Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

  • Kenyans top global Huawei tech challenge

    Kenyans top global Huawei tech challenge

    Kenyans have emerged the best in a global technology showcase where their innovation and network skills topped the field of over 120,000 competitors from 74 countries.

    Kenya’s Network Team comprising of Franklin Mutisya from Machakos University, Riwell Kibira from The Cooperative University, Denis Fundi from Laikipia University and Humphrey Mwambaji from Machakos University took home the first prize in the Networking category.
    Kenya’s Innovation Team of Phillip Oyier, Anne Kariithi, Rodney Osodo, and Patrick Kisio from Jomo Kenyatta of Agriculture and Technology came tops in the Innovation category.
    Huawei Kenya CEO Will Meng said in a statement that the rapid evolution of technology globally requires that national education institutions expose their students to the developments so that their learning is in tandem with the pace of industry.
    “This year’s being the 7th Huawei Global ICT Competition attracted an impressive cohort of 150,000 students from over 2,000 universities and colleges across 85 countries and regions, signalling the growing interest especially from Kenyans and across the African region,” said Will.
    He noted that tech industry initiatives such as Huawei’s  ICT Academy provide learners with a platform to compete healthily and exchange ideas, thus enhancing the ICT knowledge and practical skills as well as increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies.

  • KURA Eyes 7 High-Tech Features for Nairobi Roads After Securing Ksh 8B Loan, Eng. Kinoti confirms

    The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Tuesday, May 30, announced that the government had received a Ksh8 billion loan for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) targeting key roads in Nairobi City.

    In a tender notice, KURA indicated that the project would mostly entail the installation of key technology including traffic signals and intersection surveillance cameras to manage traffic at various junctions.

    Through the KURA Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti indicated that they’ve set Other technologies to be installed in the capital including; a signal controller, Vehicle Enforcement System (VES), 6 Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS), and one Variable Message Sign (VMS).

    KURA added that a surveillance system comprising 20 Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras would also be installed at the junctions.

    On a phone call with the Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti noted that the ITS system was aimed at addressing the flow of traffic at key junctions that were experiencing snarl-ups.

    “The project also involves the completion of the detailed design of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) building and the implementation of the construction works with fixtures, furniture, equipment, and other facilities to operate the TMC building.” Eng. Silas Kinoti said.

    A circulated notice to the newsroom indicated the procedures set to be followed for bidders for the supply of those types of equipment.

    “Bidders will also supply and install hardware and software to house the ITS equipment and operate the new traffic management system at the TMC building,” read the notice in part.

    According to KURA, part of the Ksh. 8 billion loans secured from the Export-Import Bank of Korea would be used to pay contractors to undertake the project.

    The design and build works are expected to take a period of two years and six months from the award of the tender date.

    “After the completion, the contractor shall dispatch experts for two years to support and assist the Employer’s sustainable mandate,” read the statement in part.

    While KURA did not detail the 25 junctions targeted in the program, the road agency had earlier indicated Thika Road as one of the key beneficiaries of the mega project.

    “The expansion plans will cover 20 intersections and the construction of BRT line 5 Linking Thika road to Mombasa road via Outering road,” KURA stated on its website.

    Road users have lauded the important steps followed by the road agency to transport the transport sector improving security for both pedestrians and drivers of all ranges.

    DG Kinoti has lauded the move saying that through the able leadership of the current CS transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, he is set to impose an unbreakable record for a long decade.

  • SAMSUNG GALAXY Buds 2 Pro Brings Enhanced Ambient Sound For People With Hearing Disabilities

    SAMSUNG GALAXY Buds 2 Pro Brings Enhanced Ambient Sound For People With Hearing Disabilities

    Whether listening to your favorite music, or simply tuning into or tuning out your surroundings, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers the ultimate in sound for everyone. As we recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Samsung is committed to helping those who are hard of hearing better enjoy the sounds of the world around them with the introduction of new enhanced Ambient Sound.

    Making Technology More Accessible and Inclusive

    Previously available at three levels of customization, the updated Ambient Sound feature which gives users the ability to listen to and stay aware of their surroundings now adds two additional levels, offering five levels of amplification and providing the benefit of improved hearing to even more users.

    To assess the feature’s efficacy, a clinical trial was undertaken by the University of Iowa’s Hearing Aid and Aging Research Laboratory. Their research concluded that Galaxy Buds2 Pro significantly improved speech perception in those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A similar trial conducted by Samsung Medical Center also found that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro could be an effective tool to help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to better communicate in a quiet place.

    “With the enhanced ambient sound feature, we hope to bring a transformative listening experience to people who are hard of hearing. We believe everyone should enjoy the wonders of technology and communication, irrespective of their hearing abilities. This isn’t just about a product, it’s about how we can make life more inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable for all our customers. With the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, we’re striving to make that vision a reality” Said Mr. Charles Kimari, Director of Mobile eXperience Samsung East Africa

    Bringing New Levels to Audio Customization

    With this improved feature, Galaxy Buds2 Pro users can also fine-tune their Ambient Sound settings across a variety of needs. Users can adjust the volumes on the left and the right respectively, as well as customize their Ambient Sound tone range from soft to clear across five different stages. Additionally, Ambient Sound can tune to a users’ ears through the Adapt Ambient Sound feature, allowing for even more clarity in helping users hear the world around them.

    “We are excited to be introducing the new enhanced accessibility feature of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to users on Global Accessibility Awareness Day,” said Han-gil Moon, Master and Head of Advanced Audio Lab, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to work to help each and every user experience the best possible audio anytime, anywhere with their Galaxy Buds2 Pro.”

    Availability

    The enhanced Ambient Sound feature will be progressively released on Galaxy Buds2 Pro via software updates in coming weeks.

  • Xiaomi Moves Up on Boston Consulting’s 50 Most Innovative Companies List

    Xiaomi Moves Up on Boston Consulting’s 50 Most Innovative Companies List

    Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has ranked Xiaomi 29th on its 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2023 list, two places higher than last year. The designation is recognition that Xiaomi makes innovation a priority, commits investment and talent to it, and works to transform investment into results. In this year’s first quarter, Xiaomi’s research and development (R&D) expenses increased by 17.7% compared to the year before, reaching RMB4.1 billion. As of March 31, 2023, the number of R&D personnel reached approximately 16,500, which was more than 50% of Xiaomi’s employees. Xiaomi’s R&D efforts have yielded the company more than 32,000 patents worldwide as of March 31, 2023. Total R&D investment for 2023 is expected to exceed RMB20 billion.

     

    The company has embraced technological transformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). It officially established an AI Lab Foundation Model team in April and has more than 1,200 AI-related employees. The company will continue to expand AI-related user scenarios, maximize advances in technology, and explore opportunities with potential partners.

     

    BCG’s Most Innovative Companies ranking is based on a survey of more than 1,000 global innovation executives who were polled in December 2022 and January 2023. The survey assesses a company’s performance in four categories: global mindshare, industry peer view, industry disruption, and value creation. BCG has published its annual innovation report since 2003. Other companies on the 2023 list include Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Siemens, Pfizer, SpaceX, Nike, IBM, etc.

     

    Xiaomi identifies 2023 as the crucial year for accelerating Xiaomi’s growth. The company will remain resolute in advancing its new business strategy with a focus on high-quality development anchored on its relentless pursuit of technological advancement and its mission to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

  • InTouch and GPT joins forces to streamline card services across Africa

    InTouch and GPT joins forces to streamline card services across Africa

    GTP, a specialised provider of prepaid and virtual card processing solutions, and InTouch, a leading pan-African fintech, have joined forces in a strategic partnership to democratise access to card credentials for millions of consumers across Africa. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between digital payment platforms and card-based transactions, giving InTouch customers access to cross-border transactions through Visa credentials.

     

    Access to card credentials plays a pivotal role in Africa’s financial ecosystem, opening doors to a wide range of economic opportunities and driving financial inclusion. Studies currently estimate that 90% of transactions conducted in Africa are still reliant on cash, highlighting the significant gap in digital financial inclusion across the continent. However, McKinsey argues that card-linked digital wallets are already a significant driver of growth in issuance and usage of cards. Prepaid cards are decoupled from the traditional banking infrastructure, allowing for banks and fintech companies to give more people access to a globally accepted payments method without a need for a traditional bank account.

     

    By partnering with GTP, an MFS Africa company, InTouch aims to democratise access to card credentials for its African customers across its 13 markets. This collaboration will enable users of InTouch’s innovative digital platform which aggregates over 400 services through its API` to seamlessly link their digital wallets to card credentials, enhancing their access to the global digital economy. Through the integration of GTP’s robust prepaid and virtual card processing solutions, InTouch users will be able to tap into the advantages of card-based transactions, including wider acceptance, enhanced security, and seamless integration with global payment networks.

     

    Omar Cissé, Founder of InTouch, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “With this partnership, we are democratizing access to card payments and enabling international and online payments as well as cash in and cash-outs in our TouchPoint network in Senegal and Ivory Coast and very soon in 16 other African countries. Our goal is to offer the simplest and most accessible solutions for digital payments to millions of customers across the African continent.”

     

    Christian Bwakira, CEO of GTP, stated, “InTouch is an innovative pan-African payments aggregator that has demonstrated consistent innovation in markets in which it operates. By working together, we will unlock the power of card credentials for millions of Africans across the continent and making borders matter less for them in the global digital economy.”

    The partnership will commence in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and expand into the rest of the continent.

  • CS Kindiki Announces Re-Opening Of Garissa Immigration Offices

    CS Kindiki Announces Re-Opening Of Garissa Immigration Offices

     

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government will re-open the Garissa Immigration Offices starting July this year.

    Prof. Kindiki, who made a tour of various security installations in the region on Friday, said the move was part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to enhance equal access to government services. 

    The offices were shut down in 2014 over a wave of terror attacks and insecurity in the country.

    The CS also announced that the government will inject Ksh.20 billion to modernise equipment and other facilities for various security agencies.

    “Tulikuwa hapa na ofisi ya uhamiaji ambayo ilifungwa. Nataka nitangaze ya kwamba, tutafungua ofisi mpya ya kupeana passports za Kenya hapa Garissa kuanzia tarehe moja mwezi ujao,” Kindiki said.

    Former Immigration boss Gordon Kihalangwa ordered the closure of the Eastern Regional immigration offices in Garissa eight years ago.

    At the time, Kihalangwa said closing down the offices was necessitated by the need to allow the department to review its procedures in an attempt to seal the operational loopholes that had allowed aliens to access crucial immigration documents. 

    The directive affected three other regional offices in Embu, Nakuru and Eldoret, forcing residents of those counties to seek passport issuance services in Nairobi. 

    Garissa residents have welcomed the decision to re-open the regional immigration offices. 

    “Tulikuwa tunasafiri hadi Nairobi shida baada ya kuapply passports pia inachukua time,” Hussein Ali, a resident said.

    Abdikadir Hassan added: “Tunafurahia na kufunguliwa kwa ofisi ya uhamiaji kwa sababu ilikuwa ni challenge kutravel hadi another county.”

    The Interior CS also visited several specialised security units in Garissa to commend officers who thwarted a series of planned terror attacks in the last 3 weeks.

    Prof. Kindiki added that the government has introduced a two-fold model of policing; General Service Policing that will focus on day-to-day crimes and specialised policing that will entail dealing with high-risk modern crime and security threats. 

    Tumetoa bilioni ishirini ya kuboresha vifaa vya ofisaa wetu wa usalama ili kuhakikisha kwamba maofisa wetu wako na magari yaliyolindwa na nguo na vifaa za kujilinda wakati wanaenda shughuli hii. The days of terrorists, harassing us, killing our security officers, government officers, that time, that period is over,” Kindiki emphasized.

    The modernization will see the security sector acquire modern aircraft and firearms as well as the purchase of the latest technologies to help the country effectively deal with modern-day security threats.

  • Kenya Kwanza and M.O.A holds fundraiser for owner of Matatu Burnt during Demonstrations

    Kenya Kwanza and M.O.A holds fundraiser for owner of Matatu Burnt during Demonstrations

    By Mary Mukabane.

    Majority Leader Of National Assembly Hon. Kimani Ichungwah and The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) held a fundraiser to help buy a new bus for the owner of the matatu that was burnt during a past Azimio demonstrations.

    Speaking during the event held in Nairobi, Ichungwah said Kenya Kwanza has vowed to improve the livelihood of all Kenyans and have decided to fully support the young man who lost his vehicle.

    “I have come with our personal contributions from President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, myself and other party leaders and it will enable the young man to buy a new Matatu. We also call upon all Kenyans to support the government in it’s plans to improve the quality of lives of Kenyans. One of the ways the government will help Kenyans is by supporting the housing tax bill that will help the government get rid of the slums and provide decent and affordable housing for all Kenyans,” He said.

    Also speaking at the event, the owner of the burnt Matatu Mr. Henry Mungai Muiruri said that he appreciates the efforts made by Hon. Ichungwah and The Matatu Owners Association in helping him get another Matatu since it will help him to continue taking care of his family.

    “I would like to thank Kenya Kwanza and the Matatu Owners Association for coming together to help me recover my source of income. The contributions will help me buy a new Matatu and get back to my business,” he said.

    Also speaking at the same event, M.O.A chairman for Nairobi, Christopher Muya said that the Association is doing everything possible to support and protect young entrepreneurs operating in the Matatu industry and vowed to help young Henry to get back on the road seamlessly.

    “While we do our best to support Matatu business owners, we urge politicians and their supporters to carry out their demonstrations peacefully. Destruction of property and spoiling other people’s businesses is totally unacceptable. Let us all respect each other as Kenyans,” he said.

    Other stakeholders that brought their contributions to the fundraiser event included KCB bank, Ummoinner Sacco, notable M.O.A leaders and members, friends and family.

  • Carrefour 20th Shop opening at business bay mall, Eastleigh

    Carrefour 20th Shop opening at business bay mall, Eastleigh

    Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Kenya, has opened its 20th store in the country at Business Bay Mall in a bid to tap into customers in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and the larger Eastlands area.

    The 3,000 square-metre store will be one of the largest opened by Carrefour in the country since 2019 and promises to conveniently serve customers looking to shop from its wide array of products. The store will stock approximately 20,000 unique products spread across consumer goods, cleaning and household products, personal hygiene products, and fresh food including fruits and vegetables.

    Christophe Orcet, Regional Director of Carrefour – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, stated: “The opening of our new store today is a true testament to our commitment to continue providing exceptional services to our customers as we strategically expand our footprint in the Kenyan market. Our goal is to offer the best affordable products in all our stores to benefit every household and offer real value and solutions to the rising cost of living in Kenya.”

    The new store will approximately employ 60 people spread across different departments. The store will also have dedicated e-commerce operations to increase convenience and shopping options for customers.

    “With respect to various aspects of the local economy, we want to provide our customers with as many options as possible and create incentives for them to exercise their purchasing power without jeopardising their financial stability. This is why we are keen on offering affordable prices with various offers and discounts as we continue to celebrate our 7th anniversary campaign of Asante Mara Saba,” added Orcet.

    With the new addition, Carrefour now operates 20 stores countrywide with 16 located in Nairobi, while Kisumu and Mombasa host two stores each. The stores are strategically located in various malls in the three cities including the Hub, Business Bay Mall, the Village Market, Galleria Shopping Mall, the Sarit Centre, the Junction Mall, Thika Road Mall, Two Rivers Mall, Southfields Mall, Valley Arcade and Kilimani in Nairobi, United Mall and Mega Plaza in Kisumu and City Mall and Center Point Mall in Nyali and Diani respectively.

    Since its entry into the Kenyan market in 2016, Carrefour has worked to continuously diversify its services and sustain the brand within host communities. It is now impacting more than 1 million Kenyans through its flagship sustainability projects in education, environmental conservation and social protection, as well as offering jobs to hundreds of Kenyans.

    The opening of the store comes a week after the retailer marked its 7th anniversary in Kenya. Customers still have the chance to enjoy fully paid-for shopping trolleys as well as daily offers and discounts on various products including groceries, household items, personal care and hygiene, and electronics, in-store and online via the MAF Carrefour App.

    About Majid Al Futtaim

    Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is a diversified lifestyle conglomerate spanning 16 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The company employs 46,000 people representing 114 nationalities and welcomes 600 million customers to its shopping malls, communities, retail and entertainment destinations each year.

    With owned assets valued at US$18 billion, Majid Al Futtaim has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately-held corporates in the region. The company is committed to becoming Net Positive in water and carbon by 2040.

    About Carrefour

    Carrefour was introduced to the region in 1995 by UAE company Majid Al Futtaim.

    The Company is the franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. To meet the growing needs of its diverse customer base and communities, Carrefour offers omnichannel customer experiences tailored to the needs of the modern consumer.

    Through its innovative physical and digital customer services, Carrefour provides access to an unrivalled choice of quality products, at unbeatable value for the 770,000 customers it serves daily. Committed to supporting local economies, producers and suppliers in the communities it serves, Carrefour resources over 80 per cent of its products from the region.

  • Senate finance committte rejects the prompt payment bill

    Senate finance committte rejects the prompt payment bill

    The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget held a meeting today to consider and adopt the report on the Prompt Payment Bill. The Prompt Payment Bill, 2022 (Senate Bill No. 8 of 2022) was published vide a Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 195 dated 29th November 2022 and read for the First Time in the Senate on Thursday, 16th February 2023 seeks to provide for a legal framework for prompt payment for supply of goods, works and services procured by government entities at both levels of Government.
    It requires among others a procuring entity in the national or county governments to pay a supplier by the prescribed payment date failure to which, a procuring entity shall be liable to pay an interest calculated on the basis of the Central Bank base rates and a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both fine and imprisonment for an accounting officer who, without reasonable cause or negligently fails to pay the amount due.
    The Bill further provides that where a procuring entity returns an invoice, the procuring entity shall pay the supplier at least fifty percent of the amount due or as the procuring entity and the supplier may agree and in that respect, a supplier who receives an invoice from a procuring entity shall, within fourteen days, deliver a corrected invoice to the procuring entity. Interest shall accrue upon the expiration of fourteen days after the receipt by the procuring entity of a corrected invoice or after the prescribed payment date, whichever is later.
    The Bill sponsored by Sen. Mariam Omar was committed to the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget for consideration pursuant to the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution and standing order 145 of the Senate Standing Orders.
    In today`s meeting which was chaired by the Mombasa County Senator Mohamed Faki, the committee adopted a report recommending rejection of the Bill by the Senate.
    The committee noted that while the Bill would be an effective legal tool to promote business and cure late payments, the public procuring entities entirely depend on the availability of funds from the exchequer with the exchequer releases depending on the revenue collection performance which at times fails to follow the planned projections.
    The committee warned that the proposed interest rates to be charged to procurement entities as a result of late payments will be an additional cost and burden to the existing menace of pending bills.
    In addition, the committee argued that the proposed penalties under offenses to accounting officers of procurement entities are exorbitant, noting that the officers have little control over the availability of funds to meet the financial obligation when they fall due.
    Further, members said in the report that the provisions in the Bill have adequately been addressed under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (PPAD) Act, 2015, and its attendant Regulations that were approved by Parliament in 2020.
    The committee held meetings with various stakeholders during the consideration of the Bill who submitted their views on the Bill among them the Council of Governors (CoG), Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), Controller of Budget (CoB), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
    In addition, the National Treasury and Economic Planning, the National Gender Equality Commission, the Association of Public Relations and Communication Management Firms (APRECOM), and the Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) submitted their views on the Bill.
    The sponsor of the Bill Sen. Mariam Omar who also held a session with the committee during consideration has however differed with the committee`s recommendations saying she will continue prosecuting the Bill in the Senate hoping to convince the House to support it.
  • DPP Boss declines to reveal his net worth before Defence and Intelligence committee

    DPP Boss declines to reveal his net worth before Defence and Intelligence committee

    DPP Noordin Haji has today during the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations declined to reveal his net worth saying that at some pointit will pose a Security threat causing confusion during the vetting.

    When he was tasked  by the Chairman Nelson Koech to table his wealth for the purposes of record, the DPP instead requested to be allowed to present a summation of his financial income to just the committee in the absence of the cameras.

    “I’m being guided by the Legal Counsel that you need to say your future source of income on record,”Hon. Koech, who is the Belgut Member of Parliament noted.

    Haji responded: “Honourable Chair, I was going to request, considering the sensitivity of the office that I’m going to hold, that I give this to the committee…it might be a national security issue at some point.”

    KinaKinangop Hon.Thuku Kwenya further took the DPP to task over a specific section of his response, which he took to imply that Haji was certain of cruising through the vetting process and assuming office as the new NIS boss.

    “I’ve heard the nominee say ‘the office that I’m going to hold’…it’s as if you’re done with our business and therefore we should just show up and go,” stated Kwenya.

    Haji said: “Sorry, maybe it is just an oversight, if you allow me (to hold the office). I apologise if that is how it came out.”

    Wealth declaration is anchored by the Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003, which states that every public officer must make financial declarations of incomes, assets and liabilities.

    Further, Haji was tasked to explain why his office withdrew multiple cases implicating senior government officials.

    He noted that his office was guided by the Constitution which dictated that the ODPP ought to withdraw a case if the evidence is wanting or an abuse of the process of acquiring the evidence.

    In a statement, Haji returns to the National Intelligence Service after a six-year sojourn as the Director of Public Prosecutions.

    The statement further reads that Before becoming the nation’s apex public prosecutor, Haji served as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit within the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

    Nordin says.” I do not regret withdrawing prominent graft cases”

    The DPP will assume the office if the committee guarantees him power or passes the vetting by presenting the report and his name forwarded to the speaker of the national assembly and the decision read on the floor of the Member.