Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on the second opening of the African Continental Qualification framework (ACQF )training urges African nations to bridge between education and work . Both Principal Secretaries Dr Juma Mukwana Principal Secretary state department (PS ) and Dr Esther Muoria principal Secretary (PS) vacational and technical training emphasised on value and qualifications which will be undergoing pragmatic dynamic transformation.
According to Machogu he considers Africa as a pivotal juncture in evolution of labour market in education system and champions policies that adapt in response to the seismic shift expanding their embracing and digital age . As she convened the second opening of Workshop she said that globally, there is an urgent need to fortify our qualifications frameworks.
A country that invests in policies aiming to give credibility and align qualifications with emerging global trends is a foresighted nation. The role, value, and currency of qualifications are undergoing a profound transformation, influenced by global megatrends that have reshaped our world.
These megatrends, includes digitalization, automation, demographic shifts, climate change, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic which have significantly altered the link between our education systems and the labor market that will not only contribute to Sustainable Development but also the boarder objectives of skil revolution ,social inclusion and enhancement of employability for every segment of the population. “We must build a bridge between education and work, underpinned by qualifications of the highest quality that are trustworthy and recognized at all levels” said the Esther Muoria principal secretary (PS ) Vactional and Technical training. Acting Director of Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Dr Alice Kande wholeheartedly acknowledged the vital role of qualification framework in defining the relavance and quality of education .
In her speech she noted that the pursuit of knowledge and honouring skills are the ones that navigate the uncharted waters of the evolving world .she also emphasized on the significance of African nations developing their qualifications framework and to consider the issue of education reforms that will have positive impacts and response to the labour market.
According to KNQA Council Chairperson and former Baringo Governor Stanley Tipis implementation of ACQF is a timely interventionthat are aimed at addressing ills that have previously plagued the continent education system .The education reforms will bring pragmatic response in the labour market.
NAIVAS Supermarket and Kenya’s leading retailer is now inching closer to its RoadTo100 historic target with its newly opened branch in Tudor Sabasaba, Mombasa city on October Thursday 5th, 2023.
The Tudor outlet is the 11th New branch in the coastal region and overall 99th countrywide officially making the close to the #RoadTo100.
The newly unveiled outlet is an express store format with a well thought out product range offering an assortment of farm fresh produce, dairy and meats, fast moving consumer goods and general merchandise of which the retailer is known to specialise in delivering it all with the unmistakable Kenyan hospitality.
Speaking to the media during the opening ceremony, Mr Andreas Von Paleske, the Chief of Strategy at the Naivas said the retailer is not just expanding its branch networks to hit high store count, but a strategy calculated to reaffirm its undisputed strength and confidence in leading the way when it comes to meeting customer needs right where they are. He said, the retailer’s commitment as always, is to meet the needs of Kenyans and thus the reason why the new development informed by the needs of the Tudor shoppers which equally informs our research and insights into the region.
” We as Naivas supermarket have in place the strategy to provide new avenues for our customers to get to what they need whenever and wherever they need it”, said Mr Andreas.
He added: ” with modern retail having very little penetration, opportunities are immense, and we will continue trailblazing in filling these gaps. The new store is designed to make shopping quick and easy for area customers and even beyond as is strategically located within an area that’s served by several matatu stages.”
The next outlet that Naivas opens will be its 100th branch making it the first supermarket chain in the country to hit tripple digits in branch network.
And as has been the culture with every branch opening, Naivas Supermarket continues to live by its slogan: NaivasSavesYouMoney!
The Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja has today opened Gambogi Police Station in HAMISI CONSTITUENCY in VIHIGA COUNTY. The Police station building houses the offices of the OCS, Deputy OCS, Crime Offices and Stores. In addition to regular police cells, the new Police Station has Mental cell and VIP cells. The station was built under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by the efforts of Area Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Gimose of HAMISI CONSTITUENCY in order to bring down criminal activities within the area and also to bring police service near the public.
While addressing police officers and members of public, Mr. Kanja lauded the police-public partnership, particularly the effort made by the area MP and the CDF committee to construct the station. The DIG indicated that his core responsibility is to ensure that the Service maintains good relationship with the public. He added that members of the public should visit the station freely and report criminal activities going on in the area in the spirit of community policing.
After listening to the many requests put to him, the DIG assured all local leaders that the concerns would be addressed, and that the first step would be to improve infrastructure at the newly opened station. Additionally, a police dog will be deployed, as requested by leaders through the Regional Police Commander.
The Government has affirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the Creative Economy to ensure that the sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s national development through job opportunities for the youths as well as wealth creation.
While speaking on Friday 29th September 2023, during the inaugural first-ever State-of-the Film Industry Summit, organized by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) in partnership with the Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFTPA) and other industry stakeholders, which was held at the Nairobi Film Centre (NFC), the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, CS Hon. Ababu Namwamba EGH, said the Creative Economy is among key priorities of the Government as established in the Kenya Kwanza PLAN.
“The film sector has been treated badly. To correct that history of mistreatment, and neglect, we have ensured that this sector is anchored in the manifesto of the PLAN on what the Government desires for this key sector of the economy”, the CS said, adding that among the five pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the fifth pillar is all about transforming the film sector into an industry that sustains decent livelihoods.
Hon. Namwamba stated that the Government through his Ministry is championing key reforms and initiatives aimed at transforming the Creative Economy with the key focus of putting money in the pockets of creatives, and sportsmen and women who have continued to fly the Kenyan flag high on the local and international stage.
The CS lauded the first-ever film summit, noting that it resonated well with his Ministry’s agenda, specifically the TalantaHela Initiative. “Our focus is to ensure that we have an industry that is profitable. To do so, we need to invest in original quality production outlets and exhibition spaces,” the CS said.
He further said that monetizing talent under the #Talenta Hela’ which basically means ‘putting money in the pockets of creatives and sports persons, is the top-most priority of the Government, emphasizing that the 5th Administration is banking on the Creative Economy as one of the quick-win sectors in fostering economic recovery and opening new opportunities for the youth under the economic blueprint of BETA.
The CS revealed that his Ministry has embarked on the process of reviewing and where necessary, developing new policies and legislative documents, noting that one of the key aims of these reforms is to provide mechanisms for the establishment of a Film Fund to facilitate access to rebates for both local and foreign filmmakers. The Fund will also provide access to finance for the acquisition of modern equipment and film production infrastructure by local filmmakers, and promotion of the country as a filming destination.
On royalties and revenue streams for creatives, the CS said that the Government is keen on restructuring the investment and financing space in a manner that attracts investors. “We must invest in infrastructure equipment, quality production, and training facilities that can support the industry,” he stated.
As part of recognizing and appreciating creatives, the CS further revealed that his Ministry is putting together an award scheme that is unique, prestigious, and accompanied by a serious financial award.
The CS lauded KFCB, KFTPA, and all industry stakeholders for spearheading the Summit, stating that there is a need to collectively champion programs and initiatives that will spur the growth of the Kenyan Creative Economy.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the CS chaired a meeting with Netflix officials, led by Ms. Shola Sanni, Director of Public Policy, Sub-Saharan Africa, and discussed collaboration between Kenya and Netflix in content monitoring, moderation, regulation, and monetization, among other issues.
On his part, Mr. Ismail Maalim Madey, PS, State Department for Youth Affairs and The Arts, reiterated the Government’s commitment to revamp and spur the Creative Economy.
“The Government is keen on revamping the Orange Economy by creating enablers that will facilitate investments in the film industry,” the PS said.
Maalim urged stakeholders in the Creative industry to support initiatives that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports is fronting to spur the Creative Economy in line with BETA.
The KFCB Ag. CEO, Joel Wamalwa, affirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives geared towards identifying and nurturing talents among the youths in the Creative sector for job opportunities and wealth creation, through a facilitative regulatory environment that will spur the growth of the Creative Economy.
In a move geared towards creating a facilitative regulatory environment for the Creative Economy to thrive, Wamalwa said that the Board, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, has proposed a review of the Films and Stage Plays Act Regulations and Guidelines. Through the regulations and guidelines, the Government has proposed a 15% reduction in licensing fees for local filmmakers.
“As KFCB evolves into a 21st-century film regulator, we want to reassure our stakeholders in the entire value chain that we will live up to our brand promise; of Safeguarding Your Reel World’. We shall ensure that we remain progressive in our policy propositions while safeguarding our Kenyan culture, values, and national aspirations,” Wamalwa said.
Themed: Breaking barriers and shaping the future, the Summit sought to provide a platform for industry professionals to gain insights into the latest trends, policy matters, challenges, and advancements within the film sector as well as advocate for the industry’s interests.
Other speakers at the Summit were KFCB’s Board Chairperson Hon. Njogu Wa Njoroge HSC, the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, Mr. David Omwoyo, Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, KFTPA, Chairperson, Dr. Ezekiel Onyango, Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating Kenya National Theatre, KNT, CEO, Mr. Michael Pundo, and representatives from local Creative space.
The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress in collaboration with the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has officially kicked off the 8th ILFA African symposium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Speaking during the event, Caroline Vicini, Swedish Ambassador to Kenya praised the efforts made by the built environment professionals of both countries to learn from each other and discuss climate change.
“It is important to build smart, healthy and efficient cities where people can integrate, communicate and move freely. Landscape architecture plays an important role in shaping sustainable development,” she noted.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, by 2015, most of Africa’s population living in urban areas rose from 27 percent in 1950 to 40 per cent in 2015. The population is projected to rise by 60 per cent in 2050. Consequently, this worsens the climate change crisis.
Florence Nyole, Architectural Association of Kenya President addressing participants during the congress.
In her remarks, Florence Nyole, President, Architectural Association of Kenya stressed on the significance of cooperation within the built environment as it enabled the professionals to reach shared environmental goals that rest on afoundation of social sustainability.
She added “This world congress will be an opportunity to promote learning and collaboration among built environment professions to find solutions to the major global challenges. The city of Nairobi relates very closely to the congress theme, with rapid urbanization, dealing with climate change, and adequate housing as priority issues.”
The congress under the theme “EMERGENT INTERACTION” aims at strengthening the landscape architecture in relation to Agenda 2030 through exploring new forms of collective problem-solving, borderless strategies and possible networks of ideas and cooperation while keeping the issues of climate change, social inequality and biodiversity-loss at the forefront.
The world congress which brings together a diverse group of professionals from different facets of the built environment provides an opportunity to promote learning and collaboration to find solutions to major global challenges.
The association remains at the forefront of working towards reducing the impact of urbanizaon and the resultant Climate Change in the country througha homegrown Green Building Rang Tool that is focused on rang buildings based on our local context called the Safari Green Building Index (SGBI).
In addition, AAK has launched several programmes such as the Grow-A-Classroom Programme where they aim to increase the tree cover for Kenya within the existing large parcels of land occupied by public schools. The trees will be sustainably harvested and used to build classrooms for the growing population in the country.
The AAK is a premier association that was formed back in 1967, with Architects, Planners, Engineers and Quanty Surveyors as the first 4 groups of professionals, who today remain the only regulated professionals in the built environment.
Nairobi, Kenya – The stage is set for an extraordinary journey as Milka Mukami, the reigning Mrs. Universe Kenya, prepares to represent her nation on the global stage at the upcoming Mrs. Universe Pageant in Phillipines. This remarkable journey is not just about beauty but carries a profound message of redefining beauty to prioritize family, combat gender-based violence (GBV), and empower mothers.
During a press briefing held at the Parklands Sport Club, key figures including Daniel Juma unveiled the distinctive nature of this pageant and the impactful initiatives it supports.
Daniel Juma, whose company plays a pivotal role in supporting Milka Mukami’s endeavors, emphasized that the Daniel Juma Pageant stands out as a beacon of change in the world of beauty contests.
Unlike traditional pageants, it focuses on redefining beauty to underscore the importance of family. All the participants in this unique pageant are married women, and it’s their commitment to family and social causes that takes center stage.
Daniel Juma ,Exercutive Director Global Peace addressing the media
The Global Peace Foundation, another key partner in this endeavor, firmly believes that the family unit is the cornerstone of peace and stability in society. Each candidate in the competition presents a special project aimed at addressing pressing issues affecting families.
Milka Mukami, who holds the prestigious title of Mrs. Universe Kenya, has emerged as a leading advocate against GBV. Her project is centered on helping families deal with the profound challenges posed by gender-based violence.
Mukami, with unwavering determination, views herself as a healing healer and utilizes her ambition to combat GBV. She passionately advocates for change on the issue of GBV and believes that her beauty can serve as a powerful catalyst in this fight.
The world has taken notice of her efforts, recognizing her as a symbol of healing and change. Mukami’s mission goes beyond words; she actively empowers mothers, urging them to take a leading role in nurturing and healing within their families.
In a gracious note of appreciation, Mrs. Universe Kenya thanked the government for its continued support, which has been instrumental in bringing hope to women’s chamas (community groups) and society as a whole. As Milka Mukami gears up to represent Kenya in the Mrs. Universe Pageant in Phillipines, she carries with her a message of beauty, empowerment, and healing, all supported by the strong partnership of Daniel Juma’s company and the Global Peace Foundation.
The campaign dubbed #HESHIMUUZAZI aims to condemn forms of violence against women, that occur while receiving maternal care.
Addressing media during the sensitisation Hon. Muthoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament and Founder of Gamafrica also has called on the government to address the challenges in (OBV) which affects one in three women.
She added that (KEWOPA) has committed to ending all sorts of violence against women by coming up with social interventions and strengthening health systems through building partnerships.
“Every woman, regardless of her social or economic status, deserves a dignified and respectful childbirth experience, free from any form of violence or abuse, the time has come for us to undo the injustices suffered by women under OBV in Kenya,” said Wamuchomba.
This form of violence encompasses physical, sexual, verbal abuse, bullying, coercion, humiliation, or assault experienced by women during their pregnancy, labour, and postpartum periods while receiving medical care. Regrettably, OBV often stems from medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and midwives.
Mrs. Mercy Wanja, the Secretary to Cabinet who attended the event also said that there is a need for advocacy, training and research to address the challenges facing women in the maternal journey especially the removal of fibroids which results in medical complications. Obstetric violence (OBV) infringes on the fundamental rights of women and contradicts the principles of compassionate and respectful maternity care depriving women of their dignity.
This violation of human rights impacts women’s physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to degrading and inhumane childbirth experiences, health complications, severe psychological distress, postpartum depression, mental illness, trauma, and fatalities.
Ronald Shelukindo – Marketing Manager,MultiChoice Kenya Elisha Kamau – PR manager ,MultiChoice Manager Nzola Miranda – MD ,Multi Choice Kenya Glauco Ferreira – Regional Director Northern Africa Multi Choice Yasmin Said- Actress
BY NJOKI KARANJA
Kenya, the leading entertainment and pay TV provider in the country, held the Media Content Showcase at The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club today, announcing the increased accessibility of local content to a wider DStv and GOtv audience.”The annual media content showcase is an event held to highlight MultiChoice Kenya’s ongoing commitment to customer-centricity, its value proposition, its wide-ranging content offering spanning various genres and its hyper-local strategy aimed at delivering more Kenyan content to local audiences through convenient and accessible platforms, anytime and anywhere.
As part of this year’s showcase MultiChoice Kenya announced widening of access to its premium 24-hour local content channel, Maisha Magic Plus (MMP), to even more Kenyans in a campaign dubbed, “Tumefungulia Magic”Maisha Magic Plus (MMP) which was previously only accessible on Compact, Compact Plus and Premium on DStv and on Supa and Supa Plus on GOtv, will from 7th September 2023 be available to DStv customers on Access, Family, and above and to GOtv customers on Plus, Max and above – to say; Tumefungulia Magic.Speaking at the media content showcase, Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya said that the company is proud of its latest content offering, the richness and diversity of it’s people and the value of hyper-localization to its customers.
“MultiChoice Kenya is steadfast in it’s commitment to complimenting the quality of content with great level of service to our customers through our people who are the heart of our business,” he said, adding that, “We are excited about what the future holds and we believe that by working together, we can continue to showcase the talent and diversity of the Kenyan culture, create a thriving local film industry that contributes to the growth and development of the country,”He revealed that, “We have made Maisha Magic Plus available to more customers as a demonstration of our commitment to deliver more value and more choice to our customers with the aim to inform, educate, entertain and inspiring people across the country.”
Therefore, the showcase also gave the audience a deep-dive into the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, Kids shows and content, football and sporting action, general entertainment and the customer service journey that MultiChoice is championing towards delivering digital solutions for it’s customers from self-service portals on MyDStv and MyGOtv Apps as well as Livestreaming apps – Showmax and DStv Stream.
In his remarks, Elisha Kamau, the Public Relations Manager, MultiChoice Kenya expanded on the purpose of the showcase event , “The media content showcase provides an opportunity to share updates on what we have available in our content library for customers, new customer and content innovation, celebrate our home-grown talent, content production milestones a well as showcase improvements that enhance the customer viewing experience across general entertainment, movies, sports and kids content for customers.
“We are committed to ensuring that our customers have access to uninterrupted, high-quality viewing experiences, with content delivered with the chief aim inform, educate, entertain, and inspire people across the country,” he explained, adding that, “In this year’s Showcase, we are saying to our customers, Tumefungulia Magic and have thus unveiled two brand new local shows, Zari and Ka-Siri who’s storylines are Kenyan, relatable, and showcase the best of the world of entertainment and will bring thrill, excitement, and enjoyment to our viewers, on Maisha Magic Plus on GOtv and DStv,” Kamau concluded.
MultiChoice Kenya, the country’s leading pay tv and entertainment provider, has today launched two brand new local shows for television enthusiasts in Kenya. The two shows will be accessible on Maisha Magic Plus which is now available on DStv Access and GOtv Plus and up in a campaign dubbed “TumefunguliaMagic“Ka-Siri”, a telenovela explores the proverbial theme of “the rich also cry”. The gripping story unfolds around an extremely wealthy man, Zula, who is killed in a home invasion, leaving behind a home that is wrapped in passion, lies, discoveries, secrets and shocking revelations.
Viewers will embark on a rollercoaster of drama to uncover who ultimately claims victory in the end. Ka-Siri” boasts an impressive lineup of over 100 episodes, promising a long-lasting and captivating journey for its audience. Episodes will air every Monday to Wednesday at 19:30 EAT from Monday 9 October 2023,”.Zari is a modern Cinderella story which follows the story of Nina, a young woman whose rightful family – and fortune are hidden from her. Will Nina and her true biological father, Dylan ever be reunited and will her adopted family pay for their duplicity? Zari premieres on Monday 23 Oct 2023,and will air every Monday to Friday at 20:30 EAT.
Therefore, key casts that will feature in Zari include renowned local actors like Brenda Wairimu and Sara Hassan while Ka-Siri will feature Janet Torome, Saada Fateh and Philip Munyau.“The launch of these new local shows underscores MultiChoice unwavering commitment to delivering family-friendly exceptional entertainment experiences to its viewers with content that resonates with them,” noted Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya, revealing that, “Through our Tumefungulia Magic campaign, these and more shows will be available to customers subscribed to the bouquets from DStv Access and GOtv Plus and above. By this, we are fulfilling our promise to be Kenya’s most-loved storyteller, giving access to this premium local content to our broader audience of viewers.”
“In all we do, we remain committed to leveraging our resources, partnerships and talent collaborations, to bring our customers the best-in-content. The two new local shows will be a game-changer in local film production and consumption and will give the whole family more reasons to stay glued on their televisions,” noted Mr. Miranda.
The producer of both shows, Rashid Abdullah expressed his appreciation to MultiChoice Kenya for the support to local productions in Kenya. “Film production is very expensive and as filmmakers, investing and putting money behind productions is not easy, access to finance and capital too has many barriers,” he revealed.“As industry players, we are delighted to have partners like MultiChoice who allow Kenyans tell their own stories that are authentic are speak to the cultural and societal nuances that are alive in them while creating jobs for actors, actresses, chefs, transporters, real estate owners, make-up artists, video editors, sound producers, camera crew, set designers among others in the film ecosystem.”
Speaking to MultiChoice Kenya’s investment, in local content, Timothy Okwaro, Channel Director East and Southern Africa remarked, “With an annual investment of over $5m in content production and licensing, translating into well over 5,600 hours of content annually, we have lined up some of the biggest, most exciting shows that will give our viewers more choice and more entertainment.” “Since 2015, we have brought to our customers over 89 shows (35 commissioned and 52 licensed), with up to 15 shows expected between April this year and March 2024, in other words, Tumefungulia Magic” Okwaro concluded.
The national council of churches Kenya made some recommendations and observations about the five agendas set by the committe and the view of the foregoing, they recommended the some measures to promote the attainment of the aspirations of Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya
Some of the recommendations include the Finance Act 2023 be reviewed to reduce the tax burden imposed on Kenyans,the parliament to review and allocate resources for implementation of the national food security policy and strategy with a goal of ensuring that each Kenyan is assured of their next meal which will free them to focus personal and societal development
The NCCK stated their observations since over the last 13 years, different initiatives have recommended measures and made strategies to facilitate implementation of Article 27(8) of the constitution that states the measures contemplated in clause (6) that the state shall take legislative and other measures implemented principle that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender
“Overall, the observation has been that in providing for the membership of the National Assembly (Article 97 (1)) and Senate (article 98 (1)), the Constitution failed to include a provision similar to Article 177 (1)(b) which in providing for members of the County Assembly states: (b) the number of special seat members necessary to ensure that no more than two-thirds of the membership of the assembly are of the same gender. Similarly, a parallel provision at the national level (Legislature and the Cabinet) is lacking with regard to what is provided for in Article 197 (1) which states: (1) Not more than two-thirds of the members of any county assembly or county executive committee shall be of the same gender ” they stated.
