Tetra Pak East Africa and The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO) launch their kick-start project for the recovery of post-consumer Liquid Board Packaging

Tuesday, 26th September 2023, Nairobi

Tetrapak East Africa in partnership with the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) has launched a kick-start project to recover used beverage cartons in the country. The partnership brings together two recyclers of liquid board packaging – Ramani Warehouse Limited (Thika) and Ekotech Limited (Nairobi) where collectors and aggregators can sell recovered used beverage cartons. The Project targets to recover 1,500 metric tonnes of used beverage cartons which accounts for 30% of the produced liquid board packaging in the country.


The kick-start project seeks to create value for post-consumer liquid board packaging that will increase the economic opportunities for collectors and aggregators in the waste recovery sector.


Following the gazettement of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022 and operationalization of Section 13 of the Act, which directs all producers to implement mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations to prevent pollution from their post-consumer products or by waste arising therefrom, this project kicks off implementation of EPR for liquid board packaging in the country.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony with the two recycling partners, Jonathan Kinisu, Tetra Pak East Africa Managing Director, stated, ‘In alignment with EPR regulations and the Waste Management Act we are taking a lead role in supporting the collection & recycling value chain. We are working closely with our recyclers and together with PAKPRO to create consumer awareness and increase the recycling volume.’

This project will be executed in partnership with the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO), which is a Producer Responsibility Organisation that supports recycling value chains in Kenya.

Also at the launch of PAKPRO Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Joyce Gachugi-Waweru noted, ‘As Kenya ushers Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility on November 1st, 2023, this kick start project will serve as a catalyst to the recovery of post-consumer liquid board packaging (LBP). Tetrapak has been committed to ensuring that post-consumer liquid board packaging is not only recovered and recycled but that the livelihoods supported by the recovery are getting their fair price. We look forward to strengthening the post-consumer consumer value chain to ensure optimal recovery of LBP in the country.’

This initiative will kick start in Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, and Kiambu counties, and it will involve providing capacity building to collectors and aggregators, registration of participating value chain players, and deployment of collection infrastructure in strategic locations.


Tetra Pak and PAKPRO will also collaborate to improve awareness by increasing educational activities among the Kenyan public on issues related to segregation and collection. As well as, actively engaging all stakeholders, including the government, PROs, collectors, and recyclers to ensure that the circularity of UBCs is achieved.

Old Mutual Investment Group Calls on Trustees to Embrace Sustainable Investing

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· The call aligns with the inaugural African Climate Summit plea by African leaders to the international community, urging collective global efforts in resource mobilization for the dual purposes of development and climate action.

· The move, if implemented aims to protect the environment and local communities where investors operate, while also ensuring companies maintain strong management and corporate governance standards.

Nairobi, Kenya, September 26th 2023 – Old Mutual Investment Group has urged trustees to Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in their investment decision-making processes in an effort to foster responsible investing and promote long-term value creation.

The call aligns with the plea of African leaders to the international community, urging collective global efforts in resource mobilization for the dual purposes of development and climate action. The appeal was made during the recent Inaugural African Climate Summit, where African leaders encouraged development partners to redirect their technical and financial resources to support the sustainable exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.

The move, if implemented, seeks to safeguard the environment and the communities where investors work. This is besides ensuring that management and corporate governance of companies meet high standards.

Speaking during the recently held Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) 2023 Conference, OMIG Managing Director Anthony Mwithigia said Incorporating ESG considerations into investment decisions is no longer an option but a necessity and that it resonates with a shared vision of sustainable and responsible investing.

“Trustees have a fiduciary duty to safeguard the interests of beneficiaries, and this includes factoring in non-financial risks and opportunities that can significantly impact long-term investment outcomes.” Said Anthony.

According to sustainability experts Proto’s Capital, sidelining ESG considerations in investment decision-making processes, poses considerable risks to investment portfolios.

“Recent studies have shown a correlation between strong ESG performance and long-term financial performance. Companies with robust sustainability practices are better positioned to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes, consumer preferences, and market trends. Conversely, those neglecting ESG aspects may face reputational damage, regulatory fines, and decreased investor confidence” said Protos Capital Managing Partner Loise Wangui in her keynote address to trustees at the conference.

The experts underscore the critical importance of integrating ESG factors to mitigate risks, enhance financial performance, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

“ESG factors encompass a wide range of issues such as climate change, human rights, labour standards, diversity and inclusion, and corporate governance. Ignoring these factors could lead to potentially harmful consequences, both financially and ethically. By considering ESG aspects, trustees can identify hidden risks, uncover opportunities for innovation, and contribute positively to the broader community” said Loise.

To achieve optimal returns, OMIG and Protos Capital urged trustees to maximize returns by understanding ESG relevance in decisions, staying updated on best practices, integrating ESG into due diligence, engaging with portfolio companies for better ESG performance, and monitoring ESG alignment with long-term goals.

Currently, governments and regulators globally recognize ESG’s importance, introducing reporting requirements, disclosure standards, and guidelines for responsible investing. Trustees not aligning with these rules risk legal and reputational repercussions.

For instance, in Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority introduced Kenya Sustainability Reporting Standards (KSRS) in 2020. These guide ESG disclosure by Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed firms. CMA’s 2020 ESG Dashboard adds insights into NSE-listed companies’ performance in climate, environment, social, and governance.

Further support for ESG reporting comes from The Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks (KASIB).

DOUBLE TAXATION IMPEDIMENT TO GROWTH OF INFORMAL SECTOR BUSINESSES NEW REPORT SHOWS

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 26th September 2023

A new report by the Institute for Social Accountability TISA developed in conjunction with Christian Aid Kenya highlights double taxation as one of the key impediment to growth of businesses in the informal sector. The report titled Small Biz BIG TAX experiences from MSMES AND INFORMAL TRADERS IN NAIROBI county adopted a number of methods to arrive at it’s conclusion to include: overarching literature review, employment of both qualitative techniques which involved conducting of key informant interviews and quantitative techniques which entailed face to face interviews with members of Jua Kali Associations and was conducted for a period of 8 months from January 2023 to August 2023 with focus on Nairobi County.

According to the report Double Taxation is a significant hindrance to growth of businesses within the informal sector and manifests in different market sectors, including in fish mongering and mobile money payments. Trades the report went on to outline are taxed multiple times along the value chain and during transport of the said trade commodities from the source to the markets.

Some of those polled has this to say, ” I often find myself paying taxes twice for the same products I sell. Those collecting taxes for the national government and county governments come asking for their share. I feel like they do not want our businesses to expand.” Another respondent had this to say, ” Nowdays it’s like double taxation is everywhere. If you are bringing foodstuff from the Shamba, you pay fees at the road, pay at the load station, pay at the offloading station, the store license and finally the weekly county fee and this is for the same trade commodity.

Other impediments highlighted by the report as impediments to growth of informal sector business include: the complex nature of seeking tax compliance, inhuman treatment by tax compliance officers and overcharging by compliance officers who may not have information on the correct amount of tax to be levied or payed by such informal sector businesses.

The study outcomes underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in tax policies and these to include: simplification of tax certification, protection of traders from tax compliance officers and capacity building among the informal sector players to enhance their level of awareness on tax frameworks. These the report goes on to outline can be achieved through deepening of the tax base, diversification of the tax sources, entrenchment of tax incentives for MSMEs, Tax education and training, a simple and cost effective tax filing processes and harmonization of tax es levied.

WE WERE PRODUCING MORE PASSPORTS THAN WE COULD DELIVER CS KINDIKI

By Nairobi, Kenya 19 September 2023

By Clive Ayuko

The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Prof. Kithure Kindiki has acknowledged that the State Department for Immigration and Citizen services was producing more passports than it could deliver. “We could produce between 4000 to 4500 passports in 24 hours and we were able to release only 800 passports” Said Prof Kindiki.

Speaking at the Jogoo house entrance during the launch of the Rapid Results Initiative on the delivery and collection of passports today afternoon Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Administration of National Government Prof Kithure Kindiki acknowledged; ” On 31st May 2023 in the public accountability statement I did acknowledge that there was a public outcry and growing concern from members of the public about the slow pace and the inefficiencies around the issuance of passports and admitted that we did have a problem and these were caused by a number of things.”

He went on to add, ” At the core of the problem which has taken us this journey has been the low investment in the directorate of immigration services and by this I mean the type of equipment or facilities and funds that had been availed to this department was low over the years. Not withstanding the passport and immigration services has been generating substantial income to the exchequer with passports alone upward of Ksh 10 billion and other services combined earning more than Ksh 20 billion a year.”

Other problems impeding the issuance and delivery of passports the CS went on to reiterate included: Massive bribes which were being offered by all manner of brokers in cahoot with few members of staff working at the Ministry, dilapidated passport printing equipment, the slow nature of government process owing to the slow nature of procurement laws, and the relationship the ministry had with Posta to deliver passports overnight and we realised that the relationship was causing us to slow down the issuance is passports and to reach the applicants on time.”

To deal with the problem the CS said, ” We have streamlined the issuance of passports and we will not have the kind of backlog that we have had in the past again.” He went to to add, ” We have ordered for the procurement of more printers and once the printers come we will triple or quadruple the number of passports we will be printing in a day.

Watu Credit Announces Strategic Partnership with ARC Ride to Increase Number of EV Battery Swap Stations in Nairobi

Nairobi, September 20, 2023

Leading asset financing company, Watu Credit Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Battery-as-a-Service provider ARC Ride, bolstered by the incorporation of global auto parts Tier1 company Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. The collaboration aims to manufacture 1,000 electric vehicles (EV) and establish over 300 battery swap stations in Nairobi by the end of 2024.


‘’As Watu, we strongly believe that EV is the future. In recognition of the fact that coming up with the next EV for the African market is an expensive venture, we started investing in ARC Ride to help them in their research and innovation and delivery of bikes responsive to the African market to the ground, ‘’ says Erick Massawe, Kenya Country Manager at Watu.

ARC Ride is an electric mobility or electric vehicle (EV) startup that builds electric vehicles and runs a Battery-as-a-Service business in Nairobi, Kenya.

ARC Ride’s electric motorbikes are being developed in Kenya through extensive research to ensure they meet local needs. The bikes can be operated with very low maintenance as they need no oil, chains, gears, and no fuel to operate.


Growing network of swap stations in Nairobi

Watu has consistently been dedicating resources to the development of ARC Ride with an aim to further grow the electric motorbike sector in Kenya. In addition to supporting the production of EVs, Watu is facilitating the set up of battery-swapping stations in Nairobi.


‘’For most of our riders who use their bikes for business, what they care about is being able to run a more efficient business by spending less on fuel and also having an EV that they can use without worrying that the battery will run dry in the middle of nowhere. We are helping ARC Ride set up more battery-swapping stations across Nairobi. Currently, ARC Ride has put up 76 battery-swapping stations across Nairobi and its environs, with a target of having at least 100 stations by the end of this year. This is central to making more and more boda boda riders make the switch to EVs’’ notes Eric Massawe.


The 76 swap sites are in various locations along Eastlands, Ngong Road, Githurai, Westlands, Kiambu Road, Kebete, Mombasa Road and Thika Super Highway. The battery swap stations serve at least 50 riders per day, and these numbers have been going up as the number of swap stations increase.


ARC Ride, represented by George Songe, said: “We are expanding our network of automated swapping stations to ensure that electric boda customers can conveniently replace their batteries when the need arises. Customers can replace batteries in under a minute for as low as Ksh 350 per day, for unlimited swaps.”


To make them secure and accessible, the swap stations are set up through partnerships with food chain outlets such as Dominos and Artcaffe and fuel marketing firms such as Ola Energy. A few more partnerships in the pipeline will be announced before the end of 2023.

Erick added that Watu decided to be involved in the EV development process because they’ve been exposed to the challenges that must be addressed to enable EV adoption across the continent.

The Kenyan government has prioritised the adoption of e-motorbikes into the boda boda sector, and Watu’s investment aligns with the efforts to improve access to charging infrastructure in Kenya. It will further contribute to meeting Kenya’s goal of ensuring that at least five per cent of all recently imported vehicles are fully electric by 2025, as stated in the National Climate Change Action Plan.


Andrii Volokha, General Manager for East Africa at Watu, commented: “We want to offer financing solutions that not only make access to e-motorbikes affordable to our customers and accessible nationwide. This investment will boost their penetration and uptake as we play our part to contribute to a just transition.”


Watu has been at the forefront of asset financing for two and three-wheeler vehicles. So far, the company has financed the purchase of over 100 electric assets in Kenya.


Erick expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying it will further elevate Kenya’s prospect as a leading e-mobility hub, especially for boda bodas in Africa.


Watu’s e-motorbike financing model enables customers to acquire an electric motorcycle for as little as Ksh 450 daily, promoting sustainable mobility.

Standard Chartered Launches KES15 Million Acquisition Campaign to Reward Salary Account Users

19 September 2023, Nairobi, Kenya – Standard Chartered Kenya has announced the launch of a KES15 million prize money campaign aimed at rewarding new account holders who transfer their salary accounts to the Bank.

The campaign dubbed “Switch your Salo. Bank Better” seeks to reward clients when they open salary accounts with Standard Chartered, as the Bank expands its holistic suite of wealth management services for salaried employees.

“We are building a transformative experience by combining investments, insurance, loans, credit and rewards that meet the evolving needs of our retail clients. At the same time, we offer employers dedicated relationship managers, same day salary clearance services, doorstep banking services and end-to-end financial solutions aimed at enhancing financial inclusion opportunities for our customers,” said Edith Chumba, Head of Consumer, Private and Business Banking, Kenya and East Africa, Standard Chartered Kenya.

Anyone who opens an account at Standard Chartered will be eligible to win up to KES 100,000 through monthly draws in the campaign, which will run from 18th September and December 18th 2023.

The account opening process is fully digitised and available on popular Standard Chartered Mobile Kenya Application (SC Mobile App).

The new campaign aligns with the Bank’s commitment to use digital tools to enable access to a wide range of services and products, which has driven demand for the Bank’s popular SC Mobile App. Since the introduction of the App, the Bank has successfully onboarded 300,000 clients.

The SC Mobile App has consistently incorporated innovative technology based on valuable client feedback, making it a versatile and user-friendly digital banking solution.

Key enhancements made to the SC Mobile App since its inception include: Real time Account Opening, Investments, and Insurance Services, QR Code Payments, Real-time Loan and Credit Card Balance Monitoring, Cardless Withdrawals, 360 Rewards Program.

Among the top services frequently used on the SC Mobile App are mobile money payments, funds transfers, debit card applications, and ETC payments for the Nairobi Expressway.

The SC Mobile App aligns with the Bank’s commitment to delivering an end-to-end, scalable digital experience. The App offers an all-encompassing Digital Banking Suite is designed to empower clients with seamless and secure access to banking services from anywhere, at any time.

According to a recent Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Survey, nearly half of all banking customers prefer to use mobile and digital applications to access bank services. In particular, the use of applications or apps such as the SC Mobile App tops bank customer preferences.

LANCET SERIES RELEASES PREVENTION REPORT OF SMALL VULNERABLE NEWBORNS AND STILLBIRTHS IN KENYA AND SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

NAIROBI, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023- Lancet Series on small vulnerable newborns calls for standardisation of data, technology, and quality pre-natal information as national preventive measures to curb the high rate of new-borns born too small or too soon that currently stands at highest rate at 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Globally, one in every four babies in the world is either ‘born too small’ or ‘born too soon’ accounting for 1.9 million stillbirths and 1.4 million newborn deaths annually. The small vulnerable newborn survivors are vulnerable to health problems throughout their life course, affecting human capital, economic productivity, and healthcare costs. Furthermore, while the situation is the most challenging in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, rates of data availability are also the lowest in these regions, making it difficult for decision makers to meaningfully address this issue.

The Series, created through an international collaboration of a group of scientists, presents a new conceptual framework that brings preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and low birthweight (LBW) together under the umbrella term “small vulnerable newborns” (SVN). This new terminology and framework gives global and local actors a shared terminology and framing of the issue, allowing them to work together to implement change.

The Series estimates that 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million preterm or underweight births could be prevented each year by implementing eight accessible and cost-effective pregnancy interventions in low-and-middle-income countries. and the estimated cost of implementing these measures stands at $1.1 billion by the year 2030.

The Series provides low-cost, evidence-based pregnancy interventions for the prevention of small vulnerable newborns and stillbirths. These interventions include multiple micronutrient supplements, treatment of syphilis, and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (a bacterial infection of the urine) for all women. The targeted interventions provided include low-dose aspirin, balanced protein energy supplements, prevention of malaria in pregnancy, progesterone provided vaginally, and smoking cessation. In addition, implementing girls’ and women’s reproductive rights is key to preventing pregnancy complications and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Speaking during the launch of the lancet series in Kenya, Ministry of Health Acting Head, Division of Health Informatics Dr. Job Nyangena reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing these preventive measures.

“As a government and especially with the devolution of health services, we are developing technological specifications to ensure standardization of operating procedures and training manuals,” he said.

Although addressing the issue of small vulnerable newborns has been on the global agenda for years, global trends show that the situation has not improved. This indicates a pressing need for national actors, along with global partners, to commit to providing high quality of care for all women during pregnancy and at birth. This includes implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care guidelines that include a screening ultrasound for all pregnant women.

Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA) says, “One out of 4 babies is born too early, too small, or stillborn. It is our moral duty to invest in prevention of small vulnerable newborns through early and high quality antenatal and childbirth care and through girls and women reproductive rights.”

As part of the advocacy efforts to prevent small vulnerable newborns, Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA) in collaboration with the Small Vulnerable Newborn Consortium is hosting the regional launch of the Lancet Series on Small Vulnerable Newborns in Nairobi. The launch will bring together academics, healthcare professionals, policy experts, and parents of SVNs to share findings from the Lancet small vulnerable newborns series, advocate for small vulnerable newborns prevention, and discuss local opportunities and priorities to catalyse a movement for change.

The launch calls for relevant actors to urgently prioritise action, advocate for, and invest in the prevention of small vulnerable newborns to reverse the current trend, reduce small vulnerable newborns outcomes, and ultimately save the lives of millions of babies. “20% of babies born in Sub-Saharan Africa are small vulnerable newborns, yet prevention is possible. This is the challenge we all need to tackle, the Nairobi launch aims to help us do this,” says Dr Abdu Mohiddin, Physician Scientist and Assistant Professor at the Aga Khan University.

The five-paper Series and the regional launches were funded by Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and involves experts from the Aga Khan University, Tampere University, Johns Hopkins University, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University College London, and University of Botswana.

Air-France KLM Group Soars Towards Pre-Pandemic Levels, Expects Full Recovery By 2024

· The new projections come on the heels of a substantial increase in passenger capacity in the second half of 2023 equivalent to 88 per cent of 2019 levels.

· With increased passenger traffic, the group saw its net income for the review period grow by 88 per cent to KES 96.04 billion from KES 51 billion registered within the same review period in 2022.

NAIROBI KENYA, 19th September 2023 … Air-France KLM group airline expects Available Seats per Kilometer (ASK) among its airlines to go back to 2019 levels from 2024.

This follows an increase in passenger capacity in the second half of 2023 by 8.2 per cent or 24.7 million passengers across its airlines compared to the same review period in June 2022. The percentage increase was at 88 per cent of 2019 levels.

According to the group’s half-year results, as the capacity increased by 8.2 per cent and the passenger traffic grew by 11.6 per cent, the load factor increased by 2.6 points compared to last year, marking a significant step towards the airline’s recovery and growth journey.

Giving his remarks on the performance and 2024 projections, AFKLM General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana Marius van der Ham said, “We are thrilled to see our airlines rebounding with such resilience after the turbulent times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our commitment to innovation and adaptability has been pivotal in this journey. As we continue to invest in technology, customer experience, and sustainable aviation, we are confident that by 2024, we will not only recover to 2019 levels but also set new standards for the industry. This remarkable growth in passenger capacity and improved load factor is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and the unwavering trust of our passengers.”

For the third and fourth quarters of 2023, the group expects to register approximately 95 per cent capacity in Available Seat Kilometers to 128.69 million, a 13 per cent increase from the 114.26 million registered in 2022. In Africa, the ASK is expected to rise to 14.74 million up from 13.14 million registered in 2022. To do this, the Group remains agile in optimizing fleet, workforce, network, and costs and continues its sustainability efforts.

With increased passenger traffic, the group saw its net income for the review period grow by 88 per cent to KES 96.04 billion from KES 51 billion registered within the same review period in 2022. The revenues from ordinary activities went up 14 per cent to KES 1.19 trillion driven by a higher capacity (+8 per cent), a higher passenger load factor (+3 points), and a higher passenger yield (+9 per cent).

“In spite of the inflationary context, we posted double-digit growth in our revenues and a record operating margin. The rollout of new award-winning products across our airlines continued unabated, which serves as a testament to the commitment of our employees, whom I would like to thank. Moving forward we intend to continue delivering on our strategic roadmap, and leverage secured ambitious partnerships in the field of sustainability that will prepare us for our medium to long-term future.” Said Marius van der Ham

Moving into 2023, the group seeks to enhance its transformation efforts including fleet renewal and spending optimization to compensate for the inflationary pressure on cost. This will see it decrease its unit cost in the period 2024-2026 year over year against a constant fuel price.

CHURCH PLAN TO OUT MUSCLE POLITICAL CLASS REVEALED IN ITS MEMORANDA TO NATIONAL DIALOGUE COMMITTEE

Nairobi, Kenya 18th September 2023

Clive Ayuko

On September 15th 2023 a section of the Kenya Churches under the umbrella body the National Council of Churches of Kenya NCCK at the Ufungamano House in Nairobi issued a statement giving it’s opinion on a number governance issues to include: credibility of Presidential elections of 2022 and Audit of the same, the skyrocketing cost of living, implementation of the two- thirds gender rule, reconstitution and reorganization of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

What however stood out among the issues the church wanted addressed was it’s opinion on the Entrenched Funds in the Constitution. Namely the National Government Constituency Development Fund NGCDF, the Affirmative Action Fund and the Senate Oversight Fund which have been ordinarily been managed by the political class namely Members of Parliament ( Senators, Members of the National Assembly and Women Representatives).

The hard hitting statement started by NCCK outlining 2019 Census data which showed faith based groups numbers under the NCCK to include: protestant numbers at 15,777,500, Catholic 8,726,200, Evangelical 9,648,007, Africa Instituted Churches 3,292,600, and other Christians 1,732,900 seemingly to outline the political persuasion the church will have in the next general elections to be conducted in 2027.

No leader can govern alone, even the most ruthless dictators cannot rule alone but only do so through the help of cronies, political friends or members allied to the ruling regime. This such leaders achieve through appeasement of the ruling and such usually takes the form of Appointment to Committees of Parliament, Allocations made constituency through National Government Constituency Development Fund NGCDF, Affirmative Action Funds or Senate oversight. Such appeasement may also be in the form of appointments as Head of Ministries or Cabinets Secretaries. Failure of appease such political class of leaders often leads to disgruntlement,unrest making such regimes unstable.

In its pronouncement concerning entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Development Fund in the constitution. Funds ordinarily managed by members of the national Assembly. The National Council of Churches of Kenya cited Article 95 of the constitution of Kenya 2010 which spells out the roles of National Assembly taking note that the National Assembly has No mandate in the management of Public funds.

On the issue of the National Government Affirmative Fund NCCK outlined Article 27(6), Article 55, Article 56, Article 203 (1)(h) and Article 250 making note that none of the provisions in the constitution would require for the creation of a special fund to actualise Affirmative Action.

On the issue of the Senate Oversight Fund the NCCK quoted Article 96 of the Constitution taking note that the Senate does not have a mandate in managing any funds but only have the roles of over-sighting funds managed at the county level of government.

Such recommendations by the NCCK if indeed taken into consideration and implemented will have far reaching political consequences on the management of politics by the ruling regime.

NCCK however supported the Entrenchment of Political Offices to include the Office of the Official leader of Opposition terming it a step in the right direction. It nonetheless took issue with the creation of the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary noting that such a position is non existent in the constitution.

The High Court in June 2023 dismissed the appointment of 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) by President William Ruto as unconstitutional. In addition the Supreme Court in a ruling presided over by a 5- Judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome delivered August 2022 put nails in the coffin of National Government Constituency Development Fund NGCDF terming it unconstitutional as it violates the principle of separation of powers.

INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE FRANCHISE ALDO OPENS SECOND STORE TO SERVE KENYAN MARKET

Nairobi, Kenya 17th September 2023

By Clive Ayuko


WAMA International Group, a holding company that oversees franchise operations for Also stores worldwide
across Africa is celebrating a successful partnership with Aldo Group International
by opening the second ALDO Store in Nairobi at Westgate Mall. The first store
opened its doors on April 15th at The Sarit Center Mall.


WAMA International has been granted the exclusive license to establish, own, and
operate ALDO stores in Kenya. This follows the Distribution Agreement between
ALDO Group International and Gedeon & Co, SARL. WAMA International’s
expansion plans in East Africa continue to flourish with this exciting partnership
following their successful ventures with various brands in Libya, Rwanda, and
Uganda.

Speaking during the opening a very enthusiastic Head of Retail Wama International Group Ismael El Mahdy, Said, ” We signed an agreement with Also international as the exclusive distributer of Also products in Africa. We started in Kenya this year. We are now at the Westgate and we hope to open more stores in the coming years.

He continued to add; ” We opened the first store in April at the Sarit Centre. Today we are opening a new store at the Westgate Mall, the following month we hope to open another store at the Hub Karen and by the end of the year We hope to open another store at Yaya”


The ALDO Group International brings a wide range of fashion footwear and
accessories all offered at accessible prices. This partnership will pave the way for
up to four new stores to open soon, as WAMA International seeks to expand its
presence in the region.
WAMA International expressed their excitement over the new partnership, which
they believe will bring the latest fashion trends and top-quality products to the
Kenyan market. The company is committed to providing a unique shopping
experience to its customers and is confident that the venture will be a success.
The opening of the second ALDO store in Kenya is a significant milestone for the
fashion industry in the region. Customers can expect special promotional discounts
for the grand opening, and the brand promises a unique shopping experience that
has made it a worldwide destination for on-trend fashion footwear and
accessories.