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  • Kenya joins the world in marking global accessibility awareness day amid calls for more inclusion

    Kenya joins the world in marking global accessibility awareness day amid calls for more inclusion

    The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is rooting for the realization of disability inclusion on both public and private digital platforms as the world celebrates global accessibility awareness day.

    KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede says alternative text descriptions for meaningful images and use of the keyboard instead of a mouse to interact with interactive element must be provided for those with visual impairment.

    Odede says the day is important as it draws attention to the need for persons with disabilities to experience web-based services, content and other digital products on an equal basis with others without disabilities.

    “Closed captioning for video presentations and visual indicators in place of audio cue for those with hearing impairments, use of alternative keyboards, eye control or other adaptive hardware to help in typing and navigating on devices for those with motor disabilities as well as use of organized screen, consistent navigation and the use of plain language instead of heavy jargon for those with cognitive disabilities needs to be realized.” Observed Odede.

    According to Odede, Kenya has made significant progress in entrenching disability inclusion on digital platforms including use of sign language interpretation and captioning in news broadcasts, considerable number of disability-friendly websites with accessibility tools such as speech narration, large text, zooming capabilities without affecting functionality and others.

    “The Commission welcomes the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023 provision on accessibility to information and communications, and calls for its expeditious enactment into law by Parliament.” Said Odede.

    Marked every third Thursday of May, Global accessibility awareness day focuses on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people who live with disabilities or impairments.

  • Gachagua commits to making UDA a national movement

    Gachagua commits to making UDA a national movement

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says that leadership of Kenya Kwanza is committed to ensure inclusivity in decision making by facilitating continuous engagement and consultations.

    Speaking while engaging 47 County coordinators of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Nairobi on Thursday, the DP urged the coordinators and leaders to consult with grassroots representatives to ensure the party grows and remains strong as it implements the Kenya Kwanza Plan.

    He also called on the elected leaders to be more consultative when making decisions.

    The DP also stated that even as the Kenya Kwanza government works tirelessly to implement “The Plan”, they will also ensure proper governance in all sectors and leadership roles.

    As the deputy party leader of the ruling party, the DP stated that every political party is allowed by law to sell their agenda to Kenyans without intimidation.

  • Kenya-Re full year net profit up 15pc to Ksh 3.6B

    Kenya-Re full year net profit up 15pc to Ksh 3.6B

    The Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re) has reported a 15pc increase in profit after tax of Ksh 3.6 billion for the full year period to December 2022.

    The profit surge from Ksh 3.2 billion reported a year earlier was driven by higher premiums the reinsurer reported during the period.

    Kenya Re reported a 16pc increase in net premiums which grew to Ksh 22.2 billion from Ksh 19 billion reported over the same period in 2021.

    “These results are a clear demonstration of our remarkable success in executing our five-year strategic plan, where we outperformed’ our expectations in all the core measures. We have significantly scaled our business via strategic investments in new business lines and innovation with the key focus being Kenya and key countries with East, Southern and Northern Africa setting the stage for the next phase of our strategy,” said Michael Mbeshi, Kenya Re Acting Managing Director.

    The reinsurer also realized a 15pc growth in total revenues which increased to Ksh26.7 billion which Mbeshi attributes to in investment income which increased by 2pc to Ksh 3.7 billion and gross written premiums which grew by 23pc to Ksh 25 billion.

    “We are pleased to announce this improved financial performance. It is a testament of continued resilience in the face of risks in our operating environment, caused by local and international events, such as the general elections, drought, and post Covid-19 economic impact,” added Catherine Kimura, Kenya Re Board chairperson.

    On the other hand, total assets increased to Ksh 70.1 billion last year compared to the previous year, representing a 26pc growth.

    Debt impairment shrunk by 64pc to Ksh 329 million.

    Kenya Re shareholders are also expected to get a dividend payout of 20 cents per share which is a 100pc increase.

  • Kenya seeks to woo investors during upcoming conference

    Kenya seeks to woo investors during upcoming conference

    Kenya is targeting to position itself as Africa’s trade gateway during the 3rd Kenya International Investment Conference (#KIICO2023) slated for next month.

    The event which is being organized by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) under KenInvest is expected to draw at least 2,000 delegates, 54 trade ministers, and 100 top businesses in Africa as the continent seeks to boost intra-African trade from the current 15pc.

    “The conference includes a working retreat for 54 Africa Trade Ministers to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation matrix and Road map that will play a key role in opening the 1.3-billion-person market in Africa for Kenya’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and positioning Kenya as the gateway to Africa,” said the organizers.

    The conference whose theme is “Unlocking Africa’s Gateway” will also feature the Africa Private Sector Alliance (APSA) Forum that brings together top 100 businesses in Africa to deliberate on private sector growth and development in the continent.

    Kenya delegation will be represented by President William Ruto; Deputy President Rigathi Gachagwa; Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria; Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo; Investment Promotion Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan; and KenInvest Chair Sally Mahihu.

    Other dignitaries expected during the conference include guest speaker, President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros who also serves as the African Union Heads of States Summit chairman and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene.

    Kenya expects to presents to investors its bankable investment projects, access networking opportunities with local and international investors for business-2-business and business-2-government through investor ready projects.

    Additionally, Kenya will also benefit from the networking and sharing experiences on best practices of investment promotion and facilitation, mainstreaming of Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) youth and women innovators get a platform to showcase their innovations and discuss regional integration for the private sector and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

    Among areas of investment opportunities Kenya targets to pitch to investors include Special Economic Zones, Public Private Partnerships, Foreign Direct Investments in Energy, Affordable Housing, Agriculture, Health, Water, Roads, Transport including the LAPSSET Corridor, Financial Services including the Nairobi International Financial Centre and ICT related investments including the Konza City.

  • Co-op Bank profit after tax raises 5.2pc to Ksh 6.1B

    Co-op Bank profit after tax raises 5.2pc to Ksh 6.1B

    Higher income during the first three months of this year saw Co-operative Bank record a net profit of Ksh 6.1 billion up from Ksh 5.8 billion recorded over the same period last year.

    During the period under review, the giant lender’s total operating income grew 6.5pc to stand at Ksh 17.9 billion from 16.8 billion shillings.

    Net interest income on the other hand, grew 10.8pc to Ksh 7.1 billion while revenues from loan interest was up by Ksh 400 million to Ksh 10.8 billion during the first quarter of the year.

    Co-op Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Gideon Muriuki said the lender issued loans totaling Ksh 360.1 billion from Ksh 324.5 billion which represents 11pc growth.

    “Credit management remains a key focus area, with the Group prudentially making provisions of Ksh 1.5 billion which has enhanced the Bank’s Loan Loss Reserve/Coverage levels to a high of 72pc from 69pc in 2022,” said Dr Muriuki.

    Total assets grew 5.7pc to Ksh 631.1 billion on the backdrop of higher customer deposits which marginally, to Ksh 419.8 billion from Ksh 410.8 billion.

    Stronger growth was also witnessed in the banks digital channels as majority of Co-op Bank customers seek convenient banking services.

    “Through our digital channel strategy, the Bank has successfully moved 91pc of all customer transactions to alternative delivery channels, a 24-hour contact centre, 543 ATMs, mobile and internet banking and over 17,000 network of Co-op kwa Jirani agents,” he added.

    Mco-op Cash which has five million customers continues to grow non-funded income given that loans totaling 19.2 billion were issued during the first three months of this year.

    Similarly, subsidiaries which include Co-op Consultancy and Bancassurance Intermediary, Co-op South Sudan, Co-op Trust Investment Services and Kingdom Bank delivered a combined gross profit of Ksh 0.75 billion.

  • Trade lobby group could see creation of special groups office

    Trade lobby group could see creation of special groups office

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry presidential candidate Dr Eric Rutto has promised to back and enact a proposal by women directors in Nyanza region to create a women in business, youth and peoples with disability office as his first duty if elected.

    This follows cries from the chamber women directors in Kisumu, Homabay and Siaya who relayed their disappointment terming the lobby institution as a gender biased organization with the office having been removed the last four years.

    “We were dismayed following reports that the national chamber that the women in business office had been removed from the chamber constitution without the approval of the national governing committee,” said Dr Rutto.

    Dr Ruto has termed the obliteration of the office as an illegality and against the spirit of the constitution of Kenya terming women as important players in the business community.

    He added that women run more than 70pc of small business in the country and must be respected and given a voice to have their say in the business sector led institution.

    “I have made it my foremost priority that given the opportunity to act as Chamber President I will redo the injustice to all our women members, the youth and people living with disabilities in Kenya. We will make it right and make it worthwhile for all our members despite their gender, age and abilities,” Dr Ruto told KNCCI County directors in Kisumu.

    Speaking at the same event Chamber Vice President candidate Mustafa Ramadhan has challenged the region to invest more in the various value chains in the area with the chamber promising to enable rice farmers with equipment to enable packing and branding.

    “The potential in the Nyanza region is unmatched by many other regions ranging from blue economy, mining, agriculture to tourism. As a chamber we are expected by our members in this region to assist access markets, equipment and drive investors into this area to develop value chains in what will surely change incomes,” said Mustafa.

    The Ruto-Mustafa team was speaking after receiving their endorsement from chamber directors from Kisumu and Siaya county during their upper Nyanza regional tour.

    This adds to six previous regions that have already backed the Rutto-Mustafa candidature including: lower Eastern, Upper Eastern, Central Kenya region, Southern Nyanza, Upper Rift and Lower Rift.

  • The Big Conversation: Donkeys’ Welfare in Kenya

    The Big Conversation: Donkeys’ Welfare in Kenya

    Donkeys provide invaluable contributions to humanity but they are often mistreated and neglected. Nick Ndeda & Angela Mwihaki engage KENDAT’s Project Coordinator Cynthiah Peter on the welfare and rights of donkeys in Kenya.

  • PS Omollo: Gov’t to undertake massive infrastructural boost for Administrative Units

    PS Omollo: Gov’t to undertake massive infrastructural boost for Administrative Units

    The government plans to construct more administrative offices as part of the government’s agenda on decentralization of security and government services, Interior PS Raymond Omollo has said.

    Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Security and National Administration, the PS affirmed that the mission is one of the Ministry’s seven priority areas in the upcoming financial year, with the newly-formed administrative units also set to benefit from the programme.

    “Of course, number one is to enable the officers to run the new administrative units that we are going to put up and those that are yet to be operationalized,” Dr. Omollo said.

    The PS highlighted logistical shortcomings that government administrators have had to contend with, adding that more resources will be set aside to acquire vehicles for Deputy and Assistant County Commissioners as well as motorcycles for Chiefs and their Assistants with a view to enhancing their mobility and service delivery.

    He further appealed the Committee to lobby and push for more budgetary support.

    Omollo also spoke of the historical pending bills, which he termed as a burden that has stifled the State Department’s progress in the delivery of key projects and programmes.

    According to him, the claims amounting to Kshs. 2.77 billion have been accumulated over previous financial years, and plans are underway to clear them in the shortest time possible amid a funding gap that has encumbered the State Department.

    The PS divulged that the Ministry is also out to buoy up its various semiautonomous agencies (SAGAs) to ensure they open own revenue streams as a strategic move to reduce their over-dependence of the exchequer.

  • DP Gachagua to lead 3 days country coffee stakeholders conference in Meru in June

    DP Gachagua to lead 3 days country coffee stakeholders conference in Meru in June

    Meru coffee stakeholders are calling on the government to ensure that they fight the cartels in the sector and also come up with a way of value addition to the crop.

    This even as the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to hold a three day coffee stakeholders conference in Meru on 6th, 7th and 8th next month.

    The government campaign towards coffee reforms has also been called upon to factor in measures on climate change as a key challenge affecting the sector and also factor branding the final product as Kenyan product before selling the same in the international markets.

    Meru Central Coffee Union acting CEO Kiogora Mburugu said that it is through research and innovation that high and quality production will be achieved.

    He thanked the government for undertaking various measures, among them the issuance of subsidized commodities to boost production and appealed for the program to continue as it will help reduce cost of production.

    Kiogora urged the government to also fast track the development and implementation of the 2023 senate coffee bills to the interest of the farmers.

    On the other hand, Kiogora noted that coffee farmers are also faced with marketing challenges after production, calling for controlled market prices.

    He said the elephant in the room after production is undefined market prices and called on the government to regulate the markets and eliminate cartels that have oppressed farmers over the years adding that farmers need a direct contact with the buyer rather than going through brokers.

    The acting CEO added that there is a need for the government to improve the status of 97 coffee factories under the Meru Coffee Union and also the rest in the country by equipping them with modern machines to reduce production expenses.

    Kiogora noted that many wet mill factories in Meru County are in dilapidated state thus affecting the quality of the coffee delivered.

    Coffee farming through the Meru Coffee union has attracted about 150, 000 farmers from the county, with 30pc comprising youth and women.

    The union is also targeting to increase the harvest to 10kgs from the current 4kgs per tree, a move that Kiogora says will be achieved with also the support of agriculture extension officers.

    The Meru Coffee Union acting CEO added that as a union they are coming up with a program to sensitize youths on the need to venture into coffee farming, noting that currently majority of the coffee farmers in the county were the aged people and if the trend continues this way, then coffee farming in future will be a thing of the past.

  • Murkomen, Sakaja agree to fast-track stalled BRT project

    Murkomen, Sakaja agree to fast-track stalled BRT project

    The stalled Bus Rapid Transit project is set to be revived following a meeting held between Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

    The two met Thursday and discussed on how to effectively end traffic jams experienced in the Capital.

    In their first council meeting of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata), Murkomen charged discussions on how to effectively improve transport systems in Nairobi.

    “Together with the National Government, we are keen on ensuring that traffic jams are a thing of the past,” Governor Sakaja said.

    “Efficient, affordable and reliable mobility are key to unlocking the potential of our people.”

    The council members agreed that fast-tracking the stalled Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) programs across Nairobi is first priority.

    BRT, a comprehensive public transport system for millions of Nairobi commuters remains a distant dream as construction has stalled along the Thika Superhighway.

    The Bus Rapid Transit project was supposed to offer a reliable, secure and comfortable system for city residents. It had sought to revamp Nairobi’s chaotic public transport infrastructure to reduce congestion, but it remains a pipe dream given the snail-pace progress of the project.

    An efficient BRT system includes enclosed stations, centralised management of buses and adequate access facilities.

    The meeting was attended by Council Member Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi among others.