Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • Coastal MPs Denounce Finance Bill and school Teargas Incident, demands Accountability and Reforms

    As the country is on the verge of economic growth, there is an uproar over the ongoing countrywide demonstrations over the punitive finance bill recommendations, igniting fireworks across the nation right from parliament.

    As a section of coastal region MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the finance bill, Azimio La Umoja legislators have raised unrest over the finance bill, saying it’s a punitive measure to close down the country’s expectations to grow.

    Mombasa Woman MP Zamzam Mohamed revealed that the Finance Bill 2024 has sneaked in the price hike of the X-ray machines through a backdoor, saying it’s a corrupt funding scheme.

    “That radiology and X-ray equipment will be heavily taxed; the finance bill’s page 592, article 43, highlights this under the heading “Cancer patients.” Sadly, the patients will pay highly, and we ask for the removal of that section. This finance bill is all about financing corruption where over 1 trillion cannot be accounted for.” Zamzam quotes.

    Zamzam added, “Whatever you’re doing will get into your generation, and it shall eat you more than how it will hit us, and the removal of fuel and bread was a strategy to cool the hit, it will not be as usual as you may think under the Kenya Kwanza regime.”

    Mishi said, “Kenyans are tired and poor with this government, you’ve done zero implementations on the finance bill of 2023, and now here you come with a punitive 2024 finance bill, so you want us to be like Dubai, we are still developing, and you need t give us a break, the country is tired.”

    Mombasa County legislators have expressed their profound outrage over the tear-gassing incident at Coast Girls School during the recent nationwide protests, characterizing the action as a reprehensible act of cowardice, calling for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the involved police officers and the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures.

    “We call upon the investigation of those police involved in the lobbing of teargas into a school, demonstrations and picketing are constitutional rights and the government should stand its ground to listen to the voice of the people at all times,” Mishi Mboko said.

    Leading the condemnation, the MPs emphasized the incident’s seriousness, its unacceptable nature, and the pressing need for accountability. They also emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize students’ safety and well-being but also reveal a concerning contempt for human rights and the rule of law.

    “The deployment of tear gas within the confines of an educational institution, where young girls were present, is an egregious violation of their safety and dignity,” Chimba stated.

    Zamzam, on her side, said, “This act not only reflects poorly on the integrity of our law enforcement agencies but also poses serious questions about their operational protocols during public demonstrations.”

    Mboko, however, stressed the importance of protecting educational spaces from the volatility of political unrest.

    “Schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas. The incident at Coast Girls School is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how security forces engage with civilians during protests,” she asserted.

    Kisauni, a legislator and former GSU officer, added, “We call for a collective and thorough investigation into the incident, that those responsible be held accountable and the police officers involved be subjected to stringent disciplinary actions to prevent future occurrences and save the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

    Mvita Mp, Mohamed Soud Machele, said, “The act created tension for the young girls and our children have been hospitalized We call every parent whose child was involved in that incident to record a statement in police and we shall take the matter as legislators to bring sanity in these institutions.”

    This incident has ignited a broader discourse on the necessity of safeguarding educational environments from the collateral impacts of civil unrest and ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights.

     

  • Peaceful Demonstration by the Concerned Citizens are Constitutional” Says CCM

    During the CCM media Briefing in Nairobi.

     

    The leaders of Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) have today highlighted and condemned the use of force by police and arrest observed during the peaceful protests Yesterday.

    “We commend the Concerned Citizens for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the peaceful protests in the last few days even though 335 of them were arrested for holding constitutionally protected peaceful protests.
    The Kenya Kwanza administration, since taking over office has killed Kenyans’ hope of the brighter future they promised through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. Kenyans are suffering because of the incompetent people appointed in serious positions and end up stealing and politicking. This includes heads of parastatals, top police officers, PSs and even cabinet secretaries with Scandals after Scandals. To Kenyans, enough is enough.” Said Prof.Fred Ogola TrailBlazer Business strategies and Citizens Movement.

    He further observed that, the whole matter began with the formation of incompetent executive unfortunately approved by Parliament. They have been busy with politicking, corruption and unnecessary infighting instead of fixing the economy.

     

    During Madaraka Day 2024, Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) was to launch the Mwananchi bill realizing that citizens had lost their sovereignty because they had lost their power to decide how much taxes they paid, how the taxes are collected and how the taxes are used.
    Proper use of tax revenue would guarantee the citizens’ livelihoods, comfort and future.

    Prof Fred Ogola further added that, the rallying call of the Mwananchi bill is HAKUNA MADARAKA BILA MAMLAKA, which is to be achieved through DEBE KABLA YA DEBE referendum, to ammend Cap 1 of the Constitution of Kenya. This will give Kenyans the power to recall the president, deputy president or both directly through a referendum because the current constitution has no answer to what Kenyans should do with a president or deputy president who violates the constitution or mismanages the economy but parliament is unwilling or compromised to impeach him or her.

    The government forcefully dispersed a legitimate and peaceful procession, arrested and locked up eight of CCM leaders at the Central Police Station for two days.
    Therefore, we shall all take action, support the Mananchi Bill, raise at least one million signatures and amend the Constitution of Kenya to enable us to recall a president, deputy president or both, at any time of their tenure, when their service delivery is unsatisfactory.

    In that regard CCM demands the following from the government:

    • That first all the Kenyans who were arrested to be released immediately and unconditionally as they simply expressed their constitutional and democratic rlghts,
    • The finance bill to be withdrawn in total. It is unnecessary because more than a third of the proposed 3.99 Trillion budget will go into corruption budgeted or not, that is 1.3 Trilion. Another 1.3 Trillion into wastages through non-priority expenditures. Employing good governance would realize 2.6 Trillion and save Kenyans the killing tax burden,
    • The government to respect the constitution by leaving Concerned Citizens to exercise their sovereignty and right to peaceful protest enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,
    • The Inspector General of Police and all Police Commanders to ensure the police service remains a police service by protecting peaceful protesters but not using unnecessary force. They must not use live ammunitions or spark violence. There should be no use of Civilian dressed police in harassing and beating Concerned citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights. On this matter they are Concerned citizens not criminals.
    •  That Concerned Citizens to continue exercising their constitutional rights peacefully until our demands are met by the government.

     

  • Turkana Central MP demands thorough investigation into shooting and killing of constituent and three fishermen

    Turkana Central MP Hon. Joseph Emathe has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting and killing of his constituent, Daniel Esinyen, and other fishermen in Kanakwara Fish Village Turkana County.

    The incident involved Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in a helicopter while the victims were fishing in Lake Turkana on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

    According to Hon. Emathe, the tragic incident has left the Turkana community in shock and mourning.

    “Many boats have been destroyed by KWS officers, and numerous innocent fishermen remain missing, feared dead. The senseless violence and loss of innocent lives must be addressed immediately,” Emathe stated during a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday.

    “As the representative of the great people of Turkana Central constituency, I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident,” he added.

    The Turkana legislator emphasized that those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.

    “We call on the relevant authorities to ensure justice for Daniel Esinyen and his friends, and to take immediate steps to protect our community from such unwarranted aggression in the future,” he declared even as he insisted that the tragic incident has left his community in shock and mourning.
    Despite the motive behind the brutal attack remaining unknown, Hon. Joseph Emathe stated that the recent incident is part of a series of violent confrontations in the region involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and local communities.

    He cited that on June 12, 2024, Merille poachers clashed with KWS, resulting in the deaths of two KWS rangers.

    On June 13, 2024, local villagers were chased by KWS rangers into the hills and bushes.

    On June 15, 2024, KWS attacked Kanakwara Fish Village, targeting Daniel Esinyen and his companions—David Emuny, John Ewoi, and David Ekiru. Daniel Esinyen (ID 24076166) was shot and killed.
    According to the legislator, Daniel Esinyen, a former manager of the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic, was on leave and had traveled from Kalokol to Kanakwara Village, near Sibiloi, for a fishing trip with three friends.

    During their fishing activities, they encountered a KWS helicopter that, without any provocation, began spraying bullets at them.

    “It is important to note that they were far from the park’s protected area, engaging in peaceful fishing activities,” Emathe said.

    He narrated that in an attempt to save their lives, Daniel’s colleagues dived into the lake.

    “Daniel, however, stood with his hands raised in a clear gesture of surrender. Despite this, the KWS officer aboard the helicopter continued to shoot, ignoring the pilot’s desperate commands to cease fire,” he emphasized.

    Daniel was tragically shot and succumbed to his injuries.

    “His friends, who hid behind their boat, later found him dead. Shockingly, the helicopter returned and fired upon them again, forcing them to seek refuge in the lake once more,” Emathe recounted.

    On Monday, June 17, 2024, a postmortem conducted on Daniel’s body revealed that his spinal cord, liver, and lungs were destroyed, leading to his death.
    “One bullet was retrieved from his body and is currently held by the DCI Lodwar,” he told journalists.

  • China Square Newest Lang’ata Branch Comes With Exciting Discounts

    Branch Chinese retail merchant China Square has opened the most recent outlet in Nairobi as it seeks to grow its footprint in the Kenyan capital and beyond.

    The newest Lang’ata Branch, unveiled over the weekend at a colourful ceremony in full glare of the media, is testimony that China Square continues to penetrate the Kenyan retail market.

    Speaking during the grand opening, China Square Managing Director Mr. Lei Cheng hailed Kenya as the preferred investment destination in the East African region, urging other investors to seize the opportunity and invest in the country.

    During the opening session, management of the retail mall ensured that prices of all available merchandise retailed at 20 percent lower as an incentive to draw more buyers and enhance trust.

    Sources indicate that China Square invested Sh600 million to lease the branch owned by Uchumi Supermarkets.

    It goes without saying that the China Square Langata launch was a big success as many Kenyans from all walks of life turned up to get a first-hand experience of the occasion punctuated by pomp and grandeur.

    The management led by Mr. Lei Cheng expressed their gratitude to all who joined in the grand opening.

    On top of enjoying a 20 per cent discount on all items on the launch day, customers will also take advantage of a 12 per cent to 40 per cent price cut on available home appliances until July 15, 2024 at the new branch in Lang’ata.

    Curious Kenyans who thronged the China Square Lang’ata Hyper (formely Uchumi Lang’ata Hyper) got an exciting experience sampling a wide array of merchandise and the pricing before they indulge in a shopping spree, just as a previous day post would suggest.

    “Get ready to laugh and shop till you drop! We’re bringing the fun and excitement to China Square Langata’s Grand Opening!  Crazy Discounts of up to 40 per cent on home appliances and 20 per cent off all items except home appliances!” read a post on one of their social media pages.

  • Air Pollution Linked to 8.1 Million Deaths Worldwide in 2021, Emerging as the Second Leading Cause of Mortality, Including Among Children

    Air pollution is having an increasing impact on human health, becoming the second leading global risk factor for death,
    according to the fifth edition of the State of Global Air (SoGA) report.

    The report, released today by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), an independent U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, found air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Beyond these deaths, many more millions of people are living with debilitating chronic diseases, putting tremendous strains on healthcare systems, economies, and societies.

    Produced for the first time in partnership with UNICEF, the report finds that children under five years old are especially vulnerable, with health effects including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases.

    In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition.

    A staggering 500,000 of these child deaths were linked to household air pollution due to cooking indoors with polluting fuels, mostly in Africa and Asia.

    A Global Health Concern
    The new SoGA Report offers a detailed analysis of recently released data from the Global Burden of Disease study from 2021 that shows the severe health impacts pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are having on human health around the world.

    The report includes data from more than 200 countries and territories around the world, indicating that nearly every person on earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day, with far-reaching health implications.

    More than 90 percent of these global air pollution deaths – 7.8 million people – are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, including from ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are so small they remain in the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, affecting many organ systems and increasing the risks for noncommunicable diseases in adults like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the report, PM2.5 is the most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes around the world.

    “We hope our State of Global Air report provides both the information and the inspiration for change,” said HEI President Dr. Elena Craft. “Air pollution has enormous health implications. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable.” Air Pollution and Climate Change PM2.5 air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass in sectors such as transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires. These emissions impact people’s health and contribute to the greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. The most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by both climate hazards and polluted air.

    In 2021, long-term exposure to ozone contributed to an estimated 489,518 deaths globally, including 14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths in the United States, higher than in other high-income countries.

    As the world continues to warm from the effects of climate change, areas with high levels of NO2 can expect higher ozone levels, bringing even greater health effects.

    For the first time, this year’s report includes exposure levels and related health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), including the impact of NO2 exposures on the development of childhood asthma.

    Traffic exhaust is a major source of NO2, which means densely populated urban areas, particularly in high-income countries, often see the highest levels of NO2 exposure and health impacts.

    “This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Pallavi Pant, HEI’s Head of Global Health who oversaw the SoGA report release.

    “This points sharply at an opportunity for cities and countries to consider air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.”

    Children’s Health
    Some of the greatest health impacts of air pollution are seen in children. Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution and the damage from air pollution can start in the womb with health effects that can last a lifetime.

    For example, children inhale more air per kilogram of body weight and absorb more pollutants relative to adults while their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing.

    Exposure to air pollution in young children is linked to pneumonia, responsible for 1 in 5 child deaths globally, and asthma, the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children. The inequities linked to the impact of air pollution on child health are striking.

    The air pollution-linked death rate in children under the age of five in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa is 100 times higher than their counterparts in high-income countries.

    “Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.

    “Our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, with lifelong health and well-being impacts. The global urgency is undeniable. Governments and businesses must consider these estimates and locally available data and use it to inform meaningful, child-focused action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”

    Progress is Being Made

    The SoGA report provides good news as well. Since 2000, the death rate linked to children under five has dropped by 53 percent, due largely to efforts aimed at expanding access to clean energy for cooking, as well as improvements in access to healthcare, nutrition, and better awareness about the harms associated with exposure to household air pollution.

    Many countries, particularly those experiencing the highest levels of air pollution, are finally tackling the problem head-on. Air quality actions in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, such as installing air pollution monitoring networks, implementing stricter air quality policies, or offsetting traffic-related air pollution by moving to hybrid or electric vehicles, are all having measurable impacts on pollution and improving public health.

    While progress is being measured, more can be done to stop air pollution from continuing to outrank other health risks as one of the biggest threats to millions of lives.

  • Celebrating the Day of the African Child

    Group Photo for ECD stakeholders at Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi.

    The ECD Network for Kenya in partnership with the Africa Early Chiodhood Network has intensified Child care advocacy initiatives through creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable Child care.

    The Occassion saw the attendance of various stakeholders like; Representative for CS Labour and Social Protection, World Bank, APHRC, Dr. Teresa Mwoma National Coordinator ECDNek and ECDNek Board.

     

    The Day of African Child is Marked every year on June16th. It is a day that ensures that child rights are always protected and respected.The ECD Network for Kenya, in partnership with the Africa Early Childhood Network, seeks to intensify childcare advocacy initiatives through creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable childcare. The theme of the campaign is “Universal access to quality Child care and protection for children 0-5 years”.
    The dialogue also seeks to Compaign against the cultural and traditional methods that impact child care Negativley.

    In Kenya Child care faces significant challenges despite efforts to its quality and accesibilty. Research has shown that only a small percentage of children under five years have access to quality EarlyvChildhood Development (ECD) services, with rural areas and informal settlements disproportionately affected. Additionally, the World Bank Report 2014 emphasizes the lack of cordination among various stakeholders, leading to fragmented service deliverly and limited impact. The fragmented approach contributes to the existing gap in Child care that require a National Dialogue.

     

    Providing quality Chidcare enables children to develop secure attachments, which are associated with later behaviour, health, and learning capacities. Attachment security in the early years influences developmental functioning across the life course . Working parents require child friendly policies. Establishing these family centred policies benefit business byvincreasing employee retention, productivity, job satisfaction and loyalty hence attracting talent , boosting reputation and expanding access to markets.

    The Campaign that will run for six months
    aims to ;
    To showcade the strides achieved in the Child care sector in relation to the laegal and policy coordination, advocacy, research, academia and advicate for increased investment for child care across country.

    To unpack the role of multi sectoral collaboration, policy formulation and implementation on child care at both National and County Government levels.

  • “Uniting Faith and Science to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Africa: A Groundbreaking Conference”

    A group photo for the Stakeholders during the Cervical Cancer Conference at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi.

    By James Nyaigoti,

    The Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) and the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network-Africa (JENA), in collaboration with key stakeholders including KILELE Health Association and the African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA), recently convened a pivotal three-day conference themed “Uniting Faith and Science to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Africa.”

    Held from June 11-13, this significant event brought together faith leaders, experts, Civil Society Organizations and policy makers, to discuss comprehensive strategies for combating cervical cancer across Africa.

    Father Charles Chilufya, Chair of the Convening Preparation Committee for AHETI, emphasized the vital discussions, innovative strategies, and actionable outcomes that emerged from the conference.

     

    • Establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing ones among faith-based organizations, health authorities, advocacy and community groups to enhance the reach and effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention efforts is vital.
    • Capacity Building for Faith Leaders: Successfully conducted multiple sessions and workshops for faith leaders, equipping them with the necessary and relevant knowledge and resources to advocate effectively for behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship.
    • Ramping Up Vaccination Efforts: A major focus of the convening was to leverage the resource of faith networks to significantly increase HPV vaccination rates. Committed to expanding access to vaccines by enhancing public awareness to ensure
      widespread uptake.
    • Expanded Screening Initiatives: The discussion resolved to utilize the resources of faith networks and the influence of faith leaders to broaden behavioral change activities, screening initiatives across the continent, employing advanced diagnostic technologies and improving infrastructure to reach remote and underserved areas.
    • Collaborative efforts with governments, national and international health organizations will help make screening a routine part of women’s healthcare.
    •  Strengthening service delivery and guidelines: The discussions highlighted the urgent need to enhance access to treatment protocols for pre-cervical and cervical cancer. This includes upgrading the capabilities of local health facilities, offering
      continuous training to healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and equipment for effective treatment.
    • Policy Engagement and Advocacy: The stakeholders proposed strategic discussions with policy makers to advocate for comprehensive cervical cancer care policies that support the implementation of advanced behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship.
    From left, Father Charles Chilufya-, chair Convening Preparation Committee AHETI.
    Father Germain Rajoelison- Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
    Sister Regina Nthenya, Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya(HASK)
    Pamela Savai, cervical cancer survivor.
    Karen Nakawala- cervical cancer survivor and founder Teal Sisters Foundation, Zambia,
    Imam Alidou Ilboudo- Muslim Religious Leader, Burkina Faso
    •  Monitoring and Evaluation: A framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation has been established to assess the effectiveness of the strategies implemented for
      behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship. This will allow for continuous improvement based on real-time data and feedback from the participating regions.
    • Resolution to Sustain Momentum: There was a resolve to maintain the momentum generated during this convening through regular follow-up meetings and communications.

    Father Charles concluded by emphasizing their commitment to engaging communities and raising awareness about the importance of behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, palliative care, and survivorship.

    “We have crafted culturally sensitive advocacy strategies tailored to the specific needs and perspectives of various African communities, aiming to boost vaccine and screening uptake. We’ve also planned educational programs and workshops to dispel myths and reduce the stigma associated with cervical cancer.”

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, genital area, and throat. If left persistent, high-risk HPV infections can lead to the development of abnormal cells, which may eventually become cancerous.

    In response to this significant health threat, the WHO launched the 90-70-90 global elimination strategy for cervical cancer in 2020. The ambitious goals of this initiative aim to be achieved by 2030 across all countries. The targets include: vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70% of women with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45, and providing treatment to 90% of women with cervical disease.

    By achieving these goals, the WHO hopes to make significant strides in preventing and controlling cervical cancer, which remains a major public health concern globally. The 90-70-90 strategy has the potential to save countless lives and improve the health and well-being of millions of women and girls worldwide.

     

     

     

  • Sole Kenyan Supermarket to be Awarded Prestigious Superbrands Certification

    Naivas Supermarket proudly announces its recognition as the sole Kenyan supermarket to receive the esteemed Superbrands Certification. This prestigious honor highlights Naivas’ exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, solidifying its status as a leader in the retail industry.

    The Superbrands Certification is awarded to brands with outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries.

    The certification process involves rigorous evaluation by leading market research firms such as Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, and TNS. Qualified brands, like Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising, marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.

    Research indicates that the Superbrands Award Seal significantly influences consumer behavior, with studies showing that consumers are over 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the seal. This underscores the value and impact of the Superbrands Certification.

    Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the supermarket’s commitment to delivering a world-class shopping experience. “We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” Mukuha stated.

    Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself in the retail industry through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Naivas has built a strong reputation among Kenyan consumers by consistently delivering value through innovation and quality.

    The supermarket offers a wide range of products, including fresh offerings, and boasts convenient locations, all of which contribute to its reputation for excellence.

    As a homegrown Kenyan brand, Naivas has successfully brought a global shopping experience to the country while staying true to its values. The supermarket’s dedication to serving every customer with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality has earned it one of the greatest global honors a brand can achieve.

    With the Superbrands Certification, Naivas Supermarket continues to set the standard in the retail industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted and beloved brand among Kenyan consumers.

  • NORWAY FOREIGN MINISTER H.E ESPEN BARTH EIDE COMMITS TO SUPPORT KENYA’S E-MOBILITY AGENDA

    Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs – His Excellency Espen Barth Eide has committed Norway’s support in Kenya’s e-mobility sector.

    Eide, who is on an official visit to Kenya, visited BasiGo’s BuruBuru Charging and Service Depot on Thursday 6th June, 2024 as part of showcasing the strong partnerships between Kenya and Norway in the area of sustainable development.

    “Our visit to BasiGo is a testament to Norway’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s growth through strategic investments. We are excited about the future possibilities that our continued partnerships can bring to the region and especially e-mobility,” said Eide.

    The transport sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and address the negative effects of climate change. “Together, we are not only fostering economic growth but also ensuring that we contribute to a safer and more sustainable public transport system in Kenya,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.

    Kenya plays a crucial role in Norfund’s development mandate and holds the position of the largest country exposure within its portfolio. Norfund has reinforced its dedication to Kenya with a contracted portfolio totalling USD 307 million (KSh 40.2 billion).

    Since its inception, Norfund has been a key investor in Novastar’s funds and has committed to the new fund launching in 2024. Norfund’s commitment total USD 18 million (KSh 3.2 billion) across Novastar’s three funds.

    “Trade between Norway and Kenya increased by 30 per cent between 2021 and 2022, and the balance of trade is in Kenya’s favour. About 45 Norwegian companies are operating here – dealing with fertilizers and agritech, ICT, startups in different sectors, and renewable energy,” added Eide.

    BasiGo has deployed 24 Electric Buses with 7 different bus operators in Nairobi. The company plans to deploy 1,000 locally assembled E-Buses for Kenyan bus operators over the next three years, an investment that will create 300 green manufacturing jobs in Kenya. Already, BasiGo has over 500 orders from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 100 reservations from bus operators in Kigali, Rwanda.

    Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries. Our mission is to create jobs and to improve lives by investing in businesses that drive sustainable development. Norfund is owned and funded by the Norwegian Government and is the Government’s most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries, and for reducing poverty.

  • Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference 2024 Kicks Off

    The second Edition of Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 Kicked off today and highlighted the need to shape the Africa’s economic landscape through innovation of impactful blockchain projects.

    The Conference saw the attendance of
    Various industry stakeholders like; Global BlockChain Business Council (GBBC), KBBC, Kotani Pay, Little Cabs and other stakeholders.

    During the conference, critical ideas were discussed including, Policy development,
    Contribution to the creation of forward-thinking policies that will shape the future of Kenya’s digital asset landscape, Well-formulated policies that will support the growth of the digital asset industry in Kenya, Increased awareness and understanding of the potential of digital assets to drive economic growth, stronger position for Kenya as a leader in the African blockchain and crypto space.

    “Kotani Pay is here to make sending money simpler, faster, and more secure than ever before,Gone are the days of complex and costly remittance processes with innovative approach involving converting your money into stablecoins. We are a blockchain startup that operates in four African countries.
    I think the focus areas of the various panels today are very timely, because we have issues to do with regulation, we have issues to do with taxation and issues to do with stability.
    There are people from the public sector here, lawyers, people from various regulatory bodies here as well, KRA, CBK and others.
    Regarding regulations the draft bill has already been tabled in Parliament and it’s only a matter of public participation and preparing for the various readings.
    There’s a mandate that has also been given to the National Treasury  to set up a multi-agency task force focused on matters of digital assets.
    The thing about the blockchain space is it’s a very wide ranging space and it usually requires some personal research on the part of the consumer or the customer.” Said Felix Masharia Co-Founder and CEO Kotani Pay.

    The digital asset landscape in Africa is a complex and evolving landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for all involved. The Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 is dedicated to addressing these complexities and fostering crucial discussions that will shape the future of blockchain regulation in Africa.
    As part of this commitment, we’re excited to introduce the Virtual Assets Strategic Policy (VASP) Hackathon, an initiative designed to position Kenya as a leading digital asset hub in Africa. The VASP Hackathon is an integral part of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference.

    John Walubengo who is tech policy thought leader and has over 20 years experience in ICT sector observed that, there are cases of scams in Blockchain and the Government should come in place to put parameters or regulations around the Blockchain Space and virtual assets are more than just financial.

    “When you say you want to float a token or you want to tokenize an apartment, you know, we’ve heard about real estate tokenization. There’s a lot of opportunities around that space. We have standards. We audit white papers. We audit the codes that have developed because I’ll give you an example of exit scams or ragpulls. Ragpulls are scams that are designed by nature to fleece or take your funds after a specific duration. So basically what the coder or the fund of that particular.” Said Edwin Sikini Blockchain, Wallets, Vaults. Secretary-Security and Bank Fraud Sub-Committee at Kenya Bankers Association.

    GBBC is a leading advocate for the responsible adoption of blockchain technology, working with regulators, businesses, and changemakers worldwide. With over 500 institutional members and 300+ Ambassadors in 117 jurisdictions, GBBC fosters collaboration and dialogue across borders and disciplines. GBBC leads multiple initiatives focused on blockchain standards, financial services, legal frameworks, social impact and more.