Naivas Supermarket has proudly announced the launch of the third edition of their highly anticipated seasonal campaign. Designed to resonate authentically with Kenyan values while offering unforgettable experiences, this campaign aims to surpass customer expectations.
Amidst challenging economic times, with inflation burdening Kenyan households and global supply chain disruptions escalating costs, Naivas recognizes the pressing need to support its customers. Rodney Wood, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing the best value for money. He stated, “As a homegrown brand dedicated to improving lives, we are determined to exceed expectations and alleviate the strain on our customers.”
Building on the success of previous years, Naivas pledges to further enhance customer experience by offering even larger shopping baskets. This initiative aims to assist shoppers in navigating these challenging times with greater ease. Peter Mukuha, Naivas Chief of Operations, explained, “Our ‘NAIVAS KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI’ campaign reflects our dedication to serving as the dependable big brother for Kenyan consumers.”
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Naivas has partnered with suppliers to ensure customers enjoy exceptional value across all product categories, including fresh produce, groceries, household items, and electronics. Mukuha emphasized, “By working together, we can ensure that our customers receive unparalleled benefits throughout the campaign.”
With 103 outlets nationwide, Naivas remains committed to providing accessible and affordable shopping solutions for every Kenyan household. As the campaign unfolds, Naivas invites customers to experience the journey of “big shopping” the Naivas Kilocol way.
“In a period marked by economic uncertainty, Naivas stands firm in its pledge to support Kenyan families, ensuring that each customer leaves with a truly fulfilling shopping experience,” concluded Mukuha.
Wekesa Barasa played a pivotal role as he steered the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba winners Rockstars.
FC to a 1-0 victory against Nakalira FC, to further widen the gap against their opponents in Zone B of the FKF
Western Region League.
The goal that came in the 29th minute secured maximum points for the home team solidifying their place on the
standings where they lie at 4th with 24 points, while Nakalira settled for 5th with 20 points.
The outcome of the much anticipated derby earned Rockstars FC bragging rights having so far won seven matches, drawing in three and losing four after playing 14 matches out of 22.
Speaking during the match, Rockstars FC Team Manager, Ronald Mugera, said the match was a crucial tie up for the team, with the win giving them a much needed four point lead ahead of Nakalira FC.
Mugera lauded the recent financial injection received from the Tujiamini Initiative, noting that it will boost the team’s efforts of getting into the FKF Division 2 League.
“I think we are going to have the easiest time managing the team because of the availability of resources. As we now focus on the qualifiers, we want to nurture and position our players for higher leagues, and through Tujiamini’s three year sponsorship, we now have a clear plan towards achieving this,” said Mugera.
The Tujiamini Initiative powered by SportPesa aims to identify and recognize local talent with its unique approach
and commitment in exposing and rewarding talent and passion in sports towards sustaining grass roots sports
development in the country.
Further enunciating the team manager’s sentiments, the team captain Emmanuel Wanjala expressed the team’s renewed vigour adding that the sponsorship was a big motivating factor for players to exert themselves and aim higher in the league.
“The support has come at the opportune time seeing as we have been struggling to attend some matches due to lack of resources. As players, we shall work hard to bring results that can propel us to the
top tier leagues”, he said.
Rockstars FC are the inaugral winners of the Cheza Dimba Awards in the Tujiamini initiative securing a three year sposnsorship deal worth 250,000 shillings annually alongside kit support.
They are among community-owned football teams that receive the support in a bid to foster grass-roots football talent.
While thousands of graduate doctors continue to lament the lack of employment opportunities in government, one youthful doctor chose not to focus on that, instead consolidating his wits, profession, and positive networking to drive the dream of a healthy society.
The academic and professional journey of Boniface Onsongo, a medical doctor by training, is as challenging as it is inspiring.
Born into a humble family in Kisii, Onsongo would later move to Kitale with his mother in 2002, leaving his father behind. He went through part of his basic education at Tuwani Primary School in Kisumu Ndogo slum, going through Classes 4, 5, and 6. His early life was not an easy experience, as the last born in a family of five would tell this writer.
Dr. Boniface Onsongo is in his office in Kitengala, Equty Afia.
“My mother struggled to provide for us from the small business of selling simsim and other candies on the roadside,” he says.
“I suffered low self-esteem as a young boy in primary school, especially when I got to Class 7, and this affected my performance.”
Then a trying moment that would remain stamped in his mind came into the life of Onsongo: the sudden and brief stint of illness and the subsequent death of his mother.
He narrates that she collapsed at her place of business, profusely vomiting blood, and was later rushed to Kitale Referral Hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia and meningitis. She later passed on.
After the painful experience of the death of his mother, Onsongo was taken in by his elder sister, who lived in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga slum, before going back to Kisii, where he enrolled at Nyambusi Academy, where he confesses to having been a slow learner. He says this did not deter him; instead, it made him refresh his passion for books.
Years moved, and the young boy did impressively well in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination, attaining 365 marks and getting admission to Kisii High School. Here, he became more determined with his studies than ever.
The journey through high school would not be smooth either, considering his underprivileged family background. His peasant father was not able to educate him, as he sold everything he had to see him through secondary school, he narrates.
“I remember for three years, I would be sent home from school several times for lack of school fees,” he says, adding that his back-and-forth from school could not hinder his resolve to study.
The rough road through high school notwithstanding, Onsongo left Kisii High School in 2011 having scored an impressive A of 83 points, leaving behind a huge debt of Ksh365,000 in unpaid fees, thanks to tutors who saw potential in him and agreed to let him learn without disruption. The money would be paid gradually in a mutual agreement with school management, he says.
By now, Onsongo was looking forward to a bright future. Before he was called to Kenyatta University to pursue medicine and surgery during the double intake of 2012, he was offered an internship by the Equity Bank Kisii branch, where he got a rare opportunity to be taken through the Equity Leadership Program (ELP).
Dr. Boniface Onsongo issued instructions to his doctor in his office at Kitengala, Equty Afia.
The Equity Leadership Program helped him get the right concept of life, career choice, and other important life skills.
“This program helped me a lot to broaden my perspective of life, and I thank Equity Foundation for it,” he says.
The program gave Onsongo an edge to be elected as Secretary-General of the Association of Kenyatta University Medical Students (AKUMS), a position he served in with passion.
While at Kenyatta University, Onsongo remained focused on his dream of attaining academic excellence and career accomplishment.
As the years progressed, the young man eventually graduated from Kenyatta University in Medicine and Surgery (MBCHB) in 2018.
Soon after he was out of university, the fresh graduate doctor went into a one-year mandatory internship at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where he was graciously introduced to Equity Afia, a model by the Equity Bank Foundation designed to offer induction and career guidance for the youth. The model, he confesses, helped open up his mind to managerial and leadership skills vital to running any enterprise.
After the lapse of the internship period, the self-driven graduate would venture back to Nairobi to share the knowledge and skills he acquired from the noble Equity Afia model with others at a medical facility in Buruburu. By now, the young doctor was burning with passion to reach more people with his fresh knowledge and skills towards attaining better health for all. It is at this critical point that Dr. Onsongo started the Stable Health Foundation, under which he mobilized resources and expertise to open the Kitengela Equity Afia Medical Center in Kitengela Town in 2021.
As the founder and CEO of the Stable Health Foundation, Onsongo aims to meet the health needs of the community around him by conducting medical outreaches to educate people on curative and preventive approaches to better health.
The Kitengela facility has 14 staff, all permanently serving in various general departments. There are two nurses, two doctors, and two laboratory technicians. There are also dermatologists, oncologists, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) experts.
Onsongo explains that his Medical Centre is not a business per se, but a point to offer solutions to different health conditions. It operates 24 hours a day.
“We are not selling products and services, we give solutions,” he says. “We first understand the problem and then offer accurate solutions to lifestyle diseases affecting people.”
Stable Health Foundation also organizes a series of medical camps around schools in Kajiado County to give much-needed guidance to learning institutions and health facilities on preventable lifestyle conditions like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
Asked about his plans, Onsongo says he plans to expand to offering ambulance services to be able to respond quickly to the emergency needs of the community, on top of introducing affordable medical insurance for his clientele.
On the healthcare area, he wishes the government to address, he singles out E-medicine, saying it is capable of providing quick, first-hand solutions to different health conditions at the touch of a button, observing that if given the attention and support it deserves from health stakeholders, it can accommodate millions of patients at one go, hence reducing congestion in public hospitals.
Naivas Supermarket top officials cutting cake to mark the unveiling of the newest branch.
Dominating the retail landscape in Greater Eastern Africa, Naivas makes a triumphant return to the iconic Thika Road with its 103rd store, marking the second opening this year.
Just a month ago, the retail giant celebrated the inauguration of its 102nd branch at Mwanzi Market along Mwanzi Road in Westlands.
The newest addition solidifies Naivas’ presence in the Thika Road region, boasting a total of 12 branches that encompass all store formats.
Strategically located in a mixed-use development, the new outlet harmoniously coexists with various complementary businesses, including a renowned multinational fast-food chain and a petrol station. This symbiotic relationship ensures a holistic shopping experience for every customer.
Beyond catering to diverse needs, the establishment offers easy accessibility from the highway, allowing shoppers to seamlessly continue their journey.
Of paramount importance is the well-stocked inventory, featuring a diverse array of quality products ranging from fresh produce to commodities and fast-moving consumer goods.
Andreas von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas, expressed confidence in the groundbreaking achievement, noting,
“We are charting unexplored territory as the first supermarket in the country to surpass 100 branches. This success story, rooted in the strong foundations laid by the Mukuha family and fortified by strategic partnerships, will undoubtedly be etched in history and research papers for generations to come.”
“Leading a consortium of investors, IBL, with a legacy spanning 190 years of a successful global family business, strengthens Naivas’ corporate governance. “Our mission has always been to provide a world-class shopping experience, standing shoulder to shoulder with global brands. True to our roots, anyone who walks into our outlets experiences authentic Kenyan hospitality. In keeping with our promise to ‘saves you money,’ we remain committed to offering relief to Kenyans during these challenging times,” remarked Peter Mukuha, Chief of Strategy at Naivas.
As the retail giant looks ahead, upcoming outlets in Lang’ata and Buruburu are on the horizon, promising continued growth and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration met with development partners to work together on enhancing citizen participation, peace building and conflict resolution.
Various development partners were present where the meeting was held at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, hosted by Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo to review their collective achievements, challenges and to chart a path for the year 2024.
The Principal Secretary Ministry of Interiror and National Administration observed that, the challenges the country faces from evolving security threats demands continuous vigilance and unwavering resolve, a matter he emphasized that requires greater collaboration and support from development partners.
In 2023, the ministry joined forces with development partners where they embarked on a consultative and collaborative journey to anchor the foundations of security, resilience and progress within the country.
“In 2023 our vision was to utilize the multi-sectoral approach and promote inter-agency coordination not only in the management of security but also in planning, budgeting, monitoring and delivery of security related programmes,” Said PS Raymond Omollo Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
The PS singled out the European Union, the International Organization for Migration, the German Development Agency and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as partners who funded numerous programmes to enhance Kenya’s border security management and capacity building for border officials, modernization of border infrastructure and technological support for passport and visa management.
He further noted that, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Monetary Fund along with other development partners and donor countries, have been working closely with the ministry to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to the refugees who are a vulnerable population.
Lilian Akinyi Onooro could not hide her excitement as she basked in the glory of a significant victory after walking away with a breathtaking 1,804,255 million shillings in this week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus.
The school administrator from Nakuru clinched an impressive 15 out of 17 bets, defying the odds
and turning what initially felt like a distant dream into a life-changing reality. This extraordinary win
not only highlights Lilian’s exceptional luck but also adds a thrilling chapter to the narrative of ordinary
individuals achieving extraordinary financial exploits.
Lilian stumbled across the good news by chance and it only took her daughter’s validation to achieve
believability, “My daughter woke me up regarding an urgent matter that needed my attention in the
home. Then, I looked at my phone and noticed an unlikely message that I nearly dismissed.
However, my thoughts were thrown into disarray after my daughter hollered, announcing that I was a
millionaire. A call from SportPesa eventually confirmed this.”
In the wake of her newfound bounty, Lilian’s sights are set on the horizon, with plans to establish an
executive barbershop by the end of the year.
In addition, she seeks to give back to the community by offering her share of winnings as tithe in the church, along with plans to delve into charitable causes.
The aspiring entrepreneur is no stranger to the gaming industry, having won much smaller bets in her
initial tries. She, however, has advised punters not to lose hope in the pursuit of success, even as her
energy is renewed for the mega jackpot.
The day’s conquest was further highlighted by PSV Manager, Jared Ondieki, who won a similar amount
under the Mega Jackpot Bonus.
SportPesa remains the leading gaming company in Kenya, offering the most lucrative products for
punters including jackpots, whose past winners remain the highest in the country.
This week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot is set to kick off on Saturday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. and
promises a whopping 352,237,394 shillings with healthy bonuses from 12 correct predictions out of the 17 matches available on the weekly set of matches to predict their outcomes.
Love was in the air for SportPesa enthusiasts as 14 fortunate punters struck gold in the jackpot bonuses. Among the winners was Paul Mwasya from Makueni County, a family man with a wife and three children, who walked away with an impressive 2,295,125 shillings by accurately predicting 12 out of 13 matches in the SportPesa Midweek Jackpot, missing out on the 25,042,835 shillings that were up for grabs.
Mwasya, currently a mechanic whose livelihood comes from the car trade, expressed plans to transform
his life with the newfound fortune, saying, “I aspire to kick-start a business and build a modest home
for my family.”
Other than Mwasya, thirteen others came close to bagging SportPesa’s all-time high Mega Jackpot, which stood at 349,893,489 shillings. They were also crowned into the company’s fast-growing club of millionaires, even as Valentine’s Day came alive to them.
With a total of 24,058,101 shillings paid to the new millionaires in town, the limousine rides around
Nairobi, culminating in a luncheon, was welcome to their transformed lives with what the winnings would look like.
“That was so close. I have renewed hope that I could take home this SportPesa Mega Jackpot.
now stands at over 351 million. Should I be the lucky winner, I will establish a telecommunications
business and a portion to the church as tithe,” remarked Pancras, who celebrated his 2,079,702
shillings win, accompanied by the fiancé.
SportPesa remains the leading gaming company in Kenya, offering the most lucrative products for
punters, including jackpots, whose past winners remain the highest in the country.
This week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot is set to kick off on Saturday, February 17 at 6:00 p.m. It promises a whopping 351,066,369 shillings with healthy bonuses from 12 correct predictions out of the 17 matches available on the weekly set of matches to predict their outcomes.
The government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to grade nine next year, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has said.
Dr. Kipsang said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Projects Coordination and Delivery for Projects, Mr. Elijah Mungai, at the Olympics Primary School in Kibra Sub-county in Nairobi yesterday.
The Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, Ms. Mamta Murthi, visited the school. In attendance were the Manager of Practice, Education at World Bank Group, Meskerem Mulatu, Senior Educational Specialist at the World Bank office in Nairobi, Ms. Ruth Charo, Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, and the Regional Director for Education in Nairobi, Ms. Margaret Lesuuda, among other senior officials in education.
Dr. Kipsang said the government plans to construct 10 additional classrooms to cater to the learners who will transition to grade nine next year.
“We welcome the World Bank to support and partner with the government to build even more classrooms in this school,” Dr. Kipsang said.
Ms. Murthi praised Kenya for the strong educational outcomes that schooling stimulates in children.
Murthi said the schooling system in Kenya was ably imparting to learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that students ought to acquire.
She said Kenya was also doing well in the enrolment rate of children in schools, noting that education was a critical factor in determining the future of a country.
The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, said the government worked through its structures to ensure a 100 percent transition of learners from primary to secondary education.
The headteacher of Olympics Primary School, Mr. Cyrus Okumu, said that the school had developed a friendly learning environment and excellent instruction for learners in the school.
He attributed the huge learner population (5108) to supportive teaching and non-teaching staff that made learning enjoyable.
“Children keep returning to school because of the good learning experiences good pedagogy creates,” Mr. Okumu said.
In an exhilarating turn of events, Rosemary Auma Opiyo, a proud resident of Kisumu, has recently become the talk of the town, securing a sensational SportPesa Mega Jackpot bonus win exceeding 3.5 million Kenyan shillings.
Her triumph stems from accurately predicting the outcomes of an impressive 15 out of the 17 games featured on the SportPesa platform.
Rosemary, a dynamic businesswoman who owns a local general shop, joined SportPesa in December 2023. Remarkably, she placed her first-ever bet on February 2, 2024, and fortune favored her, propelling her into the realm of Jackpot bonus royalty.
This victory not only brings immense joy to Rosemary but also stands as a significant milestone for SportPesa, underscoring the platform’s dedication to transforming lives.
Recalling the moment of her win, Rosemary shared, “I was in my shop early in the morning when I placed the bet after analyzing the games on the platform. Until Sunday evening around 12 am, I couldn’t sleep. I woke up to check the progress but faced network issues, so I went back to bed.”
The elated mother of one expressed her excitement upon waking up to a substantial amount of money in her SportPesa account. She promptly shared the news with her husband, who confirmed the delightful turn of events.
For Rosemary, this win transcends being a mere windfall; it serves as a catalyst for her aspirations. She envisions expanding her business, acquiring a piece of land, and securing a brighter future for her family.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Rosemary was accompanied by her husband, Mr. Felix Omondi, who also experienced success with SportPesa. Mr. Felix, expressing his joy, stated, “We are happy about this. I have placed bets before, but nothing like this big win. The most I have won before was 107,000 Kenyan shillings.”
Encouraging his wife to continue playing with SportPesa, he expressed confidence in their chances to claim the SportPesa Mega Jackpot prize, set at a staggering 349,893,489 shillings, commencing on February 10, 2024, at 11:00 PM. Bonuses await those who correctly predict 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 games out of the 17 offered. The couple is determined to continue their winning streak with SportPesa.
The PS spoke while announcing the release of over KSh2 billion for January payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the government’s cash transfer program and another KSh5.9 million for a complimentary nutrition improvement arrangement.
PS Mutarisaid that following a presidential directive late last year that the beneficiaries would be receiving their stipends through Mpesa rather than through select banks, all beneficiaries or their caregivers needed to register for Mpesa payment by dialing *222# from their Mpesa registered lines.
He expressed concern about the 100,000 people who have not yet switched from bank to mobile money transfer, saying they could miss their money if they don’t do so by the end of February 2024.
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection released KSh2,089,844,000 for January payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Programme and a further KSh5,930,000 for Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE), which is a complimentary program,” PS Mutari told a news conference today.
“Following a presidential directive, Inua Jamii beneficiaries will be receiving their stipends through Mpesa. This will start with caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) and persons with severe disabilities (PWSD). So far, 207,000 have enrolled for the Mpesa payment and have received their December payment. However, we note that there are around 100,000 who have not enrolled through *222#. The caregivers must register to continue receiving their Inua Jamii stipends,” explained PS Motari.
He added that the lot will be paid through a bank account for the last time and that there is only this month to enroll for Mpesa payments, warning that those who have not shifted to Mpesa could miss out because they remained non-compliant.
