Home Blog Page 28

KCB Plans To Buy Rwanda and Tanzania Banks In Ksh.4.4 Billion Deal

Maishah
-
0
KCB Plans To Buy Rwanda and Tanzania Banks In Ksh.4.4 Billion Deal

KCB Group plans to acquire two banks in Tanzania and Rwanda and pay Ksh. Sh4.39 billion in a bid to deepen its presence in East Africa.

The biggest bank in Kenya by asset base announced that it will acquire a 100 percent stake in African Banking Corporation Tanzania Limited (BancABC) and a 62.06 percent stake in Banque Populaire Du Rwanda (BPR).

According to the lender which has a presence in the two markets, it signed a share purchase agreement with London-based Atlas Mara Limited, and the acquisition is expected to be completed within six months.

Already, the bank has operations in Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan and wants to strengthen its position in those markets and beyond. This is according CEO Joshua Oigara who told an online news conference after the deal was announced.

This move is also similar to what the bank and other Kenyan banks have done in the past as they seek to tap opportunities available in the region at the same time driving rapid economic growth and trade integration.

KCB’s main rival Equity Group had initially bid for the two banks alongside the African Banking Corporation of Zambia and African Banking Corporation Mozambique. However, the deal was canceled after 14 months of negotiations.

KCB Group CEO Oigara Said, “When you build transactions growth through business combinations and acquisitions, you don’t stop.”

He added that “The transaction fits within the group’s expansion strategy and will see us increase our market share and distribution network across Rwanda and Tanzania and improve our operating leverage by enabling us to deliver our existing product offerings to a wider base of customers.”

KCB intends to push with acquiring the remaining share of the Rwandan bank who has a combined stake of 37.94%.

By acquiring the BPR, KCB will double its market share and become the second largest bank. Currently it sits at the sixth position.

Mr. Oigara said the acquisition of BPR will see KCB double its market share to become the second-largest from the current sixth position. In Tanzania, he expects the bank to break into the top 10 from the current 13th position.

Have You Ever Checked Your Car’s Safety Rating?

Maishah
-
0
Have You Ever Checked Your Car’s Safety Rating?

Car’s safety ratings: Until the 1960s, a collision was not a concern in motor vehicle design. The notion was that the biggest and strongest vehicles would come out the best.

This is still true if the vehicle is what you are worried about. However, for the people inside, this is a different story.

If a vehicle is so rigid that it does not bend when it hits something, it does not absorb any of the energy f the impact. The full force of the impact is transmitted to the driver and other occupants.

Bodywork that bends does absorb some of the impact energy and the force inflicted on the occupants is concomitantly less.

For this reason, cars manufactured since the 1960s have been designed with energy-absorbing “crumple zones” fore and aft, with a “rigid cell” in the middle that ensures that the crumpling does not cave in on the occupants.

And because the remaining force of a big crash could still whiplash the driver and the occupants against the inside of the safety cell, seatbelts and head restraints were often used.

This combination of systems hugely improved the chances of survival in even quite severe crashes.  In really heavy collisions, occupants could still be hurt because doors flew open or jammed shut. Moreover, the engine, steering wheel, and pedals could be forced into the passengers’ compartment and strike the passengers like sledgehammers.

Today, doors now have anti-burst locking mechanisms; engine mounting shear is a way that sends the large lump of Iron on the floor in a big crash, and the shaft f the steering wheel is designed to bend sideways instead of spearing towards the driver’s chest.

Other developments include airbags and the instant crash-tensioning of seatbelts; crumple zones have become more progressive and effective from different angles.  Sidebars have been put in the doors and the integrity of the rigid cell is more exact and roof pillars do not kink.

All these things, individually and collectively are now measured by NCAP ratings, not just for their presence but for the precise degree of effectiveness. Their car safety ratings are on the internet.

KenGen To Sell Power Direct To Consumers

Maishah
-
0

KenGen is set to sell electricity directly to Kenyans. Kenyans could soon be able to buy electricity directly from Kengen once the regulations are ready to be enforced in the new Energy Act.

The energy act that was signed by President Kenyatta in March of last year will pave way for companies to apply for retail license to distribute power to Kenyans. Currently only Kenya power has the monopoly to distribute power to Kenyans.

According to Managing Director Rebecca Miano, KenGen is already planning to sell power directly to large consumers.

This what she had to say, “The Energy Act 2019 has provision for us to sell power directly especially to large consumers. What is pending are the regulations of how that would be undertaken and how the infrastructure would be set up. We are certain that when the regulations are ready, that possibility will be there.”

Just recently, we saw Kenya power complain that it was losing customers who were now switching to solar power as a source of energy.

This latest move will be the last nail on the coffin of Kenya power who for years have enjoyed monopoly distributing power to consumers. Will more than half its sales going to large consumers, its fortunes will dwindle further.

However, according to the Energy Cabinet secretary, those seeking to be distributors will need their own infrastructure.

He noted that, “The electricity distribution market in Kenya is currently open to any player as long as they meet the licensing requirements as outlined by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and are in line with the provisions of the Energy Act 2019.  A new power distributor would require new assets and thus there may be expensive duplication of roles.”

According to the Energy Act, the distribution lines remain the property of Kenya power even after anyone pays for the fees to the utility firm to use the infrastructure.

Currently, regulations that would guide how much one would pay to use the Kenya Power distribution infrastructure are yet to be developed by the ministry.

This means that for KenGen to fully realize the plan they will need a distribution license and rely majorly on the network built by the KETRACO(Kenya Electricity Transmission Company).

Naivas Supermarket Occupies Nakumatt Lifestyle Space At Hazina Towers

Maishah
-
0
Naivas Supermarket Occupies Nakumatt Lifestyle Space At Hazina Towers

Naivas Supermarket continues to benefit from woos faced by its competitors after taking up the space that was vacated by Nakumatt Holdings at Hazina Towers.

The new branch will start operations on Tuesday, on a space that many know as Lifestyle on Monrovia Street in the city center.

Speaking to the media, Willy Kimani the Naivas Supermarket said that, “the new branch speaks to the resilience of the retailer in defying a tough business environment due to Covid-19 disruptions to keep up with its growth and expansion strategy.”

He added that “The new store, a food market is the first of our stores of this format within the CBD (central business district). It will be stocked with a variety of quality products to choose from, ranging from fresh produce, branded food, general household items, electronics among many others,”

Already, Naivas has occupied other spaces formally occupied by Nakumatt Holdings such as Prestige Plaza on Ngong road, Mega-City mall in Kisumu, and Moi Avenue branch. Other spaces taken up are Likoni and Bamburi branches both in Mombasa.

Just recently, Naivas opened a new branch at Waterfront Mall in Karen, taking over the space that troubled South African retailer Shoprite previously occupied.

Taking advantage of Nakumatt’s woes, Naivas also occupied a space at Mwembe Tayari Mall, which Nakumatt intended to occupy before its downfall

Naivas entry at Hazina Towers increases its outlets within the CBD where it also has a presence at Ronald Ngala, Development House, and Moi Avenue, making it the largest supermarket chain in the country today.

Moreover, Naivas plans to open two more branches, one, a food market in Rongai and another at Ananas Mall in Thika by the end of the year. This will bring to 70 the number of branches run by the supermarket chain.

Western Kenya Counties and Their Administrative Towns

Maishah
-
0

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
-
0

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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0

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
-
0

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.

1...272829...64Page 28 of 64