims to:

    ● Educate: Shed light on the often-overlooked history of Kush, its achievements, and its impact on various cultures.
    ● Celebrate: Honour the resilience and creativity of the Kushite people through showcasing, music, dance, art, and storytelling.
    ● Connect: Foster cultural exchange and dialogue between diverse communities, both local and international.
    ● Empower: Provide a platform for contemporary artists and artisans to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience.

    A Multi-Sensory Experience
    The Kush Cultural Festival will transport attendees to the
    heart of ancient Kush through a variety of immersive experiences:
    ● Open-Air Museum: Explore a meticulously recreated Kushite village, complete with traditional architecture, artifacts, and demonstrations of ancient crafts.
    ● Kush Street: Wander through a bustling marketplace featuring artisans and vendors showcasing traditional crafts,
    textiles, jewelry, and cuisine inspired by the region.
    ● Royal Coronation: Witness a grand reenactment of a Kushite coronation ceremony, complete with authentic costumes and rituals.
    ● Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of music, dance, and
    theatrical performances inspired by Kushite traditions and contemporary interpretations.
    ● Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by experts in various fields, including traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
    ● Food Court: Savor a culinary journey through the flavors of Kush and the surrounding regions, with a wide array of food vendors offering traditional dishes and modern interpretations.

     

    Target Audience
    The Kush Cultural Festival aims to attract a diverse audience, including:
    ● Students: The festival will cater to school students in primary and high schools, offering educational opportunities and
    engaging activities that align with their curriculum.
    Transportation will be provided for school groups from Nairobi and nearby areas.
    ● History and Culture Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in learning about ancient civilizations and their impact on the
    modern world.

    ● Families: Parents and children seeking a fun and educational experience that celebrates cultural diversity. The
    festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighboring regions.
    ● Art and Music Lovers: Those who appreciate traditional
    and contemporary artistic expressions from Africa and beyond.
    ● Tourists: Visitors to Kenya looking for a unique cultural
    experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
    The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.
    ● Local Communities: Residents of Naivasha and surrounding areas who are eager to celebrate their heritage and connect with others. The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.

    Festival Program and Activities
    The Kush Cultural Festival will offer a diverse and engaging program that caters to a wide range of interests. Each day will
    be filled with activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kush and its enduring legacy. The festival program is designed to connect the past with the present, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and contemporary cultural exchange.

    Daily Activities:
    ● Open-Air Museum: Guided tours and interactive exhibits showcasing Kushite history, architecture, and daily life.
    ● Kush Street: A vibrant marketplace featuring artisans, vendors, and traditional food stalls.
    ● Workshops: Hands-on workshops on traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
    ● Folk Music and Dance: Performances by local and international artists showcasing the diverse musical traditions
    of the region.

  • KNCCI LAUNCHES BAROMETER REPORT Q3

    KNCCI LAUNCHES BAROMETER REPORT Q3

    During the KNCCI Barometer Report Launch at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi.

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the
    KNCCI Business Barometer Report Q3/2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Upperhill,
    Nairobi.

    The KNCCI Q3 2024 Business Barometer Report aims to elucidate businesses’
    expectations for Q3 2024, drawing insights from their Q2 2024 experiences regarding
    financial performance and the broader business environment. This provides a forecast into the country’s business environment ensuring that all our efforts in advancing the economy are proactive. This particular report was focused on the Why; reasons behind the different expectations of the business enterprises identified.

    “The businesses are more confident in the reduction of their primary input cost
    compared to Q2 though manufacturing is coming out at the least optimistic sector on
    this metric. There is a need for increased efforts to support this struggling yet vital
    sector,” Dr. Eric Rutto, KNCCI President.
    One of the most significant insights from this report is the resilience and adaptability of our SMEs. It is encouraging to see that similar to Q2, majority of businesses sampled are optimistic about the growth of their revenue (71 percent) and staff size (66 percent  in Q3.

    Despite the challenges posed by the global economic downturn, our small and medium
    enterprises have demonstrated remarkable tenacity. They have pivoted, innovated, and
    found new ways to thrive. This spirit of resilience is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that is the backbone of our economy.

    The Chief Guest, the PS State Department of Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan
    Abubakar commended the good work by KNCCI on the unwavering commitment to
    advancing the interests of the business community.

    “As the State Department of Trade,we are committed to addressing these issues head-on. We will work closely with the KNCCI and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for business growth. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing access to finance, and fostering Ban ecosystem that encourages innovation and competitiveness,” Said Abubakar Hassan Abubakar – PS, State Department of Investment Promotion.

    Unfavourable taxes and levies (44%) was identified as the main cause of the
    unfavourable regulatory environment challenge. “The best thing this government can do to the business community is to pay pending bills,” Kiprono Kitonny, Chairman, Nairobi Securities Exchanges (NSE). This will guarantee commercial vibrancy in Kenya.
    In his remarks, Patrick Nyangweso, KNCCI CEO, recognized the significant challenges and opportunities in the business community.

    “The report is an instrument that will be used to support and empower our members with information they need to decide on resource allocation to improve the business landscape in Kenya.” Said Patrick Nyangweso, KNCCI CEO.

    The education and agriculture sectors are most optimistic about a drop in primary input costs, while hospitality & tourism, and manufacturing are less optimistic. Majority of businesses (69%) are intentionally applying some climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in their business operations. The mining and energy sectors lead in applying climate mitigation and adaptation actions, while the retail and wholesale sector lags behind. Similar to Q2, businesses expect limited financial resources (32%),
    unfavorable regulations (22%), and supply chain instability (22%) to majorly affect their performance in Q3, high interest rates (31%) and limited access to credit (30%).
    In the Q3 Business Barometer Survey, KNCCI engaged 1011 businesses across the
    country, in all sectors, both members and non-members of KNCCI, and from the formal and informal sectors. The data collection was conducted through an online survey spanning 2 weeks as well as physical interviews in Nairobi. The physical interviews using enumerators is an addition to the data collection efforts of the Q2 Barometer Survey that only employed the use of an online survey.

  • Kenya’s Fight Against Rising Poverty, Insights from the 2024 National Review Report

    Kenya’s Fight Against Rising Poverty, Insights from the 2024 National Review Report

    The Launch of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review Report 2024
    The Launch of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review Report 2024

    By Melisa Mongina

    Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum has released the 2024 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report, marking an important step towards achieving the SDGs. Poverty, one of the indicators in the implementation of SDGs has been listed among the various challenges affecting the country’s economy due to its rapid rise.

    In his speech on Wednesday during the report overview of SDGs, Samuel Kimote cited poverty as one of the indicators that has affected and reduced the country’s performance in the implementation of SDGs, adding that they are focusing on its eradication as CSOs.

    “When you look at goal number one, poverty, you can note that it is increasing. In 2015 we were at 38.6% but currently, we are at 39.8%. This shows that poverty is increasing and whatever we do as CSOs remains relevant. This year’s theme is reinforcing the agenda 2030 focusing mostly on eradicating poverty in Kenya,” said Kimote.

    He further stated that their main focus as CSOs on goal number one was to ensure poverty ends in Kenya.

    “The methodology that we followed to come up with this plan was highly consultative. Each CSO noted their contribution to ending poverty in Kenya,” added Kimote.

    Kimote emphasizes that there should be clarifications from the government as to why poverty continues to rise despite the economic growth reported in the 2024 economic survey.

    “The government has provided the data. The report has only documented the collective efforts of all involved. For example, goal number one states that poverty has increased. So the government will tell us why that is so, yet the 2024 economic survey states that the country is growing at 5.6%,” said Kimote.

    The 2024 VNR report gives a balanced insight, detailing both the accomplishments and the obstacles encountered over the past four years. The report emphasizes the vital contribution of various stakeholders, particularly civil society organizations, in promoting sustainable development.

    According to Benson Kimani from UNDP Kenya, the increase in poverty has raised a lot of concerns despite having 17 goals that are equal and undivided.

    “I think despite us having 17 goals which are all important and undivided, we realized something that is of great importance to us stakeholders which is the increase in poverty. In 2014 Kenya made a deal to move from a low-income economy to a medium-income economy,” noted Kimani.

    George Awala, Co-chair of the SDGs Kenya forum,  states that a lot of people are now falling into poverty than before thus urging the civil society, government, UN agencies, academia, and private sector to have a deep look at the situation.

    “More people are falling into poverty than previously. We need to ask ourselves what we can do as a civil society. What can the government do? What can the UN agencies do? What can the private sector do? and also what can academia do? And I think the value of having a platform where we all come together to discuss issues around SDGs is that richness that comes from all these different players being able to talk, dialogue, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard,” noted Awala.

    Festus Wangwe, Director of Planning in the State Department of MSME, noted that the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. Further, he added that for them to reach their Vision 2030 target, their efforts need to be redoubled.

    “What is of concern is that the progress registered in all the SDGs indicators remains on a soft track, which means we are unlikely to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Unfortunately, the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. So it implies that we need to redouble our efforts if we have to make significant progress towards the achievement of these goals,” emphasized Wangwe.

    The 2024 VNR report has offered a detailed account of Kenya’s progress since the last review in 2020.

  • East africa’s premier tourism expo to be held in October 2024

    East africa’s premier tourism expo to be held in October 2024

    PS-for-Tourism-John-Ololtua-right-and-KTB-CEO-june-Chepkemei-left-launching-the-14th-Edition-of-MKTE-which-is-set-to-be-held-on-2nd-5th-October-2024.
    PS-for-Tourism-John-Ololtua-right-and-KTB-CEO-june-Chepkemei-left-launching-the-14th-Edition-of-MKTE-which-is-set-to-be-held-on-2nd-5th-October-2024.

    Investors in Kenya’s tourism sector have been encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) to network and explore partnerships with global buyers, in a quest to improve tourism business in the country.

    Tourism PS John Ololtuaa says that MKTE has been instrumental in facilitating local small and medium travel enterprises and start-ups to access international markets given that over 60% of the travel companies that exhibit at the expo can’t afford to participate in expos abroad.

    This, he affirms, can be the catalyst to the exponential growth of Kenya’s tourism sector coupled with the diversification of our products.

    “MKTE has over the years created linkages and partnerships between local tourism enterprises and regional and international source markets. This has opened up new opportunities that have seen tremendous growth for local businesses in the tourism value chain. As a ministry, we recognize the immense potential that MKTE offers, especially to MSMEs in the tourism sector looking to establish themselves globally,” said PS Ololtuaa.

    The PS was speaking during an MKTE partners’ event whose 14th edition is set to be held from October 2nd-4th, 2024 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

    The partners had come together to explore collaboration opportunities and ways of enhancing the premier travel show in the East Africa Region.

    In 2023, MKTE hosted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings to the world. The 2024 edition will be targeting to attract 5,000 delegates and 160 hosted buyers including over 100 buyers’ clubs. MKTE also returns as a standalone expo after a successful joint expo last year with the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE), which offered the EAC member states an opportunity to network and explore new tourism business opportunities.

    PS Ololtuaa’s commitment to continued public-private sector engagement is geared towards creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive.

    “As a ministry, we are keen on continuously reviewing and reforming our policies to ensure that we create a conducive environment that allows tourism businesses, especially those at the grassroots, to realize their full potential,” added the PS.

    The PS also rallied stakeholders to focus efforts on promoting domestic tourism as well, which remains an untapped opportunity.

    “As we seek to attract international visitors, we must not lose sight of the immense potential that lies in promoting domestic tourism as well. We need to further encourage Kenyans to explore their own country and take advantage of the high-quality experiences and facilities available right here at home,” said Ololtuaa.

    PS-Tourism-John-Ololtuaa-center-with-tourism-partners-and-stakeholders-during-MKTE-partners-meeting-where-the-2024-edtion-of-the-event-was-also-launched.
    PS-Tourism-John-Ololtuaa-center-with-tourism-partners-and-stakeholders-during-MKTE-partners-meeting-where-the-2024-edtion-of-the-event-was-also-launched.

    On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei expressed optimism that MKTE 2024 will build on the successes of previous editions.

    “MKTE has built its reputation over the years as a consistent and affordable platform for Kenyan travel trade, County Governments, and affiliated brands in providing access to international suppliers and markets,” Chepkemei stated.

    “This year, we are looking to increase hosted buyers from new source markets such as Americas – Brazil and Mexico; Asia – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Australia besides the key source markets in Europe and Africa, in line with our destination diversification strategy,” said Chepkemei.

    She added that KTB is working towards the targeted 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.

  • KNCCI Calls for Calmness and Peace for Business Continuity

    KNCCI Calls for Calmness and Peace for Business Continuity

    During the Press briefing at KNCCI headquarters Nairobi.

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) extends
    its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives during the recent protests and also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured.

    KNCCI firmly believes in the right to protest, as enshrined in our constitution, and supports its exercise under all circumstances. However are deeply concerned about the instances of violence that have occurred during these protests, leading to looting of businesses and destruction of property which have severely disrupted business continuity across various parts of our country. These disruptions have led to significant interruptions in the supply chain, increased operational costs, decreased consumer and investor confidence, and loss of livelihoods. The cumulative effect of these issues is a substantial strain on our already fragile economy.

    As the organization responsible for issuing the ordinary certificate of origin, certifying that a product is from Kenya, KNCCI has observed a worrying 17% decline in export activity since the protests began. Furthermore, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has lost KES 63 billion in investor wealth over the past two weeks, reflecting declining investor confidence in Kenya’s economy due to the violent elements within the protests.

    The government has an obligation to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans as enshrined in the Bill or Human rights and Article 40 of the constitution respectively. While citizens have the right to protest, it has become evident that some individuals are engaging in violence, looting, and the destruction of property. Such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed promptly to ensure the safety and security of all.

    KNCCI calls on the government to expedite engagements to address the concerns raised by the protestors, enabling the economy to return to normalcy. We are currently in the peak season for tourism, which was the fastest-growing sector in 2023 at 33.6%. However, the violent elements within the protests threaten to massively impact this sector and the millions of livelihoods that depend on it.

    In light of these challenges, KNCCI calls for calm and encourages open, constructive dialogue and collaboration among all citizens of this great nation. It is imperative that we address the concerns raised and work towards solutions that benefit all Kenyans. Ultimately, preserving the integrity of the cause and protecting the well-being of our country, its people, and its businesses should be our collective priority.

    As always, KNCCI is willing to support collaborative actions by sharing concerns of the private sector through an economic recovery strategy. We have various channels at our disposal such as the Youth in Business platform in our 47 County Chapters. KNCCI remains committed to supporting allengagements aimed at swiftly and amicably resolving the issues arising from the protests. We believe that through cooperation and mutual understanding, we can foster a peaceful and prosperous
    environment for all Kenyans.

  • Astrid Schomaker of Germany assumes role of UN Biodiversity Executive Secretary in Montreal

    Astrid Schomaker of Germany assumes role of UN Biodiversity Executive Secretary in Montreal

    Astrid Schomaker of Germany has officially taken up her appointment as Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  

    Assuming the role ahead of the sixteenth meeting of the CBD’s 196 Parties (COP 16), Ms. Schomaker brings extensive experience in international relations, negotiations and global environmental policy-making, and deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements. 

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the appointment in April, extending his appreciation and gratitude to Acting Executive Secretary David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who now resumes his role as Deputy Executive Secretary.

    Ms. Schomaker has led work on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral and multilateral relations to chemicals, oceans, and the water industry. Most recently, as Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism with the European Commission in Brussels, she promoted a global transition to resource-efficient, low emission, nature-positive circular economies. 

    She also focused on increasing the EU’s effectiveness in addressing international environmental challenges, strengthening multilateralism and international environmental governance, and working towards the full implementation of multilateral environment agreements, among other priorities.

    Says Ms. Schomaker: “Securing the future of biodiversity means securing the future of humankind.  I am humbled to be joining the efforts of the United Nations, and all Parties to the Convention to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Our world is in desperate need of a global green transition and, while our individual paths may vary, our ambitions – the ambitions of the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework must be the same.”

    “I want to thank Mr. David Cooper for stepping in as Acting Executive Secretary and leading the CBD through a critical time following the adoption of the Framework in December 2022, a landmark agreement to which he contributed and continues to contribute so much.”

    “Let me also express my enthusiasm to work with the government of Colombia, and in particular H. E. Susana Muhamad, our incoming president, to ensure that the outcomes of COP 16 accelerate action at all levels to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.”

    At the helm of the Secretariat of the world’s foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, Ms. Schomaker will work with Parties to translate their commitments into action at all levels.  The four goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework—protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature, shape the new UN Biodiversity Chief’s priorities. 

    COP 16 will take place from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. By the time they meet in Cali, Parties to the Convention are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and national targets that are aligned with The Biodiversity Plan. 

    At COP 16, Parties are expected to agree on a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources, including a potentially multi-billion-dollar global fund by which users of the information compensate sources of the genetic material. Preparatory negotiations on this decision will be held in Montreal in August of this year.

    As part of her high-level advocacy role, Ms. Schomaker will also foster agreement among the Parties on a robust monitoring and reporting framework, and on securing the means of implementation for the Global Biodiversity Framework, including appropriate finance and coordinated action.

  • Simba Corporation Delivers The First All-Electric Mahindra XUV400 to Kenya Power

    Simba Corporation Delivers The First All-Electric Mahindra XUV400 to Kenya Power

    David Mugambi of Kenya Power Receives Two Mahindra XUV400 EVs from Naresh Leekha of Simba Corporation

    Simba Corporation, a trusted name in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing and sales industry has delivered the first of the all-electric Mahindra XUV400 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to Kenya Power.

    According to David Mugambi, Head of Transport at Kenya Power the delivery marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility. The two electric vehicles (EV), are part of six that have been acquired by the electricity utility firm this year.

    ”At over 92 percent green generation, Kenya Power has one of the cleanest energy distributions on the planet. In light of environmental concerns and our need to be carbon neutral, reducing emissions within the transport space is crucial. This therefore marks an important milestone in our EV journey, which started close to eight years ago with the transition to electric material handling equipment at our yards and
    warehouses,” said Mugambi.

    With Kenya rapidly emerging as a leader in EV adoption in Africa, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of EVs on the road currently estimated at about 2,100 ranging from two-wheelers, three- wheelers, and four-wheelers.

    Naresh Leekha, Group Managing Director of Simba Corporation Motors Division, expressed the firm’s commitment to Kenya’s EV Journey with the introduction of Mahindra electric vehicles in Kenya with a positive outlook into the future.

    “Simba Corporation has always been at the forefront of bringing innovative products to the Kenyan auto- mobile market. The whole world today is talking about bringing in environment-friendly vehicles and today we have delivered the first two Mahindra XUV400 SUVs to Kenya Power, one of the first customers to embrace the Mahindra Electric SUVs in Kenya,” said Leekha.

    Speaking of Kenya’s readiness to transition to EV, Mugambi explained that the country has enough energy to support significant EV growth over the next five years with the current installed capacity of 3, 246 Megawatts (MW) way above peak demand at 2300MW, and an off-peak load of 1,100 MW as of December 2023.

    ”Kenyans readiness for EV mobility is underscored by a substantial clean energy capacity. We have adequate energy to power the the electric mobility space for the next five years when we expect at the current rate to outstrip our current demand. This transition could also help reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life in Kenya by utilizing local energy sources,” he noted.

    This initiative not only aligns with global environmental goals but also promises economic benefits by
    reducing reliance on imported fuel and enhancing energy security.

  • Kenya and China Sign MOUs to Promote Film and Theater

    Kenya and China Sign MOUs to Promote Film and Theater

    During the MOU signing to promote Film Industry between Kenya and China.

     

    Kenya and China have signed significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to promote film and theatre in the Country.

    The event featured the participation of key representatives from both countries, including Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, Timothy Owase ,CEO Kenya film commission and CPA Pascal Opiyo,CEO of Kenya film and classification board among others .

    The ceremony, themed ‘Kenya ,China Tv theatre ” showcased a variety of Chinese TV programmes, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.

    Jimmy Carter Luo, Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Media (Ke) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm about the newly forged partnership and its potential impact on both countries in the field of film and exchange of culture.

    Carter emphasized that the Kenya ,China TV Theatre & will pave the way for joint productions, content sharing, and professional exchanges between Kenyan and Chinese media entities.

    “This collaboration is essential for the advancement of our creative industries. It offers a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and cultural enrichment,” said Carter.

    Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, expressed his optimism about the future of Chinese-Kenyan cooperation in the audiovisual sector and film.

    “This event marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of media and entertainment. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Kenya to foster cultural exchange and mutual development,” said Deputy Minister Dong Xin.

    He said that the MOUs signify the unwavering commitment to nurturing and expanding the film and television industries in both Kenya and China adding that it will enhance and pave the way for more joint productions and professional exchanges, enhancing the quality and diversity of content available in both countries.

    Prof Edward Kisiang’ani in a statement read by Judith Munyinyi, secretary of information ministry of ICT and said that the collaboration launched will highly impact the media industry .

    He said that the exchange of content between Kenya and China is crucial .

    “We look forward to the continued collaboration between Kenya and china “he said

    Kenya film commission CEO Timothy Owase said that the collaboration between Kenya and China will greatly impact the film industry in Kenya .

    He noted that the government will continue supporting the youths in realization of their talents .

    “We are greatly humbled by this partnership between Kenya and China in the field of film and theatre and we will continue pushing further for our youths to get job opportunities in the film and art industry “he said.

  • Government Disburses June 2024 Funds for the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme

    Government Disburses June 2024 Funds for the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme

     

    The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on Friday, 28th June 2024, released Kshs. Three Billion, Two Hundred and Fifteen Million, Nine hundred and Ninety Two Thousand shillings, (Kshs. 3,215,992,000) for June 2024 payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii programm.

    The Ministry has on boarded 570,263 new beneficiaries. The total of beneficiaries in the June payroll is 1,037,733 in may 2024.

    This follows His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto’s directive last year to upscale the programme to 2.5M beneficiaries, which will be done in phases July Payment will commence on Wednesday, 3 July 2024. All those new beneficiaries who have opened bank accounts will be paid from
    Wednesday.

    “Inua Jamii programme is a government cash transfer initiative that supports the most vulnerable members of the community by providing them with a stipend to cushion them from poverty, hunger, and improve
    their lives.” Said Principal Secretary
    State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph M. Motari.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Caregivers to be Equipped with Proper Knowledge and Skills for the Improvement of Quality Childcare Services

    Caregivers to be Equipped with Proper Knowledge and Skills for the Improvement of Quality Childcare Services

    Stakeholders celebrating the day of the African Child
    Stakeholders celebrating the Day of the African Child

    By Melisa Mongina

    The Early Childhood Network for Kenya (ECDNeK) in partnership with the African Early Childhood Network has intensified Child Care advocacy initiatives by creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable Child Care.

    Speaking during the launch of the Child Care campaign dialogue, Philip Nzege, Directorate of Children Services, noted the importance of having a safe and secure environment for children adding that children should have trained personnel to ensure that they are well cared for.

    ” We will have to look at how children are taken care of in the environment. It must be safe and secure as it is stated very clearly in the Children’s Act 2022. We will also come up with a program to ensure that for one to be involved in childcare he/she must attain some training for proper care of the child,” noted Philip.

    Further, Philip notes that child care is a collective responsibility that needs collaboration between stakeholders, the county, and the national government.

    ” One of the special directories involved closely with families is social development and parenting program. It is high time we need to bring this component of Child Care into the special directorate so that when we are talking about families and the challenges they face, that social development and parenting program can pick that issue and come up with the solutions,” added Philip.

    He also emphasized the need for crafting units or courses that will teach students after completing university how to do parenting.

    ” The university provides solutions and fills the gap of communities. I think it is high time our higher education institutions craft a unit or a course so that when our sons and daughters complete university education, they can be taught how to do parenting,” urged Philip.

    According to Dr. Teresa Mwoma, The National Coordinator at ECD Network Kenya, there is a need to empower caregivers for better quality Child Care services especially for children between the age of 0-10 years as it is the time when rapid development in children takes place.

    “The first 1000 days is the first 3 years by extension to the 5th year which is very critical because there’s rapid brain development, providing the child with an environment that is stimulating all the senses with what the child is seeing, what the child can touch, taste, and hear. Exposing children to stimulating environments helps in developing their brains,” said Dr. Teresa.

    The nationwide campaign’s implementation strategy will include coordination, advocacy at the national and county government levels, and learning and knowledge management. The campaign’s impact will be enhanced by leveraging national calendar days, such as the Day of the African Child.