Category: LOCAL

  • Business Professionals Complete Mentorship Program

    Business Professionals Complete Mentorship Program

    Large number of business professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs have completed a transformative mentorship program aimed at honing their management and profit-making skills within the business industry.

    Courtesy of the George Wachiuri School of Mentorship, hundreds of young startup owners from across the nation seized the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive 6-month mentorship program, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges of the business world.

    The latest cohort, referred to as Cohort 4, celebrated their graduation at GMC Place Kitengela. George Wachiuri, the visionary behind this mentorship initiative, emphasized that the program is meticulously designed to not only advance careers but also foster the growth of startups into prosperous enterprises.

    Wachiuri passionately urged individuals to register and participate in this invaluable mentorship opportunity, emphasizing that it holds the potential to boost businesses, fuel economic growth, generate jobs, and contribute more tax revenue to our nation.

    The mentor also issued a challenge to fellow CEOs to consider establishing mentorship programs to guide employees and entrepreneurs alike. Notably, this mentorship program remains open and free for anyone in the business industry or pursuing any career path.

    “In today’s graduation, we witnessed the diverse success stories of our mentees. Among the graduates were three doctors, a professor, and even a class 6 dropout who now successfully manages a thriving company. Our mentorship is open to all, as long as you aspire to make a difference,” Wachiuri explained.

    The George Wachiuri School of Mentorship has already conducted four successful mentorship programs, with previous cohorts demonstrating remarkable success, according to Mr. Wachiuri.

    “As George Wachiuri, my aim is to share the strategies that have made Optiven Group the epitome of success. In Kenya, with approximately 1.7 million formal companies and 5.3 million informal ones, we aspire to elevate these informal businesses to formal status, enabling them to flourish and contribute to our nation’s growth and job creation,” the mentor elucidated.

    This mentorship program caters to young professionals seeking guidance on launching and managing startups. It imparts fundamental knowledge for turning business ideas into reality and facilitates networking opportunities with accomplished individuals within the mentorship community.

    “I want to encourage startups to embrace mentorship. It accelerates business growth and allows you to bypass the pitfalls and challenges I faced. A mentor is someone who has walked the path before you, learned from their experiences, and avoided their mistakes. Why replicate the same errors when you can seek guidance from mentors like George Wachiuri?” advised Wachiuri.

    Both career-oriented individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to join this year’s program, as registrations remain open. The mentorship program is available in both online and physical formats.

    Dr. Lucy Mackenzie expressed her pride in completing the mentorship, emphasizing the invaluable lessons she has learned and her determination to apply them in her career.

    “Mr. Wachiuri has been my mentor for the past 6 months, and I can attest to the immense knowledge I’ve gained, which I’m already applying in my daily work. Mentorship allows you to learn from someone else’s experience, and we can witness the positive impact of Optiven’s approach. We are profoundly grateful for this opportunity,” shared Francis Wambua, Director and Chief Solutions Officer at Enterprise IT Solutions.

  • Push to Fight GBV in Totality in Nairobi

    In Kenya, just as in most African countries, GBV disproportionately affects more women than men. Indeed, government statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that over 40 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

    Speaking particularly about Nairobi, the County’s Woman Representative Esther Passaris underscored some of the efforts already put in place to fight this demeaning vice.

    Hon Esther Passaris says:

    “As Nairobi Woman Rep, when I became the member of parliament, it came to my realisation that we talk about the gender desk, and the police we have to commend them for coming up with police units where you can go and file your report in privacy, but there was not enough facilities in our stations so one of the first things that we did as Nairobi is to get a project going for seventeen police stations to have SGBV units and we are actually ready to commission nine of them. We also decided to put up safe spaces, the safe house. Now the safe house had a lot of challenges we kept on saving our money we knew it was something we have put in the capital city as a model for the entire country as well as the continent as a whole because sexual gender based violence is not just unique to one county, or one. country, we are looking globally with the vision our President has not just for Kenya but for the continent as a whole.

    So I’m happy to report that we have partnered with Nairobi County, under the leadership of Ann Kananu when she was Governor we were able to secure a parcel of land and in that land we are putting up the first Nairobi’s first Government owned GBV safe space and we shall hopefully launch that in the next six months or so.”

  • WAMA International Opens The Second ALDO Storein East Africa

    By Fred Maingi
    It was joy and celebration after WAMA International Group, a holding company that oversees franchise operations across Africa celebrated a successful partnership with ALDO Group International by opening the second ALDO Store in Nairobi at Westgate Mall. The first store opened its doors on April 15th at The Sarit Center Mall.

    WAMA International has been granted the exclusive license to establish, own, and operate ALDO stores in Kenya. This follows the Distribution Agreement between ALDO Group International and Gedeon & Co SARL.

    WAMA International’sexpansion plans in East Africa continue to flourish with this exciting partnership
    following their successful ventures with various brands in Libya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

    The ALDO Group International brings a wide range of fashion footwear and accessories all offered at accessible prices. This partnership will pave the way for up to four new stores to open soon, as WAMA

    International seeks to expand its presence in the region.

    WAMA International expressed their excitement over the new partnership, which they believe will bring the latest fashion trends and top-quality products to the Kenyan market.

    The company is committed to providing a unique shopping experience to its customers and is confident that the venture will be a success.

    The opening of the second ALDO store in Kenya is a significant milestone for the fashion industry in the region. Customers can expect special promotional discounts for the grand opening, and the brand promises a unique shopping experience that has made it a worldwide destination for on-trend fashion footwear and
    accessories.

  • MultiChoice Kenya assures local content protection from piracy

    MultiChoice Kenya assures local content protection from piracy

    Ronald Shelukindo - Marketing Manager,MultiChoice KenyaElisha Kamau - PR manager ,MultiChoice Manager Nzola Miranda - MD ,Multi Choice Kenya Glauco Ferreira - Regional Director Northern Africa Multi Choice.
    Ronald Shelukindo – Marketing,MultiChoice Elisha Kamau-PR MultiChoice Mngr Nzola Miranda-MD, Glauco Ferreira- Reg. Dir Northern Africa MultiChoice. 

    By Mellisa Mong’ina

    MultiChoice Kenya (MCK) has assured the protection of all local content producers from piracy by involving law enforcement authorities saying that it is a threat that destroys local content production.

    Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during the launch of Two Brand New Local Shows, Zari & Ka-Siri, on Maisha Magic Plus, Nzola Miranda the Managing Director of Multichoice Kenya said that content rich in content is consumed illegally

    “We are working with law enforcement authorities to ensure the enforcement of piracy of local content is protected and also ready to embrace digital transformation,” said Miranda.

    He added that their biggest challenge currently is streaming piracy which is a bit more difficult as compared to the past when it was easy to spot it because of the use of cables going out of buildings through to people’s homes

    “80 percent of our piracy now is what we call streaming piracy, but we are ready and working with technology and with our parent company which is at the forefront of technology,” added Miranda

    Miranda added that they have already developed many technologies to support streaming piracy as it cannot be stopped completely.

    “We have two strong streaming products that are catering to that streaming technology, right here in Kenya, 10 percent of our base is already streaming our content and in the next five years we are going to grow more massively,” said Miranda.

    According to Miranda, local stories create local jobs and also change narratives. “Local content is growing and we are happy to listen to what we have,” he added.

    Multichoice Kenya (MCK) is currently the country’s leading pay TV and entertainment provider, it is also a joint venture between MultiChoice Africa and the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), The two shows will be accessible on Maisha Magic Plus which is now available on DStv Access and GOtv Plus and up in a campaign dubbed “Tumefungulia Magic”

    “Ka-Siri”, a telenovela explores the proverbial theme of “the rich also cry”. The gripping story unfolds around an extremely wealthy man, Zula, who is killed in a home invasion, leaving behind a home that is wrapped in passion, lies, discoveries, secrets, and shocking revelations. Viewers will embark on a rollercoaster of drama to uncover who ultimately claims victory in the end. Ka-Siri” boasts an impressive lineup of over 100 episodes, promising a long-lasting and captivating journey for its audience. Episodes will air every Monday to Wednesday at 19:30 EAT from Monday 9 October 2023,”.

    Zari is a modern Cinderella story that follows the story of Nina, a young woman whose rightful family – and fortune are hidden from her. Will Nina and her true biological father, Dylan ever be reunited and will her adopted family pay for their duplicity? Zari premieres on Monday 23 October 2023 and will air every Monday to Friday at 20:30 EAT.

    “The launch of these new local shows underscores MultiChoice’s unwavering commitment to delivering family-friendly exceptional entertainment experiences to its viewers with content that resonates with them,” noted Miranda,

    The producer of both shows, Rashid Abdullah expressed his appreciation to MultiChoice Kenya for the support to local productions in Kenya. “Film production is very expensive and as filmmakers, investing and putting money behind productions is not easy, access to finance and capital too has many barriers,” he revealed.

    “As industry players, we are delighted to have partners like MultiChoice who allow Kenyans tell their own stories that are authentic are speak to the cultural and societal nuances that are alive in them while creating jobs for actors, actresses, chefs, transporters, real estate owners, make-up artists, video editors, sound producers, camera crew, set designers among others in the film ecosystem.”

    Speaking to MultiChoice Kenya’s investment, in local content, Timothy Okwaro, Channel Director East and Southern Africa remarked, “With an annual investment of over $5m in content production and licensing, translating into well over 5,600 hours of content annually, we have lined up some of the biggest, most exciting shows that will give our viewers more choice and more entertainment.”

    “Since 2015, we have brought to our customers over 89 shows (35 commissioned and 52 licensed), with up to 15 shows expected between April this year and March 2024, in other words, Tumefungulia Magic” Okwaro concluded.

  • 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.
  • Cleanshelf Supermarket Expands its Footprint with the Grand Opening of Nairobi South B Branch

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited in South B Nairobi  staffs cutting the cake. Photo/Courtesy
    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited in South B Nairobi staff cutting the cake. Photo/Courtesy

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited, a leading Customer Service oriented retail chain is excited to announce the opening of its 15th branch in Nairobi South B. This new addition to the Cleanshelf family is a testament to the company’s commitment to serving local communities and providing top-notch shopping experiences and quality products to its valued customers.

    From its inception in 2002, Cleanshelf Supermarkets Ltd has been dedicated to offering a diverse range of high-quality products under one roof, tailored to meet its customers’ unique needs and preferences. The new Nairobi South B branch exemplifies this commitment, featuring a spacious layout, modern amenities, and a vast selection of goods that cater to the vibrant community of South B and its surroundings.

    “We are thrilled to open our doors in Nairobi South B and become a part of this vibrant community,” said Mr. Timothy Kihara, the Managing Director/CEO of Cleanshelf Supermarket. “This branch represents our dedication to providing convenient access to everyday essentials while maintaining our high standards of service and product quality.”

    During the grand opening, shoppers have treated to live entertainment, enticing food tastings, and exciting giveaways. Moreover, Cleanshelf Supermarkets partnered with its esteemed suppliers to offer exclusive deals and discounts, making the opening day shopping experience truly special for all attendees.

    As Cleanshelf Supermarkets continues to expand its physical store footprint, it remains equally committed to enhancing its online presence. The company’s user-friendly and intuitive website have garnered praise for its seamless shopping experience, providing customers with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their homes.

    In recognition of its excellence in integrating technology and providing top-tier customer service, Cleanshelf Supermarkets was recently honoured with the prestigious e-Commerce Award 2023 by the Kenya e-Commerce Awards. Cleanshelf e-Commerce platform won the ‘Gold Winner’ Award for the ‘Best eCommerce Customer Service Team.’ The company was also feted with the ‘Bronze Winner’ award under the ‘Best Supermarket/Hypermarkets eCommerce Website.

    “We are humbled to receive the e-Commerce Award 2023, which highlights our efforts to deliver a seamless and convenient online shopping experience. These awards are a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our digitally-savvy customers,” said Mr. Kihara.

    He added: “These awards further motivate us to continue striving for excellence as we grow both in the physical and digital retail domains.”

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets extends its heartfelt gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated staff and supportive suppliers, and partners for their continuous encouragement and trust. The company remains focused on its mission to provide unparalleled service and quality offerings, both through its growing physical store network and its user-friendly e-commerce platforms.

  • 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.