COMPANY LAUNCHES MOBILE HOSPITAL WITH DISINFECTION BOOTHS DONATES 2 TO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

Nairobi, Kenya 26th May 2020

Sam Oyugi

Trancentury Group an indigenous company operating in Kenya ealier today in efforts to help the government of Kenya combat the spread of the COVID 19 virus launched Mobile Hospitals that can be deployed in any part of the country and mass disinfection systems that can be deployed in densely populated public places.

Mr Ng’ang’a Njinu transcentury CEO (in black suit) handing over The door Keys of the Mobile Clinic to Kenyatta National Hospital Dr Evans Kamuri – Image Courtesy Sam Oyugi.

Speaking as He donated Two Mobile Clinics; and two disinfection chambers developed by the subsidiary CIVICON Engineering to Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital. Trancentury Group CEO Ngang’a Njiinu expressed the group’s committment to ensuring growth and sustainability of local industries post COVID 19 pandemic by offering appropriate technologies to combat the pandemic.

UHURU APPOINTS RAILA AS HEAD OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Nairobi, Kenya 21st May 2020

Uhuru Appoints Economic Recovery Council Team chaired by Hon Raila Odinga (former Prime Minister and Council Chairman), Hon Billow Kerrow (former Senator of Mandera County), Dr. Sabdiyo Dibo Bushina (an Agricultural Expert), Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi (former Minister of Trade and currently UNCTAD Secretary-General), Dr. Martin Odour Otieno (former Managing Director of KCB Bank Group), Eddie Njoroge (former Managing Director of KENGEN), Issac Ruto (former Bomet Governor) and Prof. Terry Rhyan (Treasury Advisor).

WHY CHIPS MAY SOON REPLACE UGALI ON YOUR DINNER PLATE

Nairobi, Kenya 18th May 2020

By Clive Ayuko

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Cabinet Secretary Hon. Peter Munya earlier today flagged off
25 tons free potato basic seed consignment to common farmer interest groups in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo
Marakwet, Bomet, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Taita Taveta Counties to multiply in order to enable
distribution to more farmers. This will see the farmers multiply the seeds by up to 2,500 tons which in
addition to the 6,500 tons of certified seed produced by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research will be offered to farmers to help boast their yeilds.

Cabinet Secretary Hon. Peter Munya Flags of Consignment of Potato seeds to common farmer interest groups at ministry headquarters.

The seeds; issued by The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and produced supposedly
under the highest level of genetic control to ensure genetic purity of the seed, and tailor made to fit a
variety a farmers in a particular region wants will have the capacity to produce up to 60 tons as opposed
to the 10 tons that is currently being produced by small holder farmers per hectare. The move which is geared towards mitigating the
effects of Covid 19 on potato production will be aiming to boosting the food production in light of the Covid 19 pandemic which has crippled
various sectors and food production, a
pervasive locust invasion that is now projected to have far reaching consequences in food basket
counties which supply food to various corners of the country and the dwindling grain reserves which
may soon make eating Ugali a luxury.

Standard Chartered Gives Out Ksh122 million To COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Nairobi, Kenya: May 18, 2020 – Standard Chartered Kenya has contributed KShs 122 million (USD 1,150,000) towards fighting Covid-19 in Kenya . The funds will go directly to Red Cross and UNICEF programmes that are providing emergency relief to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In total, KShs 32 million (USD 300,000) will be contributed to the Red Cross for the provision of urgent medical support such as the provision of primary and secondary health care, communication of protection measures, provision of personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff and volunteers, and the distribution of food and care packages for those impacted by COVID-19.

KShs 90million (USD 850, 000) to UNICEF for the immediate protection and education of vulnerable children such as the provision of remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures, including alternative care arrangements and family tracing services for children separated from their families due to COVID-19, training of social workers to conduct home visits to vulnerable children for mental health support, and alternative care and protection services for children of parents or caregivers affected by COVID-19.

Kariuki Ngari, CEO Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, said:

“Our priority began with the wellbeing and protection of our staff, and followed by ensuring we are there for our clients and now our communities. Standard Chartered Kenya is proud to be able to contribute to COVID-19 emergency relief measures by making available these funds to Red Cross and UNICEF programmes that reach the most vulnerable people in our communities. By working with these organisations, we are able to support the delivery of rapid and effective emergency relief that aims to address some of the key challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Dr Simon Missiri, Regional Director, Africa at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said:

“Thanks to Standard Chartered’s generous donation, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies can support local communities now facing increasing challenges due to the pandemic. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are the front-line responders, and these funds will help address some of the most urgent health and socio-economic impacts faced by the most vulnerable people across our country. Thanks to the vital donation from Standard Chartered we can continue to support more people facing the devasting effects of Coronavirus.”

Gary Stahl, Director, UNICEF Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, said:

“In any crisis, the young and the most vulnerable suffer disproportionately. This pandemic is no different. With the majority of the world’s children living with some form of pandemic-related movement restrictions and 1.3 billion children around the globe affected by school closures, UNICEF’s work for children has never been more critical than now. Thanks to this donation from Standard Chartered UNICEF will be able to support remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures for vulnerable children across the world.”

MACCOFFEE COMES IN AID OF FRONTLINE WORKFORCE BATTLING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Nairobi, May 2020. Coffee manufacturer MacCoffee in partnership with Hindu Council of Kenya early today led their teams in
appreciating the medical workers at the MP SHAH Hospital in the role played by
health workers and other caregivers in the management of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Head for MacCoffee, Mr Abhishek Rana said,
“MacCoffee appreciates the role played by front line health workers. We are humbled by
your immense sacrifices, invaluable dedication, commitment and unwavering efforts in
managing Covid-19”.
On this occasion, HCK National Chairman Mr Kamal Gupta appreciated all the donors and
front-line workers for serving humanity.
MP Shah Hospital Chairman, Dr. Manoj Shah said, “This is the first time that someone has
come to honour our frontline workers and we would like to say thanks to MacCoffee. They
have also been providing tea and coffee to all the healthcare workers for the last 40 days.’’
MacCoffee and the Hindu Council of Kenya applaud the government of Kenya in its efforts
to contain Covid-19 and will continue to work with the government, businesses and
individuals in the fight against Covid 19. We will continue to unite with fellow Kenyans in the
fight against Covid 19 pandemic and its impact on Kenya.

Health Care workers at Dinesh Chandaria medical centre recieve banquet of flowers from MacCoffee staff. Image courtesy Bright Spark Media

Regional Head of MacCoffee Mr. Abhishek Rana presents donation to Hindu Council members.

Health Care workers.and MacCoffee employees at Dinesh Chandaria medical centre showcase gifts. Image courtesy Bright Spark Media

Health Care workers at Dinesh Chandaria medical centre showcase gifts. Image courtesy Bright Spark Media

NYASHINSKI BECOMES NEW SAMSUNG BRAND AMBASSADOR

Nairobi, Kenya – 12th May, 2020 – Samsung has announced that it has partnered with one of Kenya’s
most popular artists – Nyashinski, who will now be a Samsung brand ambassador. Nyashinski was
revealed in an unexpected and spectacular way online.
The partnership will move the popular tech brand even closer to the heartbeat of the nation, with many
exciting activities and promotions featuring Nyashinski on the way. Nyashinski, whose real name is
Nyamari Ongegu, is one of Kenya’s biggest artists, making a name for himself, first as part of 3-man rap
group Kleptomaniax and later as a massive solo star. The charismatic star has everything it takes to work
with the global company.
“Samsung is committed to deepening our partnership with local talent. In our eyes, Nyashinski has time
and time again, personified our brand ethos – Do What You Can’t. He is an artist with a purpose and a
musician who brings people joy, which is why Samsung is proud to be associated with him.” says Charles
Kimari, Head of Mobile at Samsung Kenya.
The multi-talented rapper has a pioneering approach to his craft. This is a quality that makes Nyashinski
the ideal person to represent Samsung’s own relentless quest to raises the bar with every new release.
He also echoes Samsung’s human-centred approach to technology by creating what makes fans happier.
“I look forward to connecting my fans with technology that makes life better in new ways. Any brand that
challenges you to do what you can’t, and gives you the tools to do it, is a brand I believe in,” says
Nyashinski

Standard Chartered donates USD11,8mfor immediate COVID-19 relief efforts across Africa and the Middle East

Nairobi Kenya, 14 May 2020. Standard Chartered today announced donations totalling USD11,8 million to the Red Cross, UNICEF and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Government Partners providing emergency relief in countries across Africa and the Middle East impacted by COVID-19.

The donations will contribute to programmes providing urgent medical support and the protection and education of vulnerable children, as well as other efforts to ensure the health, safety and protection of communities across Africa and the Middle East.

To ensure donations are allocated on the ground where they can provide rapid and targeted impact, Standard Chartered has:

·       Pledged USD3,55 million of funding to the Red Cross* for urgent medical support in nine markets** across Africa. Funding will support activities such as the provision of primary and secondary health care, communication of protection measures, provision of personal protection equipment (PPE) for Red Cross staff and the distribution of food, care and education packages for those impacted by COVID-19.

·       Pledged USD3,25 million of funding to UNICEF for the immediate protection and education of vulnerable children in Pakistan and across eight markets in Africa***. Funding will support activities such as the provision of remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures including: alternative care arrangements and family tracing services for children separated from their families due to COVID-19; training for social workers to conduct home visits to vulnerable children for mental health support; and alternative care and protection services for children of parents or caregivers affected by COVID-19.

These donations are part of Standard Chartered’s USD10 million pledge – USD5 million to Red Cross and USD5 million to UNICEF – to support COVID-19 emergency relief activities across its markets in Asia and Africa.

On top of USD6.8 million donations to the Red Cross and UNICEF in the region, Standard Chartered has pledged a further USD5 million for local NGO and Government partners across Africa and the Middle East to bring the total committed to USD11,8 million.

Commenting on the donation, Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO, Standard Chartered Africa and the Middle East said: “Ensuring the health, wellbeing and stability of the societies in which we are present, is paramount. We are proud to be able to contribute to Red Cross and UNICEF programmes that reach the most vulnerable people in our communities. Standard Chartered’s purpose is rooted in our communities as we strive to create sustainable prosperity in the markets where we operate. By working with Red Cross and UNICEF, we can support those affected by this crisis and together, overcome the adversities we currently face.”

Dr Simon Missiri, Regional Director for Africa, at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said:

“Thanks to Standard Chartered’s generous donation, Red Cross Red Crescent Societies can support local communities now facing increasing challenges due to the pandemic. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are the front-line responders, and these funds will help address some of the most urgent health and socio-economic impacts faced by the most vulnerable people across our country. Thanks to the vital donation from Standard Chartered we can continue to support more people facing the devasting effects of Coronavirus.”

Gary Stahl, Director, UNICEF Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, said:

“In any crisis, the young and the most vulnerable suffer disproportionately. This pandemic is no different. With the majority of the world’s children living with some form of pandemic-related movement restrictions and 1.3 billion children around the globe affected by school closures, UNICEF’s work for children has never been more critical than now. Thanks to this donation from Standard Chartered, UNICEF will be able to support remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures for vulnerable children across the world.”

In addition to the donation, Standard Chartered has also put in place a comprehensive support programme for our clients including USD1 billion of financing for companies that provide goods and services to help the fight against COVID-19, and those planning the switch into making products that are in high demand to fight the global pandemic; and a comprehensive support scheme for retail and business customers, including loan repayment holidays, fee waivers or cancellations and loan extension facilities.

Alphabet’s Loon and Vodacom partner to increase rural internet access in Mozambique

13 May 2020. Maputo / Mountain View – Alphabet’s Loon and Vodacom have signed a deal to use Loon’s balloon-powered internet solution to expand the Vodacom network in Mozambique. In terms of the agreement, Loon will help Vodacom provide service to un-served and under-served parts of the country with a network of floating cell phone towers that operate 20 kilometres above Earth. 

Using the Loon solution, Vodacom will expand mobile network access to Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces, two regions that have proven hard to cover in the past due to the vast and logistically challenging geographical areas, together with low population density. The Loon solution will provide a 4G service that supports Data, Voice, SMS and USSD, which will also enable mobile financial services. The service will be available to any Vodacom subscriber with a standard 4G-VoLTE enabled handset and SIM card. Users will not need to do anything special to connect to the service; they will connect just as they would to a normal cell tower. In fact, it’s unlikely that a user will know that they are connected to the service provided by a high altitude balloon, except for the fact that they may have a signal in a location where it previously did not exist.

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub says“Vodacom’s partnership with Loon is a perfect example of how technological innovation can connect the most rural communities in Africa. We are pleased to be part of this initiative in Mozambique, which is helping to bridge the digital divide. This is even more pertinent in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, where more Mozambicans will now have access to healthcare information through our Loon partnership. We look forward to forging similar partnerships and projects across the continent, as we ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the global digital economy.”

Loon and Vodacom have been working collaboratively with Mozambican communications and aviation regulators, including Autoridade Reguladora das Comunicações de Moçambique (ARECOM) and the Institute for Civil Aviation of Mozambique (IACM), to obtain the necessary approvals to enable service in Mozambique. 

Loon’s CEO Alastair Westgarth says, “We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with Vodacom, one of Africa’s largest mobile network operators, to begin serving parts of Mozambique in the coming months. Vodacom has a big footprint in Southern Africa, and provides service to tens of millions of people across multiple countries every single day. We view this as the first step to a larger partnership that will allow us to serve more of those users throughout Africa.” 

The companies are grateful to have received approvals to start importing and installing the required ground infrastructure for Loon’s balloons to operate in the stratosphere above the country, and for Loon to provide service over the Vodacom network. 

Vodacom Mozambique Chief Technology Officer Pedro Rabacal says: “Vodacom Mozambique is excited and proud to be able to bring the latest technological innovation to some of the most remote areas of the country. In times such as these, it is more important than ever that we find ways to ensure that we expand our coverage and services and that our customers have access to critical hygiene and lifesaving information. This partnership with Loon offers a key solution that will significantly accelerate Vodacom’s 4G coverage to areas of Mozambique that have been challenging to service. Our aim is to expand and push to the edge of coverage so as to provide the same quality voice, data, sms and M-Pesa services to all Mozambicans”.

“This agreement symbolises yet another advance in the field of mobile communications technologies in the country and will allow greater connectivity for Mozambicans in any geography. With this action, we reaffirm our position as a company focused on innovation and, above all, on providing an increasingly better experience to our customers. We have ambitions to continue to grow with more modern and comprehensive solutions by improving the quality of our services and responding positively to the needs of Mozambicans.”

In the coming months, Loon and Vodacom will work together to continue installing terrestrial infrastructure, which will serve as the physical connection point for Loon’s balloons to Vodacom’s internet and core network. Loon will also begin flying balloons above Mozambique to learn the stratospheric wind patterns on which the balloons must navigate to remain above the service area.  Network integration testing is ongoing in order to ensure that this innovative solution works as intended.  Loon and Vodacom expect to begin providing service to users in the coming months. 

Capture Love(ly) Moments with New Featureson Samsung Galaxy S10 And Note10

Nairobi, KENYA –  12 May, 2020 – Samsung brings new, innovative features found on its flagship Galaxy S20 series to the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note10 series through a software update(1) that started in mid-April. Users will be able to capture content with the latest Galaxy camera software technology, including Single Take mode. Additionally, users will have access to a variety of software enhancements that make the entire Galaxy experience even more enjoyable.

Let’s dive into how select Galaxy S20 features will work on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note10.

Advanced Photo and Video Experiences

This software update brings select Galaxy S20 photo and video experiences to the Galaxy S10 and Note10 series. With Single Take, stay in the moment while you capture the moment using integrated AI technology. Single Take uses the camera system and AI to capture a number of photos and videos at once and recommends the best shot for you(2).

With an improved Night Mode on the Galaxy S10 series, and the addition of Night Hyperlapse on both Galaxy S10 and Note10 series(3), you’ll be able to capture even more amazing photos and videos even in low light.

When you’ve captured that perfect image, Custom Filter lets you create your own filter with colours and styles you like from a favourite photo serving as inspiration. This creates a reusable filter that can be applied to future photos when captured.

For the aspiring filmmaker, Pro Video gives you even more control, allowing you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed and exposure level. You can also switch between the front and rear cameras while recording video.

Intelligent Gallery

This update also brings a variety of gallery features to help you organise your content. Thanks to AI technology, with Clean View enabled, the Gallery app automatically groups together similar shots of the same subject for a more organised gallery(4).Users can easily review similar shots and select their favourite to serve as the photo group’s thumbnail. When viewing a photo in the gallery, you can zoom in on an image and press Quick Crop, located at the top left-hand corner, to crop photos to your desired size.

Easy Sharing Capabilities(5)

You can now share more content quickly. With Quick Share, you can see which of your contacts are nearby and share photos, videos, or even large files with multiple people. With Music Share, you can extend your paired Bluetooth connection and you don’t need to disconnect for a friend to play their music on a speaker or car stereo.

Joint Medical Store from Uganda First To Make Use of Standard Chartered US$1 billion Covid Financing Scheme

Kampala, Uganda

06 May, 2020 – Standard Chartered announced today that Joint Medical Store, the Ugandan not-for-profit organisation, has become the first client to make a drawdown under the Bank’s US$1 billion financing commitment to help companies tackling Covid-19.

JMS’ drawdown for US$2.2m on a loan facility will help them provide healthcare facilities and supply masks, sanitisers and medicines in Uganda. The private NGO, which was established in 1979, is also licensed by the National Drug Authority to engage in the import, export and wholesale of medicines and related health supplies. 

Standard Chartered launched the programme on March 30 to provide financing on a not-for-profit basis to companies making products and services that help the front line fight the virus and its impacts. The bank has received a strong response from clients around the world and there are a number of disbursals nearing fruition. 

Simon Cooper, CEO of Corporate & Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered, said, “Our priority is to help get much-needed products and services to the front line and we’re extremely proud to start rolling out the financing on this programme with Joint Medical Store. Africa is a very important part of our Group strategy and I’m particularly pleased that we’re able to use our network there to make an impact in the fight against Covid-19.”

Sunil Kaushal, CEO, Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered also said that the deal signified the collaborative approach the Bank is taking with our clients in Africa and the Middle East to fight Covid-19. “We are committed to playing our part in the fight against Covid-19 and working with our clients who are focusing their business operations to tackle the virus. With many markets facing unprecedent challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, and as an international bank deeply rooted on the continent and an unsurpassed network business, it is important that we connect financing to where it is needed most during these uncertain times.”

Mr Bildard Baguma, Executive Director, Joint Medical Store said, “We have been supplying the Government of Uganda, NGOs, and the private sector with medical supplies for over 40 years in Uganda, however the Covid- 19 pandemic has increased the urgency for provision for medical supplies in the country. With the USD2.2m facility provided by Standard Chartered, it will enable us to respond to this urgent need to provide the front-line Health workers with high quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is an integral in maintaining health and safety during the pandemic. We will also be providing critical care equipment to hospitals (ICUs).”

Mr Baguma also said the rates provided by Standard Chartered will help the company pass on lower costs of the PPE and critical care equipment to their clients. “Covid -19 has disrupted and stressed the supply chain and our suppliers cannot keep the previously long-term credit arrangements and meet our increased demand. The facility will go a long way in enabling us to meet the high and urgent demand for PPE,” he added.