Smart Times

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 29... The partnership will deliver agri-fin-tech services for rural communities, high productivity climate-smart farming and state of the art agro-processing facilities creating new markets for at least 100,000 rural households over the next five years  The investment in partnership with Kenya development corporation (KDC) will adopt a development approach in the agri-food sector , which seeks to improve food security for Kenya and the region  "Kenya needs a champion organization to provide leadership and prudent investment ,to develop inclusive , scalable, market based , environmentally sustainable and high productivity agri-food systems" said Rebecca miano, Cabinet secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. In addition the venture will reduce Kenya's dependance on importing food commodities by approximately $200 million annually thus reducing Kenya's trade deficit  "At KDC we are commited to fostering resilience and ada...

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 29... The historic event will take place in the margins of COP28,  bringing together 650 plus young people from over 150 countries with industry leaders and energy experts , championing youth participation in driving an eqyitable clean energy future  The summit provides a transformative space for collaboration on energy solutions, engaging over 30, 000 young people in virtual also it serves as a catalyst for action and entrepreneurship supporting 15 youth led clean energy start ups in priority regions through training and seed funding "Since its founding in 2009, student energy has become the world largest youth led organization working on energy , empowering a network of 50, 000 young people in over 120 countries accelerating a transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future" said Andrew steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fun In addition , SES 2023 act as a launchpad for youth climate activities and advocates , training and sup...

Absa Bank Kenya PLC Managing Director Abdi Mohamed  NAIROBI,Kenya Nov 25.. .Absa Bank Kenya PLC has reported net earnings of Kshs.12.3 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2023, a 15 percent increase over the same period last year, driven by double-digit revenue growth across core business segments. The Bank recorded a 20 percent growth in revenue to Kshs.40.2 billion underscored by balance sheet momentum as it continued supporting individuals, business and corporate customers play their rightful role in the country’s economic growth and development Loans and advances grew by 14 percent to Kshs.331 billion driven by secured and general lending subsequently net interest income rose 26 percent to close at Kshs.29.3 billion. Customer deposits grew by 26 percent to Kshs.354 billion, supporting the loan book growth. “We are inspired by the positive progress we are making in the execution of our strategy focused on building a modern-day consumer financial services business...

President-elect of Republic of Liberia , Joseph Boakai NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 21... The chairperson of African Union commission, H.E Moussa Faki mahamat congratulates president- elect Mr Joseph N Boakai for his victory I Liberia's presidential run off elections held on 14 November 2023   Mr Mahamat further commends Liberia's election commisions and all stakeholders for the successful conduct of peaceful and credible elections The chairperson further invited all parties to countinue to display maturity and embrace dialogue to consolidate democracy, inclusiveness, the rule of law, peace and security and enhance inclusive socio-economic for the people of liberia  "I applaud the statemanship of the outgoing  president George weah for gracefully accepting the outcome of the election" said Faki "The chairperson reaffirms the determination of the AU to countinue supporting  the republic of Liberia, in collaboration with regional bodies and international partner...

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 16...  The leading digital payment service provider clinched the award just two months after unveiling a new strategy aimed at expanding its customer base both in Kenya and diaspora market "This recognition is a testament to our commitment to revolutionising digital payments and fostering financial inclusion" said Daniel Njoroge , Chief Operating officer Sasapay ADEA organizers said that the award serves as a catalyst for motivating Sasapay to persist in fostering innovation , inclusivity and sustainability within the digital economy  "Acknowledging these stakeholders is not only a sign of appreciation but also a commitment to nurturing the positive impact of the digital economy on the society" said Akin Naphtal, InstinctWave Group CEO , and exucutive publisher  Sasapay's strategy is ensuring secure payment experience for various businesses which includes SMEs in general trade, healthcare facilities , educational institution, trans...

During the launch of Xaidi App  NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 15...  The new Xaidi App Kenya's first AI powered health coach is set for beneficial to families with children with special needs to help in their day to day challenges and opportunities in their healthcare  The innovative AI app laverages on data from reknown research institutions with information and assistance to special needs children and caregivers done in English and Swahili to simplify the journey  Xaidi is free, first at its kind community health assistant App designed to help parents of neurodivergent children feel more supported and confident in handling learning and thinking differences  "Children and young people with developmental disabilities are a large and growing population across the globe , these children needs have however been neglected in health systems planning policy provisions for health" said Philip Nzenge,  Deputy director, Directorate of children services. According t...

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 15...  Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration has published new intended charges, fees and levies for the same services to take effect on January 1, 2024 The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has been directed to conduct and complete public participation as soon as possible, but in any case, not later than December 10, 2023 In addition the new intended charges, fees and levies have been adjusted to accommodate views of the public already received following the publication of the revoked Gazette Notices Subsequently the intended revised charges, fees and levies are informed by the need for Kenya’s self-reliance in financing the National Budget "On the particular issue of acquisition of National Identity Cards by previously not registered citizens, the Government shall defray the costs of the revised charges, fees and levies through a waiver for indigent Kenyans who demonstrate inability to pay" reads a stat...