Category: BUSINESS

  • Quins Win the SportPesa National 7s Circuit to End 12-year Drought

    Quins Win the SportPesa National 7s Circuit to End 12-year Drought

    Kenya Harlequins RFC are the overall winners of the 2nd edition of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit which concluded with the Prinsloo 7s at the Nakuru Athletic Club.

    Quins sailed through after accumulating 110 points to lead the standings followed by Kabras Sugar with 105 points and former title holders KCB who placed third with 94 points.

    Quins walked away with a top prize of Kshs 300,000 in a well-fought battle that saw them claim a 35-7 victory in the decider against Nakuru RFC after they were bundled out of the main cup quarter-final by Nondies in their first match of the day.

    Showcasing their dominance and skill throughout the tournament, Kenya Harlequin team captain Richel Wangila attributed the win to outstanding resilience and determination, proving themselves a formidable opponent.

    “This is a good reward for the boys who as we can tell from the win today gave it their all right from the first leg up to the winning stages at Prinsloo 7s. I am happy and I thank the technical bench for their support and belief in us throughout the competition. We have won the trophy and the boys have received a token from the title sponsor, SportPesa, which is a big motivation.” Said Wangila.

    Impala RFC crowned overall champions of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit
    Impala RFC crowned overall champions of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit

    On the other hand, Strathmore Leos won the Prinsloo 7s in a formidable show against Nondies bagging a 33-7 victory and ultimately earning a well-deserved Ksh 100,000, as the runners-up walked away Ksh 50,000. Settling for third place, Kabras Sugar took home Ksh 25,000 after a 19-0 win against Menengai Oilers in the 3rd place playoff.

    In the women’s event, Impala Queens obliterated Mwamba Ladies 33-0 to win the ladies’ tournament as Nakuru Ladies finished third. In a summary of this year’s circuit, Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo acknowledged the impressive quality of play attributed to the strong team spirit among the participating teams.

    “We have seen outstanding performances from young players like Brian Ratila, Elvis Olukusi, Samuel Asati, Lucky Dewald, Erick Cantona, and Kevin Wekesa. The SportPesa National 7s Circuit has once again proven to be a breeding ground for talent and a showcase of the country’s rugby prowess. Once more we are seeing a return of the love and fun atmosphere of Kenyan Rugby”, said Odundo.

    Speaking after the award ceremony, Willis Ojwang of SportPesa expressed satisfaction with the conduct, organization, and high quality of the game at this year’s circuit. This is the second consecutive year that SportPesa has supported the KRU National 7s circuit with Kes 16.5 million worth of commitment.

    “The talent and dedication displayed by all the teams have been nothing short of inspiring. This year’s competition has showcased the best of Kenyan rugby and highlighted our young athletes’ potential. We are incredibly proud to witness the culmination of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit and look forward to an even bigger and better tournament in 2025”, he said.

    The successful conclusion of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit spotlights the importance of talent elevation and discovery in Kenya. As the dust settles on this year’s run-down of 7s rugby talent, eyes now shift to the SportPesa Legends Cup on Saturday, September 28 at the RFUEA Grounds ahead of the much-anticipated Safari 7s to be held on October 11–13.

    Earlier this year, SportPesa renewed its partnership with Kenya’s rugby legends in a Ksh 2 million deal worth of sponsorship support towards their doubleheader against their counterparts from Uganda.

  • MPs warns Sports PS Over Delays in Sports Academies Construction and risks fine of up to Ksh. 500,000

    MPs warns Sports PS Over Delays in Sports Academies Construction and risks fine of up to Ksh. 500,000

    Despite President Ruto emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment and creating platforms to nurture talents, sports development in Kenya has faced significant delays. This is evident in the recent frustrations expressed by the National Assembly’s Sports Committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.

    The committee was meant to address the construction of Sports Academies in all constituencies but failed to kick off due to the absence of Sports Principal Secretary (PS) Peter Tum and the CEOs of the Kenya Academy of Sports and the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund who were supposed to brief the members on the progress of the projects.

    Expressing her frustration, Teso South MP Mary Emase issued a stern warning to the sports leadership.

    “So on this one, on the sports academy, the president pronounced himself on on the issue of this academy and many other programs, we do not have any stadia complete even up today we shall call the PS and the CEO either to resign or perform their work.”

    Busia County MP Catherine Omanyo also voiced her concerns about providing opportunities for youth.

    “I take sports Academies very seriously, it will keep the youths busy and expose their talents so they will get jobs. Why should anybody start deal-darling douching being crafty with such a serious initiative? The PS Tum is incapable of running his office well and let him step down.”

    Kandara MP Chege Njuguna criticized PS Tum for prioritizing personal gain over public service. “We have seen his unseriousness, he is putting his stomach before our youths and he is out there hiring a private consultant to come and do the same job of public works can do, we need to know why he is pocketing the public monies.”

    Yatta MP Robert Basil called for action. “The PS should vacate and we say enough is enough, let stadia be advertised and and started as soon as possible if he cannot commit to that let him step aside.”

    Bomet East MP Richard Yegon expressed his deep disappointment with PS Tum’s repeated absence from crucial meetings. “This is the fourth time the PS has failed to appear. He is taking us for granted, and we will not accept it. We are prepared to start with this Ministry and ensure that those who are not performing are removed.”

    Naomi Waqo emphasized the need for accountability. “We need to summon each one of them the CS, PS, and the CEOs to appear and appraise us, they have been taking us round”

    Matungulu MP Stephen Mule highlighted the critical role of the committee in shaping the future of sports. “For the record and history to be written about sports in this country squarely depends on this committee, we cannot leave constituencies during recess to come and handle such a lucrative, blue economy and creative economy for the youth of this country and sports Academies yet the ministry is not serious.”

    Chairperson Dan Wanyama stated that PS Tum’s behavior has forced the committee to consider harsher measures. “The PS is leading us in circles. We will be left with no choice but to impose sanctions, including fines of up to Ksh 500,000. We are summoning the CS, PS, and CEOs of the Sports Fund and the Kenya Academy of Sports to appear next week on Tuesday at 8:00 AM. Failure to do so will result in the committee invoking the Powers and Privileges Act to take necessary action.”

  • 105 stores as Naivas opens new outlet in Nyali

    105 stores as Naivas opens new outlet in Nyali

    Kenya’s leading retailer, Naivas Supermarket, has opened its 105th store at the Nyali Bazaar Mall in Mombasa today.

    This is the 12th in the coastal region strategically located along Links Road.

    The new store covers 5,000 square feet of trading space. In line with Naivas’ tradition, the new store offers exclusive sales and promotions to the residents of Nyali and surrounding areas, aligning with the brand’s promise of delivering savings and value.

    “This expansion is more than just a strategic move; it’s about meeting our customers right where they are.” Chief of Strategy at Naivas Andreas Von Paleske said.

    “Our goal is to provide convenient access to essential goods, making shopping quick and easy for the local community. This new store is designed to offer a seamless shopping experience while reflecting our commitment to Kenyan values and customer needs.” He added.

    The Nyali outlet will be featuring a food market store format, with a thoughtfully curated range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, dairy, meats, and general merchandise.

    Shoppers can expect the same renowned Kenyan hospitality that Naivas is known for looking ahead, Naivas is also planning to open new branches in Mtwapa, Tilisi, and Mavoko.

    The new store comes four months after the 104th store was opened in Buruburu Nairobi.

  • How Corruption Steals Lives in Kenya’s ASALS

    How Corruption Steals Lives in Kenya’s ASALS

    Mothers at an Isiolo County health facility being taken through the process of measuring child growth including detecting stunting and malnutrition. Image courtesy of NRT.

     

    By OMBOKI MONAYO

    The night *Halima’s labor pains began, her husband was engulfed by fear. At 10 p.m., he rushed her to Merti Sub-County Hospital in Isiolo County, only to discover that her critical condition required immediate transfer to the Isiolo County Hospital, the region’s sole Level 5 referral facility.

    However, a chilling reality struck: the ambulance essential for such emergencies had been out of service for two weeks.

    “We had to think fast and find a way to help the mother and save the pregnancy,” recalled *Jillo Mohammed, a health worker with the county government, his voice heavy with the memory of that frantic night.

    Isiolo County, a vast expanse of arid land covering over 25,000 square kilometers, is home to only one public Level 5 referral hospital located in Isiolo town.

    The county’s road network spans 1,259.9 kilometers, but only 225.7 kilometers are paved with bitumen or tarmac. The remaining roads, often impassable during the rainy season, pose significant challenges for residents seeking healthcare.

    On average, residents live 25 kilometers from a health facility, with a mere 5% residing within 1 kilometer of one.

    Those in the remote northern regions bordering Marsabit and Wajir counties face particularly daunting journeys to access critical emergency services.

    In Halima’s case, the medical team turned to Action Against Hunger (ACF), a local NGO, which provided a vehicle for the arduous journey to the referral hospital.

    The four-hour drive was fraught with peril, navigating rocky terrain and fallen trees, obstacles left by elephants.

    “We hoped and prayed and did what we could to help her. By the time we arrived at the hospital, she was in a bad state, delirious from the pain,” Jillo recounted.

    Tragically, despite their efforts, Halima lost her baby after being admitted for life-saving treatment.

    Her experience starkly illustrates the dire consequences of inadequate infrastructure and limited healthcare access in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

    For many expectant mothers, the journey to a referral hospital can exceed 100 kilometers, and can be particularly treacherous during the rainy season.

    “Pregnant mothers can find themselves in sudden danger if complications arise,” Jillo warned. “In northern Isiolo County, some areas are over 100 kilometers from Isiolo Town, with roads that deteriorate significantly during rains,” added the medic.

    A 2022 SMART survey, carried out by the government and development partners in Isiolo County including UNICEF, ACF, USAID and others, highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare initiatives, including the capacity to reach remote populations using medical outreach teams. These measures would include improved ambulance services.

    Dr. Abok Roberts, head of the Nutrition and WASH department at Save the Children Kenya, emphasizes the urgent need to protect children under five. Urgent remedial measures are required to save the lives of neonates.

    “Neonates, who are aged between 0 and 28 days, are the most delicate and prone to life-threatening complications,” he stated.

    “When it comes to maternal and child health, where is our biggest fight as a country? Research shows that 51% of under-five deaths occur within 28 days after delivery. Lowering the neonatal fatality rate can be achieved if we ensure that we reduce these deaths,” says Dr Abok.

    This crisis is compounded by a systemic issue: corruption within Kenya’s governance which often has negative effects on the healthcare sector.

    Billions of shillings annually vanish in corruption scandals.

    If utilized for their intended functions, including healthcare, these funds that could dramatically improve maternal and child outcomes, particularly in underserved ASAL regions.

    Corruption manifests in various forms, from misappropriation of funds to substandard service delivery. These practices hinder the government’s ability to invest in necessary healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating an already critical situation.

    The impact of corruption is stark. Between 2019 and 2022, Isiolo County lost Ksh 196 million to corruption, according to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

    This money could have funded a modern Mother and Child Hospital in Merti, akin to the one built in Wote, Makueni County for just Ksh 135 million, with the Ksh 61 million balance being set aside for community health education awareness, purchase of nutritional supplements for selected vulnerable families grappling with malnutrition, revamping the ambulance services and supporting community health providers.

    According to the Auditor General’s report covering the 2022/23 financial year, a modern market built by the devolved unit reportedly cost Sh545m, money enough to build 4 mother and child facilities at the Wote hospital’s estimates, providing a facility for each of its four sub-counties.

    The export abattoir that cost 651m could fund the building of the four facilities and provide an additional Sh111m for additional healthcare-related expenditure.

    These losses extends beyond funds; it signifies lost lives and opportunities for vulnerable populations.

    Recent scandals, such as the procurement of substandard HIV kits and the misappropriation of COVID-19 response funds, have further devastated the national healthcare system, resulting in drug shortages and frequent strikes by healthcare workers.

    Imagine the impact had the Ksh 196 million been used as intended. A well-equipped hospital could provide essential services, while remaining funds could support community health initiatives and reliable ambulance services, potentially saving lives.

    The fight against corruption in healthcare is a battle for human dignity and the right to health. It necessitates robust accountability mechanisms and community engagement to promote transparency and ethical leadership.

    By reclaiming stolen public funds and investing them in vital healthcare initiatives, we can envision a future where mothers and children in Kenya’s ASALs receive the care they deserve, free from the shadow of corruption.

    Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the story, names indicated with an asterisk have been changed to protect the individuals interviewed for the story.

  • Kenya Continues to Build Business Process Outsourcing Market Share Amid Digital Economic Growth

    Kenya Continues to Build Business Process Outsourcing Market Share Amid Digital Economic Growth

    Kenya is emerging as one of the leading Global Business Services (GBS) market destinations and attracting more than $500 million USD in revenues annually, Sama AI CEO Wendy Gonzalez has disclosed. Projections show that $254 million USD, over half of these revenues, will come from business process outsourcing (BPO) in 2024.

    Kenya has emerged as an attractive investment destination in the highly competitive GBS market, which includes BPO as a submarket. BPO has grown to include AI supply chain providers such as Sama, Gonzalez explained.

    Speaking at the University of Nairobi during a public lecture on Generative AI, Gonzalez noted that the GBS market reached $1 trillion USD in revenues last year, with South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco also playing in the maturing league. With its $500 million GBS revenues, Kenya is leading among emerging GBS destinations including Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Ghana. She projected that at current growth rates, Kenya will emerge as the leading provider of digital work opportunities with a positive local economic ripple effect.

    “Studies have shown that digital work increases formal employment opportunities and is the fastest-growing sector. Kenya has made very good headway amidst stiff competition and must avoid complacency by guarding its market positioning and providing an enabling environment to further deepen the GBS market opportunity,” said Gonzalez. She added, “Kenya is a preferred destination due to the quality of human capital that is versatile enough to serve various market segments, including Generative AI, thanks to digital training and academic progress. Several countries are, however, fighting hard to edge Kenya out of its growth track, which necessitates close attention to secure market positioning.”

    While commenting on the skills required to secure our national market positioning, Gonzalez noted that by 2030, an estimated 50-55% of jobs in Kenya will require digital skills. “Yet there are significant gaps in basic and advanced digital skills—particularly in rural areas and among women,” she said. To help bridge this skills gap, Sama has collaborated with the University of Nairobi to advance AI skills in one of the first partnerships of this kind in Kenya.

    Both the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and University of Nairobi Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson also spoke at the lecture.

    Principal Secretary Tanui stressed that AI is no longer science fiction, saying: “We are living in an era where AI is not just a possibility—it is our present reality, and the sooner we fully embrace it, the better prepared we will be for the future.” He noted that Generative AI alone could add between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion USD annually to the global economy. To bring some of this growth to Kenya, the government is establishing policies and frameworks that foster innovation and invest in research and development while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens, following the principles of ethical AI development and usage.

    “With 65% of organizations already integrating Generative AI into operations, its impact is undeniable, from enhancing customer service to revolutionizing industries. As we embrace this digital future, partnerships and education in STEM are key to preparing our workforce for the opportunities ahead,” he added. “It is our collective responsibility to develop ethical guidelines that govern AI use in a manner that upholds human dignity and values. As a government, we will establish policies and a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens. We will continue to invest in research and development and champion the ethical use of AI.”

    Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, underscored the institution’s pivotal role in equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital economy, adding: “The University of Nairobi is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only job-ready but also future-ready.”

    Sama and the University of Nairobi’s partnership is poised to advance Generative AI capabilities in Kenya and in Africa as a whole. This collaboration will provide part-time employment opportunities for UoN faculty and students, equipping them with practical experience in GenAI. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of bridging the digital divide and positioning Kenya as a global AI value chain leader.

  • Universal Child Benefit: A Lifeline for Kenyan Families

    Universal Child Benefit: A Lifeline for Kenyan Families

    By OMBOKI MONAYO

    Nairobi, Kenya – In the arid landscapes of Kenya’s Kajiado South County, the scars of drought still linger. Lucy, a local resident, recalls the harrowing experiences of 2022 when her community faced severe food shortages and livestock losses. “It was a struggle to survive,” she shares. “We were barely able to feed our families.”
    Moses Partoti, another resident, echoes Lucy’s sentiments. “Livestock prices plummeted during the drought,” he remembers. “A goat could barely fetch Kes500.”

    For Lucy and Moses, and countless others in Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, and Narok Counties, relief came in the form of the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) program, implemented by Save the Children. Coming on the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that had also interfered with many families’ livelihoods, the program provided families with a monthly stipend of Ksh800, offering a vital lifeline during difficult times.

    Beyond the financial assistance, the UCB program has been instrumental in empowering parents with knowledge and skills to nurture their children’s growth and well-being. “We were taught about positive parenting and how our wives could properly breastfeed the babies,” explains Moses Partoti. This shift in thinking has led to a significant reduction in malnutrition cases within his community.

    Achieng, a mother of four from Kisumu, is another beneficiary of the program. “My child used to fall sick frequently,” she recalls. “The UCB helped me buy nutritious foods like omena, ugali, and porridge. He is now much healthier and growing up into a normal, active, and happy boy.”

    Mukami, a mother of a child with a disability, is also grateful for the UCB program. “He now enjoys meals of rice, beans, milk, and other foods that he can easily chew and digest,” she says.

    The UCB program extends beyond nutrition, encompassing a holistic approach to child care. It encourages families to diversify their diets by growing fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, further improving nutrition and reducing cases of malnutrition, diarrhea, stunting, and pneumonia.

    The program’s impact goes beyond individual families. Mothers have been organized into Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, where they pool their savings and support each other. “We started a merry-go-round with a contribution requirement of Kes200 for each member,” explains Moses. “This financial empowerment has enabled women to purchase essential household items and food.”

    Beatrice Otieno, Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, emphasizes the program’s focus on promoting positive childcare practices. “

    UCB addresses issues such as neglect and aims to assist families during critical developmental stages,” she says.
    Positive parenting was also a key component of the program. Alice, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher in Kajiado, recalls how she helped a student who was withdrawn and distracted due to parental conflict. By intervening and supporting the family, Alice ensured the child returned to a stable environment.

    Recognizing the program’s success, Save the Children is advocating for its expansion across Kenya. “We hope to engage the counties through the Council of Governors to make the UCB program universal and sustainable,” says counseling psychologist Viellinah Gitau.

    The government is also taking steps to strengthen social protection programs. Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, says the government has been running similar programs including the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP), the Universal Child Benefit (UCB), and the Older Persons’ Cash Transfer (OPCT). He confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament.

    “We are in the final stages of refining the Bill including making the necessary corrections that were made when we took it to the Attorney General’s office. We hope that the Bill will become law so that we can aggressively source for both government and partner funding to further protect vulnerable sections of the population,” says the program officer.

    While Kenya has made significant strides in reducing child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate decreasing from 96 per 1,000 live births in 1993 to 41 in 2022, the rates remain higher than the global average of 18 per 1,000 live births. This underscores the continued need for programs like the UCB to empower communities and ensure that children not only survive but thrive, laying the foundation for a safer, healthier future.

    Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament..
    Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, speaks at a recent media workshop.
    Lucy, a Kajiado County resident, showcases some of the eggs that the chickens in her brood have laid. She used some of the funds from the UCB to start the chicken rearing project.
    Save the Children Counselling psychologist Viellina Gitau speaks to the media at a workshop hosted by Save the Children on August 9, 2024. She advocates for positive parenting in Kajiado County where she works with local communities.

  • Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya Offers Insight on Special Economic Zones,

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya Offers Insight on Special Economic Zones,

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya address the press at the Ministry Headquarters Nairobi.

    The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya has today given a current update on the special economic zones in Kenya, which are intended to open up areas for Key investments.

    The CS was accompanied by Investments Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, Board Chairman KPA, ChairLapset , CEO and Chairperson Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

    The CS met the various stakeholders today to review the progress of Dongo kundu Project, Special economic zones in the country. He observed that Progress was made in Dongo Kundu and investment was done on several sectors including; energy, pharmaceutical, and Glass and Local Investors are 60 percent while International investors make 40 percent .

    Speaking during a visit in Naivasha Last week, Mvurya highlighted that investors who had failed to set up operations within one year of receiving their licenses will face revocation of those licenses. He further directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, stressing that investors must report to their designated sites within six months or risk losing their licenses. “We are giving every investor six
    months to report to the ground, and if they don’t, we will move on to the
    next person,” said CS Mvurya.
    19 companies have expressed interest in setting up operations at the Naivasha
    SEZ, with 11 of them already cleared and awarded licenses. The CS attributed
    this progress to the government’s continuous efforts to ease the process of doing business, urging investors to take full advantage of the incentives available.

    “KPA has 1.4 billion for compensation of affected persons. The process will begin this week, 400,000 acres marked to begin compensation. 1648 affected persons will be compensated.” Said Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment,Trade and Industry.

    Cabinet Secretary Mvurya also observed that they will have a meeting with the leaders in the region to discuss the Dongo Kundu project.
    He further noted that areas for economic zones will be gazetted and also have investors who are already being screened. Correct documentation will be prepared in order to gazette them.
    The CS also noted that, there are 19 investors in Naivasha, and 3 more will come later.
    Investors have been issued with licence, and SEZ will make a reviewed list of the investors and also want to work with the county Governments to make sure the infrastructure is interlinked. This will make it easy for the infrastructure to meet the standards required.

  • MPs wants Utalii college mandated to certify all hospitality professionals

    MPs wants Utalii college mandated to certify all hospitality professionals

    The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife advocates for Kenya Utalii College to be granted the authority to certify all professionals in the hospitality industry.

    Led by Chairperson Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), committee members voiced concerns over the lack of regulation in the sector’s training standards.

    They emphasized the need for standardized training during a meeting with officials from the Tourism Professionals Association (TPA) led by Chairperson Prof Ray Mutinda.

    “If we make it mandatory that all practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector must have a certification from Utalii College before practicing, there will be standardization,” Hon. Mbiuki suggested.

    “Our agenda as a Committee is to have the premier college elevated and be the institution that certifies all the professionals in the sector, ” he added during the session chaired by Hon Abdi Ali (Ijara).

    “We support having Utalii College as an institution that certifies us. We are proposing that training should continue at the lower levels, and we should be allowed to work with other stakeholders to establish a minimum curriculum for the learners, ” said Prof Mutinda.

    In the afternoon, the committee met with Stephen Kinyanjui, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Fund (TPF).
    At the session chaired by Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Mr. Kinyanjui updated the MPs on the projects funded by the TPF in the last and current fiscal years.

    The Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow with the CEOs of the Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Tourism Research Institute to discuss their strategic plans in detail.

  • Dominant Kabras RFC Triumphs Over Menengai Oilers in Dala7s

    Dominant Kabras RFC Triumphs Over Menengai Oilers in Dala7s

    A player from Menengai Oilers confronts Kabras RFC's Jackson Siketa during active play
    A player from Menengai Oilers confronts Kabras RFC’s Jackson Siketa during active play

    Kabras RFC made a glorious return to the spotlight by claiming victory in the third leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit at the Dala 7s, defeating Menengai Oilers 24-5 in a thrilling final.

    The Millers secured an early lead in the first half, with stunning performances from Patrick Lumumba, Jackson Siketa, and William Mwanji, propelling them to a commanding 17-0 lead. Both sides displayed high-spirited determination in the second half with Kabras prevailing to seal their second win in the circuit having beaten Kenya Harlequins (Quins), in the first leg at Christie 7s in Nairobi.

    Fast-rising Kenya Under-20 player, Jackson Siketa, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the competition attributed their win to hard work, adequate training, and a good playing strategy. He was backed up by Kabras 7s Head Coach, Felix Ayange, who acknowledged the team effort displayed by his players.

    “This is our first win ever in Dala 7s and it feels delicious considering the slow start to the competition. The team composition of young and seasoned players has ultimately bolstered the overall performance,” said Ayange.

    Quins won the third place play-off match as KCB lifted the 5th place trophy while Strathmore and Homeboyz won the Challenge Trophy and 13th place trophy respectively. SportPesa’s Communications and Partnerships Manager, Willis Ojwang, expressed enthusiasm about the rising competitiveness in the circuit.

    Kabras RFC players lift the Dala 7s trophy after emerging victorious.
    Kabras RFC players lift the Dala 7s trophy after emerging victorious.

    “The return of the Olympians and the allure of the SportPesa rewards have significantly driven up the level of play. As we move to the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, we anticipate a vibrant atmosphere this coming weekend. We encourage the fans to come out in large numbers to cheer on their favorite teams,” Ojwang remarked.

    Earlier, Kabras had annihilated Ingo 7s winners, Quins, with an outcome of 17-00 on their way to the finals of the second leg, as Menengai Oilers showed great determination with a 29-14 win against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on their way to meet Kabras in the finals.

    Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo while lauding the players for their good show in Kisumu, predicted an even more competitive leg of the SportPesa 7s in Nairobi with the return of the Olympians.

    “Despite a slow start at Dala 7s, the tournament was a huge success with the national team players elevating the competition. We look forward to Kabeberi 7s with even higher expectations as we reach the halfway mark of the circuit,” noted Odundo.

    Kabeberi 7s slated for the 24th and 25th of August, kicks off the first of the remaining three legs in the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, where the teams will continue battling it out for the ultimate cash prize of Kes 300,000.

  • KARMA seeks a partnership with the AGS Worldwide Movers team

    KARMA seeks a partnership with the AGS Worldwide Movers team

    (Left to right) Julius Achach - Business Development Manager (AGS), Thibault Malezieux - Managing Director (AGS), Collins Mutimba - Secretary General - Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) and Maurene Kenga - Member (KARMA) shares a light moment during a courtesy call to AGS Worldwide Movers to discuss partnership opportunities in records management and data protection.
    (Left to right) Julius Achach – Business Development Manager (AGS), Thibault Malezieux – Managing Director (AGS), Collins Mutimba – Secretary General – Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) and Maurene Kenga – Member (KARMA) shares a light moment during a courtesy call to AGS Worldwide Movers to discuss partnership opportunities in records management and data protection.

    The Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) seeks a partnership with the AGS Worldwide Movers team. The discussions have majored in areas of partnership, especially in records management and data protection. 

    KARMA also expressed the need to work closely with AGS Worldwide Movers for the upcoming 8th KARMA Annual Conference

    on November 4-8, 2024 at the Lake Naivasha Resort with the theme “From Digitization to Digital Transformation.”

    Digitalization in Africa has played a key role in accelerating the dissemination of information, increasing connectivity, and fostering economic growth while promoting sustainability.

    That is why the 2024 records management conference will focus on transitioning records management practice from digitization to digital transformation.

    The biggest annual records management conference in Africa allows participants and members to engage professionals from Africa in the place of professional records management in catalyzing digital transformation.