Smart Times

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 29... President William Ruto has defended his often Criticized foreign trips A section of Kenyans have alledgedly be critizing the head of state as using the taxpayers money to facilitate his trips oversees  Ruto said that he is the chief agent of the country saying that the trips helps in the country engage in billaterial agrements as well as looking for opportunities 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 25...  In the first installement happening this year the company targets a diaologue with about 600 architects, designers,  engineers, developers, contractors, material manufactures and industry bodies in Mombasa, Nairobi and Kisumu with a crucial role of transitioning towards a low carbon pathway  The built environment accounts to 42 percent annual global CO2 emmisions, Building operations accounts for approximately 27 percent of ovaral emmisios with embodied carbon of only four construction and infrastructure materials which are Cement, iron, steel , aluminium which accounts to individual 15 percent  "The construction process and materials used to contribute heavily to carbon emmissions (CO2), we are calling for a sector collaboration and a shift towards sustainable construction which uses Greener  and more environmentally friendly construction solutions" said Mr Kapoor Subsequently the engagements comes amid local and global pressure for ceme

NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 24... The deputy president will represent President William Ruto at the Global gateway form hosted by the European Commision in the Capital,Brussels  The forum aims to strengthen relations between the European Union (EU) and its partners including Kenya in key sectors such as digital innovation,green energy ,Transport,Healthcare and Education Subsequently the deputy president will hold talks with European commision president Ursula Von Leyen on boosting bilateral ties between Kenya and the EU  In addition Gachagua is set to meet with Kenyans living in Belgium at Tangla Hotel in Brussels ,he will later extend his travel to germany for other engagements on Coffee,climate change,Renewable Energy among others  Deputy president meeting with Kenyan diaspora in Germany will take place at the Bayerischer Hof  Hotel in Munich 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 18... Bamburi cement received the award through its waste management arm , Geocycle for its collaboration with Ten women-owned scrap tyre and rise husks organizations across the country  "This award gives us motivation to scale up our efforts in mainstreaming more women into our supply chain and that of the industry, we are committed to developing innitiatives that bring to life a more balanced and competitive supply chain within our systems" said Mohit Kapoor Bamburi cement Chief executive director In addition the awards recognizes companies that source products and services from previously under utilized women-owned suppliers, resulting in several growth-oriented women entrepreneurs  "Our partnerships with Women-owned waste organizations have aided in partly solving waste collection from various parts of the country abd ensuring tbey are disposed off correctly In respect to regulatory standards and in alignment with our sustainability goa

The camp was designed to promote cutting edge partnerships by defying genre norms and enabling the experimentation ,fusion,and synergy among African producers and Artists  The music recording camp dubbed 'ZiiBeats' is support initiative that provided constructive platform for artists from different parts of Africa to collaborate and interface their sounds and abilities  Ghana's Sarkodie, Nigeria's Iyanya,Tanzania's Rayvanny ,Nandy , Yammi and Kenya's Lexsil are among artists represented an international blend of music makers,it also feature seasoned songwriters including Baby son and Raspy from South Africa  One of the leading UK female producer  CeeBeaats was also part of the recording camp known for her ability in multiple genres including  R&B,Afrobeats,Amapiano,House,Dance,UK Garage and Pop,Tyler ICU, a South African Singer,DJ and Music producer was in her company  Other producers included Multi Platinum selling producer Yumbs from South Africa and Blais

NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 14... Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announce new fuel prices in the country effective 15th October 2023  Super petrol increased by Sh 5.72 per litre, Diesel increase by sh 4.48 per litre and Kerosene by 2.45 per litre  "The prices are inclusive of 16 percent Value added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of Finance act 2023 and the revised ,the tax laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per legal notice No.194 of 2020"  reads a statement on EPRA Facebook account  The changes will see prices petrol retail at sh 217.36, Diesel at sh 205.47 and Kerosene at Sh 205.06  It comes as Kenyans face hard times as cost of living continues to go high in the country making life unbearable to many  In addition the landing cost of imported super petrol increased  by 3.93 percent from $774.67 per cubic metre in August 2023 to $805.14 per cubic metre in September 2023  Furthermore diesel increased by

Prof Chiwoza Bandawe, a clinical psychologist from Malawi sharing his story of the Moth Main stage in 2022. NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 14... The eargerly awaited event for this year is scheduled for saturday, November 4th from 6pm to 9pm at the LRC Auditorium of Catholic University of Eastern Africa Moth, a renowned Non-profit dedicated to the art and craft of story telling since its inception in 1997 has been a guiding light for individuals worldwide With over 60, 000 true stories shared across the globe, moth has become a beacon of personal narratives, radiating its brilliance through the peabody award winning 'The moth Radio hour and The moth podcast' which receives 100 million annual downloads from listeners globally " Its remarkable to witness how the moth has become a driving force in kenya's story telling arena, as we celebrate our fifth event we are reminded of the remarkable journey we've embarked upon with storytellers and audiences alike" said D

Joel Kilonzo (L) , Tetra pak key account manager , Stella Ondimu (2nd L) , Head of communication East Africa and West Africa Tetra pak, Peter Gitau (3rd L) Local organising committee-chairman , Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon and Joyce Kibe (R) , Head of cooperate affairs, Brand and marketing , Standard Chartered Bank during the sponsors breakfast   NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 13... Nairobi county , Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum shall host the event on 29th October 2023 It is expected to attract over 25, 000 participants with 42kms, 21kms and 10kms together with popular 5kms Family run being among races set to feature  Standard chartered Kenya has contributed KES 100 million towards the event  "We are delighted to be partnering with our sponsors who use over marathon as a vehicle to promote greater economic inclusion especially for disadvantaged young people" said Peter Gitau , Chair of the local organising committee , Standard chartered Nairobi marathon 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 13... The higher learning institution prohibeted students from wearing indecent clothes while in the premises of the institution  Plastic shoes, Slipers, crocs, Mini-skirts and riped jeans are among the wearings it has been suspended as Dean of students Bernardatte Abwao expressed concerns  of rising instances of inapropriate dressing among some students In an internal memo issued by the institution Abwao emphasized on decent dressing attire, stating that individuals donning outfits like tight trousers , torn jeans, low-cut blouses and revealing dresses will not be allowed in campuses  The rules also extends to offensive writings on T-shirts and attire that exposes undergaments, with male students barred from wearing sagging trousers and chest baring clothing 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 12... National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has denied renewal of operation to the ailing company due to alledged violation of transportation regulations Bolt had requested for renewal as the current one issued in October 2022 nears expiry  This comes after drivers compaints  and representatives regarding to rule violations In a letter to Bolt country manager, Linda ndungu , NTSA deputy director Cosmas Ngeso requested Bolt issue address on the matter  In addition the safety authority has ordered to stop charging the alledged booking fee and unauthorized commission charges  Subsequently NTSA claims that it has evidence of Bolt's violations and expects compliance before October 28 which in turn sets Operating licence expiry

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 12... At around 10:30 hrs Kenya airways (KQ) headquaters received an alert of a potential security threat on board KQ100 operating from Nairobi to London Hearthrow  "KQ management in conjuction with security authorities of Kenyan government and United Kingdom carried out a thorough risk assestment of the treat  " reads a statement by KQ In addition the crew on board were briefed , and all safety and security precations were taken to ensure the safety and security of crew and passengers on board The aircraft landed safely at the Stansted airport in London for security clearance by UK government security personnel  Subsequently the national carrier insists that safety and security of its crew and customers is number one priority 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 12... The state will mobilize funds for implementation of the remaining downstream phases of the iconic Thwake Multipurpose Dam being constructed at the confluence of River Athi and Thwake in the borders of Makueni and Kitui counties “We are mobilizing for funding under the PPP to fastback the remaining downstream phases of the dam, the Vision 2030 project whose physical completion rate now stands at 86 per cent" The dam is being funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the government.   In addition the first phase is expected to be completed by February next year,Phase 1 which is currently at advanced stage, involves construction of an 80.5m high multi-purpose dam with storage capacity of 688 million cubic metre and associated preliminary works. Second phase, will see development of water supply, sanitation and waste water infrastructure to supply an estimated 150,000 m3/day of treated water to approximately 1.3 million people drawn from the rural

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 11... Kenya airways confirmed that on Monday 9th October 2023, at around 14:19 hours KQ 100 operating from Nairobi to London Hearthrow declared a medical emergency after one of its passengers was taken ill "The crew on board assissted by two medical doctors and a nurse provided medical assistance to the passenger as the captain declared a medical emergency with Air traffic control (ATC) so as to the flight get expedited landing for the passenger to receive further medical assistance" reads a statement  Subsequently the aircraft landed safely at 14:47 hours and paramedics who were on the ground to receive the airctaft immediately took the passenger to hospital for further medication 

SasaPay Head of customer success and marketing Cathrine Mwihaki (R), OMA Sacco chairman George Githinji (C) and OMA conducter Pauline mueni (L) during launch of SasaPay fare collection tills   NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 10... The leading digital payment service provider has announced roll out of SasaPay fare collection tills , a game changing cashless payment system designed specifically for the matatu industry  Matatu operators are required to register with SasaPay to receive dedicated Till number through which passengers make their bus fare payments  Subsequently matatu owners or operators can track fare collection in real time , enhancing financial transparency , while passengers on the other hand are required to download SasaPay app which is very user friendly and make payment swiftly and securely  "Matatu owners and Sacco administrators can effortlessly monitor and manage all fare collection thus eliminating risk associated with cash handling and significantly enhancing f

During the signing of privatisation bill in State House, Kisumu NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 9... The ceremony which took place at State House , Kisumu was witnessed by Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and National assembly speaker Moses Wetangula The Bill removes the bureucracy in the privatisation of Non-strategic or loss making Government entities  While encouraging more particiation of the private sector in the economy by shifting the production and delivery of products and services to the public sector In the new move privatisation will be done through initial public offering of shares , sale of shares by public tender , sale resulting from excessive of pre-empitive rights or through any other method that will be defined by the cabinet  Subsequently the bill provides that the proceeds from the sale of a direct national government shareholding shall be paid into the consolidated bank 

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 9... Kenya power security team has arrested transfomer vandalis within Muranga county, James nganga muiruri at his home at Karugia area within saba saba Vincent Gatoto ndumia was arrested at keria village near Mitarakwa factory within muranga county while attempting to vandalise  a 100KVA transfomer  Kenya power's Ag. Security services Manager Maj. paul Nyaga (Rtd) lauded support that the company has received from the national security institutions in fighting vandalism and theft of electricity and warned members of public againts engaging in illegal activities on electricity network "I want to thank the DCI and NGAO officers for the swift action during the operations that we carried out surveillance on the Network to weed out all illegal activities that not only endager the lives o the vandals but also pose danger of loss of lives to members if the public" said Maj. Nyaga Subsequently upon search at their homes they were found in possesion

Regional Airport manager Overseeing Wilson and Northern region Airports , Joseph Okumu presenting the award trophy to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) AG , MD HenryOgoye NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 6...Wilson airport outshine its competitors including Kimberly Airport in South Africa,Kumasi Airport in Ghana and Uyo Airport in Nigeria in the brand category  Organized by Aviators Africa, The tower awards celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements and sustainability within the African Aviation sector  The award ceremony took place on 29th September 2023 , coinceding with the African Aviation sustainability conference (AASC) in Johannesburg, South Africa  "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team , partners and all contributors to this remarkable achievement" reads a statement by KAA on their Facebook page

Zamara Group Chief Executive Officer Sundeep Raichura addressing journalists during the African social security conference   NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 5... The financial service firm has called on stakeholders in social security to be more innovative and inclusive to enhance and deepen social security in the region While addressing the Africa social security conference that brought together over 150 thought leaders and experts on social security from across the continent Sundeep Raichura CEO Zamara Group reiterated the importance of exploring new models of financing and risk sharing that can withstand the shocks of an unpredictable world  "Governments, businesses, Civil society and international patners must work together in coodinated effort to build resilient social security systems" said Raichura Cabinet secretary for labour and social protection , Florence Bore who opened the event said social security systems has played a key role in societies since times of immemor

AA Kenya Chief Executive Officer Francis Theuri  NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 5... AA Kenya PLC has announced restricted public offer (RPO) seeking to raise capital from its shareholders dedicated to funding AA Kenya's strategic initiatives  The announcement follows an approval from the capital markets Authority for the company to raise capital from its members   AA Kenya Chief Executive Officer Francis Theuri said the approval I a remarkable milestone for AA Kenya and a big win that would enable AA enhance its services to its members and community  In addition the offer is scheduled to run from 11th October 2023 to 27th November 2023 as the company redefine its strategic plan for 2022-2026 with key focus on diversification, expansion and global allignmemt to Federation international de I'automobile (FIA) standards  Subsequently AA joined the Nairobi securities Exchange (NSE) Ibuka acceleration program positioning the organisation to be an investor ready through various capit

A photo of Netflix logo displaying on a screen  NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3... The popular streaming platform has been offering free subscription plan in the country for 2 years  which came to effect in December 2021 Kenya has been the only only country with free plan as the company states that it will come into effect in 1st November 2023  Users who want to countinue consuming various contents from the platform will have to upgrade to various Netflix packages  "Those who wish not to upgrade for it will not have to cancel as the system will automatically cancel the free plan as slated date to take effect will have it done so" reads a statement  End of free netflix plan in the country clearly states that users will have to part with a certain fee to access the services of the popular streming platform  "Starting from a fee of KSH 200 per month, you can unlock all show an movies , more features and the option to watch on a smartphone, TV or laptop " statement rea

l'Oreal Dermatological beauty East Africa General manager, Edouard Homasson, Dr winnie Njenga-winner of La Roche-posay research grant and L'Oreal  East Africa managing director Yassine Bakkari during the award ceremony  NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3... La Roche-posay a global research grant initiative announces Dr Winnie njenga, a dermatologist at Kiambu level 5 Hospital as first winner of research grants with her project 'The quality of life in children , teenegers and adults diognised with eczema in Kenya'  Dr.Njenga will receive a grant of KSH 4 million to carry out their research together with membership to the French chamber of commerce "We are proud that this year's winner is a kenyan doctor who also happen to be the first African to win the grant to further research project which shows immernse potential for improving the lives of dermatological patients in kenya" L'Oreal East Africa managing director Yassine Bakkari said  In 2023 hundreds of

Absa bank Managing director and CEO Abdi Mohamed NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 3... The strategic initiative underscores the bank commitment to providing tailored financial solutions to support the growing trade between the two dynamic economies  The new desk is fully staffed with mandarin speaking professionals will enable the bank provide banking services such as project financing , CPF financing , trade financing , Foreign exchange and hedging , Cross-cultural expetise and access to a global network of experts  "The establishment of the china desk is a response to the increase of demand for financial services and expertise in facilitating trade and investment between Kenya and China" said Abdi Mohamed managing director and CEO Absa bank China is one top trading partners and remains the single leading source of Kenya's imports , accounting for slightly over  quarter of total imports valued at KES 452.6 billion in 2022 according to 2023 economic survey report  Subsequen

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 2 ... The airline serves a vast network of destinations connecting Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Bamako, Bangui, Bissau, Beirut , Brazaville, Conakry and Cotonou Among other destinations include Dakar, Doulla, Freetown, Kinshasa, Lago, Libreville, Monrovia, Ndjamena, Njamey, Ougadougou, Pointe noive and Younde "It marks direct connnection between west and East Africa" said Kenya Airports Authority chairman Caleb kositany Kositany further added that plans were in place to build a new an modern Terminal at JKIA signaling kenya's comnitment to reinforce JKIA's status as Africa's premier hub and ideal gateway into and out of East and Central Africa