275 GIRLS INFECTED WITH HIV WEEKLY SAYS REPORT

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 30th November 2020

A new report by UNAIDS says that 275 girls are infected with HIV every week.

This was made known during the launch of Dapivirine ring ( a silicon ring, developed by the International Partnership for Microbes (IPM) for HIV prevention) at a Nairobi Hotel early this morning in a policy discussion on the same (Daprvirine ring)

Image courtesy the Whistling African

The launch comes as the World is set to commemorate world aids day tomorrow and amid rising concern that current HIV prevention techniques have not been comprehensively effective in preventing the spread of HIV among women in Africa especially sub-sahara Africa where various socio-cultural factors limit women’s decision-making and choice on sex matters.

Once approved for use in Kenya the Daparavine ring will offer the first women centred long-acting HIV prevention method and offer protection to young girls who most at risk of infection.

More than half (51%) of all new HIV infections in Kenya in 2015 occurred among adolescents and young people (aged 15-24 years), a rapid rise from 29% in 2013.  Many of these infections will have occurred among young key populations.

Young women are almost twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male counterparts, and accounted for 33% of the total number of new infections (23,312) in 2015. In comparison, young men accounted for 16% of all new HIV infections (12,464).

Traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity against viral pneumonias now available in Kenya

Healthouself formula 3 and Healthouself formula 5 have been approved by Pharmacy & Poisons Board

Nairobi, 24 November 2020 – Global Chinese manufacturer Jiangyin Tianjiang Pharmaceutical company limited has today launched herbal medicines in Kenya to boost immunity, treat and manage viral pneumonias.

From left.Edgar N Ngugi General Manager XRP Medical Kenya, Dr Siambi Kikete County Pharmacist Uasin Gishu County and Mr Sam Mukuha. Image courtesy Hill and Knowlton Strategies.

Operating under a local agent, XRP Medical Kenya Limited, the company has introduced Healthouself Formular 3 and Healthouself Formula 5 – combinations of herbal medicines that will be used to prevent and strengthen immunity and treatment for types of severe acute respiratory infections.

Approved and certified by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, a box of Healthouself Formula 3 retails at KES 2500 while Healthouself formula 5 retails at KES 4400 and are available at XRP Medical Kenya site,  online retail outlets – Jumia and local pharmaceutical distributors.

Healthouself formular 3 is mainly used for prevention against flu, colds and nosocomial infections while Healthouself formula 5 is mainly used in the treatment of viral pneumonias, severe respiratory infections and zoonotic infections.

According to Edgar Ngugi, General Manager, XRP Medical Kenya, “The ingredients found in the two herbal medicines have been tried and tested in China as a complementary prevention alongside other treatment options to manage respiratory diseases.”

“We are happy to be supporting and complementing the Government of Kenya and especially Ministry of Health in the fight against viral pneumonias by introducing products to improve and boost human immunity. The products have undergone rigorous scrutiny exercise by relevant government bodies and the World Health Organization and approved for human consumption,” noted Mr. Ngugi.

“As an institution, we believe prevention is better than cure and so we aspire to introduce more and more products to awaken the giants within us. Our bodies are naturally wired to fight some of these ailments if we take necessary action and boost our immunity accordingly,” noted Mr. Ngugi.

The products have been used in China to reduce cases of acute respiratory infections by boosting human immunity.

“With the unprecedented times that we are in, we hope that Kenyans will more and more warm up to the idea of preventing themselves against viral pneumonias by boosting their immunity while complementing the same with other drugs as advised by their doctors,” concluded Mr. Ngugi.

NAIVAS TAKES OVER LIFESTYLE SHOP AT LIFESTYLE

Nairobi, November 23, 2020 leading retailer Naivas opens its doors to the public on 24th November, 2020 as the new anchor tenants at Hazina Towers famous known as
lifestyle, a mall situated at the heart of Nairobi city along Monrovia Street becoming the
latest addition to the Kenyan retailers’ branch network
The opening of the new store covering more than xxxxxx square feet now puts naivas
stores count at 67 and its the fourth outlet in Nairobi CBD. The other outlets within the
Central Business District include Ronald Ngala, Development House and Moi Avenue.
This new development comes hot on the heels of the kick off of naivas annual
Christmas Campaign ‘kikwetu’ whose 2020 tagline is “Krisi Bila Worries, Krisi na
naivas”. During the campaign shoppers will enjoy crazy in store offers as well as stand a
chance to win gift vouchers or mbuzis. This is all in an effort to ensure a truly authentic
Kenyan Christmas for all its shoppers.
Speaking during the launch, naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani said that
despite the year having been difficult businesswise, the retailer has been able to
weather the storm and keep up with its growth and expansion strategy which speaks to
the resilience of the brand.
“The new store, a foodmarket is the first of our stores of this format within the CBD. It
will be stocked with a variety of quality products to choose from raging from fresh
produce, branded food, general household items, electronics among many others. As
part of the strategic growth plan, naivas has been driving a calculated expansion of
foodmarkets geared towards promotion of healthy lifestyles, supporting of local
economies and indigenous small and medium sized firms,” said Willy Kimani.

CHECK OUT COOL LG ELECTRONIC SMART MASKS DONATED TO FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Nairobi, 24^th November 2020 – LG Electronics in partnership with Opalnet Limited have donated PuriCare wearable air purifiers worth Kshs 5 million to the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) for further distribution to medical workers at the COVID-19 frontline.

The LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier utilizes two H13 HEPA filters which prevent up to 99.95 percent of harmful airborne matter such as viruses, bacteria and common allergens from entering the respiratory system.

LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director Mr. Sa Nyoung Kim said that the air purifier comes at a time when the country’s medical workers need for high quality personal protective equipment is high.

“We strongly believe that the protection of our doctors is a fundamental aspect in flattening the COVID-19 curve in Kenya. We have used the latest of LG’s air care technology to create high-performance filters and sensor-controlled fans to ensure the air purifiers provide clean air and optimal breathing comfort anywhere, anytime,” said Mr. Kim.

LG Electronic East Africa Managing Director Mr. Sa Nyoung Kim and Kenya Medical Association President Dr. Were Onyino. Image courtesy Hill and Knowlton Strategies.

Designed after extensive ergonomic facial analysis to fit snugly on most adult faces, LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier minimizes air leakage around the nose and chin and is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The built-in rechargeable 820mAh battery delivers up to eight hours of operation at low speed and two hours on the highest setting. And because key components such as filters, inner cover, face guard, ear straps and strap extenders are easy to remove or replace, the LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier is easy to keep hygienically clean.

In addition, the air purifier is fitted with LG’s UVnano sanitization technology to eliminate 99.99 percent of harmful germs in just 30 minutes using UV-C LED lights. The case can also remove moisture from internal components caused by the wearer’s breath, charge the device from empty to full in just two hours and even send a notification to a smartphone via the LG ThinQ™ app when filters need replacing.

“PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier was developed to address the growing demand worldwide for products that can improve personal hygiene at a time when it’s needed most. This groundbreaking device offers a new level of portable protection, making it possible for consumers to comfortably breathe clean air on-the-go so they have one less thing to worry about,” said Mr. Kim.

Kenya Medical Association President Dr. Were Onyino commended LG for stepping in to support the association efforts in advocating for the welfare of doctors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Inadequate personal protective equipment for healthcare workers has been a great hindrance to service delivery for medical workers countrywide. While KMA is gratified that local manufacturers have joined the effort to manufacture and supply these indispensable items, we welcome LG’s donation of this much need masks that will help our medical workers delivery great service to our citizens,” said Dr. Were.

NAIVAS TAKES OVER NAKUMATT LIFESTYLE SPOT WITH NEW 67th BRANCH

Nairobi,Kenya November 23, 2020

Leading retailer Naivas opened its doors to the public on 24th November, 2020 as the new anchor tenants at Hazina Towers famous known as
lifestyle, a mall situated at the heart of Nairobi city along Monrovia Street becoming the
latest addition to the Kenyan retailers’ branch network.

The other outlets within the
Central Business District include Ronald Ngala, Development House and Moi Avenue.
This new development comes hot on the heels of the kick off of naivas annual
Christmas Campaign ‘kikwetu’ whose 2020 tagline is “Krisi Bila Worries, Krisi na
naivas”. During the campaign shoppers will enjoy crazy in store offers as well as stand a
chance to win gift vouchers or mbuzis. This is all in an effort to ensure a truly authentic
Kenyan Christmas for all its shoppers.
Speaking during the launch, naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani said that
despite the year having been difficult businesswise, the retailer has been able to
weather the storm and keep up with its growth and expansion strategy which speaks to
the resilience of the brand.
“The new store, a foodmarket is the first of our stores of this format within the CBD. It
will be stocked with a variety of quality products to choose from raging from fresh
produce, branded food, general household items, electronics among many others. As
part of the strategic growth plan, naivas has been driving a calculated expansion of
foodmarkets geared towards promotion of healthy lifestyles, supporting of local
economies and indigenous small and medium sized firms,” said Willy Kimani.
Other stores lined up for opening before the close of the year are a foodmarket in
Rongai and a Supermarket at Ananas Mall in Thika.

GLOVO CONTINUES ON EXPANSION PLAN IN EAST AFRICA

Nairobi, Kenya, 19th November 2020 — Glovo, the on-demand delivery company, has announced its operations will extend to the towns of Eldoret and Kisumu this month.  This move is part of Glovo’s strategic expansion in Kenya, with the company intending to have a presence in all major towns in the country.

Priscilla Muhui General Manager Glovo Kenya (Middle) poses for photo with Glovo Employees. Image courtesy Tell-em-pr

In November, residents in Kisumu and Eldoret will be able to enjoy free delivery for top partners KFC, Java and Naivas as part of Glovo’s launch campaign in these markets. The expansion in Kenya follows Glovo’s launch in Uganda in October. Following operations in Kampala, the delivery platform has now expanded its footprint across Africa, with Uganda the second country in East Africa and the fifth country in Africa for the firm.

Priscilla Muhiu, the General Manager for Glovo Kenya, said: “We are very excited about the launches in Eldoret and Kisumu, which represents a key part of plan, to bring our world-class delivery service to as many potential users as possible.”

The expansion in Eldoret and Kisumu shows Glovo’s intent to link its customers to an ever-expanding portfolio of outlets.

Glovo has partnered with Carrefour Supermarkets in a month-long campaign dubbed Black Friday to offer their customers heavily discounted offers over the weekends in November, in a move targeted at extending its services to Carrefour customers and also new clientele.

UGANDANS IN KENYA PROTEST ARREST OF BOBI WINE

Nairobi, Kenya 19th 2020

Activists led by Haki Africa and People Power Kenya Chapter protest arrest of Uganda politician Bobby Wine outside Uganda House which house Uganda Embassy. Image courtesy whistling african.

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COVER FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 18th November 2020

The Government of Kenya through the National Treasury and Planning Ministry in conjunction with Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Youth (ICT and Youth) had today launched a comprehensive health plan for all civil servants and employees of the National Youth Service (NYS).

National Treasury and Planning Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani (Middle) flanked by Government officials during the launch of the comprehensive cover. Image courtesy whistling african.

Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic in the country 2,352 health workers have tested positive for Covid 19 virus with 30 of these health professionals succumbing to the virus , 6 whom were doctors. A situation which early today forced tears out of the eyes of Health Committee member of Parliament for Seme Constituency Dr. James Nyikal, a situation which seems to have forced the state to intervene through launching the comprehensive cover.

The Health scheme which will be administered by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in a co-insurance model involving 30 other insurance companies will now in addition to covering Group Personal Accident (GPA), and Work Injury Benefit (WIBA) also now also include a comprehensive group life cover catering for all causes of death arising from critical illness such as Covid 19

This will however come at an annual premium payment of Ksh 6.07 billion. The government currently pays out Ksh839 million for last expense cover, with no other cover for Group life, Group Personal Accident, Work And Injury Benefit and Covid 19.

INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS OF KENYA TO HOLD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Nairobi, Kenya 17th November 2020

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) is the learned society of engineering
professionals in Kenya and co-operates with national and other international institutions in
developing and applying engineering to the benefit of humanity. Members are drawn from
engineers working in various government institutions, consultancies, financial institutions,
contractors, academia, manufacturers and other persons interested in engineering across
the country.
Today, the 18th day of November 2020 we are pleased to announce the launch of the 27th IEK
International Conference which will be held from 25th to 27th November 2020 in Mombasa.
The theme of the Conference is “Engineering a Post COVID-19 Future”.
Our Chief Guest will be Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and
Housing Development, James Macharia.
The conference will also be graced by representatives of global engineering organisations
among them President of World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Prof.
Dr.Gong Ke and President of Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) Eng.
Martin Manuhwa. In addition, there will be key note speakers from business leaders in
Infrastructure and manufacturing speaking at the event.
The largely virtual conference brings together engineering minds from across the world, to
share experiences and exchange knowledge on a wide range of fields including agriculture,
transportation, water and sanitation, buildings and housing, electrical and electronics
engineering, telecommunications and biomedical engineering. Particular focus will be on the
future outlook post COVID -19 and the role that engineers can play to promote resilience
and preparedness for pandemics in future.
We are grateful to our partners and sponsors to this event in particular the Engineers board
of Kenya (EBK). The IEK looks forward to hosting you during conference and thereby
contributing in transforming the future for the benefit of humanity.

INSPECTOR GENERAL HANDS NEW BLACK MARIA TO JOMVU CONSTITUENCY

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 17 November 2020

The Office of the Inspector General Kenya through Inspector General Hillary Mutyabei early today donated a police van to the newly created Jomvu constituency.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambei (Left) in Jungle combat uniform hands over ceremonial keys to Jomvi Consituency OCPD Alfred N Nthiga (in blue) at Jogoo House National Police Service Commission offices. Image courtesy Whistling African.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the National Police Service offices at Jogoo House, Jomvu Member of Parliament Hon Twalib Badi said that purchase of the Vehicle was made possible because of the plea he made to the head of State His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta concerning the inadequate Police personnel offering security to Jomvu constituency residents. Jomvu constituency which is relatively new was formed from Changamwe constituency.