Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

Over the years, the Foundation has invested over KES 5 billion, transforming more than 8 million lives in all 47 Counties.

Safaricom Foundation is today marking 20 years since it was officially launched on 14^th August 2003.

Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over KES 5 billion in more than 4,000 community projects, directly impacting over 8 million Kenyans across all 47 counties in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment, access to water, environmental conservation, and disaster response.

“In the past two decades, Safaricom Foundation has grown to become one of the biggest enablers of Kenyan communities. Whether through partnering with individuals on small investments that have a big impact, or implementing large-scale, long-term programs of nationwide scale, our purpose of transforming lives has always been at the core of the Foundation,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

To mark the milestone, throughout the month, the Foundation joined by Safaricom staff will distribute Mama Packs in select hospitals across the country to support maternal and newborn care, and share food hampers with children’s homes.

The Foundation will also go across all 47 counties to engage and connect with communities and its stakeholders with different activities lined up, including medical camps, fistula camps, launch of projects and programmes, and mentorship of young people in different areas.

“As we celebrate 20 years of transforming lives, we have learned a lot and developed key insights into how we approach philanthropy. One key strategy that has defined our interventions is partnerships with experts in the fields we seek to create impact, and with the communities we aim to transform. As we look to the future and implement our 2023-2026 strategy, partnerships will remain important in our work as a Foundation,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.

Some of the new interventions set to be launched under the Foundation’s 2023-2026 strategy include digitizing teachers’ training colleges under the education pillar, revamping its maternal health programme to become a comprehensive Reproductive, Maternal, Neo-Natal, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) initiative, and expansion of its Economic Empowerment Programme to include Agribusiness, Ecoprenuership and Enterprise Development.

Huawei Kenya is ramping up learners’ access to the Internet by extending the connectivity to children with special needs. Initially, 6 special needs schools will be linked to the national fiber optic cable in the second phase of the Digischool program that targets to cover a total of 16 primary and secondary schools.

Huawei Kenya CEO Steven Zhang said that Digischool has been designed to enhance the learning experience for students across schools in Kenya and to improve the overall administration of these institutions.

“Huawei has spent 25 years helping build networks, connecting mobile devices, homes and government offices across the country. It is important for schools not to be left behind so as to prepare learners for their future careers in a digital economy by being connected and developing relevant digital skills,” said Zhang.

Following the completion of Digischool program’s first phase in which 13 schools were connected to the National Fiber Optic Cable, will now prioritize and expand school connectivity to further enhance education quality, accessibility, and equity. They will also extend training in digital skills and the responsible use of the Internet for teachers, school administrators, learners, and where applicable, parents.

In addition, they intend to develop guidelines within schools to regulate the use of the Internet and tech gadgets as well as continue to connect schools via National Optic Fiber Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), as it is both affordable and reliable.

The partners announced that they will step up collaboration to rapidly provide sustainable and affordable Internet connectivity to all schools in a way that minimizes the initial connectivity costs and recurring expenditures. Establish community Internet hubs to facilitate online access for the community surrounding schools.

“We established from the first phase that schools were able to achieve at least Kshs 120,000 in cost savings per term on internet bundles by being connected to the national fiber optic cable,” explained Zhang.

Echoing his remarks, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang said that: “The government seeks to expand internet connectivity to all schools in the country in line with the Digital Masterplan and the Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda Plan.”

He further added: “Internet enhances access to, and equality of, education for learners in rural areas, particularly girls and those with disabilities. I want to thank Huawei through their TECH4ALL initiative and UNESCO for their collaboration with the government to provide sustainable internet connectivity to the government’s fiber-optic network.”

Digischool’s initial phase revealed that the Internet boosts not just education quality, but also the education environment and the attitudes of learners and teachers. It also showed that teachers and learners use a variety of online platforms and tools, particularly YouTube and interactive quizzes.

The Digischool program has also created many unplanned benefits such as inter-school support and student access to international competitions. In addition, shool administrators significantly benefit from online access, especially from communicating with parents and that school Internet parents and the local communities are also able to use the internet access points in these schools.

Huawei Kenya has its sights on the light manufacturing industries with a new energy intervention designed to cut electricity costs and stabilize energy usage.  Light industry refers to a range of industrial sub-sectors including food processing, textiles and machinery that have less demanding energy needs compared to heavy industries such as steelmaking and chemical production plants.

Speaking during the Fusion Solar Partner Summit in Nairobi, Charles Yang, Huawei Digital Power President for Global Marketing and Sales Services, said that the firm had developed the Luna 200 2.0 MWH Smart String Energy Storage System (ESS) that incorporates fire, electrical, structural, and artificial-intelligence-based safety features in response to a strong need from light manufacturing industries. An Energy storage system (ESS) is a device that stores electrical energy. It can be used to power electrical grids, support the reliability of the grid, and store excess electricity for later use.

“There is a global trend towards batteries for businesses and national grids, caused by reduced battery prices, increased fuel prices and the drive for decarbonization. Indeed, the more solar energy and wind energy we use, the greater the need for reliable batteries,” said Yang. He noted that Huawei has named the new energy storage products “Smart String Energy Storage System” because they have battery optimizers at the pack level that delivers up to 15% more usable electricity, contains enhanced safety features, has better monitoring and promises decreased downtime.

The new solution is suitable for Kenya’s light manufacturing industries, which have in recent years registered remarkable growth in energy needs. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) connected to the national electricity grid increased by over 60%.

Many light manufacturers are shifting to solar energy as grid electricity costs escalate and supply remains intermittent. Starting at a modest 3 MW in 2012, Kenya’s solar capacity increased to 7 MW in 2013 and further surged to 16 MW in 2014. The following years showed a steady upward trend to reach 30 MW in 2015 and 31 MW in 2016. The capacity in 2017 was 38 MW, then rose to 105 MW in 2018. From 2019 to 2020, the capacity remained relatively stable at around 106 MW. However, in 2021, it substantially increased to 147 MW, then significant rose to 169.2 MW by 2022.

“Luna 200 offers up to 50% longer life span as the independent air conditioners keep the temperature in the cabinet within 3 degrees of 25 Celsius.  Temperature is a big contributor to a shorter battery lifespan,” said Yang.

It also provides an uninterruptable power supply to industries, including manufacturing and automotive production.   Huawei’s solution is designed with multiple layers of safety protection. Furthermore, fire safety is critical with the incorporation of humidity, temperature, and smoke sensors that detect a flammable gas and automatically exhaust it. A substance is then released to extinguish any potential fire.

“At a large-scale manufacturing plant, for example, a power shutdown or breakdown in the supply of monitoring/control information can have a disastrous effect on productivity which ultimately could impact on a business’ bottom line,” explained Yang. Thus, adopting energy storage systems is crucial in the transition to sustainable energy sources.  Energy storage solutions represent a promising advancement since they store energy during off-peak hours to be later used when needed.

Huawei has set its sights on the hospitality industry in a move that will see players cut operational costs by up to one tenth. This comes amid a rising expansion of the industry, with Kenya’s registering a marginal increase in business and tourist travel with the former comprising 60 per cent of total bookings.

The strategic direction, said the company, informed the roll out of the new Power S power solution that has been developed to serve as a contingency energy pack for high consumers of electricity, especially hotels which need stable supply.  The Power S, said Huawei senior executives, uses Huawei’s SmartLi technology to store between 10 and 100 kilowatts of electricity, cutting electricity costs by at least 10% and is intended to address the current high cost of power and help stabilize an unreliable grid supply.

Speaking during the Fusion Solar Partner Summit in Nairobi, Huawei Digital Power’s President of Global Marketing and Sales Service, Charles Yang said that on average, Kenyan hotels spend an average 20% of the operating costs on electricity and that with power prices increasing this year for many users alongside the drive for greater reliability and stability of power, many Kenyans are turning to solar to power their homes and businesses.

“Batteries are the most important aspect of a solar power system, determining how much power can be stored—and how safely. Batteries can also be the most expensive part of a solar power system and thus critical that they have a long lifespan. In addition to the quality of the battery cells, clever software is required to optimize the usable energy in the battery and provide information for the user,” he explained, pointing out that as battery technologies improve and prices come down, there is an unmistakable trend, and clearer investment case, to switch to solar.

This, he noted, also enables users to be in control of their power, as people switch from generators, a trend that has accelerated due to the rising cost of fuel that previously made diesel generators an unaffordable backup option.

He added that the firm is a global leader in battery storage and is able to leverage its 25 years of on-ground experience, knowledge and networks from telecoms and IT business to ensure its products meet local needs and have the best service levels.

• The Group posted a 47% increase in YOY profit owing to strong revenue and balance sheet growth.

• Customer deposits increased by 10% to KES 259 billion, while loans and advances to customers went up 12% to close at KES 244 billion.

Stanbic Holdings Plc has announced a KES 7.1 profit after tax for the half-year period ended June 2023, attributed to strong revenue and balance sheet growth. Total revenue increased by 38% to KES 21 billion while return on equity rose by 472bps.

Stanbic Kenya and South Sudan’s Chief Executive, Dr Joshua Oigara stated that focused execution of the Group’s strategy was critical to delivering strong results despite a challenging operating business environment influenced by negative global and local economic trends.

“Our business delivered strong results despite challenging market and geopolitical dynamics all of which caused monetary and fiscal pressure. Leveraging on our core capabilities and market segments, we seized opportunities and navigated macro and micro challenges, sustaining growth in our Kenya and South Sudan businesses. We remain committed to delivering superior value to our clients, shareholders, and partners, who continue to drive our performance. We are pleased to declare a Kes 1.15 dividend per share for our shareholders.‘’

With a diversified portfolio of corporate & investment banking, business, commercial and retail banking financial solutions, the Group continued to focus on its key sectors including trade, consumer, power infrastructure and SMEs in Kenya and South Sudan.

Customer deposits increased by 10% to stand at KES 259 billion, while loan and advances to customers grew by 12% to close at KES 244 billion, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to supporting economic growth and development.

Stanbic’s Chief Financial and Value Officer Mr. Dennis Musau noted that Stanbic’s strategy and key growth drivers helped the Group navigate the challenging operating environment.

“In the period under review, we had strong momentum in our fundamentals, helping us deliver client and shareholder value. Our client centric approach continues to bear fruit enabling us deliver strong growth in all revenue lines and key balance sheet drivers.’’ said Musau. “Our business model, liquidity and capital position remain sufficient to support future growth.”

“Supported by high operational efficiency and market focus, Stanbic’s banking business in South Sudan remained profitable as we continued to facilitate payments and intermediate foreign currency flows for our clients.’’ Musau added.

Stanbic is committed to driving diversity and inclusion, with a specific focus on women. Through the Dare to Aspire Dare to Achieve (DADA) platform, the Bank has committed KES 20 billion to finance women. Since its launch 3 years ago, the platform has attracted more than 63,000 new ‘Dadas’ and disbursed loans amounting to KES 8.4b in the first half of 2023.

Aligned to its purpose to drive growth in Kenya and South Sudan, Stanbic disbursed loans worth KES 22 billion to support SMEs and USD 100m to green projects. During the period under review, over 900 MSMEs were trained while 69 MSME’s went through coaching. The trainings and coaching were centred around business resilience, how MSMEs can grow their business, planning, enterprise development, financial management and digital marketing, among others. Through the Stanbic Foundation, the Group facilitated cancer screening for free reaching over 2,000 beneficiaries.

·         The seats, including all associated technology, are on average 10 – 15 per cent lighter than Business Class seats in the same segment, a factor in line with the KLM Sustainability agenda.

·         The new seats can be adjusted to a comfortable bed of two meters (198 cm) or even closed for more privacy while working, relaxing and/or sleeping.

KLM Airline has upgraded its World Business Class seats in all its Boeing 777 aircraft in a move aimed at meeting evolving customer needs.

Both the Boeing 777-300 and the 777-200, will be equipped with the updated World Business Class seats that come with a sliding door for more comfort and privacy.

Commenting on the upgrade, Air France-KLM General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana Marius van der Ham said, “The seats have been improved in terms of design, technology and sustainability criteria. Based on extensive customer and competitive research, we have improved the seat so that the customer can enjoy even more privacy and comfort during the flight. With the renewed World Business Class, Premium Comfort, Economy Comfort and Economy Class seats, KLM is ready to meet the different wishes of passengers. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers worldwide these products and additional services.”

Thanks to innovative developments, the seats, including all associated technology, are on average 10 – 15 per cent lighter than Business Class seats in the same segment. This contributes to KLM’s sustainability objectives.

Besides the lightweight sliding door that is easy to open and close, the upgraded seats offer passengers direct access to the aisle. The chair can be adjusted to a comfortable bed of two meters (198 cm) or even closed for more privacy while working, relaxing and/or sleeping.

More personal adjustment options and useful functionalities, including adjustable support for the lower back and a relax mode with a subtle back massage, is available.

Furthermore, there are several charging options for equipment conveniently located within sight of the passenger. There is also the option of wireless charging, a lockable cupboard with extra storage space and a built-in mirror. The chair offers a recessed bottle holder to safely place a bottle of water ‘on’ the table, even in the event of turbulence.

KLM chose the Jamco Venture seat in a 1-2-1 configuration, with direct aisle access for each passenger. The Jamco Venture seat is already in use in the World Business Class of the Boeing 787 aircraft.

Based on extensive customer research, KLM has further improved the seat in collaboration with the supplier. The entire design of JAMCO in collaboration with KLM, and in particular the setup of the personal cabin, is overall lighter than other World Business Class seats in the same segment, without compromising on quality.

These aircraft are also fitted with the latest Premium Comfort Cabin. The conversion is expected to be completed within a year.

Other World Business Class services, such as the catering concept and Sky Priority, remain unchanged.