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Category: LOCAL

  • George’s Basket NEVER Runs Dry, Optiven runs big

    George’s Basket NEVER Runs Dry, Optiven runs big

    Sasanews.co.ke is bold and authoritative in reporting that the basket of goodies of one George Wachiuri, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Optiven Group, never runs dry.

    Whenever George dips his hand in the basket, he fishes out something hot and juicy.

    Today, he is serving us the delicacy of Kithimani Springs.

    “JAZA BASI TWENDE KITHIMANI NA OPTIVEN

    Are you looking to invest in a prime property? Kithimani Springs by Optiven is the ideal spot with its strategic location right on tarmac and proximity to developed amenities.

    Location is everything when it comes to securing your financial future. That’s why Optiven is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming event, “JAZA BASI TWENDE KITHIMANI,” where you can see the project and the ongoing progress here.

    Join us this Saturday, April 1st, 2023, for an exclusive site visit and make a wise investment decision that will positively impact your future.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Register now at the link:https://forms.gle/nTdVSwLuyyy8JzG37

  • Government Keen To Reduce Post Harvest Losses

    Government Keen To Reduce Post Harvest Losses

    Cabinet Secretary Agriculture Hon. Mithika Linturi sharing a word with Nyandarua Governor Dr. Kiarie Badilisha.

    40% of food wastage in Kenya is caused by post harvest losses. CS Mithika Linturi held a consultative meeting with H.E Governor Dr. Moses Badilisha Kiarie of Nyandarua County.

    The two levels of government are working together in operationalizing the cold storage facilities that MSEA constructed in the county.

    To reduce milk loss, 35 coolers will be delivered to the county as per the President’s directive.

    They explored additional ways to partner with the county in establishing an agro-processing horticultural plant in Kinangop.

    Further, they discussed the progress of subsidized fertilizer distribution in Nyandarua. The CS mentioned that supplies have been dispatched to Nyahururu, Ol Kalou and Kipipiri.

    He urged NCPB to expedite the process and encouraged farmers to take advantage of this opportunity.

  • PIN’s Finding Diana wins the Best Human Rights Film Award in Berlin

    PIN’s Finding Diana wins the Best Human Rights Film Award in Berlin

    Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN’s) movie, Finding Diana, has won the Best Human Rights Film Award at this year’s Berlin Shorts Award.

    The international recognition comes five months after the movie premiered and after securing more than 175,000 views on the organization’s YouTube Channel, ParadigmHQ.

    Ms. Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, lauded the win saying the movie is significantly contributing to Paradigm Initiative’s effort towards ensuring the continent is rights-respecting.

    “We are keenly aware of the need to mainstream digital rights conversations and are always exploring new and innovative ways to do so. We are thrilled that our films continue to introduce new audiences to digital rights issues, including access to technology, freedom of expression, press freedom, digital surveillance, and other key issues that we passionately advocate for on the continent,” she said.

    She expressed gratitude to PIN partners, Ford Foundation, Internews, Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation, Luminate and United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour (DRL) for supporting the movie production.

    On his part, Idiare Atimomo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Up in The Sky, which was PIN’s movie production partner, welcomed the win, saying it was satisfying.

    “We are delighted by the news of this award! Being able to take pressing African human/digital rights issues and turn them into engaging cinematic content that can win in such a contested category is very satisfying. We have always trusted in the power of storytelling to mainstream these issues for wider consumption and appreciation,” he added.

    Finding Diana is executive produced by Paradigm Initiative in partnership with Up In the Sky Films. The film was directed by Tolulope Ajayi and produced by Benjamin Adeniran.

    The lead actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha plays 28-year-old Aisha Coker, a down-on-her-luck journalist. Also starring in the movie is Mike Afolarin who plays Izuore Duke, Rotimi Adelegan as the Governor, and Bade Smart in the role of James.

    The film follows Aisha as she investigates a story of debauchery in her state government. Will her dive into the underbelly of conspiracy finally put Aisha on the map, or will it serve a bigger purpose? Finding Diana is inspired by PIN’s 2021 Digital Rights and Inclusion Report- Londa. The report highlights the state of digital rights and inclusion in 22 African countries. This is the third short film released by Paradigm Initiative following the success of Training Day (2020) and Focus (2021).

    Londa 2021 examines privacy, freedom of expression, access to information, segmentation and execution, digital transformation, affordability, gender, and others within existing legislative frameworks and against the backdrop of a widening digital divide.

    It also assesses the state of digital rights and inclusion on the continent and provides recommendations on what each country must do to move towards realizing gains that rights-respecting and inclusive digital practices bring. Besides providing recommendations, the report also highlights gaps existing in the featured African countries.

  • AMWIK Condemns Police for Attack on Journalists

    AMWIK Condemns Police for Attack on Journalists

    By Sumaya Hussein.

    The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has become the latest group to condemn the attack on scribes witnessed today during the Azimio protests in Nairobi.

    AMWIK called out police for being part of the attack instead of protecting journalists on duty.

    Police, Goons Attacked Journalists

    In a statement on March 27, AMWIK called out police and “criminal elements” for attacking journalists covering the Raila-led Monday protests in various parts of the country.

    “We condemn their actions especially the police force who are expected as part of their mandatory duty, to provide security to journalists and ensure their safety without threats and violence.” read the statement.

    The association noted that the attacks on journalists are a violation of human rights, and a threat to public access to information and press freedom.

    Journalists from local and international media outlets were attacked by knife-wielding goons in Kibra. Several others were injured after rowdy protesters stoned their vehicles.

    Moreover, two journalists were arrested by police in Mathare, Nairobi and others attacked while covering the invasion in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands farm. One journalist was forced by police to delete their recordings.

    Patience Nyange, AMWIK Executive Director, took to twitter to express concern over the rising cases of attacks on journalists.

    Media Groups Condemn Attacks

    The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) had earlier issued a statement saying the attack on media by protesters “demeans the spirit of mass action as it betrays the foundations of democracy on which it is founded.”

    The council said it would work with law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to book, and such incidents are avoided in future.

    The Kenya Editors’ Guild also called out officers of the National Police Service for participating in lashing journalists instead of ensuring their safety as mandated by the law.

    The group demanded for journalists to be allowed to work without interference from police, and officers to accord journalists with the necessary security to carry out their duties.

  • Global Money Transfer Index: Kenya’s Consumers Champion for More Innovation in International Money Transfer Services

    Global Money Transfer Index: Kenya’s Consumers Champion for More Innovation in International Money Transfer Services

    • Index shows that 90% of Kenya’s consumers who receive money transfers want integrated mobile ‘super apps’ so they can manage remittances with other financial needs
    • Kenya’s receivers want choice in digital and in-person remittance platforms as they look to the future

    Kenya’s consumers are calling for greater innovation in international money transfer services so they can easily manage their personal finance needs. According to Western Union’s inaugural Global Money Transfer Index, 90% of Kenya’s receivers want providers to offer remittance services in an integrated mobile ‘super app’ so they can efficiently manage collecting remittances with other commitments, such as paying for utilities.

     

    The Global Money Transfer Index asks consumers how, when and why they use international money transfer capabilities today, as well as their expectations for tomorrow. The results bolster Western Union’s ‘Evolve 25’ strategy to combine high-value, accessible retail and digital financial services for all.

     

    Kenya has experienced remarkable growth in financial inclusion. This, in turn, creates greater awareness and expectation for innovation that could further support daily financial needs. As the country’s consumers consider what they would like more of in future, 82% would like to collect their funds in a pre-paid card or e-wallet, while the same number of receivers want providers to offer services with local language capabilities.

     

    “Kenya is a leader when it comes to financial innovation – especially in the world of mobile money. The country pioneered mobile money in Africa and is poised to become one of the most innovative and connected economies in the world,” said Mohamed Touhami El Ouazzani, Regional Vice President, Africa at Western Union. “This is reenforced by the country’s consumers, who are increasingly looking for more exciting and innovative services from money transfer brands.”

     

    Digital today, choice tomorrow

    Two in three receivers (66%) currently use only digital transfers, while 26% prefer both online and in-person platforms to be available. However, around double that proportion (53%) believe that in future all money transfer receivers should be able to choose, compared to 46% who will fully embrace digital.

     

    In contrast, Kenya’s senders name digital transfers as their first choice for the future (56% – rising to 61% of women) with 41% wanting a mix of online and in-person options. Some 61% of senders currently opt for digital-only services – rising to 67% of those aged 18 to 24.

     

    “At Western Union, we strive to listen to consumers and make strategic decisions so that we can be the money transfer provider they turn to for solutions. Whether it is sending or receiving money in person or through digital platforms, we are always looking for ways to innovate our platforms so that we never fall short of meeting consumer expectations as they manage their daily financial needs,” Ouazzani said.

  • Important Tips to Improve Your Oral Health

    Important Tips to Improve Your Oral Health

    The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people globally. That’s close to half of the world’s estimated 7.7 billion people. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or dental cavities, is the most common untreated health condition in the world, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Report.

    The rise in cases of tooth decay has been linked to changes in feeding and snacking habits, which have evolved due to factors such as higher disposable incomes, tighter work routines, and cultural changes that have come with urbanization and globalization. People are feeding and snacking more frequently and often on the go. Without proper oral health practices, this increases the risk of plaque build-up and can be bad for your teeth by predisposing you to tooth decay.

    As the world marks World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20, below are top tips to improve your oral health courtesy of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, a global oral health initiative by Mars Wrigley.

    1. Brush your teeth regularly and correctly

    Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste to keep tooth decay at bay. The process of brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. The technique of brushing also matters and there are plenty of free online videos from dental associations demonstrating how to brush correctly.

    It’s important for adults to lead by example in households, as many children imitate what they see grownups doing. Kids are seven times more likely to skip toothbrushing if their parents do too, according to the FDI World Dental Federation. The adult population therefore has a responsibility to take up the challenge and encourage children to pick up the right habits.

    1. Understand the science behind sugar free gum

    Did you know that chewing sugar free gum helps prevent tooth decay?  Most people chew gum to freshen breath before an important meeting, to burn up some nervous energy, or just because they like the taste. Few realize there’s extensive good science backing up the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

    If you feed regularly, chewing sugar free gum for 20 minutes after snacks and meals can help protect teeth. The oral healthcare benefits of chewing sugar- free gum brands like Orbit are today recognized and supported by regulatory authorities, an increasing number of governments, FDI World Dental Federation and nearly 20 national dental associations worldwide.

     

    1. Visit a dentist regularly

    Poor oral health seeking behaviors are partly to blame for the high prevalence of oral diseases such as tooth decay. Most people often seek treatment for oral diseases when complications arise or worsen, instead of seeing a dentist regularly as recommended by health experts.

    Early detection of oral health issues can help reduce the risk of serious complications in future. If left untreated, oral diseases can have further consequences on your general health. Good oral health not only enables you to functionally perform as a human being (speaking, smiling, smelling, eating), but is also important for communication and human relationships. Our vision of ourselves and how we are seen by others are all influenced by our oral appearance. Oral health outcomes can have implications for one’s mental health and ability to socialize.

     

     

     

    1. Discuss your health insurance options

    Paying for dental visits out of pocket can strain household budgets. It is therefore important to discuss your health insurance options with your employer or insurance provider. There are various options in the Kenyan market tailored to the needs and budgets of different households. Having a cover not only eases the financial burden associated with accessing oral healthcare but can also help improve oral health seeking behaviors as people will more readily see a dentist if they know they are insured.

    There is, however, still a huge financing gap as many people in low-income areas and rural economies cannot access insurance covers. This leaves them at great risk. That is why the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program recently partnered with the Kenya Dental Association to bring free oral healthcare to communities in Lamu and raise awareness about good oral health practices.

    “Our dentists and medical team screened patients, performed minor oral surgeries, and distributed medicine all through the week of March 20. We reached a total of 917 patients in the islands of Lamu, Faza and Mpeketoni,” said KDA Secretary General Dr. Douglas Oramis.

    “We continue to support oral health in Kenya and globally through our Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, partnering with dental professionals to drive positive societal impact and raise awareness about the oral health benefits of chewing sugar free gum.  We thank our partners at KDA for working with us on this important initiative,” said Ismael Bello, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Mars Wrigley.

    The company’s 2023 outreach with KDA builds on the success of a similar program in 2022 which impacted 537 patients in Lamu. The island is one of the regions impacted by poor oral health seeking behaviors due to socioeconomic factors, making the interventions in 2022 and 2023 by KDA and partners such as Mars Wrigley timely and impactful to the local community.

     

  • The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The Rotary Club of Hurlingham will on Saturday, 25 March 2023, hold a free medical camp in Nakuru county, in conjunction with the County Government of Nakuru, at Kikopey Medical Centre.

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham president, Hilda Gikera says, “We are happy to be back in Kikopey. This is not the first time for the Rotary Club of Hurlingham. This time around, we are focusing on eye health and we will be distributing frames. Eye diseases are rampant in this part of Nakuru county so we will have specialists for that. We will also have general practitioners and a host of other specialists. We are expecting over 600 people and we have worked very well with the Nakuru County Government and the Rotary Club of Gilgil, to arrange this medical outreach. We would like to urge residents of Nakuru County to turn up in large numbers for this free medical camp. It will start at 8 a.m.”

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham has been in existence for 33 years and is proud to continue being of service to Kenyans. The last medical outreach was in December 2021 and was attended by 600 residents of Kikopey and neighboring areas.

  • How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    When you think about developed markets, there are established traditional finance operators whose services are accessible to millions.

     However, Web3 technology can still play a critical role in these markets by helping smaller investors hedge against inflation or invest in art in a way that was never possible before.

    It also enables law enforcement in numerous ways by helping to track down illicit funds and activities online because of the transparent and open nature of blockchain technology.

    Smaller entrepreneurs in developed markets who are often overlooked can now raise funds in ways that were impossible just ten years ago. The developed world has certainly reaped the benefits of crypto.

    Unleashing Opportunities in Developing Markets

    While the value of crypto is very clear for developed markets, people often overlook the fact that its main benefits are reaped in developing countries.

    Financial infrastructure, remittances, funding, charity, and education – how we view these topics in the developing world is shifting thanks to the introduction of blockchain and digital assets.

    Access to platforms and education in most developed markets is quite common. But enabling this in developing countries like Kenya can help people previously devoid of access to such opportunities build wealth and create the next wave of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

    The lack of access to traditional financial services and features can often leave behind underserved communities.

    This is where crypto technology can play a key role. Think about the older generation who rely on remittances from their children abroad.

    In some cases, almost 10% of the money sent is lost to fees, and transfers take a long time.

    Contrast that to crypto, where the fees are minute and transfers are nearly instantaneous. Take a look at the Binance ecosystem.

    With products like Binance Pay, cross-border transfers are now instant and very cheap. With stablecoins, users can manage the often inordinate inflation in their nations’ fiat currencies.

    With Binance Earn, users can make their idle crypto assets work for them. And with Binance Academy, there’s access to education to increase financial literacy, which is a necessary prerequisite for making the most from our industry-leading trading products in the safest way possible.

    When it comes to charity and donations, crypto can be more efficient than traditional banking. During the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Binance was able to act swiftly to help out. In the aftermath of natural disasters, people often lose access to traditional banking at the exact moment when extra funds are needed to help cover medical supplies, food, and other essential needs.

    Crypto assets are now increasingly being used to deliver financial aid to disaster victims as they provide fast, low-cost, borderless, and transparent transactions.

    The Future With Crypto

    The surprising adoption curve in this industry is unlike any other. There has been mass adoption in several countries and crypto is already changing how users think of financial services, education, and wealth.

    Due to this, the blockchain industry’s demand for talent is expanding, creating more opportunities across the globe.

    Just like the concept of the internet was novel and outlandish at its inception, so is the notion of crypto and Web3 technology.

    But by stripping away the fear and doubts, we can start to see how real humans are impacted and benefit at the end of the day. The more of these examples we can show, the brighter our future will be.

  • Ichoho Transformative Turnaround on Tea Agencies

    Ichoho Transformative Turnaround on Tea Agencies

    As Kenya Tea Development Authority has been on ups and downs with unending wrangles, the Authority is in the process to recuperate and reinstate its state of serving Tea farmers in Kenya.

    The Authority Chairman Mr. David Muni Ichoho has set new reforms in the sector set to restore the lost faith as seen by sasanews.

    An insider confirms that he is a man armed with charisma, wisdom, integrity, and forthrightness to transform the sector.

    It’s for those attributes that tea farmers from over 71 tea factories entrusted him with the singular mandate of being the captain of the ship.

     

    Yesterday Mr. Ichoho engaged with tea farmers at Theta Tea Factory in Gatundu South.

    At the auspicious event, KTDA Foundation awarded grants worth Ksh 855,000 to farmer groups at Theta Tea Factory to support their small businesses.

    A total of nine farmer groups comprising 212 farmers will be empowered to upscale their businesses as well as embark on economically viable projects. The chairman has been termed as a humble and down-to-earth person.

    “This is part of an income diversification project that the Foundation is implementing to encourage farmers to reduce overreliance on the income from tea.”

    Mr. Ichoho also alluded that he has been championing efforts to have factories equipped with orthodox tea production lines.

    “Orthodox tea is different in processing from conventional tea. That’s why we have been working in tandem with line government agencies to see to it that at least sixteen factories benefit from the orthodox tea production lines. This tea is highly valuable especially in the international market thereby earning our country foreign exchange.

    Chairman Ichoho noted with gratitude that God has heard the prayers of his people and heaven has opened with blessings of rain in the whole country. He stated that the rain will heal the land and provide growth for farmers’ tea and food crops. He asked farmers to plant high-producing seed which matures in a short period to benefit from the rain.

    The Chairman reported that their visit to Pakistan led by Cabinet Secretary for agriculture Hon. Mithika Linturi has born fruits immediately as the Government of Pakistan classified tea as an ESSENTIAL food item.

    This will enable the provision of USD currency required for import. Pakistan imports 82% of its tea consumption from Kenya. In the year 2022, it imported 191M kg out of 234M kg from Kenya.

    Mr. Ichoho stated “we in the Tea sector will take necessary strategy and policy directions aimed at overcoming the current tea challenges and place institution to the sustainable profitable sector in the global arena”

  • SACCOs See Surge in Popularity of Citizens opt to Save Money with Cooperatives

    SACCOs See Surge in Popularity of Citizens opt to Save Money with Cooperatives

    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.
    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing Sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.

    SACCOs have been successful in promoting financial inclusion in Kenya by providing financial services to individuals and small businesses who would otherwise have limited access to financial products from traditional banks.

    They have also been able to offer competitive interest rates on savings and loans due to their community-based nature and lower overhead costs.

    It’s encouraging to hear that 47 percent of Kenyans are considering putting their money in a SACCO, as this shows that there is a growing awareness and trust in the SACCO business model.

    However, it’s important for individuals to do their research and carefully consider the specific SACCO they want to join, as not all SACCOs are created equal in terms of financial stability, services offered, and regulatory compliance.

    Asked where they would invest their money given the options of; SACCO, Maoney Markets, Chama, and a Savings Bank Account, during an online poll that attracted hundreds of responses, 47 percent were for Saccos, 28 percent for money markets, 17 percent for a savings account, and 8 percent for a Chama.

    Those interested in investing their money in a SACCO mentioned the flexibility of contributions, increase in their savings over time, annual dividends, and access to affordable loans as the main reasons they would take their money and put it in a SACCO.

    In the past few days, virtually everyone in Kenya has been talking about Sacco Dividends. Saccos around the country were releasing their annual financial results and announcing dividends to their members and members could not hide their excitement.

    March has indeed been a good month for most Sacco members. The Saccos injected in excess of 30 billion shillings into the financial ecosystem in march alone, due to dividend payout, and more saccos are lined up to declare dividends and interest rebates up to the end of April.

    Sacco businesses have gained popularity over the years around the country as an alternative form of financial institution. They have become vehicles that not only give people alternatives to invest in but access to affordable credit too.

    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.

    Stima Sacco members will also get interest rebate deposits at the rate of 11 percent for the period under review. The distribution brings the total payout to 3.56 billion shillings in 2022 an increase from  2.99 billion shillings in 2021.