Philippines, Rwanda Deepen Ties with General Bilateral Cooperation
BusinessEast Africa

Philippines, Rwanda Deepen Ties with General Bilateral Cooperation

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

In a significant step towards closer ties, the Philippines and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Establishment of General Bilateral Cooperation.

The agreement, inked by Philippine Ambassador to Rwanda Marie Charlotte G. Tang and Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta, marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations.

A Milestone Agreement:

Ambassador Tang hailed the MOU as a “milestone” in Philippines-Rwanda relations, emphasizing its role in providing a framework for future collaboration across various sectors.

Minister Biruta echoed this sentiment, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two countries and expressing hope that the MOU would pave the way for deeper engagement.

Focus Areas

The MOU outlines a comprehensive range of areas where the Philippines and Rwanda will collaborate, including:

  • Human resources development: Sharing best practices and expertise in skills training and workforce development.
  • Scientific and technological exchanges: Fostering cooperation in research and innovation across various fields.
  • Education: Promoting academic exchanges and knowledge sharing between institutions in both countries.
  • Health: Collaborating on healthcare initiatives and disease prevention efforts.
  • Agriculture: Sharing agricultural technologies and practices to improve food security and rural development.
  • Gender equality and youth empowerment: Working together to advance the rights and opportunities of women and young people.
  • Environmental protection: Collaborating on initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable development.
  • Security cooperation: Sharing expertise and best practices in areas such as law enforcement and disaster preparedness.

Building on Strong Foundations

Beyond the formal agreement, Ambassador Tang also met with Rwandan officials from key ministries and agencies, laying the groundwork for specific collaborations in support of the MOU. This proactive approach reflects the commitment of both countries to translate the MOU into tangible results.

Rwanda’s Transformation

The signing ceremony took place in Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda. This East African nation has emerged from a difficult past, showcasing remarkable resilience and transformation. Today, Rwanda is recognized as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies and a champion of environmental conservation, particularly for its successful efforts to protect the critically endangered mountain gorilla.

A Promising Future

The MOU between the Philippines and Rwanda signifies a promising future for cooperation between the two countries. By leveraging their respective strengths and expertise, the Philippines and Rwanda can work together to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for mutual benefit.

“This MOU opens a new chapter in the Philippines-Rwanda relationship, one that is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to working together for a brighter future,” Ambassador Tang stated.

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World

VFS Global Wins Global Contract for Overseas UK Visa, Citizenship Services

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

VFS Global has secured the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services, marking another significant achievement for the world’s leading visa, passport, and citizen services provider.

In 2024, VFS Global will establish 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions.

These centers will process all categories of visa applications and, in some locations, UK passport applications, with an estimated annual capacity to handle 3.8 million applicants.

In the African region, VFS Global will roll out Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 31 countries next year, including Algeria, Angola, Botswana, and many others.

The company plans to invest in enhancing the customer journey and accessibility through new customer websites and improved in-person experiences, while deploying the latest technologies to ensure robust identity checks and maintain the integrity of the visa and passport application process.

The new contract is expected to generate cost savings for the UK Government.

Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, expressed his enthusiasm about the contract win, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing best-in-class services to client governments.

The UK is a popular destination for travelers from across the African region, with Nigeria being one of the top four application locations.

This achievement follows VFS Global’s recent success in securing the global biometric collection service mandate with Australia and renewing the global visa service contract with Sweden.

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KCIC Investment Summit 2023 - A Call to Action for Climate Financing
Climate Change

KCIC Investment Summit 2023: A Call to Action for Climate Financing

by Contributor
written by Contributor

The KCIC Investment Summit 2023 saw a gathering of more than 600 participants from various sectors, including climate-smart businesses, investors, government representatives, and individuals from both the public and private domains.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Climate Financing Opportunities for MSME Growth,” played a pivotal role in highlighting innovative climate solutions and opportunities for environmentally conscious investments.

The driving force behind this event was the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), which committed to providing a platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across diverse sectors to connect with potential investors, explore partnership prospects, and facilitate deals that promote sustainable development.

The official opening ceremony was graced by several esteemed dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the event. Among them were Mr. Joseph Murabula, CEO of KCIC, and Prof. Izael Da Silva, Board Chair of KCIC, who set the tone for the summit with their presence.

Additionally, there were representatives from the Royal Danish Embassy, led by Trine Gronbog, and the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, both exemplifying the international importance of the summit. The participation extended to high-level government representation from the Treasury and the National Assembly, underlining the comprehensive approach towards climate action.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Murabula mentioned the critical importance of access to finance for microenterprises. MSMEs are crucial in forming the largest employment sector in the Kenyan business landscape, offering substantial opportunities to the energetic, innovative, and dynamic young population.

KCIC has been on the forefront in supporting entrepreneurs focused on green growth, from incubation level to business scaling.

“As we stand here today, let us recognize the significance of our collective efforts. It is through forums like this, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and commitments are made, that can turn the tide on climate change and climate financing opportunities,” he said.

The summit commenced with influential thought leaders sharing their insights on climate action. Their messages stressed the urgency of the challenges we face and the role of innovation in addressing them.

Ambassador Ali Mohamed, Advisor on Climate Change & Green Growth in the Office of the President, appreciated KCIC’s work, supporting the incubation and acceleration of over 3,000 enterprises in the past 11 years.

He highlighted the significance of addressing climate change as “the most pressing challenge and existential threat of our time” and emphasized the need for collective action to overcome the shortcomings of the global financial system.

To underscore the European Union’s unwavering commitment to support young entrepreneurs, EU Commissioner Yutta Urpilainen graced the summit on the second day.

Her presence was further highlighted by the attendance of Hon. Simon Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperatives & Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This strategic presence reinforced the vital role of MSMEs in addressing climate change. They are the engines of innovation and growth, and supporting them is key to achieving impactful climate actions.

The three-day summit featured an action-packed agenda, with each day focusing on a critical aspect of Climate Policy, Climate Finance, and Climate Action while emphasizing the practical steps and strategies required to effect real change.

The KCIC Investment Summit 2023 was a milestone event, uniting diverse stakeholders in the climate financing agenda. It demonstrated that, by working together, we can create innovative climate solutions and open new avenues for sustainable investments.

The commitment to address climate change remains unwavering, and the summit provided the platform for meaningful conversations and concrete actions.

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The Best International Series of 2023
Lifestyle & Entertainment

The Best International Series of 2023

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

2023 has brought forth a wave of exceptional series that have left viewers captivated and critics raving. From the most-nominated show at the Emmys and Golden Globes, “Succession,” to IMDb’s Most Popular Series of 2023 and Google’s most searched TV show, “The Last of Us,” and the best-reviewed series of 2023, “Rain Dogs,” one platform stands as the exclusive home for these remarkable series in Africa: Showmax.

Let’s delve into the best TV series of 2023 and explore what makes them so compelling.

SUCCESSION S4

As Vulture puts it, “Succession. This is the most boring, unsurprising answer to the question, ‘What was the best TV show of 2023?’ It also happens to be the truth.”
Everyone from Entertainment Weekly to Time agrees, as do the Emmys and Golden Globes, where it’s the most nominated series overall for both.
In Season 4 of HBO’s smash hit series, the sale of Waystar Royco to tech visionary Lukas Matsson (Emmy winner Alexander Skarsgård) is looming ever closer. It’s a prospect that provokes existential angst and familial division among the Roys as they anticipate their diminished cultural and political influence once the deal is completed.
“Just as The Sopranos and The Wire defined one era of HBO, Succession will go down as the best series of its time. If anyone disagrees, it’s best to ignore them: They’re not serious people,” says The Ringer, calling back to Logan Roy putting his children in their place once again.
THE LAST OF US S1
The most popular series on IMDb this year, The Last of Us is set 20 years after modern civilisation has been destroyed. Joel is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of an oppressive quarantine zone. But what starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal journey as the pair cross the US, depending on each other for survival.
The most searched TV series on Google in 2023, the breakout HBO hit raked in 24 Emmy nominations this year – behind only Succession S4. This includes Best Drama, as well as first-ever Best Actress and Actor nominations for its two stars, Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) and Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian).
Indiewire hails the Playstation adaptation as the Best New Show of 2023, while Variety’s Aramide Tinubu named The Last of Us as her top show overall for the year. As Financial Times put it in their Best TV Shows of 2023 roundup, “Who would have thought a survival series set in a world overrun by mushroom monsters would be one of the year’s most affecting dramas?”

RAIN DOGS S1

HBO and BBC One collab Rain Dogs is MetaCritic’s best-reviewed show of 2023, with an 88% metascore.
Double-BAFTA winner Daisy May Cooper stars as Costello Jones, a devoted mother, aspiring author, and peepshow dancer, who wants more for her young daughter.
As Time puts it, “Streamers are going broke scrambling to scale up television to fit genre-franchise-multiverse specs, but often the most effective small-screen stories are also the most intimate. Rain Dogs is this year’s most compelling case in point, a portrait of a fascinatingly unconventional family… The perfect balance of darkness, warmth, grit, and scathing British humour.”

MRS. DAVIS S1

“Hallucinate” was Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year, so it feels right that a show about defying AI was named the best TV series of 2023 by The Washington Post, who hailed the Peacock Original as “a romp, an epic, a masterpiece.”
Mrs. Davis is the world’s most powerful Artificial Intelligence. Simone (three-time Emmy nominee Betty Gilpin) is the nun devoted to destroying her.
Mrs. Davis is co-created by three-time Emmy winner Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, The Leftovers) and writer Tara Hernandez (The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon). As Vulture puts it, “Turns out sometimes TV can still be intellectually challenging and fun as hell.”

POKER FACE S1

Natasha Lyonne is on the case in Poker Face, from mystery guru Rian Johnson, Oscar-nominated for both Knives Out and Glass Onion.
Lyonne is up for an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award as Charlie Cale, a human lie detector solving a new mystery each episode as she travels across America.
Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2024 Critics’ Choice Awards and hailed as “the crime show of the year” by Entertainment Weekly, Poker Face’s stacked cast includes Oscar winner Adrien Brody, Oscar nominees Hong Chau, Nick Nolte and Chloë Sevigny, and Emmy winners Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Barkin, and Cherry Jones.
Inverse calls the Peacock Original a “love letter to Columbo and classic murder mystery shows… Stylish, wry and oh-so-satisfying.”

SPECIAL MENTIONS:

Other Showmax favourites popping up on all the critics’ lists include:
• Somebody Somewhere S2: “The mere mention of this show’s name puts a smile on my face… Few things on television exude more organic joy than this half-hour slice of Midwest small-town life; it’s a weekly reminder that life, even at its most mundane and frustrating, demands to be embraced.” Vulture
• Barry S4: “Among television’s most brooding and violent shows but still bubbled over with snappy one-liners and zippy satire.” The New York Times 
Other Showmax series featuring prominently include:
• Blue Lights S1: “Trying to make a new cop show without clichés is a bit like attempting to jump into the ocean without getting wet. Massive props, then, to a gripping and cliché-free police drama that started impressively and ended up feeling like it just might grow into Belfast’s answer to The Wire.” TimeOut
• How To With John Wilson S3: “John Wilson’s brilliant, one-of-a-kind series… feels like the kind of thing you’ll tell your grandchildren you were alive to see. Ostensibly the product of Wilson’s free-associative wanderings around New York City, each episode follows a train of thought that takes him to locales as disparate as Burning Man and a convention of vacuum-cleaner collectors. It’s like spending an evening with your smartest, weirdest friend, the kind who tells stories so rambling you can never remember where they started, but it’s always worth holding on till the end.” Slate
• The Righteous Gemstones S3: “One of TV’s funniest and most incisive shows.” Polygon
• Warrior S3: “It’s never been better… Exploring systemic racism and the Chinese immigrant experience with some of the most exhilarating action sequences on television, Warrior continues to pack a punch.” The Ringer
We could keep going: other shows we’ve seen pop up on Best of the Year lists include A Spy Among Friends, Based On A True Story, Chucky, and Perry Mason, not to mention 1923, up for Best Drama at the 2024 Golden Globes; Winning Time, up for Best Drama at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, and Love & Death, up for Best Limited Series at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards.
So take all your leave this year: you won’t run out of great series to watch.
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Sports

Njuguna Soars High to Bag Centenary Golf Day in Ruiru

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Handicap 16 golfer Samuel Nguguna carded 43 stableford points to win the centenary golf day at the Ruiru Sports Club this past weekend as the club marked 100 years of existence.

Peter Mwaura who plays off handicap 13 was crowned the division one men winner after returning an excellent score of 41 stableford points at the tournament that was graced by 232 golfers from Nairobi and its environs.

“I am elated to be named the overall winner of this tournament at a time we are celebrating 100 years of existence and progressive excellence. I thank my four-ball for an amazing outing on the course and I cannot wait to brave the fairways in the competitions to come,” Samuel Njuguna said.

In the division two category, Amos Mwaura who plays off handicap 25 returned 43 points to cruise to victory beating Philip Nguyai, handicap 28, who carded 42 points to emerge second.

Handicap 13 Lucy Njuguna clinched the division one lady winner award after returning 41 points to beat her closest challenger Grace Miano, handicap 17, who carded 40 stableford points to be named second in the highly contested category.

Vincent Musalia, handicap 39 returned 47 stableford points to win the guest winner award and was closely followed by handicap 35 Milkah Macharia who carded 42 stableford points to finish second.

While Eliakim Maina claimed the longest driver award in the men’s category, Beatrice Waweru clinched it in the ladies’ category after her excellent ball-striking technique. Lucy Njuguna won the nearest to the pin in the ladies’ category while Dr. Fred Mugambi scooped it in the men’s category.

The club also hosted a series of other activities to mark the continental milestone- bowling, swimming, and pool table that culminated in a blue-themed dinner event with color and pomp.

East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), BF SUMA, Maridady, Prife International and Fresha Dairy Brands sponsored the event

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Finance & Banking

Mastercard Expands Presence in Mauritius with Inauguration of First Office

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Mastercard has reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first office in Mauritius. This strategic move not only extends Mastercard’s reach in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, but also underscores its dedication to serving the burgeoning market of Mauritius with its innovative financial products and services.

The establishment of a physical presence in Mauritius demonstrates Mastercard’s commitment to driving the next phase of growth and support for the country’s digital economy.

Through this office, Mastercard aims to provide enhanced value to its customers and businesses in the region, fostering greater agility and efficiency in delivering services to Mauritian stakeholders.

Mastercard’s commitment to Mauritius is exemplified by its history of successful partnerships within the country. In recent years, the company has forged significant collaborations aimed at introducing innovative card offerings and improving customer experiences in Mauritius.

These initiatives reflect Mastercard’s holistic approach to the market, showcasing its strategic alignment and compliance with the Central Bank and key industry partners to promote financial innovation and accessibility in Mauritius.

Mark Elliott, Division President, Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard said that they have a long and rich history in Mauritius, and the opening of our first dedicated office further solidifies their presence in the market as they engage with their local partners.

“We have a robust expansion and growth strategy in place for the region, and the establishment of our formal presence is a key pillar as we seek to address the market-specific needs of our customers. We look forward to leveraging our global and local expertise and innovative capabilities to roll out world-class payments technologies in this market alongside our partners,” He added.

Mauritius, with a current GDP per capita income of USD$11,750, is emerging as a significant player in the technology and financial sectors, positioning itself as a hub for innovation and digital transformation in the region.

Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard, emphasized that Mauritius offers a great opportunity for Mastercard to expand its geographical presence in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

“We are optimistic about the future of Mastercard’s expansion here. Our focus is on attracting and nurturing top-notch professionals to drive our operations, ensuring that we not only grow our presence here but also contribute significantly to the local economy and technological landscape.”

The new office in Mauritius was officially opened in Port Louis, marking a new chapter in Mastercard’s journey to expand and innovate in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Expanding its geographical presence in Africa is a strategic priority for Mastercard, which has now established offices in Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Mauritius.

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Kenya Breweries
Business

Kenya Breweries partnering with Tis The Season to host a Kenyan Christmas Festival

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Kenya Breweries Limited in partnership with Tis the Season hosted a three-day festival aimed at celebrating Christmas moments with family and friends. The annual festival that took place at the Junction Mall Rooftop from 8th to 10th December saw Vocalist Atemi Oyungu and her band treat guests to amazing Christmas carols that set the mood for the festive season.

The three-day festival by Kenya Breweries is the first of a series of activities lined up by KBL this festive season as part of their campaign dubbed “IT’S A WRAP,” which is designed to inspire consumers, offering them the perfect opportunity to craft enduring memories and rejoice with family and friends.

“We are elated by the overwhelming response and joyous turnout at the festival over the weekend. It was an incredible celebration of the season, bringing friends and families together to create cherished memories. The atmosphere was vibrant, with the Junction Mall transformed into a festive wonderland featuring our renowned brands such as Johnnie Walker, Gilbeys, Smirnoff TM, Singleton, Tanqueray, Gordons, Black and White, and Don Julio. The pop-up market offered a delightful array of gifting options for all the guests. “IT’S A WRAP,” campaign is truly coming to life because this was not just an event, it was a celebration of unity, happiness, and the spirit of giving.” Said Jean Okech, Head of Marketing, Spirits, EABL.

Consumers who attended the event had the opportunity to purchase personalized gift hampers for their loved ones and had them wrapped in custom-made wrap paper. All gift hampers contained seedling packs, allowing consumers to contribute to KBL’s environmental sustainability agenda while spreading the holiday cheer.

Over the years, the festive season has been marked with colorful decorations, delicious feasts, and joyous celebrations. The Wrap-Up campaign will further enhance the overall experience during the memorable season.

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Business

Uber Eats Celebrates Excellence at 2023 Kenya Merchant Awards

by Jacky Muraba
written by Jacky Muraba

Uber Eats on Thursday celebrated excellence in the restaurant and merchant industry during its second annual Merchant Awards, held at Ole Sereni.

The event brought together small, medium, and large restaurant businesses, as well as non-food merchants such as supermarkets, grocery players, pharmacies, liquor merchants, and more, who have excelled in providing exceptional service to consumers throughout the year on the Uber Eats platform.

Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats, Kenya, expressed that the Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of merchants who use the Uber Eats platform.

“We are proud to work with such incredible merchants who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional food, goods, and services. Their dedication to quality and innovation has played a significant role in the growth and success of Uber Eats in Kenya. Uber Eats remains committed to nurturing and promoting the growth of the Kenyan hospitality and retail industry,” She added.

The Uber Eats Merchant Awards are derived from consumer votes for various merchants as well as operational excellence metrics based on Uber Eats data and operational metrics.

Trufena Oyatsi, Account Coordinator at Uber Eats said that beyond food delivery, Uber Eats’ expansion into new categories is a testament to their dedication to meeting the diverse needs of consumers.

“We have taken great steps to offer more to our consumers, and our merchant partners have been key to that success.”

The addition of grocery and everyday essentials, pharmaceuticals, beauty and wellness, and alcohol, among others, showcases Uber Eats’ ambition to evolve into a comprehensive delivery platform.

During the ceremony, award categories included Best African Cuisine, Best Burger, and Best Coffee Cafe. Ando Foods was named the Restaurant of the Year and received a prize of Ksh 250,000 in promotional funds.

The winners of these awards represent a diverse group of businesses that have excelled in providing top-notch services to consumers while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

The 2023 Uber Eats Kenya Merchant Awards winners include:

– Best African Cuisine Restaurant: Mona Swahili Restaurant
– Best Indian Cuisine Restaurant: Dill! – Curries & Grill
– Best Fast Food Restaurant: KFC
– Best Chinese Cuisine Restaurant: Wok on Wheels
– Best Burger Store: Mama Rocks
– Best Coffee Cafe: Java House
– Best Pizza Outlet: Pizza Hut
– Best Dessert: Java
– Best Italian Cuisine Restaurant: Mambo Italia
– Best Value Breakfast Restaurant: CJs
– Best Lunch Restaurant: Galito’s
– Best Dinner: Nana Swahili
– Best Liquor: Rolling Barrel
– Best Grocery: Artcaffe Market
– Best Pharmacy: Goodlife Pharmacy
– Best Supermarket: Chandarana Foodplus

Uber Eats continues to provide a diverse and exciting range of restaurants for customers to choose from. The platform has become a culinary hub, offering an array of culinary experiences.

This year, Uber Eats also expanded into more locations across Kenya, including Eldoret, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Mombasa.

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Dr Hillary Maina Wachinga, Group Managing Director of the Kenya Reinsurance Corporation and Dr. Kibet Shikuku, the CEO of the National Spinal Injury Hosp
Health

Kenya Re Donates Therapy Equipment to National Spinal Injury Hospital

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Patients at the National Spinal Injury and Referral Hospital (NSIRH) are set to receive enhanced healthcare services thanks to a generous donation of rehabilitation therapy equipment from the Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re).

This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage.

The donation comprises 64 specialized items, including heavy-duty suction machines for surgical use, ripple mattresses for high-risk patients, wound VAC machines, a Cervical Spine Mayfield Holder, and wheelchairs designed for both quadriplegic and paraplegic patients.

These resources will significantly bolster the hospital’s capacity to cater to the growing number of spinal injury patients.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Hillary Maina Wachinga, the Group Managing Director for Kenya Re, expressed the corporation’s enthusiasm for supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

He emphasized that this partnership will greatly improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for spinal injury patients. The initiative underscores Kenya Re’s dedication to advancing critical healthcare programs that positively impact the community.

The newly acquired equipment will enable the hospital to address the rising demand for services in Curative Spinal Services, Rehabilitation Services, and Promotive and Preventive Spine Care.

Dr. Kibet Shikuku, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Spinal Injury and Referral Hospital, highlighted the steady increase in annual spinal injury cases, which have risen from 250 to 700 over the past decade.

This surge has overwhelmed the facility, which currently has a bed capacity of 35 patients, leading to prolonged waiting periods for admission.

Dr Shikuku emphasized that the donated equipment will not only improve patient outcomes but also enable the hospital to extend specialized services to individuals seeking assistance from other countries.

In addition to its support for NSIRH, Kenya Re has been actively involved in aiding persons with disabilities in Kenya through the Niko Fiti campaign.

Since its inception in 2011, over 12,800 individuals have benefited from mobility and assistive devices. Furthermore, the corporation has collaborated with KISE to establish a state-of-the-art Psycho-Education Assessment and Rehabilitation center, which stands as one of the finest in East and Central Africa.

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President Kenyatta's decree marked Ahmed as the first elephant in Kenya to receive such a level of official protection.
NationalNewsTourismWorld

The Legend of Ahmed the Elephant: From Pop Culture Icon to Conservation Symbol

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Ahmed the elephant, better known as the King of Marsabit, captured the imagination of people in the 1960s, etching his place in pop culture history.

His story is one of wonder, conservation, and the enduring impact of a single majestic creature. Let’s delve into the remarkable tale of Ahmed, exploring his rise to fame, his impact on conservation efforts, and his enduring legacy.

The Rise of a Legend

In the 1960s, hikers in the Northern Kenya mountains stumbled upon a magnificent sight: an elephant whose tusks were so large they scraped the ground. This awe-inspiring creature, later named Ahmed, quickly became a local legend, captivating the hearts and minds of those who heard about him.

A Pop Culture Icon

Ahmed’s fame extended beyond Kenya’s borders, as his story reached international audiences. In 1970, he became the subject of numerous television projects, including an ABC series titled “The American Sportsman” and a French documentary highlighting the work of conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton.

His larger-than-life presence inspired awe and admiration, making him a symbol of natural wonder and beauty.

A Call to Action

As Ahmed’s legend grew, it sparked a wave of activism and conservation efforts. Schoolchildren were particularly moved by his story, leading campaigns for his protection from poachers.

Their impassioned letters to President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta ultimately resulted in Ahmed being placed under presidential protection, marking a historic moment in Kenya’s conservation history.

The Legacy of Protection

President Kenyatta’s decree marked Ahmed as the first elephant in Kenya to receive such a level of official protection. Two dedicated security guards were assigned to watch over him day and night, ensuring his safety and well-being.

This act not only safeguarded Ahmed but also symbolized a broader commitment to preserving the country’s natural heritage.

A Lasting Tribute

After living a long and storied life, Ahmed passed away of natural causes at the age of 55. In honor of his enduring legacy, President Kenyatta ordered taxidermists to preserve Ahmed at the Nairobi National Museum, where he remains an emblem of Kenya’s commitment to conservation.

His presence serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting the natural world for future generations.

Ahmed the elephant’s journey from local legend to international icon and symbol of conservation is a testament to the profound impact of individual animals on our collective consciousness.

His story serves as a reminder of the power of nature to inspire and unite us in our efforts to protect and preserve the world around us.

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