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Tag: Kenya

  • Global leaders for conference in Kenya

    Global leaders for conference in Kenya

    World-class performance strategist, Dr. Abiola Salami, is to host global leaders for the second Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp (DASIL) from June 23 and 29 in Mombasa, Kenya.

    The event aims to provide a transformative experience for senior leaders worldwide, equipping them with leadership skills and fostering personal growth.

    Some guest speakers, who will share insight on today’s dynamic business landscape, include Harvard University’s Prof. Dana Born, Ray Jefferson of White House Fellows in Office of POTUS and Board Chair, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga.

    Salami said the conference was designed to cultivate leadership excellence.

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    “DASIL promises to be unforgettable, empowering senior leaders to unlock their potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and their organisations. Beyond the classroom, DASIL fosters a vibrant global community, enabling participants to expand their networks and forge connections with like-minded individuals.

    “With its global reach, comprehensive training, balanced approach and location, DASIL offers opportunity to hone skills, forge global connections and prioritise personal well-being,” he said.

    Salami said participants would have the opportunity to unwind and recharge through mindfulness sessions, outdoor activities and immersive cultural experience, ensuring a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

  • ‘Nigerian market crucial to Kenya tourism growth’

    ‘Nigerian market crucial to Kenya tourism growth’

    Over 200 travel operators converged on Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday to explore opportunities with some travel companies from Kenya tourism industry for in-market activations tagged Magical Kenya West Africa Roadshow, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    Despite the economic hardship Nigeria is experiencing, Kenya Tourism Board still sees Nigeria as a huge market to explore and grow its tourism business. Last Friday’s roadshow came as Kenya Tourism Board heightened marketing endeavours throughout West Africa, recognising it as a crucial source for Kenya’s tourism.

    Marketing Manager, Kenya Tourism Board, Mr. Alex Tunoi, said the roadshow was organised to grow tourist arrivals to Kenya because of its enormous tourism potential while calling on Nigerians to visit Kenya. He disclosed that in Kenya, Nigeria accountee for about 35,000 tourist arrivals every year, a number Kenya intended to grow by 10 percent over the next couple of years.

    “At the moment, we are receiving just about 35,000 tourist arrivals from Nigeria annually we intend to grow that number by 10 per cent over the next couple of years.

    We have come with our trade partners like tour operators, hoteliers and more to develop packages for Kenya market.

    We are focusing on West Africa as part of our key source market to grow numbers of tourist arrivals. We noticed that Africans are beginning to travel and they are looking for new destinations to travel to. And we are here as Kenya to offer this opportunity. There are a lot of new development happening within the cities in Kenya, we can offer opportunities for shopping, golfing, safari, beach exploration and more.

    “We are open for city adventure, the most patronised aspect of tourism in Kenya from Nigeria,” he said.

    He explained that the Kenyan government has eased all travel restrictions to make the country more accessible to tourists, adding that Kenya remains safe and affordable for all.

    Managing Director Destination Connect-a tour company, Mr Consaga Khisa hinted that Kenya had been declared a visa-free destination for most African nations at the beginning of the year.

    “We are here to foster relationships between Kenya tourism players and our partners in Nigeria. We welcome Nigerians to Kenya, our hotels and communication systems are of best standards, our airport transfer vehicles are fitted with wifi.

    “We have the highest skating drills in Africa,” he said.

    Regional Sales Manager, SAROVA Hotels and Resorts in Kenya, Mr Steve Biko expressed readiness to host tourists during the 2024 edition of Magical Kenya, coming up later in the year.

    “We are ready to accommodate tourists during Magical Kenya. Nigeria is a big market and it is very important that we capture the Nigerian market. It has been the most profitable route. We have lots of similarities culturally and it is time for Africa to use their culture to appreciate what each country has to offer. It is a good exchange programme.

    “We are indigenous to Kenya and we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the hotel this April. We create experience customers will enjoy and we are focused on guest experience,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Every day, we try to get better by listening to customers more.

    We are focus on giving the guests the best experience so that they can keep talking about us to others.”

    According to report, the Acting Kenya High Commissioner to Nigeria, Samuel Mogere described the move as part of the initiative aimed at opening up Kenya to the world.  He said the present government in Kenya is determined to unite Africa and part of the process is to ensure that Nigerians can travel easily and on a daily basis to Kenya without stress. He noted that the government of Kenya has introduced an online e-visa process where one can apply and get his or her visa approved to travel to Kenya without the rigorous process involved in visa processing before now.

    Confirming the preparedness of Kenya Airways to boost the increment of arrivals to Kenya, the Sales Manager, Kenya Airways, Mr Rotimi Martins said that the airline would soon increase its flight frequency to Nigeria in order to boost leisure and tourism. He noted that Nigeria and Ghana have the population the airline is targeting.

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    “Frequency increment is what we are looking at. As at moment we are doing seven flights out of Lagos every week, but come April, we will add one flight to it to make it 8 flights. In summer, it will grow to ten flights out of Lagos to Nairobi as well as Abuja to make it 15 flights each week,” Martins added. 

    Earlier in Ghana Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana, Eliphas Barine stressed that the cross-continental tourism initiative signifies a positive stride in bolstering regional partnerships and promoting economic growth across the African continent.

    “So, the whole idea is for us to share experiences and build connections. When I see the teams here, it’s not just about business; it’s about friendship, skills development, networking and more. The roadshow being presented here offers us a tremendous opportunity to share insights, collaborate and promote tourism between our two countries,” he said.

    “Today marks one of my happiest moments, because the work we’ve been doing is bearing fruit. The challenge now is to sustain this conversation as we return to our respective places. What can keep us connected? Once we leave here, we’ll go back to our usual business and much of this may be lost. We need to determine what will maintain our connection beyond this event,” he added.

    Mr. Barine said that Kenya has several agreements and instruments with Ghana to “deepen their relationship” for the betterment of their citizens.

  • ‘Nigeria, others secured startups $100m funding in 2023’

    ‘Nigeria, others secured startups $100m funding in 2023’

    Only Nigeria and three others secured funding for startups exceeding $100 million threshold in 2023, a report by a tech platform, TechCabal Insights, has said TechCabal Insights noted this in the Q4 edition of its State of Tech in Africa Report.

    The others are Kenya, South Africa and Egypt.

    The report added despite a 79 per cent dip in funding, fintech was the most funded sector, showcasing its resilience in challenging times.

    The report, which dissected trials and triumphs of the past year, noted 2024 looks good for the industry in most areas.

    But it noted African startups faced harsh realities in 2023.

    “In contrast, eight nations achieved this feat in 2022. Venture Capital witnessed a substantial 40.2 per cent decline from 2022, prompting resilient entrepreneurs to explore alternative funding avenues. Despite a 79 per cent dip in funding, fintech was the most funded sector, showcasing its resilience in challenging times,” the report said.

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    The report also explored growth and adaptation strategies, underscoring the pivotal role of mergers and acquisitions as a lifeline for startups.

    “Notably, 2023 witnessed the largest acquisition deal, with fintech leading the charge. Multimarket models and strategic pivots are dissected, offering valuable insight for investors seeking a strategic shift.”

    Furthermore, the report delved into the regulatory framework shaping African tech, navigating the delicate balance between innovation and compliance. Examining digital identity, financial inclusion, cryptocurrency, open banking, anti-competition, and data protection, it provides a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape.

    Also, on Tech Layoffs and Founders’ Outlook, a two-part survey presents primary data on the impact of tech layoffs on the workforce and outlines founders’ outlook for 2024, providing real-time insights into the sentiments within the tech community.

    The report observed that with a forward-looking perspective, addressing uncharted terrain, the potential of bootstrapping in lieu of VC funding, imperatives for founders, investors, and policymakers, and prognoses for 2024 based on past trends.

    The report is as a guidepost for navigating the evolving landscape of African tech in the upcoming year.

  • Kenya’s Ngetich smashes world 10km record in Valencia

    Kenya’s Ngetich smashes world 10km record in Valencia

    Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich obliterated the women’s world 10km record by running 28:46 at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, a World Athletics Label road race yesterday.

    The 22-year-old becomes the first woman to break 29 minutes for the distance, improving by 28 seconds the previous road mixed race world record set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon two years ago.

    World cross country bronze medallist Ngetich was paced in the Spanish coastal city by her compatriot Japheth Kipkemboi Kosgei and the first world record fell at half way as Ngetich went through the 5km checkpoint in 14:13. That is six seconds faster than the women’s world record achieved in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021, and matches the time Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet set in a woman-only race in Barcelona a fortnight ago.

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    Ngetich’s 10km time is also faster than the women’s world record for the distance on the track, with Letesenbet Gidey’s world 10,000m record standing at 29:01.03.

    Emmaculate Anyango also dipped under 29 minutes in Valencia, clocking 28:57 to finish runner-up to her compatriot Ngetich.

    “I am so happy. I didn’t expect this world record,” said Ngetich. “I was coming to improve my time, at least somewhere around 29:14, but I am happy that I ran a world record of 28 minutes. I didn’t expect this.”

    She will now focus on the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24 in March and then the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where athletics will be the No.1 sport in August.

    The men’s race was won by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in 26:48.

  • PHOTOS: King Charles visits Kenya

    PHOTOS: King Charles visits Kenya

  • Conflicts, insecurity hinder Africa’s growth, says Kenya lawyer

    Conflicts, insecurity hinder Africa’s growth, says Kenya lawyer

    Kenyan lawyer and activist, Prof. Patrice Lumumba, has said the present atmosphere of conflict and insecurity in many African countries are factors that hinder the continent’s growth.

    Lumumba also said African leaders must work together, irrespective of the system of government, to end conflicts and insecurity in the continent, to attract investment and economic growth.

    He said this in his speech at an event “Africa, rising continent: Nigeria’s strategic role” televised on Channels Television yesterday.

    Lumumba said: “The Africa Free Trade Area says we trade among ourselves at 20 percent. Europe about 70 percent, North America 65 percent, Asia 60 percent and Latin America 55 percent.

    “What must we do? We must stop certain things that stand in our way. Conflict.

    “We sat down in Abuja and said that we were going to silence the guns in 2013, but we did not. And again, we sat down in 2020 and said that we were going to silence them. And now the guns are alive and well.

    “And who are those supplying us with the weapons? It is not us. It is others. Should we blame them? Yes, we should. Should we blame ourselves? Yes, we should. So, Africa has always been a battleground.

    “Look at Africa as I speak to you. Look at Sudan. For the last two months, there has been no economic activity in Sudan. They are destroying what they once built; generating as of now 2.5 million refugees. Even if you want to trade, who do you trade with?”

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    The Kenya activist also described as devastating the effect of conflict and insecurity on children.

    “In Sudan, children who ought to be vaccinated are not getting vaccinated. Here in your neighborhood, in Cameroon children have not gone to school in the last many years, because of conflict,” Lumumba said.

    “In Northern Mali, the country is divided into two. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, they have 120 armed groups. Yet, it is the busiest airspace in the continent of Africa. Minerals are being taken away to Europe and America. The same in Central Africa Republic and Libya,”

    He decried the silence of Africa leaders amidst the conflicts and insecurity.

    “I do not hear the voices of African leaders. No. Their silence is eloquent. And when they speak they speak mutedly in in sanitised language and people are dying.

    “Several months ago, I wrote to the chair of the African Union and all Africa Heads of States and said to convey a meeting with only one agenda item. What can we do to save Africa from this slide? Only four replied.”

    Lumumba said Africa would rise, “but it is not by prayers and fasting alone, but through unity of the leaders and practical approach to solving our problems”. 

    He said: “There is a saying in Sheshewa in Malawi that more precious than our children are our children’s children. So, when we are doing these things, we must remind ourselves that we are doing them for this generation and generations yet to be born.

      “The question we should ask ourselves is that beyond the rhetoric what do we do? And what is beautiful in the continent of Africa now is that there is consciousness.”

  • Nigeria, Kenya lead Africa’s grid modernisation

    By Chikodi Okereocha

    Nigeria and Kenya are leading in grid modernisation revolution in Africa.

    The continent is forecast to be the world’s fastest-growing market for micro-grids at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27 per cent, representing 1,145megawatts (Mw) of electricity by 2027.

    An International Energy Consultant Anastasia Walsh said Africa needed to modernise and decentralise its grid to solve its power distribution problems, noting that grid modernisation, specifically the deployment of micro-grids in rural areas, provides a promising strategy.

    According to her, Nigeria has ambitions to drastically increase her generating capacity by 2030 with 30 per cent of that planned to be from renewable sources.

    The energy consultant added that micro-grids are expected to provide 5.3GW of this increased generation capacity in Nigeria.

    She also said with strong renewable energy and micro-grid policies, Kenya has doubled its energy access rates since 2014. To reach its goal of 100 per cent electrification by 2030, she said Kenya should implement a hybrid-decentralised system.

    “This entails a combination of traditional utility distribution and the deployment of an extensive network of micro-grids. The prevalent use of mobile money in the region, if harnessed correctly will provide the best means of collecting payment of energy bills,” Walsh stated.

    Micro-grids are small-scale power grids that run on a combination of solar, wind, or biomass or fossil fuels to provide reliable power. They operate either independently from the main grid or can be synched to it at the same voltage to shift the energy and respond to peaks and troughs in supply and demand.

    This ensures there is no interruption in power supply, allowing communities to be more energy independent by cutting costs and providing reliable energy access.

    Walsh, who believes that investment in power is the foundational bedrock of development and that a hybrid mix of energy solutions is critical to realising Africa’s potential, said African Governments are beginning to rethink their electrification plans.

    According to her, the centralised utility model is not adequately serving Africa’s needs. She said attempting to replicate the centralised utility models implemented in the U.S. and Europe has not succeeded in improving energy access across the continent.

    “Despite this, it seems manygovernments and utilities wrongly maintain the position that the expansion of the traditional grid infrastructure is the solution. In areas where communities have access to the central grid, they still have to supplement the intermittency of the power with diesel generators.’’

  • Omawumi in Kenya on media tour

    Singer Omawumi is currently in Kenya promoting her new body of works, ‘In Her Feelings’ which was recently released.

    Since her arrival in Kenya, Omawumi has been a cynosure of all eyes, granting interviews and signing autographs.

    During the listening party held for the album on June 15, 2019 in Lagos, the singer had said, “the album represents a legacy which was stirred by family, domestic violence, relationships and the society. I am genuinely humbled to have my fans and close friends support me. I hope it contributes to the lives of everyone who listens to it.”

    The seven tracks album is made up of tracks such as ‘For My Baby’, ‘Mr Sinnerman’, ‘Away’, ‘True Loving’, ‘Tabansi’, ‘Green Grass’ and ‘In Her Feelings.’

  • Kenya eyes free pact to expand dairy market

    The Department of Livestock wants to expand the share of Kenya’s dairy products in the African market with an eye on West Africa following the advent of the continental free trade area.

    Livestock PS Harry Kimutai says a number of countries in West Africa have already made inquiries about Kenya’s long-life dairy products.

    African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will allow movement of good from one country to another.

    Mr Kimutai said Kenya would also witness an increase in dairy goods from other nations, noting the country needs to address the high cost of production to remain competitive in the market.

    “We are eying to expand our market to other regions and we are starting with West Africa that has already expressed interest in our milk products, especially the powdered milk,” he said.

    The West African countries that have shown interest include Liberia and Nigeria, with officials from Monrovia recently visiting the country.

    The African free trade pact came into effect at the end of last month after two more countries ratified the agreement.

    Kenya Dairy Board managing director Margaret Kibogy says Nairobi is seeking to lower of the cost of production from the current Sh25 per litre to Sh15 in order to remain competitive in the wake of the free trade area.

    “AfCFTA is a good initiative that will open up the market for Kenya and other African countries. However, it might not augur well with our high

    cost of production; that is why we want to address the overheads to an acceptable level that will make us competitive in the market,” she said.

  • Kenya, Ethiopia: Far, but close

    Tragedies always seem far away when it happens far from where we live until one remembers that he or she once visited or passed by the location of one tragedy or the other.

    It could have happened while one was there, and it would be close even when it happened far from home.

    Two recent sad incidents, the terrorists attack in a Nairobi hotel and the Ethiopian Airline flying to Nairobi that crashed, really got me thinking about how close they were to me though I was in Lagos when they occurred.

    I don’t live in Nairobi, but Kenya is the country I have travelled to most in my trips outside the country.

    Not only have I been to Kenya many times, I have lodged in DusitD2 hotel where at least 21 persons were killed in an attack and on occasions where I have not been able to fly direct to Nairobi by Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines is usually the option.

    I stumbled on the news of the terrorist’s attack on the day it happened as I was about switching off at midnight and had to spend almost 30 minutes going through the feeds on Twitter to know the full details of the incident.

    I was saddened about the incident which brought back memories of similar attack in 2013 in a shopping mall which also left many persons dead. I have experienced some of the security measures in place to prevent a recurrence of any attack, but the terrorists managed to strike again in the country that is a tourist’s haven.

    The name of the hotel the attack took place sounded familiar, but it wasn’t some days later that I realised it was one of the four hotels I stayed with some colleagues within a week during a media fellowship trip.

    Fiona Marwa, the former Executive Director of the fellowship programme I participated in, confirmed that DusitD2 was indeed the hotel we stayed. She told me two of the victims were the main staff she interacted with while booking our stay and while we were there.

    As I read through some chilling accounts of the attack, I could vividly recall our stay in the high-class hotel during which I was visited by some of my Kenyan friends who I had not been able to meet on previous visits. It turned out that the office of one of them was in one of the malls in the office complex in the hotel where I visited her.

    I remember one of my visitors saying that was his first time in the hotel despite being familiar with major hotels in the capital city. I was really fascinated by the undulating topography of the hotel and took some time to walk round.

    What if the terrorists had struck on that day? What if they did? I was in the hotel with seven other Nigerian editors on the programme. No one would have imagined eight Nigerian journalists caught in such an attack in Nairobi if it had happened. Far, but it could be close.

    Ethiopian Airlines? I prefer flying directly to Nairobi instead of sometimes enduring hours of transit in Addis, but I have been lucky to fly without even any turbulence on the route where the late Professor Pius Adesanmi and other passengers and crew members died. May their souls rest in peace.

    My prayer for Kenya and Ethiopia: Afflictions of these kinds and others will not arise again. We won’t be on the road the day it needs human sacrifice, like Yoruba usually pray.