Nairobi, Kenya, October 31, 2023 – Family Bank has been recognized and awarded as the Best in Internal Customer Experience at the 2023 Service Excellence Awards organized by Institute of Customer Experience (ICX) Kenya.
The Best Internal Customer Experience Award category recognizes organizations that strategically design in-depth, comprehensive initiatives and strategies that create a conducive, exciting and engaging employee experience to yield internal customer satisfaction, retention and recognition.
“The main objective of bolstering internal customer experience is to foster a customer centric culture within the Bank. In our continuous bid to drive and uphold a customer centric culture, Family Bank acknowledges the fact that a happy internal customer makes a happy external customer. In collaboration with the Human Resources department several initiatives have been implemented over the years to ensure our internal customer experience is top notch, to drive external Customer Excellence,” said Family Bank Head of Service Excellence Joyce Mwangi
The ICX Service Excellence Awards recognize and celebrate the success of corporates that provide exemplary service to their customers.
“We prioritize our employees’ training, development and well-being through open communication, training programmes and other incentives to cultivate a good organisational culture.This award is therefore a testament to our commitment to creating a culture of customer centricity,” she said.
Earlier this year, Family Bank was voted overall 1st Runner’s Up Top Bank in Kenya and the Top Tier II Bank in Customer Experience based on an industry-wide survey that was conducted by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).
Month: October 2023
INAUGURAL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES UNDERWAY IN NAIROBI
By Clive Ayuko
Nairobi, Kenya 30th October 2023
The first edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies ACAT will be happening from the 30th October to 3rd November 2023 at the Safaripark Hotel along Thika Road Nairobi Kenya.
The conference riding under the theme Agricultural Resilience through innovation will bring together policy makers, experts and practitioners in the Agricultural sector and will showcase emerging technologies and innovations geared towards increasing agricultural yields in the light of the increasing negative impact of climate change on agriculture
The conference has been graced by former President of Federal Republic of Nigeria H. E President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and will be officially opened by the president of the Republic of Kenya Dr. William Samoe Ruto.
Some of the notable speakers who will give views in the conference include Executive Director African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Director General International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology Dr. Amos Nungu, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education Hon Ezekiel Machogu among other notable speakers.
REOPEN LANCASTER AGREEMENTS EAST AFRICA MAASAI PETITION KING OF ENGLAND
Clive Ayuko
Nairobi, Kenya 30th October 2023
A group of Masaai community leaders from Kenya and Tanzania led by former Narok Central Member of Parliament Hon. David Ole Sankori, Lt Col. Retired Richard N Leiyagu Chairman Council of Elders Samburu, Anthony Leaduma (Grandson of person named after Ole Dume Road -Nairobi) and professional Dr. Naomi Ntatai Kipuri have come out to petition the Kind of England to renegotiate agreements signed on behalf of the Masai during the pre-colonial era and compensate them for atrocities faced by the Maasai during the pre-colonial period.
Speaking at the Serena Hotel late last week the leadership the group took special note of agreements signed by the Maasai and British in the years 1904 and 1911 which has had profound impact on the community. These agreements termed as treaties provided for the Maasai to moved to specific reserves in Laikipia and Loita Plains far from land open to European Settlements. These agreements have remained in force to date with devastating impact on the Maasai community.
The 1915 crown land ordinance law which defined crown land to include land occupied by Africans and all land reserved for use by any African tribe further exacerbated the land problem faced by the Maasai Community.
The migration by the Maasai Southwards resulted in inter-clan conflicts in Narok, Laikipia and Kajiado with the Maasai land lost during the period falling from 55,000km2 to approximately 24,000km2.
In conclusion the leaders asked the King of England King Charles the 3rd and Queen Camilla who are scheduled to visit Kenya this to open Lancaster House agreements signed between the Kenya government and the British government for the Maasai to sign the documents or provide a reliable response if the same cannot be achieved, pile pressure on the United Republic of Tanzania to stop the dispossession of the lands of Ngorongoro, acknowledge historical injustices metted on the Maasai community, land restitution and compensation acknowledge the maasai intellectual property rights and help in the preservation of Maasai culture and revitalisation of the same.
Air France Reaffirms Commitment to Enhanced Customer Experience as it Marks 90 Years of Aviation Excellence
· Besides advancements in technology, the airline also marked 90 years of comfort on board, 90 years of travel and exploration, and 90 years of fine dining and culinary excellence
· Moving forward, innovation and technology are set to define the airline’s role in transforming the modern aviation landscape.
NAIROBI, KENYA, October 30th 2023…French carrier, Air France has today marked 90 years since it began its operation across the globe in 1933.
In a celebration at Shamba Events in Loresho Ridge, Nairobi, the airline outlined key milestones achieved over the years in the fields of aviation technology, innovation, and onboard comfort. This was in addition to celebrating travel, fine dining, design, haute couture, art, and architecture, which make Air France a symbol of sophistication and style in the skies.
Giving his remarks at the anniversary, Air France KLM General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana Marius van der Ham said the 90-year journey has been one of progress, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
“As we celebrate this momentous milestone, Air France remains dedicated to upholding the values that have defined us for 90 years. Moving forward, the airline remains committed to upholding the values and traditions that have defined it for 90 years. Beyond connecting people and cultures, I see a legacy of innovation and technological leadership in aviation that have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern aviation landscape. It is our commitment that we shall consistently continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in air travel to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and convenience” said Marius van der Ham.
Besides celebrating 90 years of technology and Innovation, the airline also marked 90 Years of Comfort on Board, 90 Years of Travel and Exploration, and 90 Years of Fine Dining and Culinary Excellence. These are the five key pillars that have enabled it to continually offer the very best from different eras, and even break new ground, way ahead of its time.
“Air France’s legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence in aviation shines brighter than ever. It is a testament to their unwavering dedication to advancing the aviation industry. As a country, we are proud to be associated with this airline and are happy to ensure that their relations with Kenya and the rest of the world are healthy and of mutual benefit,” said Hon. Jerome Baconin, Regional Economic Counsellor East Africa & Indian Ocean, Embassy of France, Kenya and Somalia.
On its five key pillars, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to provide travellers with the utmost comfort and luxury in the air, and to connect people and cultures across the globe. This is in addition to sustained collaborations with renowned chefs in offering passengers a culinary experience that rivals the finest restaurants as part of its dedication to gastronomy. The airline further remains committed to design excellence and adding an element of sophistication and beauty to every aspect of the passenger experience.
Healthy Eating and Other Secrets to A Strong Immune System
Opinion Editorial
Noreen Kigochi
Ms Noreen is a Resident Nutritionist with Pwani Oil Limited
In a world where health and wellness have taken centre stage, we often hear about the importance of maintaining a robust immune system. But what does it really mean to have a strong immune system, and how can we achieve it? It’s time to debunk some common misconceptions and shed light on the crucial role of nutrition in building immunity. This includes unlearning and relearning healthier lifestyles and why it’s essential to eat for what you’re about to do, not for what you’ve done.
Immunity is our body’s ability to defend itself against harmful pathogens. This defence can be attributed to innate factors we are born with and acquired factors we develop over time. For instance, when our body encounters a disease, it acquires mechanisms to fight similar pathogens in the future or when one gets immunization, the body gets exposed and has a memory to defend itself in future.
On the other hand, nutrition is the fuel that keeps our bodies alive, active, and continuously developing the cells needed to fight off diseases and improve the immune system’s strength. A poor diet, such as one that leads to obesity or malnutrition which can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to pathogens.
A strong immune system starts with a healthy gut. Incorporating bacteria from fermented foods, yoghurt, fibre, and nutrient-rich refined carbohydrates can result in a robust immune response. It is important to note that our bodies are predisposed to diseases, but how well-prepared they are depends on what we feed them.
Additionally, key nutrients like Vitamins C, D, and Zinc are essential for a healthy immune system. However, these nutrients work best when consumed together, creating a strong defence against diseases.
To boost immunity, it’s essential to incorporate a variety of colourful foods into your diet. These colours represent different antioxidants and phytonutrients that combat free radicals. Edible oils, for instance, Fresh-Fri which is infused with ginger and garlic, can be beneficial for immunity. However, moderation is key when consuming oils and fats. They can be used to dress salads or pan-fry dishes but should not be used excessively.
While nutrition plays a critical role, it’s not the sole factor in maintaining optimal body function and a strong immune system. Adequate rest, quality sleep, regular exercise, and proper hydration are equally important.
As we age, our nutritional needs and immune responses change. It’s essential to adapt our habits to meet these changing requirements. For children, healthy nutrition habits set from a young age can become lifelong practices. For adults, it’s about making daily choices that promote a healthier lifestyle—a continuous process of unlearning and learning. For Instance, the timing of our meals is critical. Ideally, dinner should be consumed three hours before bedtime. This practice ensures better sleep quality, as heavy meals can lead to discomfort, underutilization of food, and weight issues.
To debunk some myths, a strong immune system is not brought about by consuming more but by consuming the right nutrients. For example, do not eat lots of oranges with a view that vitamin C is only exclusive to them. The vitamin is found in a variety of foods like spinach and capsicum. The concept of superfoods is also a misconception. A healthy immune system is the result of balanced nutrition, proper sleep, exercise, rest, and hydration. There is no one single meal which has a combination of all these factors.
With these insights, it is now time that you take charge of your health. Understanding what you put into your body is crucial because it will either thank you or you’ll pay the price. Be mindful of the decisions you make, as some of the healthiest options are also the most affordable. From sweet potatoes to spinach, chia seeds to eggs, and nuts to bananas, there’s a wealth of nutritious options at your disposal. Your health is your greatest asset, so invest in it wisely and watch your body thrive.
INEFFICIENT WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CATALYSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Nairobi, Kenya 27th October 2023
Opinion Editorial
By Martin Mugambi Advocacy officer Kenya Platform for Climate Governance PACJA
Improper waste management is detrimental to ecosystem and contributes to climate change catastrophe
The problem of waste management has become so rampant in different parts of the country with policy makers in urban centers, cities and towns forced to struggle how to manage waste with adverse consequences on the ecosystem.
With population increase, the amount of waste generated has increased as a result of this population rise forcing urban centre managers to re-evaluate how to dispose of the extra waste.
Greenhouse gases released to the ecosystem as a result of disposal or incineration of such waste is in turn causing long term effects on the environment. Urgent action is therefore of essence that if not taken many more people will continue to suffer negative effects of climate change.
The long effects include contain gene mutation in animals, non communicable diseases cancer is on the rise in addition to destruction of natural resources.
This has in turn affected sectors like in Agriculture with farmers continuing to reap lower and lower harvests while many others forced to emigrate to urban centres to seek employment.
To address this issue we call upon the county government to implement policies put in place to aimed at regulating waste management at the county levels.
Additionally, there is a need to ensure national government and county governments implement the Sustainable Waste Management Act to ease the regulation of waste management in the country. The government must also strengthen the existing environmental centric institutions and parastatals in addition to increasing the number of enforcement officer monitoring the disposal of wastes in different parts of the country.
There is a need for government to invest in environmental friendly initiatives by supporting individuals and organizations involved in recycling and reuse initiatives. This will help in reducing the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.
New AREF-Roche and Genentech Fellowship to Support the Next Generation of Health Researchers in Africa
New AREF-Roche and Genentech Fellowship Program set to support emerging African scientists to become leaders in their fields.
The selected fellows will complete a nine-month immersive fellowship placement in world-leading laboratories and receive extensive training and mentoring.
The program will support African scientists in tackling prevailing health challenges across the continent.
United Kingdom, 17 October 2023 – Roche and the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) have launched a new fellowship program to support the next generation of African scientists. The AREF-Roche and Genentech Fellowship Program will support three emerging African scientists to become leaders in the fields of clinical pharmacology, pathology and human genetics. The selected fellows will spend nine months at world-leading Genentech and Roche laboratories to develop and refine their research ideas, engage with a global network of mentors, and build their capacity to address prevailing health challenges across Africa.
With Research and Development (R&D) investment in Africa being largely underfunded at just 1.3% of the global R&D spend[1] and only 2.5% of clinical trials[2] being conducted in Africa, this fellowship program aims to equip emerging African scientists to become health research leaders. This is a critical step in the right direction to accelerate Africa’s health research output and reduce the continent’s disproportionate disease burden.
“African scientists should be at the forefront of producing research that addresses Africa’s unique health needs. That’s why AREF is committed to nurturing and supporting emerging health researchers with fellowship placements at globally reputable research centres, to acquire advanced research skills, develop mentorship relations and collaborate with an international network of scientists. We are thrilled to offer this new fellowship and to equip the talented fellows to become independent researchers and influential leaders, capable of tackling Africa’s public health challenges,” said Professor Sir Tumani Corrah, Founder and President of AREF. Since 2015, AREF has invested in nurturing, mentoring, and supporting a community of researchers across Africa to become research experts and leaders, capable of tackling African and global health challenges.
The Fund has supported over 600 researchers from 41 countries across Africa, setting them on the path to lead their own research teams within the continent and secure additional funding.
Roche has been conducting clinical trials in Africa for over 25 years, and continues to collaborate with partners to catalyze and accelerate genomic science across the continent. “At Roche, we are committed to supporting the development of a strong ecosystem for African science. This fellowship will contribute to the need for capacity building, as defined by African researchers and their institutions, and help equip a new generation of African scientists leading genomics, clinical pharmacology and pathology science and innovation on the continent,” said Maturin Tchoumi, Area Head, Africa, Roche.
The AREF- Roche and Genentech Fellowship Program applications will launch this November and the fellowship program will kick off in July 2024, with a nine-month fellowship placement in some of the world’s leading laboratories. It will conclude with an opportunity for the talented fellows to win seed funding to further their research leadership and tackle critical health challenges
LEAD ACTOR BRENDA WAIRIMU AND SARAH HASSAN TO CO-STAR IN NEW SERIES ZARI
Clive Ayuko
Nairobi, Kenya 24th October 2023
Award Winning Kenyan Actors Brenda Wairimu aka Mama Amor and Sarah Hassan will be the co-stars in the new television drama series Zari.
Mrs Hassan an Actuarial Science major and alumnus of Jomo Kenyatta University of Advanced technology (JKUAT) was born in Mombasa On September 5th 1988 has played roles in a number of TV series to include her debut in 2009 in the popular household local TV series Tahidi high, Zora, Demigods, Saints, Changes and host of the reality TV series the Wedding Show.
Brenda born almost a year later in 3rd May 1989 is an alumnus of the United State International University where she pursed International Business Management and Broadcast media studies. Ms Brenda made her debut to television series changing times in 2009 playing the role of Shareefah with actors Nice Githinji and Ian Mugoya. She has also starred in Mali where as the lead character Lulu, and the Pan-African drama Series Shuga
Combining the two talents together seems like a sure bet at keeping drama series fans glued to their screen in the coming days
with the new drama series Zari which will be featured every Monday on DSTV Maisha Magic plus channel available on DStv Access and Go Tv Plus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 19:30 EAT.
The executive producers of the drama series are citizen TV personalities Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdallah who boast of creating an impressive libe-up of 100 episodes.
HARM REDUCTION SHOULD GUIDE REGULATIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE
… Kenya hosts the third harm reduction exchange as the focus centres on tobacco harm reduction initiatives
Nairobi, 19th October 2023… Stakeholders in the health sector have been challenged to consider harm reduction as a key guide in driving public health strategies in Africa.
Harm reduction refers to interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of health behaviours without necessarily extinguishing the problematic health behaviours entirely or permanently.
Speaking during the third annual Harm Reduction Exchange themed: ‘Amplifying the voice of Harm Reduction advocacy across Africa’, the president of the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa Dr. Kgosi Letlape challenged African governments to adopt harm reduction approaches when regulating public health challenges.
Harm reduction, he said, is a more transformative strategy than prohibition-based policies and is better than simply advocating for complete abstinence. Harm reduction is a better approach to reducing tobacco-related death and disease.
“Harm reduction is a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion to empower people who use drugs and their families with the choice to live healthy and self-directed,” Dr. Kgosi said.
“We hope that our lobbying efforts will spark renewed conversations on tobacco harm reduction among all stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers, which could lead to effective regulation and access to noncombustible product alternatives for adult smokers who are unable or uninterested in quitting.”
Across the world, harm reduction strategies have been deployed in public health as a pragmatic and compassionate approach to address various issues, particularly in the context of substance use and other risky behaviors. Some of these strategies include Needle Exchange Programs, supervised injection sites, condom distribution, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Vaping and E-Cigarettes, and supervised consumption of medications.
“Organizations that practice harm reduction incorporate a spectrum of strategies that meet people where they are on their own terms and may serve as a pathway to additional health and social services, including additional prevention, treatment, and recovery services,” Dr. Vivianne Manyeki said.
On her part, Integra Africa Principal Dr. Tendai Mhizha emphasized the role that journalists and media houses should play in handling misinformation and disinformation in tobacco harm reduction discussions.
“The media play a critical role in accelerating the progress towards full uptake of harm reduction strategies in all spheres of health across the continent. With the advent of technology, we find that misinformation and disinformation are becoming increasingly prevalent with the democratization of the information space. Moving forward, there is a need to ensure that stakeholders are well informed with current and relevant information about the science, the changes that occur and how we can advance towards a smoke-free world,” Dr. Tendai said.
Raising awareness for tobacco harm reduction (THR) as a public health strategy encourages adult smokers who are unable or uninterested in quitting tobacco altogether to migrate to noncombustible product alternatives. THR has the potential to bring about one of the greatest public health achievements of our time,” said Dr. Tendai.
“Harm reduction is the better path forward. With harm reduction, regulators provide adult smokers with information, choice and support to expand the off-ramp from smoking – while also continuing to drive down underage use. Providing adult smokers with less harmful alternatives to cigarettes is a powerful step in achieving this goal,” Public Health Specialist and Secretary General of Harm Reduction Society in Kenya, Dr. Michael Kariuki said.
Several African countries have already implemented THR policies and programs. For example, South Africa has legalized the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Kenya has also taken steps to regulate THR products and is considering legalizing e-cigarettes.
The harmonization of public healthcare regulation of THR products in Africa would be a positive step towards reducing the harms associated with tobacco use. It would also signal that African governments are committed to public health and protecting their citizens from the dangers of tobacco smoke.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION POLICIES CREATE STIGMA AND BIAS FOR PEOPLE WHO SMOKE CIGARETTES SAYS FORMER PRESIDENT WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Nairobi, Kenya 20th October 2023
By Clive Ayuko
When making his keynote address during the 3rd Edition of Harm Reduction Exchange 2023 meeting held at a Nairobi hotel on the 19th October 2023 Former President of the World Medical Association (WMA) Dr Kgosi Letlape is who is an ophthalmologist, President of the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and former chairman of the South Africa Medical Association had this to say on World Health Organization position on harm reduction polices geared towards mitigating the harmful effects of tobacco use;
” The Problem with Tobacco harm reduction gaining traction is as a result of Polices by the World Health Organization (WHO). When you look at the statements put out by the World Health Organization (WHO) on prevention of Non-communicable diseases one of the thing they outline is “Responsible Alcohol Use” but when it comes to tobacco use the policy is to abolish tobacco use as there is no responsible nicotine use, and that is where the problem is. The World Health Organizations position around use of tobacco is different and what this does it that it creates a different position in society. We know the harm associated with Alcohol but it is socially acceptable to the extent that when you go to a wedding they will even provide you with alcohol but nobody provides smokers with cigarettes because there is a bias and a social perception that has been created around smoking. So you have a hardened attitude against people who smoke”
He continued to add; “Most doctors don’t even recognise the symbol for Nicotine or the chemical formula for nicotine and that is the sum total of our education. We all know that the problem with tobacco is smoking and if you can take in the nicotine without having to combust it then you will reduce the harm associated with Nicotine or tobacco use. That is why in medicine we give patients nicotine replacement therapy.”
The World Health Organization however in a newsletter posted in its website maintains that all forms of tobacco use is harmful and as such there being no safe level of exposure to tobacco. A view Dr. Kgosi Letlape disagrees with arguing, ” there are studies which do confirm that Nicotine use through vaping for instance reduces the harmful effects associated with tobacco or nicotine use by upto 93 percent”
World Wide According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 8 million people die annually as a result of consequences of direct tobacco use with 1.3 million people succumbing as a result of getting exposed to second hand smoke emanating from people smoking close by. The number of people who dies globally from excessive consumption of alcohol is significantly lower with 3 million recorded deaths in 2020 as a result of harmful use of alcohol. Alcohol however is a causal factor for over 200 diseases, injury conditions and social related problems to include: High Blood pressure, Heart Diseases, Stroke, Liver Disease and various digestive problems. Alcohol uses also bear the risk of triggering various forms of cancer to include; Breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver and rectum cancer in addition to being casualties to various tragedies to include motor vehicle accidents ( 1.35 million people die world wide from road carnage.)
Harm Reduction are policies, programmes and practices geared towards limiting the negative health, social and legal impacts resulting from abuse of drugs. As such harm reduction strategies include providing information on the negative effects of drug abuse on users. In Kenya some of this include warnings like, ” Cigarette Smoking is Harmful to ones Health By the Kenya Medical Association at the tail end of advertisements of cigarette brands, Use of gory pictures in Cigarette on symptoms associated with cigarette smoking in cigarette packets to deter people from use of tobbaco.
Other Harm Reduction policies include the creation of designated spots for cigarette smokers to protect the rest of the public from second hand smoke inhalation in city centres and installation of vehicles involved in road crashes along major highways do deter people from drink driving.
The whistling African 
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