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Author: Claire Wanja

  • Kenyan wins at 2023 Global IT Challenge

    Kenyan wins at 2023 Global IT Challenge

    Kenyan Marian Sharifa was among the winners at the finals of the 2023 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC 2023) hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE, by LG Electronics.

    The five-day Challenge sought to strengthen the IT capabilities of youth with disabilities and bridge the digital divide.

    Sharifa was the co-winner of the esteemed Super Challenger award, together with Ethiopian Elias Bobe. Muhammad Naazir Danesh from Malaysia took the overall award.

    This was the first time in four years that the competition was held offline, and it saw461 youth with disabilities from 18 different countries compete in a total of six, diverse IT challenges.

    The challenges included the two-part eTool challenge, a test of participants’ skill creating presentation slides and utilizing spreadsheets; the eLifeMap challenge, an assessment of one’s ability to conduct text and image searches online; the eContent challenge, an evaluation of video production and editing capabilities; and the eCreative challenge, which tasked entrants with coding a self-driving car program and developing an idea for a technology that improves quality of life for persons with disabilities.

    Established in 2011 to help young people with disabilities become more proficient in information and communication technologies (ICT) and support them to develop the confidence and practical tools needed to fully engage in society, the 2023 GITC was hosted by LG Corporation, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi, and organized by LG, Zayed Higher Organization, UAE and the GITC Organizing Committee.

    To date, more than 5,000 youth with disabilities from 40 countries have taken part in GITC. The competition continues to serve as a springboard for youth with disabilities, with many former participants going on to careers in IT-related fields and other areas of business.

    Historically, most GITC participants have come from countries within Asia, including South Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand. This year, however, GITC grew in diversity, playing host to youth from countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya, for the first time.

    During the event, LG introduced the contestants to its Universal UP Kit in a dedicated exhibition space next to the competition venue. The kit, unveiled for the first time at IFA 2023, is a collection of innovative home appliance accessories and add-ons designed to make usage easier for everyone, regardless of gender, age or disability.

    “GITC is the perfect platform for young people with disabilities seeking to communicate with the world through IT, transcending barriers in terms of ability, religion and nationality,” said Yoon Dae-sik, senior vice president of External Relations at LG Electronics.

    “We will continue to support youth with disabilities through GITC and encourage them to keep on pursuing their dreams.”

     

  • Nairobi Safari Club inks management deal with Swiss-Belhotel International

    Nairobi Safari Club inks management deal with Swiss-Belhotel International

    On the eve of its 40th anniversary, the Nairobi Safari Club has signed a management partnership deal with global hotel operator Swiss-Belhotel International to manage the iconic all-suite hotel in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya.

    The management partnership with Nairobi Safari Club is part of Swiss-Belhotel International’s Africa portfolio expansion strategy for the Hong Kong-based global hotel management group that focuses on the unique fusion of Swiss hospitality professionalism with Asian passion for service.

    Located at the 16-storey Lilian Towers, Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel owned by local hospitality investment firm Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Ltd, is Nairobi’s only all-suite hotel and stands out as a landmark in the Central Business District (CBD) area, thanks to its award-winning architectural design.

    As part of the strategic partnership, the four-star hotel established in 1984 by the late Kenyan Businessman and MP Stanley Munga Githunguri, will be rebranded as Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel.

    Speaking when they jointly confirmed the partnership, Directors of Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Ltd, Ms Clare Njeri Githunguri and Ms Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri, said plans are underway to revamp the facilities and service offering of the Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel.

    While paying tribute to their father’s legacy, Ms Clare Njeri Githunguri and Ms Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri said the partnership with Swiss-Belhotel has been undertaken in keeping with the Honourable Stanley Munga Githunguri’s vision that Nairobi Safari Club be a premier hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

    “We are pleased to announce the management partnership with Swiss-Belhotel International, one of the global hotel operators who share in our dream and passion for delivering a world-class city hotel,” Ms Clare Njeri Githunguri and Ms Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri said.

    They added, “The overall revamp and uplift of the product and services at Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel will be executed in line with Swiss-Belhotel International’s 36-year-old expertise and its philosophy of “Passion and Professionalism™.”

    The partnership, including international marketing business management and talent development, comes hot on the heels of the recent naming of Nairobi as the best city destination globally in the just released Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024.

    Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel boasts 146 rooms, ranging from studio and panorama rooms to executive and presidential suites. It offers extensive conferencing facilities, including a 300-guest capacity grand ballroom.

    The hotel also features a unique outdoor pool, a spa (with sauna and massage therapy), a modern and fully equipped gym. Other amenities include a well-stocked bar, two restaurants, round-the-clock room service, complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, and secure private car parking facilities for hotel guests.

    On his part, Swiss-Belhotel International’s Chairman and President, Mr. Gavin M. Faull, stated, “As the tourism industry continues to grow in Africa, we are seeing an increased appetite for our world-class brands from hotel owners in the continent. Our accelerated growth trajectory in Nairobi reflects our confidence in the Kenyan market.”

    Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President of Operations and Development, EMEA & India, and Senior Vice President of Group Human Resources and Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “This is a significant milestone for us. With an eye on the changing market dynamics, we are strategically building our portfolio to inspire more guests to experience our brands and hotels. Nairobi Safari Club’s iconic status and Swiss-Belhotel International’s operational excellence will undoubtedly create a unique hospitality offering in the heart of Nairobi.”

  • Kenyans asked to brace for heavy rainfall for the next three months

    Kenyans asked to brace for heavy rainfall for the next three months

    The weather outlook for the next three months indicates that most parts of the country will experience above-average rainfall, driven by the current El Nino conditions in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific coupled by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) that continues to strengthen.

    The Kenya Meteorological Department says during the season, the North Eastern region and the Central highlands are expected to receive elevated probabilities of the rainfall received.

    “This enhanced rainfall will be as a result of El Nino conditions in the Pacific Ocean while the IOD is positive in Indian ocean, hence the expected enhanced rainfall in November,” says the statement signed by the Deputy Director of Meteorological Services, Kennedy Thiong’o.

    The weatherman further warns that, in some parts of the country, the rains will continue into January 2024, “, it’s important to note that the actual rainfall amounts can vary from year to year, depending on the strength of the El Nino event,” says Thiong’o and adds, “Rainfall cessation is likely to occur in several parts of the country in January 2024.”

    According to the forecast, there is a significant risk of isolated storms developing, “and this weather pattern may lead to flooding in both areas prone to flooding, like the flood plains and locations with inadequate drainage systems, especially in urban settings,” says Thiong’o and adds, “Riverbanks are also susceptible to overflow, and flash floods can occur, primarily in regions with low-lying terrain such as Northeastern and Northwestern areas, the Southeastern lowlands, the Coastal region, Lake Victoria Basin, and segments of the Central and South Rift Valley.”

    In order to safeguard lives and property, the weatherman is urging the public to refrain from venturing on foot or by vehicle through flooded areas or  attempting to cross swollen rivers. There is also need to avoid walking through open spaces, sheltering under trees or sitting next to windows with metallic window panes during a rainfall downpour, to avoid lightning strikes.

    Areas most affected by lightning include; the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley and Western parts of the country, notably in areas like Kisumu, Narok, Kisii, Nandi, Kakamega, West Pokot and Bungoma, specifically, Mt. Elgon areas.

    The public is also cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or near metallic structures, particularly during rainy conditions adding that there is a possibility of landslides and mudslides over parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Central and South Rift Valley as well as parts of Southeastern lowlands.

    Thiong’o says that there is a potential risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases due to water source contamination resulting from flooding and the presence of stagnant water, which can serve as breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes.

    He further adds that, intermittent flash floods could result in the distraction of transportation infrastructure, “particularly in regions including the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, Tana River Basin, Northeastern, and sections of the Southeastern lowlands,” he says and adds, “Reduced visibility caused by the weather conditions may lead to a rise in road, marine, and aviation accidents,” and motorists are advised to take caution while driving in rainy conditions to minimize road accidents

    The weatherman is advising the public to take advantage of the increased rainfall and adopt rainwater harvesting and storage practices.

    The increased inflow into hydropower reservoirs is expected to boost hydropower generation and contribute to groundwater recharge for geothermal power production.

    “However, it’s important to note that this heightened rainfall, along with accompanying winds, may lead to disruptions in power supply, potentially resulting in social and economic losses and damage to transmission infrastructure,” says Thiong’o in the seasonal weather update.

  • Media Leaders attend the “Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators” Forum 2023

    Media Leaders attend the “Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators” Forum 2023

    Digital transformations, AI, business models and the future of media in Africa among topics explored.

    Media, business, government, technology, and community leaders from across Africa and internationally have gathered in Cape Town, South Africa for this year’s annual Africa Business Media Innovators (ABMI) forum.

    The convening brings together a cross section of leaders to explore innovative approaches to fostering a vibrant media sector in Africa.

    Co-hosted by M. Scott Havens, CEO, Bloomberg Media, Matthew Winkler, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Bloomberg News, and Erana Stennett, Corporate Philanthropy Middle East and Africa, Bloomberg, the ABMI forum runs from October 30 – November 1.

    Focusing on the ideas and business solutions that can contribute to the future of media and journalism in Africa, the forum has brought together a range of speakers including media owners, Senior Editors, Business leaders, government offices, community leaders and philanthropic organizations from over 10 countries.  Participants will hear from speakers on a range of topics from the influence of AI and digital technologies on media in Africa, to the future of work in the newsroom and the sustainability of legacy publications across the continent.

    Day one concluded with a Gala Dinner at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, followed by a private tour of Mary Evans’ exhibition ‘GILT’, led by Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director, and Chief Curator, Zeitz MOCAA.

    Speaking at ABMI, George Anders, Top Writing Voice, LinkedIn, said LinkedIn’s vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce — and the possibilities opening up in Africa are extraordinary. Forums such as Africa Business Media Innovators are a vital way of building connections and fostering progress in areas that range from educating and informing new audiences to supporting more Africans into jobs.”

    LaSharah Bunting, CEO, Online News Association, said: “Media continues to evolve with the needs and development of our readers, watchers, and listeners. As our viewers have changed, so too have our ways of working. I look forward to discussing how newsrooms harness the opportunities of our evolving media landscape, while also tackling some of the most pressing challenges, such as misinformation and fake news.”

    Thembisa Fakude, CEO, Mail & Guardian, said: “While technological innovation is providing huge opportunities for African media to open its reporting to a wider audience, we must be mindful of the risks that come with this, particularly around misinformation.  Given the pace of this technological revolution, it’s crucial that the news industry comes together to discuss how we continue creating a vibrant and responsible news industry that informs the public while supporting economic growth right across the continent.”

    Danai Gurira, Actress, Playwright, Activist, Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, said: “Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for changing perception of Africa and allowing a complex, rich self exploration of its history and unique culture. It’s boundless possibilities to give Africa it’s own voice is what brought me to writing and acting, and I seek to connect with other innovators to share ideas and discuss solutions for taking Africa’s creative industry to the next level.”

    Dr. Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey & Company, Africa, commented: Africa is on the brink of an economic revolution. But to realise our potential we need true collaboration across sectors and industries. Convenings like this are essential to unlocking our potential and propelling Africa forward into this new economic era.”

    Moky Makura, Executive Director, Africa No Filter, commented: “Victoria Falls wasn’t discovered, it was there already.  Likewise African creativity and creatives have always been here. The difference is that now, our cultural influence is being recognized globally.  It’s the platform from which a whole new generation is experiencing Africa. The magic is in our music, film, fashion, food and art …and we need to continue to use these assets to craft fresh, compelling narratives that capture Africa’s unique offering to the world”.

    Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa, Co-Founder and CEO, Rappler, noted:  “We can’t have democracy without a free press. Journalists hold power to account. A free press is the one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure we can hold those in power to account. I look forward to the forum to discuss how we continue building a fair and transparent media ecosystem that delivers reliable news, enabling consumers and businesses alike to make better informed decisions.”

    Leonard Stiegeler, Investor and founder, Pulse, said: “Africa continues to have great potential for commercial investment in the digital space. With 70% of its population under 30 years of age and as the world’s fastest growing economic region, there are relevant opportunities for impactful fintech, greentech and other innovations originating from here. I’m excited to engage with investors and operators wanting to do more on the continent”.

    Dr. Brook Taye, Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, said: “Infrastructure investments and new technologies are driving change in our region at an unprecedented pace. Bloomberg’s Africa Business Media Innovators Forum will tackle some of the most relevant and intriguing policy issues that affect Ethiopia and the continent. I look forward to discussing and listening to panelists how the industry can find actionable solutions to our most pressing problems.”

    The annual event forms part of the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA), a pan-African program launched by Michael R. Bloomberg in 2014. The initiative is designed to advance business journalism in Africa and accelerate development of a globally competitive media and financial reporting industry. The program delivers cross-disciplinary educational programs and mid-career fellowships to increase the number of highly trained business and financial journalists, as well as supporting research to stimulate new media innovations. It is also designed to convene leaders to promote interactive dialogue and build strong relationships to enhance the quality of financial coverage and the availability of reliable and timely data on the continent.

    Earlier this month, Bloomberg expanded its executive education program in business and financial journalism, BMIA Financial Journalism Training (FJT), to Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

    Offering the program in French for the first time, more than 100 delegates joined the new training cohorts. This follows the successful implementation of the program in Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. To date, the FJT program has reached 800 participants from 16 countries across the Continent.

  • AFIDEP urges govt to invest in human capital for a prosperous Kenya

    AFIDEP urges govt to invest in human capital for a prosperous Kenya

    A Senior Policy Research Analyst at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) has called on the Kenyan government to invest in human capital by skilling and reskilling the youth if the continent is to harness her demographic dividend.

    Speaking in Nairobi during a panel discussion on the State of Kenya Population Report and the State of the World Population Report 2023, Dr Bernard Onyango said planning and investing in education and skills development in high school and at tertiary level will make a difference for the country.

    “The continent’s growing youthful population may not yield the expected dividends if deliberate actions to develop their human capital are not taken serious,” he said.

    Onyango said the population growth rate in the country has been coming down because couples have opted for smaller families. On average, today, families are having 3 to 4 children, contrary to the situation as it was in 1970s when families had as high as 6 to 8 children.

    “Today, the proportion of people under 15 years old has come down from 43 per cent to about 39 per cent over the last 10 years. This means that we are reducing dependency burden. However, for us to maximize the dividend, we have to make the right investments in human capital development and make sure that more youths are in employment,” added Onyango.

    Onyango said there are alot of people in the working ages who still stay with their parents up to the age of 30 years. “This is still a burden that has to be reduced. In developed countries when people are 20 years old they are independent,” added Onyango.

    He emphasized on investment on the education, vocational training and the youth.

    “Kenya for example, is working on serious reforms in the education sector. The country’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and its investments in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) will without doubt skill the and enable them earn a living,” added Onyango.

    However Onyango reiterated that there is still a challenge around the quality of education offered in the country and called for urgent need to address the challenge.

    “We have to keep in mind the demographic transition across the country. There are still some Counties that are where we were in the 1970s, so the progress is uneven and we have to pay attention to that,” added Onyango.

    According to the State of the World Report which is published annually The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Kenya is projected to have 70 million people in 2045 and 80 million by 2050. According to Onyango, the country needs to begin planning for this huge jump in numbers.

  • Section of Uhuru Highway to be closed for three days- KeNHA

    Section of Uhuru Highway to be closed for three days- KeNHA

    The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of Uhuru Highway from Haile Selassie to Bunyala roundabouts on Mombasa Bound lanes for three days.

    In a statement Thursday, KeNHA said that the closure was to allow for the highway maintenance along the section.

    The section of the road will be closed from Thursday October 19, 2023 to Saturday October 21, 2023 both days inclusive.

    Motorists heading towards Mombasa Road are advised to exit at Haile Selassie roundabout, and share the Nairobi Bound carriageway with the other Nairobi Bound traffic, and rejoin Mombasa Bound carriageway at Bunyala roundabout.

    Motorists have been also been advised to approach this section with caution and follow traffic signs and guidance as directed by traffic marshalls and police.

  • Bolt increases fares to cushion drivers from soaring fuel prices

    Bolt increases fares to cushion drivers from soaring fuel prices

    Bolt has revised its fare prices to cushion drivers from high fuel prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

    In Nairobi, the increased prices have been effected in all categories with the base fare ranging from Ksh. 70 and Ksh. 100 across the Economy, Base, Boda and XL categories.

    The minimum fare has also been increased, with a range of Ksh. 200 and Ksh. 250 across the categories.

    Bolt has also increased per kilometre pricing and introduced a long distance rate.

    Linda Ndungu, Country Manager, said: “At Bolt, the interests of our driver community remain at the heart of our business and we truly believe that happy drivers provide better quality service for customers. As such, we have adjusted our pricing to mitigate the rising fuel costs. This adjustment reaffirms our commitment to offering top earnings for drivers on our platform, and to remain the preferred, cost-effective choice for our customers.”

    Price changes will also be implemented across all categories in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Naivasha and Mt. Kenya region.

     

  • Kenya Power says hitch affecting purchase of prepaid tokens

    Kenya Power says hitch affecting purchase of prepaid tokens

    The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) says it is experiencing a hitch on its prepaid system which has caused delays in the generation of electricity tokens..

    In a statement Thursday, the lighting company said it was working to restore normalcy within the shortest time possible.

    “We are experiencing a glitch in the prepaid system, which is affecting the generation of electricity tokens. We are working to restore normalcy within the shortest time possible,” the notice read.

    “We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

    Many Kenyans had on Thursday taken to various social media platforms to highlight their plight.

    @kenkimani_90:@KenyaPower_Care I’m unable to purchase token using the Paybill 888880. This error message. “Transaction failed, M-PESA cannot complete payment of Ksh2000.00 to KPLC PREPAID. The Organization’s system receiving the payment experienced some technical challenges, try again later.”
    @Gaichuhie_ Hi @KenyaPower_Care I bought tokens for Mtr no. 14286634184 yesterday. I am yet to receive them. Help
    @AndrewKiboi I woke up and find my tokens had expired but tried several times since four am upto now it can’t purchase.
    @KevinBryan006 @KenyaPower_Care what’s the issue with buying tokens. I haven’t received the token message after buying via mpesa.
  • NTSA asks motor vehicle owners to collect new number plates

    NTSA asks motor vehicle owners to collect new number plates

    The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is asking motor vehicle owners who have received SMS notifications on the collection of reflective number plates to visit the centres they identified during application process.

    The service update comes days after it adjusted its operating hours from 7.30 am to 6 pm on weekdays from the previous 8 am-5 pm schedule.

    The changes announced by the Director General were prompted following of a directive by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to clear backlog in printing of driving licences, logbooks and digital number plates within two weeks.

    Speaking after he made an impromptu visit at NTSA offices in Nairobi, CS Murkomen said it was sad to note that over 50,000 driving licence applications, some dating back to September 2022, were yet to be processed.

    Read-> NTSA directed to clear backlog in two weeks

    “I have given NTSA two weeks to clear this backlog and notify Kenyans of their nearest collection points, and put in place the necessary mechanisms to speed up the turn around time for processing and issuance of DLs, logbooks and digital number plates,” said the Transport Cabinet Secretary.

    He added: “It is disheartening to see Kenyans inconvenienced, suffer, and even lose job opportunities due to lack of driving licences caused by artificial delays in processing and issuance of Driving Licences.”

    The CS promised to personally oversee the reforms to ensure the authority streamlines its service delivery to Kenyans.

  • ICT suppliers urged to ensure product compliance

    ICT suppliers urged to ensure product compliance

    The Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) has called on suppliers in the sector from the county and National government to build their capacity and improve the standards of their products.

    Speaking during an ICT workshop on Tuesday, ICT Authority CEO, Stanley Kamanguya called on suppliers to comply with the best market standards while offering services in view of giving the government value for money while also improving local products standards.

    “We have been able to host 10 counties from this region and close to 200 ICT service providers who we are engaging with here today. The objective for us, first, is to sensitize them around the work that we do to develop ICT standards for people who want to do business with the government in various services,” said Kamanguya.

    Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority (right) with Stanley Muchina, ICT Supplier from Afripipes (left) at the exhibition centre during the Forum for Accredited Government ICT Suppliers and Counties in Nakuru.

    According to ICTA, it is imperative to align their businesses to the required ICT standards for better investment opportunities at both the national and county government.

    “The suppliers also need to understand our accreditation framework and the value that they get in accreditation. In this way, we can create a system of trust between government institutions who consume the services and the ICT service providers” he added.

    ICT Authority Ag. Director Programs & Standards, Thomas Odhiambo stressed the need to comply with the ICT Standards and highlighted that the Authority has developed 12 standards which will help in streamlining goods and services delivery.

    “Our dedication to delivering the service will remain unwavering. As an Authority, we have developed 12 ICT standards and would like to urge the suppliers to work with us in ensuring compliance which is critical in driving our digital transformation.”

    Teflax Technical Director, Ken Mbuvi  commended the kind of engagements and urged other suppliers in the ICT sector to ensure compliance for the purpose of getting more business.

    ICT Authority released its third review of the ICT Standards for governments which can be used by the suppliers to ensure compliance with required standards.