Top 100 Global Innovator Drives Digitisation of Kenyan Private schools

Nairobi, Kenya 17th December 2019

“Tech company launches free iLearn Grade One, as KICD rolls it out to 20,000+ state schools”

Atlancis Technologies has today moved to accelerate the digitisation of Kenya’s private primary
schools by providing them with free tranches of the iLearn e-learning content being rolled out by
KICD into more than 20,000 state primary schools.
The company, which was this month named a Top 100 company for innovation, has created the only
Kenyan digital content produced for the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) by Kenyan teachers, as
part of its strategy of populating its Kenyan cloud platform with transformatory local content.
“It was an honour to be selected by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) this year to
provide digital content for the new curriculum for Grades 1 and 2,” said Atlancis CEO and Co-founder
Daniel Njuguna.
“Today, we are taking a next step again, with the launch of a learning management system offering
some of the iLearn content for free and providing schools with digital libraries, the capacity to create
quizzes, interactive lessons and every type of e-learning content. We are also providing teacher
training and set-up support as part of our much bigger investment in ground-breaking education
cloud technology to deliver on the government’s vision of a digitalised education system for all
Kenyans.”
In addition to being awarded as an innovator in this month’s Top 100 awards, Kenyan company
Atlancis Technologies has been lauded internationally by the Open Compute Project, launched by
Facebook and partners, as the first company in Africa to install its state-of-the-art open source data
centre infrastructure. The technology has cut the cost of data centre hardware to a fraction of
previous levels and positioned Atlancis to deliver local cloud services that are far more cost efficient
than was previously possible.
“We now see a set of bases for Kenya’s own Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) in which iLearn is key.
Having seen it approved and implemented by KICD into the Kenyan schooling system, we have
worked hard to now expand it to create a user-friendly learning management system that private
schools can access within hours of signing up,” said Daniel.
As a result, Atlancis is today launching the new, online iLearn system with free Grade One content,
and extra premium features and grades for schools with digital budgets, on http://www.ilearn.world, as
part of a multi-million dollar investment in the development of digital content for the CBC for all
grades.

Majority Leader In Both Houses Dismiss Machakos Governors Death Threat Allegation

Nairobi, Kenya 16th December 2019

Responding to Machakos Governors eailier police recorded statement on threats to his life made by Majority Leaders in the Senate and the National Assembly. Senate Assembly Majority Leader in his twitter feed commented that; “Mr. Mutua is writing another episode of his cobra squad series. Having failed spectacularly as a leader he turned himself into a Joseph Goebbels of his county government. He is of no consequence to anyone to deserve any attention let alone threats. Let’s just watch the cinematic vipindiree,” said Murkomen in a tweet.

On his part, Duale National Assembly Majority leader said: “Governor Alfred Mutua is at it again seeking attention with the most fictitious allegations that can only fit in his failed Cobra Squad TV show. You will not gain relevance by shouting the names of leaders who have achieved more than he can ever do. Focus on Machakos, Mutua

Governor Alfred Mutua Says DP and Majority Leaders In Both Houses Have Threatened To Kill Him

Nairobi 16th December 2019 Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua earlier today recorded at statement at Kilimani Police Station saying that his life is in Danger.

The Governor argued that the threat was made when he attended a statehouse event in which the two Majority Leader Aden Duale and Deputy President William Ruto were present

Deputy President William Ruto Sandwitched by Majority Leaders in Senate and National Assembly Aden Duale and Kipchumba Murkomen. Images courtesy

Machakos Governor when He went to record the statement at Killimani Police Station earlier today. images courtesy.

Machakos county governor Alfred Mutua has accused DP William Ruto, Majority leader in Parliament Aden Duale of threatening his life.

Speaking outside the Kilimani police station, Mutua said Duale and Murkomen had threatened him for fighting Ruto politically.

“Nilishambuliwa na mweshimiwa Duale na Murkomen kwa kuniambia ya kwamba ninawashambulia. Nilipowauliza eti ninawashambulia vipi wakasema eti nimekuwa nikimshambulia Ruto,” Mutua said.

Mutua said on December 11 at State House, DP Ruto also shook hands with him and said that ‘ you have been attacking me and I have to crush you. I will teach you a lesson’.

He said that the DP added that ‘you wait, you will see’ in presence of Duale who told him ‘we warned you’.

MARKET UPDATE KENYA BY CYTONN

During the week, T-bills remained undersubscribed, with the subscription rate coming in at 53.5%, down from 55.3% the previous week. The undersubscription is attributable to reduced participation by banks who are now looking to lend to the private sector after the repeal of the rate cap legislation. The yield on the 91-day and 364-day paper remained unchanged at 7.2% and 9.8%, respectively, while that of the 182-day paper declined by 0.1% points to 8.1%, from 8.2% recorded last week. During the week, Fitch Ratings, an American credit rating agency, affirmed through a press release that Kenya’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating was at B+ with a stable outlook. This rating is informed by the country’s high levels of debt, both domestic and external, against a strong and stable growth outlook. During the week, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority released their monthly statement on the maximum retail fuel prices in Kenya effective from 15^th December 2019 to 14^th January 2020. Petrol prices have declined marginally by 1.0% to Kshs 109.5 per litre from Kshs 110.6 per litre previously, while diesel prices have declined by 2.7% to Kshs 101.8 per litre, from Kshs 104.6 pre litre previously. Kerosene prices decreased by 1.7% to Kshs 102.3 per litre, from Kshs 104.1 per litre previously;

Equities

During the week, the equities market recorded mixed performance with NASI gaining by 0.1% and NSE 20 and NSE 25 recording losses of 1.3% and 0.6%, respectively, taking their YTD performance to gains/(losses) of 14.3%, (8.7%) and 11.0%, for the NASI, NSE 20 and NSE 25, respectively. The Insurance Regulatory Authority released Q3’2019 Insurance Industry Report summarizing the performance and financial position of the Kenya insurance industry. According to the report, industry Gross Written Premium grew by 6.5% to Kshs 174.9 bn as at the end of Q3’2019, from Kshs 164.3 bn recorded in Q3’2018. The Long-term Insurance segment recorded an 11.0% growth in Gross Written Premiums to Kshs 69.7 bn in Q3’2019, from Kshs 62.8 bn observed in a similar period last year, while the General Insurance segment’s Gross Written Premiums improved by 3.7% to Kshs 105.2 bn, from Kshs 101.5 bn in Q3’2018;

Real Estate

During the week, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics released the Leading Economics Indicator Report for the month of December 2019, which showed that the value of building approvals for the first half of the year increased compared to a similar period in 2018. In the residential sector, H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the first phase of the 100,000-units affordable housing project initiated after signing a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as a strategic partner and also issued a directive to officially make contributions to the National Housing Development Fund voluntary. And in the hospitality sector, Kenya Airports Authority revealed plans of revamping airstrips at the Kenyan Coast to allow accommodation of larger aircraft and international flights, while the government also announced plans to set up a tourism centre in partnership with the Jamaican Government that will help tackle challenges affecting the sector such as terrorism;

Focus of the Week

This week, we revisit the interest rate cap topic following the Presidential assent of the Finance Bill, 2019 into law, which repealed Section 33B of the Banking Act that provided for the capping of bank interest rates. In this topical, we review the effects the interest rate cap had in the economy and banking industry, and discuss our expectations going forward for the market, following the interest rate cap repeal in Kenya;

Company updates

• Cytonn Asset Managers Limited (CAML), the regulated affiliate of Cytonn Investments, launched the first specialized and regulated Collective Investment Scheme in Kenya, focusing on financing mid to low-income housing, known as the Cytonn High Yield Fund (CHYF). The ceremony was graced by Mr. Charles Hinga, Principal Secretary, and State Department for Housing and Urban Development. To find out more about the launch, read the event note here;
• Edwin H. Dande, Chief Executive Officer, Cytonn Investments was interviewed by Metropol TV where he gave his remarks about the Cytonn High Yield Fund. Watch Edwin here;
• Beatrice Mwangi, Senior Research Analyst, Cytonn Investments was on NTV to talk about the economy outlook 2019. Watch Beatrice here;

KNOW KENYA’S MOST TRUSTED “DRINK” AND DRINK PROVIDER

Nairobi, 9th December 2019

The Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards, held on 6^th December 2019 at Crowne Plaza hotel in Capital Nairobi was one of its kind.

Organized by ASENTI Events in partnership with the Market Research Company Opinion which was involved in data collection and Chasing Mavericks Ltd as a consulting awarding partner.

The awards brought together more than 200 players in the Beverage Industry as well as policy makers, the private sector and media and showcased beverage brands alongside logistics partners enabling supply of such good across the region enabling companies to establish their product market presence.

some of the contestants at the event. Images courtesy

The awards focussed on established brands and emerging players in the beverage industries with proof of concept and meeting standards acceptable for the market and was officially opened by Mr. Simon Atebe Deputy Director Agrochemical Ministry of Trade and Industrialization echoed the government is committment to support the Beverage industries grow through curbing proliferation of counterfeit products

Other speakers were, Sharad Khetia- Khetia Drapers & Lead Kabarnet Water, Lornah Nyaga – Nestle Kenya, Tushar Mehta- Beverage Lead Bidco and Calvin Jodisi Lead, Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards who emphased on the need for collaboration in different areas as the beverage sector.

Contestants at the event. images Courtesy Kenya Beverages Excellence Awards

This year’s Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards was sponsored by Kabarnet water (Main partner) and Nestle as a gold partner.

A number of companies won awards in various categories as listed below:

Most Preferred Water Brand of the Year

Keringet Water-Winner

Aquamist Water- First Runner up

Most Preferred Glass Water Bottle

Aquamist Water –Winner      

Mayers Water- First Runner up

Most preferred Bottle Design

Kabarnet Water-Winner

Mayers Water-First Runner up

Most Preferred Sparkling Water

Mayers Water-Winner               

Dasani Water-First Runner up

Most Preferred Mineral Water

Keringet Water-Winner             

Aquamist Water-First runner up

Most Preferred Executive Water

Aquamist Water- Winner               

Executive Water-First runner up

Most Preferred Flavoured Water

 Aquamist Flavoured Water- Winner

Schweppers-First runner up

JUICES CATEGORY

Most Preferred Tetra Packaged Fruit Juice

Orchid Valley-Winner

Fruitville-First runner up

Most preferred fruit juice in PET

Minute Maid juice- Winner

Afia juice- First runner up

Most Preferred Dilute Juice

 Pep juice- Winner

Quencher Juice- First Runner up

Most preferred Emerging Cola soda

American cola- Winner

Brava cola- First runner up

Most Preferred Flavoured Emerging Energy Drink

Reaktor Energy drink- Winner

Afia Energy drink – First runner up

Most preferred Energy Drink by Bottle Design

 Reaktor Energy drink- Winner

Afia energy drink-First runner up

TEA Category

Most preferred Tea Brand of the year

Kericho Gold Tea- Winner

Fahari ya Kenya- First runners up

Most Preferred Flavoured Tea Bags

Ketepa Pride- Winner

 Melvins Tea- First runner up

Most preferred Herbal Infused Tea

Kericho Gold tea-Winner

Melvins tea -First runner up

Most preferred Speciality Range Tea

Kericho Gold tea- Winner

Ketepa Purple Tea- First runner up

Most preferred Green Tea

Kate Organics Green Tea- Winner

Kericho Gold Tea- First runner up

COFFEE Category

Most Preferred Coffee Brand of Year

Nescafe coffee-Winner

Dormans coffee-First Runner up

Most preferred Powder milk

Nestle nido-Winner

Miksi powder-First runner up

ALCOHOLIC

Most preferred alcoholic local wine

Mara Wines- winner

Most preferred Coffee Brand. Images Courtesy of Google

Leleshwa wines- First runner up

Most preferred Beverage concept of the year

YOLA Cereal Milk Drink- Winner

Safari Lemonade Lime- First runner up

Most preferred online delivery liquor shop

Jumia delivery – Winner

 Dial a drink Kenya- First runner up

Most preferred Craft Beer

Bateleur Brewery-Winner

254 Brewing Co. First runner up

Most preferred healthy drink

Kate’s Organics Everyday Detox Tea- Winner

Images courtesy 

YOLA Cereal Milk Drink- First runner up

Most Preferred Emerging Beverage Brand

Aquamist Iced Tea- Winner

Sandtrap (IPA)- First runner up

Most preferred ERP Provider for the Beverage industry

Appkings Solutions-Winner

Absolute Corporate Solutions-First Runners up

Most Preferred Natural Antioxidant Drink

Kates Organics Aloe vera juice- Winner

Booch-First Runners Up

Nokia 2.3 Cheap But with High AI Affinity

An Android experience smartphone with powerful AI combined with feature-packed dual camera, two-day battery life and an immersive entertainment experience. 

Nairobi Kenya, December 11^th 2019 – HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has today announced the availability of  the Nokia 2.3 in Kenya – making it the first market that the phone is on sale – after its global launch in Cairo on 5^th December.

Commenting during the launch of the phone, Gopher Ogembo, Senior Business Manager East Africa, HMD Global, said, “Consumers in Kenya have really appreciated the Nokia 2 family of products. The Nokia 2.3 is a step forward in our promise of offering you an experience that stays fresh longer – giving consumers access to two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates even in the affordable price tier. On top, it offers industry leading AI for this segment, large screen and our signature promise of two-day battery life – making it the ideal pick for those who rely on their smartphone as their primary screen.”

HMG Global Business Manager Mark Misumi and a model pose during the launch of Nokia 2.3 in Kenya. Image courtesy

Delivering a feature-packed camera fuelled by AI, helping you get the best shot, the Nokia 2.3 features a large 6.2” HD+ screen and two-day battery[i] life for long-lasting and immersive entertainment. Plus, being Android™ 10 ready, the new Nokia 2.3 will receive guaranteed monthly security updates for three years and OS updates for two years, ensuring this smartphone gets better over time.

The Nokia 2.3 features a dual camera and comes with ‘Recommended Shot’, a brand-new Nokia phones feature helping you choose the best picture. Whether it’s the mid-air backflip, the family portrait where everyone is actually smiling or the winning goal, ‘Recommended Shot’ automatically captures alternate images before and after the shutter button is pressed and suggests the best one.  Alongside even more AI-powered features such as ‘Portrait Mode’ and low-light imaging, fans can capture creative images in a variety of settings.

You can also save precious time with the Nokia 2.3, which has a dedicated Google Assistant Button[ii]. Just use your voice to view upcoming calendar entries, commute times and other info. The Nokia 2.3 also comes with biometric face recognition, allowing you to unlock your phone at a glance.  

Bringing out your creative side

The Nokia 2.3 comes equipped with ‘Portrait Mode’, elevating your subject and subtly blurring the background, resulting in stunning portraits that pop. Simply use Google Photos to adjust the blur after you take the shot.  With a 13MP/2MP dual camera, fans can take unique portraits with a variety of exclusive bokeh – or blurred background effects such as Classic, Butterfly, Heart or Star-shaped styles. And feel like a professional by creating eye-catching photos by simply adjusting the focus when editing.

This device also combines advanced image fusion and exposure stacking (taking numerous photos in various lighting settings and blending them together), meaning you can shoot stellar images in vibrant detail, even in low-light conditions.

Long-lasting, immersive entertainment

Power through your day with the Nokia 2.3’s two-day battery life courtesy of AI-assisted Adaptive Battery technology. The device will learn your app usage habits meaning you can use your device for longer and get lost in your favourite series and movies. Sit back, relax and enjoy a large 6.2” HD+ screen from the palm of your hands, bringing your favourite stories to life.

Elegant design with everyday essentials

Inspired by its Nordic design heritage, the Nokia 2.3 delivers a timeless aesthetic that isn’t just built to look good, but to last. Featuring a 3D nano-textured cover that sits securely in your hand, this phone has a stunning finish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Advanced structural engineering made it possible to integrate the dual camera and flash into the rear of the phone without a camera bump. Inner high-precision diecast aluminium chassis makes the structure solid and rigid protecting all the components inside.

An experience that just keeps getting better

The Nokia 2.3 comes Android 10 ready, meaning guaranteed monthly security updates for three years and OS updates for two years to ensure the smartphone will get better over time and that the investment is future-proofed. The latest features of Android 10 will also give fans access to dark theme to save on power usage and improve visibility, as well as enhanced privacy and more, once updated.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia 2.3 comes in Cyan Green and Charcoal, Retailing from Kes12,000

Aliciana Barley Makes Entry into Commercial Food Market

Nairobi, Kenya 12th December 2019East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has announced commercialization of the Aliciana Barley Variety a year after it was launched. The announcement was made during the Annual Field Day in Mau Narok following successful trials with farmers who have reported higher yields and greater resistance to water lodging.

Evelyn Koiyan, CEC Agriculture Narok County with (right) Lawrence Maina, General Manager, East Africa Maltings ltd (EAML), and Prof Julius Ochuodho go through the 8^th edition of the Barley Growing Handbook during the Annual Field Day in Mau Narok. The handbook proposes the best malting barley growing approaches, best barley varieties, seed rates, fertilizers among other practices. Images courtesy oxygene.co.ke

The Field Day, an annual event that brings together stakeholders within the barley value chain, is a key event as stakeholders converge to learn, share experiences and showcase their products and innovations. Barley is the main raw material for KBL’s beers.

Speaking during the event, Mr. David Kilesi, Chairman of the Barley Growers Association of Kenya, praised the variety. “We have seen higher yields this season with the Aliciana variety compared to the previous varieties we had been planting. We would like to thank EABL for introducing this variety.”

EABL continues to invest heavily in research in an effort to offer production solutions to barley growers through its subsidiary East African Malting (EAML).

Lawrence Maina, General Manager East African Malting (EAML), reiterated EABL’s commitment to investing in providing varieties that are beneficial to farmers in terms of improving yields and increasing their income.

“We are very happy that farmers in Narok have embraced the Aliciana variety following our launch last year. It would not have been possible for us to commercialize the variety today if it wasn’t for the success you have experienced” Mr. Main said.

EABL also launched the 8^th edition of the Barley Growing Handbook as part of farmer capability building during the Field Day.

The Barley Growing Handbook summarizes the current recommendations on the barley varieties to be cultivated by farmers, seed rates, fertilizer usage, recommended insecticides, fungicides, herbicides to be used on barley and seed dressers. The recommendations in the Handbook are based on research data generated by the EAML research department and her partners.

Speaking during the event, Lawrence Maina, General Manager at EAML, emphasized the company’s commitment to not only offering a ready market, but creating lasting relationships with all the EABL farmers and support them to enhance both yield and quality.

“EABL has continued to create value chains that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable,” Mr. Maina said, adding “This handbook will be instrumental in guiding our farmers on the approach and inputs that will help them deliver a great crop”

This year, the event brought together hundreds of farmers and key partners including Syngenta East Africa ltd, Bayer, BASF, OCP, Mascon and CMC. In addition, EAML’s research partners such as University of Eldoret, who were instrumental in developing the handbook, were present.  The farmers were treated to a demonstration on crop rotation, special fertilizer blends and showcase of barley varieties.

 In addition to launching the handbook, EABL reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation by donating a KSH 1.5 million to the Purko Trust to go towards afforestation of 1000 acres in the Mau region with the aim of planting 100, 000 tree seedlings next year. 

During the event, Sylvester Ndeda, EAML Research and Liaison Manager and Jack Kilundo, Financial Service Manager were feted after having served the farmers for more than 25 years.

Annually, EABL sources 50,000MT of barley from close to 1000 farmers in five counties of Narok, Nakuru, Usain Gishu and Meru.

Sanlam General Insurance Comes out to Assist Those in Road Trouble

Nairobi, Kenya 11th December 2019…Sanlam General Insurance, a subsidiary of listed non-bank financial services provider Sanlam Kenya, has today launched Sanlam Road Assistance, a comprehensive private motor insurance service geared towards improving the experience of its motor insurance customers.

The service which is in line with the firm’s commitment to offer solutions to customer needs will provide road assistance to all motor private – comprehensive customers. This includes, on spot accident assessment, free post-accident support, towing and an optional add on for courtesy car and taxi service to complete the journey.

Speaking during the launch, recently appointed Sanlam General Insurance CEO Ms Caroline Laichena said the introduction of this service is in line with the company’s efforts to continuously improve the experience of their customers through innovation in keeping with the evolving needs of its consumers.

“As a company, we are passionate about our consumers who are the core of how we do business. The Sanlam Road Assistance service is a clear demonstration of our commitment to investing in the right tools and technologies that provide critical insights about our customers’ needs, enabling us to respond with the most relevant products and services,” Ms. Laichena said.

On spot-accident support entails the dispatch of a Rapid Response Personnel to the scene of the accident, whose role is to commence with the scene assessment, directing local authorities to the scene, filling in the digitized accident report form and securing statements from witnesses at the scene.

The personnel will also be responsible for documenting the accident in the form of photos and in the event of two parties involved in an accident, obtaining the relevant documents of individuals involved – driving license, insurance policy, vehicle documents. This also ensures that the digitized claims process will now start at the scene of the accident, significantly shortening the claims process.

In the event towing services will be required, Sanlam will dispatch a towing truck to the location of the accident. The services will also be available in the case of a car breakdown to a garage of the customers’ choice.

Additionally, Sanlam will provide taxi services, entailing the dispatch of a taxi to the scene of the accident to enable customers to proceed to their destination while Sanlam personnel attend to the matter. Customers can also buy the enhanced courtesy car benefit; where the replacement vehicle will be similar to their current vehicle.

The service which is currently available in Nairobi and its environs within a 100km by road is set to be available across major towns in the country by March next year.

Besides the road assistance, Sanlam has introduced a digital valuation process for all comprehensive insurance covers. Simplifying the vehicle valuation process and saving the customer valuable time. The service is meant to take valuation to customers which is the convenience the customers want.

“At Sanlam, we believe in providing solutions that offer the utmost convenience for our customers, enabling them to live their best and most productive lives. This is critical not only in improving the levels of customer satisfaction but is also a key differentiator in the changing and competitive business environment,” Ms. Laichena added.

At the launch Ms. Laichena noted the introduction of this value addition service was in line with the company’s value of exemplary service to customers and Sanlam Kenya’s commitment to maximise value for its customers, delivering excellent service with a rich benefit portfolio for existing and future clients.

CYTONN LAUNCHES REGULATED FUND, CYTONN FOCUSED ON FINANCING MID TO LOW INCOME HOUSING

NAIROBI, KENYA, December 10^th 2019 – Cytonn Asset Managers Limited (CAML), the regulated affiliate of Cytonn Investments, Cytonn Asset Managers, has today launched the first specialized and Regulated Collective Investment Scheme in Kenya, focusing on financing mid to low income housing, known as the Cytonn High Yield Fund (CHYF) which will target assets under management of Kshs 30bn, which shall be used for the development of 6,000 mid to low-income houses.

Speaking at the launch, Cytonn CEO, Edwin H. Dande said, “We are constantly striving to provide creative solutions that will ensure the affordable housing agenda is attained and Cytonn High Yield Fund is one of those solutions.It allows another avenue for the private sector to bring regulated capital towards the development of low to mid-income housing. Therefore, we believe the fund is in line with the government’s agenda of attaining affordable housing by 2020.Driven by such factors we asked ourselves, ‘How can webridge these challenges and provide affordable mixed-use developments?’ CHYF is our solution.”

Dr. Edward Odundo, Chairman, East Africa Forum for Alternative Investments said “Housing plays a key socio-economic role and represents one of the main sources of wealth in Kenya. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization putting pressure on housing delivery systems, many first-time home buyers will not be able to afford formal housing without proper housing finance solutions. This puts the issue of housing finance at the forefront of the country’s development agenda and am glad that Cytonn is taking the necessary steps to provide a solution”.

Mr, Charles Hinga the Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development recognised Cytonn’s efforts towards crafting solutions that contribute to making housing affordable to all. Speaking He lauded Cytonn for launching what He termed the best housing fund in the market today.

The delivery of affordable housing is a major priority for the government. Working together with private sector players such as Cytonn is the only way we can achieve our targets for affordable housing, and I pledge my support. Let us continue to work together to fill the housing gap and create value for Kenyans,” he said.

Speaking He lauded Cytonn for launching what He termed the best housing fund in the market today.

The delivery of affordable housing is a major priority for the government. Working together with private sector players such as Cytonn is the only way we can achieve our targets for affordable housing, and I pledge my support. Let us continue to work together to fill the housing gap and create value for Kenyans,” he said.

Loon Signs Overflight Agreement with Uganda

Overflight permissions in Africa are key as Loon works toward the provision of service in Kenya and beyond

Kampala, 10 December 2019: Loon, the company that is preparing to launch balloon-powered internet connectivity in Kenya has announced that it has reached an agreement with the government of Uganda to operate in the stratosphere above the country. Loon is a subsidiary of Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

The agreement was signed in Kampala with representatives from Loon, the Uganda Government, and others. Loon is working collaboratively with other regional governments, including Kenya and Tanzania, to secure overflight approvals to provide service on the continent.

Loon has many similar overflight agreements around the world and within Africa. Permissions to operate above a country are critical to Loon’s ability to extend internet access to rural and remote populations that lack adequate mobile internet service. In South America, for example, Loon has overflight approvals in the vast majority of countries on the continent. These permissions have been instrumental in enabling Loon to provide service in times of need, such as after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Peru in May. Recently, Loon signed a contract to begin providing balloon-powered internet in Peru on a sustained, non-emergency basis.

Loon balloons operate in Earth’s stratosphere, 20km above sea level. This is twice as high as commercial aircraft, and well above ground-based weather events. The balloons are launched from the United States and navigate wind currents in the stratosphere to reach a desired location. When a balloon is ready to be taken out of service, it is navigated to a sparsely populated landing area and the helium keeping it aloft is released. A parachute deploys to control the descent, and the flight vehicle lands at a low speed for a soft landing. Once on the ground, specially-trained recovery teams collect the balloon and payload for analysis and recycling.

Loon has extensive experience operating safely in the stratosphere around the world. To date, Loon balloons have flown over 1 million flight hours and traveled over 40 million kilometers – equivalent to flying to the moon 100 times. Loon’s balloons are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year from a mission control center in Mountain View, California. From here, specially-trained flight engineers monitor the fleet in real-time and partner with local Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials around the world as balloons enter and exit a given airspace. ATC officials also have real-time access to the location of Loon’s balloons, and each balloon is outfitted with a standard ADS-B transponder – the same navigation and traffic avoidance equipment used for commercial and general aviation.

Loon Head of Government Relations Anna Prouse said, “Loon is grateful for the approval that the Uganda government has given as we prepare to provide service in Kenya and beyond. These permissions are critical as we work to advance our mission of connecting people everywhere.”

Hon. Aggrey Henry Bagiire, Ugandan Minister of State for Works and Transport said, “Today is a landmark occasion that will allow the commencement of overflight in Uganda to support Kenya. Loon was staed-fast and put up a fight to succeed, and today is the crowning of all their efforts.”

Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Dr. David Mpango Kakuba commenting on the ceremony said, “It was a two-year journey and we are glad that the Loon team persevered in explaining us this technology that is designed to help mankind. Although initially scared we are now converted disciples and will be happy to spread the Gospel to neighboring countries.”

US Ambassador toUganda Deborah R. Malac said, “Loon is the perfect public – private partnership example where both sectors work hand-in-hand to provide efficient solutions to information access challenges for the underserved areas in countries such as Uganda. Governments need to provide an environment for private initiatives to succeed. Uganda, starting from President Museveni, has supported and shown great interest in the various possibilities technologies offer. It is an honor for me to witness how US technologies drive growth not only at home but also in Africa