Kingwa Kamencu is a media practioner, writer, and human rights defender among other things. She is also the CEO of Blackstar Media Limited. She captured the nation’s attention when she expressed her interest to vie for the presidency in 2013 and even went ahead and announced her candidacy in a memorable press conference at Chester House though she withdrew her candidacy before the actual election. She has stoked controversy in social media regarding some of her posts largely because not much is known about this brilliant young woman leader from Kenya. In this wide-ranging interview with NBM’s Jacob Oketch, in…
Author: NBM CORRESPONDENT
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a new mobile application that is to enable taxpayers to access tax services from anywhere on their devices. The new application, dubbed the KRA M-Service App, will allow users to access services such as PIN registration, verification processes, filing their returns and making their payments. With a majority of Kenyans having access to a mobile phone, the app is convenient and easy to use. According to Caxton Masudi, deputy commissioner policy and tax advisory, KRA is taking on an innovating approach, not just with the app, but also by shifting their focus to…
With low operational visibility, slow, outdated processes and a vision of growing its footprint, one of Africa’s oldest dairy processor and distributor turned to technology to transform its operations and get it in shape for the 21st century digital economy. The Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) was founded in 1925 and is the largest dairy distributor in East Africa. The company was registered as a state corporation in 2005 and renamed New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Ltd. The company came into international prominence in the late 1930s supplying butter and condensed milk to British troops during World War II and later on in…
Cytonn Investments, an investments management firm and real estate developer, handed over Phase 2 of its Sh5b comprehensive residential development, The Alma, located in Ruaka. This follows the handing over of its Phase 1 in July 2019, bringing the total number of handed over units to 181. The Alma is a comprehensive residential development sitting on 4.7 acres with approximately 477 units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units. The developer’s focus on the Ruaka submarket is supported by, among others, good transport network as the area is accessible through Limuru Road and Northern By-pass which links it to Kiambu…
Kenyans can learn great digital lending lessons from international practices according to Zenka Finance CEO Duncun Motanya. Over the last decade, Mr Motanya notes, technology has significantly changed how Kenyans gain access to credit. Notably, more Kenyans are now financially included and can access short-term loans as low as Sh500 with a tap on their phones and sort out emergencies as fast as they come. Every day, we see more Kenyans previously excluded from formal financial services being able to access credit to meet their daily financial needs in education, health, food and business. “This progressive transformation has been necessitated…
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) recently published guidelines to Collective Investments Schemes, (CIS), on the valuation, performance measurement and reporting by fund managers, in a bid to ensure standardization of the sector as well as ensure the consistency of the information presented across the sector. The guidelines are a commendable move by the CMA, as they will ensure the alignment of the market players and ease comparability across various players. However, they present various shortcomings. Can the regulator, for instance, determine the asset allocation for managers? Do the guidelines override the fund managers trust deed? CIS and where the guidelines fit in …
BY DAVID ONJILI The last seven months have really redefined livelihoods globally. Organizations have downsized in a bid to cut down on operational costs and families have had to adjust with reduced incomes and even job losses. Travel has been interrupted with many precautionary changes to safeguard the Covid-19 spread. Schools have been closed and children asked to learn online and many haven’t. The online learning has come with its challenges. One, for instance, needs good Internet connection, a laptop or Smartphone, items that are luxury in many of Kenya’s households that continue to grapple with lack of electricity and…
We are headed for tough times, CS Health warns as Positivity rate hits 15% and fears of restrictions across the economy loom large. BY NBM writer The fast rising cases of COVID-19 in the country over the past one month have sent shockwaves into the wobbly economy, pointing at a possible further decline, which could lead to more job losses and severe disruptions. On the last day of October, positive cases passed the 55,000 mark, with daily reported cases averaging over 1000—a positivity rate of over 15%. This is way above the recommended positivity level of 5% set by the…
In less than three years after releasing Kenyatta-era detainees upon assuming power in 1979, Moi had minted his own brand new detainees by May 1982. Incidentally, among Moi’s first detainees was John Khaminwa, an indigenous lawyer and member of the LSK, who was detained in June 1982 for representing Moi’s very first detainee, Stephen Mwangi Muriithi BY GILBERTY MUYUMBU In early 1981, President Daniel arap Moi directed that land disputes in the country would henceforth be settled by elders and the Provincial Administration, rather than through the court process. He had decided so, said the President, to save ordinary Kenyans…
Radisson Hotel Group announces the launch of a new brand, Radisson Individuals, a conversion brand that offers independent hotels and local, regional chains the opportunity to be part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform, benefit from the Group’s international awareness and experience, with the freedom to maintain their own uniqueness and identity. Radisson Individuals hotels are selected for their own characteristics and personalities, offering guests an opportunity to discover new locations around the world, while always delivering Radisson Hotel Group’s high standards of quality and “Yes I Can!” service hospitality, combined with the local flavors and personality of the…
