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  • It’s all systems go for the 2nd edition of the Sportpesa national 7s rugby Circuit

    It’s all systems go for the 2nd edition of the Sportpesa national 7s rugby Circuit

    From Left - Kenya Harlequins Players, Wiseman Aganya, Sandra Oduor and Jan Remke with SportPesa's Willis Ojwang 2nd Left
    From Left – Kenya Harlequins Players, Wiseman Aganya, Sandra Oduor, and Jan Remke with SportPesa’s Willis Ojwang 2nd Left

    The much-anticipated SportPesa Nationals 7s Rugby Circuit is back this year with the 2nd edition receiving a major financial boost of Kes 16.5 million from SportPesa, the title sponsor, in readiness for the top-tier rugby showcase.

    According to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the circuit will not only be an important head-liner for identifying the next crop of talent with the potential to join Kenya’s National 7s team Shujaa but also provides a good preparation ground for participating affiliate clubs ahead of the Safari 7s slated for October 2024.

    “The SportPesa National 7s Rugby Circuit is a cornerstone of our rugby calendar, providing a platform for showcasing the immense talent from all around the country. We therefore welcome this support for the game which will undoubtedly elevate the standard of the competition this year,” said Thomas Odundo, Chief Executive Officer, KRU.

    Kenya-Harlequins-Victor-Sudi-Chair-Wiseman-Agany-Ctr-Player-Sandra-Oduor-Wing-Jan-Remke-Ctr-and-Peris-Mukoko-Dir.-Women-Rugby-scaled.
    Kenya-Harlequins-Victor-Sudi-Chair-Wiseman-Agany-Ctr-Player-Sandra-Oduor-Wing-Jan-Remke-Ctr-and-Peris-Mukoko-Dir.-Women-Rugby-scaled.

    The Division One competition will see 16 teams fight for bragging rights while Division 2 will field up to 24. The host clubs in the six-leg tournament will receive Kes 1 million each to enhance their preparations ahead of the high-stakes encounter that promises to be a thrilling clash of the titans.

    During the cheque handover and unveiling of the tournament trophy, Willis Ojwang the Communications and Partnerships Manager at SportPesa reiterated the firm’s continued commitment towards sports development in the country while urging fans to come out in large numbers for the circuit.

    “We are proud to partner with the KRU and the affiliate clubs in hosting the second edition of the SportPesa National 7s Rugby Circuit. This sponsorship underscores our continued dedication to fostering the growth of 7s rugby in Kenya and we look forward to an exciting season as the circuit goes around the five cities in the country,” said Ojwang.

    Kicking off the season is the 57th edition of the Christie 7s scheduled for 27th and 28th July 2024 at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi.  Hosted by the Kenya Harlequins, Christie 7s will start with the floodlit veteran’s clash on Friday, July 26, featuring Impala RFC, KCB RFC, Nondescripts RFC, Mean Machine RFC, Mwamba RFC and Kenya Harlequins RFC. This year will also see the Harlequin Ladies (Quin Queens) put out in three legs of the circuit namely Christie 7s, Prinsloo 7s, and Kabeberi 7s.

    Thomas Odundo - CEO. Kenya Rugby Union
    Thomas Odundo – CEO. Kenya Rugby Union

    Tournament Director Nekesa Were while highlighting the preparations said Christie 7s will offer the full fan experience, coinciding with the National team Shujaa playing at the Olympics in Paris, France as well as the Kenya Simbas who are featuring at the Rugby Africa Men’s Cup in Kampala Uganda.

    “This year’s Christie 7s promises to be the best yet. We have made significant preparations to ensure an exceptional experience for players, fans, and partners. From history, we know that the National 7s circuit is often the first-time live rugby experience for about ten percent of fans attending the games. We intend to be their gateway to a fulfilling first impression on the quality of Kenyan rugby,” she said.

    Christie 7s will lay the ground for the KRU 7s set for 3rd and 4th August at the ASK Kakamega Showground in Kakamega County. KRU 7s highlights a major addition made to the circuit this year acting as a replacement for the Tisap 7s which was discontinued last year. The third leg will shift to Kisumu County for Dala 7s which takes centre-stage on the 17th and 18th of August before the Kabeberi 7s winds up the month on the 24th and 25th of August.

    Mombasa County will welcome the fifth leg with the Driftwood 7s scheduled for the 7th and 8th of September which will then usher in Nakuru’s Prinsloo 7s on the 14th and 15th of September which is the sixth and final leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit 2024.

    The 2023 SportPesa National 7s champions, KCB Rugby Club, aim to replicate their stellar performance this year. They face a daunting task from strong contenders as they bid to retain their title. Last edition, the Bankers secured an exhilarating victory against Kabras to lift the trophy and claim the top prize.

  • Startimes Introduces Special Price Adjustments to Attract New Subscribers

    Startimes Introduces Special Price Adjustments to Attract New Subscribers

    Startimes Media, a leading Pay TV company, has rolled out a special price adjustment offer for all new subscribers.

    This offer, which aims to provide affordable access to high-quality entertainment, is valid for one month, starting from July 10, 2024, and ending on August 31st, 2024.

    Previously, new subscribers had to buy a DTH decoder for KSH 2999 and pay KSH 500 for the Smart bouquet in the first month, totaling KSH 3499.

    While under the new offer, subscribers can purchase the DTH decoder for KSH 2999 and pay only KSH 200 for the first month of the Smart bouquet, reducing the total cost to KSH 3199.

    Myke Mwai, Head of PR and Content Syndicate at Startimes in a statement emphasized the company’s commitment to making premium content more accessible to a broader audience across the Country.

    He said that Startimes’ new price adjustment offer represents a strategic move to broaden the company customer base by making high-quality entertainment more accessible.

    “We understand the importance of affordable entertainment, especially in these challenging times; our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the best of what Startimes has to offer without financial strain.” Mwai said.

    Mwai said this reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on new customers and encouraging more people to join the Startimes family.

    “At Startimes, we believe that entertainment is not just a luxury but a necessity. It brings families together, provides educational content, and offers a much-needed escape from daily stresses. By reducing the initial cost for our new subscribers, we hope to make a positive impact on our community,” he explained.

    He said that the Smart bouquet offers a wide array of channels, including sports, movies, news, and educational content.

  • End Violence Against Children; Says PS for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs,

    End Violence Against Children; Says PS for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs,

    PS Joseph MutariDuring the dialogue meeting on Ending Children Violence

    Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs has today hosted 14 principal secretaries with a message of endinging violence against children.

    Present were various stakeholders who discussed the need for children safety in society.

    Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari observed that,
    Additionally, households in the Inua Jamii Programme with expectant mothers and children under three years benefit from the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health in Education (NICHE) programme, implemented in collaboration with our development partners. This programme aims to improve the growth and development outcomes of children in their early years and has benefited over 33,000 households since its inception in 2020.
    Furthermore, the Presidential Secondary School Bursary Fund targets children in public boarding secondary schools, ensuring that vulnerable children complete their secondary education. My state department
    disburses about Ksh. 400 million annually to support an average of 20,000 children in secondary school.

    To protect children from online sexual exploitation, the ministry has developed and is overseeing the implementation of the National Action Plan on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (NPA-OCSEA) 2019-2026. In addition, all children officers have been trained on preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to enhance our efforts in protecting children from radicalization.

    In the spirit of care reform, a key government agenda that seeks to promote family and community-based care for children, the ministry recently launched the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection.

    The significance of family in the life of a child can not be overemphasized, as it is the very foundation that facilitates the actualization of child rights, including the right to education.
    Earlier this month, my ministry conducted nationwide public participation on the Regulations that seek to fully Operationalize the Children Act, 2022. Upon completion, these regulations will enhance the efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.

    “There is a need to come up with a better foundation for our children.
    Bringing up a child is very crucial and should be enfercized more in society.” Said Joseph Motari Principal Secretary Social Protection.

    In conclusion, today marks the beginning of a concerted effort to create a safer and brighter future for all children in Kenya. Our collective resolve, strategic planning, and collaborative spirit will drive us forward in eradicating violence against children, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment.
    The PS urges parents and guardians to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Keep children at home under adult supervision, ensure they know how to contact a trusted adult if needed, and provide emotional support by listening and reassuring them. Monitor their internet use, educate them on online safety, and limit their exposure to distressing news.

  • Kayana Awards Program 2024 Celebrates Female Entrepreneurship

    Kayana Awards Program 2024 Celebrates Female Entrepreneurship

    Group photo for stakeholders during the Kayana Awards.

    The highly anticipated Kayana Awards took place Yesterday in Nairobi where Various winners in various business categories were celebrated.

    The event honoured the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across various categories, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.

    The award process, renowned for its transparency and inclusivity, began with the close of nominations on February 29, 2024. This was followed by the judges’ finalist selection from March 8 to April 5, 2024. Finalist voting took place from April 15 to June 7, 2024, overseen by our esteemed judges, including Victor Otieno, Chris Maara, Chebet Cheruiyot, and Mercy Kimalat.
    “This year’s nominees represented a diverse array of businesses, each making significant
    contributions to their communities and industries,” said Victor Otieno.

    Voting Categories:
    1. Commitment to Staff Development: This category acknowledged small business
    owners who tapped into the strengths and talents of their employees, providing
    mentorship, skill-based training, flexible learning options, and fostering a supportive
    working environment.
    2. Community Impact: This category highlighted businesses that significantly contributed to their communities through economic sustainability, social consciousness, community
    cohesion, and cultivating relationships.
    3.Environmental Impact: Recognized MSMEs committed to environmental sustainability,
    showcasing their achievements to inspire others and promote best practices in the
    business community.
    4.Kayana’s Choice Award: Honoured business excellence based on reputation,
    professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality of service or product within the
    Kayana Community.
    5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology: This category celebrated MSMEs that embraced
    technology solutions to offer efficient customer service, enhancing their operations in the modern business landscape.
    6.Most Innovative Business: Acknowledged businesses that introduced new ideas,
    services, and products, meeting the evolving demands of the market through constant
    innovation.
    7.Most Resilient Business: Recognized businesses demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of challenges, showcasing strategic planning and readiness to navigate market shifts.
    8.
    Strong Leadership: Sought to honour business owners who inspired their teams, made
    responsible decisions, valued diversity, managed finances well, and created a culture of teamwork.
    9.The Diaspora Excellence Award: This special category celebrated exceptional African
    women entrepreneurs who successfully launched and scaled businesses across the
    continent, contributing to economic growth and social development.
    Kayana Female MSME Awards 2024 Nominees List:

    1. Commitment to Staff Development:
    ● Winner: Essenpark Limited
    ● 1st Runner-up: MRX Media Limited
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Spectrum Engineering
    2. Community Impact:
    ● Winner: Minat Bakery & Cake Zone
    ● 1st Runner-up: Kaya Nuts
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Soraya Teen Moms & Girls
    3.Environmental Impact:
    ● Winner: Eco Makaa Solutions
    ● 1st Runner-up: Tupike Ventures
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Kiasili Farm
    4.Kayana’s Choice Award:
    ● Winner: Diro Jewellers
    ● 1st Runner-up: Mutitu Honey
    ● 2nd Runner-up: HB Leather
    5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology:
    ● Winner: Gwiji for Women
    ● 1st Runner-up: GRise Systems Solutions
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Nyumba Zetu
    6.Most Innovative Business:
    ● Winner: Eco Nasi Leather
    ● 1st Runner-up: Viv’s In-houz Spa
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Zidallie Technologies Limited.
    7. Most Resilient Business:
    ● Winner: De Vani Chocolatier
    ● 1st Runner-up: Virtually Yours by Connie
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Everest Enterprises Limited
    8.Strong Leadership:
    ● Winner: The Chic Evangelist Collection
    ● 1st Runner-up: Teach for Kenya
    ● 2nd Runner-up: African Woman Global Network,
    9.The Diaspora Excellence Award:
    ● Winner: Africana Woman
    ● 1st Runner-up: Lamalo Essentials
    ● 2nd Runner-up: Krypia Finance

    Kayana Create cultivates a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to flourish. Their ethos revolves around fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, providing a platform where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can thrive.
    Anchored on three core pillars, our commitment to the community is unwavering.

  • Kush Cultural Festival To take Place in Naivasha Kenya

    Kush Cultural Festival To take Place in Naivasha Kenya

    Fatih-Keer-KUSH-Executive-Director-and-Rachuonyo-Duncan-KUSH-Media-Liason-Officer-.

    The Kush Cultural Festival is a groundbreaking event that will
    celebrate the ancient Kingdom of Kush’s rich history and cultural legacy. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hell’s Gate
    National Park in Naivasha, Kenya, this 7-day festival (October 7-13th 2024) will offer a unique blend of historical immersion, cultural exchange, artistic expression, and much more.

    The Significance of Kush
    The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful ancient civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Sudan, played a pivotal role in shaping African and world history. Renowned for their advanced society, architectural marvels, and influential trade networks, the Kushites left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue. This
    festival aims to:

    ● Educate: Shed light on the often-overlooked history of Kush, its achievements, and its impact on various cultures.
    ● Celebrate: Honour the resilience and creativity of the Kushite people through showcasing, music, dance, art, and storytelling.
    ● Connect: Foster cultural exchange and dialogue between diverse communities, both local and international.
    ● Empower: Provide a platform for contemporary artists and artisans to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience.

    A Multi-Sensory Experience
    The Kush Cultural Festival will transport attendees to the
    heart of ancient Kush through a variety of immersive experiences:
    ● Open-Air Museum: Explore a meticulously recreated Kushite village, complete with traditional architecture, artifacts, and demonstrations of ancient crafts.
    ● Kush Street: Wander through a bustling marketplace featuring artisans and vendors showcasing traditional crafts,
    textiles, jewelry, and cuisine inspired by the region.
    ● Royal Coronation: Witness a grand reenactment of a Kushite coronation ceremony, complete with authentic costumes and rituals.
    ● Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of music, dance, and
    theatrical performances inspired by Kushite traditions and contemporary interpretations.
    ● Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by experts in various fields, including traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
    ● Food Court: Savor a culinary journey through the flavors of Kush and the surrounding regions, with a wide array of food vendors offering traditional dishes and modern interpretations.

     

    Target Audience
    The Kush Cultural Festival aims to attract a diverse audience, including:
    ● Students: The festival will cater to school students in primary and high schools, offering educational opportunities and
    engaging activities that align with their curriculum.
    Transportation will be provided for school groups from Nairobi and nearby areas.
    ● History and Culture Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in learning about ancient civilizations and their impact on the
    modern world.

    ● Families: Parents and children seeking a fun and educational experience that celebrates cultural diversity. The
    festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighboring regions.
    ● Art and Music Lovers: Those who appreciate traditional
    and contemporary artistic expressions from Africa and beyond.
    ● Tourists: Visitors to Kenya looking for a unique cultural
    experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
    The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.
    ● Local Communities: Residents of Naivasha and surrounding areas who are eager to celebrate their heritage and connect with others. The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.

    Festival Program and Activities
    The Kush Cultural Festival will offer a diverse and engaging program that caters to a wide range of interests. Each day will
    be filled with activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kush and its enduring legacy. The festival program is designed to connect the past with the present, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and contemporary cultural exchange.

    Daily Activities:
    ● Open-Air Museum: Guided tours and interactive exhibits showcasing Kushite history, architecture, and daily life.
    ● Kush Street: A vibrant marketplace featuring artisans, vendors, and traditional food stalls.
    ● Workshops: Hands-on workshops on traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
    ● Folk Music and Dance: Performances by local and international artists showcasing the diverse musical traditions
    of the region.

  • KNCCI LAUNCHES BAROMETER REPORT Q3

    KNCCI LAUNCHES BAROMETER REPORT Q3

    During the KNCCI Barometer Report Launch at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi.

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the
    KNCCI Business Barometer Report Q3/2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Upperhill,
    Nairobi.

    The KNCCI Q3 2024 Business Barometer Report aims to elucidate businesses’
    expectations for Q3 2024, drawing insights from their Q2 2024 experiences regarding
    financial performance and the broader business environment. This provides a forecast into the country’s business environment ensuring that all our efforts in advancing the economy are proactive. This particular report was focused on the Why; reasons behind the different expectations of the business enterprises identified.

    “The businesses are more confident in the reduction of their primary input cost
    compared to Q2 though manufacturing is coming out at the least optimistic sector on
    this metric. There is a need for increased efforts to support this struggling yet vital
    sector,” Dr. Eric Rutto, KNCCI President.
    One of the most significant insights from this report is the resilience and adaptability of our SMEs. It is encouraging to see that similar to Q2, majority of businesses sampled are optimistic about the growth of their revenue (71 percent) and staff size (66 percent  in Q3.

    Despite the challenges posed by the global economic downturn, our small and medium
    enterprises have demonstrated remarkable tenacity. They have pivoted, innovated, and
    found new ways to thrive. This spirit of resilience is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that is the backbone of our economy.

    The Chief Guest, the PS State Department of Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan
    Abubakar commended the good work by KNCCI on the unwavering commitment to
    advancing the interests of the business community.

    “As the State Department of Trade,we are committed to addressing these issues head-on. We will work closely with the KNCCI and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for business growth. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing access to finance, and fostering Ban ecosystem that encourages innovation and competitiveness,” Said Abubakar Hassan Abubakar – PS, State Department of Investment Promotion.

    Unfavourable taxes and levies (44%) was identified as the main cause of the
    unfavourable regulatory environment challenge. “The best thing this government can do to the business community is to pay pending bills,” Kiprono Kitonny, Chairman, Nairobi Securities Exchanges (NSE). This will guarantee commercial vibrancy in Kenya.
    In his remarks, Patrick Nyangweso, KNCCI CEO, recognized the significant challenges and opportunities in the business community.

    “The report is an instrument that will be used to support and empower our members with information they need to decide on resource allocation to improve the business landscape in Kenya.” Said Patrick Nyangweso, KNCCI CEO.

    The education and agriculture sectors are most optimistic about a drop in primary input costs, while hospitality & tourism, and manufacturing are less optimistic. Majority of businesses (69%) are intentionally applying some climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in their business operations. The mining and energy sectors lead in applying climate mitigation and adaptation actions, while the retail and wholesale sector lags behind. Similar to Q2, businesses expect limited financial resources (32%),
    unfavorable regulations (22%), and supply chain instability (22%) to majorly affect their performance in Q3, high interest rates (31%) and limited access to credit (30%).
    In the Q3 Business Barometer Survey, KNCCI engaged 1011 businesses across the
    country, in all sectors, both members and non-members of KNCCI, and from the formal and informal sectors. The data collection was conducted through an online survey spanning 2 weeks as well as physical interviews in Nairobi. The physical interviews using enumerators is an addition to the data collection efforts of the Q2 Barometer Survey that only employed the use of an online survey.

  • KNCCI Calls for Calmness and Peace for Business Continuity

    KNCCI Calls for Calmness and Peace for Business Continuity

    During the Press briefing at KNCCI headquarters Nairobi.

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) extends
    its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives during the recent protests and also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured.

    KNCCI firmly believes in the right to protest, as enshrined in our constitution, and supports its exercise under all circumstances. However are deeply concerned about the instances of violence that have occurred during these protests, leading to looting of businesses and destruction of property which have severely disrupted business continuity across various parts of our country. These disruptions have led to significant interruptions in the supply chain, increased operational costs, decreased consumer and investor confidence, and loss of livelihoods. The cumulative effect of these issues is a substantial strain on our already fragile economy.

    As the organization responsible for issuing the ordinary certificate of origin, certifying that a product is from Kenya, KNCCI has observed a worrying 17% decline in export activity since the protests began. Furthermore, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has lost KES 63 billion in investor wealth over the past two weeks, reflecting declining investor confidence in Kenya’s economy due to the violent elements within the protests.

    The government has an obligation to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans as enshrined in the Bill or Human rights and Article 40 of the constitution respectively. While citizens have the right to protest, it has become evident that some individuals are engaging in violence, looting, and the destruction of property. Such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed promptly to ensure the safety and security of all.

    KNCCI calls on the government to expedite engagements to address the concerns raised by the protestors, enabling the economy to return to normalcy. We are currently in the peak season for tourism, which was the fastest-growing sector in 2023 at 33.6%. However, the violent elements within the protests threaten to massively impact this sector and the millions of livelihoods that depend on it.

    In light of these challenges, KNCCI calls for calm and encourages open, constructive dialogue and collaboration among all citizens of this great nation. It is imperative that we address the concerns raised and work towards solutions that benefit all Kenyans. Ultimately, preserving the integrity of the cause and protecting the well-being of our country, its people, and its businesses should be our collective priority.

    As always, KNCCI is willing to support collaborative actions by sharing concerns of the private sector through an economic recovery strategy. We have various channels at our disposal such as the Youth in Business platform in our 47 County Chapters. KNCCI remains committed to supporting allengagements aimed at swiftly and amicably resolving the issues arising from the protests. We believe that through cooperation and mutual understanding, we can foster a peaceful and prosperous
    environment for all Kenyans.

  • Kenya and China Sign MOUs to Promote Film and Theater

    Kenya and China Sign MOUs to Promote Film and Theater

    During the MOU signing to promote Film Industry between Kenya and China.

     

    Kenya and China have signed significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to promote film and theatre in the Country.

    The event featured the participation of key representatives from both countries, including Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, Timothy Owase ,CEO Kenya film commission and CPA Pascal Opiyo,CEO of Kenya film and classification board among others .

    The ceremony, themed ‘Kenya ,China Tv theatre ” showcased a variety of Chinese TV programmes, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.

    Jimmy Carter Luo, Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Media (Ke) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm about the newly forged partnership and its potential impact on both countries in the field of film and exchange of culture.

    Carter emphasized that the Kenya ,China TV Theatre & will pave the way for joint productions, content sharing, and professional exchanges between Kenyan and Chinese media entities.

    “This collaboration is essential for the advancement of our creative industries. It offers a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and cultural enrichment,” said Carter.

    Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, expressed his optimism about the future of Chinese-Kenyan cooperation in the audiovisual sector and film.

    “This event marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of media and entertainment. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Kenya to foster cultural exchange and mutual development,” said Deputy Minister Dong Xin.

    He said that the MOUs signify the unwavering commitment to nurturing and expanding the film and television industries in both Kenya and China adding that it will enhance and pave the way for more joint productions and professional exchanges, enhancing the quality and diversity of content available in both countries.

    Prof Edward Kisiang’ani in a statement read by Judith Munyinyi, secretary of information ministry of ICT and said that the collaboration launched will highly impact the media industry .

    He said that the exchange of content between Kenya and China is crucial .

    “We look forward to the continued collaboration between Kenya and china “he said

    Kenya film commission CEO Timothy Owase said that the collaboration between Kenya and China will greatly impact the film industry in Kenya .

    He noted that the government will continue supporting the youths in realization of their talents .

    “We are greatly humbled by this partnership between Kenya and China in the field of film and theatre and we will continue pushing further for our youths to get job opportunities in the film and art industry “he said.

  • NCCK Urges the Government to Hear Kenyans on Various Issues Raised,

    During the NCCK press Briefing in Jumuia Place Limuru.

    The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has held its statutory meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.

    The Executive Committee recognized that the nation of Kenya is at a critical moment of redefining and reshaping her identity, ethos and future. The Kenya of the next fifty years is being shaped now, and it is of cardinal importance that all Kenyans
    play their part.

    The NCCK affirms that they met with His Excellency President William Ruto yesterday. The agenda of the meeting was to present our concerns over the failure by government to listen to Kenyans with regard to the Finance Bill 2024 and police brutality in the ongoing demonstrations. The President committed that the Bill
    would be withdrawn, that the police would cease brutality on the demonstrators, and the military would not be deployed. We have shared with the people of Kenya the
    memorandum that we presented to the President. Recognizing that these will contribute to the shaping of the future of our nation, we share the following message.

    1. Understand Kenya’s Demographics
    Kenya is a very youthful country, with those aged below 35 years constituting 79% of the
    population. This is the population that has the biggest stake in the nation today and in
    future. It is therefore a major concern that the youth are highly deprived with regard to
    education, life skills and employment. If this status is not remedied, the risk of sinking into social chaos is very high.
    NCCK calls upon all institutions and leaders to focus more than 80 percent of their
    efforts and resources on empowering the youth to have dignified livelihoods and to be
    equipped for leadership. The first step in this process is listening to the youth and creating platforms for them to shape the nation they desire to live in.

    On our part as the NCCK, we have committed to:
    One, we will establish centers of excellence for the youth to acquire skills and
    opportunities for creating pathways for dignified livelihoods and creation of resilient communities.
    Two, each of our member churches will develop youth led, youth owned and youth
    focused programs of action premised on the basis of the principle of “nothing for
    the youth without the youth”.
    Three, organize people-driven multisectoral economic forums at the local levels,
    culminating in a national economic conference in which Kenyans will analyze the current economic state of the nation, identify what is ailing us, and find solutions
    for a better future.
    Four, review and enhance budgets and programs to increase resources for youth
    work and youth programs in our churches
    Five, continue spearheading capacity building of the youth and other members of
    the church for enhanced citizen participation for strengthened public accountability.

    2. Listen to the People of Kenya
    In shaping the future of the nation, it is of absolute importance that the political leadership listens to the people so as to honor their will. In this regard, we in the National Council of Churches of Kenya are mourning with deep sadness the deaths of dozens of Kenyans who have been killed by police during demonstrations. We pass our condolences to thefamilies that have been bereaved by these unnecessary deaths, and are praying for quickrecovery for all those injured.

    The killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police is totally unacceptable.
    It must never be repeated.
    Further, we find it heartless, insensitive and disdainful for the Members of Parliament to
    have ignored the will of the people by passing the Finance Bill 2024. By this action,
    Parliament erased its legitimacy in the eyes of the voters. NCCK calls upon the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special seating for the members can respond to the Memorandum by the President so that the Finance Bill 2024 is repealed.

    3. No Further Bloodshed
    The youth of Kenya have come out to exercise their right to peaceful picketing as they enhance their participation in national life. We demand that the state stops curtailing this right by use of police and the military. In addition, the abduction and clandestine arrest of youthful actors must be stopped. All the youths who have been arrested during the demonstrations must be unconditionally released immediately.
    It is especially of concern to us that despite a Court Order, the military has been deployed
    in different parts of Nairobi today. We demand that the government commits to obey the law and allow the Kenyans to peacefully express their aspirations.
    On our part, we are organizing with our member churches to mark 7 days of mourning to remember and honor the young heroes who have died as they exercised their right to participate in governance of the nation. The days of mourning will commence tomorrow
    Friday June 28 and culminate in memorial services in the churches on Sunday July 7,
    2024.

    4. Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,
    To secure the electoral future of our nation, we urge His Excellency President William Ruto and concerned stakeholders to hear the cry of the people of Kenya and facilitate
    completion of the process to appoint of the IEBC commissioners.

    Kenyans in constituencies and wards that have been unable to hold by-elections are
    suffering injustice, and the boundaries review process is yet to be done. This process must be completed without further delay.

     

  • Athletics Coaches Championing Change in Iten Prevail through Tujiamini Gold Win

    Athletics Coaches Championing Change in Iten Prevail through Tujiamini Gold Win

    Coach-Elkanah-Rutto-celebrates-the-win-with-athletes-and-fellow-coaches
    Coach-Elkanah-Rutto-celebrates-the-win-with-athletes-and-fellow-coaches

    The athletics fraternity in Elgeyo-Marakwet County has a reason to celebrate after athletics coach Elkanah Rutto bagged The North Rift Region Tujiamini Gold award in a collective show of effort by the larger coaching fraternity, in a bid to propel the sport to greater heights further.

    In one of many firsts, coach Rutto was elated by the recognition directed to the coaches who dedicate countless hours training athletes who eventually bask in the limelight of their hard-earned glory.

    “Most of the time, athletes receive recognition for their success so this is a commendable step towards appreciating everyone who plays a role in contributing to the success of athletics among other sports in the country,” said Elkanah.

    He has urged other corporates to jump on the bandwagon.

    The coach, a former athlete, pursued athletics to give back to his community. The award which will benefit 52 like-minded coaches and about 5,000 athletes is set to facilitate the construction of a fully equipped gym, that benefits both local and international athletes as well as residents in the area.

    “In Iten, many athletes cannot afford privately-owned gyms which are very expensive, and few in the area, considering that the larger majority come from humble backgrounds. The new facility aims to alleviate the financial burden for many athletes who currently lack management support,” remarked Coach Rutto.

    Echoing the unanimity, athletes under Coach Rutto expressed pleasure at the win reiterating that the noble display would go a long way in influencing their success, “Getting access to a gym is the hardest bit in training and athletes are forced to improvise due to the high expenses therefore gym accessibility will be ideal for long term success,” said Ezekiel Sirma, a resident athlete.

    His sentiments were backed by Rael Mithieka currently training for road races and marathons, who iterated the
    importance of gym training and the lack thereof in governing an athlete’s progress.

    Coach-Elkanah-Rutto-flanked-by-elated-athletes-under-his-tutelage-scaled
    Coach-Elkanah-Rutto-flanked-by-elated-athletes-under-his-tutelage-scaled.

    SportPesa representative, Deborah Chepkirui, rehashed the objective of the Tujiamini initiative whose main focus is to grow talents at the grassroots, “Three regions down, Tujiamini continues to uplift talents as well as embrace the aspect of inclusivity in its applications thus everyone is encouraged to apply, men and women alike.”

    Additionally, DBA Africa Director, Lyle Asiligwa, attributed the success of Tujiamini so far to the individual-based approach taken by the initiative whose success is evident through existing talents, ranging from the grassroots to the national team level.

    Further amplifying the need for a united front, Lyle urged corporates to merge efforts towards the bigger intention of developing talents in the country noting that it takes a village to build champions.

    As curtains fall on the Tujiamini initiative in the North Rift Region, organizers are intensifying efforts to encourage more women and people with disabilities to submit applications highlighting the anticipation for more inclusive and competitive opportunities in the remaining counties.