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Category: TRENDING

  • AfriCapitol Unveils 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya

    Martin Githinji CEO AMG address the forum

    Africapitol Celebrates the Daughters of Africa: Honoring Kenya’s 50 Most Influential Women at Gala Dinner Awards

    In a grand celebration of empowerment and achievement, Africapitol, under the visionary leadership of CEO Dr. Audi Suleiman Ndoro, hosted a spectacular gala dinner to honor the 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya.

    The prestigious event, held at KICC ,Nairobi was a testament to the remarkable contributions of Kenyan women across various sectors.

    The 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya Award is a prestigious platform for acknowledging and honouring the achievements of Kenyas exemplary women across 9 categories organized by Africapitol ventures.

    Dr. Audi Suleiman Ndoro, known for his passion for celebrating individuals and sharing his knowledge and skills through writing and speaking, expressed his deep fulfillment in recognizing these extraordinary women. “I feel fulfilled when I celebrate people and when I share my knowledge and skills, either through writing and speaking,” Ndoro stated. His commitment to uplifting others was evident throughout the evening, as he highlighted the achievements and impact of each honoree.

    The gala dinner was generously sponsored by AMG, with its CEO, Martin Githinji, playing a pivotal role in bringing the event to life. Githinji’s dedication to supporting initiatives that empower and inspire was reflected in his heartfelt address to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements in Kenya and beyond.

    The evening was a blend of elegance and inspiration, featuring keynote speeches, performances, and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. The 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya were celebrated for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to their respective fields. From business and politics to arts and social activism, these women have not only excelled but have also paved the way for future generations.

     

    Influential leaders and past honorees shared their journeys and insights, inspiring the audience with their stories of resilience and success.

    Award Presentations: Each honoree received a beautifully crafted award symbolizing their impact and influence.

    The gala dinner was not only a celebration but also a call to action for continued support and recognition of women’s contributions. Africapitol and its partners remain committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive and lead.

    Africapitol is dedicated to celebrating and empowering individuals across Africa. Through events, publications, and initiatives, Africapitol aims to highlight the achievements and potential of African leaders, fostering a culture of recognition and inspiration.

    AMG is a leading organization committed to supporting and promoting initiatives that drive positive change and empowerment. Under the leadership of CEO Martin Githinji, AMG continues to play a crucial role in uplifting communities and individuals across Kenya.

  • KNCCI Signs Memorandum of Understanding with FINSCO Consulting Limited

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) proudly hosted the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FINSCO Consulting Limited, a Platinum Member of KNCCI, and GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).

    The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic
    partnership wherein GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC will invest in various FINSCO AFRICA
    projects.

    The partnership is as a result of the recent historic state visit to the USA by the Head of State H.E Dr.William Ruto in May 2024 in Atlanta, GA and Washington DC. FINSCO Africa was part of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry private sector delegation representing real estate and property developers in Kenya and participated at the “Prosper Africa Forum” where they met with Go Green Bank.

    The event took place at the KNCCI headquarters in Nairobi, bringing together key stakeholders from both organizations and the wider business community. This collaboration aims to enhance the economic landscape of Africa by injecting substantial investments into diverse projects spearheaded by FINSCO Consulting Limited.
    GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, known for its commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment, has identified FINSCO AFRICA’s projects as pivotal in driving sustainable development across the region. These projects encompass a range of sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, and agriculture, aligning with the bank’s strategic goals to support transformative initiatives.
    Mr. John Mwaura, CEO of FINSCO Consulting Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “This MoU signifies a major milestone for FINSCO AFRICA. We are excited to collaborate with GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, whose investment will significantly bolster our capacity to implement projects that are critical for Africa’s growth and development. We believe this partnership will not only bring financial benefits but also foster innovation and sustainable practices.

    Mr.Ray Glover, President of GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, echoed these sentiments: “Investing in Africa’s future is at the core of our mission. We are thrilled to partner with FINSCO Consulting Limited, a leader in driving impactful projects. Our joint efforts will pave the way for new opportunities and contribute to the prosperity of communities across the continent.”

    Dr. Erick Ruto, President of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of such collaborations: “Today’s signing is a testament to the vibrant and growing economic relationship between Kenya and international investors. KNCCI is dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive through strategic alliances. We look forward to witnessing the positive outcomes of this MoU.”

    The partnership between FINSCO Consulting Limited and GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC is
    expected to set a precedent for future investments and collaborations, contributing to the overarching goal of sustainable development in Africa.

  • Peaceful Demonstration by the Concerned Citizens are Constitutional” Says CCM

    During the CCM media Briefing in Nairobi.

     

    The leaders of Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) have today highlighted and condemned the use of force by police and arrest observed during the peaceful protests Yesterday.

    “We commend the Concerned Citizens for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the peaceful protests in the last few days even though 335 of them were arrested for holding constitutionally protected peaceful protests.
    The Kenya Kwanza administration, since taking over office has killed Kenyans’ hope of the brighter future they promised through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. Kenyans are suffering because of the incompetent people appointed in serious positions and end up stealing and politicking. This includes heads of parastatals, top police officers, PSs and even cabinet secretaries with Scandals after Scandals. To Kenyans, enough is enough.” Said Prof.Fred Ogola TrailBlazer Business strategies and Citizens Movement.

    He further observed that, the whole matter began with the formation of incompetent executive unfortunately approved by Parliament. They have been busy with politicking, corruption and unnecessary infighting instead of fixing the economy.

     

    During Madaraka Day 2024, Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) was to launch the Mwananchi bill realizing that citizens had lost their sovereignty because they had lost their power to decide how much taxes they paid, how the taxes are collected and how the taxes are used.
    Proper use of tax revenue would guarantee the citizens’ livelihoods, comfort and future.

    Prof Fred Ogola further added that, the rallying call of the Mwananchi bill is HAKUNA MADARAKA BILA MAMLAKA, which is to be achieved through DEBE KABLA YA DEBE referendum, to ammend Cap 1 of the Constitution of Kenya. This will give Kenyans the power to recall the president, deputy president or both directly through a referendum because the current constitution has no answer to what Kenyans should do with a president or deputy president who violates the constitution or mismanages the economy but parliament is unwilling or compromised to impeach him or her.

    The government forcefully dispersed a legitimate and peaceful procession, arrested and locked up eight of CCM leaders at the Central Police Station for two days.
    Therefore, we shall all take action, support the Mananchi Bill, raise at least one million signatures and amend the Constitution of Kenya to enable us to recall a president, deputy president or both, at any time of their tenure, when their service delivery is unsatisfactory.

    In that regard CCM demands the following from the government:

    • That first all the Kenyans who were arrested to be released immediately and unconditionally as they simply expressed their constitutional and democratic rlghts,
    • The finance bill to be withdrawn in total. It is unnecessary because more than a third of the proposed 3.99 Trillion budget will go into corruption budgeted or not, that is 1.3 Trilion. Another 1.3 Trillion into wastages through non-priority expenditures. Employing good governance would realize 2.6 Trillion and save Kenyans the killing tax burden,
    • The government to respect the constitution by leaving Concerned Citizens to exercise their sovereignty and right to peaceful protest enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya,
    • The Inspector General of Police and all Police Commanders to ensure the police service remains a police service by protecting peaceful protesters but not using unnecessary force. They must not use live ammunitions or spark violence. There should be no use of Civilian dressed police in harassing and beating Concerned citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights. On this matter they are Concerned citizens not criminals.
    •  That Concerned Citizens to continue exercising their constitutional rights peacefully until our demands are met by the government.

     

  • Celebrating the Day of the African Child

    Group Photo for ECD stakeholders at Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi.

    The ECD Network for Kenya in partnership with the Africa Early Chiodhood Network has intensified Child care advocacy initiatives through creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable Child care.

    The Occassion saw the attendance of various stakeholders like; Representative for CS Labour and Social Protection, World Bank, APHRC, Dr. Teresa Mwoma National Coordinator ECDNek and ECDNek Board.

     

    The Day of African Child is Marked every year on June16th. It is a day that ensures that child rights are always protected and respected.The ECD Network for Kenya, in partnership with the Africa Early Childhood Network, seeks to intensify childcare advocacy initiatives through creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable childcare. The theme of the campaign is “Universal access to quality Child care and protection for children 0-5 years”.
    The dialogue also seeks to Compaign against the cultural and traditional methods that impact child care Negativley.

    In Kenya Child care faces significant challenges despite efforts to its quality and accesibilty. Research has shown that only a small percentage of children under five years have access to quality EarlyvChildhood Development (ECD) services, with rural areas and informal settlements disproportionately affected. Additionally, the World Bank Report 2014 emphasizes the lack of cordination among various stakeholders, leading to fragmented service deliverly and limited impact. The fragmented approach contributes to the existing gap in Child care that require a National Dialogue.

     

    Providing quality Chidcare enables children to develop secure attachments, which are associated with later behaviour, health, and learning capacities. Attachment security in the early years influences developmental functioning across the life course . Working parents require child friendly policies. Establishing these family centred policies benefit business byvincreasing employee retention, productivity, job satisfaction and loyalty hence attracting talent , boosting reputation and expanding access to markets.

    The Campaign that will run for six months
    aims to ;
    To showcade the strides achieved in the Child care sector in relation to the laegal and policy coordination, advocacy, research, academia and advicate for increased investment for child care across country.

    To unpack the role of multi sectoral collaboration, policy formulation and implementation on child care at both National and County Government levels.

  • “Uniting Faith and Science to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Africa: A Groundbreaking Conference”

    A group photo for the Stakeholders during the Cervical Cancer Conference at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi.

    By James Nyaigoti,

    The Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) and the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network-Africa (JENA), in collaboration with key stakeholders including KILELE Health Association and the African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA), recently convened a pivotal three-day conference themed “Uniting Faith and Science to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Africa.”

    Held from June 11-13, this significant event brought together faith leaders, experts, Civil Society Organizations and policy makers, to discuss comprehensive strategies for combating cervical cancer across Africa.

    Father Charles Chilufya, Chair of the Convening Preparation Committee for AHETI, emphasized the vital discussions, innovative strategies, and actionable outcomes that emerged from the conference.

     

    • Establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing ones among faith-based organizations, health authorities, advocacy and community groups to enhance the reach and effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention efforts is vital.
    • Capacity Building for Faith Leaders: Successfully conducted multiple sessions and workshops for faith leaders, equipping them with the necessary and relevant knowledge and resources to advocate effectively for behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship.
    • Ramping Up Vaccination Efforts: A major focus of the convening was to leverage the resource of faith networks to significantly increase HPV vaccination rates. Committed to expanding access to vaccines by enhancing public awareness to ensure
      widespread uptake.
    • Expanded Screening Initiatives: The discussion resolved to utilize the resources of faith networks and the influence of faith leaders to broaden behavioral change activities, screening initiatives across the continent, employing advanced diagnostic technologies and improving infrastructure to reach remote and underserved areas.
    • Collaborative efforts with governments, national and international health organizations will help make screening a routine part of women’s healthcare.
    •  Strengthening service delivery and guidelines: The discussions highlighted the urgent need to enhance access to treatment protocols for pre-cervical and cervical cancer. This includes upgrading the capabilities of local health facilities, offering
      continuous training to healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and equipment for effective treatment.
    • Policy Engagement and Advocacy: The stakeholders proposed strategic discussions with policy makers to advocate for comprehensive cervical cancer care policies that support the implementation of advanced behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship.
    From left, Father Charles Chilufya-, chair Convening Preparation Committee AHETI.
    Father Germain Rajoelison- Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
    Sister Regina Nthenya, Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya(HASK)
    Pamela Savai, cervical cancer survivor.
    Karen Nakawala- cervical cancer survivor and founder Teal Sisters Foundation, Zambia,
    Imam Alidou Ilboudo- Muslim Religious Leader, Burkina Faso
    •  Monitoring and Evaluation: A framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation has been established to assess the effectiveness of the strategies implemented for
      behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, HPV screening, treatment, palliative care and survivorship. This will allow for continuous improvement based on real-time data and feedback from the participating regions.
    • Resolution to Sustain Momentum: There was a resolve to maintain the momentum generated during this convening through regular follow-up meetings and communications.

    Father Charles concluded by emphasizing their commitment to engaging communities and raising awareness about the importance of behavioral change communication, HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, palliative care, and survivorship.

    “We have crafted culturally sensitive advocacy strategies tailored to the specific needs and perspectives of various African communities, aiming to boost vaccine and screening uptake. We’ve also planned educational programs and workshops to dispel myths and reduce the stigma associated with cervical cancer.”

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, genital area, and throat. If left persistent, high-risk HPV infections can lead to the development of abnormal cells, which may eventually become cancerous.

    In response to this significant health threat, the WHO launched the 90-70-90 global elimination strategy for cervical cancer in 2020. The ambitious goals of this initiative aim to be achieved by 2030 across all countries. The targets include: vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70% of women with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45, and providing treatment to 90% of women with cervical disease.

    By achieving these goals, the WHO hopes to make significant strides in preventing and controlling cervical cancer, which remains a major public health concern globally. The 90-70-90 strategy has the potential to save countless lives and improve the health and well-being of millions of women and girls worldwide.

     

     

     

  • NORWAY FOREIGN MINISTER H.E ESPEN BARTH EIDE COMMITS TO SUPPORT KENYA’S E-MOBILITY AGENDA

    Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs – His Excellency Espen Barth Eide has committed Norway’s support in Kenya’s e-mobility sector.

    Eide, who is on an official visit to Kenya, visited BasiGo’s BuruBuru Charging and Service Depot on Thursday 6th June, 2024 as part of showcasing the strong partnerships between Kenya and Norway in the area of sustainable development.

    “Our visit to BasiGo is a testament to Norway’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s growth through strategic investments. We are excited about the future possibilities that our continued partnerships can bring to the region and especially e-mobility,” said Eide.

    The transport sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and address the negative effects of climate change. “Together, we are not only fostering economic growth but also ensuring that we contribute to a safer and more sustainable public transport system in Kenya,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.

    Kenya plays a crucial role in Norfund’s development mandate and holds the position of the largest country exposure within its portfolio. Norfund has reinforced its dedication to Kenya with a contracted portfolio totalling USD 307 million (KSh 40.2 billion).

    Since its inception, Norfund has been a key investor in Novastar’s funds and has committed to the new fund launching in 2024. Norfund’s commitment total USD 18 million (KSh 3.2 billion) across Novastar’s three funds.

    “Trade between Norway and Kenya increased by 30 per cent between 2021 and 2022, and the balance of trade is in Kenya’s favour. About 45 Norwegian companies are operating here – dealing with fertilizers and agritech, ICT, startups in different sectors, and renewable energy,” added Eide.

    BasiGo has deployed 24 Electric Buses with 7 different bus operators in Nairobi. The company plans to deploy 1,000 locally assembled E-Buses for Kenyan bus operators over the next three years, an investment that will create 300 green manufacturing jobs in Kenya. Already, BasiGo has over 500 orders from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 100 reservations from bus operators in Kigali, Rwanda.

    Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries. Our mission is to create jobs and to improve lives by investing in businesses that drive sustainable development. Norfund is owned and funded by the Norwegian Government and is the Government’s most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries, and for reducing poverty.

  • Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference 2024 Kicks Off

    The second Edition of Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 Kicked off today and highlighted the need to shape the Africa’s economic landscape through innovation of impactful blockchain projects.

    The Conference saw the attendance of
    Various industry stakeholders like; Global BlockChain Business Council (GBBC), KBBC, Kotani Pay, Little Cabs and other stakeholders.

    During the conference, critical ideas were discussed including, Policy development,
    Contribution to the creation of forward-thinking policies that will shape the future of Kenya’s digital asset landscape, Well-formulated policies that will support the growth of the digital asset industry in Kenya, Increased awareness and understanding of the potential of digital assets to drive economic growth, stronger position for Kenya as a leader in the African blockchain and crypto space.

    “Kotani Pay is here to make sending money simpler, faster, and more secure than ever before,Gone are the days of complex and costly remittance processes with innovative approach involving converting your money into stablecoins. We are a blockchain startup that operates in four African countries.
    I think the focus areas of the various panels today are very timely, because we have issues to do with regulation, we have issues to do with taxation and issues to do with stability.
    There are people from the public sector here, lawyers, people from various regulatory bodies here as well, KRA, CBK and others.
    Regarding regulations the draft bill has already been tabled in Parliament and it’s only a matter of public participation and preparing for the various readings.
    There’s a mandate that has also been given to the National Treasury  to set up a multi-agency task force focused on matters of digital assets.
    The thing about the blockchain space is it’s a very wide ranging space and it usually requires some personal research on the part of the consumer or the customer.” Said Felix Masharia Co-Founder and CEO Kotani Pay.

    The digital asset landscape in Africa is a complex and evolving landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for all involved. The Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 is dedicated to addressing these complexities and fostering crucial discussions that will shape the future of blockchain regulation in Africa.
    As part of this commitment, we’re excited to introduce the Virtual Assets Strategic Policy (VASP) Hackathon, an initiative designed to position Kenya as a leading digital asset hub in Africa. The VASP Hackathon is an integral part of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference.

    John Walubengo who is tech policy thought leader and has over 20 years experience in ICT sector observed that, there are cases of scams in Blockchain and the Government should come in place to put parameters or regulations around the Blockchain Space and virtual assets are more than just financial.

    “When you say you want to float a token or you want to tokenize an apartment, you know, we’ve heard about real estate tokenization. There’s a lot of opportunities around that space. We have standards. We audit white papers. We audit the codes that have developed because I’ll give you an example of exit scams or ragpulls. Ragpulls are scams that are designed by nature to fleece or take your funds after a specific duration. So basically what the coder or the fund of that particular.” Said Edwin Sikini Blockchain, Wallets, Vaults. Secretary-Security and Bank Fraud Sub-Committee at Kenya Bankers Association.

    GBBC is a leading advocate for the responsible adoption of blockchain technology, working with regulators, businesses, and changemakers worldwide. With over 500 institutional members and 300+ Ambassadors in 117 jurisdictions, GBBC fosters collaboration and dialogue across borders and disciplines. GBBC leads multiple initiatives focused on blockchain standards, financial services, legal frameworks, social impact and more.

  • 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

  • International Symposium on Intellectual Property, Protection, and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2) to Mark World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2024

     

    Kenya commemorated this year’s World Anti-Counterfeit Day by hosting the second edition of the International Symposium on Intellectual Property, Protection, and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2).

    The event, themed “Uniting Against Counterfeiting for a Healthy and Safe Future,” aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in intellectual property (IP) protection, raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products, and highlighting the importance of safeguarding IP rights for economic growth and public safety.

    Graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Ms. Rebecca Miano, the event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of IP protection in ensuring consumer safety and fostering innovation.
    In her opening address, CS Miano emphasized the importance of robust IP frameworks in safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products and promoting a healthy, competitive market.

    “Consumer safety is paramount, and strong intellectual property enforcement is essential to protect the public from the dangers of counterfeit goods. This forum underscores our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers globally,” said Ms. Miano.

    The Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, highlighted the government’s collaboration with WIPO and leading government agencies in formulating a comprehensive national IP policy and strategy to support innovation and competitiveness. “We have a draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) which lays the groundwork for Kenya’s national IP policy and strategy for the period 2023-2027,” said Dr. Mukhwana.

    Hon. Josephat Kabeabea, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision of industrial development and economic growth. “Our mission is to create an environment where innovation thrives, driving sustainable growth and ensuring that our SMEs and innovative enterprises can thrive in a secure and supportive environment,” said Kabeabea.
    Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the ACA, emphasized the importance of the symposium, stating, “ISIPPE-2 is a crucial platform for uniting efforts against the global menace of counterfeiting. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we can create effective solutions to protect intellectual property, which is vital for innovation, economic growth, and public health.”

    As part of efforts to tighten controls against intellectual property contraventions and provide redress mechanisms for aggrieved parties, the forum saw the launch of the ACA Integrated Information Management System (AIMS) for this purpose. The system allows owners or holders of intellectual property rights to record their products with the ACA as a safeguarding measure against potential infringements or to provide pathways for protection in case of violations.

    “This is an important step towards not only upholding the intellectual property rights and commercial interests, but also in positioning our country as competitive environment for doing business. Let me take this opportunity to thank out funders, namely, the UK and Danish development agencies, for supporting the development of this system,” TradeMark Africa Country Director, Ahmed Farah, remarked.
    The system also has an Enforcement and Case Management component, which allows for anonymous reporting, investigation, inventory management and prosecution of intellectual property infringers.

    The forum included panel discussions with representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Japan Intellectual Property Office, and leading multinational corporations. Participants explored collaborative strategies to enhance IP enforcement, share best practices, and address emerging challenges such as the rise in online counterfeiting in this digital age.

     

  • INTERNATIONAL FLORICULTURE TRADE EXPO (IFTEX) KICKS OFF IN NAIROBI

    During the IFTEX Exhibition tour

    Kenya is hosting the global flower fraternity in Nairobi.The top flower trade show, International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX), opened June 4, 2024, at Visha Oshwal Centre, Parklands.

    The occassion was graced by Dr. Idris Dogota, Principal Secretary, State Department for Cabinet Affairs. Present were also various stakeholders like; IFTEX, Kenya Flower Council (KFC) , Horticulture Crops Directorate ( HCD-AFA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service ( Kephis), Imani Flowers and other various Flower Industry Exhibitors.

    “The theme for the Expo is “Supporting Sustainable Floriculture in Kenya” As you are aware we are ranked top 4 in flower production, thanks to Kenyan farmers.
    The industry has employed kenyans directly and indirectly impacting more than 4 million kenyans.” Said PS, State Department for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Idris Dogota.

    Christine Chisaro Acting Director Horticulture who was present also observed that, the Horticultural industry contributes alot in the economy. Among the key Markets include the European Union, Asia and other UAE Kazakistan regions.
    Kenya majorly exports Cat flowers. However Climate change, Stringent Markets are among the challenges affecting the floriculuture.

    During the Expo Opening we met with Imani flower Managing Director Roy Gachoki who noted that, the company started as a family business and it was begun by her late mother in 2011.

    Sitting on 25 hectares of production, different varieties of summer flowers. And as the name states, faith, Imani is faith. And through faith we’ve gotten to where we are. Stride after stride, mistake after mistake. Doing business is not easy and doing business in Kenya is especially not easy. You have to have a thick skin.

    We’re members of the cooperative in Holland called Royal Flora Holland through which we also auction our flowers. And we also have direct markets in different regions in the Middle East, Australia and Japan.

    The dollar fluctuations, the currency fluctuations have affected business, makes things a bit unpredictable, a lot, very unpredictable actually to be honest with you. And then, doing business in Kenya is hard because again, unpredictability. The government is constantly changing policies. Like now we have the new finance bill that’s introducing a raft of proposals that are going to affect business.

    This is a business with small margins. The more they take, the more we’re losing and the more businesses will close down. That’s a fact. Recently they’ve introduced a new charge on every consignment. That means, the charge is $10 called UCR. This charge will affect small growers.