Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

In a meticulous vetting process led by Belgut MP Hon. Nelson Koech, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations scrutinized four Presidential nominees for key diplomatic positions.

The nominees, Ms. Fouzia Abdirahman Abass (Bern, Switzerland), Amb. Betty Chebet Cherwon (Paris, France), Amb. Fredrick Lusambili Matwanga (Rome, Italy), and Amb. Angeline Kavindu Musili (Stockholm, Sweden), faced a barrage of questions to evaluate their suitability for the roles and understanding of Kenya’s diplomatic priorities.

During the heated session, Amb. Betty Chebet Cherwon, a seasoned diplomat, defended her candidacy by outlining her plans to enhance economic diplomacy between Kenya and France. With a background as the chief protocol officer at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs since 2019 and previous experience as a Counselor at the Kenyan Embassy in Berlin, she emphasized her commitment to marketing Kenya as a favorable trading partner in Paris.

Additionally, she convinced the members that she is set to leverage Paris’s significance in climate change affairs to bolster Kenya’s efforts in combating climate change.

Ms. Fouzia Abdirahman Abbas, a former Chief Procurement Officer at the United Nations, expressed her intent to utilize her extensive diplomatic skills to forge strategic partnerships between Kenya and Switzerland.

With a focus on trade, scientific research, and education, she highlighted her vision before the members on how she would be of value to help strengthen collaboration between the two nations.

Ms. Abass deeply emphasized her dedication to economic diplomacy, aiming to bridge the trade gap between Kenya and France, utilizing the vibrant trade environment in Paris.

Amb. Fredrick Lusambili Matwanga, currently serving as the Director for Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, showcased his expertise in economic affairs.

Matwanga, having previously worked at the Kenyan UN Mission in Geneva, hinted at his experience in the position to contribute significantly to Kenya’s economic diplomacy initiatives.

Amb. Angeline Kavindu Musili’s vetting surprised the committee with her rigorous experience and well-versed experience, qualifications, and plans for the diplomatic post in Stockholm, Sweden.

The nominees’ wealth, was disclosed during the vetting process and all were tax compliant and other key requirements as confirmed. As the vetting sessions continue, the nation watches closely, anticipating the appointment of capable and dedicated diplomats to represent Kenya’s interests on the global stage.

“It is important that if you are appointed, you do as much as possible to help ease the pressure back home. We, for instance, are having a strain on the dollar. You will have your work clearly cut out if you are approved. However, we wait for the collective wisdom of this Committee when we retreat to draft a Report on your suitability,” said Hon. Koech.

In a diligent effort to assess the suitability of the 27 nominees, the vetting process is entering its final week, with closure anticipated on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

Following the rigorous vetting sessions, the Committee is poised to present its comprehensive Report on or before November 8, 2023, to ensure timely submission so that the House can conscientiously deliberate on the matter within the statutory timelines.

To enhance adherence to its circulars and advice, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) monitors and evaluates (M&E) the implementation of remuneration and benefits through regular visits to public institutions at the national and county government levels.

SRC recognizes that collaborating with stakeholders across the public service enhances the achievement of its mandate and initiatives, and hence, the need for regular visits of this nature.

In this regard, SRC is currently undertaking several M&E visits to KEMRI regional offices and selected public institutions in the counties. This is aimed at engaging the leadership of the various institutions and monitoring adherence to the remuneration and benefits, as set, reviewed, and advised by SRC.

Public institutions currently being visited include; KEMRI facilities in Kilifi, Busia, Kericho, Kwale, Siaya Kisumu, and Kombewa. The Commission is also engaging several State corporations and polytechnics based in Mombasa, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu, Eldoret, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Kitale, and Siaya.  

While in the counties, the Commission is also holding several bilateral talks with the leadership in county governments on how best to bolster relationships, partnerships, and mutual collaboration.  

The visits, which have been ongoing since 23 October 2023, will wrap up on 1 November 2023 and comprise several concurrent teams that include, Lyn Mengich, Chairperson, Dr. Amani Komora, Vice Chairperson, Commissioners, Commission Secretary/CEO, and secretariat staff.

The visits are expected to provide interpretation and clarification on SRC circulars and advice, and agreement reached on corrective and remedial measures, where necessary, as guided by SRC.

To strengthen the management of the public wage bill, SRC regularly engages public institutions and consistently analyses the wage bill data towards the identification of emerging wage bill trends.

The government has urged private sector players in the tourism sector to take a more proactive role in formulating strategies that can maximize the potential the sector has in the economy.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said tourism products and experiences were largely in the hands of the private players and called on collaborative efforts towards increasing the value and volume of tourism by spreading experiences and products across the country.

The PS further urged tourism providers to expand their product offerings to deliver unique, authentic Kenyan travel experiences to travelers to ensure that the destination remains competitive in the ever-changing tourism landscape.

He said this during the unveiling ceremony of the third collection of the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) held to recognize outstanding tourism offerings among Kenyan travel industry players. During the ceremony, 17 new facilities were recognized adding to the collection which now has 61 signature tourism products.

“In 2015 a Tourism Taskforce was formed to identify and address challenges ailing the tourism industry such as increased competition, seasonality, getting stuck in the middle of the safari business, and perceptions around insecurity and affordability of the destination.  The MKSE program bridges this gap addresses the seasonality issues and ensures that Kenya remains a competitive tourism Destination,” said PS Ololtuaa.

He added “In a world that has shifted toward the experience economy, tourism should not be left behind. Our consistent message has been to showcase more of Kenya to all. We encourage all stakeholders to embrace this shift, innovate, and enhance what we offer to the modern traveler. Together, we can shape the future of Kenyan tourism into a realm of unmatched experiences.”

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) launched the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) Program in December 2019 in collaboration with trade partners such as KATO, KAHC, TOSK, and Ecotourism Kenya among others.

Through this Program, facilities and organizations are required to provide value addition to their offerings through exceptional travel experiences to the traveler. The unveiling ceremony marked the beginning of a journey to deliver diverse tourism experiences in Kenya.

“I am glad to unveil the seventeen (17) new experiences today to add to the Signature Collection. Our goal was to grow and diversify our products to ensure that we are a cut above other destinations and to also have products that offer an outstanding experience to suit today’s demanding traveler. I congratulate all the winning facilities for participating in the Program and adding an extra layer of Magic to what Kenya has to offer Kenyans and the world.” Ololtuaa.

In 2019, fifteen inaugural MKSE facilities that met the required criteria of a Kenya signature experience were recognized. The second phase- unveiled in 2021 recognised 29 experiences.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chairman Francis Gichaba noted that while traditional products remain popular, in a fast-paced world, the demand for new and more products has been rife which has prompted the Kenyan government to channel its focus towards improving tourism-generated income with respect to seasonality.

“To fully support the tourism industry, diversification of tourism products will be key in opening up non-conventional markets such as Adventure tourism, Agro-Tourism, and Wellness tourism among others which are recording steady growth in other parts of the world.

Kenya has curved her niche as a competitive destination with rich and diverse experiences across the country, available throughout the year and fit for different travel segments. Through this Collection, we are able to show the world that Kenya has a lot more to offer beyond the iconic wildlife safari and the pristine sandy beaches for both the repeat and first-time visitors.” Said Gichaba

The newly recognized facilities will have their products and experiences marketed for local and international travelers through FAM trips, exhibitions, collaborative initiatives, events, and training to provide extra visibility while driving conversion for the respective companies.

KTB  Ag CEO John Chirchir noted that “sector players will need to be aware of the emerging trends and incorporate them in their business strategies; they include search for authentic & immersive local travel experiences, slow travel, outdoor experiences to connect with nature, and the need to leave a positive impact in the destinations where they visit. I encourage businesses and individuals who are in the tourism space to participate in the subsequent Magical Kenya Signature Experience recruitment drive,” Said Chirchir.

To be part of the Program, facilities are required to fill out a pre-qualification Quiz, which has a set of 10 questions. The next stage involves filling out of an application form followed by desk and on-site audits. Those who meet the requirements are then enlisted into the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) Collection.

By Melisa Mong’ina
The African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) has organized a regional  Men-to-Men Workshop bringing together stakeholders, organizations, male champions, and allies from different parts of the continent.

Wells Motali, the chairperson for the Central Region of the Movement of Male Champions for Gender Equality in Malawi, emphasized the challenges men face in expressing their emotions and the need to address gender-based violence.

“We came of age in an era that discouraged men from showing emotion, one that encouraged us to endure adversity, to persist tirelessly even when our energy waned. Yet, society placed greater expectations on us, from our earliest years as boys, and still demanded we take charge even over our older sisters, simply because of our gender,” stated Wells Motali.

The stakeholders, organizations, male champions, and allies from different parts of the continent attended the workshop to encourage open discussions and share experiences, and best practices in promoting male engagement and gender equality.

He continues to say that human beings must express their emotions because boating up everything may lead to gender-based violence therefore, they are participating in the men-to-men workshop to find ways of mobilizing men around gender equality.

“We are gathered here to participate in this workshop, where we aim to explore strategies for engaging men in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence. It’s important to acknowledge that, while men have often been stigmatized as perpetrators, sometimes it’s due to a lack of understanding about societal expectations,” said Mr. Motali.

Mr. Motali men to be courageous and open up and express themselves since they are also human beings and not special beings

“I aim to promote men’s ability to express themselves openly because we are all human beings, and we should act as such, without the need to be seen as unique or different. We live in a society striving for equality, where they expect us to contribute equally,” noted Mr. Motali.

The workshop includes an evaluation of the Women and Girls SRHR project’s advancement and serves as a platform for formulating strategies to increase male involvement in promoting positive masculinity as a contribution to the cause of gender equality.

Mr. Motali cites that men are feeling disempowered because women and girls have already been
empowered thus making them fear being criticized by the empowered women and girls, therefore
making this challenge that they are facing as men.

“Many young men may hesitate to enter relationships with highly empowered women because they fear criticism and straightforward discussions. This challenge arises from a fear that women might be more empowered than men. However, we can use this as an opportunity to create a balanced and equitable society,” said Mr. Motali in an interview.

According to Faith Nashipa the CEO of Thriving Communities Africa, men are still in patriarchy thus our sons are being taught and initiated into patriarchy by their fathers.

She adds that they have not done much to help the man evolve yet the woman has evolved over the years.

“We have done very little to change this narrative. We have done very little to help the man evolve yet the woman has evolved over the years. So what we need now is not to fight each other. What we need is to bring everyone on board,” said Faith.

Nashipa, the National Co-chair of the Male Engagement and Inclusion Thematic Area in the Gender Sector in Kenya, encourages women to facilitate men’s evolution by bringing them alongside. She emphasizes the importance of supporting men to become the best versions of themselves, enabling them to fulfill their roles, while also empowering women to do their part.

“We should not exclude men and boys; our goal is to include them in our journey. We aim to help them transition away from patriarchy. It’s essential that our message is clear: we are not trying to diminish their masculinity but to recognize their potential. Let us support them in becoming the best versions of themselves. When they achieve that, they can fulfill their roles just as women do. In this way, we all reach our full potential, contributing not only to ourselves but also to our community and society.”

Kenya’s Leading Retailer Naivas Supermarket has today launched its annual Christmas Campaign popularly referred to as Kikwetu.

This year’s Christmas campaign marks the 13th edition since the launch of the first Kikwetu in 2011. Kikwetu which simply translates to “our way” has endeavored over the years to remain authentically Kenyan while delivering memorable experiences to customers through thematic campaigns during the festive season.

Speaking during the launch, Peter Mukuha, Naivas Chief of Operations said their mark of resilience in the prevailing business environment has been a reminder of the commitment of the organization to the Kenyan people that they are committed to seeing the brand survive way after its founders.

“It is for this reason that we are officially launching our 13th edition dubbed, ‘NAIVAS KIKWETU
FIESTA and with a lot of humility we are saying “Asante Kenya for 100 Naivas Kilocols,” he said.

The campaign seeks to welcome Kenyans to celebrate this new journey of going beyond 100 with s since
this is truly their celebration and Kenyans deserve something positive to celebrate.

“We also want to remind Kenyans that no matter how big the business grows, we shall always maintain the local and personal touch; every Naivas Kilocol will continue to serve them diligently as we always have with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality. Finally, no fiesta is complete without goodies, and as has been the
tradition during this period we have a lot to offer and with us, everyone is a winner,” he added.

He acknowledged that times are very hard for our shoppers with the ever-rising cost of living and that’s why they will be having crazy discounts throughout the entire campaign period to cushion our customers. Over and above the discounts there will be over 20,000 gift vouchers and over 1000 of our iconic mbuzi up for grabs.

“It is a very hustle-free process to win, simply present your Reward Card at the till as you pay,” concluded Peter Mukuha.

The campaign will run from today, 27th October 2023 to the 18th of January 2024 covering both the
entire festive season and January BTS.

In a heated session before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Maina, Acting Managing Director of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), faced a barrage of questions regarding the status of the corporation’s land assets.

The committee, led by Hon. Emanuel Wangwe, scrutinized KBC’s land holdings, focusing on discrepancies between title deeds, allotment letters, and missing ownership documents. Out of 40 parcels owned, only 8 had clear title deeds, leaving the ownership of the remaining 32 parcels in doubt. Committee members, including Hon. Mary Wamaua and Hon. Caleb Amisi, raised concerns about 10 parcels not provided for audit, of which only one was under a court dispute.

Mr. Maina attempted to clarify the situation, detailing the various land holdings, including the 100 acres in Kerara, the 20 acres in Lang’ata near the Kenya School of Law facing land grabbing investigations, and the 23 acres in Nyali, among others. He also revealed that KBC had been leasing out lands in Kitale and Marina Meru for agricultural activities, with agreements fetching Ksh. 12,000 and Ksh. 38,000 per acre, respectively.

Shockingly, the Committee discovered that the land housing KBC headquarters in Nairobi was not registered under the Corporation’s name, raising further questions about the legitimacy of ownership.

Adding to the complexity, the Committee delved into the issue of five power generators, valued at Ksh. 29 million, loaned to KENGEN in 2000/2001, which had never been returned despite numerous reminders. The MD disclosed that the KBC Board had approved a write-off for the generators, a decision contested by Hon. Emanuel Wangwe and Hon. Peters Owino, citing legal requirements under the Public Procurement and Management (Pfm) Act.

As the Committee prepares for the next session, KBC’s land ownership remains a puzzle, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive investigations and clear resolutions.