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Lighting Up the Season: Dusit Princess Nairobi’s Festive Elegance

by Jacky Muraba December 10, 2024

One thing about me, is I love a good experience, especially during the holidays. I recently found myself stepping into a world of holiday magic at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi. As the hotel celebrated its first full year of operations, it kicked off the festive season in a spectacular fashion with its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This wasn’t just another holiday event; it was an evening of elegance, warmth, and unforgettable moments.

From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was infectious. A lively cocktail reception welcomed us, and the soft, soulful melodies of a live saxophone performance set the perfect tone for the evening. I felt an immediate sense of belonging—like I had just stepped into a cozy yet luxurious festive wonderland.

The true stars of the night, however, were the children from Mogra Children’s Home. Their angelic voices, as they sang classic Christmas carols, touched every heart in the room. Watching their faces light up with joy reminded me of what the festive season is truly about—community, kindness, and connection. Dusit Princess’s partnership with the children’s home was a heartwarming gesture that added so much meaning to the celebration.

As anticipation built, General Manager Lionel Formento addressed the audience. His speech perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening. “This ceremony isn’t just about lighting up a tree; it’s about celebrating our journey and embracing the exciting future ahead,” he shared. “We are proud to offer a space where our guests experience luxury, comfort, and the warmth of Kenyan hospitality. Tonight, we celebrate not only the festive season but also our achievements and our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality.”

Indeed, Dusit Princess has had an incredible year. Since its grand opening, the hotel has become a sought-after destination, hosting notable guests like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, H.E. Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, the Thai Ambassador to Kenya, and Kenya’s Deputy President, H.E. Kithure Kindiki. The hotel’s stunning accommodations, from deluxe rooms to one-bedroom suites, paired with standout offerings like The Aviary Rooftop Cocktail Lounge, continue to set it apart.

Speaking of The Aviary, it’s a spot every cocktail lover in Nairobi should experience. The lounge’s innovative Thai-inspired cuisine and signature drinks are spectacular. As one of the guests that night, I can confidently say it’s a place that combines style, flavor, and unmatched views of Nairobi’s skyline.

Influencers Stacey Akinyi (in red) and Edith Atieno (in black), joined by Hotel General Manager Lionel Formento, share a heartfelt moment with children from Mogra Children’s Home at the Dusit Princess Residences Nairobi Tree Lighting Ceremony.

But the highlight of the evening? Watching the Christmas tree light up. Standing there among the guests, with the tree’s golden glow bathing the room in warmth, I felt a wave of holiday spirit wash over me. It wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a reminder of the beauty of coming together, of cherishing moments that make life special.

As the night came to a close, I left with a heart full of gratitude and excitement for the festive season ahead. Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi didn’t just host an event; they created a memory.

This Christmas, I highly recommend visiting Dusit Princess. Whether it’s for the dazzling tree, the luxurious hospitality, or just the sheer joy of the festive season, this is a place where holiday magic truly comes alive.

December 10, 2024 0 comments 50 views

Festive Flavors with a Twist: Beer-Infused Recipes to Elevate Your Holiday Feasts!

by Jacky Muraba November 28, 2024

written by Jacky Muraba

Ho! Ho! Ho! The festive season is upon us, and you know what that means— family, friends, food, drinks, nyama choma, and of course, plenty of beer! But, what happens when you combine the heart of Kenyan cuisine with the bold flavors of beer? You get an unforgettable, creative culinary experience.

This year, East African Breweries Limited (EABL), in collaboration with Fairview Hotel and Chef Rami Saloum, took things to a whole new level by curating a mouthwatering, beer-infused three-course meal that will inspire your festive celebrations.

I was lucky enough to attend and experience this flavorful feast, and let me tell you, the flavors, creativity, and passion that went into these dishes were out of this world! Join me as I take you on a beer-infused culinary adventure perfect for the holidays.

The Welcome Drink: Infused Tusker Malt

The experience kicked off with a welcome drink that was anything but ordinary—Tusker Malt infused with green chili, ginger, and fresh strawberry. Now, I’m not typically a fan of chili, so I’ll admit, it was a bit overwhelming for me at first. The heat from the chili hit my throat, but there was a subtle balance of sweetness from the strawberry that helped tone it down. The drink was served in shot glasses with a lemon rim and a sprinkle of rock salt—making it a refreshing yet bold start to the meal.

Chef Rami, (or Kamau, as he’s fondly known for his love of ugali, nyama choma, thufu, and beer) shared that getting the right balance took patience—three hours of carefully infusing the ingredients to perfect the flavors. A bold start to a meal that would only get more exciting from here.

First Course: Beer Mutura with Tusker Lager Sauce

Up next was a Kenyan street food classic—mutura—but this wasn’t your average mutura. Chef Rami took the beloved sausage and gave it a Tusker Lager makeover. The chef takes traditional mutura (Kenyan sausage) and boils it in Tusker Lager until cooked. It’s then grilled to add that smoky flavor we all love. The twist? The Tusker Lager sauce. The sauce was reduced to a rich, flavorful glaze, which was served on the plate beneath the mutura. It didn’t just sit on top, but was artfully plated with the mutura nestled on the sauce, allowing the sausage to soak in all that beer goodness.

The accompanying beer-infused kachumbari added a refreshing crunch, with the onions soaked in Tusker Lager to enhance the pairing. The beer mutura was a true crowd-pleaser, and for me, it was the perfect appetizer to set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Nyama Choma & Ugali: The Ultimate Kenyan Comfort Food

When it came to the main course, nyama choma and Ugali, Chef Rami took things to a whole new level. The nyama choma was marinated in Guinness, which not only tenderized the meat but also imparted a smoky, malty flavor that was out of this world. Grilled to perfection, the meat was soft, tender, and full of flavor, with the beer infusing every bite.

The ugali, the true heart of any Kenyan meal, was made with Tusker Lager—a subtle yet delicious touch that enhanced the classic dish without overpowering it. The carrots were blanched and then caramelized in a blend of beer, orange, honey, and butter, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to complement the savory meat and hearty ugali.

I have to admit, ugali and nyama choma are always a winning combo in my book, but when paired with the right drink, it elevates the entire meal. I found that a cold Manyatta Pineapple and Mint Cider was the perfect accompaniment to this dish. The cider’s refreshing sweetness and minty notes perfectly complemented the rich, malty flavors of the meat and the delicate, beer-infused ugali. If you want to add some extra sparkle to your festive season meals, this pairing is a must-try.

Poached Pears in Manyatta Cider: A Sweet Finish to an Amazing Meal

For dessert, we were treated to a warm and aromatic dish of poached pears. The pears were gently simmered in Manyatta Cider, sugar, cinnamon, and star anise for 15 minutes, resulting in a tender, flavorful dessert that was the perfect end to the meal. The pears were served with cream anglaise and cider-infused jello cubes, creating a refreshing and creamy finish to a rich meal.

And Chef Rami wasn’t shy about it—he shared that the patience required to perfect the poaching process was key. After all, the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Chef Kamau’s Take: Passion, Creativity, and Patience

When I spoke to Chef Rami about his inspiration behind these beer-infused creations, he emphasized how much he enjoys experimenting with local ingredients and flavors. “Kenyan food is all about bold, rich flavors,” he said. “Infusing beer into these dishes just takes everything to the next level.” He also mentioned that patience was the secret to success when working with beer, especially when infusing it into the dishes.

But his love for food and beer goes beyond just cooking—it’s about creating experiences. “What I’m trying to do is get people to think about how they can incorporate beer into their meals in new ways. This holiday season, I want everyone to think: what else can you do with your beer?”

What Else Can You Do with Your Beer?

So, what’s next? What else can you do with your beer this festive season? Chef Kamau’s advice: experiment! He’s already thinking ahead to a new recipe involving beer and soup, and who knows what other creative ideas are brewing in the kitchen. For me, the possibilities are endless—beer-infused marinades, desserts, sauces, and even beverages!

This festive season, why not take a page from Chef Rami and EABL’s playbook and infuse your meals with the bold, rich flavors of beer? Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these recipes are sure to bring new life to your celebrations. Cheers to creative meals, good times, and even better beer!

Beer-Infused Recipes for Your Holiday Feast

Here are the recipes you can try at home to bring a little bit of Chef Rami’s magic to your table this holiday season:

Infused Tusker Malt Welcome Drink

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Tusker Malt
Green chili
Fresh ginger
Fresh strawberries
Lemon (for rim)
Rock salt

Instructions:

Infuse the Tusker Malt with green chili, ginger, and fresh strawberries two days before serving.
Rim shot glasses with lemon, then dip in rock salt.
Pour the infused Tusker Malt into the glasses and serve chilled.

Beer Mutura with Tusker Lager Sauce

Ingredients:

Traditional mutura
Tusker Lager
Kachumbari ingredients (tomatoes, onions, coriander, etc.)

Instructions:

Boil mutura in Tusker Lager until cooked through.
Grill the mutura to achieve a smoky flavor.
Reduce the remaining Tusker Lager to create a sauce.
Serve mutura on top of the beer sauce and pair with kachumbari, with onions soaked in Tusker Lager.

Nyama Choma & Ugali

Ingredients:

Goat meat
Guinness
Tusker Malt
Carrots
Orange, honey, butter

Instructions:

Marinate the goat meat in Guinness and grill.
Cook the ugali using Tusker Malt instead of water, with a pinch of salt.
For the carrots, blanch them, then caramelize with beer, orange, honey, and butter.
Serve the nyama choma and ugali with beer-infused carrots.

Poached Pears in Manyatta Cider

Ingredients:

Fresh pears
Manyatta Cider
Cinnamon, star anise, cardamom
Cream anglaise
Jello cubes

Instructions:

Peel the pears and cook them in Manyatta Cider with cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom for 15 minutes.
Serve with cream anglaise and jello cubes made from the cider.

Enjoy, and remember to drink responsibly.

November 28, 2024 0 comments 67 views

Featured

Kenyan Entrepreneurs Innovate Against Gender-Based Violence

by Sharon Sang November 28, 2024

written by Sharon Sang

As Kenya confronts the challenges posed by gender-based violence (GBV), 11 Kenyan entrepreneurs are stepping up to prevent GBV and support survivors with transformative and innovative solutions.

Culminating weeks of mentorship, these changemakers will showcase their initiatives at the “Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event” – an event targeting over 100 participants, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC), Nairobi County Government, and project implementing partners, GrowthAfrica.

The event represents a powerful platform for catalyzing change, as the entrepreneurs present their business ideas developed specifically to tackle GBV. The Innovate Against GBV program seeks to equip local entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and support they need to scale their ideas and drive societal impact.

“GBV has profound impacts on individuals, communities, and the nation’s socio-economic landscape. We must enhance our innovative and dynamic actions, and businesses have a unique and powerful role to stand against GBV and foster societal change,” said Makiko Kubota, Chief Advisor of the NGEC-JICA GBV Elimination Project.

Over the past six weeks, the participating entrepreneurs have received intensive mentorship, strategic business guidance, and practical resources to develop their innovative ideas. The pitching event will allow them to connect with investors and partners who can help scale their solutions to reach communities in need.

“We are proud to support these entrepreneurs as they work to drive real change in Kenya. This event demonstrates how entrepreneurship can act as a vehicle for social impact, creating solutions that go beyond profit to address issues deeply affecting communities,” said Patricia Jumi, Managing Director of GrowthAfrica.

November 28, 2024 0 comments 67 views

Education Featured Technology

RELI and ARIGATOU Join Forces to Champion Children’s Advocacy, Protection, and Empowerment

by Kwabe Ben April 27, 2023

written by Kwabe Ben

The Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI) recently embarked on a learning trip with the Life Skills Cluster to Arigatou International SDG Academy. The objective was to establish a collaboration between RELI and ARIGATOU, given RELI’s focus on children’s protection and the need to instill 21st-century life skills among the youth in East Africa.

On April 21st, while the world celebrated Creativity and Innovation Day, RELI and ARIGATOU took the opportunity to encourage young learners and creative thinkers to aim for greater horizons, particularly in the field of innovation. This platform allows children to engage in innovative problem-solving to create solutions to various challenges.

The SDGs Academy is an initiative by ARIGATOU aimed at ending child poverty. Established during the Covid-19 pandemic, it identifies the gaps in children’s protection, learning, and feeding, providing a safe space for sustainable development learning. ARIGATOU, whose name means “thank you” in Japanese, focuses on children’s protection and education, with offices in Kenya, Geneva, and New York.

ARIGATOU’s Director General, Dr. Fred Nyabera, urges the establishment of more SDGs Academies across the country to level the field for all learners. He emphasizes the need for sustainability through members’ involvement and adopting value-based learning that teaches morals within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

ARIGATOU’s Director General, Dr. Fred Nyabera

Dr. Nyabera notes that children are naturally creative and curious, and when given space and freedom to innovate, they learn from failures and turn them into lessons. Collaboration is also essential in making impactful differences.

Samuel Otieno, RELI’s representative and ADAPT Project Lead for the Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative (GESCI), praises the SDGs Academy’s initiative to develop safe spaces for children in an increasingly inconsiderate world despite efforts to advocate for them. RELI, having impacted over 20,000 learners in East Africa with 21st-century life skills, champions sustainable development education to empower learners and children for societal development.

Samuel Otieno, RELI’s representative and ADAPT Project Lead for the Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative (GESCI)

ARIGATOU’s SDGs Academy is a transformative education model that creates a safe environment for children to be themselves, speak out, learn the importance of sustainable goals, and understand the essence of conserving the environment and living together in harmony. The model, with five hubs, offers learners diverse materials for cognitive maturity and understanding, aids in their religious growth, and equips them with practical skills.

Michael Adikwu, Project Lead of SDGs Academy, urges more adoption of transformative education to empower children, and plans to build more such model schools in Kenya, including in Kakuma refugee camp, are underway. Over 100 children have already benefited from the system, with high self-esteem and confidence, solution-driven learners being the outcome.

April 27, 2023 0 comments 282 views

Editors choice Featured

USAID Kenya Investment Mechanism Learning Event 2022

by Jacky Muraba July 22, 2022

written by Jacky Muraba

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn; The beautiful thing about learning is that it can never exhaust the mind, and nobody can take it away from you.

Did you know 8 out of 10 businesses in Kenya are informal? By informal businesses I mean spaza shops, hawkers, pavement vendors and street vendors, and Laundromats and other small businesses even from a person’s home.

I believe, like me, you know of your trusted Mama Mboga down the street, but you didn’t really know such a biashara is regarded to as an informal business, or that it makes up about 85% of Kenya’s business sector.

Even more interesting, these informal businesses make up MSMEs… Yet again we’ve heard the term on so many occurrences. How many genuinely know what MSMEs stands for?

MSMEs are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

I wouldn’t have learnt more about the terms if I hadn’t attended USAID Kenya Investment Mechanism’s Learning Event held on 19^th and 20^th July at Movenpick, Westlands.

Again, learning can never exhaust the mind.

The Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM) is a five-year USAID project that is facilitating $520 million in investment for key sectors of Kenya’s economy, including agriculture (which is supported by Feed the Future), health; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); clean energy (supported by PowerAfrica) and infrastructure; women-owned businesses; and regional trade and investment opportunities under the Prosper Africa initiative.

The project supports mobilization of private investment and accelerates enterprise-driven development.

Kenya Investment Mechanism addresses two principal market failures that discourage investors from financing Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs); insufficient quality consulting services and limited availability of financial products tailored to these sectors.

It builds the capacity of Financial Institutions (FIs) and Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) through training and technical assistance. Much of Kenya Investment Mechanism’s focus is on the agricultural sector, which contributes one-third of Kenya’s GDP and accounts for nearly 70% of Kenya’s employment.

Anyway, let’s delve further into the event.

Shall we?

Anthony Mbithi Head of agribusiness Family Bank, Peter Ndirangu- Head of finance FACTS, Anne Mwenje Financial Institutions’ Director KIM, David Njiru CBO Juhudi Kilimo, Antone Wambura Product Development Expert, Nina Shaban Discussion Moderator

All About the Kenya Investment Mechanism Learning Event

The event themed ‘Access & Impact: Transforming Financial Markets for shared prosperity’, brought together Business Advisory Service Providers, Financial Institutions, business executives, international investors, senior government officials and multilateral stakeholders to share, connect and learn from each other.

The two-day event convened financial stakeholders who discussed nuances in promoting access to finance and investments for SMEs and agribusinesses in Kenya and across the region. It also promoted cross-learning on solutions and best practices in mobilizing capital and investment for Kenyan SMEs and the agriculture sector.

Day One: Speaking at the Learning Event’s official opening, was a man whose eloquence, energy and ability to lighten up the audience had me captivated. Hon. David Osiany, Chief Administrative Secretary, CAS, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade & Enterprise Development lauded Kenya Investment Mechanism program’s journey of unlocking capital for local entrepreneurs.

“The Kenya Investment Mechanism program excites me. To focus on agriculture is inspiring, and I’m elated at this program’s journey of unlocking capital for our local entrepreneurs and providing quality consulting services that have previously been a gap for our business people. I look forward to us exploring opportunities that will benefit our business people while also meeting the interests of the American people. Only then can we speak about shared prosperity.”

Hon. David Osiany CAS Ministry of Industrialization, Trade & Enterprise Development

During the panel discussion on ‘Financial Innovation Development & Uptake’, I learnt that MSMEs tend to collapse because;

One, on most occasions MSMEs don’t have the proper documents and records relating to their business, as compared to formal companies.
Two, MSME owners have the tendency to open up new businesses every time another fails. If you take a moment to particularly reflect on this, you realize how true this fact is.
Three, Lack of professionalism. Think about the local kiosk at your place. Who’s been ‘employed’ to work there? A family member to the owner in most cases, yes? MSMEs tend to employ on basis of family more than how skilled or experienced the person actually is in that particular field.
Business Strategies and Seasonalities. Seasonality affects a number of MSMEs. For a farmer some products can only thrive on specific months in a year. For someone selling umbrellas or success cards, these businesses have specific seasons when business is booming. MSMEs need to come up with business strategies that deal with the on-season and off-season for the business.

These issues in turn, put off even Financial Advisors and Institutions from investing in the MSME.

According to Anthony Mbithi, Head Agribusiness Segment, Family Bank, Kenya Investment Mechanism looks at both sides; the financial institutions and SMEs. He also advised MSME owners to involve financial institutions at every step of the way.

“SMEs require much more than financing, which isn’t necessarily needed immediately. There are so many important issues SMEs need to deal with immediately. Coming to your financial institution at the last minute won’t help you, the bank will still need to follow its protocol. You need to prepare your bank about what to expect, especially in the case of seasonality. Financing and receiving financial support depends so much on how you work and relate with your bank.”

The number one challenge faced by women-owned SMEs (W-SMEs) in Kenya is access to credit.

In a discussion dubbed ‘Unlocking Capital for Women Entrepreneurs’, USAID’s Kenya Investment Mechanism convened a panel made up of financial institutions, business advisory service providers, and women entrepreneurs to have a conversation exploring the challenges and opportunities in unlocking capital for W-SMEs.

Through its partnership model, Kenya Investment Mechanism has partnered with BASPs to help W-SMEs become investment ready and package deals that will attract investment. Kenya Investment Mechanism also partners with financial institutions to develop tailor-made financial solutions for W-SMEs. As a result, Kenya Investment Mechanism has mobilized more than $57.3 million for W-SMEs to develop.

Charity Ndegwa, Co-founder & Director Operations
Exotic EPZ during panel discussion on unlocking capital for women entrepreneurs

Day Two: Out of the 47 counties in Kenya, 29 have an enabling enterprise. This means you can thrive in these counties. The 29 make up the blue savannah and boast of some of the most valuable features and aspects of our country.

Is what I learnt from Tendai Mtana’s, CEC Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Co-operatives – County Government of Mombasa, Keynote speech on Leveraging incentive fees model for governments to do business with the private sector.

Discussions revolved around the Private sector’s perspective on investment landscape in Kenya, leveraging incentive fees for governments to do business with the private sector and investing in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

“The state is an important enabler, and has the responsibility to create an enabling environment that allows businesses – both large and MSMEs – to thrive and maximize the comparative advantages our local industries have.”

Wangari Muikia of the EGCL Institute, giving a keynote address on the private sector’s perspective of Kenya’s investment landscape.

The Kenya Investment Mechanism Learning Event

Many Kenyan SMEs don’t know that the capital markets are an available source of funding. A panel of capital markets experts demystified the capital markets and explained how local SMEs can tap into them to raise significant capital for growth and expansion.

USAID’s Kenya Investment Mechanism has however supported the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to revise regulations that will simplify the listing process and offer Kenyan SMEs an important alternative source of financing.

Phoebe Owuor CEO Lamiro Consult, Dave Oketch Aquarech, Samuel Ondiek DAS Group, Edna Odallo MD Afriscope Ltd, Noah Kipkemboi Discussion Moderator

Aquaculture contributes to 17% of fish creation in Africa, and Kenya ranks as the fourth biggest producer of cultivated fish in Africa, producing 100,000 metric Tonnes of fish annually.

Kenya’s fish consumption is at 400,000 metric Tonnes annually, leaving a deficit of 300,000 metric tonnes.

The final panel discussion at the USAID Kenya Investment Mechanism Learning Event focused on the aquaculture sector, investment opportunities along the value chain, and how the use of technology can make the sector more productive and profitable.

Even with recent advancements, the Kenyan aquaculture industry requires substantial additional investment to catch up to global and regional leaders, China and Egypt. Fish farmers, marketers and other ecosystem actors face myriad challenges to growing and developing the sector to realize its potential.

These issues include; low awareness and poor understanding of the sector, the unstructured nature of the relatively new sector, and high taxes on aquaculture inputs.

Working with BASPs such as Afriscope, Kenya Investment Mechanism has mobilized capital from FIs for SME players in the industry responding to different needs in the aquaculture sector.

My Take

Adulting is mostly about trial and error. Every day, the youth are setting up businesses as side hustles, especially on online platforms. Today one is selling, say clothes online, a different person is a phone technician somewhere.

They, well we since I’m part of the age-gap, need to learn early on matters money and financing, how to run and manage these side hustles so that they serve us in the long run, how to join Capital markets. Rather than go through life in a trial-and-error manner.

I would really love to see a higher young persons and youth involvement in future Kenya Investment Mechanism’s Learning Events.

Other than that, boy do I feel wiser on matters capital markets, MSMEs, Agribusiness Financing and more. Learning, yeah?

Thank you for your time.

July 22, 2022 1 comment 315 views

Featured Special reports

Joining Forces Marks Day Of The African Child With A Call To Protect Children

by Jacky Muraba June 24, 2022

written by Jacky Muraba

Joining Forces For Africa (JOFA) convened for a media breakfast and round table to discuss ‘the impact of food security crisis on children and eliminating harmful practices affecting children’, in respect to the recently commemorated Day Of The African Child celebrated on 16th June.

The event presents an opportunity to assess progress on the adoption of policies that support the African child; and a platform for recommending action against harmful practices that affect children.

Among the most prominent harmful practices affecting children in Africa are child marriage, female genital mutilation, child labor, and various emerging forms such as online child sexual exploitation and abuse of children (OCSEA).
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA 2022) estimates that the number of girls undergoing female genital mutilation each year is projected to rise from 4.1 million in 2019 to 4.6 million girls in the year 2030 with a vast majority coming from Sub-Saharan Africa.

There is an increase in cases of online child sexual abuse and exploitation that have come with increased access to digital platforms and devices by the children.

A situation that has been exacerbated by the ever-increasing humanitarian emergencies caused by conflict and natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, exclusion of women, girls and young people from policy and decision-making processes and poor implementation of the developed policy frameworks.

To mitigate all this, JOFA calls upon National and sub-national governments, and policymakers, in partnership with academia, and civil society, including those working with children and young people, media, community leaders, and faith-based organizations, to:

Develop and implement policies and laws that protect children from harmful practices
and allocate cost budgets for child protection,
Tackle the challenges that perpetuate the violation of children’s rights, such as gender
inequality, discrimination, poor access to education and poverty,
Strengthen legal and justice systems to protect the rights of children especially girls and
take decisive action against those who perpetrate violence against children, and most
importantly,
Involve young people and girls in policy and decision-making process by ensuring that
their voices are heard and considered in all aspects touching on their lives.

Mary Thiong’o, Assistant Director, Children Services, National Council for Children’s Services, Kenya echoed the same by calling upon everyone to work together to ensure all children are protected.
“I am calling upon everyone to work together to ensure that all our children are protected and their rights are safeguarded,” she said.

Joining Forces For Africa is an alliance of the six-largest child-focused international NGOs;
World Vision, ChildFund Kenya, SOS Children’s Village International, PLAN International Kenya and Terre Des Hommes.

June 24, 2022 0 comments 487 views

Featured

Silafrica Joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation In Creating a Circular Economy for Plastic

by Ndungu Brian June 15, 2022

written by Ndungu Brian

Silafrica one of the leading company in plastic and packaging solutions for corporations, consumer packaged goods and consumers, has announced its partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in its global commitment to Circular Economy.

The company is the first of its kind packaging manufacturing company in Africa to join the Global Commitment and its efforts to establish a global circular economy.

“Everyone in our organization is proud to be working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and share in their commitment to eliminate plastic waste and create a sustainable future for our planet,” stated Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director at Silafrica.

As part of its commitment to being a member of the Foundation, Silafrica plans to screen its portfolio for areas of concern and unnecessary categories of plastic packaging for elimination and publishing the outcome.

The Company currently recycles more than 1,600 tons/yr. of secondary industrial packaging (i.e., crates) and plans to increase the amount to 5,000 tons/yr. by adding more crates, pallets and other non-packaging products that have a social impact on improving low-income communities’ quality of life and the natural environment.

The Foundation seeks to drive momentum to reach its goal, with its three key objectives being to:

Eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and move from single-use to reuse packaging models
Innovate to ensure 100% of plastic packaging can be easily and safely reused, recycled, or composted by 2025
Circulate the plastic produced, by significantly increasing the amounts of plastics reused or recycled and made into new packaging or products

In support of the Foundation’s objectives, Silafrica is working to also achieve a goal of 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging by 2025, with at least 40% of their product made from recycled plastic.

The Company has been a sustainable plastics packaging producer of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for the food, beverage, personal & home care, and chemicals brands in East Africa.

It is well known for its Crates, PET Preform & Closures for Beverages, Thinwall IML for Spreads & Yogurt, Containers for Paint & Oils, and Stretch Wrap for B2B logistics. Currently, 10% of its product is post-consumer recycled content. Akshay Shah concludes.

“If stakeholders and supply partners throughout the industry continue to make commitments like these, we will collectively realize a circular economy envisioned by all the signatories to the Global Commitment of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.”

The MacArthur Foundation works across five areas: insight and analysis, business and government, education and training, systemic initiatives, and communication; it has created global teaching, learning, and training platforms on the circular economy, encompassing work with leading universities, schools and colleges, and online events such as the Disruptive Innovation Festival.

June 15, 2022 0 comments 345 views

Gun Violence on a Rise, Cop Shoots Himself in Nandi Dispersing Rioters

by Kwabe Ben May 11, 2022

written by Kwabe Ben

Earlier today in Nandi county, a demonstration ensued between the residents and police when the police guarding the Pharmacy and Poison Board Officers in their inspection was agitated.

In return, a cop from the Kapsabet Police Station in Nandi county is left nursing injuries at Nandi Hills Sub-County Hospital after he accidentally shot himself injuring his right leg.

The inspection aimed at various clinics and chemists brews this eruption of protests after the officers had arrested Celestine Jepchirchir a herbalist in Nandi Hills town even after she sowed all the legal documents.

Jepchirchir stated that they had just arrived in a black car and without stating who they were pushed her towards their vehicle as they carried away boxes full of drugs which sparked the residents into screaming for her safety.

Thereby a pressure built as commotions erupted in the process which saw an officer cock his gun towards the ground in an attempt of dispersing the crowd though in the action shot and injured his leg.

A resident recounts the incident to have sparked lots of screams and confusion as the residents were trying to find out what had happened.

The officer was rushed to Nandi Hill Hospital for first aid and treatment following his bleeding leg and the Nandi East Police Commander Walter Abondo confirms he is in a stable condition a reaffirmation of the incident.

This occurrence comes barely a fortnight since the demise of Hon Sankok’s son after allegedly shooting himself with his father’s gun.

It’s due to these numerous gun violence incidents that as a people there is a need to reconstruct the armament laws governing Kenya.

If only there would be a strict governing system enforced against carrying of weapons by the police anyhow unless it’s in a danger zone as well as the elected leaders, just then perhaps lives can be saved.

Several decades from attaining independence are evidenced by the normalization of army weapons circling the Kenyan streets in hands of law order implementers.

Which questions the essence of the machinery and high armament within the nation while the country faces no attack from exterior forces or foes.

Perhaps its high time diplomacy is upheld in solving issues within as effort is made towards curbing stray bullet murders, extrajudicial killings, and ego-driven attacks from those in ownership of weapons.

The nations of Africa had peace way before the precolonial period a paradigm that shifts incessantly as there’s witnessed several deaths due to gun violence with most going unsolved and unaddressed.

As for a people to live in peace, there has to be acceptance of equality so as not to subject others to inferiority.

The gun issue is an alarming case as evidenced by the occurrences that if not solemnly dealt with might lead to uncontrollable gun violence in the nearby future.

The wise once stated prevention to be better than cure, to attain a fair and just society, there has to be an evaluation of most actions assimilated from the white rulers and embark on a mission to state new guidelines.

This comes in handy since generations and times have evolved necessitating a need for transition from the old ways of doing things to adopting a new accommodating, challenged, and well-discussed ideology.

Together Kenya can be saved for Kenyans by Kenyans.

May 11, 2022 0 comments 235 views

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Jiji Kenya announces tremendous company growth

by Ndungu Brian April 13, 2022

written by Ndungu Brian

Jiji one of the online marketplace in Kenya has today announced tremendous company growth led by doubling its year-over-year performance.

Jiji Kenya penetrated the market in 2020 when there were over ten online platforms in the market. It has since become the fastest growing e-commerce with over 6 million users and 2 million ads in Kenya.

In March 2022, Alexa, a website traffic analytics platform, ranked as the leading platform among all, having 2.5million unique visitors monthly, compared to 1.5 million in 2021.

When Jiji Kenya set up shop in 2020, there was an outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, hence it witnessed increased activities on the platform as many small and medium-sized enterprises turned online to reach more consumers due to movement restrictions imposed to contain COVID-19.

As a result, they registered a sharp growth in the number of sellers to 100,000 while active monthly users surged to 800,000.

“Our rapid growth is the result of building a new trusted e-commerce environment for all buyers and sellers in the market and introducing features that would highly benefit them. Through our relentless efforts on customer success and innovations, we have become the most downloaded platform,” said Maksym Golubev, Jiji Kenya’s Country Manager.

“Over the past year, we have invested heavily in reducing scam levels by up to 10 times and educating our users on safety measures. As a result, we have been awarded twice as the best E-commerce site and twice as the best classifieds website in Kenya,” he added

Online marketplaces have become the preferred shopping platform in Africa. According to a Jiji Kenya survey of its customer base, more than 45% preferred the marketplace due to the variety of goods and services.

Survey results published in a UNCTAD report in March this year also found that more than 40% of customers in four large African countries were planning to reduce their supermarket shopping in the future by purchasing food, clothing, and electronics online.

Supply chain constraints, delivery, and transport expenses plus difficulties in meeting customer shipping requirements are a challenge for many online platforms forcing customers to opt to shop on marketplaces, rather than e-commerce stores.

As part of this tremendous growth, Jiji Kenya has achieved several major milestones, including:

Exceptional Business Performance: Jiji Kenya reports a doubling of top-line growth year-over-year in 2022, accelerating its growth from 2020. Further, the company doubled its traffic and the number of ads in 2022.

Acquisitions and Developments: Jiji was able to acquire Cars45 and has also taken the initiative to inspect vehicles by more than 200 parameters. Unlike a classifieds marketplace where checks are inadequately carried out, they ensure quality checks and detailed reports on a car’s condition with various databases and determine the right prices before they are sold and/or auctioned.

Recognition: Jiji Kenya has continued to define the market with the most friendly and usable site and the most affordable prices of ads in the market. This has led to four major recognitions, two awards as the Best E-commerce Website and two others as the Best Classifieds Website.

Trust: Since acquiring OLX from the South African internet investment giant Naspers two years ago, Jiji Kenya has focused on eliminating fraud on the site through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence. They have decreased the number of scammers by up to 10 times. It is now much more difficult to scam people unlike before.

“Jiji Kenya has quickly become the most trusted platform because of its dedication to customer success and breakneck developments,” said Anton Volianskyi, CEO and Founder of Jiji Africa.

“Jiji Kenya’s aggressive growth strategy parallels what I envisioned when I started Jiji Africa. It is such a pivotal time for the company and we aim to reduce the churning rate to retain the coveted no. 1 position in Kenya,” he concluded

April 13, 2022 0 comments 279 views

Xiaomi And Its Journey To Ensuring Artificial Intelligence Is A Thing In Africa

by Brian Yatich April 13, 2022

written by Brian Yatich

Smartphone brand Xiaomi isn’t a stranger to Artificial intelligence, in fact, it will focus more on producing smartphones that are in cue with every latest innovation in tech.

Xiaomi has been devoted to developing high-quality goods with cutting-edge technology since its start, from low-end to high-end smartphones. The firm thinks that in today’s technology-driven society, high-quality items should be accessible to everyone.

Its one-of-a-kind product offerings reflect the company’s never-ending efforts to develop hardware, software, and services, all of which stem from a passion for technology.

The increased demand for technology in Africa has piqued the interest of every mobile phone developer on the continent. In the Canalys top smartphone vendor analysis in Africa, the smartphone giant ranked number 3, which shows annual growth of 66% in 2021.

Xiaomi has made a concerted effort to develop goods that cater to the demands of African consumers. The smartphone maker has noticed how much the African community has developed its economy via its consistent use of Xiaomi’s mobile technology since its entry into the African market in 2018, and it is working to raise awareness.

Xiaomi saw annual shipment growth in all major markets in Africa. They also saw annual growth of 31% in Egypt and an annual increase of 558% in the Morocco market.

Their market shares in Morocco grew to 26%, which means in every 4 smartphones sold in Morocco, there was about one from Xiaomi. In Q4 of 2021, Xiaomi also accomplished great sales performance in African markets.

Their shipments in the whole African market grew by 33% YOY. In South Africa, they saw a huge surge of 537% YOY. With this increase in sales, it is obvious they are doing something right with the African market.

Another notable conquest is Xiaomi’s CSR projects in Africa. Towards the end of the year “#Beyondtheboundaries with Xiaomi” campaign was one of the most important factors in raising awareness for successful people.

African influencers, celebrities, and other successful business people are being pushed to tell their story as part of this initiative. How these AI-enabled devices shaped their careers and inspired every African to take the next step.

The campaign mainly ran on their FACEBOOK PAGES in different African countries GHANA, KENYA, TUNISIA, MOROCCO, IVORY COAST AND NIGERIA.

It was a 10-day campaign where Xiaomi connected with its Xiaomi’s fans via Social Media platforms, especially FACEBOOK and let them inspire each other to make a difference by sharing their own 2021 stories and achievements.

This campaign was so successful that it saw over 20M impressions and reach and over 200k Engagements. This is the first Pan-African engaging campaign organized by Xiaomi on the continent.

This campaign was very successful across Africa and saw young people participate. And they have promised that the next time they organize a campaign like this, they will improve the impact, and build a large and strong Xiaomi Fans community in Africa.

Automated decision-making and near-perfect data-based forecasts are two factors that make human life simpler. So far, technology has provided these and many more advantages.

From voice assistants to search engines, speech recognition, and, more lately, automated stock trading, we have gradually absorbed AI into our daily lives. By incorporating feedback into its product range, Xiaomi has been pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations in its product offerings.

Xiaomi’s smartphones have shown continuous growth, as have its TVs and boxes, routers, and the other ecosystem items such as smart wearable home devices and other peripherals. Xiao AI has effectively integrated a variety of smart goods to give people high-quality technology and more convenient lifestyles.

The company has enhanced its voice assistant capabilities and has stated that it would not rest on its laurels in terms of making innovation accessible to everybody.

April 13, 2022 0 comments 279 views

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