Mastercard and Vivo Energy Kenya offer football fans an incredible chance to attend the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul

Two lucky winners announced following the one-month campaign at Shell service stations.

Nairobi, Kenya – 31 May 2023: Mastercard, in collaboration with Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell products and services in the country, are delighted to announce the winners of the month-long exclusive campaign aimed at football enthusiasts in Kenya. The campaign, which ran from April to May, offered an incredible opportunity for Kenyan football fans to win an all-expenses-paid trip to witness the UEFA Champions League Finals in Istanbul, Turkey.

After weeks of anticipation and overwhelming participation, Mastercard and Vivo Energy Kenya are thrilled to reveal the two lucky winners who will embark on this unforgettable journey. The winners were selected from thousands of participants who engaged in the campaign by making purchases with their Mastercard at participating Shell service stations across Kenya.

Both winners will enjoy an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime priceless experience as they travel to Istanbul, one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, to witness the pinnacle of club football. The UEFA Champions League Finals, a fiercely contested battle between Europe’s top football clubs, promises to be an electrifying event that showcases exceptional skill and passion on the grandest stage.

The winners will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip, including round-trip flights, 3-days luxury accommodation, Category A tickets to the UEFA Champions League Finals, exclusive activities and so much more. This unique experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on their lives and create cherished memories.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our winners, and we are delighted to offer this extraordinary opportunity to witness the UEFA Champions League Finals,” said Shehryar Ali, Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard. “Football is not just a game – it’s a unifying sport that transcends borders, cultures, and generations, igniting passion and inspiring communities worldwide. Mastercard is committed to providing priceless experiences to our cardholders, and we are delighted to partner with Vivo Energy Kenya to make this a reality for these two lucky individuals. This campaign highlights our dedication to delivering unique and memorable moments that enrich the lives of our valued customers.”

Vivo Energy Kenya, known for its commitment to enhancing customer experiences, expressed their excitement about the campaign’s success.

“At Vivo Energy Kenya, we are thrilled to have collaborated with Mastercard in creating such an incredible campaign for football enthusiasts in the country,” said Peter Murungi, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Kenya. “The two winners announced today will embark on an extraordinary journey to witness the UEFA Champions League Finals in Istanbul, experiencing firsthand the power of football to unite and inspire. This campaign has allowed us to engage with our customers in a meaningful way and offer them unforgettable experiences that go beyond their everyday transactions.”

Mastercard and Vivo Energy Kenya extend their gratitude to all the participants who made the campaign a resounding success. By choosing to use their Mastercard for their transactions at Shell service stations, customers contributed to the excitement and ensured a chance of winning this incredible prize.

Mastercard has a rich history of connecting people to their passions by partnering with a range of organizations across sports, music, fashion, arts, and entertainment around the world. Mastercard’s partnership with UEFA Champions League dates back to 1994.

Log on to Priceless.com to learn more and discover the range of priceless experiences around the world made possible by Mastercard.

Carrefour Opens New Store at Business Bay Mall Eastleigh

· The Business Bay branch marks the country’s 20th store opened by the retailer

· The store occupies 3,000 square metres with 20,000 unique items

· Approximately 60 people will be directly employed at the store

Nairobi, Kenya, 31 May, 2023

Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Kenya, has opened its 20th store in the country at Business Bay Mall in a bid to tap into customers in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and the larger Eastlands area.

The 3,000 square-metre store will be one of the largest opened by Carrefour in the country since 2019 and promises to conveniently serve customers looking to shop from its wide array of products. The store will stock approximately 20,000 unique products spread across consumer goods, cleaning and household products, personal hygiene products, and fresh food including fruits and vegetables.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director of Carrefour – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, stated: “The opening of our new store today is a true testament to our commitment to continue providing exceptional services to our customers as we strategically expand our footprint in the Kenyan market. Our goal is to offer the best affordable products in all our stores to benefit every household and offer real value and solutions to the rising cost of living in Kenya.”

The new store will approximately employ 60 people spread across different departments. The store will also have dedicated e-commerce operations to increase convenience and shopping options for customers.

“With respect to various aspects of the local economy, we want to provide our customers with as many options as possible and create incentives for them to exercise their purchasing power without jeopardising their financial stability. This is why we are keen on offering affordable prices with various offers and discounts as we continue to celebrate our 7th anniversary campaign of Asante Mara Saba,” added Orcet.

With the new addition, Carrefour now operates 20 stores countrywide with 16 located in Nairobi, while Kisumu and Mombasa host two stores each. The stores are strategically located in various malls in the three cities including the Hub, Business Bay Mall, the Village Market, Galleria Shopping Mall, the Sarit Centre, the Junction Mall, Thika Road Mall, Two Rivers Mall, Southfields Mall, Valley Arcade and Kilimani in Nairobi, United Mall and Mega Plaza in Kisumu and City Mall and Center Point Mall in Nyali and Diani respectively.

Since its entry into the Kenyan market in 2016, Carrefour has worked to continuously diversify its services and sustain the brand within host communities. It is now impacting more than 1 million Kenyans through its flagship sustainability projects in education, environmental conservation and social protection, as well as offering jobs to hundreds of Kenyans.

The opening of the store comes a week after the retailer marked its 7th anniversary in Kenya. Customers still have the chance to enjoy fully paid-for shopping trolleys as well as daily offers and discounts on various products including groceries, household items, personal care and hygiene, and electronics, in-store and online via the MAF Carrefour App.

Pwani Oil Honors Exceptional Women for Their Contribution to Society

· The honours were executed in partnership with Africa Inland Church (AIC)

· The celebration centred around honouring extraordinary mothers who have made significant contributions to their families and the community at large.

Malili, Makueni County, 30th May 2023… Leading edible oils manufacturer Pwani Oil has paid tribute to over 150 remarkable women for their outstanding contributions to the community and their transformative impact on people’s lives.

The event took place in a heartfelt event in Malili, Makueni County organized in collaboration with Africa Inland Church (AIC). At least 13 AIC churches participated in the celebration marked with prayers and religious renditions from scores of choirs and leading gospel artistes.

Aligned with the company’s mission to uplift and refine the communities it serves; the initiative was part of Pwani Oil’s Month of May Mother’s Day celebration.

Speaking at the event, The Makueni Deputy Governor Ms. Lucy Mulili thanked Pwani Oil and emphasized the essential role that mothers play in shaping societies. “Our mother’s selflessness, resilience, and unwavering dedication serve as the foundation of our thriving communities. Through their tireless efforts, our mothers create a nurturing environment where families thrive, and the community flourishes. I thank Pwani Oil for their gesture”, she said.

Pwani Oil Regional Sales Manager Pauline Mbinda said “As a company, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all the incredible mothers in Malili, Kenya and beyond. Kindly, consider this a tribute to your immeasurable impact and a recognition of your profound role in shaping communities and enriching lives”

The celebration centred around honouring extraordinary mothers who have made significant contributions to their families and the community at large. Each woman in attendance received a specially curated hamper as a token of gratitude and admiration for their exceptional deeds, symbolizing the company’s appreciation for their remarkable efforts.

Furthermore, the attendees were treated to exclusive discounts on Pwani Oil products, offering them an opportunity to explore and experience the extraordinary quality and value that Pwani Oil brings to their daily lives. All items on offer sold out, underlining the confidence the buyers have in Pwani Oil products. The event also showcased the company’s diverse range of high quality products, including the renowned Salit, Detrex, and Sawa, as well as the beloved Ushindi brand. Attendees had the privilege of firsthand experience with Pwani Oil’s outstanding offerings.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to refining the lives of the communities it serves and demonstrated its deep appreciation for the extraordinary women who play a vital role in shaping society and enriching lives.

Greenpeace Africa Demands a Strong Global Plastic Treaty with 3D Projection at the Hilton

Nairobi, 27 May 2023 –The iconic Hilton hotel was on Friday all lit up with a 3D projection with an End the age of plastic message in support of the upcoming second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee session (INC2) that is happening in Paris, France, from 29 May to 2 June. INC2 is the second in a series of five negotiating meetings happening over the next two years in an effort to secure a strong, legally binding global agreement to curb the plastic pollution crisis.


“Ahead of the negotiations for the treaty we decided to put up this important message to remind our leaders and other stakeholders not to waste this once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to finally turn off the tap and end the age of plastic,” said Greenpeace Africa’s Communication and Story Manager, Hellen Kahaso Dena. “We hope the treaty will safeguard the climate and ensure a fair and equitable transition for workers and the health of all the affected communities.”


Despite increasing evidence on the impact of plastic pollution on people’s health as well as the environment, plastic production has continued to increase year on year. With 99% of plastics being made from fossil fuels, plastic production is a major driver of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Plastic production harms communities and workers living near production sites and landfills.


“This year alone, we have seen the devastating impacts of the climate crisis; from droughts in Kenya to deadly cyclones and floods in Malawi and in the DRC. This treaty is an opportunity for our leaders to stop big polluters with their relentless plastic production and to protect our climate and affected communities from these climate impacts.

“We are confident that Africa’s governments will adopt and champion a strong global treaty that will end plastic pollution through a phase out of plastic production – to protect the environment and human rights of Africans,” continued Dena.

Plastic is polluting throughout its entire lifecycle- from the moment it is extracted to its disposal. Plastic proponents and corporations need to stop relying on big oil and instead invest in reuse and refill models. Countries such as Rwanda and Kenya need to show leadership on this issue and match the urgency of the crisis by championing an ambitious plastics treaty.


“We urge Africa’s governments to ensure that there is fair and equitable representation throughout the negotiation and implementation process from communities disproportionately affected by the plastic pollution crisis. African leaders can adopt a progressive plan that supports ambitious goals for a new plastic agreement to solve the plastic pollution crisis,” concluded Dena.

Faulu Commits to Supporting Social Entrepreneurs in Building Sustainable Futures

• The move aimed at helping social entrepreneurs navigate challenges and develop sustainable solutions in line with the bank’s vision.
• Recently, the Bank rolled out numerous transformative social innovations that have positively impacted communities and the economy

Nairobi, Kenya, May 23rd, 2023… Faulu, the leading Microfinance Bank, has reinforced its commitment to empowering social entrepreneurs by crafting and rolling out tailored sustainable financial solutions.
The move is aimed at helping social entrepreneurs navigate challenges and develop sustainable solutions in line with the bank’s vision to transform lives and ensure its customers achieve their desired goals.
Speaking during the 6th Annual Africa Conference on Social Entrepreneurship (AACOSE) by Tangaza University and Ashoka Africa, Faulu Bank Acting CEO Julius Ouma said the bank fully understands that customers’ needs are dynamic hence, it not only aims to become customers’ most trusted lifetime partner but also commits to passionately assist them in achieving their financial objectives. The conference aimed at building a collaborative and healthy ecosystem for the African continent’s long-term growth.
By empowering entrepreneurs, Faulu Bank envisions a future where innovative solutions can address pressing societal challenges effectively. Through targeted support, mentorship programs, and financial services, the bank seeks to enable entrepreneurs to build successful ventures and contribute to the economy’s overall growth.
“We understand that customers’ needs are constantly evolving, and we are committed to listening attentively and curating innovative solutions that effectively address these needs. By supporting social entrepreneurship and providing transformative financial products and services, we aim to not only transform lives but also build the financial prosperity of the societies, businesses, and shareholders we engage with.” Said Ouma.
Last year, Faulu Bank rolled out numerous transformative social innovations that have positively impacted communities and the economy. Among these innovations are the introduction of the Faulu DigiCash App which has revolutionized how customers manage their finances, providing convenience and accessibility.
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in economic growth, the Bank has also fostered agribusiness partnerships and provided dedicated agribusiness financing solutions, actively driving sustainable economic development and contributing to food security by supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders along the agricultural value chain.
As a socially responsible financial institution, the bank understands the significance of nurturing entrepreneurs through social innovations. With a focus on customer-centricity, innovation, and strategic partnerships, it seeks to continue to play a pivotal role in transforming lives and fostering financial prosperity.

MATHARE SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTRE PRESENTS MEMORANDUM TO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS TO INVESTIGATE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE INFORMAL SETTLEMENT

Clive Ayuko

26th May 2023

The Mathare Social Justice Centre in collaboration Vision Bearers Youth Group, Ecological Justice, Ghetto foundation and various other grassroots organizations today afternoon presented a petition to the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP Mr Nordin Haji in light of recent skirmishes in the area which saw 3 people killed, 6 person injured and 50 homes razed to the ground.

The petition presented today afternoon seeked to have the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP Mr Nordin Haji to compel the Office of the Inspector General of the National Police service to begin investigations into the Skirmishes owing to delays ot lack of response by Security Agencies in dealing with the matter.

Speaking today afternoon at the Mathare Social Justice Centre along Juja road Nairobi convener of the Centre Mr Gacheke Gachehe lamented that Extra Judicial killings never happens in uptown neighborhoods of Nairobi but is quite rife in the informal settlement.

Also speaking at the event was Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid who protested that various individuals within the area set up pseudo social media accounts which they use to profile individuals in the community as criminals adding that such accounts should be investigated and those found to be guilty of the same to face the law.

Concluding the address was Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Nordin Haji who said; ” I have heard your complaints and they are quite disheartened by the same and will find a solution to ensure that you live in peace because it is a right enshrined under the Constitution of Kenya 2010″ He continued to add, ” I will also look into the claims of profiling and cyber bullying to ensure that you all live in peace”

PETCO Kenya rebrands to the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation -PAKPRO

26 May 2023 – In an effort to create a fit for purpose producer responsibility organization that will handle all non-hazardous packaging on behalf of our membership. The move to rebrand PETCO is as a result of the recent events after the gazettement of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been working on and the development of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations Draft (EPR), where the producer responsibility organizations are required to manage all non-hazardous packaging as one of the listed categories
The EPR regulations propose there are five categories that each producer will be required to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), which will undertake several activities on behalf of the producer to ensure their packaging does not affect the environment. These activities include recovery, collection, sorting, recycling, and treatment.
The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation has been actively involved in the development of various policies and pieces of legislation in an effort to spur the growth of a circular economy in the country. The Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations (Draft) and the Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines all seek to ensure that producers of
PAKPRO has held consultative engagements with various stakeholders, including the government, industry players, recyclers, collectors and developed a model that seeks to address the challenges in the existing value chains for various materials. Through our County Sustainable Waste Management Implementation Program we seek to establish material transfer stations across all 47 counties in an effort to recover recyclables as well as offering bottom of the pyramid collectors direct access to market for their collections, at a fair price.
PAKPRO commits to improving awareness by increased educational activities among the Kenyan public on issues related to segregation and collection. In addition, the scheme will be implementing a model for value chain support to stimulate collection and increase consumptive demand for recycled products. There is already existing recycling capacity and infrastructure in the country that has been developed over the years for various packaging materials, and our model will seek to continue to the maximize use of this.
The success of a circular economy requires collaboration beyond the traditional boundaries of business operators. This partnership will ensure that both partners bring together a network of producers, collectors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.

Making his remarks during the event was the chairman of PAKPRO who said, “Our new brand symbolizes our relentless pursuit of excellence and the unwavering dedication of our incredible team toward creating a circular economy. It represents our shared values, our passion for progress, and our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. It signifies our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our membership and our readiness to embrace new opportunities in the new legislative era.”

PAN AFRICA CLIMATE JUSTICE ALLIANCE SUPPORTS US AND EU LAWMAKERS’ CALL FOR UAE’S WITHDRAWAL OF OIL MOGUL AS COP28 PRESIDENT

Nairobi, Kenya, May 25, 2023
On May 23, 2023, Lawmakers from the European Parliament and the US Congress released a hard-hitting Statement where they added their voice to millions of others who have remained steadfast in urging the United Arab Emirates, the host of the UNFCCC-COP28, to withdraw Sultan Al Jaber as the COP President-Designate.
The letter, addressed to President Joe Biden of the United States, UN President Von der Leyen, and Secretary General Anthony Guterres, requested the leaders to urge the UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, to address their profound concerns about the emerging trend where the UNFCCC negotiations have been captured by private sector polluters with undue influence over the process.
This letter is consistent with our foresighted statement released on January 12, 2023, rejecting the appointment of the Oil Chief as COP28 President.
PACJA, representing more than 1500 organisations from diverse backgrounds in 51 countries across Africa welcomes and wholly supports the statement from the EU and US parliamentarians, and seeks a response from the UNFCCC Executive Secretary without further delay. Indeed, we hope Simon Stiell will address the issues the Lawmakers raised before the Bonn Climate Change Conference scheduled for June 2023.
The excessive influence of the transnational corporations on climate negotiations, as decried by the 35 lawmakers from the United States and European Parliaments, has been enabled by the current rules of the UNFCCC which allow the fossil fuel industry and other corporate interests, despite their clear conflict of interest, to undermine the science and the goals of the Paris Agreement.

In addition to unconditionally withdrawing Sultan Al Jaber from this process, we also call for the following actions:
ThewithdrawalofthePresident-designateofCOPDr.SultanAlJaber,who has been criticized for his close ties with the fossil fuel industry and his alleged role in delaying climate action in his country.

The establishment of a robust conflict of interest policy that limits the participation and access of polluting industries, especially those whose business models are incompatible with the 1.5°C limit, at UNFCCC meetings and events.

We demand that fossil fuel companies and their lobby groups are excluded from official delegations, side events, sponsorships, and exhibitions.

The transparency and accountability of the UNFCCC processes, including the disclosure of financial and non-financial contributions from private sector entities and their representatives.

We request that all parties and observers report on their sources and amounts of funding from private sector actors and that this information is made publicly available.
We urge the UNFCCC Executive Secretary to take these steps as soon as possible to ensure that COP28 is a success and that the voices of the most vulnerable and affected communities are heard, respected, and not drowned by corporate interests.
We stand in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who are demanding climate justice and a livable future for all.

ART EXHIBITION SEEKS TO DESTIGMATIZE CONVERSATION ON SEX AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Nairobi, Kenya 25th May 2023

The Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH) together with partners IBIS, Positive Young Women Voices, Rural to Global, SWOP Ambassadors and BorderHub in a 5 month project fusing research, advocacy, and art with the sole objective of creating awareness of the sexual and reproductive health experiences of women with disabilities, sex workers, and adolescents in rural and urban areas, yesterday evening at Rossyline Riviera Mall unveiled a series of painting showcasing the experiences of various woman in their quest at enjoying sexual and reproductive health rights rights and services.

Dubbed the Sauti (Swahili:Voice) Exhibition showcased a collection of work from visual and performance artists capturing the visual experience of 21 women and girls from marginalized groups.
The Art gallery which brought together the public, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community advocates saw the participants learn, engage and listen to the voices of adolescent girls, young women from urban and rural areas, women with disabilities and sex workers experiences as showcased in creative Art forms

Present at the Event which brough together Health Practitioners, Policy makers, the public and community based advocates was the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health Executive Director Ms Jedida Maina who said, “the exhibition emphasizes our responsibility in changing reality, including:
normalizing conversations about sex and access to reproductive health services,
experiences of disabled women their quest to seek reproductive and Health Services and use of contraceptives and safer sex”

EASTLEIGH BUSINESS COMMUNITY ENDORSES THE NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS FOR ROLE OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR GENERAL

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 25th May 2023

The Eastleigh Business District Association EBDA has come out to support the nomination of the Director of Public Prosecutions Nordin Haji for the position of National Intelligence Service NIS.

Speaking early today morning the business lobby group reiterated that they wholely endorse the nomination of Nordin Haji by President William Ruto saying that his considerable experience in law enforcement and the justice system complimented by his steadfast committment to upholding the rule of las render him an exceptionally qualified candidate for the crucial role.

Mr Nordin Haji term at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions is set to lapse in 2024 having been appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 28th September 2018. Mr Haji has previously served as Deputy Director of the Counter Organized Crime Unit at the National Intelligence Service. If cleared by Parliament Mr Nordin Haji will Philip Kameru who has been at the helm of NIS since September 2014.