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Western Kenya Counties and Their Administrative Towns

Maishah
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Thanks to devolution, we now have several Western Kenya counties depending on how you look at them, either politically or geographically. These counties before devolution were districts on the former Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley provinces.

Western Kenya Counties from a political perspective.

The former Western Province had 4 districts before the promulgation of the new 2010 constitution. If you look at it this way (politically) and the way most Kenyans perceive, these are the 4 western Kenya counties. There are Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga. Let us have a look at them below.  

Kakamega

Kakamega is the largest county among the four, bordered by 6 counties namely Busia, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia.

Kakamega has been made famous by the current Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who is the current Chair of the Council of Governors. People also know of Kakamega as a Sugar producing county, thanks to the famous Mumias and West Kenya Sugar Companies.

Kakamega is also known for bullfighting, a sport among the Isukha and Idakho communities within the county. The county is also home to Kakamega Rain Forest, the only remnant of the Congo Rain Forest in Kenya. It is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the continent. The headquarters of the County is the town of Kakamega.

Busia

Busia is a border county and one of the entry points to Uganda. The county is sandwiched between Bungoma, Siaya, and Kakamega Counties on all sides except to with west where it borders Uganda. The origin of Boda Boda’s in Kenya is the border town of Busia.

The current governor is Sospeter Ojamong’ and the county government is headquartered in Busia town.  

Bungoma

It is one of the Western Kenya counties that to the north sit Mt. Elgon. It is bordered by Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties. It also borders Uganda to the west.

The current Governor of the county is Wycliffe Wangamati who was elected in the 2017 election, preceded by Ken Lusaka after the 2013 Elections who is the current speaker of the Senate. Its headquarters is the town of Bungoma

Vihiga

This is the smallest county among the four but also among the smallest counties in the country. The county is administered from Mbale town.

The governor is Wilber Otichilo who succeeded Moses Akaranga during the 2017 elections.

Western Kenya Counties Geographically

Geographically speaking, the number of counties in western Kenya are more that those in the form western Province.

Here are below are details counties considered to be in western Kenya geographically.

 CountyAdministrative TownGovernor
1MigoriMigoriOkoth Obado
2HomabayHomabay 
3KisiiKisiiJames Ongwae
4NyamiraNyamiraJohn Obiero Nyagarama
5BometBometHillary Barchok
6KerichoKerichoPaul Chepkwony
7NandiKapsabetStephen Sang
8KisumuKisumuAnyang’ Nyong’o
9SiayaSiayaCornel Rasanga
10VihigaMbaleWilber Otichilo
11KakamegaKakamegaWhycliffe Oparanya
12BusiaBusiaSospeter Ojamong’
14BungomaBungomaWycliffe Wangamati
15Trans NzoiaKitalePatrick S. Khaemba
16West PokotKapenguriaSimon Kachapin

Note that all these counties came into effect on March 4th 2013 after the promulgation of the 2010 constitution.

Did you know that Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, and Vihiga are members of the Lake Basin Economic Block? Other counties that will be part of the block are Nandi, Bomet, Trans Nzoia, and Kericho.

Conclusion

Western Kenya Counties are home to some of the nation’s diverse cultures and settlements spanning hundreds of years. These communities arrived here from the north and west hundreds of years ago.  

Today they form the melting point of cultures that define Kenya as a nation.

Which part of Western Kenya have been to? Share with us in the comment section below.

Glovo To Expand To Kisumu and Eldoret

Maishah
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Residents of Kisumu and Eldoret will now get Glovo services after the company announced plans to get to the two cities.

The delivery company has announced plans to expand to Kisumu and Eldoret by the end of the month.

According to Glovo General Manager Pricillah Muhiu, its expansion will bring its services to its potential customers.

This comes barely a month after the company launched its operations in Uganda bringing to five, the number of countries it operates in Africa.

Glovo is an on-demand delivery with origins in Barcelona and operates in 650 cities in 23 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

Nairobi Bus Online Booking, Destinations and Contacts

Maishah
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Nairobi Bus Online Booking, Destinations and Contacts

I know you are here because you are looking for Nairobi Bus Online Booking. However, I will disappoint you by giving you a straight answer.

Nairobi Bus does not offer online booking like many buses that operate from Machakos Bus Station in Nairobi. Other buses that you will find here include the famous Eldoret Express.

If you are looking for reputable buses that operate on the same route as Nairobi Bus, you may need to consider Easy Coach, Modern Coast, Dreamline, Mash Poa, and many others. Just search for ‘Bus Bookings’ or ‘Bookings’ on this site and you should be able to see more available options.  

Moreover, there are also dozens of shuttles that operate on the same route.

See North Rift, Great Rift, Blueline, Classic Luxury, Prestige, and many more.

Nairobi Bus Routes

This bus company operates from Machakos Bus Station, famously known as Machakos Country Bus Station. From here, it operates to western Kenya Counties. Some of its popular destinations are

  • Kericho
  • Muhoroni
  • Kisumu
  • Siaya
  • Mbale Kenya
  • Majengo
  • Chavakali
  • Kapsabet
  • Kakamega
  • Kaimosi
  • Mumias
  • Busia
  • Bungoma
  • Eldoret
  • Webuye
  • Matunda
  • Moi’s Bridge
  • Kitale
  • Kapenguria

It also serves towns and shopping centers between there major towns.

Nairobi Bus Online Booking

As I said earlier, Nairobi Bus does not have an online booking portal. So how do you get your ticket? You will need to go to Machakos Country Bus Station, locate the bus, locate the conductors and get your ticket.

If you have never been to this bus station, my advice is that it can be messy and you may end up losing your luggage and personal effects. Please consider using the other bus listed above if safety is your main concern.

Nairobi Bus Contacts

In writing this article, I was not able get the official contacts of this company. Seemingly, even when I made a visit to the buses at Machakos Country bus, I was not able to get any contact information.   

Conclusion

Nairobi Bus is one of those buses you take because you have no options left. Especially during festive season such as the Christmas craziness.

There are better bus companies you can sped you money on.  However, whichever you choose, remember to keep safe and always look over your shoulder.

Have you ever traveled by Nairobi Bus? What was your experience like? Please share that with us.

StarTimes To Elevate Bouquets In Subscriber Retention Strategy

Maishah
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StarTimes To Elevate Bouquets In Subscriber Retention Strategy

Nairobi, 20th November 2020. Pay Television Company StarTimes Media has today unveiled a strategic subscriber retention policy that will enable subscribers on both terrestrial and satellite platforms to watch local and international content reserved for higher bouquets at the cost of lower bouquets upon renewal of their monthly bouquet of choice.

Following the new policy, subscribers recharging their bouquet of choice for two months, will enjoy access to the next higher bouquet for a similar period where terrestrial platform’s Nyota bouquet subscribers will access Basic bouquet content, basic subscribers access Classic bouquet content for a similar period and Classic bouquet subscribers will in turn access 10 extra days.

Nova bouquet Subscribers on the satellite television platform will also access the same policy where they will enjoy two months of Smart bouquet content, Smart bouquet subscribers will access Super bouquet upon subscribing for a similar period as Super bouquet subscriber’s access ten extra days.

Speaking when he unveiled the policy, StarTimes Regional Marketing Director Mr. Aldrine Nsubuga noted that the move is advised by the need to not only grow subscriber value but also showcase the rich content available on higher bouquets especially with the recent acquisition of premium local and international content.

“Our goal is to ensure that we can progressively grow value for our subscribers not only through the most affordable pay television subscription fees but also through availing the best of local and internal content especially with the recent acquisition of such properties as the Kenyan Football Kenya Federation Premier League, Spanish La Liga among other local productions available on our platform,” noted Mr. Nsubuga.

StarTimes has also extended a 22% price drop for the company’s terrestrial free to view set top boxes which will now retail at Ksh. 2,699 from 3,499 inclusive of one month classic bouquet subscription while the satellite television full kit comprising of a set top box, dish and accessories will now retail at Ksh 2,699 down from Ksh 2,999 inclusive one month super bouquet subscription.

“The subscription policy will run up to the 15th of January 2021 where we are encouraging subscribers to take advantage of this period to access more content for less during and beyond the festive period,” concluded Mr. Nsubuga.

Simba Coach Online Booking, Destinations, and Contacts

Maishah
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In this article, we show you how Simba Coach Online Booking can be done. Later, we will share with you its destinations, fares, and Contacts.

But first, it important to know that Simba Coach is a bus company that plies the Nairobi- Mombasa route and Nairobi-Western Kenya Route. It is basically an intercity company, choosing to ferry customers between major cities in Kenya. It also operates in neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

It one of the oldest bus companies on the Kenya roads, competing for passengers with other companies such as Mash Poa, Coast Bus, and Dreamline among others.

Simba Coach Online Booking

You can easily book your ticket online. I did it so that I can share with you the steps that you need to take.

Here are the steps;

  1. Simba Coach does not have its own booking portal. You can only book through its accredited partners. To do this you need to go Google play store and download the Bus Kenya App.
  2. Once downloaded, you can now choose the bus company you want to travel with(Bus Kenya App gives you the option to choose any bus company of your choice)
  3. Choose the town (city) you are departing from and the town (city) you are travelling too.
  4. Confirm you chosen Simba Coach as you bus of choice.
  5. Select a seat(s) and proceed to pay via Mpesa.
  6. Input the phone number used to pay the ticket and Mpesa code to confirm the payment.
  7. The company with confirm the booking. You can then print the e-ticket or collect it at the nearest Simba coach office.

That is it, congratulations; you now can be able to travel with Simba Coach.

Simba Coach Routes

As I said earlier, Simba coach operates to many towns in Kenya and the region. Here below are the routes on which it operates.

  • Nairobi-Mombasa
  • Nairobi- Ukunda
  • Nairobi- Mpeketoni
  • Nairobi- Malindi
  • Nairobi-Malaba
  • Nairobi-Busia
  • Nairobi-Kampala
  • Nairobi-Kigali
  • Nairobi- Homabay
  • Mombasa-Kakamega

Simba Coach Contacts

You can get in touch using the following methods:

Phone

  • +254 707 471111 ( Nairobi Office- Kumasi Road)
  • +254-722355544 (Kenyatta Avenue-Nairobi)
  • +254707471110 ( Mombasa Office)
  • +254723370380 (Kisumu Office)
  • +254774471112 (Malindi Office)

Facebook Page

Review

Often when I write these articles, in no way am I recommending these bus companies. All I do is to give you the information you are looking for.

That is why I share with you some reviews so that as you go through them, you can decide for yourself if this is the bus company you want to travel with.

To start off, here is a review form Shirley Rachel Akinyi, she says;

“The officer named KARANJA at the parcel office in Nairobi CBD is very rude, annoying and unprofessional, he called me with a number starting with 0735…., he harassed my rider yet I had given him my original ID kindly train him on proper customer service skills or put him in the back office. I also raised a complaint via messenger and no one responded. I think your services are just pathetic.”

Joys Kimani Says;

“Your crew left us at the Busia border while we were dealing with immigration. That was insensitive and to make it worse when we went to lodge a complaint the Kampala manager was conveniently “out of the office”.  We had to pay extra and hitchhike a ride and we are told even by your tickets clerk that this is a norm! I want a refund and a written apology.”

Lastly tells hear what Isaac Eyezoe Gesore has to say;

“You guys are the worst thing that ever happened to humanity! Why would you allow brokers and makangas to operate in your office?”

I rest my case, you decide for yourself.

Conclusion

Now you know how to Simba Coach Online booking is done. Moreover, I have shared with you the routes the bus company operates on and its contacts. Lastly, you have read some of the reviews.

It is up to you to decide if it’s good for you.

Have you ever traveled with Simba Coach? What was your experience like? Please share with us your story.

Technology For The Next Decade: 10 Technologies That Will Change How We Live

Maishah
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Have you ever stopped to wonder how what technology for the next decade would look like given the current speed of technological innovations around the globe?

Well, almost every aspect of lie will become seamless, automated, virtual, and less costly as mind-blowing technologies get being designed everyday speeding up research among scientists.

Challenges that the world is experiencing today such as Covid-19, climate change, gun violence, and terrorism could find a lasting solution in the next few years.

The world Economic Forum has released 10 technologies that will be pivotal in revolutionizing how countries address challenges in medicine and climate change.

10 Technology for the next decade

1.Micro-needles for painless injections and tests

These tiny needles have been designed to help in painless injections and blood testing. Microneedles do not touch nerve endings. They are microscopic and are constructed through a method called micro-molding, which involves etching microscopic into resin or resin to cast them.

The process does not require costly equipment or training and can therefore be deployed in developing countries where cutting-edge medical technologies are yet to be witnessed.

2.Low Carbon Cement

Portland cement is one of the most manufactured materials in the world. It is also a source of about 8% of the world’s Carbon (IV) Oxide emissions.

Cement production accounts for 95% of concrete carbon footprint, which is why researchers are working to lower carbon content by changing the recipe using different materials and using capture and storage technologies.  

3. Digital medicine

This is an extension of the booming field of synthetic biology and one of the technologies for the next decade, where researchers use software to design genetic sequences that can now introduce into a microbe to do some desired work such as making new drugs.

So far, genomes only get light edits. But improvements in the synthesis technology and software are making it possible to print even larger swaths of genetic material and to alter genomes more extensively.

The whole-genome synthesis will transform cell engineering and researchers are confident that the ability to edit the human genome will treat all genetic diseases.

4. Solar-Powered Chemistry  

This is achieved through a number of processes that harness solar energy by absorbing sunlight in chemical reactions.  This idea is similar to photosynthesis in plants, which convert solar energy to simple molecules of glucose but without using living organisms. This is also referred to as artificial photosynthesis.

5. Green hydrogen

Scientists are convinced that the fuel could play an important role in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy such as long truck hauling, aviation, and heavy manufacturing because it has a non-poisonous by product.

6. Spatial Computing

Spatial computing refers to human interactions with a computer in which the computer retains and manipulates referents to real objects and spaces. This is the technology behind virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR), and extended reality(ER) which are already in use all over the world.

This technology for the future decade will bring together AR, VR, and ER apps and sensors to raise human-machine and machine-machine interactions to a new level. It combines these capabilities and controls objects’ movements and interactions, allowing people to navigate the digital and physical world virtually.

7. Quantum sensing

Another technology for the next decade is quantum sensing. You may have heard of quantum computing which uses the algebraic methods used in quantum mechanics to develop algorithms for computations. However, quantum sensing is something else.

Through this technology, it will be possible to have perfect navigation underwater, to sense changes in gravity that would reveal possible volcanic activity, climate change, and monitor brain activity on the go. This will also enable us to see around corners, moreover, in our lifetime it will secure navigation.

8. Electrical Aviation

Electric cars are now almost everywhere globally, but have you ever thought of electrical airplanes? As the world moves towards green energy, the motivation to reduce the carbon footprint is high. Electric propulsion of planes is seen as another way to reduce direct carbon emissions.

The technology could also reduce fuel costs by up to 90%, maintenance by up to 50%, and noise by up to 70%.

9. Virtual patients

In the test for efficacy of new medicine or vaccines, researchers are used to using living humans, a process that is usually expensive and needs patient data protection and therefore takes time.

To erase this hindrance, technology has seen the creation of virtual patients that could make trials quicker and less expensive.  A virtual patient is an interactive computer-based simulation, often with similar body functioning ability as humans. Virtual patients have been used in medicine experimental processes when training young doctors to complement clinical training.

10.Digital medicine

Digital medicine is a collection of apps that detect and monitor the mental and physical health of patients. These bots and apps can enhance the traditional medicine and provide support to patients with limited access to health care.

Over the past five years, telemedicine has gained adoption around the world with thousands of registered apps helping patience access healthcare.

List Of Bus Companies in Kenya You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

Maishah
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List Of Bus Companies in Kenya You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

It is that time of the year when the list of bus companies in Kenya comes in handy. Yes, Christmas is here with us, and most of us will want to travel to our mashinani to enjoy the festive season with our family and loved ones.

Already most bus companies have been booked to capacity. A spot check by our team at Shopaxo shows that bus companies that allow early booking are already full to capacity. As we talk, Easycoach, Modern Coast, and Dreamline are already booked to capacity.

That said, in this article, we bring you a list of bus companies and shuttles you may want to consider when traveling. However, before we do so, here are factors you may want to consider when choosing a bus company.

  1. Fare– Most bus companies will hike the fares especially as we head into Christmas. If you are able to squeeze yourself on companies that do not hike the fares such as EasyCoach go for it.
  2. Customer Service– In Kenya, most bus companies are known for poor customer service. Just yesterday I received a comment on one of my posts asking travelers to avoid Classic Buses. Let me add this, avoid bus companies that operate from Machakos Bus Station. These buses can drop you anywhere without notice or apology.
  3. Cleanliness- They say cleanliness is next to godliness, you would not want to board a bus that smells like an open sewer.
  4. Schedule- Few bus companies in Kenya keep a proper schedule. However, a few like Easy Coach try. If possible go for such.

List of Bus Companies In Kenya and Shuttles

Bus Companies in Kenya

Shuttle Companies

Conclusion

This list of bus companies in Kenya contains not only the most popular (though reliable does not mean best or reliable) companies but also some of the most reliable.

Is there a bus company or shuttle you feel should be included on this list? You can request an addition in the comment section below.

Safaricom Named As The Best Managed Security Services Provider

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Safaricom Named As The Best Managed Security Services Provider

Safaricom, Kenya’s giant telecom has been recognized by American cybersecurity corporation Fortinet as the Best Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP).

Safaricom emerged at the top in the category by achieving the fastest and most evaluation, deployment, and operation of the technology among small, medium, and large enterprises in the market.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said, “We are very honored to win this award as it is a true reflection of our comprehensive understanding of the unique security needs that businesses of different sizes have especially with the recent push to digitize operations. This accolade acknowledges that we have made significant investments into reducing the complexity of safeguarding enterprises against cybersecurity attacks. We have done this in order to empower businesses and allow them to leverage the power of technology to take their businesses forward.”

He added, “New ways of working are emerging as businesses make the shift to remote work and we are cognizant that this has created unprecedented opportunities for cyber attackers. This award is a great motivation for us as we remain committed to providing multi-faceted security functions together with our partners to defend our enterprise customers against such attacks and meet their diverse needs.”

This development comes at the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced many to work from home that brought a surge inflow of information that unlocked many avenues for cybercriminals.

Moreover, security breaches are becoming more sophisticated day by day, and intruders have acquired advanced skills and developed radical evasion techniques to enter enterprise networks unnoticed, playing on the knowledge and access gaps that still exist among businesses seeking to tackle such issues.

Since 2019, Safaricom has been building capacity to broaden its IT security solutions since it launched a wide range of cybersecurity solutions for its enterprise customers.

Fortinet, the American start-up enables partners to deliver broad and integrated high-performance network security and networking services and ranks as the first in the most security appliances shipped worldwide.

Hodan Bus Services Online Booking, Fares, and Contacts

Maishah
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Hodan Bus Services Online Booking:  Hodan Bus Services is a premium bus company that operates from Nairobi to Western Kenya and From Nairobi to Mombasa.

It one bus company that competes with other bus companies such as Modern Coast, Easy Coach, Mash Poa, Climax, Western Express among others.

And unlike many bus companies I know, their fleets boast onboard WIFI, comfortable seats, and reasonable staff.

According to their own words, “We are transport and Logistics Company dealing in passenger transport and parcel services. Our aim is to satisfy our clients’ transport and logistics needs in and beyond Kenya”.

Hodan Bus Services Routes

The bus company operates on the following routes

Nairobi- Mumias

Nairobi- Kisumu

Nairobi- Busia

Mombasa- Kapsabet- Kakamega- Mumias

Nairobi – Mombasa

Hodan Bus Services Fares

RouteFare( Ksh. )
Nairobi- Mumias  1500
Nairobi- Kisumu  1500
Nairobi- Busia  1500
Mombasa- Kapsabet- Kakamega- Mumias  2800
Nairobi – Mombasa  1800
Nairobi-Bondo-Siaya1500

Hodan Bus Services Online booking

You can get your ticket at www.hodanbus.co.ke. If this link does not work, you can get to their physical office or better still call them.

Reviews

Like I always do, I like sharing with you some of the reviews for you to decide for yourself whether the company is good enough to spend your money on.

To begin with, Jayson Tsuma says,” Your seats are not comfortable at all and both the driver and conductors are not customer friendly and rude, never again travel with Hodan”.

“Very comfort, no over speeding, Wi-Fi free, charging system complete and also has very respectful staff… Hodan bus Service Company on move from Moyale to Nairobi route and Nairobi to Moyale… for sure that every bus is the best and more comfortable than all…” says Yussuf Hussein.

Lastly, here is what Katalyst Juma says,” I just love your graphics on your buses, they are always superb!! Wish one day will join your fleet and do branding for u!!”

With these reviews, you decide for yourself.

Hodan Bus Services Contacts

You can contact them through any of the following channels

  1. Phone: 0748 857351
  2. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hodanbus
  3. Website: www.hodanbus.co.ke.

You also walk to their physical offices and make inquiries. Offices located in;

  • Nairobi
  • Mombasa
  • Kisumu
  • Bondo
  • Mumias
  • Busia
  • Kisumu

Conclusion

Hodan is among the best players in the transport industry taking on major companies on the Nairobi Mombasa and Nairobi Western Kenya Routes. It is a company you may want to consider traveling with.

Have you traveled by Hodan Bus services? What was your experience, share it with us.

Kenya Now Contributes 9% of Developers in Africa

Maishah
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Kenya now contributes 9% of the 700k Developers in Africa, according to reports by Google Africa.

According to Google Africa, Africa is the next Fortier for tech with the continent registering many firsts in the sector.

At present, the African continent is served by over 700K developers, 9% of whom are Kenyans that contribute to the economy of the African continent through the internet.

Google Africa adds that the e-Economy of the Africa continent has the potential to generate $180b by the year 2025. Which it sees will boost productivity in agriculture, healthcare, and financial services.

Countries such as Kenya are registering heavy usage of data and boosting some of the best internet connectivity on a continent with 1.3 billion people. This number is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 thus offering a ready market.

40% Connected to the Internet

About 40% of the continent is said to be connected to the internet, which is projected to lead to a 2.5 % increase in GDP per Capita. As this happens, Google estimates that 45% of the African population will be living in cities by the year 2025.

Increased urban populations have been attributed to increased access to affordable and high-speed internet.

The 700k developers reported are involved in e-commerce and fintech industries, which have been marked as primary sections driving the digital economy in Africa.

The Numbers

CountryProfessional DEVs% Total Of Africa
South Africa120K17%
Egypt85K12%
Nigeria 85K12%
Kenya60K9%
Morocco45K7%
Ethiopia20K3%
Ghana15K2%
Ivory Coast10K2%
Uganda10K2%
Tanzania15K2%
Uganda5K1%
Rest of Africa220K32%
Total690K100%
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