FEMALE KENYA RUGBY TEAM ORGANIZE GIRLS’ DAY OUT

The Kenya female rugby team; the lioness late last week organized a girl day out with girls from Ruiru, Tatu, Githunguri and Ngewe Primary Schools. The event organized and sponsored by Garden City is the first of its kind to sensitize young girls the benefits of careers on sports and most notably rugbyThe Kenya National Women rugby Sevens team, teachers, technical team and school girls from Ruiru, Tatu, Githunguri and Ngewe Primary Schools pose for a photo at the Garden City Play Park. They

The Kenya Lionesses challenge the schoolgirls to a match at the Garden City Playpark

Sarah Oluchi, a team member of the Lionesses team takes a selfie with the school girls at the Garden City Play Park

KENYA TOURISM MINISTER ORDERS SACKING OF 6 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OFFICIALS AFTER DEATH OF 9 RHINOS

Official sacked include:

 

1. Dr. Samuel Kasiki – Deputy Director Biodiversity, Research & Monitoring, whose portfolio includes co-ordinating line departments and providing final advice on best science on management. Poor Co-ordination between various research line departments and its field and HQ staff hampered the proper decision making in execution of this exercise. For example, the Ecological Monitoring Department failed to provide water quality assessment testing results to the Head of Veterinary Services before the final decision on translocation was made. The Species Ecological Monitoring and the Veterinary & Capture Services Department worked in parallel in most instances.
2. Dr. Francis Gakuya – the Head of Veterinary and Capture Services – Chaired the final translocation planning exercise and disregarded the checklist of pre-translocation exercise. He also failed to advise the DG to stop the Nakuru rhino translocation and shows total disregard to the welfare of the animals. He also failed to ensure co-ordination of Veterinary Officers, particularly after the animals were released in Tsavo.
3. Dr. Isaac Leekolol – Head of Capture Services to take responsibility on the improper care of the animals at the holding boma with total disregard of the welfare of the animals.
4. Mr. Felix Mwangangi the Senior Warden Tsavo East to take responsibility for showing total disconnect on this crucial exercise between Tsavo East National Park management and the capture operation team at the sanctuary.
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5. Dr. Mohammed Omar – Head of Ecological Monitoring for having failed to provide the salinity level moniting to the translocation planning team.
6. Mr. Fredrick Odock Lala – Senior Scientist Tsavo who was responsible for advising and monitoring of all aspects of suitability of the area.

KISUMU REAL ESTATE SECTOR PERFORMANCE REMAINS SAME

 

NAIROBI, KENYA, JULY 24, 2018 Cytonn has today released their Kisumu City Research Report, which highlights that the performance in the Kisumu real estate sector remained relatively flat between May 2016 – May 2018, with total returns coming in at 16.1%, from 15.5% in May 2016. The overall rental yields came in at 7.2%, 0.2% points higher than the 7.0% recorded in May 2016. For the specific themes, commercial office and residential yields remained unchanged from May 2016, averaging at 7.0% and 5.1%, respectively, while in the retail sector, the yields increased by 0.4% points from 9.0% in May 2016 to 9.4% in May 2018. Price appreciation in the market declined by 3.3% points from 5.1% in May 2016 to 1.8% in May 2018, while capital appreciation registered 0.4% points increase from 8.5% in May 2016 to 8.9% in May 2018.

“We remain neutral about the performance of the Kisumu real estate sector. However, the market has pockets of value in sectors such as Grade A and B commercial offices driven by devolution and growth in SMEs while the land sector is driven by demand from developers as they expand from the CBD to relatively new suburbs such as Riat Hills,” said Johnson Denge, Cytonn’s Senior Manager, Regional Markets, when speaking about the overall opportunity in real estate in Kisumu City. The performance in Kisumu is mainly bolstered by (i) Positive Economic Growth, with a GDP per Capita of USD 625 against a Kenyan average of USD 634, (ii) Devolution, that has opened up Kisumu City, attracting government institutions, private investors, and entrepreneurs to the county headquarters, (iii) Positive Demographics as population has been growing at a rate of 2.8% p. a, compared to the Kenya average of 2.6% p.a., and (iv) Infrastructural Development in the recent years, such as upgrading of the airport to international status, slum-upgrading programs by National Youth Service (NYS), and development of roads.

Speaking on the performance of various real estate themes, Juster Kendi, Research Analyst at Cytonn, noted that, “For the commercial sector, the pockets of value in the sector are mainly in Grade A & B offices, recording higher rental charges at Kshs 80 compared to Grade C at Kshs 78 and have an average occupancy rate of 80.0% in the first year of operation. The opportunity in the residential sector, is mainly in apartments for rent in suburbs such as Milimani, Lolwe, Migosi and Mamboleo, which record an average rental yield of 5.5%.”

Christmas Comes Early with Tuskys Supermarket 50% discounts Giveaway

20/07… The Christmas festive season is this year set to come early as retailers Tusker Mattresses launch a major customer reward scheme late Friday evening.

The launch of the Tuskys Gigantic sale, with hundreds of prizes -valued at more than Kshs 50million- up for grabs also coincides with the official opening of the retailer’s 65th branch at the Westlands Square, Nairobi.

Speaking in Nairobi when he announced the launch of the two corporate developments, Tusker Mattresses Group CEO Dan Githua said the firm is keeping to its customer first commitment in rolling out the customer reward scheme.

The Tuskys Gigantic Sale, which will also feature sales discounts of up-to 50% Githua said has also received the support of leading suppliers keen to further deepen the local formal retail trade market.

The Tuskys Gigantic Sale will feature discounts on a range of customer preferred, genuine electronics, furniture, clothing and other high value goods with customers also enjoying an opportunity to redeem their accumulated Tuskys loyalty points at 200% the current face value.

The Tuskys Mega sale, has become a popular event in Kenyan shoppers’ calendar. We started the annual mega sale as a way to reward customers’ mid-year with exciting product discounts and new product offerings, Githua said, adding that, “But what makes the Tuskys Mega Sale popular? It’s simply the chance to pick up customers preferred, genuine electronics and other high value goods at amazing discounts.”

The Tuskys Gigantic Sale will run for the next two months at 35 Tuskys Supermarkets and Mavazi Lifestyle clothing branches countrywide.

With the opening of the Tuskys Westlands Supermarket opposite the Mall, the retailer is maintaining a commitment to enhance its premium market footprint.

“We are pleased with the opening of our 65th store, as it shows that we are making good progress towards achieving our vision of guaranteeing value to our customers through quality and affordable products, delivered as close as possible to them,” said Mr Githua.

Tusker Mattresses which operates Tuskys Supermarkets and Mavazi Lifestyle clothing stores has adopted competitive strategies to shake off competition from local and multinational retail operators.

NATIONAL OIL RE-LAUNCHES ONE STOP BIT COIN FUELING STATION AT KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Nairobi, 20th July 2018: The National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) has today re-launched its National Oil KU fuel retail station as part of its larger plan to enhance its service and value offering at this and other retail stations nationwide. This relaunch follows a partnership National Oil has entered into with a diverse set of businesses to position the station as a one stop centre for motorist plying the Thika Super Highway. Through this partnership, the service station, is create employment opportunities for over 100 people and supply fuel to over 9,000 vehicles plying the Thika Super Highway every month.

Speaking at the ceremony, National Oil CEO Ms Maryjane Mwangi said the Corporation would continue to expand its fuel stations directly under its brand as well as in partnership with independent petrol stations owners. The CEO underlined the Corporation’s agenda of becoming the oil marketing company with the widest national reach by year 2020.

Ms Mwangi further highlighted the milestones National Oil has achieved to make fuelling easier for motorists and fleet owners.

“The Corporation has over the years invested in technology to improve its business processes. In addition to ensuring that we achieve efficiency and quality service delivery, motorists and fleet owners will be able to make use of our fuel card, SupaCard, which is a leader in this field, having been the first chip-secured card and fuel management system to be launched in Kenya.”

She further committed the commitment of National Oil to offer unrivalled service with the new station offering a one stop shop for its customers.

“The newly-opened service station will also provide an integrated service offering through its tyre centre, supermarket, automated carwash and coffee restaurant all located within the station. Motorists will also be able to purchase SupaGas and lubricants for all types of vehicles and motorbikes as well as receive mechanical service.”

National Oil Corporation’s Head of Strategy and Corporate Planning, Mr. Ken Mugambi, speaks to the Director of the Japanese Vehicle Service Centre at the National Oil Kenyatta University Business Park. The station will offer employment opportunities for over 100 people and supply fuel to over 9,000 vehicles plying the Thika Super Highway every month. The station will host several businesses on its premises, namely an automated carwash, a bakery, a restaurant, a car service centre and a lounge, Bitcoin Lounge. Photo Courtesy Avid PR

Kenya Airways and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Kenya sign deal

Nairobi: July 19, 2018…Kenya Airways and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake a joint marketing strategy to promote service offerings and guest experience.

Under the agreement, Kenya Airways and Fairmont Kenya will jointly marshal and position the airline as the preferred carrier into Kenya and Fairmont as the accommodation of choice for travellers coming into the country.

“We are combining our resources to focus on areas of synergy where our products and services are distributed as a complete package that targets to satisfy the needs of business and premium leisure travellers in Africa, United States and the United Kingdom,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Kenya Airways.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the luxury brands of Accor Hotels, connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide and providing travellers with memorable travel experiences. The partnership with Kenya Airways will give travellers a chance to experience the magic of destination Kenya with a stay at its three iconic properties; Fairmont The Norfolk, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and Fairmont Mara Safari Club.

Guillaume Durand, Group Director Sales & Marketing, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Kenya said: “Each property is uniquely positioned to offer travellers luxury lifestyle experiences whether it’s the vibrancy of the city they crave, the calm of Mount Kenya region or the cultural and adventure allure of the Maasai Mara.

Last month, Kenya Airways launched direct flights to Mauritius and non-stop flights to Cape Town to increase its holiday package and offer guests convenient connections from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as part of the broad strategy to expand its footprint across Africa.

Coste added that the partnership will enable the two businesses to create a stronger brand affection and increase convenience to customers.

“We recognize that potential customers use a hotel’s status in the decision-making process, which makes branding a more feasible way to attract guests. We are seeking ways to up-sell to current customers by offering improved and tangible products,” he said.

Axel Hauser, General Manager for Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club said that Fairmont Kenya’s membership of leading luxury travel associations will facilitate travel to Kenya by high-end travellers from key feeder markets.

“Fairmont is the only hotel brand with a safari circuit in Kenya recognized as a preferred supplier by Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network – leading networks bringing together the best luxury travel agencies in the world and we are well positioned to attract high net worth travellers seeking luxurious and exclusive hotel experiences combined with authentic destination experiences,” said Axel Hauser.

Kenya Airways is scheduled to begin non-stop flights to New York on 28^th October, 2018 making it the first airline to offer non-stop flights between East Africa and the United States of America.

The airline already serves Africa, Europe, Middle-East, Indian sub-continent and Asia. The opening of the US destination completes an essential piece of Kenya Airways’ network, cementing its position as one of the leading African carriers.

Kenya Airways operates in 52 destinations worldwide, 43 of which are in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually. It continues to modernize its fleet with its 32 aircraft being some of the youngest in the continent.

HUAWEI LAUNCHES THE Y5 Prime

From Left: Macqueen Njogu, Diana Chemutai and Winfred Mwangi pose with the New Huawei Y5 Prime during the Launch at a Nairobi Hotel Yesterday

12^th July 2018…..  HUAWEI has introduced another new phone HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 to their Y series family. The latest device in the market will be retailing at a recommended price; Kshs 9,999 on Jumia the only exclusive online retailer and also retail stores across the country.

 

Speaking of the new device, Huawei Mobile Kenya, Marketing Head, Derek Duh said, “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Huawei Y5 Prime 2018 in the Kenyan market that is aimed at appealing to the tech savvy and socially fashionable youth as we focus on increasing our market share in the market by at least 40%.”

 

He added, “HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 exceeds users’ expectation and offers more value, creating better user experiences to meet consumers’ interest on big memory(2GB+16GB), 4G LTE network and18:9 Full View Display and excellent photo-taking features.”

 

HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 features the stylish design of HUAWEI Full View Display; the compact design perfectly integrates with the curved body to make it comfortable to hold; the Android 8.1.0 system and the 3020mAh battery (typical value) ensure the powerful performance for even longer. HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 also features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera with selfie toning flash, making selfies more artistic and expressive.

 

 

HUAWEI bigger RAM and ROM with affordable price for running smoothly

This smartphone is 2GB RAM and 16GM ROM ,it is very suitable for you operate more process and the Android 8.1.0 which brings consumers the best advantages of software and hardware integration. With the overall optimization, users can enjoy smarter experience, making your experience amazing;

HUAWEI 4G LTE Network support

this smartphone could support 4G network ,make you have high speed to experience the internet,the speed up to 150Mps(downlink)/50Mps(uplink)，compare to 3G smartphone,it is almost 4 times speed than other brand phone, affordable price and  amazing spec.

HUAWEI Full View Display for Better View

Featuring a 5.45-inch 18:9 HD+ FullView Display, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 is designed especially for the young generations. Compared with the 16:9 aspect ratio in the same body size, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 can display 12.5% more content, offering a much wider view and striking visual experience. From watching movies to playing games, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 can always provide users with the immersive experience.

To integrate HUAWEI FullView Display into the compact design while keeping the same reliability, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 has combined the exquisite craftsmanship and advanced technology throughout the whole design, ensuring the sleekness, reliability and good experience of the FullView Display. HUAWEI Y5 Prime is available in Gold, Black and Blue. Meanwhile, the compacet design with the curved body, makes it more comfortable and natural to hold.

 

Selfie Toning Flash to Celebrate the Art of Photography

For the young generations who are keen on taking selfies, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 features a 5MP front camera with the selfie toning flash, which automatically detects the lightings and adjusts the brightness for a better portrait shot. It also supports manual adjustment to change the brightness and create professional and artistic photos to their style.

 

HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 also features a 13MP rear camera equipped with the HDR post-processing technology, bringing more artistic shots. With various filters and panorama support, users can experience the fun of photography.

Smart Technology Brings New Experience

Powered by AI facial recognition algorithm, HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 can automatically detect points of a human face and perform high accuracy mapping, conveniently unlock the screen when the phone lights up (available after HOTA upgrading). HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 also features the powerful receiver mode. The intelligent receiver can identify the surrounding noise during the call and allow users to activate the powerful receiver mode by pressing the volume up key, to ensure clear conversation anytime, anywhere.

 

Thoughtful Features Enhances Daily Experiences

A smart phone is always more than just a phone but the all-rounded assistant in our daily lives. HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 supports various thoughtful features to enhance our daily experiences. The karaoke mode[1] allows you to hear your voice from the headset when singing with the karaoke app, so you can feel like a music star on the stage. HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 also includes user-friendly features such as the gesture wake[2], three-finger screenshot and Eye Comfort, making it the thoughtful partner of your everyday life.

 

HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 features a 3020mAh (typical value) battery, and a power saving 6.0 technology to reduce mobile power consumption and maximize battery life. With longer battery life, now you can enjoy more entertainment on your phone. HUAWEI Y5 Prime 2018 also features a three-card slot design[3] to simultaneously support primary and secondary Nano SIM cards as well as a Micro SD card (not standard configuration) up to 256G (optional). With massive storage capacity and the convenience of switching between different SIM cards, this phone can satisfy all your needs in work, daily life and entertainment.

[1]  It would need to download the third-party apps that support this.

[2]  Available after HOTA upgrading.

[3] Available on Dual-SIM version.

From Left: Derrick Alenga, Huawei Mobile, Eastern African Device Head, Steven Li, Country Marketing Head, Huawei Kenya, Derek Duh, Marketing and Nakhulo Khaimia, Communications Manager, check out the New Huawei Y5 Prime during the Launch at a NAIROBI Hotel

PRIDE INN HOTELS QUEST FOR LIONS SHARE OF COAST TOURISM CONTINUES WITH ANOTHER ACQUISITION

Mombasa Kenya Local hotel chain PrideInn Hotels and Conferencing is set to open a Mombasa CBD branch late this month.

 

The outlet will follow the acquisition of Flamingo by PrideInn Beach Hotel and SPA in Shanzu, North coast of Mombasa late last month.

 

To boost its conferencing facilities, the new city boutique hotel has three conference rooms, that can comfortably fit up to 500 people.

 

“Investing in this new hotel within Mombasa CBD has been an uphill task, mainly due to the cost incurred in quality of interior finishes which we are determined to keep it world class,” said PrideInn Group managing Director, Hasnain Noorani.

The hotel will see its room inventory in the Mombasa town branch increase to 33 rooms comprising of superior, deluxe and club rooms.

 

The renovation plans involved constructing all the 33 spacious rooms, landscaping the outdoor areas, creating a new open plan reception area, modernizing the conferencing and social banqueting facilities and offering a completely new business lounge.

“The idea of renovating this hotel came from the demand in hosting conferences, banquet dinners and business travelers coming to Mombasa. We are proudly promoting Mombasa as a meeting, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination and most importantly the costal heritage,” said Mr. Noorani.

 

In a spun of six years, PrideInn now operates eight branches in Kenya, five of which are located at the Coast and three in Nairobi. Branches in Nairobi include one along Lantana Road, one along Raphta road and one along Westlands road in Westlands.

 

PrideInn’s expansion at the Coast comes amid increased competition from big players in the hotel industry. The Kenyan hospitality industry has of late experienced a squall of construction and renovation activities as traditional hotels try to salvage their position in the wake of stiff competition from local and global brands.

ROPE-WAYS- The FUTURE OF KISUMU CITY’s URBAN TRANSPORT

A Rope-Way Transport system. Image Courtesy of Google

Image Of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Grounds Kisumu. Images Courtesy of Google.

Congestion is a problem many urban cities across the world face. Mostly caused by movement of people, goods through private and public transport facilities on the limited space characteristic of the surface transport network. To tackle this problem many cities in developed and developing nations have increasingly  looked to the skies as a possible Allie in the quest to increase the efficiency of the transport system in cities.  The use of drones to offer courier services is slowly picking in most developed and developing nations of the world  across Europe and Africa with Rwanda using the technology to deliver blood donations to locations where such is urgently needed

Flirtey drone used to make the first FAA-approved delivery in the U.S. — accepted into the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.

. In Kenya the price pegged on owning and operating a drone is pegged at Ksh200,000 or USD1,988.31 USD;

a price which many business experts like Dr George Njenga, Dean, Strathmore Business School believe is prohibitive to the development of such courier services.

The need to provide an efficient transport system that is sustainable and efficient to cater for the needs of the the ever rising population of urban cities is a quagmire many cities increasingly have to unravel and air has been considered a possible solution to the mess that is characteristic of the surface transport network. The use of rope-ways is a transport system that has been adopted by Austria, France, Poland, Russia, and Italy and is increasingly seen as a panacea for transport woes which the County of Government of Kisumu in Kenya faces

STANLIB FAHARI I-REIT APPOINTS NEW ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Tuesday 3rd July 2018, Nairobi: The Board of Directors of STANLIB Kenya Limited (STANLIB) has today announced the appointment of

Nozipho Makhoba

as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the STANLIB Fahari I-REIT (Fahari-I-REIT) effective 1^st July 2018. Nozipho replaces Mr. Kenneth Masika whose contract came to an end on 30th June 2018.

 

The STANLIB Board of Directors wishes to recognize Kenneth’s contributions to the ongoing success of the STANLIB Fahari I-REIT. During his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth steered the team towards a significant growth in earnings. Under his leadership the REIT also successfully concluded a substantial property acquisition which will help bolster the yield and quality of the existing portfolio.

Nozipho who is currently the Chief Financial Officer for STANLIB Fahari I-REIT has 17 years’ experience spanning across financial management, external audit, property investment and corporate finance. As the Chief Finance Officer of the STANLIB Fahari I-REIT she has been responsible for financial management, risk management, financial reporting and strategic resource planning.

 

Before joining STANLIB, Nozipho worked for the Liberty Group (South Africa) from 2012 in various areas of the business including Liberty Properties and Group Corporate Finance. She was instrumental in the Group’s mergers and acquisition transactions related to property.

 

Prior to joining the Liberty Group, Nozipho spent six years in the audit profession and five years with the largest asset management firm in Africa – the Public Investment Corporation as a Finance and Operations Manager in the Property Investment Division. While at the Public Investment Corporation, she held non-Executive Director roles for various property investment companies including Pareto Limited (South Africa).

 

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accounting, both from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is a registered Chartered Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

 

In making the announcement the STANLIB Kenya Managing Director, Nkoregamba Mwebesa, said “The Board has expressed full confidence in Nozipho’s competencies to oblige this role based on her experience and tenure so far.”