Author: staff reporter

By Irene Mwende

According to the study, only one-quarter (24 per cent) of the respondents support the housing levy.

The economic survey conducted between June 23 and June 30, 2023, indicated that 7 per cent of the 1,530 respondents remained undecided on the matter.

Speaking Tuesday during the release of the findings, TIFA Research Analyst Tom Wolf highlighted that a majority of the Opposition supporters are against the housing levy suggesting a correlation between political alignment and public opinion.

“By contrast, and unsurprisingly, nearly all Opposition supporters oppose it (84%), suggesting that to a large extent, such opinions are more a reflection of political alignment than of the details of the program itself (which are to become better known in due course, with whatever impact on the public’s opinion about it),” he said.

The survey also revealed that 54 percent of Kenyans believe that those who contribute to the Housing Levy will not have the opportunity to own a house.

In contrast, only 11 percent of the respondents expressed confidence that levy payers would eventually become homeowners.

“Expectations that those who pay the new housing levy will ever get a house are quite most, with nearly five times as many of all Kenyans certain that they will not compared to those who certain that they will (54% vs. 11%),” TIFA said.

According to the pollster, such expressed expectations are markedly shaped by political alignment, however, with five times more Government supporters (20 per cent) certain they will get a house as compared to Opposition supporters (4 per cent).

by Ronald Njoroge

The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on Thursday called for the immediate opening of the Jamhuri Sports Complex.
Led by Mary Emasse the legislator for Teso South they urged the Ministry of Sports to pay the contractor the pendings bills so that the sport facility can be operationalized.
“This project should have been handed over more than one year ago so that the public can utilize it,” Emasse said during a tour of the grounds.
The purpose of the visit is to determine the state of the grounds which were constructed and completed in 2022.

The complex is mooted as one of the training facilities to be used in Kenya’s bid for jointly hosting the African cup of Nations.
She revealed that the fact that the sports complex has not been operationalized means that taxpayers are losing money.
The legislator noted that the contractor Dallo Holdings is incurring additional liabilities everyday the project is not opened.

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, has urged the stakeholders in the creative economy to leverage technology and innovation to create more jobs and spur the nation’s economic growth. Speaking on Tuesday at the Konza Technopolis Creative Economy Conference in Nairobi, PS Kisiang’ani noted that the government is working to streamline the creative sector for favourable tax regimes and financing policies.The PS said that the government will spend KES 15.1 billion in developing the digital superhighway in a bid to position Kenya as a unique creative economy hub destination. He also said that they are seeking financial support from the private sector to further develop the creative as the private sector seeks to leverage government facilities such as the digital superhighway and the Konza Technopolis Data Centre. “The government is ready to support the creative economy so that it can create more jobs at individual and institutional level. This sector presents a positive opportunity for more job opportunities for Kenyans because we don’t have capacity in government to give everybody a job,” said PS Kisiang’ani. “At the moment, we are looking at the tax regimes with a view to optimise and streamlined. We would like the creative to be promoted and bot to be punished by some of these tax regimes. We are also looking at the legal issues to ensure checks and balances in the sector to avoid infringement on privacy while advancing the creative economy,” added the PS. The PS noted that they are looking at the possibility of giving upcoming creatives more support such as data storage and financial support from private partners. On his end, John Paul Okwiri, Ag. CEO Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) noted that they are supporting creative startups at the National Tier III data centre with one year free hosting in view of building a sustainable media city project. He said: “You will realise that the youth are asking for opportunities. With our state of the art data centre, we are providing an opportunity for the youth in creative economy with storage. For all the startups, we are providing one year hosting and that’s why we are convening this conference so that we can showcase the opportunities.”He noted that KoTDA is in the process of developing the Digital Media City which will focus on developing a media hub at Konza Technopolis. The Konza Digital Media City is envisioned to provide an ecosystem that promotes training, research and innovation in the digital media and entertainment industries in Kenya and the African region.During the event, Roy Gitahi, Founder and CEO of Art at Work Limited stressed the need to strengthen the partnerships and collaborations in the creative sector for more opportunities.“What we found at Konza (National data centre) is something the private sector cannot build easily. But is it important because all this content can be placed at the centre and we can explore avenues of monetizing the data. This is something that the private and public sector must partner to drive,” he said.The conference was convened by Timothy Owase, CEO, Kenya Film Commission, Joel Omalwa, Ag. CEO, Kenya Film Classification Board and Wesley Maritim, Director Administration, State Department of ICT. Art At Work and Thunderbird School of Global Management seeks to identify strategic interventions which address the players who will enable the monetization of the creative economy through digital superhighway, specifically the role of Konza Technopolis and its partners in supporting a vibrant creative economy in the Country.

Naivas Supermarket chain Chief commercial manager Willis Kimani addressing the gathering in a previous meeting
By Fred Maingi
Nairobi’s Karen residents were offered a perfect “Fathers Day” treat after leading shopping outlet Naivas Supermarket opened their 95th branch amid thunderous cheers and massive celebrations.
This is the second branch within the Karen upscale suburb after unveiling their first outlet in 2020 at the Waterfront Mall.

The outlet sits at the busy inter section of Langata and Langata south roads covering 10,000 square feet of trading space. The new facility bears the elevated road market model which Naivas first introduced in Naivas food market Greenspan early last year.
Addressing the audience that included esteemed customers, suppliers, Media and families that came for shopping, Naivas chief commercial officer Willy Kimani said they were elated to be back at Karen following the success of their first outlet in the area.
“We do not take it for granted that the brand has not only been accepted but is now a valued addition to the celebrated Karengate community. As we celebrate the opening of the 95th branch, we are also officially kicking off the countdown to the 100th branch in which we are calling the # Road to 100. We are delighted that as a home grown Kenyan brand, we have reached heights previously unprecedented in the retail industry . It is not lost on us, the responsibility we bear to society as a business whose DNA is Kenyan, a responsibility that we fulfil”Kimani noted.

The Automobile Association of Kenya ( AA Kenya) and the AMREF Flying Doctors have signed a partnership agreement in Nairobi, to provide Emergency Air and Ground Medical Evacuation services.

The partnership, will offer Maisha Membership, an air and ground ambulance scheme for its members. This partnership is an integral part of AA Kenya’s commitment to road safety and prioritising the well-being of its members and their loved ones during unforeseen accidents or emergencies.

The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) with a rich history spanning 103 years, is the leading motoring association in Kenya dedicated to promoting road safety and providing motoring services and solutions and continues to play a vital role in improving road safety and ensuring positive motoring experience for all in Kenya.

On the other hand, the AMREF Flying Doctors is a subsidiary of Amref Health Kenya, the largest Africa-based International NGO founded in 1957 in Kenya, and has since been involved in health care project throughout East Africa one of which is their Air Ambulance Services.
AMREF Flying Doctors provides air evacuation services in medical emergencies as well as air ambulance transfers between medical facilities.
It has a fleet of five fully-owned dedicated ambulance aircraft, patience can be evacuated from anywhere on the African continent to anywhere in the world.

Under this partnership, AA Kenya Premier members will receive complimentary access to AMREF Flying Doctors’ services. Other AA Kenya members will have the option to pay an annual fee of Ksh 2,500 to receive unlimited air and ground ambulance services in case of medical emergencies.

In addition, AA Kenya members will have direct access to AMREF Flying Doctors’ 24 hour control centre, staffed by qualified medical practitioners who can offer invaluable medical advice.
At the premium level of membership refered to as Maisha Diamond, clients will receive air medical evacuations and upto US$200,000 of post-evacuation hospitalization coverage in Nairobi or South Africa including return flights to Kenya.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the safety and well-being of AA Kenya members.
By joining forces, the two organizations are poised to make a positive impact on emergency response and save lives across Kenya.

The Maisha Medical Evacuation Plan will be offered in five packages, including Maisha Bronze, Maisha Silver, Maisha Gold, Maisha Platinum, and Maisha Diamond, with prices starting from as low as Ksh2,500.
The packages are designed to cover evacuations thoroughout Easy African region, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

” This is a partnership between two institutions that have been offering similar kind of membership schemes. AA has been offering membership for vehicles and AMREF Flying Doctors has been offering membership for humans and so the merger is timely, it’s due to offer complete solution for the person with a vehicle…” said Dr Joseph Lelo, the Medical Director AMREF Flying Doctors.

Baraza Media Lab, a leading hub for Kenya’s media practitioners, is set to revolutionize the art of storytelling with its highly anticipated two-day live production, Story Sosa. This groundbreaking program, created in collaboration with Catapult Agency and Gemini Pictures, promises to captivate audiences with an immersive and innovative blend of live performances, multimedia elements, and immersive experiences.

Story Sosa represents an audacious response to the challenges facing Kenya’s journalism ecosystem, including political pressures, declining revenues, and the rapid evolution of digital and social landscapes. Baraza Media Lab aims to redefine the creative boundaries of storytelling through this extraordinary project. Christine Mungai, Lead Curator at Baraza Media Lab, explains, “Story Sosa is not just a solution to these complex issues but a bold endeavour to experiment with new business models and formats within the media industry.”

Over the course of each evening, Story Sosa will showcase six meticulously curated stories akin to traditional magazine features. However, these narratives will come to life through a dynamic fusion of live performances, mesmerizing videos, captivating animations, and enchanting music. Director Mugambi Nthiga, renowned for his work in the theatre, film, and television industry, expresses his excitement, stating, “Story Sosa represents a thrilling indulgence in storytelling. Each story covers a vast range of subjects, brought to life through captivating animation and video. Our aim is to create a mesmerizing experience that will thrill and engage the audience, both live and through digital platforms.”

The inaugural edition of Story Sosa will take place on July 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at the prestigious Louis Leakey Auditorium within the Nairobi National Museum. This iconic venue, known for its celebration of Art and culture, serves as the perfect backdrop for this unprecedented storytelling extravaganza. Tickets for Story Sosa are available for purchase exclusively on mookh.com, offering a variety of options for individuals and groups, including enticing early bird and advance offers.

Angeline Musira, the producer of Story Sosa and the founder of Gemini Pictures, invites audiences to embark on an unforgettable journey of imagination and discovery, stating, “Story Sosa is tailor-made for those with a deep appreciation for theatre, T.E.D. Talks enthusiasts and fans of captivating YouTube explainers. This unique offering promises to captivate and engage audiences, delivering intriguing narratives that entertain and enlighten them. Prepare to have your perspectives transformed as even the most ordinary things, like monkeys or samosas, take on a whole new significance in this awe-inspiring audio-visual feast.”

In a groundbreaking move to support storytellers, Story Sosa ensures fair compensation by providing upfront payment for their work. Additionally, the storytellers will grant a two-year license to Shahara, a renowned video-on-demand platform, allowing their stories to be monetized. This experimental approach in media business models enables storytellers to earn royalties from the generated revenue. Barrack Bukusi, Founder of Catapult Agency, emphasizes the project’s commitment to empowering storytellers and content creators within the industry.

Don’t miss this extraordinary fusion of storytelling, technology, and live performances. We call on the Public to secure tickets to Story Sosa now and be prepared to begin a journey that will transform their understanding of the world we inhabit.

By Tum David

Kenyas top brand supermarket, Naivas, the leading Food Chain retailer in the country and the greater East African region inches closer to making history in the industry.
Naivas which unveiled its 95th store in Karen on Friday of June16th, 2023 at the busy intersection of Langata and Langata South roads opened its doors at the New One Stop Arcade Karen, occupies a 10,000sq ft of trading space putting more thrill to the countdown to the historic 100th mark before the year ends.
The undisputed local supermarket giant, seems on course in keeping up with its calculated and strategic expansion plan and thus its entry into the upscale Karen suburb for the second time running after its first successful opening of their store at the Waterfront Mall in 2020.
The new branch puts Naivas brand store countdown at 95. The One Stop Karen Arcade is the 2nd to have an elevated Foodmarket model after the first one was introduced at Naivas Greenspan Mall last year.
Speaking during the launch, Willy Kimani the Naivas Chief Commercial Officer said they were excited to return back to Karen following their first debut which saw their brands register good success in the area.

” As we celebrate the opening of the 95th branch, we are also officially kicking off the count down to our 100th outlet” he said, adding that all this was in line with their theme: #RoadTo100.
Mr Kimani also said that as a home grown brand in Kenya, Naivas is elated to reach heights earlier unprecedented in the retail industry.

” We are about to make history” said the Chief Commercial Officer.
He said the New branch has 25% of store space of fresh products that will guarantee customers excellent satisfaction in that when they make their first stop at the Karen One Stop Arcade it will be their last stop. And all this will be to live up to Naivas promise of Saves You Money.

Newly elected Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Dr. Eric Rutto has continued to receive heaps of congrats after his Thursday evening well-deserved win.
Dr. Rutto clinched the seat after garnering 291 votes against the outgoing President Richard Ngatia who managed 208 votes.
KNCCI Nairobi Chapter Chairman James Wanjohi congratulated and wish him well
In his congratulatory message, Mr. Wanjohi, an astute businessman noted:
“Congratulations Dr. Eric Rutto on your election as the new KNCCI President. Am looking forward to working with you and you can count on my support and input as a director KNCCI. Let us serve our members and our nation in togetherness Unity if purpose a d oneness. Once again hongera our new Chambers’ President.”
Rutto, who has been the chamber’s vice president, will be deputised by Mustapha Ramadhan. While unveiling his manifesto on Tuesday, Rutto pledged more inclusivity within the chambers including plans to increase participation by women and youth owned businesses.
This, he said, will also apply to businesses ran by persons living with disabilities.
Rutto also said he was going to create a business conducive environment if he won the seat.
His plan is to be achieved through advocacy, networking and collaboration, economic diplomacy, strengthening governance and leadership at the chamber and market linkages and diplomacy.

In commemoration of the 2023 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), the African Union Commission, East African Community, the Government of Kenya, TradeMark Africa, MESPT, and Partners organized an event from 5 to 7 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya to raise awareness on food safety. The meeting was held under the theme “Food Standards Save Lives”.
The Summit brought together 220 participants from 30 African Union member states, 2 RECs (EAC, ECOWAS), AUC, and Development Partners (EU, USAID, DANIDA).
Speaking at the event one of the delegates noted that “WE the Member States of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Development Partners, Food Producers, Processors, Marketers and Consumers.”
RECALLING the momentum created from the previous World Food Safety Day celebrations, and desirous of collaborating in unison to focus efforts on reaching state and non-state actors as well as those directly involved in food systems on the continent in order to raise the profile of food safety.
RECOGNIZING that foodborne diseases make 91 million people ill and cause 137,000 premature deaths annually in Africa the meeting noted that this translated into productivity losses of US$95 billion a year in developing countries alone;
The three day summit also noted that the application of, and compliance with, food standards is a critical factor to promoting safe food value chains and reducing the public health and socio-economic impacts of the high foodborne disease burden in Africa.
And in aware of the need to promote safe trade in food to realize the continental objectives of ending hunger and tripling intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services by 2025 the summit assured ttbe world that they will put this into effect.
Further the summit also noted the importance of food standards and risk-based food safety measures in assuring the safety and quality of food products for public health protection and trade facilitation.

Noordin Haji’s nomination as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) continues to get support from various organisations.

Speaking today in Eastleigh, Nairobi, the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) voiced their support 8n endorsing Haji as the new spy master.

“Throughout hid illustrious career, he has made remarkable contributions, including his exemplary work at the Attorney General’s office and his previous position as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit at the NIS,” said Ahmed Yare, the EBDA chairman.

The community noted that the DPP in his public service demonstrated loyalty, dedication and goodwill in delivering and serving all Kenyans.

“Haji’s progressive review of policies and guidelines in the prosecution sector has disrupted the outdated and corrupt system of the past, earning him adversaries amongst those who benefited from it.”

Yare stated that the DPP’s return as the NIS Director General is not strange considering his extensive experience in law enforcement and the justice system which equip him in dealing with national security challenges facing the country.

“We unreservedly support his appointment and have utmost confidence in his ability to lead the NIS effectively, ensure the security of our nation, and steadfastly uphold the rule of law,” the community asserted.

In his tenure as the DPP, Haji oversaw the establishment of nine regional offices around the country as well as the deployment of electronic filing system, significantly enhancing service delivery and the establishment of the Prosecution Training Institute.