Kenya Breweries Limited’s (KBL) leading gin brand, Gilbey’s, hosted a consumer hangout over the weekend to mark International Friendship Day.
The event which was held at Whiskey River Lounge brought together the brand’s influencers and content creators Shix Kapienga, Mimo Karanja, Karis Memes, and Miss Barakeilla.
Gin lovers enjoyed a vibrant evening of great company and music by deck master DJ Ricmoh and a popular duo of DJ Roq and crowd sensation MC Gogo.
Gilbey’s fans selected from radio and digital activations for the International Friendship Day activation were treated to a VIP brand experience complete with customized cocktails, interactions with their favorite entertainers, and comedy by Standup Collective’s Bashir Yusuf alias Halaiki.
Senior Brand Manager Zipporah Ndung’u reiterated the brand’s commitment to authentic and enjoyable drinking experiences, stating that it’s a celebration of the shared bonds and genuine connections that exist with friends and friendship circles.
” We are forging a path forward reminding our loyal consumers that Gilbey’s is dedicated to creating special moments like this for them and their squads,” she added.
“I am just thrilled to be part of this experience and to share it with my crew of friends. Gilbey’s went all out to give us an amazing experience. We absolutely enjoyed it.” Shared one of the consumers.
International Friendship Day is an annual global celebration dedicated to honoring the significance of friendships in people’s lives.
Gilbeys champions fun and easy-going drinking experiences as an alternative to superficial socializing.
Please drink responsibly. Alcohol is not for sale to persons under the age of 18yrs.
At present England is the country with the greatest number of cars which are listed for judging at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 24th with 11 cars varying in size from two Mini’s to the Rolls Royce luxury saloon of Roger Tanner.
This limousine is being prepared by Roger Tanner who is a well-known Rolls Royce enthusiast. He will also participate in the Heritage collection featuring old equipment and machinery this is held in conjunction with the Concours, but the entries are not listed for judging.
Roger Tanner will be showing a working steam engine which was made in 1919. Before diesel and petrol-powered pumps and generators became available steam engines were widely used around Kenya industry driving sawmills.
Germany and Italy tie in second place for manufacturing cars that will be judged on September 24th with six each. A German-made Ford Taunus and Kevit Desai’s magnificent Mercedes 450SLC coupe will be in the line-up for assessment in the touring car classes alongside two VW Beetles.
The utility vehicle category will feature three VW Kombi’s and a pickup made in 1970. This has been owned since new by the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute at Eldoret and was among the prizewinners at previous Concours events.
The six vehicles made in Italy are Alfa Romeo cars. These include the crowd-pulling 2600 Sprint model of Gayling May which was made in 1967, the 1983 Giulietta of Rishi Chandaria, and Ted Wanday’s 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV.
Among the big bikes in contention at the motorcycle judging ring will be the 1977 Suzuki GT 750 of Captain David Mwaura and David Odhuno’s Yamaha Fazer FZ6-S.
Jiji Kenya, the nation’s leading online marketplace, has introduced an innovative campaign known as “Cash it on Jiji.” This groundbreaking initiative aims to reshape the second-hand economy in Kenya by empowering individuals to monetize their unused possessions and earn up to KSh 30,000.
The “Cash it on Jiji” campaign generated a remarkable response, with a total of 48 winners receiving lucrative cash prizes and merchandise worth up to KSh 30,000.
Encouraged by this opportunity, numerous new sellers from different regions of Kenya flocked to Jiji, resulting in a substantial increase in product listings. Jiji’s success testament to the symbiotic relationship between ambition and the availability of the right opportunities.
The second-hand economy in Kenya has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with data from the United Nations (UNComtrade) showcasing a staggering surge of over 500%. Starting from 27millionin2005,themarketvalueofuseditemsinKenyahasrisentoanimpressive172 million in 2022, indicating the expanding scope and potential of the sector.
Expressing her gratitude, Lynn Peters, the final winner of the “Cash it on Jiji” campaign, said, “This prize money has come at a crucial time for me. After leaving my job, I was uncertain about my next steps. With KSh 30,000, I can now leverage the Jiji platform to purchase and sell more products effectively.”
The campaign holds significant promise for Kenya, where around 84% of the working population is engaged in the informal sector, as revealed in Kenya’s Country Report, 2022. By eliminating the need for shop establishments and the tedium of formal registration, Jiji’s initiative enables aspiring entrepreneurs to join the platform and begin selling, thereby facilitating greater economic inclusion.
Andrew Annyke, a cash prize recipient of KSh 20,000, shared his elation, saying, “Winning this money has ignited a spark in me to pursue my dreams. I have been purchasing furniture from carpenters and reselling them on Jiji. Now, with this cash prize, I am inspired to take the next step and start my own business by procuring materials like fabric and timber.”
Jiji Kenya remains steadfast in its mission to connect businesses and individuals, facilitating their growth and prosperity. By unlocking the value of unused items, Jiji not only empowers individuals to earn money but also enables disadvantaged communities to access essential products at affordable prices. Through this campaign, Jiji aims to catalyze a positive change and uplift the standard of living for all Kenyans.
Maksym Golubev, the Regional Manager of Jiji East Africa, expressed his deep appreciation to all Jiji users, stating, “We are immensely grateful to our loyal Jiji users. Together, we can drive significant societal change. Every unused item has value, and by posting them on Jiji, you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Let us join forces and create a brighter future.”
Ansys’ new customer technical support office will neighbor and partner with Carnegie Mellon University, creating access to advanced engineering talent from CMU-Africa for the Ansys Customer Excellence team.
Ansys’ partnership with CMU-Africa features a shared mission to accelerate the digital transformation and economic development underway across the continent.
Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS), the global leader and innovator of engineering simulation software, is establishing its first physical presence in Africa with a new office in Kigali, Rwanda.
Opening in August, the office will expand Ansys’ world-class customer support team, servicing Ansys’ global customer base out of Kigali Innovation City, a growing Pan-Africa technology hub.
Ansys’ Innovation City location will neighbor and partner with CMU-Africa, the only U.S. university conducting research and offering master’s degree programs supported by full-time College of Engineering faculty, staff, and operations in Africa.
The partnership includes campus-wide access to Ansys Academic software for teaching and research, supporting students to graduate with the resources they need to usher in a new era of innovation and design.
Kigali Innovation City is central to Rwanda’s vision to become a pan-African hub by co-locating technology companies, start-ups, academia, financial investors and other services focused on progressing cutting-edge ideas from the research and development phase through to commercialization.
“We are tremendously excited to establish Ansys’ presence in Africa and immensely proud to expand our current partnership with Carnegie Mellon in Kigali Innovation City,” said Anthony Dawson, vice president of customer excellence at Ansys. “Further, our partnership brings together two world leaders with a global mindset in engineering, computer science, and simulation technologies.”
“Ansys is a powerful partner to join our mission to accelerate the digital transformation of Africa and enable Africa’s leaders of tomorrow to make a transformative impact in their communities and the world,” said Bill Sanders, dean of the College of Engineering. “CMU-Africa is an important part of our college and we are proud of the impact achieved over the past 12 years and excited by the enormous economic potential we see going forward”, he added
CFAO Motors Kenya and Stanbic Bank Kenya have today signed an agreement that will see customers get up to 100% financing, payable within 72 months, for any vehicle under the CFAO Motors portfolio.
Under the agreement, customers will access the vehicle asset financing at zero facility fees and receive a 60 and 90-day repayment holiday for passenger vehicles and school buses respectively. In addition, customers will receive competitive insurance terms facilitated by Stanbic Insurance Agency.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the financing deal, CFAO Motors Kenya Deputy Managing Director, Joshua Anya said the company was well cognisant of the challenge many individuals and businesses face in their quest to purchase brand new reliable vehicles, and hence the importance of having a financial support partner.
“This partnership between CFAO Motors and Stanbic Bank will therefore go a long way in easing the financial load on the customer who wishes to enjoy the benefits of buying brand new vehicles,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Stanbic Bank Kenya Head of Products, Nelly Waithaka said “Stanbic Bank is committed to continuing leading the market with customer-centric innovations that deliver our customers’ expectations by strengthening our Asset Financing offering”
CFAO Motors Kenya Limited recently combined operations with DT Dobie, offering customers the largest automotive model selection and service network countrywide.
The new entity is now home to Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz passenger vehicles, Yamaha motorbikes, and the Hino, Hyundai, Sinotruk, and Mercedes Benz Actros trucks and buses. Customers taking up this offer will be required to first visit the CFAO Motors showroom to choose the vehicle they wish to purchase, before receiving an invoice from CFAO Motors that they will present to Stanbic Bank for processing
TransCentury PLC (“TC”) would like to inform shareholders and the public that the company has obtained a court injunction in regards to the notice dated 16th June 2023 issued by Equity Bank to appoint a receiver to TC. The injunction takes effect immediately.
The injunction is on the basis that the bank illegally appointed a receiver while parties were engaged in negotiations in addition to the brazen breach of procedures set out in the law.
“We are delighted to see that the court has seen the irregularity that marred this very unfortunate and ill-intended process. We viewed the bank as a partner and have been in what we saw as positive discussions to arrive at an amicable agreement just a day before the receiver was appointed by the bank” Said Shaka Kariuki TC Group Chairman on releasing the Injunction announcement.
“TransCentury is a significant business in Kenya’s economic landscape, we are committed to meeting our obligation, and hence the reason why we embarked on a Rights Issue transaction at the beginning of the year. Despite the challenging economic environment that Kenya and the world at large faces, we raised money from our shareholders and were preparing to settle on an agreement favorable to the business and the bank”. Added Mr. Kariuki.
The injunction puts a stop to the appointment of the receivers and restrains them or their agents from performing any actions in the capacity of receivers of the company. This will allow TC to return to focusing on the business operation and achieving the strategy.
“TC Group is steered by a very resilient team and I am confident that we shall recover the time lost as we continue focusing on our mandate of impacting Africa with transformative infrastructure,”Said Nganga Njiinu CEO TransCentury Group CEO
TransCentury Group is an iconic indigenous Kenyan company that has built an unmatched platform and has played a lead role in key sectors of our economy including manufacturing, and construction of infrastructure across the region among others.
At the beginning of this year, 2023, TC embarked on a Rights Issue transaction that aimed at raising funds with the objective of reducing debt and unlocking working capital. The Group has been aggressively working on a turnaround strategy and significant progress has been made in this front.
The Boards of TC take this opportunity to thank all our shareholders, staff, and partners for their unwavering support as we steer the business to growth.
Following the celebration of Father’s Day around the corner, Guinness has launched a new gift pack to help celebrate those who shine brightest in your lives, our fathers.
The gifting package includes two bottles of Guinness, and an engraved Guinness Goblet saying, “Happy Father’s Day.” It is available for ##at all Naivas and Quickmart outlets and online here at Purpink.
To pick one head down to Chandarana Adlife, Liquor House, or Naivas Waterfront on the 17th and 18th of June to purchase a Guinness gift pack and you can get your own personalized message engraved for free.
What better way to say thanks than with the ultimate gift of a perfectly served and personalized Guinness?
Guinness is brewed with extra hops to preserve the beer in the ships’ holds during voyages of four-to-five weeks in tropical climates, the recipe yielded a powerful drink with a bold character, a black liquid with a frothy head.
GUINNESS® Foreign Extra Stout is a rich and full-bodied stout possessing an aroma so robust and roasted with intense notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. These ingredients give you a refreshing crispy taste that has a well-balanced coffee taste with a sweetness that’s subtle.
The stout that has acclaimed an honor for itself having traveled the world thus an honor preceding to offer the heroes and brightest lamps in our life this holiday.
In the early 1800s, while other breweries were content to stay close to home, Arthur Guinness struck out into unchartered territories, braving the perils of sea travel to export our distinctive beer across the globe.
Wi-Fi networks connect, according to Statista, over 30 billion devices worldwide and cybercriminals use this platform to amplify the reach of their attacks.
35% of users in North America access public Wi-Fi networks three to four times a day, a reason why 40% of them have had their information compromised.
Do we really know what is behind the technology of cell phones and routers? As the latest Forbes study shows how 35% of North Americans access public Wi-Fi networks three to four times a day, a situation that has caused 40% of them to have had their information compromised at some point.
During World Wi-Fi Day on 20th June, Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cybersecurity expertise worldwide, highlights the importance of using secure wireless networks, which offer mobile connectivity over 30 billion devices to prevent cyberattacks on users. This is especially important given that here in Africa where the number of cyber attacks in the first quarter of 2023 was higher than the global average. In fact, Africa as a region experienced the highest number of cyber attacks per organization, with an average of 1 983 attacks per week, during this period.
On the other face of the coin, cybercriminals use this platform as one of their main tools for their malicious activities, with a growing and increasingly sophisticated repertoire. Check Point Software lists the best tips to surf the web safely:
Not connecting to unknown Wi-Fi: it is common for cybercriminals to use holiday destinations to create fake wireless networks by impersonating businesses, thus creating bait to gain access to their victims’ devices. Even the legitimate networks offered by hotels or restaurants often lack security systems. In general, it is best to avoid using this type of public network and, if you need to, never use applications or websites where sensitive data such as bank details or key passwords need to be entered.
Limit browsing to secure pages: nowadays, browsers themselves have a built-in system to alert us when we try to access websites without HTTPS certificates, but they are not a full guarantee. A good practice is to check the full URLs of the sites we visit, avoiding illegitimate domains created by cybercriminals.
Keep the hands where you can see them: when we are using what we consider a secure network we tend to act in a more relaxed way, being more vulnerable to attackers’ traps. One of the basics of cybersecurity focuses on always being alert, thinking before acting, and avoiding impulsive clicks or data entry.
Beware of suspicious emails and messages: one of the most common practices of cybercriminals is phishing, i.e., identity theft to get hold of sensitive data such as passwords. It is therefore essential not to click on links in unknown emails and not to download any files.
Use unique and strong passwords: using the same password for everything, or relying on credentials such as “123456”, “password” or “June 2023”, is making things too easy for cybercriminals. To stay secure, we need passwords of at least 12 characters, generated by combining letters, numbers, symbols, and uppercase, and lowercase letters. If we are uninspired or have trouble remembering them, today we have platforms that help us generate them, and even store them securely.
Enable two-factor authentication (2fA): if our password is compromised, our accounts are completely unprotected. However, simply enabling this feature creates an additional layer of security to protect our accounts and deter cybercriminals by adding a confirmation step required by the user prior to authorization and access to the associated account.
Keep devices up to date and protected: with cybercriminals primarily dedicated to finding new ways to carry out their misdeeds, a simple and effective way to avoid vulnerabilities lies in applying fixes for security bugs already detected, which we can do by simply updating our devices and applications on a regular basis.
“Wireless networks are an essential part of today’s digital society, being the main capability responsible for keeping us connected” shares Pankaj Bhula: Check Point’s EMEA Regional Director: Africa. “Associated with trusted places such as our home or work, we often tend to let our guard down when connecting to and surfing whilst using public Wi-Fi networks. It is imperative to keep cybersecurity measures and senses alert to avoid any kind of risk and for users to be able to surf networks in a safer way.”
Pan Pacific Hotels Group, a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group (UOL), has ventured into the African market with the opening of the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 175-suite facility located within the Global Trade Centre (GTC) complex in Nairobi’s affluent Westlands business district will offer business and leisure travelers a home-away-from-home experience.
The hotel is located at an iconic position near the newly built Nairobi Expressway allowing quick access to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and is a walking distance to the central business district. Travelers staying at the Suites can conveniently explore the GTC boutique mall that features high-end retail stores, a healthcare center, restaurants, and bars.
The 175 one-to-four-bedroom penthouse suites ranging from 82 sqm to 309 sqm feature a spacious dining and lounge area, a fully equipped kitchenette, a separate laundry area with a washer and dryer, and a private balcony that overlooks the panoramic view of the city skyline.
Dining options include the Pacific Lounge which features a range of international and local cuisines while the Wine Lounge offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails perfect for an evening wind-down and the Lobby Bar offers a range of beverages, snacks, and finger foods for a quick bite.
Susan Waringa, Director of Sales & Marketing, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi, said that it’s incredibly exciting to be hosting guests at the properties and offering world-class service. At Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi, sustainability is one of the core principles.
(L-R) AVIC Director of Civil Affairs, Hotel Business Division, Cory Zhao, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Director of Sales and Marketing, Susan Waringa Kamau, and Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi Finance Manager
“We take our responsibility to the environment seriously, actively engaging in energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. By doing so, we strive to create a positive impact on the world while providing our guests with the utmost comfort and convenience,” she added.
The outdoor infinity pool located on the 6th floor offers the perfect view of the sunset sky while the pool bar offers a range of delicious cocktails, mocktails, and light snacks to choose from.
Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a complete workout in a fully equipped gym or relieve aches and pains in the sauna or dip in the jacuzzi to relax. For the little ones, the property also features a children’s playground.
The only city in the world with a national park on its doorstep, Nairobi is the hub of East Africa that features unique attractions from bustling markets to fascinating historical sites such as the Karen Blixen Museum.
Enjoy 25% off with breakfast for two from now until 31, July 2023. Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members can earn DISCOVERY reward dollars and enjoy exclusive privileges and offers when they book a stay at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi.
From the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum in Nairobi, Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) announced five deal signings in Africa under its Protea Hotels by Marriott brand. The signed projects reinforce the company’s commitment to expanding its presence across the continent and highlight the demand for the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand.
According to Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President – Development, Africa & All-Inclusive, EMEA at Marriott International, Protea Hotels by Marriott has a long-established legacy in Africa, and it’s exciting to further strengthen the brand’s footprint in the continent with these five signings.
“While we continue to see demand for new build opportunities, the brand is seeing an uptick in conversion projects where developers are looking to rebrand their existing property into a Protea Hotel,” he added.
Protea Hotels by Marriott is a leading hospitality brand in Africa and one of the most widely recognized across the continent. With properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations, the brand remains a popular choice for travellers into Africa.
In line with brand standards, the five projects will feature modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces and well-appointed rooms.
Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa features nearly 140 properties and more than 24,000 rooms across 20 countries and 19 brands.
Protea Hotels by Marriott represent more than 40 per cent of Marriott International’s portfolio in Africa with over 60 properties and more than 6,500 rooms in operation across nine countries.
The projects announced during the African Hotel Investment Forum are:
Protea Hotel by Marriott Serowe, Botswana
Marriott International expects to grow its presence in Botswana with the signing of Protea Hotel by Marriott Serowe in collaboration with Letsatsi Partners. Slated to open in 2026, the hotel is anticipated to feature 155 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness centre, a swimming pool and multiple meeting rooms.
Protea by Marriott Serowe will be situated near the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Serowe, between Gaborone and Orapa, one of the world’s largest diamond-producing mines.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Protea Hotels by Marriott is expected to make its debut in Ethiopia with the opening of Protea by Marriott Bahir Dar. The conversion deal was signed with Blue Nile Resort Hotels PLC to rebrand its Blue Nile Resort to a Protea Hotel following a full renovation.
The property is expected to be rebranded to Protea by Marriott Bahir Dar by 2025 and will offer 127 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining outlets, a fitness centre and nearly 1,000 sqm of meetings and event space. The hotel is situated next to Lake Tana and a short distance from Blue Nile River.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania
The company signed an agreement with Parklane Holdings Zanzibar Limited to convert its existing property to Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town.
The project, which is anticipated to open as a Protea Hotel by the end of 2023, is located in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist areas in Zanzibar. Plans for Protea by Marriott Zanzibar Stone Town include 26 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop bar.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi, Nigeria
Projected to open in 2027, Protea Hotel by Marriott Abuja Jahi, Nigeria will consist of 144 guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, a swimming pool and meeting facilities.
The hotel will be situated in the developing district of Jahi which is located northwest of Abuja’s city centre and will be close to Gwarinpa and Jabi, two prominent commercial areas. Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta is a franchised property owned by Gold Reef Hotel Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa Limited.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta, Nigeria
The company signed an agreement with Dutch Gate Hotel & Suites Limited to convert its existing property to Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta. The property is expected to open as a Protea Hotel in 2024 with 108 rooms, four food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and a swimming pool.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta, Nigeria will be situated in Warri, a major oil and gas hub in the South region of Nigeria. Protea Hotel by Marriott Delta is a franchised property owned by Dutch Gate Hotel & Suites Limited and will be managed by BON Hospitality West Africa Limited.
