DIPEK refute Equity Partnership

By Dan Muhuni
The row between Equity Bank and Pillar Technologies Limited over
perceived partnership in running Direct Intervention  Programme for
Empowering Kenyans (DIPEK) welled up to the surface with  each party
maintaining they have not entered on agreement.

Yesterday, Pillar technologies managing director Peter Masawa
clarified that they only have a mere working arrangements through
opening accounts but the bank is not involved in the running of the
programme.

Masawa made the rejoinder after Equity placed an advert on one of the
local dailies warning that it will not be responsible for the
consequences given through DIPEK.

Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi

“We would like to notify all our customers and the public that Equity
bank is not in any collaboration or partnership with DIPEK. Equity
Bank accepts no liability or responsibility for the consequences of or
given through DIPEK.” Part of the advertisement by the bank reads.

The programme is run by Pillar Technologies Limited who have already
partnered with TelkomKenya (Orange), a service provider in
distribution of airtime and telecommunications.

On his part, Masawa said that: “This is a misunderstanding Equity are
our partners because we have accounts with them.” He affirmed.

“We wish to reiterate that we are not in partnership with any bank
other than for the opening of Orange Money accounts which is the mode
of payment to our subscribers.  We further emphasise that we do not
invest any funds for anybody and do not promise any returns without
the subscriber himself or herself working. We promote commitment,
discipline and smart work for wealth creation.” Pillar corporates
Affairs manager Joseph Mbai added.

They insisted that DIPEK which has a membership of over 50,000 people
countrywide gives every Kenyan opportunity to be telecommunications
sub-dealer.
Each subscriber earns from commissions made in airtime distribution
and sub-dealership sales.

Orange launches online airtime top up with PesaPal

 By Dan Muhuni
Orange has partnered with PesaPal- an e-commerce payment platform provider to enable its customers enjoy the convenience of virtual airtime top ups.

Orange CEO Mickael Ghossein

Through the service, customers will be able to make an online purchase of Orange airtime; choosing a preferred mode of payment – either via PesaPal’s e-wallet, credit and debit cards (VISA and Master Card) or through mobile money transfer solutions.

Speaking during the launch Orange CEO Mickael Ghossein said that Orange is taking a differentiated approach on airtime top-up; supplementing the conventional airtime distribution channels with the convenience and benefits of online payments and electronic airtime distribution.

“The service aims to grow our airtime distribution by leveraging on existing e-commerce platforms,” said Ghossein, adding that the new top-up service aims to facilitate Orange data customers, who have their voice lines with alternative operators, to top up directly from their respective mobile money accounts.

“Our data customers that may have subscribed to other networks due to their voice offerings will now have the flexibility of purchasing data bundles directly from their mobile money accounts,” he said, adding that this was informed by the fact that Kenya’s mobile telecoms market is characterised by multi-SIM users, with subscribers using different SIM cards from various networks for different services such as voice and data.

PesaPal CEO Agosta Liko said that Orange and PesaPal have a strategic partnership on the technical solution and distribution modes for Orange Airtime.

“The service is easy to use allowing the customer convenient access as well as a simplified means of toping up their airtime,” he said.

A customer can make the online airtime purchase through three sites: https://myaccount.orange.co.ke; www.orange.co.ke and https://www.pesapal.com;  

  

“A step-by-step guide is available for each payment mode selected,” noted Liko, adding that the customer will receive an SMS notification confirming the top up.

The online payments deal is also intended to extend to the payment of other product and service offerings from Orange.

The Orange/PesaPal deal is further testimony to the crucial role mobile money solutions play in enhancing business transactions, as stated by the Communications Commission of Kenya, Fourth Quarter Industry statistics, released in October 2012, noting a 2.73 per cent growth in mobile money transfer service subscriptions, from 18.98 million recorded the previous quarter to 19.50 million. 

Sony Launches New SD Handycam- DCR-SX22

By Dan Muhuni

Sony has released a monster SD Handycam- DCR-SX22. The camera comes with various unique features including High quality video shooting with excellent zoom capability has never been easier with the launch of the new SD Handycam camcorder from Sony – the DCR-SX22.

Experiences closer than ever

This latest offering from Sony turns precious moments into lasting memories, with the DCR-SX22 boasting an impressive feature set including a high quality Sony 60x optical zoom lens. With such high-performance zooming capabilities, the latest Handycam® is perfect to capture subjects a distance away such as birds and wildlife, and is perfect for recording the most exhilarating events be it in sports or at intimate family occasions.

Magnify your experience further with the new 70x extended zoom feature. Thanks to a more effective use of the image sensor area, the 60x optical zoom range will become a 70x zoom lens, making that far-to-reach object or subject all the more closer. Different from conventional digital zoom technology, there is almost no visible image degradation thanks to an advanced image processing algorithm, allowing for expansive shooting capabilities from wide to telephoto.

Quality video recording for everyone

With the new SD Handycam® - DCR-SX22 Sony focusses on ensuring your special moments are just like, or even better than you remember them. The DCR-SX22 is not your average camcorder. It is your assurance that whatever you choose to shoot comes out better than a standard video; it comes out as a work of art.

In addition to SteadyShot image stabilisation which easily enables one to capture smooth footage, Intelligent Auto makes the shooting of beautiful images and videos a breeze. Automatic recognition of up to 18 different combinations of scenes[1] and adjustment of the camera settings accordingly make using this new Handycam®a hassle-free experience even for first timers.

To enhance user convenience Face Detection technology automatically detects up to eight faces in a scene, optimising exposure for quality results. Just because you are shooting in the dark does not mean you have to contend with substandard footage.With the integrated LED video light, your subject will be illuminated with a bright and energy efficient LED light, good for up to 1.5 metres – allowing for the seamless capture of videos even in dark environments.

The DCR-SX22 represents Sony’s commitment to helping users easily preserve their most intimate memories for eternity. The DCR-SX22 is currently available in Kenya in Anisuma showrooms and other leading electronics retailers.

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[1] Available scene modes: Portrait, Backlight, Spotlight, Night Scene, Landscape, Macro

Philips Launches Nairobi Pilot Showcasing Solar LED Street Lighting

A new pilot project by Philips and the Kenyan Urban Roads Authority to install solar-powered LED street lighting in Nairobi has the potential to generate up to 100 per cent energy savings, if implemented on a wide scale across the country.

The pilot, the first of its kind in East Africa, was launched on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) - whose headquarters is based in Nairobi - and the UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, 2012.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General 

The initiative aims to highlight the benefits of sustainable energy sources and alternatives to expensive, less efficient traditional lighting.

The announcement was made during the Kenya leg of the Philips Cairo to Cape Town 2012 road show.

Solar-powered LED, the most efficient lighting technology, can save up to 100 per cent of energy compared to conventional lighting solutions.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, said: “The past four decades have witnessed enormous innovation much of which is now commercial or becoming commercially cost-effective—energy efficient lighting systems being a case in point”.

“Governments and local authorities have significant purchasing power which can accelerate the evolution of markets in favour of low carbon, resource efficient goods and services—a key outcome of last month’s Rio+20 Summit in Brazil under the theme of sustainable procurement,” he added.

“UNEP is proud to be partnering with the government, the private sector and civil society to demonstrate that a transition to an inclusive Green Economy is happening and do-able in both developing to developed countries—from the public policies that are triggering a surge in renewable energy in Turkana and Naivasha; the energy efficient, solar-powered new offices of the UN at Gigiri to this piloting of LED lighting on UN Avenue, Kenya is indeed glimpsing a very different, more sustainable future for its citizens, the country and for Africa,” said Mr Steiner.

Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Engineer Joseph N. Nkadayo, said: “It is not enough to do the footpaths and cycle paths without the street lighting which increases security at night along our roads.”

“Many unfound fears are reared by grey and dark corners on the streets. Many productive hours in Africa are wasted because of the fear of darkness or darkness itself.  We need to overcome this fear by installing sustainable source of power. I appreciate the current unparalleled technological expertise in this sector and believe Africa will be the leading beneficiary with abundant sunlight.”

“It is for this reason that I thank Philips Lighting for providing us the 8 lighting systems along UN Avenue. They may be few but you will observe that they have made walking along UN Avenue an easy ride. Those who want to exercise at night have a nice path. The gesture done to us by Philips Lighting is highly appreciated, “ he added.

“A new generation of Solar powered LED road and area lighting has the potential to transform life throughout Africa at a social and economic level” says Andre Dehmel, Philips lighting General Manager Africa. “We are very proud to be supplying an example of this to the road outside the UNEP headquarters, today,” he said.

Philips has recently announced the development of what is thought to be the most reliable, efficient and cost effective solar powered road lighting solution per km of road available in the market today.

This innovation has the potential to transform urban and rural life in areas of the world which do not have access to the electricity grid or where the grid is unreliable, making them safer and more productive. It will also help municipal authorities create more livable urban environments by applying new, future-proof LED lighting solutions to enhance city and rural life.    

The key to the breakthrough lies in the combination of new High Brightness LEDs with unique patented optics and an intelligent controller which lies at the heart of the solution.

This ensures that the maximum amount of power is transferred from the solar panels to the batteries (30 per cent more efficient than traditional charge controllers.) It also ensures that the charging and discharging of the battery happens in a smart way so as to maximize battery life and it can dim the light levels when required based on a self learning intelligence and a history log.  A further benefit of the high energy efficiency is that the cost and size of the batteries, and solar panels can be reduced significantly, by as much as 50% compared to standard solutions being offered in the market today.  

“We are looking to work with key partners to develop project solutions which are meaningful for communities throughout the continent” says Tamer Abolghar, General Manager, Philips Lighting Egypt and East Africa.

“We need to get away from just looking at the initial cost of a component and look at the overall cost of installing, running and maintaining a solar powered road lighting solution. Today Philips is best placed to provide these solutions.”    

According to findings from an independent report by the Climate Group and Philips entitled,
” Lighting the Clear Revolution, The Rise of LED Street Lighting and What it means for Cities”:

IBM endorses strategy to help mitigate cervical cancer in Kenya

By Dan Muhuni

Tony Mwai IBM Country Manager EA

A team of IBM experts have presented a plan to the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the United States Embassy in Kenya to encourage more women to request screening for cervical cancer, giving them a better chance at receiving life-saving treatment.

Currently, only three-percent of women between the ages of 15-49 request cervical cancer screening.  Given that patient records take many forms and are not necessarily shared between clinics, it is difficult for health providers to be aware of their patients’ cervical screening status, or to track health trends related to the disease. 

After investigating the issue, IBM recommended that the Government of Kenya use its existing HIV care and treatment network to refer patients for cervical cancer testing.  According to the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), women with HIV are four times more likely to develop abnormalities to the cervix, which can lead to cancer. 

The IBM team also suggested that the country's District Health Information Software be used to capture and analyze data about cervical cancer in Kenya. To that end, IBM recommended that national reporting standards and requirements be established for this disease so that health facilities can report statistics.

The ten-person IBM team, drawn from six countries, was in Kenya as part of IBM's pro-bono Corporate Service Corps programme, in which IBM deploys teams of its top employees to municipalities and countries to work on projects that intersect business, technology and society.   The cancer project for which IBM provided pro bono consulting is an aspect of the of the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon campaign, a partnership between the George W. Bush Institute, the U.S. Department of State, PEPFAR, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

“PEPFAR’s aim in Kenya is to develop and strengthen cancer control activities through supporting the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation’s National Cancer Control Strategy 2011-2016, specifically through initiation and scale up of cervical cancer screening (VIA/VILI) and point of care treatment of precancerous lesions with cryotherapy for HIV-infected women,” said Katherine Perry, U.S. PEPFAR Coordinator in Kenya. “We appreciate the support of partners like IBM to implement this important strategy.”

PEPFAR strongly supports an integrated approach to addressing the health needs of people affected by HIV. Its Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon campaign is an innovative partnership to leverage public and private investments in global health to combat cervical and breast cancer –- two of the leading causes of cancer death in women -- in developing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

“Leveraging the existing HIV care and treatment network to include cervical cancer screening is a resource sharing model that will see more Kenyan women have access to cervical cancer diagnoses and improve their treatment outcomes in the short and long term,” said IBM Country General Manager for East Africa Anthony Mwai.  “This is essentially what IBM seeks to achieve -- using data to create intelligent systems that add value to everyday lives,” said Mr. Mwai. 

A subset of the IBM team also worked with the East Africa Power Pool to design an information technology platform for trading energy within the East Africa region.  That project was coordinated with Center of Excellence for International Corporate Volunteerism (CEICV), a resource operated by USAID, the government agency that provides U.S. economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide; and with CDS Development Solutions and IBM.

IBM's Corporate Service Corps is a global IBM initiative designed to provide small businesses, educational institutions and non-profit organizations in growth markets with sophisticated business consulting and skills development to help improve local conditions and foster job creation. IBM deploys teams of top employees from around the world representing information technology, research, marketing, finance, consulting, human resources, legal and business development to growth markets for a period of one month.

Since the launch of the Corporate Service Corps in 2008, nearly 1,600 IBM employees based in 50 countries have been dispatched on more than 160 team assignments in 30 countries.

Africa is a focus continent for IBM's volunteerism programs.  Since 2008, IBM's Corporate Service Corps has deployed more than 500 IBM employees on approximately 44 teams to South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt.

Nokia Announced as Platinum Sponsor of Inaugural DEMO Africa

By Dan Muhuni

Gerard Brandjes, VP for Nokia South and EA. 

Nokia has confirmed their participation and support as the platinum sponsor for the first ever DEMO Africa to be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya in October this year.
The newest addition to DEMO's Global Launch Program, DEMO Africa 2012 will provide the most innovative new and established companies from across Africa the opportunity to launch their products on stage at this high profile event. It is also a platform for companies from outside the region to launch into the African marketplace.

“Nokia has a long and rich history on the African continent,” says Gerard Brandjes, Vice President for Nokia South and East Africa. “Our core strength comes from our local presence, deep consumer understanding and the ability to ignite and enable the local innovation ecosystem. DEMO Africa is the perfect showcase for this innovation, and we are extremely proud of our association with this flagship event”.

Forty of Africa’s most innovative technology products will be launched at Demo Africa. The product categories include consumer electronics, web applications, mobile technology, social media, life sciences, sustainable and renewable energy. Only companies that exhibit innovation, impact and the ability to scale their ideas will be considered for this prestigious launch platform.

"We are excited that Nokia has joined us in this search for the next big thing out of Africa. They have been a major player in this space and they will bring unprecedented value to the entire exercise," said Harry Hare, the Executive Producer for DEMO Africa.

Nokia and DEMO are also members of Liberalizing Innovation Opportunity Nations (LIONS@FRICA) Partnership with the U.S. Department of State, Microsoft, African Development Bank and USAID. This is a new public-private alliance aimed at enhancing Africa's startup and innovation ecosystems.

“DEMO Africa is an opportunity for Nokia to showcase our commitment to the LIONS@AFRICA partnership, as well as our continued focus on enabling the local ecosystem and adding value to our consumers,” concluded Brandjes.

Huawei Records High Sales in the Kenyan Market

 By Dan Muhuni
Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider has reported strong IDEOS mobile phone sales of 130,000 units in the Kenyan market since its launch in September last year. 

 

Huawei Devices whose new slogan is “let’s simply share” was the first company to introduce the most affordable Smart Phone in the Kenyan market- IDEOS. According to market research, there has been an increase in smart phones sales in the past one year in Kenya as a result of increased demand by mobile phone users seeking more from their mobile phones. 

 

Commenting on the sales Huawei CEO, Herman He said, “The phenomenal sales witnessed are as a result of intensive marketing campaign on the multimedia offering that comes with a Smart Phone. The rapid technological changes and increased mobile internet use across the globe has also led to the high demand and uptake for Smart Phones. Through this Huawei has ensured that everyone has access to smart phones at a reasonable price while ensuring they are user friendly.”

 

In order to leverage on this trend, Huawei in Kenya has set aside a marketing budget of Kshs. 100 million for 2012.  “We will be introducing the Huawei Vision, Huawei Honour and the Media pad, which are expected to rake in more revenue for the company. “  Mr. He concluded.

IBM Dominates Kenya's Banking Sector

By Dan Muhuni

World ICT leader IBM has announced details of five strategic agreements in the Kenyan financial services sector as banks  across Africa turn to advanced technologies to support rapid growth, increase profitability and launch innovative new services such as mobile and internet banking.

Over the last six months, IBM has signed contracts with five of Kenya’s leading banks: Credit Bank, Co-operative Bank, Family Bank, National Bank of Kenya and National Industrial Credit (NIC) Bank. The agreements are amongst more than 20 similar deals that IBM has signed with banks across
Africa in 2011 in line with the rapid growth of the financial services sector and as technology enables a wave of innovation in African banking.
IBM is also working with Africa’s leading telco providers to help provide mobile-phone based money transfer services. For example, through its partnership with Vodafone, IBM is helping Safaricom to provide its M-PESA mobile money services to over 15 million customers in East Africa.

“Africa is currently experiencing strong uptake in banking services in line with the growth of the continent’s middle class and the adoption of mobile and internet banking,” said Anthony Mwai, County General Manager, IBM East Africa. “Advanced technologies are helping to drive a wave of innovation
across the African financial services sector as banks create new and accessible banking channels and take banking services to previously unbanked parts of society.”

TONY MWAI IBM COUNTRY GM

According to analysts Africa’s financial services sector is currently worth over $100 billion and will continue to grow double digit to 2020, outpacing gross Africa’s domestic product growth.  Retail banking is currently the fastest growing segment predicted to grow at 18 per cent between 2009 and 2020 as demand for deposit accounts and sophisticated products jumps amid urbanization.

1.Smarter Banking
In two of the largest IT deals in the East African banking sector to date, Co-operative Bank of Kenya and National Bank of Kenya have signed multi-million dollar agreements with IBM to support their aggressive expansion strategies and increase profitability.

IBM supplied Co-Operative Bank with Power Systems as well as storage and software as part of a major overhaul of the bank’s systems.

“Our strength lies in the transformative influence we have had in the lives of over nine million Kenyans who depend on the co-operative movement for banking services.  Our investment in IT has helped us achieve our goal to launch a diverse array of innovative, new banking services and reach new
parts of society,” said Gideon Muriuki, Co-operative Bank's Managing Director.

In its agreement with the National Bank of Kenya, IBM is providing IT services, hardware and software as the bank delivers on program of business transformation.

“As we continue our transformation into a privately-owned company, we are constantly seeking means to make us leaner and more efficient,” said Reuben
Marambii, Managing Director of National Bank of Kenya. “With advanced technologies and virtualization tools, IBM is helping us to optimize our resources and provide a wider range of services to our rapidly growing client base.”

Market Expansion
Family Bank, one of Kenya’s fastest growing financial institutions, and IBM signed an agreement to support the bank’s drive to reach new markets and launch new products and services.

The bank’s regional expansion plan, alongside its introduction of new services such as mobile banking and mortgage facilities, has led the firm to transform its IT systems ahead of a planned listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange in 2012.

IBM has also signed agreements with Credit Bank and National Industrial Credit (NIC) bank as locally owned banks leverage world-class technologies to transform their businesses.

Credit Bank has turned to IBM for a new core banking system to allow the bank to rethink business processes and improve operational efficiency. Under the terms of the agreement, IBM will provide hardware, software as mwell as consultancy and services for the implementation, integration and
maintenance of the new system.

In line with its continued growth in the region, National Industrial Credit (NIC) Bank selected IBM technologies to help streamline the bank’s core banking processes and integrate its existing IT solutions to drive operational efficiencies and improve customer service.

IBM's Momentum in Africa
IBM is actively expanding its operations across Africa as part of the company's continued geographic expansion initiative to increase its presence in key growth markets and support its global growth strategy. Over the last year, IBM has closed a number of pivotal deals in the region as clients in the financial, government, telecommunications, oil and gas sectors seek solutions to help them optimize their operational costs and support business expansion strategies. Earlier this year, IBM announced details of other major banking deals with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and the National Microfinance Bank of Tanzania.

"Internet and mobile connectivity has become both more plentiful and a great deal cheaper over the last five years across Africa," said Russell Southwood, CEO at Balancing Act, an Africa-based consultancy and research company. “This allows African banks to focus on high-end products and services using the latest technologies to launch new banking channels.
Banks are also using technology to better connect branch networks especially in rural areas which are seeing some of the highest levels of growth.”
To drive demand for its services and solutions in Africa, IBM has opened over 20 offices across Africa in the last three years including those in Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt,
Tunisia and Algeria.

Yu launches new Yu Mobile Radio

 By Dan Muhuni & Agencies

yuMobile Country Manager Madhur Taneja

As Kenyans gear up for the festive season, mobile service provider yuMobile is offering its subscribers a new service that will make the festive break even more entertaining.
The company has today launched yuMobile radio – a service that will allow subscribers to download music of their choice, create playlists, browse and send dedications to their friends, families and loved ones.

While announcing the new service, yuMobile Country Manager Madhur Taneja said:

“Music has the power to bring people together and we are proud to play a part in being able to now bring it into people’s lives in new and exciting ways.  Our desire and brand promise is to give our customers a memorable brand experience through value added propositions that  are more innovative, fun and most affordable.”
The service is not dependent on any special features on handsets since it can be accessed by making a simple voice call from any yuMobile number. It makes the subscriber’s favorite music available to them anytime, anywhere, even in places without FM transmission.
To access yuMobile radio, subscribers need to dial 4444, upon which they will follow simple steps on how to get going. Access to the service is charged at Sh1/minute with dedications and downloads attracting a Sh20 charge per dedication/download.

787 Dreamliner Arrives in Nairobi on First Leg of World Tour

TV area inside the dreamliner

By Dan Muhuni
The much hyped Kenya Airways  Dreamliner touched down in Kenya’s capital today to kick off the Africa portion of Boeing’s 787 Dream Tour – a six-month worldwide tour featuring the Dreamliner. This is the first time the Dreamliner has visited the African continent.

The Dream Tour airplane will be in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and home to Kenya Airways. During the its stay, Kenya Airways executives and employees, government officials, and other guests will have a chance to view the airplane, including the interior.

“Aviation throughout Africa continues to grow at a pace faster than the world average and it is airplanes like the game-changing 787, and airlines like Kenya Airways, that will help spur that growth,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 is the perfect airplane to carry Africa into the future of aviation due to its low operating costs, size, and range. Boeing is very pleased we are able to showcase this airplane to the customers who put their faith in Boeing and the cutting-edge technology of this airplane.”

The airplane, ZA003, was originally used for flight testing but has been elegantly refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and features of the 787 including an interior that highlights the many passenger-preferred features of the airplane.

“Kenya Airways will be among the first airline in Africa to operate this great new flying machine,” said Titus Naikuni, CEO Kenya Airways. “Kenya Airways is very pleased to welcome the Dreamliner to Nairobi. Being able to see firsthand the many benefits the airplane promises to bring like the biggest windows in the industry, spacious cabin, LED-lighting, and other interior features was a great experience when the airplane arrived. Our valued passengers will also soon be able to see and experience the many benefits of this technological marvel.”

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. As a result of innovative technologies, the airplane offers unparalleled operating economics, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. More than 800 787s are on order by more than 50 airlines, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities.

Farmer's Christmas in Kenya comes early as Sidai Africa unveils livestock service network

By Dan Muhuni
(danielmuhuni@yahoo.com)

Farmers in Kenya will have something to smile about this Christmas as a newly established social enterprise, Sidai Africa unveil plans to roll out full scale livestock service centers across the country.
The ultra modern centers will offer a one stop shop of veterinary services and quality products to livestock farmers , through a strategy that will promote preventive herd and flock health care in different parts of Kenya, including the marinalised Arid and Semi Arid lands.
Speaking during the launch in a Nairobi hotel, Sidai Managing Director Mr Anthony Wainaina said the company has so far rolled out 16 Sidai franchises in North Rift, North Eastern province, Kaiado and Narok in the aim of populising the company among the Kenyans.
"Through these franchises, we are not only creating a link for small scale farmers but going the extra mile by offering other quality extension services necessary to raise healthy and productive livestock", he said.
The sidai model seeks to tranform livestock farming, by giving farmers more interactive platform, access to competitive priced quality inputs and appropriate business linkages.

Sidai Africa Limited Managing Director Anthony Wainaina (left) and Kenya
Livestock Producers Association CEO Patrick Kimani compare notes during the
Sidai Africa unveiling of plans to roll out full-scale ultra-modern
livestock centers across Kenya at Laico Regency

Wainaina added that the Sidai model seeks to create a supportive framework that will make livestock farming a rewarding venture. "Small scale farmers contribute significantly within the daily sector alone, their productions collectively account for more than 85% of milk deliveries to processors". added Wainaina.
Speaking at the launch, Patrick Maina, Chief executive of the Kenya Livestock Producers Association said that local farmers stood to gain immensely from the structured and streamlined services. With the entry of Sidai Africa, we are confident that farmers country wide will now gain immensely in practical terms", he said.
Sidai targets to open up 150 livestock service centers by 2015, with an initial focus on areas that have traditionally failed to attract professional veterinary extension services.
These centers, which will operate as Sidai franchises, will create a strong support system that ultimately enables farmers to increase their yields and gain better returns.
Mr Kawithia, a small scale farmer in Uthiru says that if indeed Sidai keeps the promise then achieving millennium development goals will be a reality. Kawithia adds that Kenyan farmers have been subjected to quarks who claim to be Agricultural extension officers, veterinary doctors who ends up frustrating the farmers.   

Kenya hosts Digital Migration and Spectrum Policy Summit

By Dan Muhuni 

African Telecommunications Union (ATU) in partnership with the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology,International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) and Qualcomm today officially opened the Digital Migration and Policy Summit at the Laico Regency Hotel.

The conference which concludes on Thursday 1^st December 2011 brings together policy makers, regulators, broadcasting and ICT experts across Africa and the rest of the world to encourage and assist Member States to consider effective regional approaches for transitioning and reallocating the digital dividend spectrum.

Minister for ICT Kenya Samuel Poghisio

Addressing the delegates during the official opening ceremony, the Minister for Information Communication Technology Kenya Samuel Poghisio said, “The Government of Kenya is proud of what it has achieved with regard to the development of the ICT and Broadcasting sectors in the country, but of course a lot more still needs to be accomplished. We look forward to interacting with all the delegates in the coming three days so that we can learn and continue to innovate in these very important sectors.”

Speaking at the same ceremony, ATU Secretary General Mr. Soumaila Abdoulkarim said, “ATU as the specialized agency of the African Union has the mission to promote the rapid development of info - communications in Africa in order to achieve universal access and full inter- country connectivity. I hope this forum will provide us with solutions that we require as Member States in our efforts to realize the smooth digital migration and as a result, testify to the rest of the world our capabilities of embracing and enhancing the enabling environment for ICT investment and access in Africa.”

The Union explains that the analog to digital broadcasting migration will transform the lives of many viewers as it will offer them a platform to access more channels, and higher quality pictures.

The summit, whose key note speakers include The Hon. Minister of Posts, telecommunications Technology & ICT, Hon Thierry Moungalla, Director of ITU Radiocommunications Bureau Mr. Rancy Fracois, (we can get others on the day),consists of keynote presentations, as well as deliberate on key topics regarding policies on digital migration including; national administration transition plans in the region, policy and regulation for Digital TV transition, estimation of future spectrum needs for broadcasting in the countries/region, the importance of harmonizing the digital dividend spectrum, establishing procedures for the award of the digital spectrum in the most efficient manner, current status of the digital dividend around the world including spectrum band plan approaches in other regions, using digital dividend spectrum to facilitate broadcasting and broadband development in Africa.

Crown Beverage Ltd launches Redds in a bottle

By Dan Muhuni
Crown foods have launched a new bottled Redds alcoholic beverage in the Kenyan market alongside the usual canned drink. Redds which has been available in 330ml cans will now be available in 330ml Non returnable bottles. It will be available in 330ml Non Returnable Bottles.


Speaking during the launch in a Nairobi hotel, Redds Marketing Manager Pinkie Nyandoro said a pilot study on bottled Redds in Kenya received positive feedback, where it currently commands 3% market share in the beer category.



New look bottled Redds

 “Market research has shown that there is a need for Redds in a bottle and we will work towards strengthening our distribution channels as well as a targeted consumer campaign to increase awareness of the product. We have put into consideration our consumers needs by ensuring that the new bottle is modern and appealing while ensuring that the content remains the same crisp clean apple taste that Redds consumers have become accustomed to.” Added Nyandoro.

Crown Beverages Limited under a partnership with Sab Miller Africa will be the official distributor.

Co-op Bank Group Managing Director and CEO Honoured

 By Dan Muhuni n Agencies

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. Gideon Muriuki, has been awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Businesses Leadership (Honoris Causa) by the Kabarak University in recognition of his exemplary performance in entrenching the co-operative banking model in the Kenyan financial market and the demonstrated leadership in sustainable growth over the last 10 years.

Under his watch, the Co-operative bank of Kenya has climbed from a Ksh 2.3 billion loss to a Ksh 5.6billion profit. For the first nine months for 2011, Mr. Muriuki’s specific mandate at the point of engagement was to return the bank to profitable trading away from massive loss position.

The Bank has since increased its customers base from 125,000 to the now 2.4 million customers, grew its branch network from 30 branches to over 94 and more importantly unique interconnectivity with the Co-operative movement to reach the over 9million members of the movement.

Commenting on this award Dr. Muriuki said, “The success of Co-operative Bank cannot be appreciated by simply looking at its good financial performance alone. Rather, its strength lies in the transformative influence it has had in the lives of millions of Kenyans who depend on the co-operative movement. It is great privilege for me to serve an institution that has made such a tremendous contribution to the improvement of the welfare of so many Kenyans. I take this award as an affirmation that service with integrity and honour will always be rewarded in the fullness of time.”

Dr. Muriuki is also credited with successful restructuring of the Bank and its listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange at a time when even the most optimistic analysts were predicting a poor subscription of the Initial Public Offer. The Bank’s IPO was awarded the Best IPO in Africa in 2008 by Africa Investor Awards. Recently the Bank was awarded the 2010 Best Bank in Kenya by the Financial Times for London.

He is a Director of the Deposit Protection Fund, Vice President Africa International Co-operative Banking Alliance (IBA) and Chairman of Governing Council Africa International University. In 2005, Dr. Muriuki was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior in recognition of his turn –around of the Bank. He is also recipient of a decoration of Chevalier de L’orde National du Burkina Faso by the President of the Burkina Faso in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the rural finance in Africa.

It’s now E-Food as Innscor Kenya ltd adopts M-pesa for customers

It’s now E-Food as Innscor Kenya ltd adopts M-pesa for customers

By Dan muhuni

Innscor Kenya limited, the proprietors of galitos,Pizza Inn, creamy Inn, bakers Inn,Galitos, TKC and stop n shop  has today joined with Safaricom Limited for access of its mobile commerce platform - M-PESA.

This partnership translates to providing over 650,000 customers of fast food outlets under the Innscor chain an opportunity to pay their bills through the globally acclaimed M-PESA service.

The payment system will apply at both the tills at the various outlets and also for home deliveries where customers can order and pay through M-PESA.

Morne Deetlefs, the MD of Innscor Kenya Ltd (Left) 

and Safaricom’s Betty Mwangi Thuo  during the Launch. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Safaricom General Manager in charge of Financial Services Betty Mwangi-Thuo said M-PESA would continue seeking partnerships and innovating to meet the changing needs of its customers.

"We shall continue innovating and entering into strategic partnerships with service providers in our quest to entrench M-PESA as a mobile commerce tool for everyone. We are truly committed to making a difference in the lives of Kenyans through M-PESA. This partnership is aligned with our strategy of taking M-PESA to the next level as more than a money transfer service in line with the "Bigger than Cash" positioning," said Ms Mwangi.

Also speaking during the ceremony at their Westgate outlet, Morne Deetlefs, the MD of Innscor Kenya Ltd said, "Mobile money is a convenient way to pay for food at either our tills or when you want food delivered to your house. Innscor is always in pursuit of ensuring that we make purchasing as convenient as can be. M-PESA has met the requirement of ensuring that convenience for the customer is met."

To use the new service with Innscor, customers will be required to:

a.     Select 'PayBill' from their M-PESA menu

b.     Enter the correct 'Business Number' for the specific Innscor Outlet

c.      Enter the 'Account Number' of the outlet where you will be paying for the meal

d.     Enter the amount you wish to pay (between KShs. 100 - 35,000).

e.     Enter your M-PESA PIN.

f.       Confirm that all the details are correct and press OK

g.     Your will receive a confirmation SMS from M-PESA immediately.

Access Kenya realigns marketing strategies to tap into the youthful Internet market

By Dan Muhuni

Access Kenya Group has announced a realignment of its marketing strategies to upscale interactivity with youthful internet users through targeted media campaigns in a renewed bid to encourage fixed-price internet connectivity and further increase their customer numbers in the next financial year.

Access Kenya MD Mr Jonathan

AccessKenya Group Managing Director Jonathan Somen said the realignment, which will be driven mainly through digital media platforms and radio, is informed by the increasing need to reach out to the young internet users - who are key in driving digital content - and improve subscriptions to faster broadband internet.

The realignment is centered upon a campaign introducing a lifestyle aspect to internet usage – away from a straight business inclination - through chic messaging and has  seen the company adopt catchy phrases around the term “IT”.

“We want to reach out to the young people and encourage them to generate and share content. We are happy that the high speed internet is fast changing the way that young people share knowledge and information and this is integral to the development of ICT in Kenya,” said Mr. Somen.

He said the company will not change focus from its core business but is looking to develop avenues to encourage connectivity so that the industry can accelerate subscription numbers, which will in turn impact on the overall growth of the sector.

“Since the arrival of the fibre optic cable, internet connectivity has become significantly cheaper but over time with more customers and more content, we will be able to offer more to customers. Costs improvements will only take place once internet usage has reached a threshold where all ISPs can now leverage on the customer numbers to achieve more economies of scale and ultimately lead to better offerings in the market, said Mr. Somen.”

According to Mr. Somen, the realignment – which will constitute the majority of the company’s marketing budget for 2012 - will be key in solidifying the company’s market leadership position and upscale its corporate image and branding.

“We don’t want to remain a “suit and tie heavy corporate entity, we want to speak to all people more easily across the board while at the same time continue to be the best provider of Corporate and high end residential connectivity and value added services in the market,” he explained.

AccessKenya is the leading corporate internet service provider with a 40 % market share and has since diversified its service offering to incorporate managed IT services including Disaster Recovery, remote assistance, and network solutions among others.

The realignment is expected to further the company’s both interim and long-term strategies in the wake of increased competition in the internet and data market.

“We are still keeping ahead of the competition and we realize that we also need to speak more to the young people even as we remain the preferred business solutions partner to the larger and midsized corporate companies,” said Mr. Kevin Keya, AccessKenya Corporate Communications Manager.

We want to be as dynamic as the market is as well as easier to talk to,” noted Mr. Keya adding that more activities to support this realignment will be unveiled next year so as to encourage participation and on-board sharing of IT knowledge.

The announcement comes in the wake of recent statistics from CCK showing that mobile phone service providers represent the majority platform through which people are accessing internet. Mr. Somen however believes that this does not negatively impact on ISPs but instead drives the need for faster and more reliable internet.

“Most of our new customers especially on residential broadband come from using a mobile modem at home  and are then looking to upgrade to faster, more consistent , more reliable as well as a fixed price internet service that we provide,” said Mr. Somen.

THE SAFARICOM FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH THE NAIROBI GREEN LINE TRUST

By Dan Muhuni and Agencies
The Safaricom Foundation has today partnered with the Nairobi Green Line Trust to support the latter’s efforts to preserve the Nairobi National Park from further encroachment and environmental degradation caused by urbanization.

 

While announcing the partnership, The Foundation’s Chairman Les Baillie, who issued a cheque of KES 43.6 million to the Trust said they will continue to support initiatives that improve and sustain Kenya’s environment.

 

Rugby sevens team player Collins Injera  assists Samuel
Waweru to read a book in a past Safaricom Foundation Event.

“The Safaricom Foundation aims at providing sustainable support to the preservation of Kenya’s environment and natural resources through partnerships to grow forests, conserve biodiversity, mitigate against human-wildlife conflict and promote the use of renewal energy sources,” said Mr. Baillie.

The Nairobi Greenline is a project that was initiated by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) and is now managed by the Nairobi Green Line Trust.

The project entails planting a 30-kilometre long, 50-metre wide forest of indigenous trees from the Cheetah Gate in Athi-River to the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi. Industrialization of Athi River Town and the proximity of Nairobi to the park have exposed this unique animal sanctuary to negative environmental impacts. The 117 square kilometres park is located 10 kilometres from the city centre.

Mr. Baillie said integrating the principles of sustainable development into Kenya’s communities through the projects the Foundation support’s is helping to reverse the loss of Kenya's environmental resources.

The Foundation’s environmental conservation partners seek to save Kenya's wildlife, forests, water catchment areas, reduce poaching as well as clean-up campaigns within communities. Through this partnerships, the Foundation has supported numerous tree planting initiatives in among other places, the Aberdares and Ngare Ndare.

Other initiatives the Foundation has supported include Save the Elephant through the implementation of an innovative elephant tracking project and partnered with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on a de-snaring project. “These partnerships are some examples of initiatives that contribute towards ensuring that man lives in harmony with his surroundings,” he said.

 

 

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK LAUNCHES A BANKING PRODUCT FOR THE YOUTH

By Dan Muhuni

As the banking fraternity continues to make forays into the retail segment, an increasing number of banks have seen the importance of launching products that fits its consumers. In this regard, Standard Chartered Bank has launched a new class of banking targeted at the young emerging affluent consumer. The Preferred Banking customer is aged between 28 and 40 years is young, upwardly mobile, and typically looking to achieve a higher level of affluence than his peers, usually within 5-8 years of his working life.

According to Kariuki Ngari, Standard Chartered Bank’s Executive Director for Consumer Banking, East Africa said that the Preferred Banking offering will holistically address this significant customer segment; a sizable and rapidly growing customer segment with needs that have been largely underserved and undifferentiated.

A customer research study undertaken by the Bank in 2009 shows that the young emerging affluent segment is a key indicator for economic recovery and growth. This growth is fueled by a conscious effort by African governments to create stable political and economic environment that   encourage investments, better economic management of government budgets and cutting back debts and deficits and urbanization.

“The young emerging affluent are in their peak years when they have tremendous appetite for financial products that will help them achieve their aspirations, like borrowing to buy their first home, or upgrade to a larger property, saving and investing for their future, their children’s education and buying more protection for themselves and their families. This led us to believe that this consumer segment will fuel the economic recovery and growth across our markets in Asia and Africa. And at Standard Chartered we see a huge opportunity for us to partner them in this growth,” said Jane Kimemia, Standard Chartered Bank’s General Manager for Priority, Preferred and International Banking.

Preferred Banking comes hot on the heels of the successful launch of the Priority Banking business last year, to complete the suite of offerings from Standard Chartered in the overall affluent space. It addresses the key needs of customer and is positioned as more personal, more convenient and more rewarding.

Customers will receive the convenience of preferential services at the branch, phone and internet and assistance from a team of preferred bankers – all available on demand, recognition of their relationship through special benefits such membership cards, specially designed pan bank rewards and special offers and a full range of solutions primarily offered through bundles across banking, borrowing, investing and protection that are relevant to their life-stage.

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