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Category: BUSINESS

  • MultiChoice Kenya assures local content protection from piracy

    MultiChoice Kenya assures local content protection from piracy

    Ronald Shelukindo - Marketing Manager,MultiChoice KenyaElisha Kamau - PR manager ,MultiChoice Manager Nzola Miranda - MD ,Multi Choice Kenya Glauco Ferreira - Regional Director Northern Africa Multi Choice.
    Ronald Shelukindo – Marketing,MultiChoice Elisha Kamau-PR MultiChoice Mngr Nzola Miranda-MD, Glauco Ferreira- Reg. Dir Northern Africa MultiChoice. 

    By Mellisa Mong’ina

    MultiChoice Kenya (MCK) has assured the protection of all local content producers from piracy by involving law enforcement authorities saying that it is a threat that destroys local content production.

    Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during the launch of Two Brand New Local Shows, Zari & Ka-Siri, on Maisha Magic Plus, Nzola Miranda the Managing Director of Multichoice Kenya said that content rich in content is consumed illegally

    “We are working with law enforcement authorities to ensure the enforcement of piracy of local content is protected and also ready to embrace digital transformation,” said Miranda.

    He added that their biggest challenge currently is streaming piracy which is a bit more difficult as compared to the past when it was easy to spot it because of the use of cables going out of buildings through to people’s homes

    “80 percent of our piracy now is what we call streaming piracy, but we are ready and working with technology and with our parent company which is at the forefront of technology,” added Miranda

    Miranda added that they have already developed many technologies to support streaming piracy as it cannot be stopped completely.

    “We have two strong streaming products that are catering to that streaming technology, right here in Kenya, 10 percent of our base is already streaming our content and in the next five years we are going to grow more massively,” said Miranda.

    According to Miranda, local stories create local jobs and also change narratives. “Local content is growing and we are happy to listen to what we have,” he added.

    Multichoice Kenya (MCK) is currently the country’s leading pay TV and entertainment provider, it is also a joint venture between MultiChoice Africa and the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), The two shows will be accessible on Maisha Magic Plus which is now available on DStv Access and GOtv Plus and up in a campaign dubbed “Tumefungulia Magic”

    “Ka-Siri”, a telenovela explores the proverbial theme of “the rich also cry”. The gripping story unfolds around an extremely wealthy man, Zula, who is killed in a home invasion, leaving behind a home that is wrapped in passion, lies, discoveries, secrets, and shocking revelations. Viewers will embark on a rollercoaster of drama to uncover who ultimately claims victory in the end. Ka-Siri” boasts an impressive lineup of over 100 episodes, promising a long-lasting and captivating journey for its audience. Episodes will air every Monday to Wednesday at 19:30 EAT from Monday 9 October 2023,”.

    Zari is a modern Cinderella story that follows the story of Nina, a young woman whose rightful family – and fortune are hidden from her. Will Nina and her true biological father, Dylan ever be reunited and will her adopted family pay for their duplicity? Zari premieres on Monday 23 October 2023 and will air every Monday to Friday at 20:30 EAT.

    “The launch of these new local shows underscores MultiChoice’s unwavering commitment to delivering family-friendly exceptional entertainment experiences to its viewers with content that resonates with them,” noted Miranda,

    The producer of both shows, Rashid Abdullah expressed his appreciation to MultiChoice Kenya for the support to local productions in Kenya. “Film production is very expensive and as filmmakers, investing and putting money behind productions is not easy, access to finance and capital too has many barriers,” he revealed.

    “As industry players, we are delighted to have partners like MultiChoice who allow Kenyans tell their own stories that are authentic are speak to the cultural and societal nuances that are alive in them while creating jobs for actors, actresses, chefs, transporters, real estate owners, make-up artists, video editors, sound producers, camera crew, set designers among others in the film ecosystem.”

    Speaking to MultiChoice Kenya’s investment, in local content, Timothy Okwaro, Channel Director East and Southern Africa remarked, “With an annual investment of over $5m in content production and licensing, translating into well over 5,600 hours of content annually, we have lined up some of the biggest, most exciting shows that will give our viewers more choice and more entertainment.”

    “Since 2015, we have brought to our customers over 89 shows (35 commissioned and 52 licensed), with up to 15 shows expected between April this year and March 2024, in other words, Tumefungulia Magic” Okwaro concluded.

  • Davis & Shirtliff achieves Integrated Management System (IMS) certification

    Davis & Shirtliff achieves Integrated Management System (IMS) certification

    Davis & Shirtliff has achieved a major milestone by receiving an Integrated Management System (IMS) certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

    The certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to bring about robust systems for quality,
    environment, health, and safety in its bid to improve lives through the provision of water and energy solutions.
    The IMS certification reinforces Davis & Shirtliff’s position as a market leader and showcases its readiness to deliver excellence in critical areas that impact the well-being and economic advancement of its
    customers spanning all 47 counties. The certification is a result of the company’s dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of innovation and sustainability in all its operations.

    “We are honored to have added one more badge to our certification achievements, which confirms the unrelenting resolve to deliver quality game-changing solutions in the country. Being certified means ensuring maximum reliability and dependability of all our products and solutions to help Kenyans rip their benefits to the highest capacities,” said Davis & Shirtliff Group Chairman Alec Davis.

    The IMS certification integrates three vital management systems: Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management
    (ISO 45001:2018) and further, an alignment with global concerns regarding climate change and sustainability, ensuring the safety of stakeholders through compliance with regulations and hazard
    prevention.

    The certification covers a broad spectrum, including 83 sites across eight countries where Davis & Shirtliff operates. D&S joins other top organizations that have received IMS certification in Kenya such as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya, EABL, Safaricom, Bidco Africa, and Isuzu East Africa.

    The IMS certification was officially approved by the KEBS Certification Committee on July 17, 2023, and the certificates will remain valid for a period of three years.

    Integration of the management systems is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to streamline their management processes, reduce costs, improve overall performance, and demonstrate commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health, and safety

  • Sidai Offers Cheapest Incentive to Low Income Earners

    Sidai Offers Cheapest Incentive to Low Income Earners

    When we talk of land we can’t overlook the name Sidai Group which is one of the leading and most trusted companies selling land and properties at the most affordable price that suites even the pocket of a common mwananchi.

    Sidai Group maintains on its program a variety of land spaces from commercial to residential where you can decide to build a home, commercial, or practice agriculture in their productive soils and all this enables you as a client to choose the perfect place that suits your needs.

    Sidai Group Real Estate has different packages for its clientele including diaspora and local customers.

    Diaspora buyers can comfortably buy when abroad where Sidai will offer them valuable land plus offer them unexpected after-sale services such as advisory services, property management, and also fence for them which saves their clients the time and extra cost of being present physically to undertake all these duties.

    The good news is even ‘Wanjiku” handling small businesses and earning a small amount of income can also actualize her dream of owning land via Sidai because she has the option of paying over a prolonged period to fit her small income and the prices range from as low as Ksh.450,000 which can be paid in small installments.

    The biggest stress is usually holding that title deed in your hands because most land sellers don’t speed up the process of giving out title deeds to their clients.

    Surprisingly here at Sidai, you can get your title deed within just 90days or less immediately after you are done paying for the parcel which makes it easier for you to continue developing your land without the stress of thinking if you lost your money to some unscrupulous agents.

    Sidai’s properties are located in different areas such as Kamangu in Kikuyu Olepolos in Kajiado, and Riverine in Kitale among other areas, an incentive that gives clients from different countries to settle where their hearts desire. For more information visit their website via (www.sidaigroup.com) to Jenga Future na Sidai

  • Samsung Electronics unveils bespoke home promotional combo -your home, your style, your way

    Samsung Electronics has announced a new promotional package that is designed to ensure customers enjoy the ultimate customization and functionality that speaks to their lifestyle.

    The curated package of Samsung’s popular Bespoke range of home appliances invites consumers to style their homes their way, with tailored packages, discounted by as much as 20%, that offer unparalleled customization and savings. The promotion has been dubbed the “Bespoke Home Combo Offer”.

    The promotion period will start on 1st September 2023 and end on 8th October 2023.

    With the increasing demand for individualized solutions in homes, Samsung’s Bespoke series has been at the forefront of providing modular designs that reflect personal style. The Bespoke Promotion Combo takes this vision further, allowing consumers to benefit from exclusive packages and savings when choosing multiple products from the Bespoke line.

    Samsung is offering two promotional combos; the White combo offer and the Black combo offer whereby customers can mix and match products according to their needs and will enjoy a 20% discount on purchases.

    The ‘White Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a carefully curated set of clean white iconic appliances, which includes the white bespoke top mount refrigerator and the white bespoke front load washing machine that can be purchased at a 20% discounted rate of Ksh. 239,990, while the ‘Black Bespoke Combo’ offers customers a black top mount refrigerator, a black front load washer and dryer, and a black microwave which can be purchased at a 20% discounted price of Ksh.314,990.

    “Our goal has always been to understand and address the evolving needs of our consumers. The Bespoke Home Combo Offer is a reflection of Samsung’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that don’t compromise on quality, innovation, or value. The combination deal we have introduced is a manifestation of our commitment to provide tailored choices, ensuring every individual can create an environment that’s uniquely theirs,” said Mr Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Appliances Samsung East Africa “By bringing together our most innovative appliances in harmonious combinations, we are not only offering unmatched value but also an opportunity for our customers to redefine their living spaces.”

    Bespoke Home Combo customers will benefit from extended warranties and premium after-sales services, ensuring peace of mind with their purchase. Customers can purchase these appliances exclusively from the Housewife’s Paradise Store or online.

    Samsung invites everyone to redefine their living spaces with home appliances that truly resonate with their style and needs. The future of home living is bespoke, and with Samsung, the possibilities are endless.

    About Samsung Electronics Co.Ltd

    Samsung Electronics Co.Ltd inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom

  • SasaPay unveils new strategy as the company targets a bigger slice of the mobile money payment market 

    SasaPay, a leading digital payments service provider, has unveiled a new strategy as the company targets to increase its customer base both in Kenya and the diaspora market. SasaPay’s new strategy centers around the provision of cutting-edge seamless financial solutions and ensuring a secure payment experience for a diverse range of businesses; including financial services sector players banks, Saccos and digital lenders, as well as SMEs in general trade, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, transport sector players, agricultural enterprises and manufacturers.
    SasaPay envisions playing a pivotal role in the Kenyan economy by acting as a bridge between businesses and capital providers, with the firm announcing it will facilitate quick, affordable access to working capital for businesses thus spurring business growth.
    “Through our rebrand, we aim to redefine the role of the payments and act as the meeting point between Kenyan businesses and their customers. Key to this will be empowering them to operate more efficiently to accelerate growth,” SasaPay Chief Operating Officer Daniel Njoroge said.
    The firm further added in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it shall apply its AI-based innovative technology to enable businesses to scale by providing timely and accurate data to capital providers to fasten their decision-making in funding SMEs. This will be in accordance with data protection regulations. This way the businesses will grow, provide more employment and hence provide more households with dignified lifestyles thus directly participating in critical SDG goals like No Poverty, Decent work & Economic Growth, and reduced inequalities.
    The firm unveiled disruptive models that will focus more on strategic partnerships engineered to enable its customers to derive more value from their wallets through solutions in Savings, Lending, Investments, and automated payments. Specialized focus groups will henceforth receive customized wallet propositions that fit their unique needs.  SMEs for instance shall see their wallet balances earning them interest through collaborative partnerships with financial institutions in line with the firm’s philosophy of Shared Prosperity.
    Similarly, individual users will enjoy the most competitive transaction charges in the market and will see their wallet balances automatically earning them interest when not transacting. SasaPay users shall also be able to Shop and Pay later through its BNPL model dubbed “Shop Now Pay Later”.
    SasaPay is also eying the diaspora market with seamless transfer of funds from the diaspora to Kenya and cross-border payments from Kenya.
    “We foresee SasaPay being the day-to-day transaction platform for Kenyans in the diaspora to empower them to transact with their families, business interests, and investments in Kenya seamlessly from wherever they are in the world. We shall be the first to enable Kenyans to transact in foreign currency via their wallets, a breakthrough that has been made possible through its CBK-Regulated partner WapiPay,” Njoroge added.
    Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) statistics show that Kenyans living abroad remitted Sh453 billion in 2022. In the first four months of 2023, Kenyans in the diaspora sent home Sh185.9 billion.
    According to CBK, about 42 million mobile money transactions, valued at about Sh106.6 billion (USD 730 million), are made per day; in Kenya. The number of mobile money subscribers in the country stands at 28 million.
    The financial inclusion in the country has risen from 26.7 percent in 2006 to 83.7 percent in 2021, one of the highest levels of financial inclusion globally.
    The latest CBK’s FinAccess report shows that usage of mobile money rose from 28 percent in 2009 to 81 percent in 2022. The proportion of Kenyans who use two or more financial services simultaneously has quadrupled, from just 18 percent of the population in 2006 to 75 percent in 2022.
    McKinsey, a consulting firm, predicts that the electronic payments market in Africa will grow by around 150 percent within the next two years.
    “SasaPay seeks to establish Kenya as the gateway to Africa through a robust financial ecosystem. We are connecting SasaPay to diverse payment gateways across the world to ensure an individual or a business on the SasaPay platform can do business or any form of payment transactions with anyone from any part of the world,” added Mr. Njoroge.

  • Cleanshelf Supermarket Expands its Footprint with the Grand Opening of Nairobi South B Branch

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited in South B Nairobi staffs cutting the cake. Photo/Courtesy
    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited in South B Nairobi staff cutting the cake. Photo/Courtesy

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets Limited, a leading Customer Service oriented retail chain is excited to announce the opening of its 15th branch in Nairobi South B. This new addition to the Cleanshelf family is a testament to the company’s commitment to serving local communities and providing top-notch shopping experiences and quality products to its valued customers.

    From its inception in 2002, Cleanshelf Supermarkets Ltd has been dedicated to offering a diverse range of high-quality products under one roof, tailored to meet its customers’ unique needs and preferences. The new Nairobi South B branch exemplifies this commitment, featuring a spacious layout, modern amenities, and a vast selection of goods that cater to the vibrant community of South B and its surroundings.

    “We are thrilled to open our doors in Nairobi South B and become a part of this vibrant community,” said Mr. Timothy Kihara, the Managing Director/CEO of Cleanshelf Supermarket. “This branch represents our dedication to providing convenient access to everyday essentials while maintaining our high standards of service and product quality.”

    During the grand opening, shoppers have treated to live entertainment, enticing food tastings, and exciting giveaways. Moreover, Cleanshelf Supermarkets partnered with its esteemed suppliers to offer exclusive deals and discounts, making the opening day shopping experience truly special for all attendees.

    As Cleanshelf Supermarkets continues to expand its physical store footprint, it remains equally committed to enhancing its online presence. The company’s user-friendly and intuitive website have garnered praise for its seamless shopping experience, providing customers with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their homes.

    In recognition of its excellence in integrating technology and providing top-tier customer service, Cleanshelf Supermarkets was recently honoured with the prestigious e-Commerce Award 2023 by the Kenya e-Commerce Awards. Cleanshelf e-Commerce platform won the ‘Gold Winner’ Award for the ‘Best eCommerce Customer Service Team.’ The company was also feted with the ‘Bronze Winner’ award under the ‘Best Supermarket/Hypermarkets eCommerce Website.

    “We are humbled to receive the e-Commerce Award 2023, which highlights our efforts to deliver a seamless and convenient online shopping experience. These awards are a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our digitally-savvy customers,” said Mr. Kihara.

    He added: “These awards further motivate us to continue striving for excellence as we grow both in the physical and digital retail domains.”

    Cleanshelf Supermarkets extends its heartfelt gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated staff and supportive suppliers, and partners for their continuous encouragement and trust. The company remains focused on its mission to provide unparalleled service and quality offerings, both through its growing physical store network and its user-friendly e-commerce platforms.

  • Samsung expands it’s presence with the grand opening of the Maralal Oasis store

    Samsung expands it’s presence with the grand opening of the Maralal Oasis store

    Samsung Electronics has announced the grand opening of its latest retail store at Maralal Oasis, in Hurlingham Nairobi. This new addition to the Samsung family signifies their commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and innovative products closer to the heart of Nairobi and, enhancing the retail experience for the local community. This comes at a time when the global tech brand has just introduced the premium fifth-generation Flip and Fold phones.

    This makes this store the 3rd store to be opened this year making it the 19th experience store for the company in Kenya.

    Samsung’s Maralal Oasis store is designed to offer customers an immersive and interactive environment where they can explore our wide range of products, from smartphones and tablets to home appliances and wearables. With expert staff on hand to provide guidance and assistance, customers can make informed choices to meet their specific needs.

    “The opening of our new store is a testament to Samsung’s dedication to our valued customers in Hurlingham and the surrounding areas. We believe in providing our customers with access to the latest technology, and this new store will serve as a hub for innovation, education, and exceptional customer service to cater to our customers who have over the years supported and enjoyed our timepieces.” Charles Kimari, Director of Mobile Experience at Samsung.

    Simon Kariithi, the director for Jaicom Entreprises said that this is the six-outlet focusing on Samsung to bring out the best of customers.

    He added that they’ve launched also a new center in Kilimani which is a service center for Samsung devices and appliances such as refrigerators, gas cookers phones, and more.

    They will do in-house and on-site services because of the strategic positions they acquired as the shop also is now giving out a 5% discount on Samsung phones and other products available.

    Karithii has said they experienced challenges in the market on importations of devices due to device and appliance fragmentations.

    He however said the government has settled the issues around and the stock is available as the impotrations innuendos have been streemened.

    “Phones have started coming in and I can report that the matter has settled and for now i can say we’re okay on stock” reported Kariithi.

    The new Samsung store boasts a comprehensive display of Samsung’s latest products, including smartphones, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and more, and hands-on experience zones where customers can test and explore the features of Samsung devices.

    Samsung remains committed to enriching the lives of Kenyan consumers through its innovative products and dedicated customer service. The Maralal Oasis store is another step toward making Samsung’s world-class technology accessible to everyone in the region.

  • What is the impact on African businesses

    What is the impact on African businesses

    By Kenny Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer, Norsad Capital

     

    When we think about the impact that private credit and other forms of financing have on African companies, we tend to think about things like business growth and success. But the impact that private capital in particular has goes far beyond that. Utilized properly, it can have an incredibly powerful and positive effect on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Africans.

     

    That’s true not only when it comes to things like job creation. Private credit in the right sectors can make it that much easier for Africans to get to their jobs, seek out healthcare, and to have permanent, affordable energy, and many other things.

     

    That’s especially true in cases where the private credit provider has a social impact remit and is aligned with things like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

     

    The power of private credit in the African context 

     

    Before taking a deeper look at how big a positive impact private credit can have on African lives and livelihoods, it’s worth understanding what exactly it is and why it’s so powerful in the African context.

     

    In essence, private credit involves non-bank lenders providing loans to companies. While these companies vary in size, they’re typically focused on small and medium-sized businesses or those that aren’t suited to equity investment.

     

    That’s particularly important in the African context, where there’s much less equity-style investment available in certain sectors and where that kind of investment isn’t always suitable to a company’s needs. In terms of available investment, the tech startup space provides a useful benchmark. Despite African startups achieving USD2.1bn in VC funding in H1 2023, that’s still a fraction of the USD 85.6bn in H1 2023 raised by US startups over the same period (which was 46% down on the previous year).

     

    It’s also true that some companies aren’t suited to the kind of accelerated returns that equity-style investors look for. Private credit providers, by contrast, are able to take a more long-term approach, meaning that the companies who receive the credit are able to grow at a more sustainable pace.

     

    Improved impact through collaboration  

     

    That, in turn, means that they have more time to have a tangible impact. We’ve seen this first-hand with our own portfolio companies. With just over USD235 million in assets under management (USD56.5 million was spread across 13 companies in 2022.), we’ve helped those companies touch the lives of tens of millions of people. In fact, by the end of 2021, 35.5 million lives had been positively impacted, which is just over a third of the 100 million people we hope to impact by 2030. Our partner portfolio companies also supported 15 142 jobs in 2022, with 43% of these held by women and 20% by the youth.

     

    We’re not the only ones having that kind of impact either. Take TLG Capital, for example. Its Africa Growth Impact Fund (AGIF) provides open-ended credit fund investing in sub-Saharan Africa with superior risk-adjusted returns and a multifaceted high social impact. In line with this, the Funds aims to meaningfully contribute to women’s economic empowerment and influence. As a result of its efforts, TLG AGIF, now fulfills the 2x Challenge Criteria 5 – Investment through Financial Intermediaries. In healthcare, one of the companies has distributed over 284 million EU-compliant medications since 2020 across some of Africa’s poorest countries, another has manufactured medication for over 1,000,000 Ugandans currently receiving HIV treatment.

     

    But we also recognise that impact can be strengthened through collaboration. That’s why we inked a partnership deal with TLG Capital in December 2022. The partnership allows both of our companies to enhance the impact our various portfolio companies have, thanks to strengthened sharing, presenting, and co-investing in well-structured credit investment opportunities.

     

    It’s a collaboration that is already proving its benefit and is something we hope to see happening more frequently across the continent.

     

    Driving sustainable development 

     

    Ultimately, it’s important to remember that Africa has so many of the right ingredients to become a global economic superpower. It has a young, increasingly well-connected population with high proportions of entrepreneurs. But it also has a unique opportunity to take a sustainable development path as it heads towards that pinnacle.

     

    One of the most powerful tools available when it comes to the continent reaching that point is private credit. When an organisation provides that credit with a social impact remit, it can help companies grow at a natural pace and in a way that allows them to maximise their own impact.

     

    But if we want private credit to play the role it has the potential to, then it’s imperative that players in the sector foster a sense of collaboration and work together to provide the most positive possible impact on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Africans.

  • BK Group half year profit jumps 30.3pc to KES4.4bn

    BK Group half year profit jumps 30.3pc to KES4.4bn

    BK Group has reported a 30.3 percent jump in half year net profit to KES4.4 billion, driven by a strong growth in interest and transactions income.

    The Rwanda Stock Exchange and Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed lender reported a 22.5 percent growth in total revenue to KES12.9 billion, reflecting a strong performance of its loans book and non-funded income.

    The Group kept its operating costs in check, registering a 15.6 percent growth to KES5.2 billion.

    “BK Group Plc exhibited an impressive performance in the first half of 2023 that not only underscored the economy’s resilient rebound but also highlighted significant strides in enhancing asset quality and bolstering profitability. Notably, the Group achieved a commendable year-on-year net income growth, paralleled by substantial growth across all key performance indicators, solidifying its position as a robust player in the market.” said BK Group CEO, Béata U. Habyarimana.

    She noted that all the Group’s businesses, including the banking, insurance and investment units all reported strong growth in the period.

    BK Group’s flagship business, Bank of Kigali, maintained a strong performance, outperforming its Rwandan peers in the first six months of the year based on key industry parameters such as growth in total assets, net loans, client deposits and shareholders’ equity.

    Total assets grew by 16.1 percent year-on-year to KES228.5 billion, net loans increased 4.4 percent to KES138.5 billion while Client balances and deposits went up 21.5 percent to KES140.7 billion.

    “Total interest expenses decreased by 6.0 percent to KES2.9 billion due to a decreasing cost of funds, resulting from fruitful efforts to mobilize cheaper deposits,” said the Bank of Kigali CEO, Dr Diane Karusisi. “Asset quality is generally improving with the Non-Performing Loans ratio and Cost of Risk maintained at 2.3 percent and 2.0 percent respectively in the first half,” she added.

    Bank of Kigali’s QUICK NOW has registered 85,534 customers and disbursed over KES445.7 million as at June 30th, while the IKOFI wallet has registered over 1,853 agro-dealers/agents and on-boarded over 264,184 farmers.

    BK General Insurance recorded a profit of KES204.8 million in the period, an increase of KES12 million, supported by a 30 percent year-on-year growth in gross premiums.

    BK TecHouse reported 29 percent revenue increase to KES88.9 million, while BK Capital’s net operating income rose 96 percent to KES90.6 million.

  • Sen Okenyuri Push for Abagusii heroism recognition felt

    Sen Okenyuri Push for Abagusii heroism recognition felt

    Sen Esther Okenyuri during a past meeting at the Senate Chambers. Photo/File
    Sen Esther Okenyuri during a past meeting at the Senate Chambers. Photo/File

    The young and brilliant UDA Nominated Senator has moved with speed and her presence has been felt after she staged a bill on the Senate floor to recognize gusii heroism.

    National Heroes Council now is considering a monument in Manga, Kitutu, or Kisii town to honor Abagusii’s prophetess and medicine woman, Moraa Ng’iti.

    The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage plans to create a County Heroes Square in Kisii County, where all liberation heroes from the region will be honoured through monuments and permanent and seasonal thematic exhibitions.

    The Council has responded o Senator Esther Okenyuri’s request for a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the neglect and marginalization of the Abagusii Community’s role in the fight for independence.

    Okenyuri has called for the recognition of Abagusii community heroes and heroes in the National Archives and the inclusion of them in the school curriculum.

    The Council’s request for an enhancement fund of Sh20 million from the National Treasury is appreciated.

    The Kenya Constitution 2010 acknowledges that the cultural activities and identities of various Kenyan communities have contributed to Kenya’s modern nationhood, and the heroism of the men and women who defended and promoted the welfare of their communities during the pre-colonial period could be considered inspiration for the struggle for Kenya’s independence.

    In a statement she thanked the National Heroes Council for giving a positive response her request of having Abagusii Community Heroes and Heroines in the struggle of independence led by Moraa Ng’iti among others recognized and featured in our National Archives and School curriculum as a National Heroes and Heroines just like the likes of Mekatilili Wamenza of Giriama Community.

    “This is a step towards connecting with our past and that surely motivates us thereby dictating our future.” Sen Okenyuri writes.

    She adds “National Heroes Council has placed a request for enhancement fund from the National treasury amounting to Ksh 20 Million within the financial year 2023/2024.”