Kenyaleo.co.ke

Category: ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENTS

  • Strengthen E-commerce Sector for Robust MSME Growth in Kenya

    Strengthen E-commerce Sector for Robust MSME Growth in Kenya

    Celebrating the successful conclusion of the E-Biz Kwa Vijana E-Commerce Upskilling project for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs. From the Left is Sylvia Mbaabu, Partnerships Lead, Brighter Monday Kenya, Michael Mandu, the Acting Secretary for Trade, State Department for Trade and Lilian Wairimu, Co-Director, Jegos Enterprises an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary. From right is David Rodgers, Deputy Office Director, Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI) at USAID, Chris Otundo, Chief Executive Officer BrighterMonday Kenya and Victor Waliaula, Founder and Owner, Jekins Computer Solutions, also an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary.
    Celebrating the successful conclusion of the E-Biz Kwa Vijana E-Commerce Upskilling project for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs. From the Left is Sylvia Mbaabu, Partnerships Lead, Brighter Monday Kenya, Michael Mandu, the Acting Secretary for Trade, State Department for Trade and Lilian Wairimu, Co-Director, Jegos Enterprises an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary. From right is David Rodgers, Deputy Office Director, Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI) at USAID, Chris Otundo, Chief Executive Officer BrighterMonday Kenya and Victor Waliaula, Founder and Owner, Jekins Computer Solutions, also an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary.

    The symbiotic relationship between the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the e-commerce sector in Kenya is a powerful force in driving economic growth. This emerged during a recent stakeholder forum called to review the Kenya E-commerce Strategy that was launched in December 2023.

    While appreciating the role of small businesses in opening up income opportunities and supporting the economy, the ambitious Kenya E-commerce Strategy’s vision is to foster innovation, inclusive participation, and economic growth through digital commerce for all Kenyans regardless of location, age, gender, or abilities.

    The Kenya MSME sector remains a vibrant landscape that boasts over 7.4 million MSMEs, mainly young entrepreneurs. Spanning various sectors, from farming and agribusiness to logistics, general trade, merchandising, and even services, they collectively contribute about 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

    Looking to empower and partner with MSMEs, which play a crucial role in sustaining local economies across the country, BrighterMonday Kenya launched the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program in May 2023, a ground-breaking e-commerce development initiative to train 1,000 MSMEs in E-commerce and digital marketing skills.

    After one year the program also intended to support and on-board 600 MSMEs onto e-commerce platforms, concluded in June 2024 having imparted e-commerce and digital marketing skills to over 2,000 beneficiaries while successfully on-boarding 632 onto online trading platforms.

    Through the training in digital strategies, I can now develop my own online advertisements and product promotions on social media. Before I joined the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program, I did everything manually including data entry, and sourced for customers through direct selling and personal interactions. Now, I am well equipped to position my brand, products, and services online, to reach millions of potential customers all over the country”, said Victor Waliaula, a budding entrepreneur and proprietor of Jenkins Computer Solutions, based in Nairobi.

    According to Waliaula, a university graduate in information and communication technologies his business has since seen a 30 percent rise in revenues and he is not looking back, keen to harness even more training in business strategy and marketing to help grow his business.

    Funded by USAID through the e-Trade Alliance, E-Biz Kwa Vijana, also covered women entrepreneurs and people with disabilities. According to Chris Otundo, the Chief Executive Officer of BrighterMonday Kenya, the E-Biz Kwa Vijana program represents the firm’s commitment to bridging the talent gap in Africa while helping to unlock opportunities for economic empowerment of young entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

    “The success of this program indicates the strong entrepreneurial spirit in young people in Kenya today. We recognize and acknowledge the potential of E-Commerce to help revolutionize the local entrepreneurial landscape by equipping young people like Victor and Lilian with the necessary knowledge and tools to expand their market opportunities”, said Otundo.

    Lilian Wairimu, Co-Director, Jegos Enterprises, also an E-Biz Kwa Vijana beneficiary explained how she has witnessed a 50 percent rise in sales revenues over the last year, thanks to having an online presence with a growing customer base on social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

    “I happened to enroll in the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program right in the nick of time. Previously, I would just sit in my shop waiting for walk-in customers and relying on corporate or government tenders for opportunities which I admit are very hard to come by because of their many requirements such as huge working capital reserves which in some cases were out of our reach being an MSME”, she said.

    According to Michael Mandu, the Acting Secretary for Trade in the State Department for Trade, Kenya has witnessed a steady growth of E-Commerce in recent years and is currently established as a leader in digital trade within the African continent and globally with combined revenues in the sector projected to grow to USD2,928.00 bn in 2023.

    “A large share of this revenue is attributable to MSMEs, and youth-run enterprises, that provide jobs and sustainable livelihoods while also nurturing digital talents in the country. The Kenya National E-commerce Strategy is therefore not just a policy document but a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, where entrepreneurs can innovate, and where every citizen can participate in the digital economy”, said Mandu.

    Following the E-Biz Kwa Vijana Program, 95 percent of the MSMEs said they gained new ideas for their online businesses, with 86 percent achieving their first-ever online sale after the training. 61 persons with disabilities received business coaching with 15 getting on-boarded onto different E-Commerce platforms.

    Additionally, 28 percent reported an increase in the number of employees to help support increased online business activities while another 95 percent of participants were willing to set aside a monthly E-Commerce expense after determining the return on investment.

    With the internet penetration rate currently above 74 percent, the country finds itself in an ideal environment for e-commerce growth. The growing middle class who make up a greater percentage of E-commerce customers rely on this convenience and speed, allowing them to shop from the comfort of their homes.

    With market access widely enabled through connectivity many budding entrepreneurs like Victor and Lillian, can now boast of a broader customer base and new markets through E-commerce which opens up a world of limitless potential for expansion and growth in the local and global economy.

  • Civil Society Groups Urge the Church and the Media to Play their Respective Roles in Helping Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer

    Civil Society Groups Urge the Church and the Media to Play their Respective Roles in Helping Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer

    Fr. Charles Chilufya,Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), Sister Regina Nthenya of Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK), Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso
    Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), Sister Regina Nthenya of Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK), Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso

    By Melisa Mongina

    Cervical cancer is unique as we know the causes of the disease and the tools to prevent cure, and support survivors. Worldwide governments have committed to the ambition to eliminate cervical cancer with the first step of reaching the WHO 90:70:90 targets by the year 2030.

    Stakeholders gathered in Nairobi have urged the church and the media to ensure they play their pivotal role in offering support to cervical cancer and HPV patients, adding that the patients should get spiritual support from the church and that the media should help create cancer and HPV awareness occasionally.

    Speaking on Thursday in Nairobi during the three-day convening, Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, encourages patients diagnosed with cervical cancer to go to church for psychosocial support because it will be helpful to them since the hospitals cannot offer such. She further adds that the church should be part of this journey and help navigate the patients and also offer counselling not only to the women but also to their family members and caregivers since it affects anybody related to the patients.

    “I talked about running away from the church during my treatment, but I shouldn’t have, I should have run to the church to get the love and the psychosocial support because you can not get it from the hospital. So I think that it is time for the church to step in and fight from the beginning to the end by helping to navigate the patient, by counseling, and by psychosocial because when a woman is going through the cancer journey she doesn’t suffer alone; her family suffers too and also even their caregivers. Support is not only about finance, it is about lifting somebody spiritually,” highlighted Nakawala.

    Additionally, Nakawala notes the important role the media carries and urges the media to create awareness by telling stories about cervical cancer occasionally and not to make it a topical issue by reporting matters of cancer only when it is cancer awareness month. She further encourages the media to help in highlighting the challenges that cancer patients go through, the inequities that are in the distributions and life-saving interventions

    “ And to our friends in the media, you have neglected this part so much yet you have a critical role to play. The media only writes about any cancer when it is a topical issue. Cancer is not a topical issue, the way you write about football even without being told to write about it, is the same way you should write about cancer because it doesn’t choose who to attack. As the media you can help to highlight the challenges that I have spoken about as a cancer survivor, the challenges that the patients are going through, the iniquities that are in the distribution and life-saving interventions,” said Nakawala.

    Nakawala also notes that the media can highlight the positive stories that can help and give hope to a woman who is suffering from cervical cancer and is on the verge of giving up. She further encourages the media to create awareness of the importance of screening occasionally to save lives and prevent the spread of cancer at its early stage.

    “The media can help us highlight the positive stories. I think I’m a positive story and my story offers hope to a woman being diagnosed right now and she thinks that she is going to die. If you highlight my story, that woman will have hope,” emphasized Nakawala.

    In addition, Sister Regina Nthenya of the Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK) urges the crowd to be committed to telling others about the reality of HPV and how it is claiming a lot of lives. She adds that they should also share the benefits of the solutions.

    “As we commit this day, can we also be committed to telling the people that this disease is real, it is claiming young lives, and there is hope for solutions? Let us also share the benefits of the solution, the side effects of the solutions, and let us give them the right to mind, faith, and reason so that they can understand and decide for themselves out of the informed choices,” said Sr. Regina.

    Further, Sr. Regina noted behavior change and encouraged the girl child and parents should be helped to understand how to instill values and enhance moral behaviors since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease.

    “We all know HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, if we do not talk and help people; the girl and the parents to understand values, to enhance moral behaviors, to make changes or to modify, they will test after five years and by the time they are reaching forty-five, half of those who tested negative will be positive,” added Sr. Regina.

    Sr. Regina nudged the people of faith to offer support and help educate the communities by encouraging them to take care of themselves.

    “As people in the faith community, we can help in educating people in the communities by speaking about HPV, let us not shy off, let us share all the information needed to be given and encourage them to take good care of themselves,” stated Sr. Regina.

    In an interview, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso said that they are trying to give people the right information to prevent and overcome the cultural perspectives and barriers that affect the uptake of HPV vaccine among the Muslim communities. He adds that in the Muslim community they encourage polygamous marriage, thus urging the men to take care of their wives and if one of the wives is sick the men should ensure proper treatment for her.

    “Those barriers cultural and religious exist and as religious leaders, we are trying to give the correct message to the people. Message that would promote human dignity in fighting those barriers. Health is important to human life and the Quran says that people should treat whatever is affecting the human person. Islam recognizes and accepts polygamy and it also encourages the man to be able to take care of his women, if one is affected she should be treated immediately,” noted Imam.

    According to Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), the church does not manufacture nor make money, thus it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. He adds that the church has infrastructures in the rural areas for people who are unable to come to Nairobi for treatment.

    “When we see somebody hungry there are means that the church uses to support such people. The church does not manufacture money nor make money but it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. There is this arm which is called charity that reaches out to those who cannot access medical help. We have infrastructures in the rural area because we care and understand that there are people who cannot come to Nairobi for their treatments,” stated Fr. Charles.

    Faith leaders, Health professionals and experts, health community advocates, and policymakers convened in Nairobi from the 11th to the 13th of June, 2024  under the theme of uniting faith and science against Cervical Cancer. The three-day convening on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination was organized by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) and Justice and Ecology Network Africa (Jesuits Africa) in collaboration with key stakeholders, including  KILELE Health Association.

  • Turkana Central MP demands thorough investigation into shooting and killing of constituent and three fishermen

    Turkana Central MP Hon. Joseph Emathe has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting and killing of his constituent, Daniel Esinyen, and other fishermen in Kanakwara Fish Village Turkana County.

    The incident involved Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in a helicopter while the victims were fishing in Lake Turkana on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

    According to Hon. Emathe, the tragic incident has left the Turkana community in shock and mourning.

    “Many boats have been destroyed by KWS officers, and numerous innocent fishermen remain missing, feared dead. The senseless violence and loss of innocent lives must be addressed immediately,” Emathe stated during a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday.

    “As the representative of the great people of Turkana Central constituency, I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident,” he added.

    The Turkana legislator emphasized that those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.

    “We call on the relevant authorities to ensure justice for Daniel Esinyen and his friends, and to take immediate steps to protect our community from such unwarranted aggression in the future,” he declared even as he insisted that the tragic incident has left his community in shock and mourning.
    Despite the motive behind the brutal attack remaining unknown, Hon. Joseph Emathe stated that the recent incident is part of a series of violent confrontations in the region involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and local communities.

    He cited that on June 12, 2024, Merille poachers clashed with KWS, resulting in the deaths of two KWS rangers.

    On June 13, 2024, local villagers were chased by KWS rangers into the hills and bushes.

    On June 15, 2024, KWS attacked Kanakwara Fish Village, targeting Daniel Esinyen and his companions—David Emuny, John Ewoi, and David Ekiru. Daniel Esinyen (ID 24076166) was shot and killed.
    According to the legislator, Daniel Esinyen, a former manager of the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic, was on leave and had traveled from Kalokol to Kanakwara Village, near Sibiloi, for a fishing trip with three friends.

    During their fishing activities, they encountered a KWS helicopter that, without any provocation, began spraying bullets at them.

    “It is important to note that they were far from the park’s protected area, engaging in peaceful fishing activities,” Emathe said.

    He narrated that in an attempt to save their lives, Daniel’s colleagues dived into the lake.

    “Daniel, however, stood with his hands raised in a clear gesture of surrender. Despite this, the KWS officer aboard the helicopter continued to shoot, ignoring the pilot’s desperate commands to cease fire,” he emphasized.

    Daniel was tragically shot and succumbed to his injuries.

    “His friends, who hid behind their boat, later found him dead. Shockingly, the helicopter returned and fired upon them again, forcing them to seek refuge in the lake once more,” Emathe recounted.

    On Monday, June 17, 2024, a postmortem conducted on Daniel’s body revealed that his spinal cord, liver, and lungs were destroyed, leading to his death.
    “One bullet was retrieved from his body and is currently held by the DCI Lodwar,” he told journalists.

  • Air Pollution Linked to 8.1 Million Deaths Worldwide in 2021, Emerging as the Second Leading Cause of Mortality, Including Among Children

    Air pollution is having an increasing impact on human health, becoming the second leading global risk factor for death,
    according to the fifth edition of the State of Global Air (SoGA) report.

    The report, released today by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), an independent U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, found air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Beyond these deaths, many more millions of people are living with debilitating chronic diseases, putting tremendous strains on healthcare systems, economies, and societies.

    Produced for the first time in partnership with UNICEF, the report finds that children under five years old are especially vulnerable, with health effects including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases.

    In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under five years old, making it the second-leading risk factor for death globally for this age group, after malnutrition.

    A staggering 500,000 of these child deaths were linked to household air pollution due to cooking indoors with polluting fuels, mostly in Africa and Asia.

    A Global Health Concern
    The new SoGA Report offers a detailed analysis of recently released data from the Global Burden of Disease study from 2021 that shows the severe health impacts pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), household air pollution, ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are having on human health around the world.

    The report includes data from more than 200 countries and territories around the world, indicating that nearly every person on earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day, with far-reaching health implications.

    More than 90 percent of these global air pollution deaths – 7.8 million people – are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, including from ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution. These tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are so small they remain in the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, affecting many organ systems and increasing the risks for noncommunicable diseases in adults like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the report, PM2.5 is the most consistent and accurate predictor of poor health outcomes around the world.

    “We hope our State of Global Air report provides both the information and the inspiration for change,” said HEI President Dr. Elena Craft. “Air pollution has enormous health implications. We know that improving air quality and global public health is practical and achievable.” Air Pollution and Climate Change PM2.5 air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass in sectors such as transportation, residential homes, coal-burning power plants, industrial activities, and wildfires. These emissions impact people’s health and contribute to the greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. The most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by both climate hazards and polluted air.

    In 2021, long-term exposure to ozone contributed to an estimated 489,518 deaths globally, including 14,000 ozone-related COPD deaths in the United States, higher than in other high-income countries.

    As the world continues to warm from the effects of climate change, areas with high levels of NO2 can expect higher ozone levels, bringing even greater health effects.

    For the first time, this year’s report includes exposure levels and related health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), including the impact of NO2 exposures on the development of childhood asthma.

    Traffic exhaust is a major source of NO2, which means densely populated urban areas, particularly in high-income countries, often see the highest levels of NO2 exposure and health impacts.

    “This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Pallavi Pant, HEI’s Head of Global Health who oversaw the SoGA report release.

    “This points sharply at an opportunity for cities and countries to consider air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.”

    Children’s Health
    Some of the greatest health impacts of air pollution are seen in children. Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution and the damage from air pollution can start in the womb with health effects that can last a lifetime.

    For example, children inhale more air per kilogram of body weight and absorb more pollutants relative to adults while their lungs, bodies, and brains are still developing.

    Exposure to air pollution in young children is linked to pneumonia, responsible for 1 in 5 child deaths globally, and asthma, the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children. The inequities linked to the impact of air pollution on child health are striking.

    The air pollution-linked death rate in children under the age of five in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa is 100 times higher than their counterparts in high-income countries.

    “Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.

    “Our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, with lifelong health and well-being impacts. The global urgency is undeniable. Governments and businesses must consider these estimates and locally available data and use it to inform meaningful, child-focused action to reduce air pollution and protect children’s health.”

    Progress is Being Made

    The SoGA report provides good news as well. Since 2000, the death rate linked to children under five has dropped by 53 percent, due largely to efforts aimed at expanding access to clean energy for cooking, as well as improvements in access to healthcare, nutrition, and better awareness about the harms associated with exposure to household air pollution.

    Many countries, particularly those experiencing the highest levels of air pollution, are finally tackling the problem head-on. Air quality actions in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, such as installing air pollution monitoring networks, implementing stricter air quality policies, or offsetting traffic-related air pollution by moving to hybrid or electric vehicles, are all having measurable impacts on pollution and improving public health.

    While progress is being measured, more can be done to stop air pollution from continuing to outrank other health risks as one of the biggest threats to millions of lives.

  • Sole Kenyan Supermarket to be Awarded Prestigious Superbrands Certification

    Naivas Supermarket proudly announces its recognition as the sole Kenyan supermarket to receive the esteemed Superbrands Certification. This prestigious honor highlights Naivas’ exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, solidifying its status as a leader in the retail industry.

    The Superbrands Certification is awarded to brands with outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries.

    The certification process involves rigorous evaluation by leading market research firms such as Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, and TNS. Qualified brands, like Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising, marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.

    Research indicates that the Superbrands Award Seal significantly influences consumer behavior, with studies showing that consumers are over 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the seal. This underscores the value and impact of the Superbrands Certification.

    Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the supermarket’s commitment to delivering a world-class shopping experience. “We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” Mukuha stated.

    Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself in the retail industry through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Naivas has built a strong reputation among Kenyan consumers by consistently delivering value through innovation and quality.

    The supermarket offers a wide range of products, including fresh offerings, and boasts convenient locations, all of which contribute to its reputation for excellence.

    As a homegrown Kenyan brand, Naivas has successfully brought a global shopping experience to the country while staying true to its values. The supermarket’s dedication to serving every customer with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality has earned it one of the greatest global honors a brand can achieve.

    With the Superbrands Certification, Naivas Supermarket continues to set the standard in the retail industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted and beloved brand among Kenyan consumers.

  • Naivas graduate trainee programme 1st graduation

     

    Recruiting and training the best people is core to Naivas’ mission to provide Kenyans with a world-class shopping experience. For this reason,, the business has been running a graduate trainee program since 2023.

    The programme is aimed at upskilling fresh graduates with competencies in various business functions within retail. The GT
    programme is an intense 9-month period for fresh graduates, where they are taken through various parts of the retail business.

    Retail contributes 9% to Kenya’s GDP, making it an important industry. Developing the next generation of retail leaders is therefore critical to ensuring the sector’s continued growth. As the leading supermarket chain in Kenya, Naivas takes its role in this development seriously. From a career perspective, the retail industry has, in many instances, been looked at as a fallback plan, rather than a first choice.

    As Naivas has developed its business through innovation, such as the Foodmarket concept, the supermarket career option has become more attractive. Naivas is now looked at as an employer of choice, especially given the wide array of expertise required in fields such as finance, marketing, supply chain, IT and others.

    “Naivas wants to attract and retain the best talent in the country. Beyond this, we want to ensure that we develop career paths for our employees, and it is for this reason that we set out to create the Naivas Retail Academy, with the graduate trainee (GT) program being one of its pillars. We are therefore pleased to be celebrating the first graduation in this program, with 35 trainees becoming Naivas employees today. However, this is only the beginning, and we expect to expand this programme, including onboarding more learning institutions,” remarked Andreas von Paleske Naivas, Chief of Strategy.

    “A key measure of success for me is how we continue to transform the industry, and core to this is having the right people. For Naivas, a homegrown Kenyan brand, developing the next generation of leaders is an important step forward. This program is also a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the business will outlive all its founders,” said David Kimani

  • Sports Committee Urged to Increase Allowances for Team Kenya at Paris Olympics

    Sports Committee Urged to Increase Allowances for Team Kenya at Paris Olympics

    Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Committee Chairperson National Assembly Sports and Culture
    Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Committee Chairperson, National Assembly Sports and Culture

    The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has petitioned a House Committee to push for increased allowances for Team Kenya ahead of the Olympics to be held in Paris, France.

    Team Kenya is scheduled to take part in the Olympics that are slated for July 26th to August 11th this year.

    NOCK officials, led by their president, Dr. Paul Tergat, told the Sports and Culture Committee that the current allowances are too little and should be reviewed.

    Speaking when they appeared before the committee meeting chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), NOCK Secretary General Mr. Francis Mutuku said players were paid Kshs. 26,000 while officials received Kshs. 39,000.

    “We urge the Committee to consider pushing for the increment of training allowances for players who are currently paid Kshs. 1,000 per day,” said Mr. Mutuku.

    In his response, Hon. Wanyama, who concurred with NOCK, asked the organisation to prepare a proposal of the new allowance rates and submit it to the Committee for action.

    Regarding the status of preparedness ahead of the competition, Mr. Tergat said: “Proper systems have been put in place to ensure the successful preparation of Team Kenya that will fly our flag in Paris. This season, the team will prepare better than before,” he added.

    Mr. Mutuku said that NOCK had secured a training camp in Miramas, France, where the team will be expected to train before traveling to Paris.

    “We have partnered with Miramas City to host the team for free. We will benefit from technical support from French coaches. The camp will provide a good final kick-off for Team Kenya before departing for Paris,” he added.

    He noted that the team will arrive at the camp on July 1st and depart five days before the Olympic Games kick-off.

    Mr. Mutuku further told the committee that 10,600 athletes will represent the country during the Olympics.

    “Athletics is the country’s main menu at the Olympics, but we will have other teams like rugby’s Shujaa and women’s volleyball team Malaika Strikers, boxing, and tennis, among others,” he added.

    He added that NOCK has also partnered with Deloitte to provide risk advisory services.

    “Kenya’s reputation was dented following the Tokyo Olympics fiasco. We have brought in Deloitte to deal with the reputation risk,” he added.

    He added that Team Kenya’s kits were designed by a Kenyan, noting that the kits will be ready in three weeks.

    He added, “NOCK has made plans to assist players in securing visas and air tickets on time.”

    Tergat said NOCK’s focus was on the preparations of Team Kenya, and they have directed all available resources at their disposal to achieve this goal.

    “Performance is a reflection of preparation, and that is why we are doing everything to ensure Team Kenya is in good form and in shape to win more medals,” he added.

    The Committee expressed its satisfaction with the level of preparedness by NOCK for Team Kenya.

    “We are satisfied with the plans put in place to ensure the team prepares adequately. The Committee will provide the necessary support you need,” said Hon. Wanyama.

    The Committee also met sports, arts, and social development officials led by their CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Nuh, to assess their success stories and challenges.

  • Naivas and Visa Announce Strategic Partnership for Loyalty Cards

    Naivas and Visa Announce Strategic Partnership for Loyalty Cards

    Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and Kenya’s largest retailer Naivas Supermarket have joined forces to unveil a strategic partnership aimed at developing a co-branded loyalty card.

    The groundbreaking collaboration is set to revolutionize the shopping experience for Naivas customers by offering enhanced benefits and rewards.

    The forthcoming co-branded loyalty card, a pioneering initiative in Kenya’s retail sector, will amalgamate the convenience and security of Visa’s digital payment solutions with the perks of Naivas’ esteemed customer loyalty program.

    Cardholders will accrue loyalty points for every purchase made at Naivas and other participating partners, which can subsequently be redeemed for future discounts and exclusive offers.

    Andreas Von Paleske, Naivas Chief of Strategy, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative.

    “The loyalty program is our expression of gratitude to our valued customers. Our objective is to deliver an affordable, world-class shopping experience, and we continuously seek avenues to enhance our customer offerings.”

    He added, “This partnership presents an exciting opportunity to achieve that goal, allowing customers to utilize the card not only locally but also internationally. It doesn’t get more global than this.”

    To earning and redeeming points, cardholders will benefit from several advantages, including installment payments, enabling them to buy now and pay later. The card will also facilitate contactless payments, providing a safer, faster, and more convenient payment method, in line with current global trends.

    As a Visa card, it will enjoy global acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, both online and offline, ensuring seamless transactions for cardholders. Furthermore, Visa’s state-of-the-art security technologies will guarantee secure transactions, offering customers peace of mind during their shopping experiences.

    Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager of Visa East Africa, expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

    “Our partnership with Naivas marks a significant milestone in our mission to enable seamless, secure digital payments for everyone, everywhere. We are delighted to introduce this unique offering to Kenyan consumers, providing all Naivas customers with access to a global, reliable, and secure digital payment option in the form of a Visa card.”

    Chad added that, “By enhancing access to digital payments, we are bridging the financial gap and paving the way for a more inclusive society. We look forward to the positive impact we can achieve together.”

    The eagerly anticipated co-branded loyalty card will be available at all Naivas Supermarkets nationwide in the coming weeks, promising to elevate the shopping experience for Naivas customers and set new standards of convenience and rewards in Kenya’s retail landscape.

  • Debate Over Muguuka and Miraa as Mombasa MP Zamzam Mohammed Leads Charge Against Substance Abuse and Calls for Stricter Regulations

    Debate Over Muguuka and Miraa as Mombasa MP Zamzam Mohammed Leads Charge Against Substance Abuse and Calls for Stricter Regulations

    There has been a recent heated debate on the Muguuka and Miraa plant by leaders from the coast and Mt Kenya region after Mombasa County hiked the tax of Muguuka and Miraa.

    Mombasa County MP Zamzam Mohammed has called out on Mombasa leadership and the whole County security team to do a massive crackdown on the region to apprehend users and sellers of drugs.

    Mombasa County Woman Representative, Hon. Zamzam Mohamed Chimba, has firmly reiterated her unwavering stance against the use of Muguuka and the unregulated consumption of Miraa in Mombasa County. She has pledged to tirelessly advocate for the residents of Mombasa, aiming to combat the proliferation of Muguuka and enforce stringent regulations on Miraa.

    While addressing members of the press in Parliament, Zamzam raised concern about the rising numbers of rehabilitation centers in Mombasa County and the large amounts of money being set aside to establish more rehabs.

    “Muguka chewing has become a serious issue in our community, contributing to increased rates of addiction, domestic violence, and poor health,” Hon. Zamzam asserted.

    She added, “We need to take decisive action as leaders and the county security team to protect our people, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of this substance and let it be on record that Mombasa is not a rehabilitation center where the only booming business or investment one can think of is a rehab center.”

    According to the County MP, Muguuka, a leafy green plant commonly chewed for its stimulant effects, is widely used in Mombasa regions of Kenya. While it is legal and a source of income for many farmers, its consumption has been linked to various health and social problems, with the plant being grown widely in Embu, where the species is known as ‘Catha edulis’

    She has, however, urged the governor to stand firm and end the usage of muguuka completely in Mombasa, but she has also urged for regulations on Miraa usage in the county, as she recommends that regulations be put in place to help those affected by muguuka addiction.

    “We cannot simply ban Muguuka without offering alternatives, and we don’t have rehabilitation programs in Mombasa since the more we have rehab centers in Mombasa, the more we are advocating for the usage and abuse of drugs in educational campaigns and economic support for farmers who depend on Khat cultivation for their livelihoods,” Zamzam notes.

    The proposed ban has sparked a heated debate within the county, with some residents and local leaders supporting the County MP stance. In contrast, others argue that banning Muguuka would harm the local economy and infringe on cultural practices.

    “I understand the concerns of those who rely on Muguuka for their income. I’ll advise them to use that land for the growth of cash crops however, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our community. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.” A section of leaders from the Embu and Meru regions say that the region fully depends on Muguuka and therefore calls for Mombasa County to reduce the amount being paid as tax to the county.

    In the meantime, the County MP has urged residents to engage in an open dialogue and consider the long-term benefits of a Khat-free county. The Mombasa County government is expected to hold public consultations on the proposed ban in the coming weeks.

    She has also called upon the governor to take a strong stand and work towards completely eradicating Muguuka usage in the county.

    “I am urging my governor, and this is not a fight of supremacy but changing the lives of our people for the future generation, and we shall at all times implement regulations and controls on Miraa consumption, right from the county to the national platform. This is my dire commitment to this cause, and I remain steadfast as I continue to champion the health and well-being of the community.”

  • Ministry of interior strengthens capacity of county commissioners in implementing climate change interventions

    Ministry of interior strengthens capacity of county commissioners in implementing climate change interventions

    Ministry of Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo hands over seedlings to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan during the National Climate Change Security Response Programme County Commissioners’ training. The training empowered the county commissioners in monitoring and reporting mechanisms for climate change interventions within their respective counties. With them is Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko.
    Ministry of Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo hands over seedlings to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan during the National Climate Change Security Response Programme County Commissioners’ training. The training empowered the county commissioners to monitor and report mechanisms for climate change interventions within their respective counties. With them is Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko.

    The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has strengthened the capacity of the 47 county commissioners to spearhead tree-planting activities through training, an exercise jointly supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

    The training curriculum, co-created with the Kenya School of Government, will empower the county commissioners to monitor and report mechanisms for climate change interventions within their respective counties.

    “The impacts of climate change are unprecedented, with climate-induced extreme weather displacing over a quarter of a million people and affecting close to half a million people in the country. As such, providing strategic preparedness and a coordination mechanism to support the efforts of the Ministry of Environment in the nationwide implementation of climate change interventions is key,”  said Principal Secretary, of the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo.

    “As a Ministry, through the National Climate Change Security Readiness Programme, we are committed to training county commissioners and over 15,000 National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) on climate change to empower them in mobilizing and supporting climate change interventions, including the 15 billion tree campaign,” he said.

    The training is in line with the objective of the National Climate Change Security Readiness Programme, which is to build the capacity of all National Government Administrative Officers for effective participation, stakeholder engagement, and coordination in the government’s climate change programs.

    “It is important to foster an understanding of different ecosystems and actions to support climate-resilient development and cooperation over shared resources. H.E. President William Ruto has emphasized the vital role leadership and commitment play in the success and advancement of environmental conservation and climate action in Kenya,” said the Principal Secretary for Climate Change and Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Hon. Gitonga Mugambi.

    Ministry of Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo and Ministry of Forestry representative Rose Akombo hand over seedlings to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan during the National Climate Change Security Response Programme training that empowered the county commissioners in monitoring and reporting mechanisms for climate change interventions within their respective counties. Joining them is Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko
    Ministry of Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo and Ministry of Forestry representative Rose Akombo hand over seedlings to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan during the National Climate Change Security Response Programme training that empowered the county commissioners in monitoring and reporting mechanisms for climate change interventions within their respective counties. Joining them is Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko

    “It is against this backdrop that we are collaborating with other ministries to ensure seamless coordination and oversight of the tree-planting campaign at the grassroots level, and we are confident that this collaboration with the Ministry of Interior will effectively advance these interventions,” he said.

    The renewed tree planting efforts reflect Kenya’s commitment to achieving the United Nations-recommended minimum of 10 percent forest cover per country, a target enshrined in national law.