Kenyaleo.co.ke

Category: LOCAL

  • MCA’s Urged to prioritize the welfare of citizens and set aside threats

    MCA’s Urged to prioritize the welfare of citizens and set aside threats

    Hon. Caroline Wanjiku, a member of the County Assembly in Kirinyaga County, has called on her fellow MCAs to prioritize the welfare of the common citizen, known as “Wanjiku,” and set aside their threats. She criticized the MCAs’ pressure on the government, deeming it premature, and instead urged them to give the government time to fulfill its responsibilities.

    According to Hon. Wanjiku, since the current government is relatively new, it is important to allow it sufficient time to serve the citizens effectively. She suggested that instead of solely focusing on salary increments for MCAs, a more inclusive approach should be adopted. One such approach is increasing the allocation of bursaries.

    Honorable Wanjiku highlighted her personal experience in her ward, where she was only able to provide a meager Ksh 1,000 for bursaries to needy students. She compared this amount to a needle in a haystack, emphasizing the limited impact it had. She proposed that if the government could increase the county’s allocation, it would enable a broader reach and help more deserving students receive bursary assistance.

    In conclusion, Honorable Caroline Wanjiku urged her fellow MCAs to abandon their threats and concentrate on the well-being of the common citizens. She called for patience and a more inclusive approach, such as expanding the bursary program, to address the needs of the community effectively.

  • Parliamentary Sports Committee rescues musicians and comedians, Music society wins big after Hon Dan Wanyama interventions

    Parliamentary Sports Committee rescues musicians and comedians, Music society wins big after Hon Dan Wanyama interventions

    The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has today received its CMO operating license which was being held by the regulator contrary to the law and established procedures.

    The issuance of the license today Wednesday 17th May followed a directive by the Parliamentary Committee on Sports & Culture chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, who last week ordered KECOBO to unconditionally issue MCSK with the license and support enforcement to ensure that all users of copyrighted musical works paid the tariffs gazetted by Government for use of music in their businesses.

    MCSK CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, during his submissions to the Parliamentary Committee last week, complained that the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) had frustrated his organisation’s efforts to effectively execute its mandate. He said that by refusing to issue MCSK with an Operating license and encouraging users not to pay for music belonging to MCSK members, KECOBO had become an impediment to the growth of the music industry.

    “KECOBO recalcitrant behaviour and sabotage has totally frustrated our efforts to serve our members effectively and efficiently. Most business premises across the country, public services vehicles and broadcasters have been exploiting our members’ works for free as KECOBO hides behind technicalities to deny us licenses,” he said, adding that compliance levels for the past five years have been below 10%.

    He said MCSK had not been able to effectively collect and distribute royalties to our members.

    But yesterday the MCSK team led by
    Its Chairman Mr. Lazarus Muli, Vice Chairman Joseph Shisia and Dr. Ezekiel Mutua met with KECOBO officials led by the Executive Director Edward Sigei following a directive by the Parliamentary Committee and agreed on a working relationship, paving way for the issuance of the License.

    Dr. Mutua thanked the Parliamentary Committee on Sports & Culture for its intervention and pledged his commitment to ensure that artists are effectively served by MCSK.

    “With the license and support of the Government, our members will soon be laughing all the say to the bank,” he said.

    The issuance of the CMO license to MCSK by KECOBO brings to an end the two-year tussle between MCSK and the regulator.

    The Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture chaired by Webuye West Member of Parliament Hon. Dan Wanyama had vowed to streamline the music industry by reviewing the Copyright Act and strengthening the CMOs.

    “CMOs are private companies and the Government should not appear in any way to micromanage them. The work of the Government should be to provide oversight and a conducive environment for CMOs to thrive as businesses so as to serve their members effectively. This is what we want to see,” said Mr. Wanyama.

    Dr. Mutua urged consumers of musical works to pay for the same. He said many musicians were facing serious financial strains because their music is used for free because the regulator had meddled with the CMO operations to the point of publicly telling businesses not to pay.

    Today’s meeting between MCSK and KECOBO signals a new era for uniting artists, streamlining operational and legislative framework for the CMOs, added Dr. Mutua.

  • Octagon Africa Receive Regulatory Nod for Tier II Pension Contributions Custodial

    Octagon Africa Receive Regulatory Nod for Tier II Pension Contributions Custodial

    Octagon Africa, a leading regional financial services provider with local operations in Kenya, has received approval from the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) to manage Tier II contributions from employers who opt out of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) through the Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme.

    The regulatory approval is in line with the NSSF Act, 2013, which was validated and declared constitutional by the Court of Appeal in Kenya in February 2023. The Act, in Section 21, provides an opt-out option for an occupational retirement benefits scheme,  an umbrella retirement benefits scheme and individual retirement benefits scheme that have been approved and registered by the RBA for purposes of receiving Tier II Contributions.

    Octagon Africa Group CEO Fred Waswa said that it would be prudent for employers to put  the Tier II contributions into a privately managed pension scheme such as the Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme which gives employers influence in the governance of the scheme through the Committees set up under the RBA Regulations.

    “We are delighted to receive regulatory approval from RBA to manage Tier II pension contributions. Our scheme is well managed, well administered, and able to give clients better returns. In addition, our processes are highly automated,” Mr. Waswa said.

    This landmark approval comes as the Kenyan government seeks to deepen and broaden the country’s pension industry, providing more options for Kenyan workers to save for their retirement.

    The pension contribution is set at 12% of the pensionable wages made up of two equal portions of 6% from the employee and 6% from the employer, subject to a total upper limit of Kshs 2,160 for employees earning above Kshs18,000 in the first year of implementation.

     

    Octagon Africa has a proven track record in providing pension fund administration and consultancy services since 2007 and currently manages over Kshs.100 billion in assets for over 200,000 customers. The company offers Employee Benefits Administration and Consultancy services.

    “We believe that our expertise in pension administration, coupled with our innovative solutions, enables us to provide our clients with a unique value proposition in the Tier II pension market,” Octagon Africa Commercial Director Florence Muchiri said.

    Octagon Africa is committed to ensuring that its clients receive the best financial advice and investment solutions at the most favorable and competitive rates, and this approval is a step in the right direction.

  • The Role Of Technology In Creating Personalized Home Appliances

    The Role Of Technology In Creating Personalized Home Appliances

    1.   What are some of the personalized home appliances created by Samsung technology?

     

    We have the Smart refrigerators, which are refrigerators that can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps. They feature touch screens that allow users to leave notes, make grocery lists, and check the weather forecast. We also have the Smart ovens. These are ovens that can be preheated, set to specific temperatures, and even turned off using a smartphone app. They also have built-in cameras that allow users to monitor the cooking process remotely. We can also add to the list the Smart washing machines which can be remotely controlled and monitored via a smartphone app. They also have features that allow users to customize their wash cycles, such as the water temperature, spin speed, and detergent levels and the Smart air conditioners. These are air conditioners that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. They feature sensors that detect when people are in the room, and can adjust the temperature and fan speed accordingly. Lastly, we have the Smart vacuum cleaners that can be controlled and monitored via a smartphone app. They feature sensors that detect obstacles and adjust their cleaning patterns accordingly. Some of these products are not available locally but can be purchased on order at our various Samsung stores.

     

     

    2.   How does Samsung technology enable greater customization and control over household devices?

     

    Samsung technology enables greater customization and control over household devices through the use of smart home technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms. With Samsung’s smart home platform, SmartThings, users can control and monitor their Samsung appliances from their smartphones. This allows for greater convenience and flexibility, as users can adjust their appliances from anywhere and at any time. Furthermore, Samsung also utilizes AI and machine learning algorithms in their appliances to learn user behavior and preferences. This enables the appliances to personalize their functions based on the user’s habits and needs, such as automatically adjusting the temperature in a room or optimizing the washing cycle based on the type of clothes being washed. We also have Samsung appliances that are designed with sensors and internet connectivity, which allow them to gather data on their usage and performance. This data can be used to further personalize the appliance’s functions, predict and prevent malfunctions or breakdowns, and improve energy efficiency. Overall, Samsung technology enables greater customization and control over household devices by leveraging smart home technology, AI, machine learning, sensors, and internet connectivity.

     

    3.   What is the role of Samsung’s smart home platform, SmartThings, in creating personalized home appliances?

    SmartThings is a platform that connects Samsung’s smart home devices, allowing users to control and monitor them from a single smartphone app. This integration allows for greater customization and control over household appliances, as users can set up routines and automations to suit their needs and preferences. For example, with SmartThings, users can set up a routine that turns off all the lights in the house and locks the doors when they leave. These routines can be customized to fit each user’s lifestyle and preferences. SmartThings also allows for third-party devices to be integrated into the platform, further expanding the possibilities for personalization and customization. For example, users can integrate their smart locks, and even their car’s GPS system into the SmartThings app, creating a seamless and personalized smart home experience. The role of Samsung’s SmartThings platform in creating personalized home appliances is to enable seamless integration and control of Samsung’s smart home devices and third-party devices, providing users with greater customization and control over their household appliances.

     

     

    4.   What are some of the unique features of Samsung’s personalized home appliances, and how do they benefit consumers?

    Samsung’s personalized home appliances have several unique features that benefit consumers, and this includes the AI and machine learning algorithms which Samsung’s appliances are designed with. They learn from user behavior and preferences. This allows the appliances to personalize their functions based on the user’s habits and needs, providing a more customized experience. We also have sensor technology, whereby Samsung appliances feature sensors that can detect changes in the environment, such as temperature and humidity levels. This allows the appliances to adjust their functions accordingly, providing optimal performance and energy efficiency. Samsung’s appliances are connected to the internet, allowing users to control and monitor them from anywhere using their smartphone or tablet. This provides greater convenience and flexibility, allowing users to adjust their appliances on the go. Furthermore, some of Samsung’s appliances, such as their smart refrigerators, feature touchscreen displays that can be used to leave notes, make grocery lists, and even watch TV. This provides an added level of functionality and convenience. Overall, the unique features of Samsung’s personalized home appliances benefit consumers by providing a more customized and convenient experience, optimizing performance and energy efficiency, and making it easier to interact with their appliances.

     

    5.   How does Samsung utilize AI and machine learning in their personalized home appliances?

    Samsung utilizes AI and machine learning in their personalized home appliances to learn user behavior and preferences, and provide a more customized experience. With personalized settings, Samsung’s appliances can learn the user’s behavior patterns and preferences, and automatically adjust their settings to provide the best possible experience. For example, a washing machine may learn the user’s preferred water temperature, spin cycle, and detergent level, and adjust these settings automatically. Samsung’s appliances can also use machine learning algorithms to predict when maintenance is required, and even alert the user in advance. This helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the life of the appliance. We also have a few Samsung appliances, such as their smart refrigerators, which feature voice recognition technology that can learn the user’s voice and provide a more personalized experience. For example, the refrigerator may learn the user’s voice and recognize when they ask for specific information, such as the weather or news updates. At Samsung, we try to be very energy efficient. That is why Samsung appliances can use machine learning to optimize energy consumption, reducing energy costs and minimizing their impact on the environment. For example, an air conditioner may learn the user’s habits and preferences, and automatically adjust the temperature and fan speed to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable environment.

     

    6.   How does Samsung ensure the security and privacy of their personalized home appliances?

    Samsung takes several measures to ensure the security and privacy of their personalized home appliances through secure communication. Samsung appliances use encrypted communication channels to ensure that user data is transmitted securely between the appliance and the cloud. This helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. There are regular software updates where Samsung appliances receive regular software updates that include security patches and bug fixes. This helps ensure that the appliance remains secure and up-to-date. To further ensure safety we have authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the appliance and its data. For example, a smart lock may require a password or fingerprint scan to unlock the door.

    Lastly, Samsung has clear privacy policies that outline how user data is collected, used, and shared. They also provide users with control over their data, allowing them to delete or modify their data as needed

     

    7.   What are some future plans or innovations for Samsung’s personalized home appliances?

    At Samsung we are constantly working on new innovations and improvements for our personalized home appliances through enhanced connectivity of our appliances. We want to make it easier for users to control and monitor their appliances from anywhere and that is why we are improving our AI and machine learning algorithms by investing in technologies that will improve the personalization of our appliances to provide a more customized experience. As for being energy efficient, Samsung is working on developing more energy-efficient appliances that help users reduce their energy consumption and save money on their utility bills. They are exploring new technologies, such as solar power and advanced sensors, to improve energy efficiency. Samsung is committed to sustainability and is exploring new ways to use sustainable materials in their appliances. We are investing in research and development to find new materials that are eco-friendly and reduce the impact of our appliances on the environment. Our plans and innovations for our personalized home appliances demonstrate our commitment to improving the user experience and making our appliances more efficient, sustainable, and connected.

  • SAMSUNG SMARTTHINGS FIND HITS NEW MILESTONE WITH 200 MILLION NODES HELPING FIND LOST DEVICES

    SAMSUNG SMARTTHINGS FIND HITS NEW MILESTONE WITH 200 MILLION NODES HELPING FIND LOST DEVICES

    Samsung Electronics announced that the SmartThings Find service has grown rapidly and now comprises more than 200 million find nodes working to help users locate their misplaced devices. Find nodes are devices that have been registered on the SmartThings Find service to help other Samsung Galaxy users to locate their lost devices.

    “We’re proud and excited to see the rapid growth of the SmartThings Find service. In less than two years, 200 million devices have opted in to help fellow Samsung Galaxy users find their misplaced devices making it one of the fastest growing services at Samsung,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business. “Losing a device can be stressful, but SmartThings Find makes it easier to quickly locate and recover your device. It’s just one example of how a connected ecosystem of devices creates meaningful experiences for Samsung Galaxy users all over the world.”

     

    As a rapidly growing location service, SmartThings Find enables Samsung Galaxy users to quickly locate registered Samsung Galaxy devices from smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds to personal belongings such as keys or your wallet that have a Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+1 device attached. SmartThings Find leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate your item. If your device is outside of your phone’s range, other nearby Samsung Galaxy users who have opted into SmartThings Find can help you locate it. If you grant SmartThings Find permission, SmartThings Find can also alert users that they have left their device behind.

    Ensuring the security of sensitive information like location data is a top priority for Samsung. SmartThings Find encrypts user data and keeps it protected by the defense-grade security platform, Samsung Knox. A device’s location data is only revealed to other people with the user’s permission and the ID of each user’s device changes every 15 minutes and is stored anonymously. SmartThings Find also helps users identify unknown SmartTags that follow them for a certain period of time.

     

    To find out more about SmartThings Find, visit SmartThings Find website.

     

     

     

    About SmartThings:

    SmartThings is the premier technology enabling connected living and driving the future of IoT. Its open platform already supports thousands of devices across hundreds of brands and offers endless possibilities to innovators and developers seeking seamless connectivity in a vast IoT ecosystem. The company is committed to bringing smart functionality and capabilities everywhere consumers want to be, while enhancing the user experience. There are currently millions of people in more than 200 countries accessing SmartThings technology daily to create automations and control facets of their smart homes via the SmartThings App and through a range of Samsung products such as phones, TVs and digital appliances. SmartThings offers the most flexible amount of protocols, including the new IoT standard, Matter. Launched in 2012, SmartThings is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and is a founding board member of Connectivity Standards Alliance, an organization of hundreds of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the IoT. For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com.

  • World Animal protection condemns the brutal Killing of six Lions in Kajiado County, Kenya

    World Animal protection condemns the brutal Killing of six Lions in Kajiado County, Kenya

    World Animal Protection is deeply saddened and appalled by the recent incident in which six lions from Amboseli National Park were cruelly killed following an alleged break-in at the nearby Nashipa village in Kajiado Sub-County. This tragic event comes just days after four other lions were killed, bringing the total number of lions killed in the Amboseli Ecosystem to a devastating ten (10).

    While we understand and empathize with the losses incurred by the community, we strongly condemn the cruel act of killing lions without considering alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. We appeal to the community to demonstrate compassion and respect towards wildlife. Furthermore, we urge them to refrain from invading wildlife territories, as habitat loss and depletion of natural food sources within the ecosystem may force wild animals to seek sustenance in nearby areas.

    This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder that wildlife have a right to a wild life and there can never be a peaceful coexistence between wild animals and humans if either keeps encroaching on the other’s ecosystem. To avert such tragic occurrences happening in future, we call upon the authorities tasked with the protection of wild animals to be proactive in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

    World Animal Protection is committed to advocating for the welfare and protection of animals worldwide. We stand ready to collaborate with local communities, government authorities, and relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable practices that protect wildlife.

  • Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Device; Incredible Affordability with Outstanding Performance

    Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Device; Incredible Affordability with Outstanding Performance

    Xiaomi today announced the official launch of Redmi A2+, a great entry level device with a powerful MediaTek Helio G36 processor, 8MP AI dual camera system and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.

    With the launch of Redmi A2+, Xiaomi raises the bar for the segment by making exceptional performance available at a highly affordable price, making it a top-of-the-line contender in its bracket. The device will come in a 2GB + 32GB variant at the affordable cost of Ksh. 10,499/-

    Large 5,000mAh battery and MediaTek Helio G36 

    Powering up Redmi A2+ is a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, with an octa-core CPU up to 2.2GHz. The device is equipped with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and 10W fast charging, that provides enough power to last you a full day.

    Large 6.52″ HD+ Dot Drop display packed into a trendy design 

    You can bring your favorite movies to life on the large 6.52″ HD+ display in a stylish flat frame design with a unibody curved back which produces a natural feel to Redmi 2A+ that other entry level smartphones can’t match. The device features a responsive rear fingerprint sensor and comes in three colours Black, Light Green and Light Blue.

    Photography with 8MP AI dual camera and 5MP selfie camera 

    Redmi 2A+ comes with an 8MP main camera for capturing and sharing your life moments and a 5MP front camera for clear selfies and a series of gallery features for a fun experience.

    The storage can be expanded to up to 1TB meaning it’s capable of storing a personal library of thousands of videos, songs and photos. Redmi A2+ comes with Android 13 (Go Edition) for a stable and engaging user experience. The devices will be available in Kenya from today.

  • Makini Schools Introduces Free Aftercare and Holiday Programme for Preschoolers

    Makini Schools, has today announced a free aftercare and holiday programme for preschoolers in their schools in Nairobi and in Kisumu. The programme is designed to support families with busy schedules while ensuring that learners stay engaged and inspired during school breaks with a primary focus on providing a safe and structured environment for children to learn and explore.

    The aftercare and holiday programme will offer a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, and technology (coding), to keep learners creatively engaged.

    Speaking on the initiative, Makini Schools’ Regional Managing Director, Mr. Horace Mpanza highlighted that the programme was specifically created to address the requirements of working parents who often find it challenging to balance their work responsibilities with their child’s school schedule.

    “We recognize the challenges faced by working parents in securing suitable childcare arrangements after school hours and during school holidays. We have listened to our parents’ concerns and in response, we believe that the aftercare and holiday programme will provide flexible scheduling options, enabling parents to fulfill their work obligations while ensuring that their children receive excellent care and gain valuable skills. This win-win situation benefits both parents and children,” said Mr. Mpanza.

    He added that the programme will be complemented by the top-of-the-line facilities and a team of well-trained and experienced teachers, at the institution. “Our schools have the necessary facilities to enable learners to access a rich and stimulating learning environment even during school breaks,” he said.

    The holiday programme will be offered in 4-6 week long sessions, with classes running for 2 hours on weekdays from 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm. Additional classes for upper grades are expected to be added throughout the year, offering a comprehensive range of opportunities for learners to learn and grow.

    Makini Schools is committed to providing quality education, support and value to its learners and families, and the aftercare and holiday programme is yet another example of this commitment.

    With its comprehensive range of activities, flexible scheduling, and cost-effective approach, the programme is sure to be a valuable resource for learners and families alike.

    Additionally, parents and guardians can rest assured that their children will be safe and supervised, as the programme is designed to provide a structured and secure environment for children.

    The programme is free of cost and open to all pre-school learners.

    Makini Pre-School learners playing with beam balances at Ngong Campus during the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday Program. The free program is meant to cater for parents with busy schedules while ensuring that learners stay engaged and inspired after school and during holidays.

    Makini School learners engage in performing arts during the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday programme at Makini Preschool campus, Ngong Road. The program’s primary focus is to provide a safe and structured environment for children to learn and explore after school.

    Makini Preschool learners taking part in exploration and adventure activity jumping on a trampoline during the showcasing of the activities at the launch of the Aftercare and Holiday program at Makini Preschool campus, Ngong Road.

    About Makini Schools

    Makini Schools was founded in February 1978 by the late Dr. Pius Okelo and Dr. Mary Okelo. Currently, the school has five r campuses: The Ngong Road (mother) campus and the Makini Junior Academy on State House Avenue in Nairobi; Makini Junior School Migosi, Makini boarding School Kibos and Makini school Kisumu.

    On its 40th anniversary in 2018, the school changed ownership from the Okelo’s and is now under the ADvTECH Group. Makini Schools aim is to become a world class Kenyan curriculum and International curriculum school in the region.

  • Worrying Trend as Donkey Numbers Plummet to alarming levels

    Worrying Trend as Donkey Numbers Plummet to alarming levels

    Concerns have been raised following the plummeting of donkey numbers countrywide.

    Brooke East Africa through the Regional Director Raphael Kinoti noted that going by the Government’s statistics, there were 1.8M donkeys as of 2009 but currently we just have 1.2M donkeys left, meaning a whooping 600,000 have been eliminated.

    “We blame all this on the Department of Veterinary Services that okeyed the trade in donkey hide thereby giving unscrupulous people a chance to burn the midnight oil eliminating the animals. The trade should be banned totally in order to give these handy animals a chance to survive,” Dr Kinoti noted.

    Dr Kinoti also highlighted the importance of community participation in weeding out the theft of donkeys.

    “The society has a critical role to play in informing the authorities any person found driving donkeys in a suspicious manner. Such a person should be reported to the authorities because he poses a great risk to the entire country.

    During a field visit to Ndeiya, Brooke East Africa assessed the magnitude of illegal donkey slaughter whereby hundreds of carcasses were evident that the cartels are posing a real threat to donkeys.

    “We have seen here today that this illegal slaughter takes place in the cover of darkness and is conducted in the bushes. The hides are quickly removed and the carcass deboned leaving just the skeleton. It’s believed that the meat is then traded in the black Market thereby posing another great health risk to members of the public. This is because donkeys are a carrier to several deadly diseases such as the Equine flu, rabies anthrax and the like,”

    Dr Kinoti noted that Brooke East Africa will continue to work with like minded institutions and the authorities in creating awareness, advocacy and enforcement in a bid to safeguard the equines.

  • Building MSES networks and benchmarking delegation commensed

    Building MSES networks and benchmarking delegation commensed

    The recent visit of the Elimika self-help group from Tana River County to the Micro Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) in Embu/Tharaka Nithi region. The purpose of the visit was to benchmark and network with established actors in the mango value chain in Embu County.

    The delegation, led by Mr. Zachary Kibara ADED of Tana River/Lamu region and Mr. Richard Mutua of CISP-rebuild project officer, had the opportunity to visit Karurumo Horticulture in the Karurumo area of Runyenjes constituency. Karurumo Horticulture serves as a hub for horticulture and produces aggregation and value addition, focusing on mangoes, bananas, and other crops. It is owned and managed by the Karurumo Aggregators and Processors Association, which has been successful in adding value to mangoes through the development of various products.

    During the visit, the two groups, representing Elimika and Karurumo Aggregators and Processors Association, had the chance to interact, exchange ideas, and share success stories and challenges related to product development, marketing, and group dynamics/management. This exchange of knowledge and experiences is valuable for both parties as it promotes learning and fosters collaboration.

    Additionally, the Elimika group had the opportunity to learn about banana value addition from both the Karurumo association and Faith Mbogo of Kikai Foods Group, located in Kirigi Manyatta constituency. This further enriched their understanding of value addition in the agricultural sector.

    Mr. Munoru Edward, the representative from MSEA Embu, emphasized the importance of embracing intercounty entrepreneurial networks and benchmarking for the sustainable growth and development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). By fostering these connections and promoting market linkages, MSEs can thrive and contribute to the economic development of the region.

    Overall, the visit and exchange of ideas between the Elimika self-help group and the mango value chain actors in Embu County are positive steps toward strengthening the agricultural sector and promoting entrepreneurship. The sharing of experiences and knowledge will contribute to the growth and success of MSEs in both the Tana River and Embu/Tharaka Nithi regions.