Kenya Governance Magazine

Observers, stakeholders, delegates, participants and experts attending AFDB AGM at KICC met at Pacific Suites Hotel. The meeting was a side event of the AFDB AGM. The aim of the meeting was to describe the credit rating challenges and solutions. It also looked at the way African Governments can access credit solutions without being disadvantaged in the deals to access funding.  There was a study on the difference between good debt and bad debt. Good debt is whereby infrastructural developments come up and citizens access social services. On the other hand, bad debt is whereby no notable development is visible and corruption vices are reported.  There was a suggestion to review the process of credit ratings. Those who are experts on how credit ratings are calculated should teach the common citizens in a simple language. This way, the general population will have an idea on how such ratings work and how they affect them directly or indirectly. This can be done in collaboration w...

KWAL officials in attendance : KWAL MD, KWAL Head of Marketing, KWAL Commercial Director, Hunter's Choice Commercial Director and Hunter's Choice Brand Manager.  Hunter's Choice since it's inception in 1999 has become a market leader in the whisky category. The choice of venue for the launch, KWS Club House located within Nairobi National Park. We are hunters in nature but also urban hunters considering the urban setting surrounding the national park. The liquid hasn't changed, same taste, same ingredients, locally made. It makes us incredibly proud and proudly Kenyan.  The new pack is our dedication to excellence and commitment to a wonderful brand. It has been a fantastic story for Hunter's Choice in the whisky category. We are stepping out in boldness to capture the discerning consumer/ customer. 

The chief guest was Njenga Mingi from Interior Ministry. Other speakers were David Rono who is the CEO of Scrap Metal Council and Mark Murkomen who is head of security at Kenya Railways.  Vandalism of Kenya Power transformers. The oil in transformers purifies cooking oil which would otherwise be unusable due to repeated usage. Such oil is mostly used to cook chips leading to health issues after continuously consuming chips. Transformer oil has more carbons hence not easily digestible. There is also vandalism of toxic metals e g lead batteries. Vandalism in reality is a form of sabotage / terrorism. Vandalism can be won by involving members of the public. The cost of vandalism is that bridges are cut off, railway lines cut off, water supply cit off and electricity supply cut off.  What are the solutions proposed by Consumer Federation of Kenya? a) Engaging members of the public in the fight against vandalism. This is an aspect of prevention since less resources are used to prev...

  The strategic partnership launched  between Naivas and Visa on May 22nd will lead to improved loyalty cards for Naivas customers.  Naivas Supermarket is a Kenya home grown brand that has grown to become the largest supermarket chain in the country with over 100 branches nationally. The brand is available in most major towns and cities. This growth has neither stopped nor paused. It is like someone who keeps going up and up an endless staircase. The employment figures by the supermarket has an immediate effect of boosting Kenya's economy. The supermarket chain is also a major tax payer, hence indirectly contributing to infrastructure developments as well as services to the people.  Visa is a World leader in digital payments between consumers and merchants. It is spread across more than 200 countries globally, making it a major economic block on it's own.  Introduction of co-branded loyalty cards. The cards will still be used in the manner they have been used in...

  Standards as solutions for consumer protection. This is the main theme of the workshop. COPOLCO is involved in implenting ISO's London declaration. Such workshops are a statement that reflects the reality that ISO has grown a lot in Africa. 75% of the 170 member states are from developing countries.  The workshop will look at how promoting standards can help reduce waste and increase consumer choices. Consumers should be informed about processes in manufacturing and recycling of goods. Currently low levels of consumer representation are as a result of the following: Consumer groups are under-resourced since they are mainly volunteers. Limits resources affect the ability to participate actively. There is need to strengthen and facilitate consumer standards to ensure that all voices are heard. This is because there is value in consumer stakeholder participation.  The workshop aims at various intermediate outcomes: Value and relevance of ISO standard recognized. Participat...

  There was an opening speech by Ikechukwu Anoke, founder of Okosisi Colloquim. There were various agendas covered by all the other guests invited as speakers.  Intra-africa trade. Only 15% of trade in Africa is intra-africa trade. We should aim to increase it to 48%. Then globally, Africa trade accounts for only 3% of global trade. Production of raw materials without meaningful finished goods and agricultural produce without value addition. This has resulted to very limited income in African countries.  Tropical diseases affecting the vulnerable. We can't continue blaming colonialists only on historical injustices. The social economic status which is the gap between the rich and the poor should be narrowed. The recent doctor's strike in Kenya by doctors in public hospitals took almost two months to be resolved because those in charge of medical policies are using private medical care.   UBA Bank has a role to play in advancing African unity and growth. Start-up...

 Coca-cola has been in existence for 138 years worldwide. So as a company we understand the Kenyan challenges. We are also feeling the same struggle hencs kachingching campaign, the joy of sharing coke while winning big.  A chance to experience the magic of Coca-cola. Buy any glass bottle 200ml, 300ml, 500ml. Check under the crown and send code to 40111. Cash prizes range from Sh50 to Sh1,000,000 with instant prizes ranging from Sh50 to Sh10,000. There will be 13 lucky millionaires. The promotion will run across all brands: Coca-cola, Fanta, Sprite, Krest, Stoney and Novida. All millionaire winners will be taken through a financial literacy class to get them empowered on investment options. 

  CASIO opened it's first store in Mombasa by MD Takashi Seimiya while also celebrating 50th anniversary. It is also the second store in Kenya. CASIO Middle and East Africa, a subsidiary of CASIO Computer looks to tap into the market potential within Mombasa. It is located at Promenade Mall near Nyali, Mombasa.  Kenya's watch and jewellery market is growing fast, hence the need to open 2nd store to catch the wave. We continue producing amazing products as well as growing our market share. The creation of employment opportunities follow the store launch will greatly impact Mombasa.  In conclusion, CASIO opened it's first store in Nairobi and it became the learning curve for opening the 2nd store in Mombasa. With time more growth will take place across the country. We look forward to having more loyal customers to keep us in business. 

Organization for Southern Cooperation (OSC) is in consultation with scientists, artists, civil society and academia and is currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya. It was officially opened by SG of OSC, H.E Sheikh Manssour Bin Musallam. This is one of the regional consultations organized by Africa Regional Consultation (ARC). There are five thematic areas for consultation with education being the pillar. The recommendations from the break out sessions will presented to the summit of the south after having come up with key themes.  New epistemologies which is new knowledge will oversee coming up with new models. As much as academic / scientific knowledge is important, cultural / historic knowledge that hasn't been officially recognized is also important. This is the essence of transformative education that should reflect our national priorities. Examples: Before 1960's Africa does not exist. Before Islam, Arabs don't exist. America didn't exist before it was discovered in 1...

 As at Monday 13th May 2024, the National Land Commission (NLC) has approved the request by Homa Bay County for the development of new Homa Bay HQ. This building is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It was also made possible by the passing of the Homa Bay County Finance Act. This resulted to Homa Bay County Infrastructure Finance Fund Act of 2023. There is also a 532 acre parcel of land that will become the County economic zone. It will be leased out to investors.   The County has leased land to the CPF Group that will do all the developments. They will also refurbish the tourist facilities at the lake front and this will go a long way to boost tourism. Homa Bay County has indeed set the pace that other County Governments can follow. The NLC is indeed ready to facilitate similar transactions in other counties. The NLC has the mandate to secure and manage public land having been established in 2010.  On the other hand, CPF Group offers retirement benefi...

  The statement on the flooding situation was read by Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura. A total of 31 counties have experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Mombasa rainfall will get even heavier from 20th of May 2024. In some areas in Kisumu county, people use boatways to leave their houses and to go back. The unfavourable weather conditions have affected transport countrywide as some roads and bridges have been cut off.  The Government and developmental partners such as KEPSA foundation have done a lot in terms of assistance within Mathare. Magereza which is correctional services also has an assistance program. So far there are 257 deaths, 188 injured, 283,000 households and 47 cholera cases affected. 51 health facilities have also been married with water, making them inaccessible. 9,800 acres of crops have been destroyed leading to fears of food security in future. Railway lines have been affected leading to suspension of train services in Thika, Nanyuki, Nairobi ...

  Introduction  Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) brings Christian professionals  from diverse denominations across the country. The core values centre on family, religion, value-based education and governance. We stand for positive change in society using advocasy efforts that resonate with biblical principles.  What is a youth declaration? It is a declaration based on resolutions that have been agreed upon and it should not involve coercion from a higher force. The one passed at UN Civil Society although passed by youth, has a driving force behind it. We as youth, we refuse to be coerced by a higher force for it's own objectives rather than youth objectives. Ours is by the youth and for the youth, not for the objectives of another organization.  We are gathered here at a side event of UN Civil Society that was held from 9th to 10th May 2024 while our side event was held from 8th to 10th May 2024. We are the voice of the youth, we represent the youth w...

  Being the 39th day of clinical officers strike, clinical officers don't enjoy the strike as much as they would enjoy working. They are frustrated with the whole scenario even as patients who are now facing the spread of cholera.  The courts had directed the Government to dialogue with clinical officers but they decided to ignore. It is sad that the major stakeholder who is needed on the negotiating table has decided to mute. We have a case of a clinical officer employed by ministry of health and her contract ended in January this year. She carried on working without pay while waiting for absorption into permanent and pensionable terms and eventually died out of depression. She unfortunately committed suicide and even killed her child.  Mental health of clinical officers is a big challenge. They end up being drunkards and others end up committing suicide. There is however no comprehensive medical cover that can counter mental health issues. As part of the strike they are...

  AHF Background  AHF Kenya was registered as an NGO in Kenya in 2008 to run the following programs: HIV testing, ACT program, Boys 2 men program, management of HIV, TB and STI infections.  The Civil Society has stood ground together to speak out against the wrongs by WHO. Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) alongside other civil society organizations have spoke out against the proposal by WHO pandemic agreement. This is because it is mostly profit driven at the expense of global health. This is turning out to change WHO from a humanitarian organization to a commercial enterprise. This WHO proposal that we standing up against came into existence in April 16, 2024.  May 27th to June 1st 2024 during the World Health Assembly, UN members are expected to endorse the pandemic agreement. This means most of the poor will be highly affected by market forces. This goes against the spirit of humanitarian assistance which ought to be the cornerstone of WHO's foundation.  Lack...

  Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit scheduled for 7th to 9th May at KICC. The convenors include Africa Union, Government officials and Developmental partners.  Opening remarks by Director of Communications, Ministry of Agriculture. We need to find ways to double productivity of small scale producers. This should be the the aim of the summit.  Speech by PS, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.                                        As a country we are proud to be the 2nd AU member state to host the summit. It will be the largest agriculture forum to be held in Africa this year with 3 days of dialogue and learning from experts. Critical decisions will be made that will have far reaching consequences on the African continent. Our hospitality industry will benefit a lot during the duration of the summit. A declaration will be made similar to June 2006 in Ab...

 This launch involved using a stone to strike two birds at the same time. The launch was unveiling Sarah Hassan as the brand ambassador for Dettol skin care as well as the relaunch of Dettol skin care soap. Being a celebrated actress, Sarah deserves this role and her partnership with Dettol will result to the brand increasing it's dominant market share.  Within the hygiene and beauty industry, Dettol leads from the front in terms of innovation. There are usually continuous efforts in place to maintain this top position in the market in terms of quality.  Dettol skin care soap stands tall among many soap brands available in the Kenyan market. It is formulated with 2x moisturisers that leaves the skin feeling soft and healthy.