BY OKISEGERE OJEPAT Kenya is hurtling towards starvation on agricultural policy set by non-experts It is hard to remember any decision that has ever harmed Kenya as much as the recommendation now before parliament that it adopts the European Union’s policies on agricultural inputs. A trend where non-experts are left to establish changes in critical sectors will stifle growth of the country. In fact, it is an overreach where ignorance could cost us 20% of our entire GDP, as well as countless lives. For there is nothing about the recommendation from the Parliamentary Health Committee (PHC) to indicate it has…
Author: NBM CORRESPONDENT
BY JACOB OKETCH This is a unique book that illuminates the essence of success in family and societal development. The story of Canon Jeremiah Musungu Awori demonstrates that determination and courage are the cornerstones of success. Perhaps, this is the first book that I have read that tells the story of three generations of a single family in Kenya. Several thematic concerns emerge from this book; Firstly, Canon Awori’s contribution and influence in the evangelization mission in western Kenya puts him in a class of his own. He was the first Anglican priest to be ordained in western Kenya and…
By Grace Murage Over a year since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, countries across the globe are rallying to recover socially and economically from the crisis. However, true recovery requires sustained prevention and intervention measures, and this involves funding. Not all local governments can fight Covid-19 at pace, on their own. The right public-private sector partnerships can drive momentum and unlock funding channels at this critical moment in the pandemic. What is the role of lenders in the Covid-19 intervention and vaccine rollout? In terms of financing the vaccine rollout, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have come to the fore.…
Retailers’ umbrella body, the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) has rolled out a campaign to sensitize traders on the KS1758 standard mark of quality for horticultural products sold locally. The pilot phase of the campaign is currently targeting Nairobi, Mombasa and Machakos counties, and seeks to promote public private partnerships in the implementation of the standard. “It is for this reason that we are implementing the rollout and adoption of KS 1758 part II by the domestic horticulture value chain actors. It is anticipated that the adoption of KS1758 will enhance food safety, food quality and also facilitate sustainable…
BY BEATRICE MWANGI Even though creating wealth is an art that requires research and learning to ensure one invests in the most profitable avenues, there is need to note that the higher the returns, the higher the risks. Therefore, it is important that one fully understands the investment options and make informed decisions. Some of the investment vehicles available in the market include bank fixed deposit, stocks, government bonds and real estate, among others. But let’s delve into investing in real estate, outlining what an investor should know before committing their capital. To begin with, buying and owning real estate…
The Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development (MoITED), the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), Stanbic Kenya Foundation, Microsoft Kenya and the African Center for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) have partnered to equip 50,000 small business owners with digital skills. Dubbed “Future Ni Digital”, the initiative aims at supporting the government in its efforts to promote digital technologies and ICT as a way of creating employment opportunities and improving on public service delivery. It is also part of a program that was launched earlier this year with the key private sector players and government. “Continuous skill improvement is key for…
The Board of Kenswitch Kenya Limited has picked Karimi Ithau as managing director as the company rolls out its new market direction. Ms Ithau is a seasoned professional with experience spanning over 20 years in sales of innovative products and services in the information technology markets related to payments for financial and non-financial institutions. “Ithau has what it takes to steer our Kenyan market to the next level. As a board, we would like to congratulate her and assure her of our continued support as we seek to provide innovative payments across the East African region,” said Yousef Bazian, Kenswitch chairman.…
Windsor Capital Management’s easy path to global mobility The world is full of opportunities, but, often, certain barriers prevent us from traveling freely to countries we might like to visit. As a result, we cannot access alternative healthcare systems in other countries, offer our children more diverse educational prospects, or even just live in another country for any length of time. But what if there was a way to break down those barriers quickly and easily – a way of opening up access to those global opportunities for you and your family? Windsor Capital Management, a specialist in Citizenship/Residency…
Startups are about to explore a world of possibilities in the paints and coatings industry after a paints company, AkzoNobel, launched a challenge dubbed “Paint the Future” in mid-May in a bid to accelerate innovation. All participants can learn the tactics that have made viable companies like AkzoNobel whose portfolio of brands include Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon. Some will find even more doors opened for them in the form of partnership opportunities and investments. “Our new company strategy is all about building on our strong foundation and pioneering ways to grow and innovate,” says Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel’s CEO. “That’s…
BY VICTOR ADAR When Fejiro Hanu Agbodje was conned in 2014 by a random guy he met through a blogging site, he took that experience as a lesson. It was after one of his highflying uncles offered him an iTune gift card, but little did he know what to do with it. After all, one ought to own an iPhone to get the value of the card. He could not even find someone to buy it until he tried his fortune online, and lost it all in the process. To solve the market place challenges he went through, Mr Hanu…