Tik Tok
Awards & RecognitionBusiness

Tik Tok Releases #YearonTikTok with Top Kenyan Tik Tok Creators 2022

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

The end of the year is fast approaching. For the community-driven entertainment destination, TikTok, the moment calls for a rewind – a retrospective look at the hottest moments and trends on the platform with #YearOnTikTok. The platform entered 2022 on a high note, reaching the 1-billion-user benchmark during the latter part of 2021.

These were the words of Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Programming Sub-Saharan Africa, who commented that: “what happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok – whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression, we’ve seen creators realizing tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform.”

Sidwaba says that this was true in instances where we saw creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw, and creative. But, we also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination for heart-warming humor.

“In the examples of the content our community enjoyed, this year lies a clear illustration of the fact that TikTok is for everyone, everywhere. This is something that we are proud of and will take into the new year as we continue to grow and develop as a platform for discovery, creativity, and community.”

TikTok Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Pappas said “We’re honored to celebrate our global community who shaped this year’s trends, shared new ideas, learned from one another, and turned their passions into careers and livelihoods throughout 2022. It’s been truly inspiring to see over a billion people around the world show their creativity and come together to experience joy and find a sense of belonging on TikTok”.

Now for the exciting stuff

Celebrating the #YearOnTikTok, TikTok puts the spotlight on the hottest, most happening TikTok trends of the past year. In no particular order, they are:

Breakthrough Stars: 2022’s groundbreaking creators, celebrities, and artists

The year had its fair share of emerging content creators who were destined for superstardom. Amongst these were talented vocalists, dancers, and other creators who used the platform to showcase their unique talents. We were both humbled and honored to see such a rich and diverse mix of talent coming through on the platform this year and really making it big. These were some of Kenya’s favorites:

  1. realmichaelbundi– Father and Son Perform, I Believe #fayezandbundi
  2. tukukantu– Sasa Hivi Video Out Now Performed by Tuku Kantu
  3. mooyadavid1– Surprising my niece!
  4. mummie_francie– Love is in the air. A welcome home dance for comic relief.
  5. dabon_shedrack– Kalekadance

FYFaves: The most popular videos of 2022

TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed provides users with a curated offering of content that is tailored to their unique browsing preferences. Every ‘For You’ feed is different, ensuring that TikTok users are served the content they want to see, when they want to see it. Check out the videos that made this year’s leading list on ‘For You’ feeds across Kenya:

  1. mulamwah– Nyumba imeleta shida
  2. jackie_matubia– Oops!
  3. profatecomedy– kids be like…
  4. mohalicious_ – My Goodness! Just use your hand at this point!
  5. omoshkizangila– Maisha ni yangu we shughulika na
  6. azz_iad– #greenscreenvideo lets protect our mental health
  7. iam_bojoo– Catch me if you can!

The Hitmakers in Kenya: Most viewed artists on TikTok

From homemade beats to golden oldies and musical classics, TikTok is the platform to be on if you want to keep abreast of the biggest movements on the music scene. The following were the artists that made it big on TikTok this year:

  1. Michael Bundi
  2. Zuchu
  3. Diamond Platnumz
  4. Bruno K
  5. Willy Paul
  6. Nandy
  7. Mbosso
  8. Wahu Kagwi
  9. Guardian Angel
  10. Timmy Tdat

The Playlist: The songs that soundtracked 2022

Music remained the mainstay of TikTok in 2022, with breakthrough artists using the platform to find their voice and the world’s most renowned singers, producers, and musical artists using the platform to showcase their latest and greatest. The following is a list of the music that trended on TikTok among Kenyan audiences:

  1. Nakupenda by Jay Melody
  2. Mtasubiri (feat. Zuchu) by Diamond Platnumz
  3. Fire by Zuchu
  4. Mi Amor (feat. Jovial) By Marioo
  5. Girlfriend by Ruger
  6. Sugar by Jay Melody
  7. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel & Tekno
  8. Kwikwi by Zuchu
  9. Rush by Ayra Starr
  10. Bingo Bango by Madini Classic

Only on TikTok: Trends powered by creative effects, sounds, and other product features

TikTok knows no limits when it comes to creativity, and its communities took theirs to new heights this year, powered by the tools and features that are unique to the platform. These were the videos that featured elements that are unique to TikTok:

  1. Let me pose for you now! – @georginanjenga
  2. SoftieCam By huseyincanxs Effect – @muniir_aqaa.10
  3. Waves Effect – @ro.salita
  4. Let’s get some color in there – @kilipaul
  5. How did that get here? –  @rashkaboy.2

Significant Little Communities: Popular subcultures and niche communities

One of the things that our users have come to know and love about TikTok is the enabling environment it provides for the emergence of niche communities and subcultures. These were some of the communities that captured the imagination of Kenyans this year:

  1. @kibraunited– African Football
  2. @edwardteco7– Showing off the skills – its #SportTok
  3. @kilipaul– Maasai brother and sister dance take on the Calm down song by Rema

TikTok Taught Me: Lessons and life hacks powered by TikTok trends and features

2022 saw TikTok being used to entertain and inspire, but also to inform. Its immense value as an educational platform was clear in the overwhelming popularity of videos that provided users with quick and easy life hacks and bite-sized lessons. These were some of the most popular videos in this category:

  1. @techytonics– Exel Autofill using shortcuts
  2. @thekunalshah.com– Websites that will help you with your business
  3. @ngurapoultrycare– Poultry farming for small-scale farmers
  4. @doctorreign– Contrary to popular belief Pneumonia isn’t caused by cold
  5. @theycallmedaktari– Doctor tips on how to clean and take care of your sexual reproductive organs

Eats on Repeat: #FoodTok trends and other favorites

On TikTok, nothing captures the hearts and minds of Kenyans more than food-related content, with pro chefs, amateur gastronomists, and all-around foodies taking to the platform to showcase their culinary creations. These were the recipes and food hacks that made it to the top of the menu:

  1. @theroamingchef– Comfort food at its best
  2. @tmd.kitchen– Breakfast ideas – Yummy
  3. @dida_snacks– Time for a Swahili Snack
  4. @penlopeanngaita– East way to make ox liver
  5. @kamwari_– Did you know you can use pilau masala on your fish?
  6. @foodloverstz– Let’s enjoy maini roast!

Best programmed TikTok LIVE

TikTok LIVE dominated the scene with some great LIVE music performances, social change discussions, and social events.

  1. Talking all things mental health – @azz_iad& @mentallyawareng
  2. #AfricanApron Live – Celebrating Africa Month  – @theroamingchef
  3. TikTok 4 Peace – Reducing the spread of misinformation  – @article19eaf
  4. #WeAreHere International Women’s Month Live – @nikita_kering
  5. Kibra United Gaming Experience – @kibraunited

Creator of the Year award: This is your chance to vote

Last but not least, for the first time ever, TikTok will be awarding content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through their inaugural TikTok #TopCreator2022 awards. For this momentous celebration, the platform is calling on all TikTok users throughout the region to vote for their favorite content creator who will stand a chance to be crowned TikTok #TopCreator2022 or #TopCreator2022 runner-up. Furthermore, the nominated creators will battle it out to earn the crown Creator of the Year title for the whole Sub-Saharan African region.

Public voting will open on TikTok from midnight on 16 December until 23:59 on 23 December. Nominees will be announced on the TikTok Africa newsroom.

Sidwaba concludes: “as a platform, we are going into 2023 strong, with a solid head start on the hottest topics and trends that are capturing the attention of the world and the country at large. We’re excited to find out what lies ahead and remain committed to developing TikTok in a way that provides a safe and secure online environment for self-expression, fun, and of course, fame. Here’s to another year of remarkable content.”

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From Copenhagen To Africa’s Top Hotel Brand: A History Of Radisson Blu
HospitalityTourism

From Copenhagen To Africa’s Top Hotel Brand: A History Of Radisson Blu

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

At the recent World Travel Awards, Radisson Blu took home the prestigious Leading Hotel Group in Africa award.The award is a validation of the work done by the group and its accelerated expansion across the continent over the past few years. But it’s also an important milestone in a journey that started more than 60 years ago, and which has seen Radisson Blu become an iconic hospitality brand around the globe, including on the African continent.

Along with the luxury Radisson Collection, Radisson, Radisson Red, Radisson Individual, and several other brands, Radisson Blu forms part of the Radisson Hotel Group. The group’s journey began in 1960 with the opening of the world’s first designer hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. That hotel, now the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, is still operating successfully.

“From those early beginnings, we’ve always tried to ensure that the hotels within the group set themselves apart,” says Tim Cordon, COO Middle East, and Africa – Radisson Hotel Group. “We always have, and will continue to, focus our work on delivering Memorable Moments, acting as a true host, and being the best partner.”

The Radisson Blu brand, meanwhile, emerged after SAS International Hotels signed a franchise agreement with Carlson Hotels to manage the Radisson brand in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in 1994. Initially known as Radisson SAS, the Radisson Blu brand was birthed in 2009. A year later, it became the largest upscale hotel brand in Europe.

Today, there are more than 380 Radisson Blu locations worldwide, all aiming to provide memorable moments by providing unparalleled service, comfort, and style while creating meaningful and memorable experiences.

We are continuously inspired by the innovation and enterprise we see throughout the continent, and we look forward to opening more hotels in the near future

The brand has an established presence in Africa, too, with what is now Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa opening at the dawn of the new Millennium. In the following years, it would continue to grow its presence across the continent, steadily building and expanding a substantial portfolio of properties.

“Our goal is always to create ‘more meaningful and memorable experiences in a stylish environment.’ In doing so, we recognize that our guests are traveling with a purpose and that it’s therefore important that we’re there to support them in even the smallest of ways. That commitment is as strong in Africa as it is in the rest of the world.” says Cordon

“We also look to ensure that our guests are inspired and connected with like-minded individuals,” Tim adds “We do so by creating and facilitating networking opportunities and keeping them mentally and physically nourished on a busy day. Our commitment to guests is also reflected in the design of our properties, creating a stylish environment that enables our great experiences. We’re always there to keep our guests inspired through our on-trend public space design features.”

In more recent years, Radisson Blu has significantly grown its African presence. Currently, the Radisson Blu brand has nearly 40 hotels on the continent, either in operation or under development. From Casablanca in the North to Cape Town in the South, with almost 8000 rooms.

“Africa is critical to the next phase of growth for both Radisson Blu and the Radisson Hotel Group as a whole,” Tim says. “We are continuously inspired by the innovation and enterprise we see throughout the continent, and we look forward to opening more hotels in the near future.”

“Our category win in the World Travel Awards validates everything we have done in Africa to date,” Cordon concludes. “It has also strengthened our determination to keep delivering the magical moments that Radisson Blu is renowned for to new and existing customers alike.”

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Health CS roots for adoption of modern technologies in healthcare delivery
HealthTechnology

Health CS Roots For Adoption Of Modern Technologies In Healthcare Delivery

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Health Cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha has underscored the significance of affordable and accessible medical equipment and associated technologies in healthcare delivery.

Speaking in Mombasa during the 13th Association of Medical Engineering of Kenya (AMEK) Scientific Conference and Exhibition, the CS said availability of efficient biomedical equipment remains key in the realization of the Universal Healthcare agenda even as she pledged to strengthen regulation of medical equipment in the country.

“We are developing an essential equipment list for the medical equipment in the country which will be an additional list to essential medicine list and Assistive Technology devices list to support standardization. This will ensure quality, appropriate technology as well as provide guidance for donations and proper disposal taking into consideration the potential effect on the environment.” Said Nakhumicha.

The CS lauded the efforts of Biomedical Engineers who she said are health workers providing a critical service to ensure reliable service delivery through the use of the right devises at the right calibration for diagnostics or treatment.

“Indeed, the need for increase in numbers of cancer centers, expansion of health infrastructure and COVID-19 pandemic opened our eyes to the inadequacies of our health system including the shortages in the numbers of biomedical engineers.” Observed the CS.

I urge the Association to work with KHPOA on matters regarding regulation

Nakhumicha added that the Ministry is working on ensuring that Biomedical Engineering profession is regulated like other professions in Ministry of Health.

“I have directed Kenya Health Professional Oversight Authority (KHPOA) to include all unregulated cadres under its umbrella and work with them to ensure their regulatory needs are catered for. I urge the Association to work with KHPOA on matters regarding regulation.” Added the CS.

Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, who was among those attending the event, acknowledged the important role Biomedical Engineers play in the health sector saying they contribute in the provision of quality healthcare.

According to AMEK Secretary General Engineer Millicent Alooh, biomedical Engineers should stay abreast of emerging technologies and equipment in the market in-order to effectively support service delivery.

The theme of this year’s conference is Embracing Innovations and Inventions in Healthcare Technology management post Covid -19 pandemic in low resource Countries.

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Awards & Recognition

President Ruto Most Influential African Leader: BCW’s Twiplomacy

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Kenya’s President Dr. William Ruto is the most influential African Leader on Twitter in 2022. This is according to the 2022 World Leader Power Ranking report from BCW’s Twiplomacy, a digital diplomacy initiative by the strategic communication agency, BCW Global.

Dr. Ruto, who ranks 13th globally and 3rd among the New World Leaders, is followed by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni as the second and third most influential leaders on the social networking platform in the continent. Globally, Ramaphosa and Museveni rank 18th and 29th respectively.

BCW’s Twiplomacy new ranking algorithm has been designed to identify what influence is on Twitter among a particular list of handles. Analyzing data from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, Twiplomacy’s algorithm assigned a tailored weighting to variables including mentions, tweets, retweets, reach, impressions, follower changes, likes, and follower count. It then applied additional variables such as gender, age, length of time in office, and others to further contextualize, compare and understand influence factors in the ranking.

At a time when new leadership at Twitter has made the future of digital diplomacy on the platform uncertain, one thing remains clear: You can’t take the social out of social media – even for politicians. The top three bring together big personalities, geopolitical clout, and a strong domestic following – all factors that determine a world leader’s influence on the platform.

What else determines a world leader’s success on Twitter? Authentic, human language; quick reaction times; and a sense of humor or flair – attributes that depart from the formality of traditional diplomacy. Top-ranked leaders in the report – from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (rising six places into the top 10) to Chilean President Gabriel Boric (breaking into the top 10 in his first year in office) – have engaged audiences with shorter, more emotional content. While President Zelenskyy’s rise is driven in part by widespread support for Ukraine in the wake of war, if this ranking had been released a year earlier, he’d still make the top 15, in part because of his distinctive, raw Twitter personality and skillful use of the platform.

Globally, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was revealed as the most influential world leader, followed by U.S. President Joe Biden and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In terms of age, at an average of 58 years, Twiplomacy’s top 10 are two years younger than the average world leader. The analysis found that younger leaders are more likely to communicate with followers using emojis, with the top five under 50 years old using more than the overall top five, including favorites (strength),  (sunglasses),  (party), and  (fire).

Jillian Stead Jones, Director & Digital Adviser for Twiplomacy said, “Our proprietary algorithm uncovered engagement metrics like retweets as the indicators contributing most to influence, which also power a leader’s reach. This signals a shift from the popularity contest of the last decade to a more earned approach, powered by people – and to some extent, an updated algorithm that rewards active participation over passive consumption.”

BCW’s Twiplomacy has been tracking the changes in digital diplomacy, conducting international affairs through digital channels since 2012. Digital diplomacy is now one of the most essential forums for international affairs and has revolutionized global communications, creating new, direct channels of dialogue between the biggest geopolitical entities and the people they serve.

To read the full Twiplomacy 2022 World Leaders Power Ranking and learn more about what world leaders are doing to stand out on Twitter, visit Twiplomacy.com or follow @Twiplomacy on Twitter.

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BusinessTechnology

TradeMark East Africa, AfricaNenda Partner To Create Digital-Related Solutions

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

AfricaNenda and TradeMark East Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to collaborate towards creating digital-related solutions that will enhance financial inclusion across Eastern Africa trade environment.

Intra-African trade is expected to increase as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area accelerates; therefore, there is a need for digital innovations that will enhance capital flows across borders to spur trade and wealth creation.

TradeMark and AfricaNenda will contribute in this regard, envisioning innovations that will contribute to inclusive, faster, safer, and greener trade and reduce the costs and time of trading across borders for big and small businesses.

Specifically, the two organizations will generate ideas and design solutions and projects to increase transparency and accountability in trade transactions, reduce business transaction time and cost, and enhance collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector trade actors.

 AfricaNenda Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Ochola and TradeMark’s Chief Executive Officer, David Beer, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organizations.

The MOU signing comes at a time when TradeMark is retrofitting its programming with a big shift towards digitalization of trade and transport corridors, green corridors, commercializing some of its initiatives and positioning to support the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area in a wider continental context to enhance continent’s export competitiveness.

TradeMark is best known for contributing to the reduction of time and costs of trading along East Africa’s main trade and transport corridors through facilitating National Single Windows, One Stop Border Posts, modern Custom Systems (iCMS for Kenya Revenue Authority, Asycuda for Uganda and Rwanda Revenue Authorities among others), support to women cross border traders, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam port enhancements.

Speaking at the signing event, TradeMark CEO, David Beer said, “this partnership complements our work in digitising trade and transport corridors. We hope to devise solutions that will benefit SME’s in enabling them scale up their businesses for export competitiveness.”

On his part, AfricaNenda CEO Dr. Robert Ochola said, “By joining forces with TradeMark, we will offer impactful and sustainable solutions to help African businesses. We will leverage the AfCTA and EAC protocols to support the digitization of capital and related payments transfers by building payment infrastructure rails that will empower traders in the East Africa Community market.

TradeMark and AfricaNenda will capitalize on their respective competitive advantages to achieve the agenda of growing trade in Africa through more available, accessible, affordable, inclusive, and simple financial services in the region and on the African continent.

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AfricaBusiness

Africa Data Centre to increase 15MW in Nairobi Sameer Facility

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Pan African Data Center, Africa Data Centres has acquired extra land for expansion of its Sameer facility in Nairobi by up to 15 megawatts (MW) of IT load.

This move has been attributed to the increase in demand for the adoption of digital services in the East African regions hence a need to provide five times the current capacity.

The new center is set up, to begin with, 5Mw of IT load and will be built on the company’s modular design, including all critical plant rooms, prefabricated off-site to ensure the highest possible quality. Most of the construction is set to be done by local contractors as it is presumed to be ready by early 2024.

“Colocation has become the foundation of African digital transformation and will be for the foreseeable future,” Cassava Technologies Group President & CEO Hardy Pemhiwa said.

Additionally, the expansion will allow Africa Data Centre clients to grow and scale depending on their requirements. Urging that they are capable of starting small, increasing to a medium capacity, and even benefiting from a hyper-scale type of deployment in a few years if they choose to.

“This is very reassuring for customers, as it brings a lot of synergies by enabling them to operate multiple deployments across Africa Data Centres sites with a single operations team and a campus and infrastructure, they are familiar with,” says Africa Data Centres CEO Tesh Durvasula.

Customers haven’t been left out as they are set to also benefit from fast access to the cloud and managed services within the diverse ecosystem and increased external network options, thanks to Africa Data Centres’ extensive connectivity partners.

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BusinessFinance & Banking

CBK Reintroduces Mobile Money & Bank Accounts Transaction Charges

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has today announced the reintroduction of charges for transactions between mobile money wallets and bank accounts.

The charges were waived in 2020 as part of the emergency measures to cushion Kenyans and to facilitate use of mobile money in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new charges by CBK are significantly lower than those that were applied before and will be effective after January 1, 2023.

“While COVID-19 adversely impacted people’s livelihoods and businesses, mitigation measures enabled the payments ecosystem to protect vulnerable Kenyans, support businesses, and strengthen economic resilience,” read part of the statement by CBK.

According to the report by CBK, the payments ecosystem expanded significantly. Between March 2020 and October 2022;

Also as a result,
• The number of Kenyans actively using mobile money increased by over 6.2 million.

• The monthly volume and value of P2P transactions increased from 162 million transactions worth Ksh.234 billion, to 440 million transactions worth Ksh.399 billion, an increase of 171 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

• The monthly volume and value of transactions between PSPs and banks increased from 18 million transactions worth about Ksh.157 billion, to over 113 million transactions worth Ksh.800 billion, an increase of 527 percent and 410 percent, respectively.

CBK noted that the outcome confirms that the mitigation measures were timely and effective, and resulted in significant benefits across the financial system.

The resumption of revised charges is aimed at building on these gains, facilitate a transition towards sustainable growth of the mobile money ecosystem, and ensuring affordability of payment services for Kenyans.

“Following consultations with PSPs and banks, CBK has reviewed the applicable maximum charges for transactions between mobile money and bank accounts, and their alignment to the Pricing Principles,” said the CBK

The reintroduced charges have the following elements:

  • The revised maximum charges for transfers from bank accounts to mobile money wallets will be reduced by on average of 61 percent, and mobile money wallet to bank account by an average of 47 percent.
  • Tariffs for paybills that are used to collect and disburse funds by businesses, companies, and institutions such as schools, utilities, etc, will be reduced by an average of 50 percent.
  • The charges levied by banks for bank to mobile money transactions will be reduced by an average of 45 percent.
  • The revised charges for bank to wallet and wallet to bank transactions will be announced by respective PSPs and banks and will be effective from January 1, 2023.

CBK also reiterated its commitment to facilitate emergence of a payments ecosystem that works for and with Kenyans.

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Hyundai Dream Center
BusinessTech

Hyundai Dream Center Kenya Empowering Young People in Automotive Industry

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Plan International Kenya has partnered with consortium members National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)-Athi River and Salvador Caetano Kenya Limited in accomplishing the Hyundai Dream Center Kenya. It’s a three-year project funded by Hyundai Motor Company-Korea which supports young people between the ages of 18-26.

The Hyundai Dream Center commenced in 2021 and has currently overseen the training of up to 150 learners who have been equipped with demand-driven skills and employability skills for the automotive industry. Hyundai Dream Center Kenya is the newest dream center in the world after others in Ghana, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Peru, and Indonesia.

Automotive Industry has for a while been majorly dominated by male workers as the perception implied wasn’t well embraced by the women and girls to enter the sector for employment. Out of the 150 trained personnel by Hyundai Dream Center, 68 are girls and more girls and women are urged to enter this field.

According to Hellen Ndegwa from NITA Athi River, the transition being undergone currently is impressive and inspirational having girls and women enter this motor vehicle auto electrics. “I have been in this industry for a decade now and earlier on I was alone most of the time in the sectors, garages, and workshops but this has changed a lot lately as the girls and women are increasing within the auto electrics motor sector,” said Hellen Ndegwa.

The vision of the Hyundai Dream Center is embedded in increasing access to demand-driven skills and decent jobs for young men and women in Kenya. Thereby offering young people demand-driven technical and non-technical skills in motor vehicle electrics which are some of the drivers to securing decent jobs for young people.

“Some of the main reasons for high unemployment rates is the mismatch between trained skills in the institutions and the jobs available on the market. Hereby Hyundai Dream Center seeks to ease acquiring of life skills and behavioral skills for the young people enabling their fitting into the jobs,” said George Kamau Director of Program Strategy, Development and Innovation, PLAN International.

Trainees undergoing their lessons at NITA-Athi River

Based on the reports from KNBS, George Kamau emphasized the need to address the unemployment rates, citing that up to 5.7 million young people are unemployed in Kenya, amongst whom girls and women suffer more.

Hereby girls and women are urged to embrace and join the training at NITA-Athi River as it equips trainees with life skills of the 21st Century that make them eligible for the labor markets that are consistently evolving.

According to one of the trainees, the program has enabled her to learn skills of operating the auto electric cars both automatic and Hybrid as she fits in the job market bearing her skills and the advancement of auto motors. “As we enter this so-called male-dominated sector, there is a need for us to relate with the men and cooperate to build more productivity and grow both physically, mentally, and skill-wise. It’s an industry for both of us to make a living from with dedication and determination it’s all possible,” she said.

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NewsTourism

5 Mountain Bongos Released To The Wild In Bongo Breeding & Rewilding Program

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Five more critically endangered Mountain Bongos have been successfully released into the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary. 

In line with the Government of Kenya’s Mountain Bongo National Recovery and Action Plan (2019-2023), the program aims to have 40-50 fully rewilded mountain bongos by 2025 and 750 by 2050.

Rewilding is a process of providing suitable conditions that allow the wildlife originally under human care or degrade to regain their wild instincts (for animals) or for an area to regain its natural vegetation cover through succession. Therefore, translocation is a step to rewild, but does not necessarily mean that animals translocated have been rewilded till they completely regain their wild instincts for free survival.

In March 2022, the first 5 mountain bongos to have ever been rewilded were successfully released into the sanctuary. The new release brings the total number of rewilded Bongos in 2022 to 10.

The Bongos were released between Friday 25th November and Thursday 1st December, in an intricate procedure that involved selection, capture and translocation, and post-release monitoring to ensure their safe welfare in this sanctuary.

Since the release of five Bongos in March 2022, the sanctuary has already registered one wild bongo birth providing further incentive that the first animals have fully settled in their new home in the wild since the program began.

5 more Mountain Bongos released to the wild in Bongo breeding and rewilding program

5 more Mountain Bongos released to the wild in Bongo breeding and rewilding program

The translocation was overseen by Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), who are the government agency supporting  the Mountain Bongo Breeding and Rewilding program.

The rewilding follows a record-breaking loss of wildlife populations in the region due to habitat loss, poaching and disease. According to last year’s National Wildlife Census in Kenya, less than 100 Mountain Bongos are left living naturally in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) predicts that this number will likely continue to decline unless deliberate action is taken to address these threats.

The Mountain Bongo is associated with the montane forests in the Kenya highlands and is recorded to have become extinct in Kenya in 1995; As of January 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Mountain Bongo as critically endangered.   

Through the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s  dedicated conservation work spanning over two decades, Kenya now provides global leadership in efforts to prevent the extinction of this special antelope. This entails, among other activities, ecosystem restoration work in close collaboration with the Mount Kenya local communities.

5 more Mountain Bongos released to the wild in Bongo breeding and rewilding program

5 more Mountain Bongos released to the wild in Bongo breeding and rewilding program

“The Mountain Bongo breeding program started in 2004. Our intention is to breed the Bongos and prime the animals for survival in the wild. said Dr Robert Aruho, Head of Conservancy at MKWC 

We can’t do without our environment. We hear about climate change, how does this come about? It happens when we become poor stewards of our environment. This includes the management of wildlife and its habitats. To sustain our efforts, we must make interventions in the communities that address these challenges.” 

“At Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, we have the Bongo program. Currently we are doing the Bongo rehabilitation having set up the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary which was officially launched in the year 2022. For this program we are trying to see how to rewild the semi-captive Mountain Bongo which currently exist within MKWC,” said Dr. Isaac Lekolool, Head Veterinary Services at KWS

“We currently have 10 Bongos within the Sanctuary and our plan is to introduce 5 individuals after every 6 months until we get a good population in the rewilding Sanctuary.”

We have teams that are well trained, and we have set up camera traps to do remote monitoring so that we don’t interfere with the animal’s natural movements to monitor these animals are doing well after translocation” added Dr. Lekolool

“We are part of the breeding program in collaboration with MKWC. A lot of wildlife issues require veterinary intervention, and we are here to conserve Mountain Bongos. We need qualified vets and animal species specialists on our teams to rewild the Bongos,” said Dr. Dominic Mijele, Senior Wildlife Veterinary Officer at KWS,

‘The drugs required to rewild the Bongos are not readily available in Kenya, but with support from KWS and Sheldrick Trust, we are able to get the meds we need to safely rehabilitate these animals, conservation is important as wildlife is a part of our heritage.”  concluded Dr. Mijele

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Health CS Outlines Healthcare Agenda In Meeting with Ministry of Health Staff
HealthNews

Health CS Outlines Healthcare Agenda In A Meeting with Ministry of Health Staff

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has pledged to spearhead a people-centered approach to healthcare delivery in the country.

Speaking on Monday during a meeting with all staff at the ministry, the health CS said there was need for a balanced, holistic and people-centered approach in the management of services if the country is to realize its healthcare agenda.

The health CS committed to streamline operations at the ministry to harmonize them with the government’s health agenda even as she pledged to look into the grievances of staff

“I urge you to be customer focused, faithfully observe respective professional codes of conduct and adhere to all government directives and regulations,” she challenged members of staff.

The health CS committed to streamline operations at the ministry to harmonize them with the government’s health agenda even as she pledged to look into the grievances of staff.

“The issues raised including that of human resource are not matters we can’t surmount. The issues will be addressed progressively.” Pledged Nakhumicha.

She said the ministry is in the process of aligning its operations with the Executive order 01 of 2022 that defines the functions of the ministry of health.

Present during the meeting was principal secretary state department for medical services Engineer Peter Tum, state department for health standards and professional management principal secretary Dr. Josephine Mburu, acting director general for health Dr. Patrick Amoth and head of the various directorates at the ministry of health

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