Category: BUSINESS

Kirinyaga Stars FC Clinch Victory in Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Football Tournament, Central Region

Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly join Kirinyaga Stars players in celebration after they emerged winners of the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. L-R Tujiamini In the white hat is Kepha Kariuki Chief officer sport’s, in the red Jacket is Mutithi ward Representative Jinaro Jamumo also the Deputy Speaker, County Assembly of Kirinyaga, on the right is Hon. James wambu, MCA Kangai Ward.

Kirinyaga Stars FC outclassed their regional opponents to emerge victorious in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which marked the culmination of Tujiamini activities in the Central region.

The tournament that took place at the ACK Good Samaritan School in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, brought together six teams in a hard-fought battle for the top spot, with one winner expected to represent the region in the nationwide tournament at the end of the year.

Based in Kirinyaga County, the club won 1-0 against Galacticos in the finals to walk away with the prize of a three-year sponsorship deal by Sport Pesa worth Kes 250,000 annually. The team will also receive both home and away kits, as well as other benefits such as professional mentorship for the players.

In the group stages, Kirinyaga Stars FC beat Karia FC and Galacticos FC to top Pool B, before proceeding to the semi-finals, where they thrashed Pool A finalist Midway FC 5-0. As fate would have it, they went ahead to set up a tantalizing conclusive fixture against Galacticos FC, who redeemed themselves in their two consecutive matches after suffering a loss during the group stages.

In the semifinal against Murang’a County’s Midway FC, the Kirinyaga Stars showed great resilience and stamina to dominate the entirety of the game.

Buoyed by an excited and charged home crowd, the Stars rallied to score five goals, including one penalty in the second half.

Galaticos FC, Kevin Kimani alias Di Maria, takes off from Kirinyaga Stars’ Aren Kimani during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. The NIBS College lost 1-0 to the home side.

According to Kirinyaga Stars Team Manager, Julius Mutiso, the Kes 250,000 award will go towards player welfare in particular; supporting logistics in meeting their league fixtures. Mutiso added that, as one of the leading teams in the FKF county league, they are encouraged and ever more focused on exposing the young and budding talent to such tournaments.

Willis Ojwang, the Communication and Advertising Manager, SportPesa, noted the high number of submissions received from the Central region of over 100 teams, leading to the lineup of the top 6 entrants.

The Cheza Dimba Central region football tournament featured four teams from the larger Kiambu County, with the rest coming from Murang’a and Kirinyaga County. “Even if there is only one winner at the end of the regional activities, no one is walking away empty-handed.

Players from participating teams have received supportive resources such as playing kits and are free to reapply for a chance to feature in the other ongoing Tujiamini activities until December 2024.”

The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which aims to provide a showcase platform for both individual and community grassroots sports and related talents, continues to play a huge role in boosting players’ morale in their search for recognition and support in taking their talents to the next level.

“For an amateur team, we did not know that we would be facing highly skilled players. Our Cheza Dimba outing today was quite competitive but well worth it because of the exposure, which will help in improving our game even as we set our targets for the higher FKF leagues,” said Joel Mallow, team captain of Kiambu-based Lions FC.

Kirinyaga Stars’ Goalkeeper Jeremy Karanja in action during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024.

As part of the central region culmination activities, the event in Kirinyaga saw the announcement of four winners in the silver categories: Leon Oduor with his entry on rugby coaching and music producer Franklin Ireri, as well as Patrick Mugu, a Kenyan cyclist who ranked 9th overall in the National 2023 Cycling Series, and Kennedy Stephen, a weightlifter ranked Kenya’s 7th strongest man, all walk away with a Ksh. 100,000 cash prize.

Another 80 bronze winners in the county will get various support in the form of sports kits, fees, gym memberships, access to physiotherapy, and nutritionists, among others.

The tournament now moves to the Eastern region, covering 11 counties, where another community club will have the chance to gain a three-year sponsorship that is designed to help clubs realize their goals while addressing key resource gaps such as player welfare, kitting, travel, and accommodation among other needs that tend to hinder the progress of both players and clubs.

April 14, 2024
ICEA LION Trust Company & Junior Golf Foundation Announce Partnership At Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship

In a notable event at the Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship, ICEA
LION Trust Company, the Trust business arm of the ICEA LION Group announced a partnership with the Junior
Golf Foundation at Muthaiga Golf Club.

This partnership is in line with our commitment to supporting the growth of
golf amongst the youth. This initiative marks an industry-first move into junior golf sponsorship by an Insurance Group
in Kenya, positioning ICEA LION as the pioneering Insurance Group to support junior golf.

Peter Wachira, Principal Officer of ICEA LION Trust Company, reflected on the impact of the partnership, stating,
“This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to creating opportunities for young golfers to
excel both on and off the green. We are setting the foundation for a future where sports can be a viable path for personal
and professional development.”
Philip Lopokoiyit, CEO, ICEA LION Group, shared his perspective on this new venture, “Our partnership with the
Junior Golf Foundation is a strategic move towards contributing significantly to the development of golf in Kenya. It
represents our investment in the future – not just in sports, but in cultivating discipline, focus, and resilience among
young Kenyans. Our support to the Junior Golf Foundation is indeed in line with the ICEA LION Trust Company
vision to deliver sustainable success for the future.’’

Adding to the excitement, Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, “This
partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to grow the sport of golf in Kenya. It enables us to reach more
aspiring young golfers and provides them with the resources and platforms they need to succeed.”

The event marked the continuation of a series of over 41 junior golf tournaments across Nairobi, Coast, North-Rift,
Western, and Central regions, supported by the partnership. This extensive program underlines the shared commitment
of ICEA LION Trust Company and the Junior Golf Foundation to nurturing the sport’s growth and accessibility for
young athletes across Kenya.

ICEA LION Group is a financial services provider offering innovative products and services in Insurance, Pensions,
Investments, and Trusts in Kenya. We deliver our services through four companies in Kenya, ICEA LION General
Insurance, ICEA LION Life Assurance, ICEA LION Asset Management, and ICEA LION Trust Company Limited.

The Group has 21 branches across Kenya and has operations in Tanzania and Uganda.
ICEA LION Trust Company Limited (ICEA LION Trust) is the leading provider of Trust services, offering comprehensive solutions for financial benefits, protection, preservation, and distribution to beneficiaries.

April 11, 2024
I&M Bank extends FREE Bank to M-PESA transfers to Solo Business owners

Over one year ago, I&M Bank became the first and only bank to waive Bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfer fees for all personal account holders. Dubbed ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’, the free transfers have significantly reduced costs for consumers.

I&M Bank has today announced the free bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers for personal customers will now also be extended to Solo Biz owners (sole proprietorships). This underscores I&M Bank’s commitment to supporting small businesses in Kenya and driving financial inclusion. Solo Biz owners can visit any branch or download the I&M Bank App and open an account digitally and start saving money with the free transfers.

Shameer Patel, Head of Personal & Business Banking commented, “Our new to bank customers who opened personal accounts last year have benefited tremendously from the Ni Sare Kabisa proposition. In addition to the free bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers, individual customers will have access to Unsecured Personal Loans, a newly launched 30 Day loan and up to 12% p.a. interest on savings via the I&M Savers Account. All these propositions are available digitally via the I&M Bank App.”

I&M Bank’s Head of Small Business, Eunice Kinyanjui said “We gathered insights which resulted in us extending the free transfers to Solo Biz owners. Many entrepreneurs have not separated their business and personal financial bank accounts and miss out on solutions that can grow their business. With this proposition, Solo Biz owners now have access to digital Unsecured Business Loans, Stock Financing, LPO financing and Lipa na I&M Bank Paybill/Till number on our App.

I&M Bank Kenya CEO, Gul Khan, in a statement, emphasized the significance of supporting small businesses. “Early Last year, we listened to our personal customers on the high cost of living and their pain with paying fees for Bank to Mobile Wallet transfers and decided to make it free. We have now decided to significantly increase our support for Solo Biz owners and extend the same proposition to them. Small businesses in Kenya play a huge role in driving economic growth with their 40% contribution to GDP. As we celebrate 50 years of I&M Bank in Kenya, Solo Biz owners can now reduce their expenses and invest more into growing their business with the ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ proposition.” stated Mr. Khan.

Mr. Ben Muhati, Chairperson of the MSME Alliance, while speaking at the launch event commended I&M Bank on the launch of the new proposition and recent branch expansion into Gikomba saying “Small business owners are the heartbeat of the economy and they contribute to over 80% of the employment in the country. They are conscious of each coin they spend as they seek to generate maximum business value for their hustles. The decision by I&M Bank to not only offer Free Bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers but also waive the business registration search fees is a step in the right direction.”

The small business traders, association representatives and I&M Bank staff thereafter proceeded to Gikomba for a customer activation.

April 9, 2024
Gor Mahia Outwit Murang’a Seals to win Derby 3-1 at the SportPesa Arena

Gor Mahia & Murang’a Seals Derby

The air was electric with anticipation as two of Kenya’s beloved football clubs, Gor Mahia FC and Muranga Seals FC, clashed in the much-awaited SportPesa Derby
held on Saturday, May 4. 2024.

Fans who turned up for the thrilling encounter at the SportPesa Arena in Muranga County were not disappointed, as both teams, in exceptional form this season, gave a good account of themselves in the fast-paced and high-stakes game that kicked off at 3.00 pm.

Gor Mahia took the lead early on with a goal by Austin Odhiambo. This was soon followed by Benson
Omalla’s spectacular header halfway through the first half missed the bar by a whisker, sending Gor fans wild in the stands.

Not to be outdone Muranga Seals soon sent a rejoinder across Gor Mahia’s net when defender Brian Marvin, laid up a long ball at Gor Mahia’s doorstep. A spill by a Gor Mahia defender gave John Kiplangat a perfect right shot that found the net, leaving the stablemates with one goal each at
halftime.

In a well-coordinated chase for goals, the Muranga Seals came back blazing in the second half. Pushing an aggressive agenda against the Gor Mahia front, John Kiplangat at one point left with Gor Mahia, and the keeper was unlucky, sending the ball over the bar.

With several missed chances Muranga Seals’ dominance was short-lived when they conceded a second goal to Benson Omalla from a penalty after Dennis Munyovi brought down Austin Odhiambo, in what Muranga Seals fans felt was not a deserved call.
Ultimately, it was Gor Mahia’s game when Benson Omalla found the net yet again, to give Gor Mahia a 3-1 with minutes to the final whistle.

“We started the game very well and were in control for the first 20 minutes. The first goal was fully deserved, but after that, Murang and Seal came back quite threateningly and eventually equalized. Even so, we dominated 70 percent of the game and are pleased with the win and what it means for the
table,” said Gor Mahia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry.

Gor Mahia FC, with a legacy that spans decades, is known for its passionate play and dedicated fanbase.

Muranga Seals FC, although a newer addition to the Kenya top-tier league, has proven to be a formidable opponent, quickly earning respect in the football community.

“We were ready and prepared to give a performance that our fans could be proud of. We respect Gor
Mahia FC and we are not afraid to face them. Except for the penalty that rattled the boys
slightly, I am happy with how we handled today. We trained hard, and my players were
hungry for victory, said Juma Abdallah, Murang’s head coach.

April 6, 2024
Expeditions Maasai Safaris is the best

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March 28, 2024
C & I Installations to play a Role in Attaining the 100 Percent Clean Energy in Kenya

A pannel discussion during the ESAK conference 27th March at Sarova Panafric Nairobi.

The Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK) has highlited the need to include captive power installations in Kenya to help achieve the 100 percent clean energy by 2030.

The Conference theme ” accelerating C & I installations for sustainability” which is also in line with the country’s push for 100 percent renewable energy.

“C & I is a key enabler of sustainability. We see more uptake of C & I installations not only being beneficial to the grid but also useful to customers looking to manage costs, maintain a green manufacturing portfolio and ensure energy security .” Said Eddy Njoroge, Chairperson ESAK.

EPRA are working on the wheeling regulations and net metering regulations which will allow for more consumer control of electricity production.

There has been an uprising installations of captive power of meaning , that consumers are installing their own power generation facilities. These consumers normally already have a connection to the grid, via a KPLC line. Large and Medium sized consumers like factories, lodges and shopping malls are choosing to go solar. These installations were initially motivated by the enforcement of energy management rules by EPRA in the last 14 years.

“Today the drive is not only energy efficiency but also energy security , improving power quality and responding to environmental targets. Captive systems offer supply where the grid has not reached allowing establishments to access the services of electricity in an environmentally responsible manner.” Said George Aluru ESAK CEO.

The opening up of captive power plant market also allows for the absorption of foreign direct investment in the country and savings on public finance of electricity infrastructure, that will lead to better economic outcomes for the country. Jobs will be created, investment will be absorbed, efficiency will be improved, and new service companies established to support these installations.
“The anticipated 1GW of C&I installations by 2030 would equate to a total of USD1bn worth of investments in the country.”, noted Mr.Aluru.

In addition, As at 2023, C&I installations in Kenya were estimated at 439MW and is projected to reach 1GW by 2030. The growth in C&I installations is highly attributed to companies need to go green and cut on their carbon print, need for energy security and cheaper as well efficiency for industries.
In Kenya, the C&I energy mix comprises of solar PV, small hydro, bioenergy as well geothermal.

March 27, 2024
Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania to combat cross-border counterfeit goods

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania have announced a renewed partnership aimed at intensifying its efforts to disrupt and combat the trade in counterfeit goods across the region.

The collaboration was formalized during a benchmarking and collaboration session, where a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania visited Kenya.

Both institutions, mandated to combat counterfeiting and illicit trade while promoting fair trade practices, underscored the importance of concerted regional action in addressing this growing challenge.

Against the backdrop of enhanced bilateral talks between Kenya and Tanzania, the two East African economic powerhouses are focusing on strengthening trade relations and overcoming barriers that impede their commercial ties.

Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant threats to economic stability, public health, and safety, not only within the region but also globally. The current trade between Kenya and Tanzania stands at Ksh. 90 billion annually.

According to the 2018 report, counterfeiting represents one of the largest criminal enterprises globally, with estimated domestic and international sales ranging from $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion annually, surpassing even drug trafficking and human trafficking in scale.

Regional assessments by the International Peace Institute indicate an annual market share of Ksh. 180 billion for counterfeit trading within the East African Community as of 2017.

In Kenya alone, counterfeit trading was valued at Ksh 70 billion in 2017, reaching Ksh 90 billion in 2029, rivaling key sectors like tourism, tea, and coffee traditionally top earners for the country.

During the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, stressed the urgent need to address the counterfeit menace, highlighting the detrimental impacts on the economy, investor confidence, and innovation.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. William Eroi, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission, emphasized the patriotic duty shared by both agencies to stand for fair and open trade, ensuring economic growth and prosperity across their nations.

March 26, 2024
Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania in renewed regional efforts to combat cross-border trade in counterfeit goods

During the meeting Between the ACA and FCC of Tanzania at Nairobi ACA headquarters

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania have announced a renewed partnership aimed at intensifying their efforts to disrupt and combat the trade in counterfeit goods across the region.

The collaboration was formalized during a benchmarking and collaboration session, where a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania visited Kenya. Both institutions, mandated to combat counterfeiting and illicit trade while promoting fair trade practices, underscored the importance of concerted regional action in addressing this growing challenge.
Against the backdrop of enhanced bilateral talks between Kenya and Tanzania, the two East African economic powerhouses are focusing on strengthening trade relations and overcoming barriers that impede
their commercial ties.

Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant threats to economic stability, public health, and safety, not
only within the region but also globally. Current trade between Kenya and Tanzania stands at Ksh 90 billion annually. According to the OECD’s 2018 report, counterfeiting represents one of the largest criminal enterprises globally, with estimated domestic and international sales ranging from $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion annually, surpassing even drug trafficking and human trafficking in scale.

Regional assessments by the International Peace Institute indicate an annual market share of Ksh 180 billion for counterfeit trading within the East African Community as of 2017. In Kenya alone, counterfeit
trading was valued at Ksh 70 billion in 2017, reaching Ksh 90 billion in 2029, rivaling key sectors like tourism, tea, and coffee – traditionally top earners for the country.
During the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, stressed the urgent need to address the counterfeit menace, highlighting the detrimental impacts on the
economy, investor confidence, and innovation. Echoing the sentiment, Mr. William Eroi, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission, emphasized the patriotic duty shared by both agencies to stand for fair and open trade, ensuring economicgrowth and prosperity across their nations.

The renewed partnership opens avenues for law enforcement agencies to develop innovative approaches and strategies in combating counterfeit trade. Areas of collaboration will include information sharing for enforcement actions, public outreach, research, and expertise exchange, with the overarching goal of
enhancing investigative capabilities and intelligence networks to successfully tackle counterfeit and illicit trade activities.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority was established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act 2008 as a State Corporation with the mandates to enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting,
combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods, devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting and co-ordinate with national, regional or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting.

It is a state corporation currently within the Ministry of Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The Act was passed by Kenya’s Parliament in 2008, it came into force on 1st July 2009 with the principal aim
of prohibiting trade in counterfeit goods. The Authority came into operation in June 2010.

March 25, 2024
KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a.

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Irungu Nyakera, recently paid a courtesy call to the Kakuzi PLC leadership in Murang’a. During the visit, Nyakera praised the company for its positive impact on the community.

“I was impressed by the role Kakuzi is playing in value addition, aggregation, and community engagement. They have fully integrated smallholder farmers into their ecosystem,” noted Nyakera.

Nyakera was particularly impressed with Kakuzi’s commitment to human rights. “What impressed me most is that Kakuzi has a Human Rights Awareness Manager dedicated to engaging all employees and stakeholders to ensure their rights are guaranteed and protected.”

Nyakera also highlighted the need for Kakuzi to expand its operations beyond Murang’a County. “I discussed the importance of Kakuzi focusing on becoming a national company rather than just a company based in Murang’a. Let’s grow together.”

Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, was worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers

In addition to his visit to Kakuzi, Nyakera also engaged with tea farmers in Kariara Ward, Murang’a, where he discussed the impact of recent tea reforms. He noted significant improvements in the payments to tea farmers.

“I championed reforms that have borne fruit: monthly payments increased from 16 to 25, the mini bonus from 3 to 12, and the yearly bonus more than doubled in 2021. We implemented a ‘one man, one vote’ system in factory elections, and cartels have been removed. Since farmers are the foundation of our economy, let us now take care of them,” Nyakera continued.

March 20, 2024
KWAL INVESTS KES. 10 MILLION FOR A PERIOD OF 3 YEARS TO UPSKILL THE YOUTH IN MUKURU INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

During the Mou Signing at Carnivore Nairobi.

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and Tamarind Group to upskill the youth in Mukuru informal settlements in culinary training.

KWAL will be investing at least Ten Million Kenya Shillings (KES. 10,000,000) over a period of 3 years on a program dubbed ‘Inua’ meant to impact youth by enabling them to earn a decent living in the Hospitality Industry.

Inua is a vocational training program targeting the youth from informal settlements which seeks to scale a consistent approach in supporting the hospitality industry value chain in Kenya through skills enhancement.

Speaking during the MOU signing event, KWAL Managing Director, Ms. Lina Githuka commented, “Beyond technical skills training, our vision with INUA is to promote a sense of belonging to the participants. We want to holistically nurture the potential of our youth.”

She added, “In line with this, we redesigned the program, to equip the participants with the necessary exposure and mindset they require to succeed in life.”
The Inua program has been enabled by the Tripartite partnership between KWAL, Mukuru Promotion Centre and Tamarind Group.

Mukuru Promotion Centre Director, Sister Mary Killeen commented, “The youth will be undergoing an intense training through a comprehensive hospitality curriculum to ensure they become the best at culinary art. The training will cover various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts, customer service, hotel management, and more. It’s designed not just to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed but also to instil in them the confidence to aspire for greatness.”

As partners, Mukuru Promotion Centre will be conducting the program with the youth at Mukuru. Through their Vocational Institute, MPC provides an opportunity for the youth from disadvantaged background to gain relevant skill, break the cycle of poverty and inspire others in their community. At the moment, 40 students are enrolled for the Food and Beverage Course and will all stand a chance to benefit in the INUA partnership.Nairobi, Kenya 20th March 2024 – Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and Tamarind Group to upskill the youth in Mukuru informal settlements in culinary training.
KWAL will be investing at least Ten Million Kenya Shillings (KES. 10,000,000) over a period of 3 years on a program dubbed ‘Inua’ meant to impact youth by enabling them to earn a decent living in the Hospitality Industry.
Inua is a vocational training program targeting the youth from informal settlements which seeks to scale a consistent approach in supporting the hospitality industry value chain in Kenya through skills enhancement.
Speaking during the MOU signing event, KWAL Managing Director, Ms. Lina Githuka commented, “Beyond technical skills training, our vision with INUA is to promote a sense of belonging to the participants. We want to holistically nurture the potential of our youth.”
She added, “In line with this, we redesigned the program, to equip the participants with the necessary exposure and mindset they require to succeed in life.”
The Inua program has been enabled by the Tripartite partnership between KWAL, Mukuru Promotion Centre and Tamarind Group.
Mukuru Promotion Centre Director, Sister Mary Killeen commented, “The youth will be undergoing an intense training through a comprehensive hospitality curriculum to ensure they become the best at culinary art. The training will cover various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts, customer service, hotel management, and more. It’s designed not just to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed but also to instil in them the confidence to aspire for greatness.”
As partners, Mukuru Promotion Centre will be conducting the program with the youth at Mukuru. Through their Vocational Institute, MPC provides an opportunity for the youth from disadvantaged background to gain relevant skill, break the cycle of poverty and inspire others in their community. At the moment, 40 students are enrolled for the Food and Beverage Course and will all stand a chance to benefit in the INUA partnership.
The Tamarind Group will be assisting and coordinating the trainees’ tours in the hotel

chain and chef exchange visits to equip the students with the technical know-how and real-life chef experiences. In addition, Tamarind Group will be providing the program participants with the opportunity to be part of their Apprentice Program which will not only offer the students practical experience, but also give them a foot in the door of the Hospitality Industry.

Tamarind Group Operations Director, Joseph Gacheru commented, “Learning hospitality skills isn’t just about acquiring the knowledge to serve; it’s about learning the art of making others feel welcome, understood, and valued. It’s a profound transformation that goes beyond professional development to personal growth. The internship opportunities will not only provide practical experience but also a foot in the door of the hospitality industry, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a globally renowned hospitality brand.”

KWAL will be sponsoring and facilitating the trainees’ activities at Mukuru Promotion Centre. Also present at the signing ceremony was The Regional Director of the State Department of Youth and creative economy, Mr. Daniel Kirui, who affirmed the government’s commitment in addressing youth concerns in the country. ‘‘The INUA program perfectly aligns with this government’s commitment to uplift young Kenyans, ensuring they have the capacities to establish meaningful careers and contribute to our nation’s socio-economic development, by not only enhancing the value chain of the hospitality industry but also directly contributing to the reduction of unemployment and underemployment among our youth.’’ He stated in his speech.

The Inua program is in line with fulfilling and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 through promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The program also supports Chapter 3 of Agenda 21 of the United Nations which mentions the need to strengthen employment and income- generating programmes as tool of eradicating poverty and the need of generating employment for vulnerable groups, specifically women, urban poor, unemployed rural labour as well as low-income urban residents.

March 20, 2024