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Category: LOCAL

  • Cheptalal FC Clinch Victory in the South Rift Region Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Showdown

    Cheptalal FC Clinch Victory in the South Rift Region Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Showdown

    South Rift Region Cheza Dimba Tournament winners, Cheptalal FC, beaming after receiving the Tujiamini award for emerging victorious

    Bomet-based Cheptalal FC won the South Rift Region Cheza Dimba tournament, marking yet another milestone in the ongoing Tujiamini Initiative, which seeks to identify and nurture sports and sports-related talent at the grassroots.

    Cheptalal FC bagged a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Narok Town Stars FC, to walk away with a 3-year sponsorship deal worth Kes 250,000 annually while securing a coveted spot in the nationwide Tujiamini Initiative Cheza Dimba tournament.

    Cheptalal FC took an early lead when Benson Mutai scored in the opening minute announcing their intentions towards victory right from the start.

    The match intensified a notch after Simon Karanja leveled the scores for Narok Town Stars FC in the 27th minute, managing to hold onto the draw all through regular time. However, it was Cheptalal FC who ruled the day when Davies Kiprono netted the decisive goal in stoppage time.

    Speaking after the match, team captain, Elius Kipng’eno, expressed joy in the victory acknowledging his team’s bravery in confronting what he said was a very challenging opponent.

    “knowing that we were facing a tough opponent, we renewed our focus in the final moments of the match which turned out to be the crucial game changer. This sponsorship win is a welcome silver lining for both the team and players considering the many challenges we have faced in the pursuit of

    success as a community club,” said Kipngeno

    SportPesa’s Mercy Kabui, speaking after handing over the spoils to the winners reaffirmed the gaming firm’s dedication to supporting grassroots and community sports, highlighting the invaluable exposure gained by the players through initiatives such as Tujiamini.

    “Through tournaments such as Cheza Dimba, young players who are the stars of tomorrow get to test and develop their skills even as they pursue their individual and collective growth. We are therefore encouraged and excited to be part of these success stories by providing the much-needed support, however small for community clubs,” she stated.

    Felix Ekisa, the Narok Town Stars FC team captain although disappointed, expressed confidence and renewed vigor in the club’s pursuit of growth and development in the wake of the loss.

    “I know that my team is a force to reckon with. We trained well ahead of the tournament but our opponents also came well-prepared which we noticed right from the start. Although we managed to stem their advances in the match, it wasn’t enough to give us victory.”

    The tournament in the South Rift Region boasted one of the highest numbers of entries with 170 applications, demonstrating a strong but needy talent base in the region.

    The winning spirit trickled down to the fans who pocketed cash rewards worth Kes 10,000 through the Bronze Kwa Ground award. Cheptalal FC’s supporters stole the show with the highest fan turnout among the participating teams while Johnson Mungai nailed the Crossbar challenge for an individual win.

    The Tujiamini initiative heads to the Coastal region where even more community teams will get a chance to apply for a place in the penultimate Cheza Dimba tournament.

  • Kenya set to embark on National Classification exercise for all tourism facilities

    Kenya is set to undertake a nationwide classification exercise for all tourism facilities and establishments starting February 2025.

    This comprehensive assessment, which took place six years ago, will ensure that travelers clearly understand the services, amenities, and overall experiences they can expect when visiting the country.

    Speaking during the launch of the North Rift Tourism circuit in Eldoret, the Director General of the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), Norbert Talam, said that the exercise will be undertaken in accordance with the government’s provisions to ensure that sector players conform to best practices.

    “We are currently at the accreditation stage, where we have nearly finalized accrediting around 5,000 beds in the North Rift region,” Talam stated. “All operators must adhere to specified provisions to guarantee that we offer our visitors the highest quality standards. Action will be taken against those operating illegally. The accreditation process we are currently undertaking is a precursor to the classification exercise set to begin in February next year,” he added.

    The classification initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing tourism standards across Kenya, enabling domestic and international tourists to make informed choices about accommodations and services across the country.

    On her part, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, emphasized the tourism potential of each circuit noting the potential to capture an even greater share of visitors and create a more inclusive tourism sector.

    “The North Rift region, while predominantly known for its world-famous high-altitude athletes, has so much more to offer in terms of history, culture, and wildlife, as well as adventure activities,” Chepkemei noted. “The potential for growth here is undeniably immense, and the journey continues as we reveal the exciting possibilities of this great circuit.”

    Chepkemei highlighted that diversifying Kenya’s tourism offerings will enable more immersive experiences for visitors and contribute to economic growth in these regions.

    “As KTB, we confirm that we’ll be available to help package these products, market them, brand them, and provide resources to promote them not only locally but also on an international level,” she added.

    The event, which attracted various stakeholders from the region, served as a platform for strategizing on ways to market the hidden gems within the North Rift Circuit. A significant part of the two-day event was dedicated to discussing sustainability, with a particular focus on the ‘One Tourist, One Tree’ initiative. This initiative encourages every traveler visiting Kenya to plant a tree, contributing to the preservation of the country’s rich biodiversity.

    Nandi County Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot underscored the economic opportunities the tourism circuit presents, especially in job creation for the youth. “There is tremendous potential in our region, and as we expand the opportunities for hospitality, we will bring in more business and provide a platform for our economy to thrive. The tourism sector can employ many young people, so we must seize this chance to make the North Rift thrive,” she stated.

    KTB envisions that these circuits will facilitate easier exploration for domestic tourists and offer themed travel routes for international tourists, ensuring that tourism revenues are more evenly distributed across the counties.

  • Naivas Launches Two New Branches in a Week

    Naivas Launches Two New Branches in a Week

    Naivas Supermarket, the leading retailer and superbrand in the region, proudly announces the grand opening of its 108th branch today in Mavoko Shell. The 109th branch will open on November 1st in Tilisi.

    These new outlets promise an aesthetically pleasing shopping environment filled with the freshest products, reinforcing Naivas’s commitment to providing a world-class shopping experience.

    Naivas is the home of great deals, freshness, quality, value, and variety, ensuring that every visit meets the diverse needs of its customers. “You requested, we heard, and here we are,” stated Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy.

    “These branches have been a long-standing request from our shoppers. It took time to ensure we delivered a proper outlet. For us, it’s not just about providing a platform for retail trade; it’s about enhancing the lifestyles of our customers and offering an unparalleled experience through our excellent product selection and customer service.”

    The opening of these branches aligns perfectly with Naivas’s Kikwetu Campaign, dubbed “Deals Kikwetu,” which aims to ensure customers are well-stocked as the festive season approaches.

    “This is an exciting time for us not too late and not too early, but just right,” continued Andreas. “We have fantastic offers across all Naivas stores and, for our reward card holders, there will be exciting giveaways, including the highly sought-after Naivas GOAT, from December 1st to December 12th.” Naivas Supermarket remains committed to serving its communities with quality products and exceptional service, making each shopping experience memorable.

    Customers are invited to visit the new Mavoko branch today and the Tilisi branch on November 1st to take advantage of the special promotions as they prepare for the festive season.

  • RCS Messaging Traffic in East Africa set to hit a massive Growth by 2029 Infobip Report

    RCS Messaging Traffic in East Africa set to hit a massive Growth by 2029 Infobip Report

    Rich Communication Services (RCS) is poised to revolutionize messaging across Africa, with key markets such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda expected to witness a dramatic surge in usage.

    According to a new whitepaper commissioned by global communications platform Infobip, RCS traffic in Africa and the Middle East is forecasted to grow by over 1300 Percent, climbing from 545 million messages today to a staggering 8 billion by 2029.

    Data from tech analyst Omdia indicates that both Application-to-Person (A2P) and Person-to-Person (P2P) RCS traffic will experience substantial growth.

    A2P RCS messaging, where businesses send messages directly to consumers, is predicted to expand from nearly 1.5 trillion messages in 2024 to more than 6 trillion messages by 2029, generating $4.2 billion in revenue. In the same period, P2P messaging will continue to grow, significantly contributing to the increasing volume.

    RCS elevates traditional SMS, allowing Android users to send a range of rich media content, such as text, images, GIFs, videos, and more, using mobile data or Wi-Fi. Unlike WhatsApp, RCS messages do not require users to download a separate app, as messages are received in the same inbox as SMS and MMS.

    With Apple’s adoption of RCS in its latest iOS 18 update, the service is set to achieve cross-platform reach, with Omdia estimating 2.5 billion monthly active users worldwide by the end of 2024.

    The report highlights that regions such as the Americas and Asia & Oceania will lead the charge in A2P RCS traffic and revenue. However, Africa’s growth potential is clear, with RCS presenting a valuable opportunity for enterprises and mobile network operators to enhance customer engagement and drive business.

    Charlotte Palfrey, Senior Analyst, Advanced Messaging and Communications at Omdia, said: “RCS offers significant benefits for enterprises and telcos. Enterprises should leverage Gen AI to enhance RCS experiences, making campaigns more personalized, engaging, and effective in driving conversion. At the same time, telcos must work with the messaging ecosystem to raise RCS awareness among enterprises and consumers. Additionally, telcos should utilize RCS internally for marketing and customer care functions to demonstrate RCS’s capabilities and benefits.”

    Ivan Ostojic, Chief Business Officer at Infobip, said: “RCS has many benefits, and with the Apple upgrade, it now has universal availability. Consumers do not need to download a chat app to send and receive photos or videos. Meanwhile, enterprises can take consumers through the entire customer journey from initial marketing pitch to purchase and support. This is also a significant opportunity for telcos to seize the benefits of RCS Business Messaging and deliver rich conversational messaging for customers.”

    Infobip enables enterprises and telcos to benefit from RCS Business Messaging through its Messaging-as-a-Platform (MaaP) service. Infobip’s MaaP solution providers messaging benefits, including throughput control, content, and spam control, while Infobip’s CPaaS offering enables connectivity with other Mobile Network Operators. Benefits include detailed billing and reporting, faster brand and partner approval, additional user control, and managed service options.

    According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), of the 65.7 million mobile devices connected to networks, 34.5 million are smartphones – mostly Android, representing a penetration rate of 58.3%. In Uganda, data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) shows 15.3 million mobile internet users, with smartphone uptake at 22%. Similarly, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) reports smartphone penetration at 32.13%, with 35.8 million internet users. As RCS adoption accelerates, businesses across Africa are poised to benefit from richer, more interactive communication with their customers, driving enhanced engagement and new growth opportunities.

  • Naivas Supermarket Launches 24-Hour Store in Kilimani’s Wood Avenue

    Naivas Supermarket Launches 24-Hour Store in Kilimani’s Wood Avenue

    Naivas Supermarket, Kenya’s largest retail chain, has announced the opening of its 107th branch on Wood Avenue in Kilimani, marking a key milestone in the company’s expansion. This new outlet, the second Naivas store in Kilimani, will operate 24 hours a day, offering customers around-the-clock convenience and accessibility.

    The Naivas Wood Avenue Branch is located at Karibu Mall and features a wide selection of products, from fresh produce to household essentials, as well as a dedicated food market with prepared meals and snacks. Customers can expect the same high standards of quality and customer service that have become synonymous with Naivas, along with competitive prices and diverse product choices.

    “We are thrilled to open our doors to the Kilimani community,” said Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas Supermarket. “This new 24-hour store provides our customers with unparalleled convenience and access to a wide range of products to meet their daily needs. We are committed to serving the community and providing an exceptional shopping experience.”

    The store offers ample parking for customers, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience. Naivas has also revealed plans to expand further, with upcoming branches slated for Hurlingham, Tilisi, and Mavoko, reinforcing its position as a leader in the Kenyan retail sector.

  • Naivas Supermarket Opens 24-Hour Store in Kilimani’s Wood Avenue

    Naivas Supermarket Opens 24-Hour Store in Kilimani’s Wood Avenue

    Naivas Supermarket, Kenya’s leading retailer, today announced the grand opening of its 107th branch, located on Wood Avenue in Kilimani. This is the second Naivas store in Kilimani, marking a significant milestone for Naivas, which is expanding its presence in Nairobi and offering customers a convenient and accessible shopping experience with 24-hour service.

    The Naivas Wood Avenue Branch boasts a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, household goods, and a dedicated food market with various prepared meals and snacks. Customers can expect the same high-quality products and exceptional customer service that Naivas is known for, along with the freshest produce, a wide variety of choices, and the best value for their money

    “We are thrilled to open our doors to the Kilimani community,” said Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas Supermarket.

    “This new 24-hour store provides our customers with unparalleled convenience and access to a wide range of products to meet their daily needs. We are committed to serving the community and providing an exceptional shopping experience.”

    The Naivas Wood Avenue Branch is located at Karibu Mall and offers ample parking for customers. Additional Naivas locations in the pipeline include branches in Hurlingham, Tilisi, and Mavoko.

  • Malindi Airport Named Overall Winner at KAA Airport Service Quality Awards

    Malindi Airport Named Overall Winner at KAA Airport Service Quality Awards

    Malindi Airport has been honored as the Overall Winner at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, celebrated during a prestigious ceremony at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi on Thursday.

    This accolade underscores the airport’s steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

    The KAA ASQ Awards, launched last year, seeks to recognize outstanding performance among KAA-managed airports. The awards are based on a comprehensive Service Quality survey conducted across nine airports, with Malindi Airport achieving an impressive Overall Satisfaction score of 3.86 out of a possible 5.0. This score reflects the airport’s dedication to enhancing the passenger experience across several key areas, including facility quality, staff motivation, passenger processing efficiency, ambiance, cleanliness, and retail offerings.

    The program is rooted in consumer feedback gathered through the Airport Service Quality Surveys. This feedback allows airports to strategically plan product improvements and promote local service quality. The benchmarking program is facilitated through quarterly ASQ surveys conducted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Moi International Airport (MIA), alongside internal ASQ surveys performed bi-annually across all KAA-managed airports.

    In addition to recognizing overall excellence, this year marked the introduction of the Environmental Sustainability Award. This new category promotes efficient resource use and encourages practices that mitigate noise and air pollution while supporting biodiversity through afforestation and effective waste management.

    While commenting on the initiative, KAA’s Acting Managing Director, Henry Ogoye, noted “Our strategic objectives aim to elevate customer experience to an average index of 4.3 out of 5.0, a target we are determined to achieve through innovation and excellence in service delivery. Our internal KAA-ASQ Program complements this vision by cultivating a competitive spirit among our airports and driving us toward service excellence.”

    “As we look forward, let us challenge ourselves to exceed expectations and set new benchmarks for the global aviation industry. Together, with unity of purpose and clarity of vision, we will not only achieve our Corporate Customer Satisfaction Index target but also inspire others within the aviation sector.” Ogoye added.

    Other notable winners.

    1. Most Enjoyable Airport: Kisumu International Airport

    2. Cleanest Airport: Eldoret International Airport

    3. Most Dedicated Staff: Lamu-Manda Airport

    4. Most Improved Airport: Moi International Airport 5. Environmental Sustainability Award: Manda Airport.

    As KAA continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, it remains dedicated to fostering an environment where feedback is valued and used for continuous improvement. The ASQ Awards are part of broader initiatives that include other programs such as the KAA Mystery Shopping Awards and the Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA), all aimed at rewarding high-performing airport staff and businesses.

    This recognition not only celebrates individual airport achievements but also highlights KAA’s commitment to enhancing service delivery across its facilities, setting a benchmark for excellence in Kenya’s aviation sector.

  • ??s Push for legal recognition and pay for community health workers in Bill

    ??s Push for legal recognition and pay for community health workers in Bill

    Members of the National Assembly have debated a Bill that seeks legal recognition and support for Community Health Workers.

    Sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Peters Owino, the Community Health Workers Bill, National Assembly Bill No 53 of 2022, seeks to establish a legal framework for the acknowledgment of community health services. Additionally, it aims to extend the government payroll to encompass community health providers presently volunteering without pay.

    The Bill also seeks the establishment of the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya to regulate the workers.

    In the Bill, Owino notes that community health workers play a crucial role in healthcare at the grassroots level of our communities despite not receiving the proper recognition and assistance that they need.

    The Ndhiwa legislator while addressing the House also pointed out that healthcare is particularly challenging in rural areas and, therefore, warrants specific focus and consideration.

    “Community Health Workers are very important as they work directly with the community. The Community health worker knows the homesteads in the area he or she lives in and is familiar with the language of the people and the challenges facing the society,” states Owino.

    He further argues, “It is therefore important to develop a framework for their recognition and regulation so that they are entrenched in the government like other professionals.”

    Seconding the Bill, Seme MP, Dr. James Nyikal stated, “All over the world it is being realized that people in the community have a big part to play in healthcare, for example, traditional midwives have been helping women babies from their homes for years. This is the same with the many others who are informed on health matters and ways of avoiding disease.”

    “It is therefore vital for us to strengthen and capacitate these community health workers. It is important to remember that people get sick at home with the social determinants behind sickness being found in the communities,” added Nyikal.

    Sotik MP, Francis Sigei acknowledged and applauded the role that Community Health Workers play in Society.

    “Hon Speaker, these Health Workers are part of the backbone of our society hence why I call them Health Warriors. They are responsible for making our nation healthy and productive. Without them there to help combat diseases in our communities we would fail”, remarked Sigei.

    Marsabit County MP, Naomi Waqo called on the government to carry out frequent training and develop a curriculum that would be used to carry out the training countrywide.

    “While the qualifications for these Community Health Workers are clearly defined in the Bill, we must make sure that these Health workers consistently receive the requisite training to ensure that they are always relevant to every new challenge that faces our communities,” said Waqo.

    She further called for the distribution of the Community Health Workers Council offices across the country to enhance the nationwide availability of services.

  • Naivas Partners with Food Banking Kenya in Support of Families on World Food Day

    Naivas Partners with Food Banking Kenya in Support of Families on World Food Day

    In celebration of World Food Day, Naivas Supermarket, a leading supermarket chain and a recognized superbrand in Kenya, has proudly partnered with Food Banking Kenya, a registered NGO, to support families facing food insecurity. This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life & a Better Future,” resonates deeply with Naivas as it seeks to uplift the local community and ensure no one goes hungry.

    Today, the aim is to reach 800 households from Korogocho and provide essential food items to an estimated 4,000 individuals.

    This initiative underscores the belief that everyone has something to give and that even small acts of kindness can significantly impact those around us. As a brand, Naivas is committed to finding opportunities for such acts, believing that its contributions can turn lives around and foster hope.

    “Buying and selling are the core of any retail business, but at Naivas, we recognize our responsibility to give back to the community,” said Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas.

    “While we may not be able to solve all the world’s challenges, we can certainly do our part. This partnership is just the beginning of our commitment to reducing food waste and loss.” The donation will include essential dry food items such as bread, flour, and milk.

    Looking ahead, Naivas plans to expand its involvement in proactive initiatives aimed at minimizing food waste and supporting sustainable food systems in Kenya. “We are grateful for this partnership with Naivas, which reflects our shared commitment to fighting hunger and promoting food security,” said Moses Nyoro, Business Development Director, Food Banking Kenya.

    “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families.” Naivas encourages everyone to join in this effort, reminding the community that collective action can lead to significant change. As we observe World Food Day, let us all remember the power of generosity and the importance of supporting those in need.

    Naivas is a leading supermarket chain and a recognized super brand in Kenya, dedicated to providing quality products and exceptional service while also giving back to the community. Through various initiatives, Naivas aims to make a positive impact and promote sustainable practices.

    Kenya Food Banking Kenya is a registered NGO focused on alleviating hunger and promoting food security across Kenya. Through partnerships and community engagement, they work tirelessly to support families in need and reduce food waste.

  • KTDA-managed Factories Install Anti-Tampering Gadgets on Greenleaf Weighing Scales

    KTDA-managed Factories Install Anti-Tampering Gadgets on Greenleaf Weighing Scales

    In its continued commitment to improving transparency and fairness in tea production, the Kenya Tea Development Agency has completed the installation of anti-tampering gadgets on green leaf weighing scales across its 71 managed factories.

    These new measures are designed to eliminate any discrepancies in the weighing of Green leaves delivered by over 700,000 smallholder tea farmers at various buying centers.

    The introduction of the anti-tampering technology comes in response to concerns raised by farmers over sporadic cases of tampered scales.

    These issues could potentially lead to inaccuracies in the weight of green leaf recorded, which directly affects farmers’ payments. KTDA recognizes the importance of addressing these concerns and has taken decisive action to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.

    Each weighing scale is now equipped with a cutting-edge anti-tampering device embedded with a GSM card.

    The device is designed to detect any attempts to tamper with the scale and instantly trigger an alert to factory managers and other officials. In the event of any tampering, the system will send real-time alerts, enabling swift action to address the issue.

    “The integrity of the green leaf collection process is central to our mission of serving our smallholder tea farmers. These anti-tampering gadgets will provide peace of mind and ensure that every farmer is fairly compensated for their hard work,” said Collins Bett, Managing Director, KTDA Management Services.

    “We are committed to making the entire tea value chain more transparent and efficient, and this is just one of the many steps we are taking toward this goal.”

    In addition to the anti-tampering gadgets, KTDA continues to implement other technologies and innovations aimed at improving operational efficiency, including the digitization of payment systems and the modernization of factory processes.

    These efforts are part of KTDA’s broader strategy to enhance value for its over 700,000 smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Kenya’s tea sector.

    The Agency has also rolled out an app and USSD that farmers use to easily access information on their green leaf weight, payments, and information on the tea sector.

    KTDA remains dedicated to maintaining trust with its farmers and stakeholders and will continue to take steps to ensure the smooth and transparent operation of all aspects of tea production.

    About KTDA-MS

    KTDA-MS Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Ltd. Its role is to manage tea factories owned by 54 factory companies that are the shareholders of KTDA Holdings Company Ltd.