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Air France awards top travel agents, unveils new solution for seamless travel experience

The five, Hemmingways Travel, BCD Travel, Elite Travel, Charleston Travel, and, Turkenya Tours and Safaris were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the airline’s growth and success.

The all-new business solution portal is designed to offer travelers relevant travel information from policies and procedures to the airline’s products and services.

French National Carrier Air France marked five years of successful operations in Kenya by recognizing its top five travel agents in the country.

The five, Hemmingways Travel, BCD Travel, Elite Travel, Charleston Travel, and Turkenya Tours and Safaris were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the airline’s growth and success in Kenya during a Travel Agents award ceremony held in Nairobi.

Expressing his appreciation to all travel agents for their hard work and commitment to ensuring Air France’s success in Kenya, Air-France KLM Regional Manager Marius van der Ham.

“Collaborating with the travel agents over the years has been a major part of our success. Moving forward, we want to be an easy-to-do business with partners. We have since upgraded our information system dubbed business solutions to give our trade agents all the information they need to position Air-France KLM as the go-to Airline. We are happy to be back in this market and have since increased our Nairobi -Paris bound to 7 up from 3 in 2018 as a way to connect Kenya to the rest of the world and support its growth.” Marius van der Ham notes.

During the awards, the airline introduced its all-new Business Solutions portal designed to provide travelers with a seamless and real-time end-to-end travel experience.

The portal which is a major upgrade from its AgentConnect.biz portal further designed to offer travelers relevant travel information from policies and procedures to the airline’s products and services.

Giving her remarks while showcasing Business Solutions to Travel Agents, Air-France KLM Country Sales Manager Hildabeta Amiani said, “ Based on input and needs of travel professionals and travel agents we are excited to unveil a platform that not only improves customer services but also offers flexibility, convenience, and more user empowerment. We promise and commit to continue innovating and adapting technology to better your flying experience”.

The solution also allows travel agents to handle specific requests for their bookings. Other resources accessed through the portal include incentive programs, legal notices, policies on flight schedules and disruptions, baggage, and child travel among others.

The portal’s homepage offers a clear overview of all content. Besides, it is embedded with a state-of-the-art search function that takes users straight to specific information.

Click here to access the new Air France-KLM portal.

April 18, 2023
Standard Chartered and IFC renew commitment to boost global trade by up to USD6 billion

Standard Chartered and the IFC announced the signing of a USD700 million investment in IFC’s Global Trade Liquidity Programme (GTLP) to support global trade finance.

Since the launch of the initial facility in 2009, the Standard Chartered GTLP facilities have shown strong reach and impact in supporting trade in the emerging markets, particularly those supported by the International Development Association (IDA), as well as low/lower middle-income countries, given the Bank’s established network and correspondent banking relationships. When combined, these facilities have supported over USD20.5 billion in global trade through over 150 Emerging Market Issuing Banks (EMIBs) in 37 countries across 17,746 transactions, without any defaults.

This renewed facility is expected to support up to USD6.4 billion in trade over three years across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America by supporting about 850 importers and exporters involved in critical commodities, basic goods and other essential materials to meet market demand. The GTLP programme continues to evolve to reflect changing market dynamics and now features a significant climate component as well as seeking greater activity in the areas of IDA markets and food security.

“We are delighted to renew the GTLP, a longstanding partnership with the IFC since 2009 that is testament to both organisations’ unwavering commitment to narrow the trade finance gap,” said Sunil Kaushal, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered. “As a leading trade bank, we have a crucial role to play in enhancing the accessibility to the capital and liquidity needed to facilitate global trade, and to do so in a sustainable manner. Particularly in today’s challenging post pandemic macro environment, such partnerships can help continue to provide the much-needed liquidity to boost trade flows and drive economic growth.

This partnership is at the core of what we do as a Bank and in complete alignment with our stand of Resetting Globalisation.”

The GLTP facility has proven to be a highly effective means to channel financing to support emerging market trade flows, and represents a unique and coordinated global initiative that brings together governments, international development and financial institutions, as well as private sector banks. By providing liquidity or guarantees, the programme helps banks grow their credit limits, manage risk and support trade across developing markets which are often under-served.

“The joint work of Standard Chartered and the IFC Trade & Supply Chain Department over the years has helped support trade in Emerging Markets, a key component of growth and job creation,” said Mohamed Gouled, IFC Vice President. “Given our aligned footprint, shared vision for sustainable development and ability to deploy capital and expertise where our support is needed the most, I look forward to continuing to innovate together and to further expanding our impactful partnership in trade with an increased focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and supporting smaller suppliers further down the supply chain.”

April 18, 2023
LG Electronics Takes Home 23 Awards at the iF Design Awards 2023

· LG Wins Total of 23 Accolades, Including One iF Gold Award, For Outstanding Product Design and User Experience Innovations

· LG commits to offer differentiated designs that provide first, unique and new customer experiences, enhanced convenience as well as an emotional element that can bring smiles to our customers and across the industry

LG Electronics has received 23 honors at this year’s edition of the iF Design Award, spotlighting the company’s steadfast commitment to exceptional product design and user experience.

Held annually in Germany, the iF Design Award is widely viewed as one of the world’s top three industrial design awards along with the Red Dot Award and the International Design Excellence Award (IDEA). This year, a total of 11,000 products were submitted from around the globe, competing for recognition in nine different award categories.

Commenting on the recognition, LGs head of Corporate Design Center Hwang Sung-gul said, “The success we’ve enjoyed at this year’s iF Design Award is a result of our commitment to developing innovative lifestyle solutions based on extensive customer experience data. Moving forward we will continue to offer differentiated designs that provide first, unique and new customer experiences, enhanced convenience as well as an emotional element that can bring smiles to our customers and across the industry.”

Of the 23 accolades won by LG Electronics, the unique LG PuriCare AeroFurniture received an iF Gold Award for Product Design.

The purifier doubles as a side table and mood lamp featuring a compact design. It is ideal for use in various spaces, such as a bedroom or living room, and delivers personalized performance and design options. With different color combinations possible, and two types of table-top to choose from, the new AeroFurniture can be tailored to match any taste or home interior.

Other LG innovations recognized for their outstanding product design at the iF Design Award 2023 include the LG OLED Flex, a groundbreaking TV featuring the world’s first bendable 42-inch OLED screen, and the LG refrigerator with MoodUP™ technology, a next-generation home appliance with color-changing door panels that can be controlled via the LG ThinQ app. LG gram Style, a powerful laptop with a sleek, elegant design that appears to change color depending on lighting and viewing angle, was also acknowledged by the Award’s judges.

Honored in the Product Concept category, LG OMNIPOD presents new mobility experiences, boasting a vehicle cabin that can serve as an extension of one’s home. Meanwhile, LG ThinQ, the company’s smart home platform, was recognized in the Communication category for enhancing convenience by offering intuitive functions.

April 18, 2023
A big win for Irungu as High Court Stops CS Linturi From Proceeding With the Zambia Maize Deal

The High Court has temporarily suspended the decision by the Kenya government to contract Zambian farmers to grow maize for exclusive exportation to Kenya.

High Judge Mugure Thande issued the order stopping Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi to move on with the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and
Zambia to produce maize in Zambia for export to Kenya.

Justice Thande issued the orders in a petition where Farmers Party of Kenya moved to the High Court and filed a case against the government over its decision to contract Zambian farmers to carry out large scale cultivation of maize for export to Kenya.

Under the Certificate of Urgency filed on Wed, April 12, 2023, the party avers that the decision by the government to contract Zambian farmers was “unreasonable, irrational, and illegal and in gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya.” Through their Lawyer Chege & Sang Co Advocates, Farmers Party, led by Irungu Nyakera argued that the decision where the two governments are supposed to enter into a contractual agreement where Zambia farmers would grow maize solely for export to Kenya is tantamount to admission of dereliction of duty by CS Linturi and by extension the government of the Republic of Kenya to support and provide enabling infrastructure for Kenyan farmers to produce food locally.

“After considering the principles for grant of conservatory orders at the exparte stage, I find that the orders sought in application are merited. Accordingly, I do grant prayers 2 of the application,” ordered Justice Thande.

The judge also ordered the matter to come up for mention on May 16, 2023.

The petition names Attorney General of Kenya Justin Muturi and CS Linturi as first and second respondents respectively.

The party which has been on the frontline agitating for the interest farmers in the country argues in the petitioner that it is illogical for the Kenya government to engage the Zambia to produce Maize for Kenya whilst Zambia is struggling with a similar challenge and in fact importing maize to satisfy the demands of its citizenry.

April 14, 2023
Lobby Raises Red Flag Over Donkeys Threat of Extermination

Details are emerging that the beast of burden the donkey is still very much under threat in the country. The numbers of this critical resource have plummeted to just slightly over a million countrywide.

According to Brooke East Africa, the beast greatest threat is the unscrupulous people who eye it’s meat albeit in the cover of darkness.

Since 2020, it’s illegal to slaughter and deal with donkey meat trade in the country.

Brooke East Africa country director Raphael Kinoti noted that communities are very critical in matters donkey conservation.

“We reiterate that the communities should own up the initiative and we as Brooke East Africa intervene to assist them in restocking. But the key thing is that the communities should work with the authorities to report cases of donkey theft and also weed out the crooks.”

Mr Kinoti also cautioned against abuse of the beast of burden after media reports emerged that some communities are intoxicating the animals with drugs to enhance performance.

“this is cruelty of the highest order to hear that some people feed the donkeys marijuana to stimulate productivity. This has no any scientific basis and it works to the detriment and danger of the humble beast of burden,” Mr Kinoti concluded.

April 13, 2023
Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

The 10th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) kicked off in Nairobi today, setting the ball rolling for the three-day conference bringing together 600 delegates from across the world.

The event started with a high-level panel discussion comprising Ms. Emma Inamutila Theofelus, Namibia Deputy Minister for Information Communication & Technology (ICT); Ms. Grace Githaiga Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Convenor, KICTANet; Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative and Mr. Vladimir Garay, Advocacy Director, Derechos Digitales.

The panel was unanimous on the need for sustainable internet and balanced regulation across the continent.

Ms. Theofelus, who spoke about the level of Internet penetration in Namibia, pointed out the huge cost involved in developing infrastructure and the need for government and political will.

“Rolling out infrastructure is difficult and very expensive. We have put in place the conditions for licensing and investment from the government. There has been some political will. This includes the Universal Service Fund. We also have one of the most liberated media on the continent,” she said.

Ms. Githaiga emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and joint convenings in delivering Internet access. “As KICTANet, we have held joint convenings focusing on cybersecurity, data protection and the broadband report. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum is our flagship program. Through the forum we discuss and see how to fit issues into our local context.”

On his part, Vladimir stressed the importance of Internet access saying connectivity supports human rights. “People want high quality, affordable and secure internet connectivity. The Internet is expensive and limited. We need to acknowledge and address internet connectivity gaps.”

‘Gbenga also urged stakeholders to contribute towards efforts aimed at ensuring Internet accessibility. “If all stakeholders don’t get their hands dirty, we will come back here 10 years later to discuss the same issues,” he added.

Paradigm Initiative is hosting the Pan-African bilingual event in collaboration with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) established under Strathmore University. KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder think tank in Kenya for ICT policy and regulation. CIPIT is an evidence-based research and training Centre based at Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.

At the forum, Paradigm Initiative is hosting key partners from Internews, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, Derechos Digitales, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), Inclusive Tech Group, Access Now, Data Privacy Brazil, Defend Defenders, Youth and Society, Tech Societal, the Global Network Initiative, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, MTN and the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, to mention a few.

The event sponsors are the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ford Foundation, Wikimedia Foundation, Google, Open Technology Fund and the Global Network Initiative (GNI).

PIN, which is a leading Pan-African Digital Rights and Inclusion organization, has convened DRIF since 2013. The forum, whose theme is Building A Sustainable Internet For All, will bring together representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, academia, media, funding partners, the United Nations, the technical community, and the private sector within the digital ecosystem.

The forum is hosting 70 sessions with partners from 48 countries across the world. Sessions are focusing on among other themes, Internet shutdowns, Universal Service Fund utilization, data protection, content moderation, and censorship. Also lined up at the event are key launches of research, platforms, and networks.

Last year’s DRIF under the theme, Towards a Digitally Inclusive Africa was a hybrid event that was able to reach over 1,300 individuals. Physical sessions were hosted in 17 African countries.

April 13, 2023
Reinstate Sakwa as NYS director general immediately, Western legislators breaths fire

A section of legislators from Western has demanded the reinstatement of Matilda Pamela Sakwa as the Director General, of the National Youth Service (NYS).

Led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the lawmakers claimed the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action had unceremoniously redeployed Sakwa.

“This to us has gender discrimination connotation and ethnic profiling. Since her appointment, the service has enjoyed tremendous transformation,” Amisi said.

Addressing a press conference at Parliament Buildings, the lawmakers called for reforms in the public service to guarantee and safeguard the careers of all civil servants.

“We also demand an immediate probe by NCIC on the ethnic profiling in the public service,” Osotsi said.

The lawmakers did not state the office where Sakwa had been redeployed.

Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka said Sakwa should have been given bigger responsibilities in the government.

“Matilda deserves to be promoted and not what she has been subjected to,” he said.

Amisi said Western leaders led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula should demand the reinstatement of Sakwa.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 17, 2019, confirmed the appointment of Sakwa as the director general of the NYS.

Sakwa had been running the service in an acting capacity, and after her appointment, she was tasked with ensuring that NYS reclaims its position in national development by equipping the youth with adequate skills and expertise so they can contribute to nation-building.

April 13, 2023
How to file for claims after a car accident in Kenya
Kenya has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world, with an average of 3,000 deaths per year. Accidents not only cause physical harm but also a financial strain on those involved. Therefore, having an insurance policy that covers accidents is vital.

In this article, we will look at how to file for claims in case of an accident in Kenya, using Xplico Insurance Company Limited as an example. Xplico Insurance is one of the leading insurance companies in Kenya, providing various types of insurance policies, including motor insurance. The company offers comprehensive motor insurance, which covers both third-party liability and damage to the insured vehicle.

Let us now dive into the nitty-gritty of the motor vehicle insurance claim. If you are involved in an accident and you have valid motor vehicle insurance such as an Xplico Insurance policy here are the steps you need to take to file for a claim:
1. Report the accident to the police.
The first step after an accident is to report it to the police. This is a legal requirement in Kenya, and failure to do so can result in penalties. When reporting the accident, provide accurate details such as the location, time, and any injuries or damages.
1. Contact your insurance provider.
After reporting the accident to the police, contact Xplico Insurance as soon as possible to report the claim. You can do this through their customer care number or by visiting their offices. Provide the details of the accident and any relevant information, including your policy number.
1. Submit the required documents.
Once you have reported the claim, Xplico Insurance will require you to submit some documents to facilitate the processing of the claim. These documents include:
1. A filled claim form.
2. A copy of your driving license and logbook.
- A police abstract.
1. A repair estimate from a reputable garage. (If you choose to repair the car yourself and claim reimbursement from the insurance.
2. Pictures of the accident scene and damages.
3. Any other relevant documents.
Ensure that you submit all the required documents to avoid delays in processing your claim.
1. Wait for the assessment.
After submitting the claim, Xplico Insurance will assess the damages and determine the amount of compensation you are eligible for. This process may take some time; you will be notified of the outcome once it is complete.
1. Receive compensation.
If your claim is successful, Xplico Insurance will compensate you for the damages or losses incurred. The compensation may be in the form of repairs, replacement, or cash payment, depending on the nature of the damages.

In summary, accidents are common in Kenya, especially in the rainy season, and having a reliable insurance policy can help ease the financial burden that comes with them.

Remember to always drive safely and observe traffic rules to avoid accidents in the first place.
April 12, 2023
The Samsung Galaxy A54 And Galaxy A34 5G: Awesome Experiences For All

With Samsung’s brighter display, more advanced cameras and longer battery life than previous models, the new Galaxy A series delivers outstanding mobile technology for all

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G, two innovative smartphones that advance Samsung Galaxy’s commitment to designing awesome mobile experiences. These new additions to the popular Galaxy A series will help users shoot steady and crisp videos, see clearly even in bright conditions, and do more of the things they love with a battery life that lasts more than two days.

“Cutting-edge mobile experiences are increasingly essential to everyday life,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “With continuous enhancements to the Galaxy A series, we’re ensuring that more people around the world can access our transformative innovations.”

Take Awesome Day and Night Photographs, Enhanced with Creative Editing Tools

The Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G deliver stunning images with clear quality even in bright conditions, making use of Samsung Galaxy’s leading Nightography and AI capabilities. Whether users want to capture the perfect selfie or connect through super-smooth video calls, the Galaxy A54 offers astonishing detail thanks to its 32MP front camera.

The new smartphones produce video with amazing clarity, combatting shakiness and blur with improved optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS). Users can be confident about capturing awesome content, even with unsteady hands or when filming on the go. For adventures after dark and in low light conditions, Night mode helps users to capture more detail by broadening the camera’s pixel size.

Thanks to the enhanced editing tools, users can also now remove unwanted shadows and reflections for the first time in the Galaxy A series,

Experience Awesome Performance with Vivid Display and Long-Lasting Battery

Both devices feature immersive Super AMOLED displays, measuring 6.4-inch on the Galaxy A54 5G and 6.6-inch on the Galaxy A34 5G. Both displays have been upgraded for astounding outdoor visibility, even under bright sunlight. With the enhanced Vision Booster and a 120Hz refresh rate, the displays will keep up with users as they move between different lighting conditions.

Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G also guarantee up to four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. These features allow users to access the latest software and security to maximize the smartphone lifecycle.

Stay Connected Without Compromising Security

Enhanced mobile experiences rely on advanced security. With Samsung Knox, data is kept under lock and key with defense-grade mobile security. The Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G give users access to the Security and Privacy Dashboard, which makes it easy to see how apps are tracking data and enables simple ways to stop unwanted data collection. When users want to share important files that contain sensitive or personal information with the ultimate level of privacy and control, there’s Private Share. This enables users to share files only to designated recipients within time limits and with screenshots disabled.

The Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G are also compatible with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem to provide seamless connectivity between devices. Users can get 100GB of cloud storage and easily back up photos to OneDrive with a six-month trial of Microsoft 365 Basic, accessible on the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G.

Availability

The Galaxy A54 5G will be available in Three color options, including Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite and Awesome White. The Galaxy A34 5G will be available in Three color options, including Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite and Awesome Silver. Both Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G will be available starting 1st April at authorized dealer stores nationwide.

April 12, 2023
Citizens Enjoy Free Rides As Naivasha Hosts Electrical Vehicles Open Day To Boost Uptake Of New Technology

As the automotive industry is off to the races in vehicle electrification and automation, Go Electric Limited, an Electrical and Solar Vehicle Dealer that provides EV solutions to the African market, offered residents free rides as it hosted an Electrical Vehicles (EVs) open day at Naivasha’s Buffalo Mall ground this Easter in a bid to create awareness on electrical vehicles and spur uptake of the EVs. The announcement was met with gratitude from Naivasha residents who lauded the EV dealer for the good gesture. Citizens across the country called on the dealer to extend such offers in their locality so that they can have a feel of riding in solar and electrical vehicles.

Speaking at Buffalo Mall Naivasha during the EV Open day, Managing Director Go Electric Ltd, Ms. Eve Maina said, “The wind of change to EVs is blowing across the world with many countries that produce the cars that we use here such as UK and Japan having already drafted laws that will prohibit sales for petrol and diesel cars by 2035, we must also create an environment that will make absorption of EVs. We must change with the times, the risk of not doing so will come at a high cost and will be very uncomfortable. It is crucial we get a head start in creating the necessary infrastructure and awareness at the time when the transition isn’t too urgent when we have the luxury of a bit of time to choose rather than being forced into it.”

According to the organizers, the e-Mobility Open Day focused on; EVs ownership & infrastructure, transitioning to electric, importing, financing, and management of EVs, as well as deliberations on commercial transport going electric. The open day was aimed at promoting electric vehicles, clean transportation, and alternative fuel access. The event also gave a stage for significant industry stakeholders to talk about clean mobility and raise awareness as well as to help in attracting possible investors in alternative fuel technology. The exhibitors said that electric automobiles will reduce the overdependence on petrol and diesel and therefore prevent such a crisis in the future.

Various EVs enthusiasts have held that if the government and private stakeholders work together to create a conducive environment it will encourage uptake even in rural areas. They maintain that this should also create a public-private partnership framework to enable private companies to take part in the development of this infrastructure and promote competition in the market. If the country can formulate and implement policies that will support the growth of EVs then we are sure to succeed. The policies ought to support the development of EV infrastructure.

“The company will invest in various electric and solar automobiles as Kenya prepares to fully go green. We have already set aside Kes. 2 billion to pump into the purchase of necessary units and install more charging stations across the country. At the same time, we have introduced fully solar and electric automobiles dubbed UTU in the country that have been made appropriate for the East and Central Africa region’s roads and terrain. The units are already in Kenya for testing before the official launch of other more advanced and high-end electric vehicles to suit various market segments. The units we are introducing range from saloon cars, buses, motorcycles, Tuk-Tuks and other automobiles on demand. We currently have fully Solar & Electric Tuk-Tuks ready for uptake. When you look at them you can definitely confirm that this is a game changer that will see significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs,” said Ms. Maina.

“We want to build better cities for people by offering more efficient and environmentally friendly mobility alternatives to reduce the individual dependence on personal cars, and therefore improve the overall quality of life: Reducing traffic; Decreasing emissions and noise pollution, Minimizing accidents, Relieving public space, while making transportation more accessible and affordable, To address this, we believe the solution is to move to smaller, lighter electric vehicles, shared mobility, muti-modality and to encourage more people to use public transport. That’s the only way we can build sustainable cities,” added Ms. Maina.

The open day brought together manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, thought leaders, and decision-makers as they dialogue and chat about the way forward on the latest developments in the advanced battery and automotive industries.

April 12, 2023