Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

Samsung, a global leader in consumer electronics, has unveiled its latest groundbreaking innovation in home entertainment with the launch of the impressive 98-inch Neo QLED TV. This stunning display promises to transform the way consumers experience their favorite movies, sports events, and gaming sessions, bringing them closer to the action than ever before.

Featuring state-of-the-art technology and a breathtaking design, the 98-inch TV sets a new standard for immersive viewing experiences. With its expansive screen size, the 98-inch Neo QLED TV delivers an unparalleled level of realism, allowing viewers to feel fully immersed in the content they love. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster movie, a live sporting event, or a thrilling video game, users will be captivated by the lifelike visuals and vibrant colors brought to life on this impressive display.

According to market research firm Omdia, the global market size of 85-inch screens has grown exponentially from 180,000 units sold in 2019 to 1.87 million units sold in 2022. Likewise, for 98-inch screens, the global market has increased from less than 1,000 units sold in 2019 to about 160,000 units sold in 2022.

Speaking at the unveiling of the TV, Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa, Sam Odhiambo, said that the Samsung 98-inch TV combines industry-leading picture quality with advanced features to create an unforgettable entertainment experience. “Equipped with cutting-edge resolution, viewers can enjoy incredibly sharp and detailed images that reveal even the smallest nuances in every frame. The TV also incorporates Quantum HDR technology, enhancing contrast and providing a wider range of colors for a more dynamic and lifelike picture,” he said.

Mr. Odhiambo added that in addition to its remarkable visual capabilities, the 98-inch TV comes packed with smart features that elevate convenience and accessibility.

“About ten years ago, a 60-inch TV was considered a large TV. But as time went by, 65-inch TVs became mainstream, and now 75-inch and 85-inch TVs have become popular, demonstrating consumers’ growing demand for larger TVs,” said Heejin Chae, TV Product Planning, Samsung Electronics. “In fact, our customer survey showed that 75% of consumers bought, on average, a TV 13 inches bigger than their previously purchased TV model.”

Furthermore, the Samsung 98-inch TV is designed to be a hub for all forms of entertainment. It supports an array of connectivity options, allowing users to effortlessly access their favorite content from various sources. Whether it’s streaming services, gaming consoles, or external devices, this TV offers a seamless and hassle-free entertainment ecosystem.

Samsung remains committed to user-centric innovation and sustainability. The 98-inch TV incorporates energy-efficient technologies, ensuring minimal power consumption without compromising performance. This dedication to eco-friendly design aligns with Samsung’s long-standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and creating a greener future.

·         The honours were executed in partnership with Africa Inland Church (AIC)

·         The celebration centred around honouring extraordinary mothers who have made significant contributions to their families and the community at large.

Leading edible oils manufacturer Pwani Oil has paid tribute to over 150 remarkable women for their outstanding contributions to the community and their transformative impact on people’s lives.

The event took place in a heartfelt event in Malili, Makueni County organized in collaboration with Africa Inland Church (AIC). At least 13 AIC churches participated in the celebration marked with prayers and religious renditions from scores of choirs and leading gospel artistes.

Aligned with the company’s mission to uplift and refine the communities it serves; the initiative was part of Pwani Oil’s Month of May Mother’s Day celebration.

Speaking at the event, The Makueni Deputy Governor Ms. Lucy Mulili thanked Pwani Oil and emphasized the essential role that mothers play in shaping societies. “Our mother’s selflessness, resilience, and unwavering dedication serve as the foundation of our thriving communities. Through their tireless efforts, our mothers create a nurturing environment where families thrive, and the community flourishes. I thank Pwani Oil for their gesture”, she said.

Pwani Oil Regional Sales Manager Pauline Mbinda said “As a company, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all the incredible mothers in Malili, Kenya and beyond. Kindly, consider this a tribute to your immeasurable impact and a recognition of your profound role in shaping communities and enriching lives”

The celebration centred around honouring extraordinary mothers who have made significant contributions to their families and the community at large. Each woman in attendance received a specially curated hamper as a token of gratitude and admiration for their exceptional deeds, symbolizing the company’s appreciation for their remarkable efforts.

Furthermore, the attendees were treated to exclusive discounts on Pwani Oil products, offering them an opportunity to explore and experience the extraordinary quality and value that Pwani Oil brings to their daily lives. All items on offer sold out, underlining the confidence the buyers have in Pwani Oil products. The event also showcased the company’s diverse range of high quality products, including the renowned Salit, Detrex, and Sawa, as well as the beloved Ushindi brand. Attendees had the privilege of firsthand experience with Pwani Oil’s outstanding offerings.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to refining the lives of the communities it serves and demonstrated its deep appreciation for the extraordinary women who play a vital role in shaping society and enriching lives.

KCB Group Plc Board has elected FCS Dr. Joseph Kinyua, EGH, as the new Chairman of the Group Board with effect from May 26, 2023.

Dr. Kinyua, the immediate former Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet was appointed to the Board of KCB Group in March 2023. He takes over as Group Chairman from Mr. Andrew Wambari Kairu following Andrew’s retirement having served as Group Chairman for a term of 5 years in line with the Board Charter.

Dr. Kinyua has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over four decades in public service and has a wealth of experience in public administration, economic planning, and policy direction. He is credited with effectively holding a pivotal role in implementing key government initiatives and reforms, including the liberalization of the banking sector, the foreign exchange market and the trade and capital accounts of the balance of payments, among other initiatives.

Prior to his appointment as the Head of Public Services in 2013, he had served in various senior positions in the government, including as Permanent Secretary to the National Treasury.

The appointment of Dr. Kinyua heralds a new dawn for KCB Group’s Corporate Governance journey as he brings onboard deep financial services expertise and extensive public service management experience.

Dr. Kinyua thanked the Group Board for the appointment saying: “I am grateful for the confidence shown by the members in electing me to serve as Chairman and look forward to working together to propel KCB Group to even greater heights in the Eastern and Central African Region as the bank of choice in providing financial services to our people”

Mr. Wambari said: “It has been an honour to serve the KCB Group. I leave behind a strong, diverse, and competent board that will continue to drive the business to achieve and sustain its strategic objectives and a seamless transition to ensure continuity. I would like to thank all our shareholders, my fellow board colleagues, our employees, regulators, and all partners for the transformative collaboration we have had that has led to the various successes our Group has achieved over the last five years.”

“The election of Dr. Kinyua is a testament to KCB Group’s solid governance practices and adherence to the Board Charter.”

Leading firms in East Africa are set to be honored in a major International SMEs and Mid-sized institutions international award dubbed Pacesetters Awards which is organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa. This year’s regional awards ceremony shall be held at Weston Hotel in Nairobi host the Kenya Awards ceremony on 30^th June 2023 at Weston Hotel in Nairobi after last year’s awards were held in Serena Hotel Kampala Uganda.  The awards bring together top organizations and entrepreneurs from 10 countries in the Eastern African region.  Pacesetters Award (PSA) is an annual Industry leadership Recognition program organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Non-Governmental Organization, to celebrate key industry leaders for their innovation, quality products, and service delivery, job creation, exemplary leadership, growing the economy, and transforming the society. These awards are based on the economic and social impact rather than the balance sheet. Jubilant Stewards of Africa is dedicated to the improvement of living standards, social ethics, dignity, and empowerment of communities. As part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI), JSA empowers and supports firms and professionals in their quest to better the society and impact lives.

The winners in various categories are carefully selected through a competitive and thorough process involving a public vote and a panel of judges.

This year’s survey started on 2^nd April 2022 and closed on 30^th April 2023. Various institutions showed interest to partner with organizers to ensure the success of this year’s Awards in various countries. In the previous year some of the institutions that partnered with the Jubilant Stewards of Africa included Telecommunication giant Safaricom Plc, Regional Leasing firm Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Ltd (VAELL), United SMES Association of Kenya, Service Cops Ltd Uganda, Quipbank Trust Limited and Nation Media Group.

Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa, said that “Pacesetters Awards considers a range of quantitative and qualitative aspects in order to determine and honor the winners. A novel survey model was initiated in 2020 as per the hyperinflationary environment. The model has since been tested and it demonstrated its functionality, elasticity and robustness. Furthermore, models in various industries such as the financial sector were remodeled in order to enhance their significance to the current environment, enhance quality and increase the objectivity of results.”

A good number of the nominees in the 2023 have been conferred with other awards including the Top KPMG 100 Survey and other international awards. Notable firms that have featured in the Pacesetters Awards East Africa Kenyan Chapter include; Telecommunication giant Safaricom, Solar and Electric vehicle Dealer, Go Electric Ltd, Security Firm – Jeff Hamilton, drink manufacturer Kevian Kenya LTD Afia, Regional Leasing Giant Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Ltd (VAELL),  Service Cops Uganda, Uganda Chefs Union, Digital lender Zenka Digital Ltd, Tala, Ena Coach Bus, City Walk, Tinga rental platform, AVT Insurance Agency, online shopping platform Jiji Kenya, Mwananchi Credit, Clothing Line Amore Kenya, Property Developer Myspace Properties Ltd, EM Prime Land Ltd ,  Certified Homes Ltd and Digital Driving School.

Others include; Mattress maker SuperFoam, EVChaja, Staff Recruitment firm – Brighter Monday, Dakawou Transport Limited, Sarma Enterprises Ltd, Electrical vehicle charging stations network EvChaja, Village HopeCore International, and Nation Media Group Plc.

According to the sources privy to the 2023 East African chapter nominees list, the new entrants include; Westlands Laser Eye Hospital, Rentokil Initial Pest Control firm, Kifaru Properties, Ninia Honey, Digital Advertising firm Simpet Kenya, Sun King lanterns and home Systems Dealer, Madaraka Homes, Eden Bridge Capital Limited, Strathmore University Foundation, Mahiga Homes Fanaka Real Estate, Jambo Freight Limited from Tanzania, Spik and Span Limited Tanzania, Inter- Consult Ltd Tanzania, Brett and Baileys (T) Limited, Raphael Logistics Limited Tanzania among others.

The organizers said that they will be sharing the full shortlist after various nominees have been contacted and standardization is done in a press conference to be held in Nairobi.

According to Mr. Oundo, this year they intend to host the Awards in more African countries, starting with Kenya and then proceed to other countries such as Rwanda later in the year. Having hosted a successful Awards ceremony in Uganda last year. The ceremony shall include a gala dinner in which various high-profile guests and government officials are expected to be present. Jubilant Stewards of Africa shall announce and grant the winners their respective accolades. The guest of honour will be the honourable president of the republic of   Kenya William Ruto. There will be display booths at the event and the slots are limited.

CPA Boniface Aluoch, VAELL Leasing Uganda Country Manager said that they were truly grateful to be recognized as the pacesetters in the leasing industry and they wouldn’t have received the award if it was not for their esteemed customer’s support. They also mentioned that their staffs professionalism and dedication also contributed to them winning the award.

Speaking after receiving the news of being nominated as a Pacesetter in E-commerce, Grace Gikonyo, Head of Public Relations, Jiji Uganda said that the world is changing so is the life of many people and this has brought in the E-commerce way which is now the future of shopping. She said that being awarded for the second time is a huge recognition for them and went ahead and said that they have adapted to dedication, expertise and sheer hard hence improved the satisfaction for both sellers and buyers online.

Super Foam Limited’s Head of Marketing Sanskrati Shetty said they were glad to be recognized as the pacesetters in foam manufacturing and supplying. She went ahead and thanked her entire workforce for ensuring their efforts were recognized as a brand and as an organization. She concluded by thanking Jubilant Steward of Africa by recognizing them as key industry players.

Dr. Mary Boniface, CEO of Jubilant Stewards of Africa in charge of Kenya said that one of the major tasks of their organization is to make society better for everyone by encouraging companies to continue doing their best so that they can continue making the country a better place. She was pleased about last year’s turn up and said she was looking forward to a bigger and better event this year.

Commenting on the Pacesetters Awards East African Chapter, Ms. Dahir Aryan, Programs Executive at United SMES Association said, “We are pleased to partner with Pacesetters Awards organizers and we look forward to honor top entrepreneurs and institutions-, in the East African market for their efforts to better the economy and impacting lives. This will encourage organizations and individuals to go beyond the call of duty in their service to humanity.”

·       This year, three social groups from Nairobi, Kiambu and Makueni beat 52 applicants from various regions across the country to emerge winners, they each walked away with Kes. 1 million.

·      The challenge is a prestigious initiative aimed at promoting the growth and self-reliance of local communities.

LG Electronics has today handed over complete projects to three social groups from Nairobi, Kiambu and Makueni counties seeking to solve their community’s most pressing needs.

The three, Vonde Welfare, Kenya Women and Children Centre, and Little Voice Deep Within emerged as the winners of the highly anticipated LG Electronics Ambassador Challenge for the year 2023, each walking away with Kes 1 million.

The challenge, a prestigious initiative aimed at promoting the growth and self-reliance of local communities attracted 52 applicants from various regions across the country.

Giving his remarks during the handover ceremony, LG Electronics EA Managing Director Dong Won Lee said, through this initiative, LG aims to empower social groups to create sustainable change and foster self-reliance within their respective communities.

“We are thrilled to witness the fruition of the LG Electronics Ambassador Challenge as we hand over the completed projects to Vonde Welfare, Kenya Women and Children Centre, and Little Voice Deep Within. LG believes in the power of technology to transform lives and communities for the better. Through this initiative, we aim to empower these organizations to create sustainable change and foster self-reliance within their respective communities”.

Following the handover, Vonde Welfare received eighty, 5,000-litre water tanks that will offer a quick solution to water challenges facing Makueni residents from the Vonde area in Mbooni Sub-County. Currently, the area is characterized by inadequate rainfalls, hills and a very hot environment. The residents use the seasonal streams down the hills which are 5 kilometers from the village. When they find the water, they carry it on their backs since there are no donkeys or camels in the area.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to LG Electronics and their commitment to making a tangible difference in our community. These tanks will serve as a lifeline for the residents of Vonde who have been grappling with water scarcity due to inadequate rainfall and a challenging environment. With these tanks, we can offer a quick and convenient solution to the water challenges our community faces. No longer will our villagers have to travel long distances and carry water on their backs. This contribution will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents and bring much-needed relief”. Said James Kalulu Muthoka, Vonde Welfare representative.

The second group, Kenya Women and Children Centre which focuses on elevating the rising cases of Gender-based Violence in the country by educating the public on how to respond and prevent the illness received refrigerators, microwaves, and televisions for use at their already-built facility.

In her keynote speech, Judy Nzioki, Kenya Women and Children Centre representative said they’ll use the well well-equipped facility to provide comprehensive training programs that empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to combat Gender-based Violence effectively.

“Receive our sincere gratitude for your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of women and children in Kenya. As an organization dedicated to addressing the alarming issue of Gender-based Violence in our country, these resources will significantly enhance our efforts to educate the public on how to respond to and prevent this adversity”. Said Nzioki

Similarly, the Little Voice Deep within social group expressed their gratitude for being part of the finalist, noting that they will use the funds to set up a digital library and accommodate more students, especially during the holiday. Currently, the group has set up their library in the chairman’s house where children meet weekly for studying, dance and other artworks. The beneficiaries are children from Kariobangi slums who either are in school or have graduated from high school and would wish to advance their artistic levels. The group which plays host to over 300 children monthly received curriculum books, revision books, story books, and laptops to help enhance knowledge access.

Speaking during the handover Ceremony, Little Voice Deep Within representative Erick Wiclife Odhiambo said, with this support, the group will provide a dedicated space for learning and artistic advancement, empowering the children from our community to explore their talents and pursue their educational aspirations

“We are incredibly grateful to LG Electronics for selecting Little Voice Deep Within as a finalist and providing us with the funds to set up a digital library. This support will enable us to expand our reach and accommodate more students, particularly during the holidays. With the establishment of a digital library, we can offer an enhanced learning experience and empower these talented young individuals to advance their artistic abilities” said Erick Wiclife Odhiambo.

Over the last 3 years, LG Electronics in partnership with Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the LG Electronics Ambassador Challenge. Their expertise and support have played a crucial role in identifying deserving organizations that align with the goals and values of LG Electronics.

Last year, three groups from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties won the challenge.