Category: BUSINESS

  • Premchandbhai Foundation Unites Partners, Stakeholders, and Beneficiaries for Networking and Opportunity Exploration

    Premchandbhai Foundation Unites Partners, Stakeholders, and Beneficiaries for Networking and Opportunity Exploration

    Premchandbhai Foundation brings together partners, key stakeholders, and beneficiaries to network, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership to create strategic synergy in giving back to the communities

    The Premchandbhai Foundation was established in Kenya in 1959 by the families of Kachrabhai, Premchandbhai, and Juthalalbhai Vrajpal Shah. The Foundation’s main objectives are to endow services in the provision of education, medical services, the alleviation of poverty, and general community welfare. The Premchandbhai Foundation has supported many causes since its inception. All of the Foundation’s investments have directly or indirectly contributed to the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

    Every year, the Trustees of the Foundation organize a networking event for partners, including but not limited to private and public foundations, non-governmental organizations working in Premchandbhai Foundation priority areas, impact investors, and the government, to explore how best to harness local corporate and family philanthropy. This year’s event has brought together over 50 partners drawn from diversified fields to engage, share ideas, network, and explore areas of collaboration and partnership to enhance the impact of local philanthropy.

    The Foundation has contributed towards the extension of the Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Loresho, funded the construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mombasa Hospital, a High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Bethany Kids Children’s Centre in Kijabe, and donated towards the construction of the KPJ Tower at the M. P. Shah Hospital and the KPJ Wing at Jalaram Medical Centre.

    In the field of education, the Foundation has given many students the blessing of sponsorships to attend local and overseas universities and has contributed to the improvement and construction of many schools, among them Joy Town Special Primary School, Thika, and Vidhu Ramji Academy, Muranga.

    The Premchandbhai Foundation has a long-standing commitment to support education and inclusion for learners in Kenyan schools, especially those with special needs.  The Foundation has committed to donating 1000 orbit readers—a digital assistive device—to empower learners with visual impairments in Kenya to reach their true potential.

    These devices will be distributed by the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust to increase access to quality education for visually impaired learners in Kenya.

    The Foundation has built water pans and dams in the arid areas of the country, supported selected individuals with medical problems in the community, and contributed towards children’s orphanages such as Wema Centre, Mombasa, Ebenezer Children’s Home, Kajiado, and others.

    Recently, since 2020, the Premchandbhai Foundation has mitigated the adverse effects of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic by donating food relief to over 300,000 households in over 25 counties.

    Additionally, the Foundation has pledged to donate over Kshs 150 million in the next 3 years (partnering with Project Maji) to install safe drinking water for various needy communities in Kenya who have no access to clean drinking water. We, the Trustees of the Premchandbhai Foundation, believe that community service can only be sustainable when like-minded organizations, companies, governments, and families work together to enhance impact. We have different strengths and capabilities that can be used to complement the work we do in our communities. Let us join hands to make a difference in our beloved country, Kenya.

    For more information:premchndbhaifoundation@gmail.com

  • European Investment Bank partners with Central Bank of Kenya to unlock Climate Finance

    European Investment Bank partners with Central Bank of Kenya to unlock Climate Finance

    The European Investment Bank and the Central Bank of Kenya today launched a new climate finance best practice initiative to strengthen engagement by Kenyan financial institutions to finance climate-related investment, enable commercial banks to mobilize climate finance essential to achieving a net zero economy and strengthening the climate resilience of the Kenyan financial systems.

    The two-year Kenyan technical assistance scheme is the first of its kind to be implemented in East Africa under the European Investment Bank’s Greening Financial Systems Programme, financed by the German government through the dedicated International Climate Initiative Fund (IKI Fund).

    The initiative will serve as a model for mobilising climate finance by tackling barriers that hold back engagement by commercial banks and will enable the Central Bank of Kenya to incorporate climate risk into the Kenyan regulatory framework. The scheme will also help to further increase the impact of climate related investment by developing the green taxonomy for the financial sector that supports scaling up green investment aligned with the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

    The Greening Financial Systems programme will help Kenyan banks and financial institutions to better embrace climate finance best practice across all activities, catalyse new funding for green projects, and better assess, monitor, and report on the climate related risks.

    The programme reflects the urgent need to mobilise climate finance outlined this past week at the COP 28 in Dubai and contributes to global efforts to limit global temperature increases and adapt to the impact of climate change.

    Commenting on the technical assistance agreement, EIB Vice President, Thomas Östros said that greater efforts are being made to understand the barriers holding back green financing in Kenya.

    “As highlighted by world leaders at COP 28, scaling up climate finance is essential to mobilise new investment to boost the green transition and help reduce the impact of climate change. Barriers remain that hold back the full engagement of banks in climate dedicated finance. It is hindered by the lack of long-term funding that matches the economic life of green investments, the higher perceived risk of climate investment and limited experience of how to originate and monitor climate finance. This new technical best practice partnership with the Central Bank of Kenya builds on the European Investment Bank’s long-standing partnership with Kenyan financial institutions to increase the impact of climate finance and unlock investment that better protects infrastructure and business from climate change,” said Vice President Östros.

    Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge highlighted that, “The Central Bank of Kenya is committed to the greening of the Kenyan financial sector. Towards this end, CBK issued Guidance on Climate-Related Risk Management in October 2021, to commercial banks. The Guidance was intended to facilitate banks in incorporating climate-risk related considerations in their governance, strategy, risk management and disclosures frameworks. Considerable progress has been made by banks in implementing the Guidance, but more remains to be done.’’

    As outlined in the EIB’s Finance in Africa Report 2023, the increasing prevalence of climate risks on balance sheets has made climate an important part of the risk appraisal process for both new loans and existing portfolios.

    The latest EIB survey found that 59% of banks in Africa have a climate change strategy and a further 22% plan to introduce one. Banks across Africa are now stepping up their efforts to offer an expanded range of green finance products rather than just mitigating risk.

    Over the last decade, the European Investment Bank, which is the world’s largest international public bank and leading climate financier, has helped to strengthen climate finance technical skills of more than 40,000 African financial professionals. Additionally, it has provided more than EUR 534 million (Ksh 88 billion) over the last five years for private sector investment across Kenya in partnership with Kenyan businesses, banks, financial partners and microfinance institutions.

  • Assek celebrates five years of service

     

    During the celebration to mark 5 years.

    By James Nyaigoti,

    The Association of Startup and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) today held a conference to celebrate five years of existence where various partners, startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs discussed their development and growth to a maximum level.

    ASSEK is a strong network of more than 120 member organizations. These are all entrepreneurial support organizations that are working with them to support the start-up growth and scale-up of their businesses. They are based across the entire country.

    “They are based across the entire country. Assek membership is only 10,000 Kenya shillings currently. There’s no way we have that as an affordable price because you want to ensure all entrepreneur support organizations in the country but to join and not buy it from the cost of entry, which are some of the benefits of being a member and so you get access to such events where, for example, we’re hosting an annual conference in 2023, where we had the ministry of investments and trade present in the meeting. ” Mercy Kimalat, ASEK CEO,.

    ASSEK CEO Mercy Kimalat,

    On the occasion, Hon. Kibutha Kibwana, former Makueni Governor, observed that there is a Startup Bill proposed that will offer some incentives, such as tax breaks and access to credit for startups. William Ruto, Kenya’s President, has confirmed that the Startup Bill 2022, which seeks to provide employment opportunities for Kenyan youth and tax breaks for startups, will be signed into law by April 2024.

    The CEO further added that the other thing is looking at how policy changes are also happening. You know, we had the Kenya Revenue Authority present and are talking about how they’re coming up with a policy specifically for the MSMEs because that is a huge tax base that they’ve been considering, but also coming up with a policy that is good and conducive for that sector. So in a way, we’re seeing a lot of changes both on the policy side and on the investment side. We received more than $1 billion in investments into the country over time—not just in one year, but over time, we’ve seen that happening.

    “Join us, and you don’t have to be only an entrepreneur support organization. You can come and partner with us. The reason for this is that to build an ecosystem, we need a village where every single person has to play their role. So whether you are in academia or not, come and partner with us to see how we can show them the industry-academia linkages. If you are a corporation, let’s see how we can strengthen the corporate and startup linkages as well. If you’re an investor, we have a good pipeline of innovation hubs and a strong community of startups and SMEs that can tap into that kind of funding. And generally, anyone else who’s a stakeholder in the community and is a beneficiary of all this partnership with ASIC should join us and be part of our community. Let’s build Kenya. To what you want to see it become.” Added Mercy Kimalat.

  • Huawei leads 38 firms to serve up 500 jobs for youth

    Huawei leads 38 firms to serve up 500 jobs for youth

    Huawei Kenya and 38 other Chinese firms have teamed to absorb more than 500 young Kenyans in various sectors including ICT, manufacturing, trade and construction.

    Addressing President William Ruo when he visited the firm’s Job Fair during the ongoing YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 in Nairobi, Gavin Gao CEO of Huawei Kenya explained that the firm is a strong supporter of the government’s digital transformation programs and remains committed complementing the achievement of its job creation targets.

    “We have co-organized the 2023 edition of the annual Job Fair together with the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) to offer young Kenyans more than 500 placement opportunities as part of our program to support talent growth and economic development. I  appreciate all KCETA members who are participating in the program including Sunda International and the China Road and Bridge Construction Company,” he added.

    Huawei Kenya, he noted, has consistently and intentionally expanded the focus of the business with a view to absorbing young Kenyans inside the firm and within its partner ecosystem, including running the ICT talent ecosystem program that upskills youth in digital technology and ICT competence. In the program, 250 lecturers have been trained in advanced technology and over 10,000 University and college students are trained annually.

    Gao introduced some of the Kenyans who had benefitted from the program including Michael Kamau, Huawei ICT Academy manager, Eric Ongeri, Operations Channel Manager and Mathew Kiptoo, Hiring Manager.

    Huawei also runs a 6-month Graduate management training program to provide youth with training and internships at the company that translate into job placements at the firm or within its partner ecosystem.

    The YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 was held in Kenya for the first time and themed “Youth innovating a borderless African renaissance”. It convened over 20,000 young people, government officials, corporate leaders and development champions to spotlight Youth leadership and innovation for Africa’s integration through policy discussions, storytelling and networking, and entrepreneur focused programmes including a marketplace and investor meetings.

    Huawei partnered with KCETA (Kenya China Economic and Trade Association) to put together the job fair.

    KCETA is a social organization comprised of Chinese businesses in Kenya. The association was founded in 2001 with 51 Chinese invested businesses in Kenya, and as of December, 2023 the association’s membership has grown to 102 members.

    The mission of the KCETA is to strengthen the cohesiveness and influence of Chinese business people in Kenya in order to better protect the rights of Chinese businesses and promote their business development there.

    Since its founding, the association has improved its charter and various systems, growing the self-discipline of Chinese invested businesses in Kenya, responding to member demands, protecting member rights, helping Chinese businesses to resolve difficulties encountered during operation, encouraging member businesses to open up charitable initiatives and carry out their social responsibility, creating closer ties to the community, establishing a good corporate image for Chinese businesses, continuously strengthening internal and external communication, and improving the cohesiveness of member businesses.

  • Lessons from an acquisition: why we need more M&A activity between emerging market businesses

    Lessons from an acquisition: why we need more M&A activity between emerging market businesses

    By Kaivan Sattar, CEO and founder, Asaak 

     

    In June 2023, my company Asaak did something unusual for an African tech startup: we acquired another company on another continent. More specifically, we acquired the operations of FlexClub Mexico, a company that offers car financing for ride-hailing drivers.

     

    The acquisition, which came off the back of our turn to profitability, was massive for us. Just a few years earlier, we’d been weeks away from having to shut down before bridging finance and a pivot to a more focused business model set us on the path to success.

     

    The acquisition, which was set up by a mutual investor, has also proven beneficial to both companies. It has allowed us to enter into a new asset class and FlexClub to focus on its South African operations. But it has also solidified for me why we need more mergers and acquisitions between emerging market companies, especially in an era of reduced funding.

     

    M&A activity on the rise at a time of low funding

     

    With interest rates rising steadily since early 2022, startup investments around the globe have fallen dramatically. In fact, venture capital (VC) investments in African startups in the first half of 2023 were down 43% compared to the first half of 2022.

     

    In part, that’s because the investors who back VCs have shifted a greater proportion of their funds to less risky vehicles, such as bonds. But it’s also because some investors relied on cheap debt to make their investments. With borrowing more expensive, it’s become more difficult to access the money they need to make investments.

     

    That’s had significant consequences for startups around the world, but particularly in emerging market countries where funding has always been low anyway. In their growth phase especially, many startups rely on funding and investment to fuel growth until they reach the point where they’re profitable.

     

    For those startups, an acquisition may offer a lifeline to employees who would otherwise be out of work. It also means that, with the right acquisition partner, the ideas and vision behind the business stand a chance of living on. Small wonder then that there were significant increases in African M&A activity through 2022 and early 2023. But mergers and acquisitions, particularly between companies founded in emerging markets, have other significant benefits too.

     

    Geographic expansion made simpler

     

    One of the big benefits we’ve seen is that an acquisition makes moving into a new territory much simpler. Had we tried to enter Mexico by raising equity capital to establish our own lending operations there from scratch, it would have cost us a lot of time and potentially millions of dollars.

     

    That’s to say nothing of the fact that hiring a team in a different country comes with its own set of challenges. It requires cofounders to relocate to that country for months or years to fully understand local market dynamics and hire the right people. For us, acquiring an existing team that had already been working together for four years and nearly achieved profitability was a huge value proposition as we were able to instantly launch our business on a new continent and hit the ground running.

     

    An additional benefit is that unless you’re acquiring an extremely distressed company, you’re also going to get a nice revenue boost. In our case, revenues increased 33% overnight. There are very few things one can do to achieve such rapid growth in a short amount of time and acquisitions are one of them. As a global asset manager, we are also now able to diversify currency and interest rate risk across two highly uncorrelated markets.

     

    Emerging markets understanding

     

    Another significant benefit of acquiring a company in another emerging market is that the challenges and opportunities are familiar. Like Uganda, Mexico remains a cash-dominant economy. In fact, World Bank figures show that just 37% of adults in Mexico have a formal bank account and as few as 32% have made a digital payment.

     

    While the two markets are undoubtedly unique, there are at least enough similarities that we can apply lessons that worked in Uganda. I believe that those similarities also allow us to be a more understanding acquirer. That, in turn, means we won’t look to offload or close the asset at the first sign of trouble, as might happen with a developed market acquisition.

     

    That’s not to say that acquisitions of emerging market companies by their developed market counterparts and vice versa can’t work. But having an understanding of emerging market challenges including corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of credit infrastructure makes the likelihood of success that much higher.

     

    These kinds of acquisitions could also become increasingly important, particularly when it comes to ensuring the survival of good businesses in these markets. It’ll be some time before interest rates go back down to the levels we saw in 2020 and 2021, meaning that alternatives will be critical.

     

    Not a cure-all but still important

     

    Of course, not every single merger and acquisition involving emerging market companies will work out smoothly. Even with thorough due diligence in place, things might just not work out. Nonetheless, I believe that the potential gains from emerging market mergers and acquisitions are too big to ignore.

     

    Before any company makes such an acquisition, however, it’s important to remember that it takes time to fully understand the opportunities and risks of acquiring a company, and even before you have all the information you want you have to pull the trigger.

  • Let the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Help You Unleash Your TikTok Creativity

    Let the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Help You Unleash Your TikTok Creativity

    As a TikTok content creator, you are all about staying on top of the latest trends, capturing life’s funny, quirky, and precious moments, and creating jaw-dropping content for your loyal followers. You also know how essential having the right phone is. If you are serious about taking your ‘TikToking’ to the next level by creating content that wows your audience, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is here to help you do just that.

    Why is the Galaxy Z Flip5 an absolute must-have tool for TikTokers?

    Because it will flip your game on its head as it seamlessly integrates into your content creation journey, making it easier, more flexible, and more fun. You know that feeling when you’re trying to record a dance challenge or a hilarious skit, and you wish your phone could just stand up by itself? Well, the Galaxy Z Flip5 has got you covered. Thanks to its hideaway hinge, this beauty can stand on its own. Imagine the endless possibilities for all those cool hands-free videos – no more balancing acts with books or leaning your phone against random objects, anywhere. For crisp resolution, you can shoot your videos using the main camera on the front screen (Flex Window).

    Now, you can focus on nailing those dance moves or perfecting your comedic timing. You can easily record yourself mastering the mimicking viral trend with your own twist or the latest TikTok dance challenges without breaking a sweat. You can now watch and react to videos on the top screen while recording your genuine reactions on the bottom screen, thanks to dual preview.

    Being a content creator means you are always on the move and on the hunt for good content. Whether it’s filming at the local park, in your favourite coffee shop, out enjoying fun activities, or even just chilling at home, the Galaxy Z Flip5’s sleek, compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry with you. It fits snugly in your pocket or bag, ensuring that you’re always ready to capture that “OMG, you won’t believe what just happened” moment.

    Capture incredible photos and videos from any angle

    Want to fold your phone at a 90-degree angle, which is perfect for those makeup tutorials, reaction videos, or even just catching up on your favourite TikToks, the Galaxy Z Flip5’s Flex Mode has got you covered. It’s a game-changer and your only headache will be finding those unique angles and perspectives for your awesome content.

    Best Selfie Experience On a Samsung Galaxy Yet

    Selfies are a big part of your content, and with the Galaxy Z Flip5, you can raise your selfie game up a few levels. Use the phone’s cover screen as a viewfinder Galaxy Z Flip, so you can frame your shot perfectly before you snap that selfie. From hands-free, multi-angle to Flex-window or front camera selfies, there’ll be no more awkward retakes just pure selfie perfection.

    You know how it feels to run out of juice right in the middle of recording something epic. Worry no more with the Galaxy Z Flip5’s long-lasting battery, because you can film, edit, and upload your content without constantly searching for an outlet. Plus, fast charging means you’ll be back in action in no time.

    This dependable battery powers the Galaxy Z Flip5’s incredible camera system, for you to capture stunning photos and videos. Whether you’re doing a makeup transformation, capturing a breath-taking sunset, or joining the latest viral trend, the quality of your content will be top-notch.

    Once you have got all the content you need, you can edit and share it with ease with the help of the phone’s intuitive creative software features.

    Samsung also has an incredible trade-in offer with partners like Badili Africa for the Galaxy Z Flip5, which allows you to trade in your old eligible phone and purchase a device of your choice.

  • A Guide To A Content Creator’s Ideal Smartphone

    A Guide To A Content Creator’s Ideal Smartphone

    In the dynamic world of content creation, the smartphone has become an indispensable tool, empowering creators to capture, edit, and share their work with a global audience. In Kenya, where mobile technology is rapidly evolving, content creators face unique challenges and opportunities, demanding a smartphone that can seamlessly blend into their creative workflow.

    To truly understand the ideal smartphone for content creators in Kenya, let’s delve into their specific needs and aspirations:

    1. Unparalleled Camera Capabilities:

    Content creation revolves around capturing captivating visuals, and a smartphone’s camera system is the cornerstone of this endeavor. For Kenyan content creators, a smartphone should boast a versatile camera system capable of handling diverse lighting conditions, from the vibrant hues of Kenyan sunsets to the intricate details of local crafts. A high-resolution main sensor, coupled with wide and telephoto lenses, is essential for capturing stunning photos and videos that showcase Kenya’s rich beauty.

    1. Long-Lasting Battery for Uninterrupted Creativity:

    Content creation is an energy-intensive process, draining smartphone batteries quickly. Kenyan content creators often find themselves on the move, exploring remote locations and capturing spontaneous moments. A smartphone with a long-lasting battery, ideally exceeding 4,500mAh, ensures that creativity remains uninterrupted, allowing creators to capture and share their experiences without worrying about power constraints.

    1. Powerful Performance for Seamless Editing and Sharing:

    Content creation doesn’t end with capturing; it extends to editing and sharing the final product. A smartphone with a powerful processor, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or equivalent which is offered in the Samsung S23 Series particularly the Samsung s23 Ultra, ensures a smooth and efficient editing experience, allowing creators to apply filters, adjust lighting, and add transitions with ease. Additionally, ample RAM, preferably 8GB or more, ensures seamless multitasking and quick app loading, enabling creators to switch between editing apps, social media platforms, and messaging services without any lag.

    1. Large Storage for Capturing Kenya’s Bounty:

    Kenya’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and captivating wildlife create an abundance of content creation opportunities. A smartphone with ample storage, ideally 128GB or more, ensures that creators can capture and store countless photos, videos, and RAW files without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, expandable storage options, such as microSD card slots, provide further flexibility for storing large media files.

    1. Durable Design for Kenyan Adventures:

    Content creators in Kenya often venture into rugged terrains, dusty environments, and unpredictable weather conditions. A smartphone with a durable design, featuring dustproof and water-resistant construction, is essential for withstanding the rigors of Kenyan adventures. This durability ensures that the smartphone remains a reliable companion, even in challenging environments.

    1. Affordable Price for Kenyan Aspiring Creators:

    Aspiring content creators in Kenya may face financial constraints, making affordability a crucial factor in smartphone selection. A smartphone that strikes a balance between premium features and a competitive price point empowers aspiring creators to pursue their passion without breaking the bank.

    1. Additional Perks for Enhancing Content Creation:

    Considering these essential requirements, several smartphones stand out as ideal choices for content creators in Kenya. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, with its powerful camera system, long-lasting battery, and impressive performance, emerges as a frontrunner. Other notable options include the Google Pixel 6a, known for its exceptional camera performance and affordability, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), offering a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and user-friendliness.

    The smartphone has revolutionized content creation, empowering Kenyan creators to capture and share their unique perspectives with the world. By selecting a smartphone that aligns with their specific needs and aspirations, Kenyan content creators can elevate their creativity, showcase Kenya’s beauty, and inspire others to follow their creative passions.

  • Consistency Pays Off for 4.7M SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus Winner

    Consistency Pays Off for 4.7M SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus Winner

    The fortune favored Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County has clinched the SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus, a substantial Kes 4,791,803 win.

    Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County
    Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County

    A devoted SportPesa enthusiast since 2014, Mnangat, a Kapenguria-based family man operating a retail shop, recounts his journey of winning smaller multi-bets throughout the years.

    Exemplifying the ‘Hustler’ spirit, Mnangat envisions utilizing his newfound wealth to develop his land and invest in his business, fueled by his 15/17 correct predictions that narrowly missed a staggering 337,399,211 shillings.

    “Hii pesa itanisaidia mimi na familia yangu, huko nyumbani niko na plot nataka nijenge. Hi, 339 million

    Ya Mega Jackpot nitakujia next week, ama next month,” said the elated Mnangat

    Having traversed approximately 500 kilometers from Kapenguria to Nairobi to collect his winnings, Mnangat expresses his unwavering commitment to the SportPesa Mega Jackpot, currently valued at 339,066,519 shillings with a nominal entry fee of 99 shillings.

    In the spirit of the festive season, SportPesa extends its generosity with the ‘Jishikie Kienyeji Hii Krisi’ Christmas campaign, complementing the weekly SportPesa Midweek and Mega Jackpot Bonuses. Up to 42 fortunate winners stand to receive Kes 5,000 weekly as part of this joyful initiative.

    As the campaign concludes, one exceptional participant with a compelling and uplifting story from the year will be bestowed with a grand Christmas shopping bonanza worth Kes 100,000, courtesy of SportPesa, adding an extra touch of warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

  • How to Maximize Using Your Samsung Solar Cell Remote

    How to Maximize Using Your Samsung Solar Cell Remote

    In an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, Samsung’s innovation in the form of a solar cell remote is a testament to the company’s commitment to eco-friendly technology. This remote, which harnesses solar energy to power itself, is not just a gadget but a leap towards a more sustainable future. Let’s explore the best ways to maximize the use of this ingenious device.

    Before diving into maximizing its use, it’s essential to understand how the Samsung Solar Cell Remote works. Unlike traditional remotes that rely on disposable batteries, this remote features a solar panel on its back, which allows it to recharge using both sunlight and indoor lights. This design is a game-changer in reducing battery waste. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Samsung solar cell remote:

    1. Exposure to Light: The key to maximizing the remote’s charge is ensuring it gets adequate light exposure. Place it near a window or in a well-lit room where it can absorb sunlight or indoor lighting.
    2. Avoiding Obstructions: Make sure the solar panel on the back isn’t covered or in the shadow. Even when not in use, it’s best to leave the remote in a position where the panel is unobstructed.
    3. Keeping the Panel Clean: Dust and dirt can hinder the panel’s ability to absorb light. Regularly wiping the panel with a soft, dry cloth can maintain its charging efficiency.
    4. Inspect for Damage: Occasionally check the panel for any damage. A cracked or scratched panel can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
    5. Utilizing Smart Charging Options: The Samsung Solar Cell Remote also comes with a USB-C port for traditional charging. In scenarios where light is insufficient, especially during prolonged periods of dark or overcast weather, using the USB-C port ensures your remote never runs out of juice.
    6. Incorporating Into Daily Routine: Make placing the remote in a light-exposed area part of your daily routine, just like charging your phone or turning off lights.

    Using the Samsung Solar Cell Remote is more than just about convenience, it is a small but significant step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By opting for solar-powered devices, consumers contribute to reducing battery waste and promoting renewable energy use.

    The Samsung Solar Cell Remote is a brilliant example of how technology can be both innovative and environmentally conscious. By following these tips to maximize its usage, users not only enjoy the convenience of a constantly charged remote but also partake in a larger movement towards sustainability. It’s innovations like these that make technology a powerful tool in our journey towards a greener planet.

  • Denish Ochieng, Enos Teche, Abu Mburu win at the 5th Edition of Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition Awards

    Denish Ochieng, Enos Teche, Abu Mburu win at the 5th Edition of Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition Awards

    Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), a leading manufacturer of Building Solutions and member of the Safal Group®, announced winners of the 2023 Safal Eye in the Wild competition at an award ceremony held at the Norfolk Hotel. Denish Ochieng, Enos Teche, and Abu Mburu won positions 1,2,3 respectively and Vincent Chepkwony won the People’s Choice Award voted by the public.

    The esteemed panel of judges, comprised of experts in photography and environmental conservation, faced the challenging task of selecting winners from the numerous impressive entries. The Gold, Silver, Bronze and People’s Choice award winners were revealed during the ceremony, each receiving generous cash prizes of USD 3,000, USD 2,000, USD 1,000 and USD 500 respectively.

    The Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition, which ran from July 28 to October 15, 2023, received an overwhelming response from photographers, both professional and amateur, across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania. This year’s theme of, “Drought in Focus,” inspired participants to capture powerful images that depict the harsh realities and the resilience of communities facing the devastating impact of drought in Africa.

    The award ceremony honored the exceptional talent and creativity showcased by the participants. Distinguished guests, industry leaders, environmentalists, and photography enthusiasts gathered to recognize and applaud the winning photographers who skillfully conveyed the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable solutions.

    Anders Lindgren, Safal Group CEO, expressed his pleasant view of this year’s competition, stating, “The Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition has not only grown in scope but has also become a powerful platform for driving conversations around environmental conservation. Today, we are celebrating those who have used their art to inspire change and raise awareness about the impact of drought on communities.”

    Sarit Shah, Chairman of the Safal MRM Foundation, remarked, “We are proud to witness the impact that this competition has had in fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. The award ceremony is not only a celebration of talent but also a call to action, urging all of us to continue working towards a sustainable future.”

    In the powerful transformational story behind the winning photograph, the winner, Denish committed to empowering a retired forester, Dabaso Kantoma Sora  in Northern Kenya who plants indigenous, drought resisting trees in the North Horr town at the edge of Chalbi desert.  The Safal Group in addition generously committed to supporting Dabaso’s transformative journey by contributing Kshs 200,000.

    The Chief Guest, Dickson Ritan, the Deputy Director, Parks and Reserves, Kenya Wildlife Services lauded the initiative as one that continues to support environmental conservation at a critical time when national disasters such as drought have affected Kenya.

    The ceremony showcased highlights from the submitted photographs, providing a visual narrative of the competition’s journey and the stories captured through the lenses of talented photographers.

    For more information about the Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition and to view the winning entries, please visit https://safaleyeinthewild.safalgroup.com/.