Ommy Dallah
KPA Acting MD Rashid Salim Term Extended By Another Three Months
Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] acting Managing Director Rashid Salim will continue holding the position for a further three months, following the government's decision to extend his term.
This is after the government failed to get a substantive MD for the parastatal from the just concluded interviews.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2040-kpa-conducts-interviews-for-md-post
Today (Wednesday) Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani rejected the proposed names for the job, directing the KPA board to undertake a fresh recruitement exercise and be concluded within 45 days.
In the letter copied to his transport counterpart James Macharia and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Yatani directed the process to recruit a new MD must be concluded within the stipulated period.
"I have reviewed the list of names ,scores and ranking of the candidates proposed for appointment as Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority and note that all the candidates scored below the desired threshold of 7o per cent in the interview " reads the letter from Yatani.
Rashid was not among those shortlisted for the job.
The three candidates never met the threshold required for the position forcing the government to go back to the drawing board and it is set to re advertise for the controversial post.
Former Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor chief executive officer Silvester Kasuku came third after he managed to score 63 per cent marks.
Both former Principal Secretary at the Gender ministry Mwanamaka Mabruki who has previously worked at the port and Murshid Rashid who is maritime expert tied with a score of 67 per cent marks.
The three from the six shortlisted candidates failed to meet the pass marks of 70 per cent.
The move to extend Rashid’s contract will be the last since he is expected to proceed to his annual leave pending his retirement end of this year.
Things may get more complicated in the recruitment process as KPA board of directors chairman Joseph Kibwana is expected to exit mid this year.
Other shortlisted candidates who sat for interview for the top post were James Ng’ang’a who is currently Infrastructure Director - Northern Corridor at TradeMark East Africa and who previously worked at the port of Mombasa, former KPA General Manager Human Resource and Administration Dr Amani Komora and KPA General Manager in charge of Kisumu port Sudi Mwasingo who made his second attempt for the post.
Opinion: Businesses Should Look To Omnichannel To Deliver A Unified Customer Experience
By Doreen Kinja, Team Leader at Infobip Kenya
Like the rest of the world, Kenya’s business sector has been significantly affected and reshaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a large portion of commercial activity shifting to the digital space as physical interactions practically ceased.
Interestingly, we are now seeing businesses mushrooming out of nowhere, and these are often companies that did not have a real strategy before but shaped their models around the pandemic.
These start-ups are thriving because they have taken up the challenge and launched entirely online, using technology to reach more customers.
Despite this accelerated digitisation, SMS is and likely to remain for some time yet, the most widely used channel for customer communication.
This is largely due to Kenya having a large proportion of feature phone users often located in remote areas, but it is also at the forefront of mobile penetration on the continent, with 4G connectivity and infrastructure that is increasing reaching these areas.
Yet, we have also seen significant uptake of chat apps such as WhatsApp by local businesses during the past year, thanks to smartphones becoming increasingly cheaper too. There is a noticeable trend toward businesses exploring alternative channels and adopting multiple channels to engage with their customers.
Now is the ideal time for companies to start adopting an omnichannel approach to customer engagement. An omnichannel solution brings an array of communication options, allowing the customer to interact with their brand over the channel of their choice.
Young population
Further strengthening the case for omnichannel adoption is the fact that Kenya has a young population, with more than 50% below the age of 30. This demographic does not want to use traditional channels such as voice to communicate with a business.
These customers are more likely to use chat apps and SMS and demand instant response.
Not only does an omnichannel approach provide customers with their choice of preferred channels, but it also allows the business to segment its client base and effectively target relevant and personalised messaging at specific groups or individuals.
This is key to offering an enhanced customer experience (CX), which remains the only true differentiator in a competitive market.
The trend towards digitisation is evident in areas such as Kenya’s microfinance sector, where thousands of different Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) provide loans and financing for their members.
While SACCOS traditionally operated out of physical offices, most have shifted all their services online – from onboarding new members to giving out loans.
Have a strategy
Despite the many benefits, the decision of whether to adopt an omnichannel approach should not be taken lightly. Last year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, we saw many companies rushing to adopt solutions that they did not fully understand, due to a lack of planning. The same counts for omnichannel – make sure you have a strategy, and the solution supports your business objectives.
If leveraged effectively, an omnichannel platform will not only enhance the CX but will also contribute to cost savings and add to the bottom line. A targeted and personalised promotional dialogue will bring the right products and services to the right customer, resulting in a greater return on investment for the campaign.
Another benefit is that a unified CX is the key to creating powerful human connections. As human beings, we want to have things just the way we like them. We want to be reached on our favourite channels and we don’t want to struggle to communicate. We want to chat and get instant feedback.
Effectively, businesses should look to an omnichannel platform that allows for a combination of communication channels and personalised messaging as key for a holistic approach to customer engagement and powerful human connection at scale.
BBI Bill To Be Tabled In Parliament On Thursday
The draft Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (BBI) will be introduced at the National Assembly on Thursday.
According to a communication from the National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi to Mps on Tuesday evening, the Bill will be introduced in the house for its first reading.
In the communication Muturi directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to urgently obtain sufficient copies of the Bill.
“To my mind, the urgency implied by the provision seems to be drawn from the lengthy process attached to the consideration of the Bill in terms of collection of signatures in support; verification of said signatures; public participation by the various county assemblies and ultimately approval by the assemblies,” reads part of the communication.
This comes as ODM leader Raila Odinga begins his tour of the larger Coast region to popularise the bill, all the six counties in the region have already passed the bill.
So far, 42 counties have passed the BBI Bill and three (Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Baringo) have rejected it. Uasin Gishu and Mandera county assemblies have not yet debated the bill.
Reggae Legend Bunny Wailer Dies Aged 73
Legendary reggae singer, Neville O’Riley Livingston, famously known as Bunny Wailer has died.
According to reports, he died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston this morning. He was 73.
He was a founding member of The Wailers alongside his childhood friend, Bob Marley.
He was also the last surviving member of The Wailers, following Bob Marley's death from cancer in 1981, and Peter Tosh's murder during a robbery in 1987.
The group (The Wailers) was formed in Trench Town during the early 1960’s. They had a number of hit songs in the ska and rocksteady eras such as Simmer Down, Lonesome Feeling and Thank You Lord.
After recording two albums, ‘Catch A Fire’ and ‘Burnin’, Wailer and Tosh left for solo careers in 1974.
Throughout his solo career, Wailer released over 10 albums. He won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1991 for the album Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley, 1995 for Crucial! Roots Classics, and 1997 for Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary.
In 2012, Bunny Wailer received Jamaica’s fifth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica. Five years later, in 2017, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the Jamaican government, the nation’s fourth-highest honour.
Scorpion Kings Duo, Dj Maphorisa And Kabza De Small Shut Down Nairobi Concert
Amapiano fans were treated to an unforgettable concert over the weekend by The Kings of Amapiano - Scorpion Kings duo DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small at the Carnivore grounds.
The drive in event that started at 12noon saw revelers enjoy Amapiano vibes from Malonza, DJ Protégé, MGM, DJ Ally Fresh, DJ IV, Shema Dj and the stars of the afternoon Scorpion Kings.
Raila Begins 6- Day Tour Of Coast Region
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga has today (Monday) commenced his six day tour of the larger Coast region to popularise the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Raila landed at the Voi airstrip where he was received by Taita Taveta county Governor Granton Samboja, Voi Mp Jones Mlolwa among other leaders before heading to the Voi Wildlife hotel for a private meeting with the county leaders.
He will spend two days in Taita Taveta before heading to Kilifi county Wednesday.
On Thursday, the former Prime Minister will be in Mombasa county and is expected to visit all the six constituencies before heading to Kwale county.
His tour comes just weeks after that of his political rival Deputy President William Ruto who toured Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties campaigning against the BBI.
The tour also comes at a time when some leaders from the region within ODM have been advocating for the formation of a Coast political party. Among those who have been on the forefront advocating for the Coast party is Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has however maintained that he seek an ODM ticket to run for the presidency in 2011.
Last week, ODM extended the deadline for submission of applications by individuals who wish to be the party’s presidential candidate by one month.
“Further to the notice of the National Elections Board (NEB) of 21st January 2021 calling for the submission of applications by individuals interested in consideration as the ODM Party presidential candidate for the 2022 general elections, this is to extend the deadline for the submission of applications from 26th of February 2021 to 31st March 2021,” reads the statement from ODM.
Kizz Daniel Links Up With Dj Coublon On 'Flex'
Nigerian Afro Pop superstar Kizz Daniel has released “Flex” - a brand new single & video.
The Afrobeat delight is layered over monstrous instrumentation and complemented by intoxicating brass, melodious saxophone and powerful trumpets. The thumping single produced by award-winning record producer DJ Coublon is a befitting homage to Fela Kuti.
The single is an Afrobeat delight, with its video perfectly capturing the fun-loving and spirited nature of Nigeria’s vibrant party scene.
Download/stream “Flex”: https://smarturl.it/KizzDaniel.Flex
“Flex” Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7akR7AEAxg
“Flex” Lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onmAr3jNz1I
The stunning black and white video, directed by The Alien, captivates the life and times of a popular nightclub that hosted performances from the Afrobeat icon famed for brisk and exhilarating dance tunes.
Kizz Daniel previously worked with the seasoned producer (DJ Coublon) on several singles including ‘’Duro’’ off his debut album NEW ERA and the mega remix to his hit single ‘’Woju’’ featuring Afrobeat superstars Davido and Tiwa Savage.
Kizz has kicked off what promises to be a good year in music with the feel-good anthem reminiscent of sounds from his sophomore 2018 album ‘No Bad Songz’, and a follow up to the success of his most recent ‘King Of Love’ 2020 album.
Exclusive: Ali Kiba's Wife Amina Khalef Pregnant With Second Child
Tanzanian singer AliKiba and his Kenyan wife Amina Khalef are expecting their second child.
According to a source close to the pair, Amina is due in the next four months.
"She is now five months pregnant, they have been trying to keep this out of the public" said the source.
Adding "If you are keen and following Amina on social media, she has not been posting recent photos of herself on social media".
This will be their second child, and fourth to Alikiba who has three other children with different baby mamas.
The two welcomed their first child, a boy early 2019, eight months after their wedding in Mombasa.
Mombasa Governor Hassan joho was among those who attended the reception held in Daresalaam.
KPA To Re-Advertise MD Job
The Kenya ports authority (KPA) is set to re advertise for the post of Managing Director after six shortlisted candidates failed to meet the pass marks of 70 per cent.
It has emerged the three candidates never met the threshold required for the position forcing the government to go back to the drawing board.
Former Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor chief executive officer Silvester Kasuku came third after he managed to score 63 per cent marks.
Both former Principal Secretary at the Gender ministry Mwanamaka Mabruki who has previously worked at the port and Murshid Rashid who is maritime expert tied with a score of 67 per cent marks.
This leaves KPA acting managing director Rashid Salim at the helm and whose contract was extended for another three months on Monday to continue until a qualified successor for former embattled MD Daniel Manduku is found.
Rashid has attained his retirement age and he is due to retire end of this year ahead of the 2022 general election.
According to a source, Treasury cabinet secretary Ukur Yatani was forced to call for an urgent KPA board meeting at his treasury office in Nairobi on Friday.
Simba Corp Commences Sales Of The Locally Assembled Proton Saga
Simba Corp has officially launched sales of the locally assembled Proton Saga saloon car.
Speaking at the Proton Saga Media launch event held at Aspire Centre, Westlands, Simba Corporation Group CEO, Dinesh Kotecha said, “We look forward to having the Proton Saga and indeed the Proton brand take the Kenyan market by storm because we believe that this is a solution that our customers have been waiting for and we have finally delivered.”
The Proton Saga is locally assembled at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers plant in Mombasa. It comes with a 5 year, 150,000KM warranty.
Simba Corp has partnered with bank partners to make it easier for their customers to own this zero-mileage, high-value car. The Proton Saga also comes with a 4 star NCAP safety rating and will have over 50 service locations nationwide.
Simba Corporation Executive Chairman, Adil Popat said, “The launch of the Proton Saga demonstrates how a positive partnership between the government, private sector and all industry stakeholders can deliver solutions whose impact will be felt by consumers at all levels of the Kenyan economy.”
In his address, the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Lawrence Karanja, said "We celebrate this growth and development in the manufacturing sector in Kenya in a bid to achieve Vision 2030. The government’s mission is to make Kenya a regional hub for automotive assembly and manufacture."
Adding "As a government we are supporting the industry by being committed to buying locally assembled vehicles because we believe in Buy Kenya and Build Kenya as this creates employment, skills development and transfer for our youth, research and development as well as promoting environmental protection.”
on his part Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (K.A.B.A) Chairman, Major (Rtd) John Kipchumba said, “We don't import because we love used cars, we do it due to the demand. We are looking for affordable vehicles that are fuel-efficient and new, with zero (0) mileage, and the Proton Saga has come to address this.”
“We have the utmost confidence that Proton will transform the automotive market and the lives of our consumers. The 5-year warranty, attractive financing options, safety features, aftersales network, all, for a brand new zero-mileage car that is assembled locally is an unbeatable deal.” said Simba Corporation Motor Division Managing Director, Naresh Leekha
Proton joins the growing list of globally renowned automotive brands that have chosen Kenya as their home and are being assembled by AVA in Mombasa. During the Mombasa launch held in
December 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta, President Kenyatta officially launched the car in Mombasa
This vehicle is assembled at Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Mombasa which is also fully owned by Simba Corporation.