Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

  • Moses Wetangula attends homecoming of Hon. Dumba in Garsen

    Moses Wetangula attends homecoming of Hon. Dumba in Garsen

    The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetangula attended the homecoming ceremony of Garsen North Ward MCA, Hon. Dumba Semi, who won his election under the Ford Kenya banner.

    During this event, the Speaker was welcomed by Ford Kenya National chairman and Garsen MP, Hon. Ali Wario. It was an occasion where Speaker Wetangula’s humility shone, as he, despite holding the position of Acting President, attended an MCA’s homecoming celebration.

    Hon. Ruweida raised concerns about the marginalization of Lamu and Tana River County, emphasizing the need for development and employment opportunities in these regions. Local leaders also highlighted the pressing issue of insecurity, appealing to the Speaker for intervention.

    Expressing his gratitude, the Speaker thanked both the residents of Garsen North Ward and the youth for entrusting their leadership to a younger generation. He pointed out the recurring challenges in Lamu and Tana River County, including insecurity, land disputes, and marginalization. He revealed his efforts to arrange a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kindiki Kithure and local leaders to tackle these issues comprehensively.

    Senator Mungatana addressed the rising price of crude oil, which had global implications on fuel costs, urging residents to support the President.

    The Speaker underscored the importance of development projects, particularly TARDA, in providing employment opportunities for the local community.
    He also mentioned a visit from a Bipartisan team led by Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka and Leader of Majority Hon. Kimani Ichungwa, assuring that progress was on the right track and emphasizing their commitment to preventing any exploitation of their discussions.

    Furthermore, Speaker Wetangula participated as the chief guest in the groundbreaking ceremony of Kokanne Gobbo Secondary School in Danisa, Tana River County.

    He highlighted the significance of the National Government Fund in building schools to promote education, emphasizing education as an equalizer.

    In closing, Speaker Wetangula reiterated the need for affirmative action in marginalized areas and stressed the potential of Tana River County as a food basket for Kenya. “We want to turn Tana River from a county in need to a county that gives,” said the Speaker, advocating for differential qualifications to benefit indigent communities.

  • Davis & Shirtliff achieves Integrated Management System (IMS) certification

    Davis & Shirtliff achieves Integrated Management System (IMS) certification

    Davis & Shirtliff has achieved a major milestone by receiving an Integrated Management System (IMS) certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

    The certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to bring about robust systems for quality,
    environment, health, and safety in its bid to improve lives through the provision of water and energy solutions.
    The IMS certification reinforces Davis & Shirtliff’s position as a market leader and showcases its readiness to deliver excellence in critical areas that impact the well-being and economic advancement of its
    customers spanning all 47 counties. The certification is a result of the company’s dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of innovation and sustainability in all its operations.

    “We are honored to have added one more badge to our certification achievements, which confirms the unrelenting resolve to deliver quality game-changing solutions in the country. Being certified means ensuring maximum reliability and dependability of all our products and solutions to help Kenyans rip their benefits to the highest capacities,” said Davis & Shirtliff Group Chairman Alec Davis.

    The IMS certification integrates three vital management systems: Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management
    (ISO 45001:2018) and further, an alignment with global concerns regarding climate change and sustainability, ensuring the safety of stakeholders through compliance with regulations and hazard
    prevention.

    The certification covers a broad spectrum, including 83 sites across eight countries where Davis & Shirtliff operates. D&S joins other top organizations that have received IMS certification in Kenya such as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya, EABL, Safaricom, Bidco Africa, and Isuzu East Africa.

    The IMS certification was officially approved by the KEBS Certification Committee on July 17, 2023, and the certificates will remain valid for a period of three years.

    Integration of the management systems is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to streamline their management processes, reduce costs, improve overall performance, and demonstrate commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health, and safety

  • Sidai Offers Cheapest Incentive to Low Income Earners

    Sidai Offers Cheapest Incentive to Low Income Earners

    When we talk of land we can’t overlook the name Sidai Group which is one of the leading and most trusted companies selling land and properties at the most affordable price that suites even the pocket of a common mwananchi.

    Sidai Group maintains on its program a variety of land spaces from commercial to residential where you can decide to build a home, commercial, or practice agriculture in their productive soils and all this enables you as a client to choose the perfect place that suits your needs.

    Sidai Group Real Estate has different packages for its clientele including diaspora and local customers.

    Diaspora buyers can comfortably buy when abroad where Sidai will offer them valuable land plus offer them unexpected after-sale services such as advisory services, property management, and also fence for them which saves their clients the time and extra cost of being present physically to undertake all these duties.

    The good news is even ‘Wanjiku” handling small businesses and earning a small amount of income can also actualize her dream of owning land via Sidai because she has the option of paying over a prolonged period to fit her small income and the prices range from as low as Ksh.450,000 which can be paid in small installments.

    The biggest stress is usually holding that title deed in your hands because most land sellers don’t speed up the process of giving out title deeds to their clients.

    Surprisingly here at Sidai, you can get your title deed within just 90days or less immediately after you are done paying for the parcel which makes it easier for you to continue developing your land without the stress of thinking if you lost your money to some unscrupulous agents.

    Sidai’s properties are located in different areas such as Kamangu in Kikuyu Olepolos in Kajiado, and Riverine in Kitale among other areas, an incentive that gives clients from different countries to settle where their hearts desire. For more information visit their website via (www.sidaigroup.com) to Jenga Future na Sidai

  • Samsung Electronics unveils bespoke home promotional combo -your home, your style, your way

    Samsung Electronics has announced a new promotional package that is designed to ensure customers enjoy the ultimate customization and functionality that speaks to their lifestyle.

    The curated package of Samsung’s popular Bespoke range of home appliances invites consumers to style their homes their way, with tailored packages, discounted by as much as 20%, that offer unparalleled customization and savings. The promotion has been dubbed the “Bespoke Home Combo Offer”.

    The promotion period will start on 1st September 2023 and end on 8th October 2023.

    With the increasing demand for individualized solutions in homes, Samsung’s Bespoke series has been at the forefront of providing modular designs that reflect personal style. The Bespoke Promotion Combo takes this vision further, allowing consumers to benefit from exclusive packages and savings when choosing multiple products from the Bespoke line.

    Samsung is offering two promotional combos; the White combo offer and the Black combo offer whereby customers can mix and match products according to their needs and will enjoy a 20% discount on purchases.

    The ‘White Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a carefully curated set of clean white iconic appliances, which includes the white bespoke top mount refrigerator and the white bespoke front load washing machine that can be purchased at a 20% discounted rate of Ksh. 239,990, while the ‘Black Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a black top mount refrigerator, a black front load washer and dryer, and a black microwave which can be purchased at a 20% discounted price of Ksh.314,990.

    “Our goal has always been to understand and address the evolving needs of our consumers. The Bespoke Home Combo Offer is a reflection of Samsung’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that don’t compromise on quality, innovation, or value. The combination deal we have introduced is a manifestation of our commitment to provide tailored choices, ensuring every individual can create an environment that’s uniquely theirs,” said Mr Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Appliances Samsung East Africa “By bringing together our most innovative appliances in harmonious combinations, we are not only offering unmatched value but also an opportunity for our customers to redefine their living spaces.”

    Bespoke Home Combo customers will benefit from extended warranties and premium after-sales services, ensuring peace of mind with their purchase. Customers can purchase these appliances exclusively from the Housewife’s Paradise Store or online.

    Samsung invites everyone to redefine their living spaces with home appliances that truly resonate with their style and needs. The future of home living is bespoke, and with Samsung, the possibilities are endless.

    About Samsung Electronics Co.Ltd

    Samsung Electronics Co.Ltd inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom

  • SasaPay unveils new strategy as the company targets a bigger slice of the mobile money payment market 

    SasaPay, a leading digital payments service provider, has unveiled a new strategy as the company targets to increase its customer base both in Kenya and the diaspora market. SasaPay’s new strategy centers around the provision of cutting-edge seamless financial solutions and ensuring a secure payment experience for a diverse range of businesses; including financial services sector players banks, Saccos and digital lenders, as well as SMEs in general trade, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, transport sector players, agricultural enterprises and manufacturers.
    SasaPay envisions playing a pivotal role in the Kenyan economy by acting as a bridge between businesses and capital providers, with the firm announcing it will facilitate quick, affordable access to working capital for businesses thus spurring business growth.
    “Through our rebrand, we aim to redefine the role of the payments and act as the meeting point between Kenyan businesses and their customers. Key to this will be empowering them to operate more efficiently to accelerate growth,” SasaPay Chief Operating Officer Daniel Njoroge said.
    The firm further added in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it shall apply its AI-based innovative technology to enable businesses to scale by providing timely and accurate data to capital providers to fasten their decision-making in funding SMEs. This will be in accordance with data protection regulations. This way the businesses will grow, provide more employment and hence provide more households with dignified lifestyles thus directly participating in critical SDG goals like No Poverty, Decent work & Economic Growth, and reduced inequalities.
    The firm unveiled disruptive models that will focus more on strategic partnerships engineered to enable its customers to derive more value from their wallets through solutions in Savings, Lending, Investments, and automated payments. Specialized focus groups will henceforth receive customized wallet propositions that fit their unique needs.  SMEs for instance shall see their wallet balances earning them interest through collaborative partnerships with financial institutions in line with the firm’s philosophy of Shared Prosperity.
    Similarly, individual users will enjoy the most competitive transaction charges in the market and will see their wallet balances automatically earning them interest when not transacting. SasaPay users shall also be able to Shop and Pay later through its BNPL model dubbed “Shop Now Pay Later”.
    SasaPay is also eying the diaspora market with seamless transfer of funds from the diaspora to Kenya and cross-border payments from Kenya.
    “We foresee SasaPay being the day-to-day transaction platform for Kenyans in the diaspora to empower them to transact with their families, business interests, and investments in Kenya seamlessly from wherever they are in the world. We shall be the first to enable Kenyans to transact in foreign currency via their wallets, a breakthrough that has been made possible through its CBK-Regulated partner WapiPay,” Njoroge added.
    Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) statistics show that Kenyans living abroad remitted Sh453 billion in 2022. In the first four months of 2023, Kenyans in the diaspora sent home Sh185.9 billion.
    According to CBK, about 42 million mobile money transactions, valued at about Sh106.6 billion (USD 730 million), are made per day; in Kenya. The number of mobile money subscribers in the country stands at 28 million.
    The financial inclusion in the country has risen from 26.7 percent in 2006 to 83.7 percent in 2021, one of the highest levels of financial inclusion globally.
    The latest CBK’s FinAccess report shows that usage of mobile money rose from 28 percent in 2009 to 81 percent in 2022. The proportion of Kenyans who use two or more financial services simultaneously has quadrupled, from just 18 percent of the population in 2006 to 75 percent in 2022.
    McKinsey, a consulting firm, predicts that the electronic payments market in Africa will grow by around 150 percent within the next two years.
    “SasaPay seeks to establish Kenya as the gateway to Africa through a robust financial ecosystem. We are connecting SasaPay to diverse payment gateways across the world to ensure an individual or a business on the SasaPay platform can do business or any form of payment transactions with anyone from any part of the world,” added Mr. Njoroge.
  • Wanga, Mutula and Njuki performs as Simba, Barasa and Prof. Barchok shown dust, Report says

    Nairobi – Timely Kenya has released a survey based on the performance of the 47 county governors. The firm’s CEO Rozalia Tadeusz told Kenyaleo.co.ke that the survey was done between September 1, 2023, and September 9, 2023, and was based on the governor’s one-year scorecard.

    It covered a sample size of 2,043 respondents across the former eight (8) provinces with Kenyans aged over 18 years being contacted through a phone call.

    “The medium of data collection was through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI),” Tadeusz told the writer.

    According to Tadeusz, the questions posed included; how the respondents rate the performance of their governor out of 100%, the number of flagship projects they can identify in their counties since September 2022, and if they are contended with the appointments made by the governors. “We also asked them if they feel there are any tangible projects in the county or if they can reelect the governors if given another chance,” he explained.

    The survey which put Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at the top further revealed that female governors are doing better than their male counterparts (all are above 50% except the Meru governor). “We also realized that the new term governors are doing better than those serving their second terms. Also, some governors are yet to initialize sustainable programs i.e. Tana River, Baringo, Meru, Taita Taveta, and Siaya,” Tadeusz added.

    Tadeusz also said that through the survey, they noticed that health and early childhood education programs have been given emphasis by most governors i.e. in Homa Bay, Mombasa, Tana River, Kirinyaga, and Machakos.

    “However, some governors are rarely seen on the ground i.e. Garissa, Marsabit, Nyamira, and Turkana,” Tadeusz added.

    “However, some governors are rarely seen on the ground i.e. Garissa, Marsabit, Nyamira, and Turkana,” Tadeusz added.

    According to the report seen by Kenyaleo.co.ke it has ranked the governors as follows

    1. Gladys Wanga Homa Bay 75.7%

    2. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr Makueni 71%

    3. Muthomi Njuki Tharaka Nithi 69.8%

    4. Irungu Kang’ata Murang’a 68.3%

    5. Johnson Sakaja Nairobi 67%

    6. Anne Waiguru Kirinyaga 66.4%

    7. Abdulswammad Sheriff Mombasa 645

    8. Simba Arati Kisii 63.5%

    9. Fernandes Barasa Kakamega 63%

    10. Hilary Barchok Bomet 62.6%.

  • Samsung expands it’s presence with the grand opening of the Maralal Oasis store

    Samsung expands it’s presence with the grand opening of the Maralal Oasis store

    Samsung Electronics has announced the grand opening of its latest retail store at Maralal Oasis, in Hurlingham Nairobi. This new addition to the Samsung family signifies their commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and innovative products closer to the heart of Nairobi and, enhancing the retail experience for the local community. This comes at a time when the global tech brand has just introduced the premium fifth-generation Flip and Fold phones.

    This makes this store the 3rd store to be opened this year making it the 19th experience store for the company in Kenya.

    Samsung’s Maralal Oasis store is designed to offer customers an immersive and interactive environment where they can explore our wide range of products, from smartphones and tablets to home appliances and wearables. With expert staff on hand to provide guidance and assistance, customers can make informed choices to meet their specific needs.

    “The opening of our new store is a testament to Samsung’s dedication to our valued customers in Hurlingham and the surrounding areas. We believe in providing our customers with access to the latest technology, and this new store will serve as a hub for innovation, education, and exceptional customer service to cater to our customers who have over the years supported and enjoyed our timepieces.” Charles Kimari, Director of Mobile Experience at Samsung.

    Simon Kariithi, the director for Jaicom Entreprises said that this is the six-outlet focusing on Samsung to bring out the best of customers.

    He added that they’ve launched also a new center in Kilimani which is a service center for Samsung devices and appliances such as refrigerators, gas cookers phones, and more.

    They will do in-house and on-site services because of the strategic positions they acquired as the shop also is now giving out a 5% discount on Samsung phones and other products available.

    Karithii has said they experienced challenges in the market on importations of devices due to device and appliance fragmentations.

    He however said the government has settled the issues around and the stock is available as the impotrations innuendos have been streemened.

    “Phones have started coming in and I can report that the matter has settled and for now i can say we’re okay on stock” reported Kariithi.

    The new Samsung store boasts a comprehensive display of Samsung’s latest products, including smartphones, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and more, and hands-on experience zones where customers can test and explore the features of Samsung devices.

    Samsung remains committed to enriching the lives of Kenyan consumers through its innovative products and dedicated customer service. The Maralal Oasis store is another step toward making Samsung’s world-class technology accessible to everyone in the region.

  • Legislators Push for Increment of Counties as per review recommendations

    Legislators Push for Increment of Counties as per review recommendations

    A Section of the MPs calling for an increment of the number of counties in Kenya during a press briefing on September 7. PHOTO/Courtesy
    A Section of the MPs called for an increment in the number of counties in Kenya during a press briefing on September 7. PHOTO/Courtesy

    A group of 26 Members of Parliament (MPs) now want the number of counties in Kenya to be increased to 58 from the current 47.

    The legislators argue that the provision of the 47 devolved units was not final but a basis for the start of a new dispensation pending a more deliberate delimitation process.

    According to the 26 MPs, the adoption of the 47 counties has led to economic, social, and political marginalization of some parts of the country.

    “Adoption of the 47 counties has led to unequal access of political processes, restricted access to resources and inadequate service delivery as well as untimely undermining the promotion of national unity and inclusivity,” MP Kuria East Marwa Kitayama stated.

    Moreover, in a joint memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee, the lawmakers noted that the proposal for 11 additional counties is driven by limited representation within county boundaries for marginalized groups.

    “We urge the National Dialogue Committee to support the proposal to delaminate 10 additional counties and the upcoming Nyambene to address these critical constitutional matters,” he added.

    They further stated that limited representation within county boundaries in terms of resources increases poverty levels in these regions.

    11 Proposed Counties

    1. Kuria County is presently part of Migori County
    2. Teso County is presently part of Busia County
    3. Mount Elgon County from the existing Bungoma and Transzoia Counties
    4. East Pokot County is presently part of Baringo and West Pokot Counties
    5. Mwingi County is presently part of Kitui County
    6. Gucha County is presently part of Kisii County
    7. Suba County is presently part of Homabay County
    8. Ijara County is presently part of Garissa County
    9. Nakuru West is presently part of Nakuru County
    10. Wajir South is presently part of Wajir County
    11. Nyambene County from the existing Embu County

    As such, the MPs called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to delimit the boundaries of the new counties from the old counties within six months of the commencement of the Act.

    MPs Pushing for 11 Additional Counties

    Furthermore, the group of 26 legislators pushing for the additional counties include Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama, Kuria West MP Mathias Nyamabe, Teso North MP Edward Oku, Teso South MP Mary Emaase, and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi.

    Others are Endebedess MP Robert Pukose, Tiaty MP William Kassait, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mutemi, Mwingi North MP Paul Musyemi, Mwingi West MP Charles Ngusya, and Kitui MP Irene Muthoni.

    Likewise, Bomachage Chache MP Alfa Ondieki, Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Ijara MP Abdi Ali Abdi, and Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui are also part of the faction pushing for more counties.

    Similarly, Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai, Rongai MP Paul Chebir, Nakuru West MP Samwel Arama, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Nakuru County MP Liza Chelule, and Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow are lawmakers championing having 58 Counties in Kenya.

    Nevertheless, the members of parliament have argued that their proposal did not require a referendum, as some experts had suggested.

  • Mps heads up to clean Nyayo House nightmare

    Mps heads up to clean Nyayo House nightmare

    After the public uproar concerning the nightmare at Nyayo House on the passport backlog at the Directorate of Immigration.

    National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Security conducted the impromptu visit after CS Kindiki made twice impromptu visits at Nyayo house to do a fact-finding visit to the immigration headquarters at Nyayo House.

    CS Kindidki through the press statement seen by Kenyaleo.co.ke yesterday, September 4 by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the reforms have seen the introduction of day and night shifts to help in reducing the backlog.

    “The reforms have seen an introduction of a day and night shift that has raised the number of passports printed daily to 4000 up from 1,500. Over 100,000 passports were printed last month reducing the backlog to around 43,000 passports,” reads the statement in part.

    Attempts to clear Passport Backlogs at Nyayo house

    Gabriel Tongoyo the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Security committee firmly directed for urgent implementation of the National Assembly directive to Treasury allowing Immigration to retain a portion of revenue generated by the Directorate to fund booklets and other recurrent expenses to forestall another backlog.

    “Once the resources have been availed, the printer is made available and the working force is there, they can be able to do the printing of passports without any problem,” Tongoyo stated.

    The Tongoyo-led committee further added that the ongoing procurement of two additional printers will boost the printing capacity to over 5,000 passports thereby making it possible to issue the document within seven days of application.

    Furthermore, the lawmakers challenged the government to consider setting up mobile passport issuance offices across the country to enable more Kenyans to obtain the document easily.

    The members of the committee have unanimously called for the crackdown on suspected brokers and corruption cartels in Nyayo House to be extended to Immigration officers in a statement conquering with the CS Kindiki sentiments.

    Nonetheless, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok revealed that the revenue raised from passports had risen from Ksh14B to around Ksh20B sustained by a surge of applications by Kenyans seeking foreign jobs and further studies abroad.

    He finally clarified that they’re producing 3600 passports per day and the backlog has reduced to 45,000 which will be cleared in two weeks revealing the plans by the government to cut down on the waiting time for new passports to as low as three days with more investments in printing equipment.

  • City Hall Way entrance reserved for Presidential Motorcades to Africa Summit

    President William Ruto arrives at KICC, Nairobi, for day two of the Africa Climate Summit
    President William Ruto arrives at KICC, Nairobi, for day two of the Africa Climate Summit

    As the Africa summit touched the second day at KICC the government through the Ministry of Interior under Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revised security protocols in response to the heightened security requirements for the Summit.

    A statement seen by Kenyaleo.co.ke signed by PS Raymond Omollo, includes modifications to access routes for the Summit venue and the roads designated for delegate use.

    The crucial change noted is that only presidential motorcades will utilize the entrance along City Hall Way to access the KICC venue.

    Furthermore, authorities ranging from the Cabinet Secretaries (both domestic and foreign), Principal Secretaries, and diplomats will be penetrating through the entrance along Harambee Avenue.

    The statement further affirms that other delegates will access the summit area through the entrance along Parliament Road.

    Kindiki’s directives as per the statements that the traffic marshalls and security personnel will be stationed at key entrances to guide the delegates.

    The Ministry explained that the changes were done following a security review done by various agencies and the organizers of the Summit which is being attended by over 20 presidents.

    “Access to Tsavo, Aberdares, and Lenana ballrooms will only be granted to the delegates accredited to enter the first ballroom (Tsavo).

    “The changes take effect immediately, and the delegates and their entourage are advised to take note and faithfully adhere to the new protocols to avoid unnecessary delays, inconveniences, and jam-ups at the entrances,” read the statement in part.

    In the program schedule, the intended summit will address Africa’s increased exposure to climate change and come up with a raft of proposals on how to address the challenges.

    The Summit is being attended by over 14 presidents including Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) Brahim Ghali (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana) Macky Sall (Senegal) Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) and Salva Kiir (South Sudan) among others.

    The Africa Climate Summit began on September 3 and will end on Wednesday, September 6.