Nairobi, Kenya – Thursday, 29th April 2021– vivo Smartphone has announced its partnership with Kenya’s online retailer Jambo Shoppe as it aims to increase its footprint in the Kenyan market and provide a secure convenient way for consumers to shop online.
The move aims to provide accessibility of vivo products as consumers now opt for online shopping over physical shopping. According to a Master Card study on consumer spending in February 2021, it revealed that 79 per cent of consumers in Kenya are shopping more online since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the partnership, vivo is now confident that this will increase the visibility of its products to potential customers giving them a wide range of choices that will see them enjoy the best mobile phones at the most affordable prices.
”The Kenyan Smartphone market offers a favorable competitive landscape; with consumers considering online purchasing options, this partnership will give our users a wide range of choice and will see them enjoy the best mobile phones at the most affordable prices as we continue to expand locally.”- said vivo Kenya Brand and Communications Manager Mr. James Irungu.
Recently, Jambo Shoppe did launch a mobile app for iOS and Android devices which seeks to offer solutions to the rising number of shoppers online. According to Statista, worldwide smartphone users have surpassed three billion and is forecast to further grow – by several hundred million in the next few years with over 2 billion people using it for e-commerce transactions.
“The partnership with vivo today cements our commitment to bring our customers a wide range of choices. Our mission has always been to make it easier for consumers to order products conveniently and securely, thus the App introduction,’’ said Sanjay Pathak, Jambo Shoppe Country Head.
Jambo Shoppe is currently retailing the vivo Y12s which was previously launched, vivo V19, vivo Y1s, and vivo Y20. The brand will also retail more vivo products with time. The products can be purchased via https://www.jamboshop.com/brand/Vivo/1736
The Ministry of Health has entered into a partnership with leading pharmaceutical Novo Nordisk and other key partners for the purpose of establishing an implementation framework to launch the Affordability Initiative for diabetes care in Kenya as the world marks 100 years of insulin use. The framework which is the next level of intervention in diabetes by Novo Nordisk has also brought on board 13 county governments and a consortium of other organizations including supply chain organizations, implementing facilities (faith based and county government), and several other allied bodies. Other key partners in this initiative include the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Christian Health Association of Kenya, Kenya Diabetes Study Group, Kenya Defeat Diabetes Association, Mission for Essential Drugs & Supplies, Medtronic Labs, Non- Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, Philips Therapeutics Ltd. and the Royal Danish Embassy. Considering the economic vulnerabilities faced by many of the patients living with diabetes in the country, the Affordability initiative seeks to address key objectives such as ensure affordable insulins supplied reach patients and ultimately reach more people with quality care and treatments, and empower people with diabetes to better manage their condition while at the same time building the capacity of health care workers to address the diabetes management challenge. Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Nairobi, Emil Larsen, CVP Business Area Middle East, Africa and CIS of Novo Nordisk said the main objective of the initiative is to accelerate access to affordable treatment for patients living with diabetes in Africa in a sustainable manner in four key areas; capacity, affordability, reach and empowerment thus ensuring more patients will be treated to defeat diabetes in Middle Africa, especially at this time of the celebration of 100 years of the discovery of Insulin. The Affordability initiative being a key part of iCARE, is a collaborative agreement to improve access to diabetes care in Kenya and introduces new long-term ambitions to provide access to affordable diabetes care to vulnerable patients in several counties. The initiative also seeks to find ways to bring diabetes treatment and insulin to patients by leveraging already existing supply chains, health care facilities and the public sector. With Kenya having 552,400 adults (20-79 years) with diabetes1, and being one of the pilot countries for the Affordability pillar of iCARE, the Affordability initiative presents a unique opportunity for the country to leverage much needed partnerships with the private sector as alluded to by Dr. Ephantus Maree, the Head, Division of NCD Prevention. “The government is working on strengthening data collection from counties through the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) to improve on diabetes care and intervention,” he said. Dr. Eva Njenga a leading physician and endocrinologist representing the Non- Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, equally expressed the timeliness of the Affordability initiative noting that In Kenya 40% mortalities can be attributed to NCDs. “Most of these deaths are preventable.
Page 1 of 3 We must make sure that diabetes care is established in all our healthcare systems including the universal healthcare programme,” she added. Mr. Henrik Larsen, Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Danish Embassy, Kenya… highlighted the importance of the Affordability initiative and the iCARE initiative overall as coming at the same time as the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. A monumental and history changing event, in 1921 that has today led to patients living with diabetes being able to live and thrive. He described the Affordability initiative as further cementing the gains of the discovery of insulin 100 years ago. Also speaking at the forum, Kisumu County Governor Professor Anyang Nyong’o observed that awareness is still very low especially in rural areas and they don’t know what kind of intervention they need to manage their conditions. “We need to strengthen our awareness programmes to cover the rural areas adequately,” he added. Novo Nordisk has had a long term presence in Kenya, which has led to the implementation of several initiatives and partnerships that all have a unified purpose; to defeat diabetes, which ultimately is the company’s ambition.
Novo Nordisk will continue to support improved access to insulin and diabetes education for patients living with diabetes, through innovative projects and partnerships with various stakeholders to drive change to defeat diabetes. As a leader with over 90 years of experience in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is committed to defeat diabetes in Africa.
Deal to provide capacity building programs, targeted virtual knowledge sessions for SMEs
Access to affordable financing, technology, product development, quality standards and certification earmarked as key SME gaps that the partnership will seek to address
Nairobi, 22nd April 2021: NCBA Bank Kenya PLC has today partnered with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), to enhance the development of Manufacturing SMEs in the country.
The two-year deal will see the lender and KAM support 300 Manufacturing SMEs. This shall be done through capacity building programs to address some of the challenges facing local Manufacturing SMEs. Through the partnership, the two institutions shall also provide financial solutions and promote market access through exhibitions, regional and international trade missions.
L-R, Phyllis Wakiaga, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Tirus Mwithiga, NCBA Group Retail Banking Director sign a partnership that will support 300 SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Images courtesy Redhouseke.com
Tirus Mwithiga, Group Director, Retail Banking, NCBA Bank Kenya noted that, “This partnership comes at an opportune time as Kenyans and especially the SME sector are facing very difficult times with the second lock down. SME owners have experienced dramatic falls in business activity and revenues due to restrictions arising from the pandemic. As a bank, we care about SMEs and so we would like to encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities presented under this deal.”
KAM Chief Executive, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga highlighted challenges facing manufacturing SMEs, and how to resolve them.
“Financial institutions are reluctant to lend to SMEs, since they lack collateral to use when borrowing, to either start or expand their business. The pandemic has altered the way of doing business, hence, this calls on all stakeholders,including financial institutions, to develop innovative solutions to provide affordable financing solutions for SMEs. Formidable partnerships such as these are a step closer towards our vision to see Manufacturing SMEs thriving. We shall continue to work with like-minded partners, including the government and its agencies, as well as financial institutions, to secure the future of Manufacturing SMEs,” explained Ms Wakiaga.
The partnership comes at a time when businesses are reeling from shocks arising out of the pandemic, including cashflow challenges and difficulties in meeting their financial obligations.
7th April 2021; Nairobi, Kenya – More than half of African companies are not transitioning to net zero fast enough, leaving them in danger of missing the Paris Agreement target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, new research from Standard Chartered has revealed.
Zeronomics, a study into the financing of a net zero world, surveyed the senior leadership of 250 large companies and 100 investment specialists around the world between September and October 2020 and found that:
55 per cent of Africa-based business leaders believe their companies are not transitioning fast enough (55 per cent of companies globally)
Lack of access to finance is the biggest barrier to progress for African companies, cited as a significant obstacle by 78 per cent (67 per cent globally)
Just 35 per cent of African companies fully support the aims of the Paris Agreement (47 per cent globally)
What are the barriers?
Many companies based in Africa are looking to delay significant action to after 2030, with the 2020s looking set to be a lost decade. Some 32 per cent of business leaders (34 per cent globally) said their companies will make the most progress between 2030 and 2040, while a further 40 per cent (37 per cent globally) said they will take most action between 2040 and 2050.
Most companies are delaying transition because they do not feel they are currently equipped to meet the target. Some 78 per cent (59 per cent globally) said they need extensive organisational change before tackling net zero.
A lack of finance isn’t the only hurdle companies in Africa face on the road to 2050. Seventy-two per cent (63 per cent globally) believe a lack of consensus on net zero definitions and targets is hampering progress, while the same percentage (60 per cent globally) say a lack of support for net zero transition from their organisation’s investors is a significant barrier to net zero.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 is forcing many businesses in the region to focus on immediate survival: A whopping 80 per cent (85 per cent globally) of African senior executives say the pandemic has delayed their company’s net-zero transition.
How to fix it
The research also reveals what business leaders believe is needed in order to speed up transition. 90 per cent (77 per cent globally) believe an effective global carbon tax, based on a carbon price that reflects the true cost of climate change, would help transition.
A further 88 per cent (81 per cent globally) said cost savings from sustainable practices could help the world hit net zero by 2050. Meanwhile, the same percentage (81 per cent globally) believe standardised net-zero measurement frameworks would help with transition, underlining the fact that what we have currently, a matrix of different definitions, measurement and reporting requirements is a major challenge for senior executives.
What are the top accelerators of net-zero transition?
Africa (%)
Globally (%)
An effective global carbon tax
90
77
Standardised global net zero transition measurement, disclosure and ratings frameworks
88
81
Increased operational efficiency / cost savings from sustainable practices
88
81
Increased shareholder activism / investor scrutiny and pressure
82
78
Increased investor demand for net-zero transition themed assets
82
72
Inclusion of net zero transition as a key part of investors fiduciary duties
80
74
Birju Sanghrajka, Head Commercial, Corporate and Institutional Banking Standard Chartered Bank says: “Under the Paris Agreement, Kenya has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% (from a business as usual scenario) by 2030 and this will take an estimated USD 65 Bn to achieve. Both private sector and public sector have a critical role to play in ensuring a road map to net zero is developed and executed supported by innovative financing mechanisms to support this transition. According to our survey among top corporate and investors, there is significant opportunity in Africa to pave the way for zero-net carbon emissions. Most companies intend to transition to net-zero by 2050 but are yet to take the action needed to get there. A majority cite funding as an obstacle and carbon-intensive industries and emerging-market companies struggle the most. It is no question that this will take time and is a mandatory collective effort by all communities in Africa”.
“A successful net-zero transition must be just, leaving no nation, region or community behind and, despite the hurdles, action needs to be swift. We must act now, and we must act together: companies, consumers, governments, regulators and the finance industry must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions, technologies and infrastructure,” Added Birju.
Our biggest challenge, and what should be a priority for us as companies, is to reach a consensus on net zero definitions and how the transition should be implemented across the region. Zeronomics examines the economics of transitioning to a net-zero carbon future. Standard Chartered commissioned this major global study to understand how far companies have come on their journey to decarbonise and it reveals a gulf between words and action.
Reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be a considerable challenge. Every organisation in every sector has a critical role to play in limiting global warming. Commitment to this agenda must be top of mind for all companies – public and private, large and small – and to succeed they must undergo major transformation.
Nairobi, 29 April 2021 – Consumer goods company Golden Africa Kenya Ltd is eyeing for an increased share of the washing bar segment following its introduction of ‘Super Saba+ antibacterial multipurpose washing bar in Kenya.
With COVID-19, we have sought to ensure that our consumers have the right product that delivers germ protection. Not only does Super Saba+ kill 99.9% of germs, but it also gives a lasting protection. Super Saba+ is Kenya’s first Multipurpose Antibacterial washing bar that can deliver cleaning of clothes, utensils, washing, bathing, and handwashing with an all-round anti-bacterial protection.
Golden Africa Kenya Ltd Chairman Mr. Fathi Saeed said the company is seeking to increase its brand portfolio while playing a critical role in advocating for good hygiene and cleanliness practices in the country.
A report released by Reportlinker shows that Global soaps market is projected to grow from around $ 24 billion in 2019 to $ 40 billion by 2025 on account of increasing disposable income, rapid urbanization coupled with rising concerns for maintaining good hygiene. Moreover, expanding population, increasing consciousness and awareness about COVID-19 disease, is further boosting demand for cleaning products with germ protection across the globe[1].
“Super Saba+ is a home-grown product formulated for Kenyans with the single purpose of giving protection with a changing hygiene quotient. We are fully committed to ensuring consumers have access to world class quality products at competitive price,” concluded Mr. Saeed.
SuperSaba+ is being launched in 1kg and 250g Stock Keeping Units. It is currently available in 3 variants – Original Cream, Herbal and All-Round Protection.
The company which has a state-of-art facility along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway has created over 350 jobs directly and many more indirectly. GAKL is a part of HSA Group which is headquartered in Dubai and operates in various business sectors across manufacturing, trading, and services across the globe. Since its inception in 1938, the HSA Group has a history of continually providing the highest product quality to its consumers and employs more than 36,000 people globally.
28th April 2021, Nairobi Kenya: Standard Chartered Bank has today launched the Women in Tech Access to Capital initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in business. The initiative will help women entrepreneurs access start-up financing and help grow their businesses.
As part of the Bank’s Futuremakers initiative, Standard Chartered Bank will initially provide Sh5m revolving funds that will enable Women in Tech (WiT) alumni access interest free and collateral free loans. The loans will be capped at KShs 100K for working capital and KShs 200K for capital expenditure with a 12-24 month repayment period.
Photo caption: iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre Director Dr.Joseph Sevilla presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries of the Women in tech program. Images courtesy Hill and Knowlton Strategies.
Commenting during the announcement, Kariuki Ngari Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, said, “through our Women in Tech incubation program – now in its fourth cohort, we learnt that the biggest impediment of most women-led businesses was access to financial products and services.”
“Growing a business from its inception is critical especially for women in enabling poverty alleviation and helping build better livelihoods for their families and the society at large. By making it easier for women to access financial aid, we are giving them opportunities for them to succeed,” Mr Kariuki added.
Most Women-led enterprises are unsuccessful in securing finance as a result of high collateral requirements and failure by lenders to understand their business opportunity. The initiative will provide entrepreneurs access to interest free and collateral free loans. Additionally, the bank has lined-up training and engagement sessions with the WiTs to drive banking behaviour and further understand the needs from the entrepreneurs as their businesses grow and develop.
“As a bank, we are alive to the fact that women economic empowerment is fundamental in helping achieve gender equality and sustainable development for the country,” Mr Kariuki concluded.
Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre, Strathmore University said, “@iLabAfrica Centre is delighted to see startups that have passed through the Women in Tech Program experience business income growth of over 1100% in a period of over 2 years. These success stories show the progress of the program in the last four years and we look forward to growing more successful enterprises that have a global impact.”
Out of the top five companies from last year’s WiT incubation program, Bena Care which provides home nursing services to people with life-limiting illnesses across the country experienced a 1224% increase in revenue and in the process doubling its staff numbers since starting the incubation program. Additionally, the company also raised Sh6.5 million as follow up funding in January 2021 from an international body for their placement platform in Ehealth funding.
On the other hand, Nature’s Touch, manufactures of nature-based skin care products recorded a 566% increase in revenue, doubling its staff numbers since the start of the program. Taste Afrique which processes agricultural produce and spices into natural food seasoning products called Chibundiro and Siri Spices, has so far increased its revenue fivefold and in the process increasing its staff by a quarter. The company received a grant of Sh1.3 million from Swiss Re Foundation.
Women in Tech program is part of the Bank’s community engagement strategy, Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, that aims at tackling the issue of inequality and promoting greater economic inclusion for young people in various communities and economies, with a focus on girls and women. The program is partnership with @iLabAfrica – Strathmore University Incubation Centre.
Each year the program trains more than 10 small and medium businesses leveraging on technology by offering mentorship, advisory, coaching, networking opportunities, access to seed capital and investor forums that help mould their businesses to international standards. 30 start-ups have participated to date, and 15 have been awarded one million each in seed funding. 41 businesses have so far gone through the incubation process with the first four cohorts attracting 1,150 applications.
Nairobi, 16 April 2021 – Emirates has commenced trials of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass– a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information.
The first passengers travelling from Dubai to Barcelona on EK 185 yesterday trialled the ‘digital passport’ to verify and share their pre-travel COVID-19 test status with Emirates.
The trials are a step towards making travel more convenient, enabling travellers to manage COVID-19 related documentation digitally, safely and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. In the future, travellers will also be able to share vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “The ability to process passengers’ COVID-19 relevant data for travel digitally will be the way forward. We are pleased to have been pioneers and partner with IATA in trialling this initiative in real time and soon will be launching other initiatives to further enhance our customer experience.”
The trial is being done on selected Emirates flights from Dubai to Barcelona and London Heathrow to Dubai; and will soon be expanded to include other routes. Eligible passengers are being personally invited to download the app and enrol for the digital travel pass ahead of their travels. In Dubai, Emirates has partnered with select Prime Health Care labs which are authorised to securely send test results to passengers via the app. Those travelling from the UK, can get their test done at select Screen4 labs.
The IATA Travel Pass app will have an integrated registry of travel requirements to enable passengers to find accurate information on travel and entry requirements for all destinations regardless of their itinerary. Eventually it will also include a registry of labs – making it more convenient for passengers to find testing centres and labs at their departure location which meet the standards for testing and vaccination requirements of their destination.
The global registry, managed by IATA, will manage and allow the secure flow of necessary information amongst all stakeholders and to provide a seamless passenger experience.
Emirates has been making travel safe and convenient with its latest initiatives like the IATA Travel Pass trials. Its latest policy updates also offer customers even more confidence and flexibility to make their travel plans. Emirates has the industry’s most generous ticket validity, giving customers the ability and flexibility to hold or use their ticket anytime for up to 36 months.
Emirates was also the first airline to provide global multi-risk travel insurance including COVID-19 cover with every flight. Throughout the journey, the airline has also implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step to ensure the safety of its customers and employees.
Nairobi, April 15, 2021: Uganda government has commended KPA for the port infrastructural improvements which have contributed to faster handling of cargo.
Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, the new Uganda Consul General to Mombasa made the observation on Tuesday during a courtesy call on the KPA Acting Managing Director Rashid Salim.
He recollected President Yoweri Museveni’s last visit to Mombasa saying he had spent most of his time at the Port of Mombasa to show the importance of the facility in the bilateral relations of the two countries.
Ambassador Mukumbya further thanked the Kenya Ports Authority management for provision of high service standards and for being responsive to issues raised by the Uganda business community.
The envoy thanked the KPA management for the good working relations accorded to his predecessor and expressed optimism that the same would be accorded to him for facilitation of trade.
He held fruitful business discussions with the MD on plans towards enhancing efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor.
The ambassador thanked the Authority for hosting the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials at the Port of Mombasa.
On his part, Eng. Rashid termed Uganda as a valuable customer saying KPA had opened a liaison office in Kampala, Uganda, for the importers and exporters in that country to be served better.
“The port has also extended its services to the Inland Container Depot Naivasha linked by the Standard Gauge Railway line and the Kenya Government donated some land to Uganda as their cargo storage facility to reduce the cost of doing business,” he added.
He assured his guest of efficiency service delivery on clearance of Uganda bound cargo as long as the necessary documents are provided.
Over the last five years Ugandan cargo at the Port of Mombasa has registered a compounded average growth of 4.9 percent from 6.35 million tons in 2016 to 7.70 million tons in 2020. In the same period Ugandan cargo occupied an average share of 23.7 percent of the total cargo throughput handled.
During the period, there was a steady growth in total transit traffic at an average of 7.0 percent compound annual growth rate. Uganda maintained the biggest market share registering an average of 80.8 percent throughout the period.
The Uganda Revenue Authority Assistant Commissioner, Customs External Operations Officer, Mr. Julius Rubagumya, who was also present thanked the acting MD for the interventions he makes whenever they encounter hiccups in the business processes at the Port.
He expressed satisfaction with the support received from the KPA employees from the top management to the lower cadre staff.
Rubagumya lauded operations at Kisumu Port noting it had facilitated convenient movement of fuel imports into Uganda across the Lake.
He added that the upgrade of the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) linking Kisumu to Naivasha SGR will further reduce the cost of doing business for the benefit of the consumer.
The officer said the service will enhance smooth and timely delivery of cargo because of the seamless connectivity between the Port of Mombasa and Kisumu Port hence marketing of this service should be prioritized.
Nairobi, April 15th, 2021– Insurance and investment firm CIC Group has been feted as the winner of the Decade of Excellence Insurance Kenya 2021Award during the 2021 Global Banking & Finance Awards.
The awards, which are known throughout the global banking and financial community, reflect the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the financial sector.
Commenting about the global recognition, Patrick Nyaga, CIC Group CEO said ‘we are proud to be recognised globally. This award echoes our continued commitment to our clients to provide world class insurance services for the past decade’.
Remarking about the award, Joseph Karimi, CIC General Manager, Marketing and Customer experience said ‘We have continued to innovatively create customized products for our clients that meet their needs in an evolving world. We have strived to ‘keep our word’ to our customers in the past decade and we are glad that this effort has been recognised globally.
In December 2020, CIC General insurance was declared the Best Automotive Insurer at the Automotive Industry Excellence Awards, 2020, coming a year after the company won the Most Preferred Private Vehicle Insurer at the same awards held in 2019. CIC was also feted as the best Motor Insurer at the Cheki Awards in December 2020 at a time the company was repositioning itself to become the market leader in general business.
The Global Banking and Finance Awards reflects the innovation, achievement, strategy, progressive and inspirational changes taking place within the Global Financial community. The awards are created to recognize companies of all sizes which are prominent in particular areas of expertise and excellence within the financial world.
Truecaller has introduced a new identity solution for businesses to bolster safety and eliminate fraud. The enterprise solution dubbed Truecaller Business Identity allows businesses to verify their identities using a green verified business badge, accurately presenting the name, photo and the logo of the organization. The new solution brings greater trust and efficiency in communication between businesses and clients as it gives confidence to consumers, knowing that the caller is a verified business by Truecaller.
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