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  • Kisumu City Set to Host Kenya’s First Business Ecosystem Summit (BES)

    Kisumu City Set to Host Kenya’s First Business Ecosystem Summit (BES)

    • At least 5,000 stakeholders from the private and public sectors are expected to attend, with key government officials poised to grace the high-level conversations.
    • The Summit aims to provide mechanisms for organizations to leverage technology, excel in research and business competence, and effective collaboration in the marketplace.

    Kenya is set to host the first-ever Business Ecosystems Summit (BES) in Kisumu City on Friday, September 1st, 2023.

    This is in line with ongoing key government reforms aimed at stimulating business growth across the country, bolstering economic independence and prosperity.

    Organized by the IMC People Ltd in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), the summit is aimed at unlocking the potential of collaborative networks and effectively navigating the dynamic shifts within various business landscapes.

    Speaking about the upcoming summit, LREB Chairperson Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o said Kisumu is ready and honored to host the summit.

    “We are more than happy to host this dynamic gathering of visionary minds at the upcoming Inaugural Business Ecosystems summit. This summit is like no other, it serves as a catalyst for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and creating harmonious collaborations. Together, we will explore groundbreaking strategies, embrace emerging technologies, and forge strategic partnerships to unlock the full potential of our business ecosystems. I invite all participants to join hands and embark on this transformative journey towards a prosperous future.” Said Governor Nyong’o.

    The summit aims to provide mechanisms for organizations to leverage technology, excel in research and business competence, and compete effectively in the marketplace. This is in addition to driving new collaborations that press social and environmental challenges and foster sustainable practices and responsible business models.

    In his address, LREB CEO Victor Nyagaya emphasized the paramount importance of the summit in propelling innovation and fostering substantial growth.

    “Acting as a key partner, LREB are thrilled to actively participate in this transformative expedition and aid in the establishment of collaborative ecosystems.

    LREB seeks within its mandate to enhance socio economic transformation of the bloc through leveraging on the economies of scale in its ecosystem and implement through collaboration with state and non-state actors the empowerment and participation of its over 15 million population. As a bloc we firmly believe that by embracing disruptive trends and nurturing strategic partnerships, we have the power to unlock a multitude of novel opportunities, resulting in enhanced prosperity and an increase in revenue. We are therefore calling upon all investors and businesses (those who can come in as sponsors and exhibitors) to register because we know the people of LREB will show up in huge numbers,” stated Nyagaya.

    A public-private collaborative approach will take center stage at the summit with LREB chairperson Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and the governors of the 13 other member counties of LREB, including deputy chairperson H.E Ken Lusaka, who is also Bungoma County Governor gracing the high-level summit.

    Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Investment and other ministries, Senators, Members of Parliament, and Governors are expected to appear at the summit, signifying governments’ recognition of the critical role business ecosystems play in achieving economic growth.

    Giving her remarks ahead of the summit, The IMC People CEO Jeanette Oromo said the summit’s key focus is accelerating business transformation and fostering innovation among diverse stakeholders including government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.

    “In light of the transformative and disruptive trends and the remarkable resilience exhibited during the pandemic, it is becoming increasingly evident that traditional paradigms need re-evaluation. Our intention, therefore, is to conduct this evaluation through the summit, utilizing modern technology, fostering collaborations, and addressing social and environmental challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of Kenya’s business ecosystems while working hand in hand with all players – Government, Investors and Business Communities to forge a way forward that makes it easier for accessibility to businesses in our regions by investors and vice – versa, customer acquisition and retention and transparency in regard to funding and investment.” said Oromo.

    During the summit, a special focus will be made on fostering business ecosystems that center around shared sectors, missions, goals, and products. The primary goal is to maximize interactions and leverage each participant’s unique strengths. This approach aims to optimize collaboration and unlock the collective potential of all stakeholders by empowering them to engage with a comprehensive ecosystem, rather than dealing with individual entities separately.

    Businesses who will be present are expected to find ways to harness creativity, collaboration and innovation to lower costs of production and find new customer acquisition strategies while attracting investment.

  • Linda Ugatuzi Faults Court of Appeal Decision on Finance Act

    Linda Ugatuzi Faults Court of Appeal Decision on Finance Act

    The Operation Linda Ugatuzi leader Prof. Fred Ogola
    The Operation Linda Ugatuzi leader Prof. Fred Ogola

    The Operation Linda Ugatuzi led by Prof. Fred Ogola has poked holes in the Court of Appeal Decision to quash a high court decision that temporarily suspended implementation of the finance act.
    Prof. Fred Ogola notes,
    “Today we are here to address the media regarding the issue of lifting on conservatory order of the 2023 finance act.

    We were in deep shock when the court of appeal actually lifted the conservatory order against the unpopular finance act which was passed by the very unpopular Kenya Kwanza Government that is acting against the rights of Kenyans by collecting too much money from Kenyans yet only corruption is what we are hearing.

    Ogola said that the Chief Justice Martha Kooome is leading the most corrupt institution that is denying Kenyans justice.

    “Kenyans are not getting anything from the taxes they pay they are only hearing stories of tumetenga, tunapanga, tunakata kupanga, those things don’t actually add value to Kenyans. What we have discovered is that I was in court the day the High Court suspended the unpopular finance act. It was very clear when I heard lawyer mahat saying that they are very sure and they know that the court of appeal will overrule the high court on the issue of the finance act. Now because they knew, we have a system in Kenya, whereby the lower courts give Kenyans justice and the higher court take away that justice of Kenyans.

    And it’s now clear that the higher you go in the court system, the less justice you are likely to see because the level of courts rises with corruption, which means the higher the court the higher the corruption. Kenyans you must remember we are here because the Judiciary led by Justice Koome was there in supreme court when they made unpopular decision to uphold the election of this government yet there were so many controversial issues.

    Again they have now suspended the ruling by High Court again very unpopular decision made by Court of Appeal.

    So what I want to tell Chief Justice Martha Koome, you are Chief Justice yes, by title, but are you overseeing justice in Kenya?

    You are a Chief Justice over a very big system where there’s no justice. You should actually be called Chief Injustice because that is what we are seeing in the country. Kenyans lost faith in the Court of Appeal, Kenyans have now lost faith in the supreme court, the only court where Kenyans still have faith is High Court. We want to applaud Justice Thande for having made a decision that is now being overturned by a court system which the higher you go, the higher the corruption and the lower the justice.

    As operation Linda Ugatuzi we have a petition in high court trying to ask the high court to completely withdraw the finance act. We hope the decision which has been made by the Court of Appeal will not compromise justice in withdrawing of the unpopular, Draconian, finance act.”

  • EABL Group’s earnings undermined by regional macro-economic slowdown

    EABL Group’s earnings undermined by regional macro-economic slowdown

    o   Net sales growth remained flat to prior year at Kshs 109 billion, impacted by depressed consumer wallets

    o   Uganda and Tanzania top line performance up 17% and 1% respectively, while Kenya declined by 4%

    o   Recommended final dividend at Kshs 1.75 per share, and a total dividend of Kshs 5.50 per share

    East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has reported Kshs 109 billion in net sales for the full year ended June 30, 2023, a similar revenue performance compared to prior year.

    EABL’s Group volumes were down 7 percent year-on-year, as sales were impacted by sluggish consumer spending as effects of the tough macro-economic environment and regulatory disruptions took a toll on depletions.

    Net sales in Kenya declined 4 per cent with excise tax escalation impacting the price-sensitive mainstream segment. The trade environment in Kenya also impacted performance, particularly trade distractions leading to county-led bar closures. However, the premium spirits segment proved resilient, registering double-digit growth.

    Uganda continued its encouraging half-year growth trajectory, closing at 17 percent growth aided by pricing benefits and modest volume growth. Tanzania registered modest growth of 1 percent as the market continues to adjust to price increases taken earlier in the year.

    EABL delivered net profit of Kshs 12 billion, a 21 percent decline, on the back of rising input costs, multiple excise tax increases and currency depreciation which could not be fully offset by increased prices and cost management initiatives.

    The EABL Board has recommended a final dividend of Kshs 1.75 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to Kshs 5.50 per share.

    EABL Group Managing Director & CEO, Ms. Jane Karuku said: “EABL remained resilient despite the macro- economic headwinds – including global inflation and geopolitical disruptions – which disproportionately raised our costs and depressed consumer spending across the year. Amidst these challenges, we maintained our strategic focus on delivering value to our consumers and all our stakeholders through executional excellence, and operational efficiency.”

    Ms. Karuku added: “As we navigate the current volatility, we remain optimistic about the growth prospects for our business. We continue to invest in our advantaged portfolio of brands and insight-led innovations to meet the ever-evolving needs of our consumers. Together with the relentless dedication of our teams, I expect that we will continue to deliver topline growth, sustained profitability and consistent cash flow generation.”

    EABL continued to reap from smart investment behind brands, digital and consumer experiences, investing Kshs 12.9 billion in capital expenditure during the year. The company’s Environmental, Social and

     

    Governance (ESG) plan to promote positive drinking, champion inclusion and diversity and pioneer grain-to- glass sustainability continued apace with significant investments behind strategic sustainability initiatives across East Africa.

  • Road to 100 as Naivas Unveils 2nd Store in Malindi

    Road to 100 as Naivas Unveils 2nd Store in Malindi

    The leading retailer store Naivas supermarket is keeping true to its strategic expansion plan with a return to the coast region barely two months since it last set up an outlet in Bombolulu.

    The retailer opens the door to its newest branch in Malindi along the Malindi-Mombasa highway and just 2km from Malindi Airport.

    This is the second branch in the town fondly refeed to as Little Italy and the third in Kilifi County. This latest outlet brings its store tally to 10 in the coast region and 97 countrywide spread across 24 towns and cities in the country.

    The branch covering 6700 square feet of trading space is an excellent addition to the supermarket chain as it has a very strategic location that allows it to serve not only the residents of Malindi but also travellers transiting through the region as well.

    It sits in a mixed-use development that has other businesses that beautifully complement it including but not limited to a petrol station.

    “This is a big year in the books for us. As we set our FY24 plans in motion with the biggest being us hitting the historic 100 branches. We have dubbed this countdown, #Roadto100, as we are taking stock of the 33 years’ worth of work that has led us to this moment! Looking at where we are today, we could not have done it without the support of our shoppers who have constantly demanded more, better and faster from us. It has taken us just one and a half years to return to Malindi which is a testament to the support we have received from the community here. We have made it our modus operandi to listen to our customers’ feedback and constantly deliver new and enhanced shopping experiences. 97 branches in, we believe that we have the building blocks in place to help define the next chapter of retail and do so while driving strong growth,” said Andreas Von Paleske, Naivas Chief of Strategy.

    He added, “Since we opened our first outlet in Malindi in December of 2021, our goal has been simple: providing the community a world-class shopping experience served with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality all the while keeping true to our brand promise of “saves you money.”

    The addition of the second outlet
    rubber stamps this as a winning formula and we intend to keep at it. As has been our tradition we will run a 4-week campaign dubbed Malindi Tena na Tena.

    The people of Malindi have really honoured us through their support and for us we will keep turning up for them again and again whenever they call on us. This campaign will see the residents of Malindi enjoy unbeatable store opening offers amongst many other goodies,” concluded Mr. Andreas.

  • Teleposta pensioners appeal for president to help them from auctioneers

    Members of Teleposta pension scheme are living in fear of being evicted from their houses that they have lived in for over 25 years.

    The members say that some of them were given offer letters to buy the houses at reasonable prices then but the pension scheme has increased the prices to a point that they cannot afford.

    Through an auctioneer the members say that they were given a notice of 3 months since March to vacate the houses now the auctioneer is threatening to evict them from the houses.

    Barnabas Munga a member of the pension scheme says that those who had received the offer letters were instructed to pay a 10% of the buying price and a grace period of 3 months to complete the paying.

    The members say that it is improper to for such payment plan they decried the conditions asking for a mortgage but they could not be given that offer. They now want the Teleposta pension scheme to offer all the more that 120 members offer letters to purchase the houses with the initial price not the inflated prices that they are giving now.they want the president to now to come to their rescue in the hands of cartels who want to take advantage who want them to vacate for their personal benefits

    According to the CS of Education Ezekiel transferring a child to another school in public school due to the education system of Kenya now is a nother big problem to the residents ,being their children are all in public schools, so telling them to vacate will not only affects them but also affects the Education of the children’s.

  • Mamo Appears Before Senate Lands Committee

    The Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Mamo Boru Mamo on Thursday appeared before the senate committee on lands.

    Mr. Mamo Boru in his response on actions taken my NEMA to ensure sustained enforcement of law and regulations pertaining to sand harvesting in Machakos and Kitui a statement sought by Nominated Senator Hon. Tabitha Mutinda on the utilisationand use of sand in Kitui, affirmed to the Committee that, NEMA and County Government conduct regular inspections to minimize illegal sand harvesting.

    Mamo reported that the Authority has undertaken approximately 47 inspections in Machakos County and 35 inspections in Kitui County some of which have been on sand harvesting within the Counties.

    ‘’The Authority have been imposing punitive fines and penalties on offenders in law, restriction of sand harvesting and transportation working hours to daytime only (6am to 6pm) and promotion of construction of gabions and sand dams along the threatened river beds where sand harvesting is practiced sponsored by African Sand Foundation (NGO).’’ DG NEMA added.

    During the committee the Legislators recommend that the two Governors work hand in hand with National Environmental Management Authority, to ensure this menace of Sand harvesting is reduced in both Counties for the benefits of the residents and safe Environment.

    Director Mamo said that the reason as to why their is heavy harvest of sand is due to the government is on with the construction of affordable houses.

    Other Senators in attendance were, Vice Chair Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Sen. Johnes Mwaruma, Sen. Beatrice Ogolla, Sen. Agnes Kavindu, Sen. William Cheptumo and Sen. Mariam Omar. Senator Tabitha Mutinda who sought the Statement and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua attended.

  • Chelimo Urges Leaders To Reason Together

    Chelimo Urges Leaders To Reason Together

    The leader of National Vision Party Engineer Chelimo has implored upon leaders to embrace the voice of reason rather than jeopardize our country.

    Reacting to the recently witnessed chaos during the Maandamano, Hon Chelimo cautioned those who call for destruction of property to cease.

    “What we witnessed in Mlolongo where the vandalized a section of the expressway was retrogressive. No Kenyan should damage our infrastructure which is a great enabler of economic transformation,” he advised.

    He told those leaders who feel aggrieved by anything to make use of the professional and legal means of addressing their grievances.

    “We have avenues such as courts or even the National Assembly where anybody is free to forward their issue and it will be looked into. Going to the roads and causing mayhem cannot address even the high cost of living,” he advised.

    He also advised the youths to shun being misused by some politicians to wreck havoc and destruction but rather they should involve themselves in constructive matters

  • Navigating New Horizons with 5G Network

    Navigating New Horizons with 5G Network

    Over the past two decades, Kenya has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its digital landscape, ushering in a transformative era of technological advancement. The journey began with simple flip feature phones, with barely 10 percent penetration in the early 2000s. A 2022 report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that almost half the population currently owns mobile devices.

    Widespread mobile connectivity has laid the ground for expanding digital services and innovation in various sectors. That is, with the growth of the internet and the emergence of 3G and 4G networks, there has been increased access to information, sparking the development of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces, providing opportunities for businesses to reach broader audiences and consumers to access a wide range of products and services conveniently across the globe.

    The Government, also recognizing the significance of a thriving digital economy, has taken bold steps to support its growth in the country. That has happened through the deployments of various initiatives such as the Digital Master plan (2022-2032), Constituency Innovation Hubs, and National Broadband Strategy, just to name a few. The government has made progress in enhancing ICT infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and deepening the sector’s contribution to overall socio-economic growth.

    As the 5G network gains traction in Kenya, it opens up limitless possibilities for the telco industry and the digital sphere, revolutionizing how we live, work, and do business as a society.

    How 5G will change the way we live

    5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, which boasts the ability to deliver faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth bringing with it the promise of better reliability than its predecessors.

    With ultrafast speeds, 5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds, up to multi-GigaBits per second (Gbps). This means users can now enjoy seamless streaming of high-definition video content, quick file downloads, smoother online gaming experiences, and real-time high-quality video calls without buffering delays.

    Undoubtedly, the fast and reliable speeds that 5G brings will also tremendously impact the remote work model that the Covid-19 pandemic forced upon us in 2020. Professionals will be able to collaborate and participate in virtual meetings in an improved and transformed way, utilizing the game-changing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies. Boosted productivity, increased work flexibility, and improved work-life balance are inherent in 5G, eventually leading to cost savings for businesses.

    Another impressive feature of 5G is its ultralow latency. By reducing the time it takes for data to travel between devices and the network, 5G will enable near-instantaneous communication, enhancing real-time communication. This will revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare and education, enabling equal access to all.

    In healthcare, for instance, 5G technology can enable remote consultations, remote monitoring, and real-time collaboration between medical professionals, leading to improved healthcare outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. For example, take a case where a surgeon cannot be physically present in a surgery room, yet their input is vital. The surgeon can still offer remote surgery assistance, guiding and controlling surgical instruments in real-time, thus, saving a life.

    In the education sector, 5G technology is set to enable immersive learning experiences through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), providing students with access to educational resources and experiences that were not possible before. In other words, this means that a student in Marsabit County, Kenya, with access to the right devices, can now attend a lecture at Melbourne University, Australia, in real time.

    Further, because 5G networks can support a significantly larger number of connected devices simultaneously compared to previous generations, the expansion and evolution of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is imminent. This, in time, will increase the feasibility of initiatives geared towards improving urban planning and developments by the government. Smart Cities, for example, will become a realistic possibility by utilizing a network of connected devices, such as traffic sensors, surveillance cameras, and environmental monitors, to improve the quality and way of life of citizens.

    Moreover, since the 5G network can support massive machine-to-machine communication ensuring real-time data exchange and coordination, smart factories might be here with us soon. Consequently, this will mean improved efficiency, optimized production processes, and lessened human interventions in industries like manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics leading to cost savings and higher production in the sectors.

    Airtel Kenya’s commitment to innovation

    Driven by continuous evolution, at Airtel Kenya, we strive to remain at the forefront of innovation by investing in research to create unique and affordable products that cater to all our customers’ diverse needs and demands. Our primary goal is to transform the digital ecosystem in Kenya and contribute to bridging the digital divide in Africa. As evidence of our dedication to this mission, we recently launched the Airtel 5G network. With over 370 active sites in the country in 16 counties and 180 wards, we want to expand digital connectivity and inclusivity.

    In conclusion, while 5G deployment stands as one of the most revolutionary technological advancements of our time, it is imperative to acknowledge the various associated risks and security concerns, such as cyber security threats, data privacy concerns, and infrastructural vulnerabilities among others, as highlighted in the 2022 report by World Economic Forum.

    Therefore, sustained collaboration between network operators, the government, research institutes, academia, and other stakeholders is crucial to mitigate these challenges. Together, they can ensure adequate infrastructure development in Kenya and across Africa while providing users with peace of mind regarding its safe and secure usage, ultimately contributing to a steady uptake.

     

    By:

    Ashish Malhotra, Airtel Kenya MD.

  • LG Electronics Brings Cutting-Edge Dryers and Dishwashers to The Kenyan Market

    LG Electronics Brings Cutting-Edge Dryers and Dishwashers to The Kenyan Market

    LG Electronics East Africa has unveiled its state-of-the-art dryers and dishwashers for the Kenyan market with an aim to revolutionize how Kenyan households manage their laundry and dishwashing needs.

    This is part of the company’s commitment to enhance consumers’ lives through advanced technology and superior quality.

    Speaking during the rollout of the appliances, LG Electronics Managing Director Dongwon Lee said, “With our commitment to innovation and quality, we aim to elevate the daily lives of Kenyan consumers by providing them with cutting-edge appliances that deliver convenience, efficiency, and superior performance. We are confident that our dryers and dishwashers will transform the way Kenyan households manage their laundry and dishwashing tasks, simplifying their lives and freeing up valuable time.”

    The appliances known for their exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and sleek designs come embedded with cutting-edge features and smart functionalities and are designed to provide unparalleled convenience, time savings, and cleanliness.

    For instance, LG’s Heat Pump Dryers with exclusive DUAL Inverter technology provides industry-leading energy efficiency up to A+++-10% along with 10-year warranty. Equipped with 2 cylinders instead of single cylinder this provides the highest level of energy efficiency in the market while minimizing wrinkles and reducing energy consumption. The innovative Sensor Dry system detects moisture levels and adjusts drying time accordingly, preserving the quality of garments and preventing overdrying.

    On the other hand, dishwashers feature intelligent technologies with intuitive controls, adjustable racks, and a large load capacity that make kitchen clean-up a breeze. The LG QuadWash™, for instance, cleans up the dishes with a single wash from multiple angles, eliminating the need for pre-washing. The Inverter Direct Drive technology makes the dishwasher stable and minimizes noise level while the ThinQ™ application lets users control the machine remotely. The TrueSteam™ technology provides superior cleaning performance by removing stubborn stains and delivering spotless results while the adjustable racks and customizable storage options make it easy to accommodate various dish sizes and shapes.

    Besides, the appliances have been engineered to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. With eco-friendly features like the Inverter Direct Drive motor, which reduces energy consumption and noise levels, and the use of eco-friendly materials, the appliances are designed to minimize their environmental impact.

    At the same time, LG understands that appliances should perform exceptionally and complement modern homes’ aesthetics. With sleek, minimalist designs and premium finishes, the LG dryers and dishwashers add a touch of elegance to any kitchen or laundry room.

    The dryers and dishwashers are already available at authorized retailers and select LG brand stores across the country

    The dishwashers will retail between KES 134,000 and KES 200,000 while the dryers will retail at KES 138,000 to KES 190,000. Customers can visit LG.COM for more information on product availability, specifications, and pricing.

    LG Electronics East Africa has unveiled its state-of-the-art dryers and dishwashers for the Kenyan market with an aim to revolutionize how Kenyan households manage their laundry and dishwashing needs.

    This is part of the company’s commitment to enhance consumers’ lives through advanced technology and superior quality.

    Speaking during the rollout of the appliances, LG Electronics Managing Director Dongwon Lee said, “With our commitment to innovation and quality, we aim to elevate the daily lives of Kenyan consumers by providing them with cutting-edge appliances that deliver convenience, efficiency, and superior performance. We are confident that our dryers and dishwashers will transform the way Kenyan households manage their laundry and dishwashing tasks, simplifying their lives and freeing up valuable time.”

    The appliances known for their exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and sleek designs come embedded with cutting-edge features and smart functionalities and are designed to provide unparalleled convenience, time savings, and cleanliness.

    For instance, LG’s Heat Pump Dryers with exclusive DUAL Inverter technology provides industry-leading energy efficiency up to A+++-10% along with 10-year warranty. Equipped with 2 cylinders instead of single cylinder this provides the highest level of energy efficiency in the market while minimizing wrinkles and reducing energy consumption. The innovative Sensor Dry system detects moisture levels and adjusts drying time accordingly, preserving the quality of garments and preventing overdrying.

    On the other hand, dishwashers feature intelligent technologies with intuitive controls, adjustable racks, and a large load capacity that make kitchen clean-up a breeze. The LG QuadWash™, for instance, cleans up the dishes with a single wash from multiple angles, eliminating the need for pre-washing. The Inverter Direct Drive technology makes the dishwasher stable and minimizes noise level while the ThinQ™ application lets users control the machine remotely. The TrueSteam™ technology provides superior cleaning performance by removing stubborn stains and delivering spotless results while the adjustable racks and customizable storage options make it easy to accommodate various dish sizes and shapes.

    Besides, the appliances have been engineered to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. With eco-friendly features like the Inverter Direct Drive motor, which reduces energy consumption and noise levels, and the use of eco-friendly materials, the appliances are designed to minimize their environmental impact.

    At the same time, LG understands that appliances should perform exceptionally and complement modern homes’ aesthetics. With sleek, minimalist designs and premium finishes, the LG dryers and dishwashers add a touch of elegance to any kitchen or laundry room.

    The dryers and dishwashers are already available at authorized retailers and select LG brand stores across the country

    The dishwashers will retail between KES 134,000 and KES 200,000 while the dryers will retail at KES 138,000 to KES 190,000. Customers can visit LG.COM for more information on product availability, specifications, and pricing.

  • How technology is aiding some of Africa’s largest agricultural producers

    How technology is aiding some of Africa’s largest agricultural producers

    In the latest episode of Inside Africa, CNN International explores the future of agriculture and how agricultural technology – agritech – is supporting the industry.

     

    Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa establishes the importance of the agritech sector and the continent’s role in it, “We have the potential. Now we need to get to the stage where to say, ‘Let’s realise the potential.’ And I mean, if you think about it in a global space, there is generally an increasing interest in agricultural technology and also in the food sector at large, which means that capital could be available to unlock that potential.”

     

    With limited income and access to credit, machinery tends to be too expensive for small-scale farmers to buy. Folu Okunade is the co-founder and COO of Hello Tractor, a way for farmers in Kenya to rent existing equipment and use it more efficiently. He explains, “We have IOT [Internet of Things] enabled web and mobile platforms that connect farmers with mechanisation service providers or tractor owners. The tractor comes to them, does the work. They now don’t have to own a tractor outright because it doesn’t make sense for them to, if they just own a small piece of land, they’re never going to be able to pay back that tractor.”

     

    Farmer and tractor owner Nashon Ngetich speaks about why the service is useful for owners as well as renters, “I’m able to rent it out to my neighbouring farmers, move around with it around the country and I can make some small amount of money from it as well as pay for it, pay the operator. The opportunity with it is we can plan ourselves easily. When the season kicks in I can plan for it.”

     

    Looking to the future, Okunade hopes to expand beyond just tractors. He tells CNN, “Mechanisation is beyond just ploughing or land preparation, it goes to things like planting, or spreading fertiliser, or spraying, or planting, or harvesting. So, we really see this progression now that we have the customer, how do we move them to a highly engaged customer who’s doing three and more services with us per season.”

     

    Africa is the fastest growing continent and the UN estimates that the population of Sub-Saharan Africa will nearly double by 2050. Improving crop yields is key for feeding this future. Okunade says, “There’s a ton of potential. I don’t think anybody knows the ceiling when it comes to working with smallholder farmers and really solving this food security challenge. So, it’s the challenge that drives me, but it’s also knowing that there’s a huge potential out there.”

     

    Also in Kenya, Inside Africa sees how a mobile app for cow management is transforming milk production. Around 3.8 billion litres of milk are produced in Kenya every year, mostly by small farms. Peninah Wanja, Founder of DigiCow Africa describes where dairy farmers lose money, “One of the key challenges that faces the small holder dairy farmers is low milk production, where farmers get an average of 10 litres per cow per day. Against the potential of 30 litres per cow per day, the same cow. And this challenge is brought in by farmers not keeping records.”

     

    As well as keeping records on milk production, DigiCow can store information on vaccinations, deworming, and artificial insemination. The app sends automatic alerts when a cow is due treatment and can dispatch a vet as necessary. Dairy farmer Murimi Wamabi talks about how the app has helped, “My core business being breeding, they’ve really assisted me in breeding in the sense of keeping my records. And since I’m a busy guy, honestly, when you have somebody who can update, he tells you today, check on heat on this particular animal, this one is due on this date so you should dry it. So, all that information is actually at the tip of my finger.”

     

    DigiCow has already expanded to cover more than just cattle. Wanja says, “We started with a dairy farmer in mind. But out of demand from the farmers we have been able to expand to other value chains. And we are now working with sheep, goat, beef in crops, in potatoes, and also rice. In total, we are working with over 300,000 farmers.”

     

    In Côte d’Ivoire, drones are being used to aid agriculture and increase productivity. They allow farmers to remotely monitor crops and use sophisticated sensors to assess soil quality and detect crop disease. Co-founder of drone maker JooL International Joseph-Olivier Biley describes the company, “JooL was born out of a personal problem my family was having. We have this plantation three to four hours away and my father who is very busy didn’t have time to go there regularly. JooL was born to allow people like my father, agricultural investors, to be able to protect and grow their investments remotely while carrying out their day jobs.”

     

    Drone usage is increasing in Africa, particularly in the medical space, but many are imported from China for affordability and ease. Biley says JooL intends to keep making its own hardware locally, “We are only able to produce small quantities. We need to be able to find the means to expand our production line, by setting up a factory to be able to produce in larger quantities locally, to save costs, to create jobs and to be able to satisfy the whole continent.”

     

    Biley and his team have also set up an academy to train drone pilots. Lanciné Doumouya, Co-founder & VP at JooL Academy speaks about the project, “The academy allows us to train professionals in the agricultural field. To give them an added value in their field of agronomy, in their daily agronomic activity. And also people who have nothing to do with agriculture, who want to improve or learn the drone business and be able to create a source of income. So it’s really aimed at everybody.”

     

    Finally, the show visits Uganda where technology is aiding an urban development project.

     

    ‘Inside Africa’ airs on Sunday 30th July 2023 at 12:30 SAST on CNN International