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  • Dr. Riria Feted For Her Advocacy Work 

    Dr. Riria Feted For Her Advocacy Work 

    Echo Network Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Riria has been awarded the prestigious African Woman Achiever in “female advocacy” category of the 2023 African Women Awards in Ethiopia.

    The African Women Awards, an initiative of the Diversity Advancement Network is a leadership platform that celebrates and mentors exceptional women across the globe. This year’s event focused on the theme – The role of women in business in propelling Africa’s renaissance.

    The award ceremony attracted a host of notable African figures among them Heads of State, ambassadors and selected members of the diplomatic corps.

    Dr. Riria’s outstanding contribution to female advocacy in Africa earned her this coveted award. Over the years she has dedicated herself to empowering women through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.

    Her exceptional leadership skills have inspired and transformed many African women’s lives, paving the way for a gender equal society.

    This recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.

  • Optiven Leads the Way in Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Real Estate Sector

    Optiven Leads the Way in Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Real Estate Sector

    Optiven, a leading real estate company, has been recognized for its GoGreen Initiative, which has been hailed as a game changer in the real estate sector.

    The GoGreen Initiative is a project under the Optiven Group Foundation which embraces environmental sustainability across the board and works to highlight, promote and encourage best practices in Environmental Sustainability.

    Optiven award was presented by the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) which is an independent, non-profit, non-political, member-based organization formed to lead the transformation of the built environment in Kenya toward environmentally sustainable buildings, promoting a healthy and efficient built environment.

    The GoGreen Initiative, which falls under the Optiven Foundation’s environment pillar, has been awarded for its innovative approach towards sustainability, inspiring institutions under Kenya Professional Realtors Association (KPRA) and industry stakeholders to include environmental sustainability in their Economic Social Governance ESG blueprints.

    The Awards were held in Nairobi on March 31st at the Trademark Hotel.

    Optiven was recognized for its efforts in promoting sustainable management practices in its projects, with a focus on value additions that embrace the circular economy.

    “Congratulations to the green technology project of the year recipients in the just concluded KPRA Real Estate Awards and Recognition Dinner, awarded by the Kenya Green Building Society – KGBS,” the statement read.

    George Wachiuri, the Chairman of the Optiven Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to all those making a difference in the environmental and sustainability circles locally and abroad.

    He noted that Optiven’s GoGreen initiative has set a positive example for the real estate industry, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability in the economic and social governance of companies.

    Wachiuri said that the award is expected to motivate the Optiven team to continue advocating and working towards sustainability initiatives to make the world a better place.

    “This recognition will also encourage other companies to prioritize environmental sustainability in their operations, promoting a greener and more sustainable future,” Wachiuri said.

    Last year Optiven was a Gogreen initiative that was appreciated by Nature Kenya for its role in conserving the environment.

    Wachiuri said the GoGreen Initiative by Optiven aims to restore and protect our ecosystems in the years leading to Vision 2030.

    Optiven also participated in the Environmental Sustainability Summit that was held on 27th May 2022 at Westland’s Nairobi.

    The event saw the gathering of stakeholders involved in sustainability, scholars on matters of environment, and decision-makers on ecosystem restoration attending.

    Speaking on the role of companies in the promotion of sustainability, Wachiuri recommended that the corporate sector embraces sustainability by recommending biodiversity in common areas of their operations.

    He noted that the time is now for real estate to contribute towards healthier living, and more productive and connected lives in the communities where they operate in.

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    Optiven Limited

    Head Office: Absa Towers Loita Street, 2nd Floor
    Postal Address: P.O Box 623-00600 Nairobi, Kenya
    Call / SMS / Whatsapp:     0790 300300
    Email:     info@optiven.co.ke

    Branches
    Optiven Global Office – Zamani Business Park, Karen
    Kitengela     –  Optiven Business Center – Acacia Junction
    Nanyuki – Ubii Plaza, 2nd Floor along Kenyatta Highway
    Nakuru – 7th Floor – Golden Life Mall

  • Kenya Tea Authority sales volumes rise by 20M Kilograms

    Kenya Tea Authority sales volumes rise by 20M Kilograms

    Tea sales by KTDA-managed factories have risen 13.3% in the Eight months to February 2023 compared to a similar period last year despite a tough market Characterized by dollar shortages in key export destinations.

    In the eight months from July last year to February this year, the factories had cumulatively sold 169.7 million kilos of tea compared to 149.8 million kilos for a similar period in the previous Year.

    Key markets for the agency including Pakistan and Egypt have been impacted by shortages of US Dollars impacting the offtake of the beverage from Kenya.

    “KTDA-managed factories produce high-quality tea that fetches a premium price. We have a reserve price that reflects this quality and ensures tea farming is a sustainable Venture. Strengthening of the US Dollar against local currencies in major consuming countries like Pakistan has put more pressure on its purchasing power,” KTDA Sales and Marketing General Manager Francis Muthamia said.

    Following these challenges, the Agriculture high-quality ministry and KTDA recently successfully lobbied for the classification of tea as an essential commodity in Pakistan meaning that tea importers in the country will be allocated dollars to import tea.

    This is among other marketing efforts by the Agency that have resulted in the positive growth recorded during the period despite the challenging market.

    The KTDA board introduced a reserve (basement) price of USD2.43 per kilo of made tea in July 2021, informed by a deteriorating market that had seen selling prices nearly slip below the cost of production. Coupled with other reforms, the reserve price has since supported a recovery of the price of teas for KTDA-managed factories and led to improved payment to farmers.

  • The Excise Goods Management System regulations 2023

    The Excise Goods Management System regulations 2023

    Rajan Shah, KAM Chairman
    Rajan Shah, KAM Chairman

    Kenya Association of Manufacturers is concerned by the gazettement and implementation of Legal Notice No. 30 of 2023 titled: The Excise Duty (Excise Goods Management System) (Amendment) regulations 2023 that effectively; increases the rates of excise stamp fees for bottled water, juices, and any other non-alcoholic drinks, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and nicotine products and export products.

    KAM and other business associations attended a public participation forum convened by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and The National Treasury on the above subject matter on 1st February 2023. During this engagement, the stakeholders present unanimously objected to the proposal published to increase the cost of EGMS stamps for the above-listed products.

    We are therefore deeply concerned that despite the public participation engagement, none or part of our submission was considered, and the legal notice is a replica of the proposals published.

    The increased EGMS stamp fees up to levels of over 100% and beyond the current market costs of producing the stamps shall have a detrimental effect on consumers and manufacturers due to the increased cost of production and the cost of finished products. Unfortunately, this will be passed on to the consumer amidst the rising cost of living. 

    The increment comes barely five months after a 6.3% inflation adjustment on specific excise tax rates was effected on 1 October 2022, impacting cosmetics, confectionary, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, and tobacco and nicotine products, among other products. Three months before the inflation adjustment, there was an increase in excise taxes from 1 July 2022, by between 10% and 20% through the Finance Act, 2022. 

    The government needs to enhance tax predictability to spur investments and growth. Tax predictability earns investor confidence in the country, leading to increased local and foreign investments. Sudden changes in fiscal policy and regulations divert the industry’s resource allocation from productivity to meeting the costs associated with changes toward fast compliance.

    The EGMS excise stamp is a revenue assurance tool that was initiated to deter counterfeiting, ensure traceability of excisable goods along the supply chain, enable accounting to produce excisable goods manufactured or imported, and facilitate any persons in the supply chain to authenticate the stamps and excisable goods. As such the new EGMS stamp fee increase is a revenue collection mechanism as opposed to an assurance tool.

    Additionally, we are concerned that this increment to some of the most counterfeited items in Kenya will further encourage the counterfeit and illicit trade. This will deny government revenue and put the lives of Kenyans at risk as substandard and highly dangerous goods infiltrate the market.

    It is paramount that we make cost comparisons with other countries, regionally and globally, to ensure the country remains competitive. From our analysis, Kenya’s cost is amongst the highest in this regard with the price of the stamp and its administrative requirements costing the same as the price of the product (see table below for EAC countries). This continues to make Kenya uncompetitive as an investment hub.

    About Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM):  

    Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is the leading voice and representative of manufacturing and value-add industries in Kenya, since its establishment in 1959. 

    KAM is a dynamic, vibrant, credible Association that unites industrialists and offers a common voice for businesses. The Association’s key role is to advance a favorable policy environment for the manufacturing industry to achieve global competitiveness in addition to providing demand-driven services and support to manufacturing. 

    The Association represents about 1200 companies classified in 14 different sectors. Additionally, KAM has 7 regional offices across the country. 

  • NAIVAS LAUNCHES 92ND BRANCH ON THE EVE OF EASTER

    NAIVAS LAUNCHES 92ND BRANCH ON THE EVE OF EASTER

    Kenya’s number one retail chain, Naivas Supermarket will officially open the doors

    of its 92nd outlet. This exciting development kicks off the retailer’s expansion plan set for this year

    and is a step closer to store number 100. A feat that will be the first to be accomplished by a

    supermarket chain in Kenya. The new outlet, covering more than 20,000 square feet of trading space

    is the new anchor tenant at The Brick Mall, along Kiambu Road and the 6th Naivas Outlet in the

    greater Kiambu County.

    “Naivas’ heritage as a Kenyan homegrown brand has set us apart in the art of anticipating customer

    needs even before they voice them, this has ensured that we continually learn the science of

    understanding our customers and ultimately meeting them at their point of need, the most critical

    being freshness, quality, variety, affordability, and convenience. 33 years down the line our

    customers know they can trust us to deliver on these, every time they patronize us. This branch will

    be no different, the shopping experience promises to be wholesome as it is stocked with a variety of

    products ranging from fresh produce, commodities, electronics, and other general products,” said

    Willy Kimani Chief commercial officer.

    “The store opening comes at a very exciting period just after the launch of our seasonal campaign

    dubbed Naivas Kikapu Kibonge, a 9 week campaign that speaks to the hard economic situation that

    Kenyans are facing and promises not only Thindigua residents but all Naivas shoppers across the

    country of kiextra offers, kibiggie discounts and kibunda choices. We know economic times have

    been tough but as the Kenyan retailer of choice, we bear a duty to society to make the shopping

    basket heavier while ensuring it is lighter on the pocket,” added Willy Kimani.

    The retailer has a busy second quarter ahead as they purpose to open a total of six more outlets by

    July

  • Xiaomi Celebrates 13th Anniversary with Annual Fan Festival, “Live Vivid, Let’s Vibe”

    Xiaomi Celebrates 13th Anniversary with Annual Fan Festival, “Live Vivid, Let’s Vibe”

    Xiaomi kicked off its annual ” Xiaomi Fan Festival” with the theme of “Live vivid, let’s vibe” on April 1st. The Xiaomi Fan Festival (XFF) event celebrates Xiaomi’s founding anniversary on April 6th, 2010. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the company, and it’s also a special event for both Xiaomi and its community of dedicated fans worldwide. Throughout the festival, Xiaomi aims to reward Xiaomi Fans with exclusive discounts, promotions, activities, and giveaways.

    Great fun, Great gifts

    In Kenya, we are celebrating Xiaomi Fans Festival 2023 with various promotions and great giveaways. Xiaomi customers can win a fun novelty gift when they deliver their phone for repair at the Xiaomi service center or if they post photos taken with Xiaomi 12 or 12Pro with a watermark then post on social media and tag Xiaomi Kenya or if they follow all Xiaomi Kenya social media handles and share a screenshot. In addition, to the fan festival giveaway, Xiaomi has discounted some devices  Redmi A1+ has been discounted by 5% and the Redmi 10A (4+128) comes at a discounted price and with a free pair of earphones.

    Check out Xiaomi Kenya’s social media pages to learn more.

    History of the Xiaomi Fan Festival

    Xiaomi Fan Festival (XFF) is celebrated each year on April 6, the anniversary of Xiaomi’s founding, to show appreciation for the supporting fans of Xiaomi.

    The first XFF was held in 2012 in Mainland China when Xiaomi decided to launch an event to celebrate the two-year anniversary of its founding. 100,000 Xiaomi smartphones sold out in just 6 minutes and 5 seconds on that day. Outside of Mainland China, XFF was first held in India and Indonesia in 2015, and launched in European markets in 2018, beginning in Spain. Now XFF is available in more than 40 countries and regions around the world.

  • Naivas Supermarket Sets a Record with 92nd Store Opening, coming on the Eve of Easter 2023

    Naivas Supermarket Sets a Record with 92nd Store Opening, coming on the Eve of Easter 2023

    Naivas Supermarket has again set another record for officially opening the doors of its 92nd outlet.

    This exciting development kicks off the retailer’s expansion plan set for this year and is a step closer to store number 100th. A feat that will be the first to be accomplished by a supermarket chain in Kenya.

    The new outlet, covering more than 20,000 square feet of trading space is the new anchor tenant at The Brick Mall, along Kiambu Road, and the 6th Naivas Outlet in the greater Kiambu County.

    “Naivas’ heritage as a Kenyan homegrown brand has set us apart in the art of anticipating customer needs even before they voice them, this has ensured that we continually learn the science of understanding our customers and ultimately meeting them at their point of need, the most critical being freshness, quality, variety, affordability, and convenience. 33 years down the line our customers know they can trust us to deliver on these, every time they patronize us. This branch will be no different, the shopping experience promises to be wholesome as it is stocked with a variety of products ranging from fresh produce, commodities, electronics, and other general products,” said Willy Kimani Chief commercial officer.

    “The store opening comes at a very exciting period just after the launch of our seasonal campaign dubbed Naivas Kikapu Kibonge, a 9-week campaign that speaks to the hard economic situation that Kenyans are facing and promises not only Thindigua residents but all Naivas shoppers across the country of Kiextra offers Kibiggie discounts and Kibunda choices. We know economic times have been tough but as the Kenyan retailer of choice, we bear a duty to society to make the shopping basket heavier while ensuring it is lighter on the pocket” added Willy Kimani.

    The retailer has a busy second quarter ahead as they purpose to open a total of six more outlets by July.

    Overall, this development is a positive sign for the Naivas supermarket sector in Kenya and shows that there is still significant growth potential in the industry. It will be interesting to see how Naivas Supermarket continues to expand and evolve in the coming years.

  • Farmers Urged to Do integrated farm management

    Farmers Urged to Do integrated farm management

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Pest Control and Products Board Dr. Esther Kimani advises:

    “Farmers need to do integrated farm management (IPM). Plant plants that repeal insects at the edge of fields or some rows in between. Remove disease or affected plant materials, bury them in a pit, or burn them. Encourage multiplication and Use beneficial insects that feed on pests, keep your field weed free for weeds to serve as hosts of some pests, regularly scout your field for pests and pest symptoms and only spray pesticides when you must. To prevent pest spread. Don’t wait for pests to build up before taking action. However, you can also establish a spraying regime in your IPM program to prevent pests from damaging your crops”

  • Willstone Stands Out as a Real Estate Developer of Choice

    Willstone Stands Out as a Real Estate Developer of Choice

    In Kenya, we have several real estate companies that have mushroomed to scramble for a piece of the lucrative cake.

    But one developer stands out and this is Willstone Homes.
    Willstone Homes are offering modern and contemporary living in Kenya, KENYATTA ROAD. These 4 BR Maisonettes with a Dsq, sit on a 50×100 plot of land. Ejidio Gitau is the director of Willstone Homes and in a recent press briefing, he is fully behind self-regulation of the industry.

    “It’s true we have some fraudsters in the sector maligning our good reputation. The best approach is for us to come together as an organization and police ourselves so that we can be able to eliminate the few bad elements. Under our organization of about 500 members, we will enact a policy framework that will win back public confidence in this sector. We as Willstone Homes are therefore in full support of this.” He noted.
    Willstone Homes have a very clean record of prompt delivery of it’s projects to clients. This is because Willstone sticks to the ethics and principles of integrity, trustworthiness, and customer satisfaction.

    Sasanews.co.ke wishes Willstone Homes success in whatever they shall do from now henceforth

  • Mizizi Africa Homes Laud Government’s Move To Set Aside Free Land For Private Developers

    Mizizi Africa Homes Laud Government’s Move To Set Aside Free Land For Private Developers

    Mizizi Africa Homes Chief Executive Officer (CEO), George Mburu has commended the Government’s move to set aside prime land for free to private developers which will help to significantly lower the overall cost of home ownership in Kenya.

    Mburu lauded the move saying it will accelerate the construction of affordable housing units and fix housing gaps by bringing more Kenyans into home ownership.

    “This will be a big relief for private developers as the cost of putting up units will reduce significantly since land takes up the largest share of construction costs and this is also dependent on the location of land,” said Mburu.

    The CEO added that the cost of land takes anything between 30-70 percent depending on the location and cost of the development and consequently, consumers will be the biggest beneficiaries as these reduced cost benefits are passed to the buyers.

    “The impact of this deliberate effort is huge with its ripple effects set to be felt across the real estate industry, manufacturing, and financial sectors in terms of increased activities and money circulation into the economy,” he reiterated.

    President William Ruto during the launch of the Listing of Laptrust Imara real estate investment trust (REIT) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in March 2023, said County governments have already donated to private developers more than 4,000 acres valued at Sh30 billion for construction of affordable housing.

    Mburu noted that the move will also spur economic activities in the counties and open up sleeping towns to create more jobs for residents and income for the government.

    Kenya’s annual housing demand is estimated at 250, 000 units but the market has been supplying just 50,000 new houses every year, leaving an 80 percent deficit.