Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Embu Promotes Tax Literacy and Creativity

KNDFF Collaborates with KRA to Educate Youth on Tax Compliance Through Creative Arts

Embu, Kenya 15th April 2024 The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) has commenced in Embu with a focus on showcasing talents from schools nationwide, including innovative presentations on tax literacy. This historic event marks the first time the festival is hosted in Embu County, bringing together participants from all 47 counties in the country.

Celebrating its 62nd Edition, this year’s festival revolves around the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for Socio-Economic Transformation Through Drama and Film,” serving as both a celebration of creativity and a platform for addressing critical socio-economic issues.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has partnered with the KNDFF Steering Committee to promote tax literacy among students and the public through creative arts. Recognizing tax literacy as pivotal for national development, the partnership aims to enlighten the public on the importance of tax compliance and its role in supporting the nation’s growth.

Grace Wandera, Deputy Commissioner Marketing and Communication at Kenya Revenue Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Tax literacy is vital for our nation’s progress, and we are thrilled to work with KNDFF to educate and empower the youth and the public through creative arts.”

Throughout the festival, attendees will experience presentations and performances designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the tax landscape effectively. This initiative underscores the significance of every citizen’s contribution to national development through tax compliance.

A representative from KNDFF highlighted the festival’s role as a platform for showcasing creativity, social innovation, and the potential of children and youth. They emphasized its importance in promoting the transformative impact of the arts on learners’ minds across all educational levels.

Beyond artistic expression, the festival serves as a forum for discussions on pressing societal issues, reflecting Kenya’s commitment to leveraging the arts for positive change and development.

As the festival unfolds in Embu, it promises to not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences, fostering a culture of tax compliance and creative expression among Kenya’s youth and beyond.

Stanbic Bank Secures KES 4.3 Billion Term Debt Facility for National Cement Company Ltd’s Expansion

Subheading: Landmark Transaction Aims to Boost Production Capacity and Infrastructure Development

Nairobi, 11th April 2024: Stanbic Bank Kenya proudly announces the successful financial close of a groundbreaking deal with National Cement Company Ltd (NCCL), marking the acquisition of a KES 4.3 billion term debt facility. This strategic partnership is set to partially refinance NCCL’s foreign currency liabilities incurred during its expansive capital expenditure phase.

Driven by a mutual vision to enhance production capacity and contribute to infrastructure development in Kenya and East Africa, the collaboration between Stanbic Bank and NCCL underscores the bank’s dedication to supporting key industries and fostering sustainable economic growth across the region.

Mphokolo Makara, Executive, Head of Energy and Infrastructure East Africa at Stanbic Bank, expressed, “Our purpose at Stanbic Bank is to propel Kenya’s growth through partnerships with industry leaders like National Cement. NCCL’s local and regional market insights position them as catalysts for sustainable growth through domestic employment and manufacturing capacity.”

Stanbic Bank provided NCCL with a comprehensive financial solution, including local currency term debt and customized foreign currency forwards, as a Senior Lender. This tailored approach effectively managed the client’s foreign currency exposure relative to domestic operations, mitigating challenges posed by volatile FX market dynamics.

Alakh Kohli, Executive, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan, stated, “This transaction highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the expansion endeavors of leading corporates in Kenya. We are honored to facilitate this milestone for NCCL and eagerly anticipate continued collaboration in driving economic progress.”

The KES 4.3 billion term debt facility empowers NCCL to sustainably deliver high-quality construction inputs at competitive prices, furthering economic and infrastructure development initiatives. As a pivotal supplier across East Africa, NCCL’s operations play an indispensable role in propelling growth and prosperity throughout the region.

Established in 2008, National Cement Company Ltd stands as East Africa’s foremost integrated clinker and cement manufacturer, playing a vital role in Kenya’s vibrant construction industry.

The Republic of the Congo Solidifies Full Membership in Organisation of Southern Cooperation

Ambassador Daniel Owassa Deposits Instrument of Acceptance, Signifying Completion of Membership Process

Addis Ababa, 10 April 2024 – The Republic of the Congo has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and development by depositing the Instrument of Acceptance to the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC). H.E. Daniel Owassa, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, formally presented the Instrument of Acceptance to Secretary-General H.E. Manssour Bin Mussallam at a ceremony held yesterday at the OSC Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

As a founding member of the OSC, the Republic of the Congo’s depositing of the Instrument of Acceptance signifies the completion of the full membership process, further strengthening the organisation’s representation and influence in the Global South.

H.E. Bin Mussallam hailed the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for the Republic of the Congo within the OSC. He emphasized the importance of collective action and solidarity among member states in shaping a development agenda grounded in multilateralism and self-determination.

“This is a historic day for the Organisation as a Secretariat and a collective of sovereign states of the South, and a historic day for the Republic of the Congo,” stated H.E. Bin Mussallam. He praised the Republic of the Congo for its visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the OSC’s principles since its founding.

Ambassador Daniel Owassa expressed his satisfaction at completing the membership process, affirming his country’s readiness to fully engage and contribute to the OSC’s objectives. The depositing of the Instrument of Acceptance paves the way for the Republic of the Congo to assume its rightful place among the OSC’s full member states, enabling it to actively participate in shaping the organisation’s future trajectory.

With the Republic of the Congo’s formal acceptance into the OSC, the organisation welcomes a valued partner dedicated to promoting cooperation, solidarity, and sustainable development across the Global South. As the OSC continues to advance its mission, the Republic of the Congo’s membership will undoubtedly enrich the collective efforts aimed at addressing the region’s socio-economic challenges and fostering inclusive growth for all member states.

EABL Launches “Tujengane” National Consumer Promotion to Reward and Support Communities

12-Week Campaign Offers Exciting Prizes and Community Support Across Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday, 9th April, 2024 – East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) has unveiled its latest initiative, the “Tujengane” National Consumer Promotion, aiming to foster a sense of unity and resilience within communities while rewarding and celebrating consumers across Kenya. The 12-week campaign, running from April to June 2024, promises exciting opportunities for consumers to enrich their lives.

At the launch event, Mark Ocitti, Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), highlighted the strategic significance of the Tujengane campaign, emphasizing EABL’s commitment to driving engagement, loyalty, and growth while providing tangible value to consumers. “Tujengane embodies our collective spirit of resilience and togetherness as Kenyans,” Ocitti stated. “We are deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety while celebrating our consumers’ trust in us.”

Positioned to resonate with consumers seeking value and connection amidst economic uncertainty, the Tujengane campaign invites consumers above 18 years to purchase participating EABL spirit brands, including Kenya Cane, Orijin, Triple Ace, Smirnoff, Kane Xtra, Chrome Gin, Chrome Vodka, Gilbey’s, and Captain Morgan. Each bottle contains a unique code for consumers to submit via SMS to 20405, entering them into a draw for a chance to win various prizes.

Joel Kamau, Group Commercial Director, emphasized the campaign’s focus on meaningful engagement and transformation. “Our prizes represent our commitment to providing tangible benefits to our consumers,” Kamau remarked. “By coming together, we can achieve more, and this campaign is a testament to that belief.”

Among the enticing prizes offered are four brand-new cars, Ksh 1 million for three lucky winners each, and 24 motorbikes. Half of the winnings will support community initiatives chosen by the winners, aligning with the ethos of Tujengane. Additional prizes include shopping vouchers, airtime, and cash prizes, ensuring widespread participation and excitement across Kenya.

Kennedy Mutula, Marketing Manager – Spirits, highlighted the campaign’s strategic partnerships, particularly with artists behind the Tujengane anthem. “These collaborations amplify the voices of our consumers, reflecting their values and aspirations authentically,” Mutula stated. The Tujengane anthem serves as a rallying cry for EABL brands, resonating deeply with consumers across Kenya.

Through the Tujengane campaign, EABL seeks to not only reward consumers but also support communities and promote a sense of unity and resilience across the nation. With its focus on meaningful engagement and transformation, Tujengane represents EABL’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and communities alike.

Kenya Airways Expands Horizons with New Route to Maputo, Mozambique

KQ’s Latest Expansion Paves the Way for Enhanced Connectivity and Travel Experiences

Nairobi, 8th April 2024 – Kenya Airways (KQ) is embarking on a new chapter of growth and connectivity as it announces the launch of its latest route, connecting Nairobi directly to the bustling city of Maputo, Mozambique. Set to take flight from 14th June 2024, this strategic expansion underscores KQ’s unwavering commitment to bridging East and Southern Africa while enriching travel experiences across the continent.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, expressed excitement about the new venture, stating, “The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies. The addition of Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

Maputo, renowned as a major trade hub in Southern Africa, beckons visitors with its vibrant tapestry of history and culture. From its Portuguese colonial architecture to its bustling markets and burgeoning art scene, the city offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. Whether seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or immersion in local arts and cuisine, Maputo promises an unforgettable experience for travelers.

Commencing 14th June, Kenya Airways will operate three weekly flights to Maputo, providing travelers with convenient access to this dynamic city. With flights scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, passengers can look forward to flexible travel options that cater to their itineraries.

The schedule for the Nairobi-Maputo route is as follows:

• Nairobi to Maputo: Flight KQ740 departing at 0950hrs (local time) and arriving at 1300hrs (local time) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Maputo to Nairobi: Flight KQ741 departing at 1350hrs (local time) and arriving at 1845hrs (local time) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

This expansion aligns with Kenya Airways’ broader network strategy for FY2024, which includes increased frequencies to popular destinations such as New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown. Moreover, the new route not only serves travelers originating in Kenya but also serves as a convenient connecting point for passengers from other African cities via Nairobi, further enhancing regional connectivity.

With a steadfast commitment to “propelling Africa’s growth,” Kenya Airways continues to strengthen connections across the continent, fostering economic opportunities and enriching travel experiences for all. As the airline expands its footprint, it remains dedicated to delivering world-class service and connectivity, ensuring seamless journeys for passengers across Africa and beyond.

I&M Bank Empowers Solo Business Owners with Free Bank to Mobile Wallet Transfers

Extension of ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ Proposition Demonstrates Commitment to Small Business Support and Financial Inclusion

Nairobi, April 8th, 2024 – In a move to further empower Kenya’s vibrant community of Solo Business Owners, I&M Bank has announced the extension of its ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ proposition, offering free Bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers to sole proprietorships. This expansion of the initiative underscores I&M Bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting the backbone of the Kenyan economy – small businesses.

More than a year since its inception, ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ has already revolutionized the banking landscape by eliminating transfer fees for personal account holders. Now, with this latest announcement, Solo Business Owners can also avail themselves of this cost-saving benefit, reflecting I&M Bank’s dedication to easing financial burdens and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Shameer Patel, Head of Personal & Business Banking at I&M Bank, highlighted the significant impact of the ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ proposition on individual customers and emphasized the bank’s commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of financial solutions. “Our aim is to empower our customers with a range of offerings that not only save them money but also facilitate their financial growth and stability. With free bank to mobile wallet transfers, Solo Business Owners can now streamline their operations and focus on expanding their enterprises,” Patel remarked.

Eunice Kinyanjui, Head of Small Business at I&M Bank, emphasized the importance of catering to the unique needs of entrepreneurs and providing tailored solutions to fuel their growth. “Through extensive research and customer insights, we identified the need to extend free transfers to Solo Biz owners. By doing so, we are enabling them to access a wide range of digital financial services, including Unsecured Business Loans, Stock Financing, and convenient payment solutions,” Kinyanjui explained.

Gul Khan, CEO of I&M Bank Kenya, underscored the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting small businesses, citing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and employment generation. “As we mark 50 years of I&M Bank in Kenya, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic prosperity. By extending our ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ proposition to Solo Biz owners, we are enabling them to reinvest savings into their businesses and fuel innovation and expansion,” Khan affirmed.

The announcement received praise from Mr. Ben Muhati, Chairperson of the MSME Alliance, who hailed I&M Bank’s initiative as a significant step towards enhancing the financial resilience of small businesses. “Small business owners are the lifeblood of our economy, and initiatives like ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ are instrumental in easing their financial burdens and fostering growth. I&M Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs is commendable and sets a positive example for the banking sector,” Muhati commended.

To celebrate the launch of the extended proposition, representatives from I&M Bank, small business traders, and association members embarked on a customer activation event at Gikomba, further underscoring the bank’s dedication to engaging with and supporting local businesses at the grassroots level.

“Kenya’s Rural Renaissance: UN Assessment Reveals Striking Progress in Women’s Economic Empowerment and Climate Resilience”

April 6th 2024

Clive Ayuko

In a groundbreaking assessment jointly conducted by the United Nations Women (UN Women) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), significant strides have been unveiled in advancing women’s economic empowerment and bolstering climate resilience in Kenya’s rural landscapes. The evaluation focused on the outcomes of the Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026, alongside Kenya’s national priorities, including Vision 2030 and the Presidential Big Four Agenda.

Conducted across Kitui, Laikipia, and West Pokot Counties, the rapid assessment sought to gauge progress in critical areas such as income generation, financial access, women’s empowerment, and overall well-being. Spanning from 2020 to 2023, the assessment comprised household surveys and group-level data collection exercises. The preliminary findings, released in December 2023, have brought to light a series of encouraging shifts in key project outcomes.

Among the notable findings are the substantial increase in farmer groups’ engagement in climate-smart agriculture value chains, rising from 16% to 30%. This surge in involvement underscores a growing commitment towards sustainable agricultural practices, essential for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, group savings have witnessed a remarkable surge from USD 642 to USD 6,289, indicating enhanced financial resilience among participating communities.

A particularly noteworthy aspect is the surge in access to group loans, with male beneficiaries rising from zero to two, and female recipients escalating from four to seventeen. This uptick signifies a tangible improvement in financial inclusivity, particularly for women who traditionally face barriers in accessing credit facilities. Additionally, the average number of agroforest trees planted per group has seen a substantial increase, further underlining a collective commitment towards environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices has soared to 85%, up from a mere 30%, showcasing a growing consciousness towards climate-resilient farming techniques. Importantly, conflicts related to household income have witnessed a notable reduction of 47%, indicating improved economic stability and harmony within communities.

These findings underscore the pivotal role of investing in women’s economic empowerment for fostering gender equality, poverty eradication, and sustainable economic growth. Agriculture, being the backbone of Kenya’s economy, heavily relies on the active participation of women, who are disproportionately affected by climate change-induced vulnerabilities.

Despite commendable policy advancements, challenges in implementation persist, posing hurdles to the realization of gender equality objectives. However, initiatives such as the Women’s Economic Empowerment in Climate-Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) program aim to bridge these gaps by enhancing women’s capacities, integrating gender-responsive policies, and fostering resilience in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

As Kenya strides towards achieving its developmental aspirations outlined in Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, concerted efforts must be directed towards bolstering women’s economic agency and building climate-resilient communities. The findings of this assessment serve as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive and gender-responsive development interventions in driving positive change at the grassroots level.

OSC Launches the Greater South Information System in a Bid to Democratising Access to Knowledge

Addis Ababa, 13 February 2024 – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, today launched the Greater South Information System (GreSIS) digital platform during a ceremony held at the Ethiopian Science Museum in Addis Ababa.

The launch of the GreSIS digital platform marks a pivotal milestone in democratising access to knowledge across the Global South and was graced by the State Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, Dr Bayissa Bedada, officials from Member States, officials of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ambassadors of Member States of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), educational institutions, CSOs, development agencies, intergovernmental agencies, researchers, instructors, and students.

The Greater South Information System (GreSIS) stands as a ground-breaking digital, open-access, and collaborative hub of academic and endogenous knowledge. Developed by the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), GreSIS aims to democratise access to, and the production of, knowledge in the Global South. It is a tool aimed at fostering collaboration and engagement among educational institutions, researchers, instructors, students, government officials, and Indigenous people’s organisations.

During the event, GreSIS platform was introduced to Member States, Associate Members, and key stakeholders. A demonstration session showcased the features, capabilities, and benefits of the digital platform which currently hosts large number of publications from diverse sources including academic, non-academic and endogenous knowledge sources. The platform is expected to grow exponentially in the immediate future to cater for hundreds of thousands of publications which will be open to subscribed individuals, institutions and entities.

The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on 29 January 2020 by countries and organisations from across the Global South at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in the Republic of Djibouti. As the first intergovernmental organisation of and by the Greater South, the OSC acts as an instrument of intellectual, technical and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States as well as its Associate Members in the pursuit of a Third Way of Development – from the South, for Humanity.

LG Donates Kshs6 Million to Charitable Initiatives through Successful ‘Smile With LG’ Campaign

·         The beneficiaries are children’s home, a literacy initiative supporting the establishment of school libraries and a primary school in an underserved community

NAIROBI, KENYA, February 07, 2024… LG Electronics East Africa has today announced the successful culmination of its ‘Smile with LG’ campaign’ which raised a total of Kshs6 million to benefit community projects. The campaign, which ran from November to December 2023, showcased LG’s commitment to making a positive impact on society.

The ‘Smile with LG’ initiative encouraged LG customers to vote for a charitable cause upon purchasing eligible LG home appliances. Voting took place on the LG.Com website through the dedicated ‘Smile with LG’ platform, with each vote contributing Kshs5,000 towards the total donation. This innovative approach both engaged LG customers and empowered them to play an active role in supporting worthy causes.

LG partnered with the Rotary Club of Nairobi Madaraka and the Rotaract Club of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Afya to ensure that the funds raised were channeled towards impactful projects addressing critical community needs. This collaborative effort reinforced LG’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and highlights the brand’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact in the East African region.

Speaking about the successful campaign, LG’s Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee, expressed gratitude to the LG community for their enthusiastic participation.

“We are humbled to witness the generosity and compassion of our customers who actively participated in the ‘Smile with LG’ campaign. Together with our esteemed partners, the Rotary Club of Nairobi Madaraka and the Rotaract Club of UoN Afya, we are honored to hand over the proceeds of the campaign to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in our communities,” he said.

Rotary Club of Nairobi Madaraka President, Rotarian Joel Wandurwa, expressed his gratitude for the donation saying: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to LG Electronics East Africa and all the LG customers who took part in the ‘Smile with LG’ campaign. Your generosity has enabled us to further our mission in addressing critical community needs. Together, we are making a positive impact and creating a brighter future for those in need. Thank you for embracing the spirit of giving and for being catalysts for positive change.”

The funds will be split amongst the following three beneficiary institutions: Gathiga Childrent’s Hope Home (Kshs3,150,000); The Maktaba Project (Kshs582,000), and Oldorko Mosiro Primary School (Kshs2,268,000).

Based in Kenya’s Kiambu County Gathiga Children’s Hope Home is a Non-Profit Organization in Kenya, dedicated to help street children who are orphaned, abandoned, abused or those forced out of their homes due to the inability of their families to cater for their basic needs. 

TheMaktaba Project is a literacy initiative by two Rotary Clubs: Dundas Valley Sunrise and Nairobi Madaraka. The initiative aims to equip needy schools with functioning libraries.

Meanwhile Oldorko Mosiro Primary School provides sanctuary for children escaping early marriages, female genital mutilation, forced labor and parental cruelty.

Novozymes Achieves Milestone Merger with Chr. Hansen, Strengthening Biotechnology Leadership in East Africa and Around the World

The two biotechnology companies have completed their merger to become Novonesis

Novonesis will employ 10,000 people with several based at its East Africa office in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi

NAIROBI, KENYA, February 7, 2024 … Danish biotechnology firm Novozymes, which expanded its East Africa presence in 2019 with the opening of its Nairobi office, has successfully concluded its merger with Chr. Hansen. 

This is the biggest announcement for Novozymes since its entry in Kenya since June 2019 to provide market-leading biological solutions including industrial enzymes and microorganisms for a broad range of industries like household care, brewing, baking and bio agriculture.

One of its solutions makes bread stay fresh for longer with a considerable impact on food waste.  Chr. Hansen, on the other hand, has been operational since 1874 and supplies bacteria cultures, probiotics, enzymes and human milk oligosaccharides, components that Novozymes requires for its production.

The merged entity, known as Novonesis, finalized the process after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals and completing registrations, including the final step with the Danish Business Authority. With a global workforce of 10,000, including a presence in Kenya, Novonesis now boasts expertise across 30 diverse industries. The combined group will operate a global network of R&D and application centers as well as manufacturing sites. 

Among other priorities, Novonesis aims to play a leading role in generating climate-friendly food products through solutions that replace chemicals in agriculture to support healthier and more sustainable diets, lower raw material usage, and reduce CO₂emissions.

“We have successfully combined Novozymes and Chr. Hansen and today we come together as one leading global biosolutions partner. Novonesis combines our joint strengths and the wonders of biology, and we are set to lead a new era of biosolutions. We will innovate and develop transformative biosolutions that improve the way we all produce, consume and live. And we have gathered the brightest minds and together with my 10,000 colleagues, we will unlock the limitless potential of biosolutions,” said Noveniss President and CEO, Ester Baiget. 

Cees de Jong, Chairman of Novonesis, added: “I am pleased to witness the realization of the Novozymes and Chr. Hansen combination, creating a true global biosolutions leader. We will continue to create powerful biosolutions for our customers and partners based on our more than 100 years of innovation and application expertise. Together, we will serve as a growth partner to our customers; a value creator to our shareholders; and a company that has a significant, positive impact on society and the planet. Novonesis builds on a shared heritage of sustainability leadership and will keep leading the way.”

With a broad biological toolbox and a diversified portfolio in attractive markets, Novonesis is now actively supporting businesses worldwide in addressing both commercial requirements and environmental sustainability. The combined group will have annual revenues of approximately EUR 3.7 billion^[1] with solid profitability and cash generation. Half of the portfolio will focus on enabling healthier lives and producing better foods. The other half will address reducing chemical use and targeting climate neutral practices.