Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

  • Sauti Sol confirmed to perform at the 2nd edition of the Stanbic Yetu Festival

    Sauti Sol confirmed to perform at the 2nd edition of the Stanbic Yetu Festival

    Stanbic Bank and Radio Africa Group are delighted to announce that the award-winning Kenyan band, Sauti Sol, will be the Kenyan artists’ headline act at the upcoming Stanbic Yetu Festival that will take place at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Saturday, June 10th, 2023.

    The Afro-pop band of the Sura Yako fame will entertain fans with an array of music from their 5 albums and 1 EP, which were well-received locally and worldwide. In 2021, Sauti Sol received a Certificate of recognition from the Recording Academy for their role in making Burna Boy’s album Twice as Tall which won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.

    “We are excited to have Sauti Sol perform at the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Stanbic Yetu Festival, they will most definitely help create a soulful and unforgettable musical experience for Kenyans and beyond,” said Lilian Onyach, Head Consumer and High-Net Worth and Ag. Head of Brand and Marketing.

    While commenting on the choice of venue, Lilian said, “Uhuru Gardens, which is the event location, was a well thought out and deliberate choice for us as it aligns with our purpose which is ‘Kenya is our Home, we drive her Growth’. Therefore, we want everyone to come to enjoy the music, acknowledge Kenya’s successes, and appreciate our Kenyan heritage. As we know, Uhuru Gardens was officially declared a National Monument in 1966 and is undergoing a massive transformation. The monuments and museum are not yet open to the public, however, Stanbic Yetu Festival audiences will get a slight glimpse of the magnificent grounds.”

    The event organiser, Radio Africa Events said that Uhuru Gardens is now a National Monument and Museum with a public arena on the sprawling 68 acres piece of land in Lang’ata, 15 minutes from Nairobi city centre. It will be  Kenya’s largest memorial park, honouring heroes, showcasing history and attracting commerce and conventioneers. The Gardens is under the management of the Kenya Defence Forces, therefore promising adequate and high-level security for the music lovers who plan to attend the Stanbic Yetu Festival.

    Stanbic Bank also shares a deep heritage in Kenya with a history spanning over 111, and is therefore deeply committed to promoting Kenyan landmarks like the Uhuru Gardens including Kenya’s arts and music industry. The bank believes in celebrating Kenya’s homegrown talent and contributing to the growth of the entertainment industry. This, in turn, helps to boost the country’s economy and create more opportunities for Kenyans.

    Stanbic Yetu Festival aims to showcase the power of music to connect people and to bring to life Stanbic Bank’s brand promise “IT CAN BE”, bringing possibilities to life, by creating a truly magical live musical experience for Kenyans.

    Tickets for the Stanbic Yetu Festival are available for purchase at www.ticketyetu.com. For updates, follow us on @StanbicKE across social media pages Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and the Stanbic Bank website www.stanbicbank.co.ke.

  • LG’s 2023 OLED Evo Series Recognized for Reducing Plastic Use in New Sustainable TV Design

    LG’s 2023 OLED Evo Series Recognized for Reducing Plastic Use in New Sustainable TV Design

    ·         With the new fibre materials, the LG OLED evo series TVs require only 40 per cent of the plastic that is used in LCD TVs of the same screen size.

    ·         LG has effectively curbed its plastic use by 20,000 tons this year and is expected that LG will achieve a waste plastic recycling effect amounting to 3,200 tons yearly, regarding TV products alone

    LG Electronics 2023 OLED evo series TVs have been certified as environment friendly, receiving certifications for Reducing CO21 and Measured CO22 pointing to LG’s ongoing environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts for plastic waste reduction.

     

    The certification, received for the third year in a row was issued by Carbon Trust and the Société Générale de Surveillance SA (SGS), the former being a global climate consultancy created to accelerate the move to a ‘Net Zero’ future, while SGS is the leading global testing organization dedicated to certifying environmentally sustainable products. Both institutions inspected the entire 2023 OLED evo series product stage from production and delivery to disposal.

     

    Commenting on the recognition, LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company’s Product Development Division lead Baik Sun-pil noted that the product boasts lighter weight, and stronger durability, applying composite Fibre material and metal.

     

    “These materials contribute to less plastic use, with the LG OLED evo series TVs requiring only 40 per cent of the plastic that is used in LCD TVs of the same screen size. Thanks to these efforts, LG has effectively curbed its plastic use by 20,000 tons this year. Besides, the product is designed this way to ensure viewers can enjoy immersive viewing experiences while reducing impact in all production stages for a greener, healthier environment at the same time. As a company, we commit to continue to pursue a broad range of ESG initiatives and responsible practices, as the firm leader of the OLED TV market.” Said Baik Sun-pil

     

    Thanks to the composite fibre material, select models from the latest OLED evo series are around 20 per cent lighter than an LCD TV of the same screen size, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in transit.

     

    Additionally, the back cover of LG OLED evo models, QNED TVs and NanoCell TVs released in 2023 are completed with recycled plastic material which uses more than 30 per cent of used plastic. With such efforts, it is expected that LG will achieve a waste plastic recycling effect amounting to 3,200 tons yearly, regarding TV products alone.

     

    LG OLED TVs are also made with fewer components than conventional LCD TVs. The smaller number of parts required for each LG OLED product is a result of the TVs’ unique, self-lit display technology, which removes the need for a separate backlighting structure. A reduced parts count also means fewer resources used per unit, as well as less plastic and e-waste to contend with at the end of the TVs’ operational life.

    Since its initial launch in 2013, LG OLED has continuously raised the industry bar, introducing pioneering display technologies such as OLED evo and groundbreaking form factors including the world’s first rollable TV, LG SIGNATURE OLED R, as well as the bendable LG OLED Flex.

    This year, which marks the 10th anniversary of LG OLED, sees several new additions to LG’s diverse lineup of self-lit TVs, headlined by the stunning models from the 2023 OLED evo series. LG OLED evo series TVs are currently available in 125 countries worldwide.

    LG has earned a place in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for 11 consecutive years and has received the ‘Comprehensive A grade’ from the ESG Evaluation and Rating Announcement of Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCGS) for 2 consecutive years.

  • COCA-COLA Rewards Seventh Winner With A Year’s Worth Of Food Shopping

    COCA-COLA Rewards Seventh Winner With A Year’s Worth Of Food Shopping

    The Coca-Cola system in Kenya awarded the seventh winner with a year’s worth of food shopping in Nairobi.

    Zaccheus Ngereso, a Kibera resident in Nairobi was announced as the winner in the ongoing promotion.

    Speaking at the award ceremony, Zaccheus Ngereso said, “This is important to me, together with my family and  those that I serve. I am a pastor by profession, and you know this involves a lot of hosting. Before I won I had played this game a couple of times and even in the previous years. I would urge my fellow Kenyans not to give up when they have not emerged a winner in the first attempt, their time is coming.”

    The campaign, which runs for 12 weeks, offers consumers a chance to win over 50 million Kenya Shillings worth of prizes, including cash (mobile money), airtime, and shopping vouchers.

    To participate, consumers need to buy a 1L, 1.25L or 2L bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite and check under the green cap for a code. They will then need to send an SMS with the unique code found under the green cap to 40111 for a chance to win instant prizes and be entered into a draw for more prizes. The SMS to 40111 is free.

    In addition to the grand prize of a year’s worth of food shopping other prizes include instant cash, airtime and shopping vouchers, enabling consumers to share meal moments with their loved ones. The promotion seeks to inspire Kenyans to continue enjoying meal moments together with a Coca-Cola.

    Grand prize winners will be contacted through a dedicated customer care number to be advised on their winnings. To take part in the competition, consumers must be eighteen years and above and registered users of Safaricom, Airtel & Telkom.

  • Two defrauders using unregistered company arrested

    Two defrauders using unregistered company arrested

    Two miscreants who were working in cahoot with a notorious gang and who unsuccessfully tried to defraud using unregistered company are under the police radar.

    Peter Onyango and Kelvin Otieno are on the run and are believed to be the masterminds of the crime.

    Peter runs Pivot Point Freight Forwarders and after the agreement Sadegh was introduced to three companies that would allegedly actualize the transaction. They included Newline Logistics Limited headed by a CEO only known as Mark together with his partner Calvin Ngotho whose real name was later discovered to be Kelvin Mwaura Ngotho.

    The other two were Oriex International Cargo Freight and Royal Ultra Vault Limited.

    However Sadegh became suspicious that all was not well after failed delivery of the consignment on the agreed upon date before he rushed to detectives for assistance. This led to arrest of three suspects , recovery of a Steyr Pistol and 103 rounds of 9mm ammunition and a firearm.

  • Improve security budget sector players dire urge 

    Improve security budget sector players dire urge 

    Sheer Logic Management consultants receiving award, background screening company of the year at Nairobi Security Expo
    Sheer Logic Management consultants receiving award, background screening company of the year at Nairobi Security Expo

    Security is a very paramount aspect in any establishment be it a high end office, a high-rise building a commercial outlet or even your everyday retail shopping centre.

    In light of this, a security expert with the reknown Sheer Logistic Management Consultants firm, Mr Philip Mwendwa Harrison took a moment to advise Kenyans on the need to accord security the importance and prominence it deserves.

    Speaking to this writer on the sidelines of Fingo Ecobank Digital launch at the Sarit Centre, Mr Harrison said that Sheer Logic Management Consultant Limited is a firm that offers end to end HR solutions including employee background check services, recruitment, training and labor outsourcing. The company has offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Uganda and Rwanda. The company was won an award in the category of Outstanding Background Screening Company in the just concluded Nairobi Security Expo 2023.

    He pointed out that one of the security challenges with establishments that are coming up is that management do not engage professionals when it comes to matters of security risk management and audit.

    He said that many organizations sacrifice quality on the altar of cost which can negatively affect the name and the services you offer. So he advised that organizations need to invest in security and improve the budget for the same for smooth service delivery.

  • National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs conducted a fact-finding visit to Shakahola

    National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs conducted a fact-finding visit to Shakahola

    The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs has conducted a fact-finding visit to Shakahola area in Kilifi County to establish facts and circumstances surrounding the mass killings of people in incident allegedly linked to a religious cult associated with Good News International Church.

    The Committee chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongiyo visited the scene of the incident and met with the Mr. Josephat Biwott, the Kilifi County Commissioner and Mrs. Rhoda Onyancha, Coast Regional Commissioner and representatives from County Security teams to gather information.

    During the briefing, the Lawmakers requested information on the organization and execution of the crime, the number of deaths confirmed by the police, the number of missing persons, the process of identifying the victims, and the measures put in place to crackdown on cultic outfits in the county.

    Members of the Committee also sought information on the profile of Mr. Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, the alleged cult leader, and other associates, as well as the remedial actions taken by the government and assistance offered to affected families.

    Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo expressed his concerns, stating, “Given the magnitude of this issue, we must ensure that all those involved are held accountable and that we prevent such incidents from happening in the future. It is our responsibility to protect our citizens, and we must do everything in our power to achieve that.”

    In addition, the Committee raised concerns about the failed attempts to prosecute Pastor Paul Mackenzie for crimes allegedly associated with him since 2017. The Committee also sought to meet separately with the area assistant chief/chief, elders, and locals.

    Details provided by the County Criminal Investigation Officer, the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer, and County Security teams revealed that Mackenzie, a driver from Malindi, created his own church, Good News International, in 2003.

    Hon. Caroline Ngelechi sought clarification on the number of branches of the church that had been established and the clergy that served alongside the accused.

    In response representatives from the County Security team revelead that as part of their investigation they had written to the Registrar to establish the number of established branches of the church.

    Legislators further undertook a visit to Shakahola area accompanied by the County Commissioner, Regional County Commissioner, County Criminal Investigation Officer, the Regional Criminal Investigation Officer, County Security teams and Red Cross Society Representatives.

    While engaging with the Committee Mr. Josephat Biwott admitted, ” we are still in the preliminary investigations stage. The County Security Teams have been working day and night on the case.The investigation into the cult led by Mr. Paul Mackenzie Nthenge is ongoing, with more information expected to be revealed in due course.”

    While addressing the media, Hon. Tongoyo stated that “this is a matter of great concern to us as a Committee and to the nation as a whole and that is why we are here.”

    Members of the Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs also considered the welfare of officers, with regard to resource mobilization and the welfare of the victims and survivors.

    The Committee is expected to continue its investigations into the matter in accordance with it’s mandate.

    Committee members on Administration and Internal Affairs present during the fact- finding visit are Hon Gabriel Tongoyo, Hon Dido Rasso, Hon. Rozaah Buyu, Hon Oku Kaunya, Hon. Mburu Kahangara, Hon Peter Kaluma and Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei.

  • The Nation Mourns the Death of Freedom Icon

    The Nation Mourns the Death of Freedom Icon

    Kenya was Friday thrown into mourning following the death of Mukami Kimathi who was a freedom fighter and the widow of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi.

    His excellency the President Dr William Ruto led the Nation in Mourning the heroine.

    “We have received the saddening news of the death of Mukami Kimathi, a celebrated heroine of our nation’s struggle for independence.

    Mama Mukami Kimathi courageously withstood the brutality of colonial oppression, proudly wore the scars of the battle and bore the terrible losses of war with admirable fortitude.

    She was a legendary fighter in her own right and the wife of the legend, Dedan Waciuri Kimathi, who was captured, tried, and executed by the colonial state.

    After winning the war for independence, Mama Mukami was left behind to fend for her children in the absence of Field Marshall Kimathi. In her characteristic way, she also won this battle.

    Mukami Kimathi was also a steadfast patriot and well-known champion for national unity who inspired many Kenyans of all ages to cherish our country and stand ready to defend our values.

    On behalf of my family and the people of Kenya, I convey my condolences to the family of our departed heroine, Mukami Kimathi. I pray that the Almighty God grants you his divine solace at this time of sorrow.

    We shall honour her memory and treasure her legacy. May God rest her soul in everlasting peace.”

  • Leaders Calls for Water Conservation

    Leaders Calls for Water Conservation

    Said Adan populary known as Shakiti was the Mandera County Senatorial Candiate in the 2022 General Election.

    He shares with us his thoughts on the need to harvest and conserve rain water for future use.

    “In the recent week, the sky finally opened up in Kenya, bringing much-needed relief to a country that was suffering from severe drought caused by four seasons of rain failure. As I sit here watching the rain pour down outside my window, I can’t help but feel grateful for every drop that falls. As the rain poured down, it reminded me of nature’s unrelenting power and beauty and the importance of harvesting rainwater.

    But with the rain comes new challenges. Flash floods have become all too common in recent weeks. Roads are washed out, homes are flooded, and people are displaced. It’s easy to see the damage caused by these floods, but what if we looked at them as opportunities instead of disasters?

    In the midst of the worst drought in recent memory, it’s hard to imagine a world where water is abundant. But what if we could harness the power of flash floods to create sustainable wealth and lessen the burden of drought in the future?

    Imagine a world where every drop of rain was captured and used to sustain crops, provide drinking water, and create energy. This is the world we could create if we learn how to tap into the power of flash floods.

    Firstly, we could capture and store the water from flash floods in dams and reservoirs. This harvested water could then be used for irrigation, providing a reliable source of water for agriculture even during times of drought. With proper management and planning, farmers could use the water from flash floods to produce more crops and generate sustainable wealth for their communities.

    Similarly, there are many other simple and cost-effective ways to collect and store rainwater at the household level. These methods not only provide a reliable source of water during droughts, but can also help mitigate the impacts of flash floods. One such method is using rain barrels or tanks to collect rainwater from rooftops. This water can then be used for irrigation, washing, and other household needs. In addition to reducing reliance on unreliable piped water, this method also helps to prevent runoff and soil erosion during heavy rains like the ones we are experiencing in recent days.

    Another approach is to use swales or trenches to capture and retain rainwater in the landscape. By strategically directing the flow of water, these structures can help recharge groundwater, prevent erosion, and provide moisture for crops and vegetation during dry periods.

    In addition to providing a reliable source of water, rainwater harvesting can also generate economic benefits for communities. For example, with proper treatment and filtration, harvested rainwater can be sold as drinking water or used for irrigation in small-scale agriculture. This can create jobs and improve livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.

    Finally, How do we go about tapping into the power of flash floods? It starts with education and awareness. By teaching people about the importance of water conservation and the potential benefits of harvesting rainwater, we can change the way people see flash floods and inspire action. Harvesting rainwater is like planting a garden. You have to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and give it time to grow. It involves collecting and storing rainwater in a systematic and sustainable manner. You have to identify potential sources of water, design and implement a system that captures and stores it efficiently, and manage it properly to ensure that it lasts through the dry season.

    And it’s not just about capturing water during times of excess. We can also implement measures to reduce runoff during heavy rains, such as planting trees and creating green roofs to absorb and retain water.

    Lastly, rainwater harvesting is not a panacea for all water problems. It requires a holistic approach that involves addressing the root causes of water scarcity, such as deforestation, land degradation, and climate change. It also requires political will, financial investment, and community participation.

    The recent flash floods in Kenya also demonstrate the need for better water management. The floods caused massive destruction, claiming lives, displacing communities, and damaging infrastructure. They serve as a stark reminder that water, although a precious resource, can also be a deadly force of nature.

    So, as we celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited rains, let us also reflect on the importance of rainwater harvesting and better water management. Let us work together to build a more resilient and sustainable future, where everyone has access to clean and safe water, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.”

  • Huawei accelerates pace to replace diesel generators with utility scale solar plants

    Huawei accelerates pace to replace diesel generators with utility scale solar plants

    Huawei technologies has ramped up its drive to replace diesel generators with an enhanced set of smart solar power solutions that include utility scale plants for commercial and residential users amid increased power shortages and rising electricity prices.

    The utility-scale solar facility is one which generates at least 4MW of electricity that is fed into the national grid.

    Speaking at the FusionSolar Forum 2023 yesterday, Leo Chen, President of Huawei Sub Saharan Africa, said that the urgency to transition to more solar power generation was being accelerated by power shortages and rising energy prices.

    “With a heavy investment in R&D, we’ve developed the most comprehensive set of full-scenario smart PV solutions for utility-scale large plants and energy storage facilities for commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops, residential rooftops, data centres, and smart microgrids in rural areas,” said Leo.

    He indicated that to address the power deficit issue and boost a digital and sustainable future for the country, Kenya will need to invest in blended financial facilities for the funding of alternative energy installations, making it more accessible to a wider population. At the same time, the government will also have to broaden the flow of participation by upskilling people in the technology of renewable energy systems.

    Implementing the utility scale solar plants is expected to hasten the growth of solar contribution to the country’s energy mix. It comes at a time when Kenya is positioning itself to raise its installed solar power generation capacity to 600 MW by 2030, up from less than 100 MW currently.

    Data from the Kenya National Electrification Strategy 2018 shows that out of 10.8 million households targeted for connection under the last mile program, 9.7 million are within 15km of existing grid network while 1.1 million are located further and are best served by off-grid energy.

    Kenya, said Leo, is suited for this technology due to its high insolation rates with an average of 5-7 peak sunshine hours and receives an average daily insolation of 4-6kWh/m2.

    Grid connected solar systems covering an area of 15-20 km2, about 3% of the Nairobi County, could provide 3801 GWh of electrical energy a year.

    He explained that by doing this, more flexible energy generation solutions that are close to the point of use can be applied and the transmission and distribution setup can be minimised, thus saving costs and losses.

    Chen Guoguang, President of Huawei Smart PV Product Line echoed his sentiments, adding that, with Huawei’s innovative solutions, it has achieved a very impressive carbon footprint globally.

    “By the end of 2022, Huawei Digital Power has helped our customers to offset 340 million tons of CO2 emissions, roughly the same as planting 470 million trees,” he said.

    Huawei technologies, he added, currently powers 25% of the world’s PV capacity, and is well positioned to play a growing role in the evolution of the industry.

  • Kimathi Foundation tree planting at Mariakani at Garrison with Kenya defense forces

    Kimathi Foundation tree planting at Mariakani at Garrison with Kenya defense forces

    On Friday 28th April 2023,Dedan Kimathi Foundation (DKF) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) started an environmental conservation journey towards Mariakani Garisson Forestation. The Foundation committed to donate the required 100,000 tree seedlings from private nurseries attached to the Foundation and through other partners. The Foundation delivered 55,000 tree seedlings on the day the planting was launched and engaged in the planting. Kenya Forest Service donated 5,000 tree seedlings from Gede Forest Station to boost the work.

    Today, 3rd May 2023,Dedan Kimathi Foundation environment conservation team together with the Foundation CEO ;Ms. Evelyn W. Kimathi joined the KDF for the continuation of the tree planting at the site that hosts Mariakani Garisson 77 Artillery Battalion. The Foundation delivered the second batch of 30,000 trees seedlings donation bringing the total donation to 90,000 tree seedlings.

    Ms. Evelyn Kimathi beseeched the soldiers to ensure the trees planted survive to benefit mankind. In her remarks, she urged the soldiers to be active change makers in the fight against climate change by growing more trees to mitigate the negative climate change effects. She mentioned the increase of carbon in the air as a major problem that requires more trees to absorb and store it to reduce global warming.

    Standing in for Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Onyancha, Major Ndirangu of Kenya Navy Fleet Formation appreciated Dedan Kimathi Foundation for the dedication to support the initiative with the required tree seedlings and availing the Green Army team of Volunteers to plant the trees with the soldiers. He further assured the team that the trees would be well tended to set a good example to other KDF camps.

    Dedan Kimathi Foundation commits to remain dedicated to serving humanity through tree growing campaigns, partnerships, collaborations and climate change sensitization aimed at supporting the government to grow the 15 billion trees and reach 30% tree cover by 2032.