Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has handed over a sh 39 Million state- of- the- art multi-purpose hall to Mazeras Memorial girls school in part of this year's corporate social investment CSI plan.

KPA board of directors Chairman Benjamin Tayari who presided over the ceremony said the multipurpose hall, constructed at a cost of Ksh 39 million, stands as a testament to the Authority's commitment to corporate social investment and community development.

In his speech the Chairman expressed his pleasure in commissioning the new multipurpose hall terming it a milestone achievement.

"This multipurpose hall is more than just a structure, it is a symbol of our dedication to education, empowerment, and community development. It is a space where students can gather for various activities, where teachers can conduct workshops, and where the community can come together for events and celebrations." said Tayari.

Adding " This is one of the most expensive projects the Authority has undertaken through our corporate social investment programme. This serves as a testament to KPA's unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve.

The KPA board chair said the Agency is conducting countrywide programs targeting to uplift the lives of communities.

Tayari charged "I am proud to note that to date our CSI programs have made significant contributions to the development of over 60 infrastructures, including a dispensary clinic, school laboratories, libraries, dormitories, classrooms, a centre for rescued girls, and administration blocks administrative buildings across the country and in the neighboring nations."

On port operations, Tayari stated the agency has improved on its efficiency to increase cargo turn around.

“What we are doing is to ensure the cargo turns around efficiently within 24 hours, this gives us an opportunity to do a lot of business and become competitive in the region.

Tayari was speaking at Mazeras Memorial girls during a community social investment where they handed over a multi-purpose social hall to the school worth sh 39 Million.

On her part Mazeras Girls high school principal Faith Waithaka said the multipurpose hall will be used to hold meetings, act as a dining hall and will also help them in undertaking indoor games.

"We have been spending alot of money before when we hosted events in the school. we were forced to rent tents but withy this new hall the burden has now been eased and we wish to thank KPA for this gesture" said Waithaka.

Adding "This hall will not only help Mazeras girls nut most institutions here around since it is big enough"

Kasemeni member of the Kwale county assembly Safari Victor applauded KPA for continuing to support the communities on matters of education.

"KPA needs to be congratulate and emulated in what they are doing to the community. This is commendable" said Safari

Following a construction period of twenty-one months, yesterday saw the launch of the M.V. Mpungu - the pioneering East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) vessel - on Lake Victoria.

The vessel was launched from the purpose-built Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd, an Alpha Group Company.

The vessel will now undergo a period of Lake trials before commencing service in Q2 2024.

The M.V. Mpungu will be Lake Victoria’s first scheduled roll on / roll off freight vessel, addressing the need for a reliable freight service to facilitate regional and international trade.

Commissioned by InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and experienced regional logistics company, Grindrod Limited (Grindrod), the 96-metre-long vessel has the capacity to handle up to 1,000 tons of containerised cargo, the equivalent of twenty-one trailers.

EAMT also benefitted from a European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF) grant for market and technical studies as well as for legal and regulatory support.

Brenda Omuombo, Regional HSES Manager (PIDG), officially launched and named the vessel, undertaking the naval tradition of smashing a bottle of champagne on its hull, “I am honoured to have been asked to launch the M.V. Mpungu here today, I wish the vessel - and all who crew and sail on her - good fortune!”

The vessel was then launched into the Lake by specialist teams from SECO Marine (U) Ltd.

Uganda  Minister for Works, Echwera Musa, began by thanking the young men and women present who built the M.V. Mpungu vessel,.

“They are our heroes today.” he said.

Adding "Thank you to the people who put the idea together first, the owners of the company, for accepting to come and invest in this part of Africa, and to the designers of the vessel who put this design on paper so that it could be translated into reality. It humbles me.”

He thanked the vessel stakeholders for having confidence in Uganda.

“I can assure you that your investment is safe. Maritime transport is very delicate, there are so many hurdles to be jumped, we shall help you jump those hurdles. We need vessels to occupy our water bodies, there are many who have showed interest, but you have gone beyond that, by proving a presence. This Lake will be full of reliable vessels in the years to come. I declare M.V. Mpungu officially launched, for God and my country!”

Speaking after the launch, Rodney Seema, InfraCo Africa’s Regional Asset Management Lead, said, “The launch today marks the culmination of many years of work by all parties to develop, finance, design and build this pioneering vessel. We are excited to witness the economic impact that access to a safe, scheduled freight service will bring for Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the wider region.”

The ceremony took place in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and representatives from InfraCo Africa, SECO, Grindrod, OSK Design, Alpha Group and EAMT and members of the construction team who had gathered in Entebbe to mark the momentous occasion of floating the vessel.

Mr. Sujal, Director of SECO Marine (U) Ltd said, “ This is an important milestone for the vessel, the maritime industry in Uganda, and for logistics within the East African community. "

Grindrod will operate the EAMT vessel, offering freight carriers access to a safe, scheduled freight service between Uganda and Tanzania.

The EAMT vessel will cross the lake in an anticipated time of eighteen hours, compared with the current journey around the lake by congested regional roads which can take between three and four days.

As well as preventing spoilage of fresh produce, reduced journey times are expected to boost trade, supporting SDG 9.4.

The fuel-efficient freight vessel will reduce CO2 equivalent emissions associated with climate change and will remove freight vehicles from the region’s congested road network.

Xolani Mbambo, CEO of Grindrod Limited, emphasised the importance of understanding customers' requirements and finding innovative solutions for efficiently and cost-effectively moving their cargo to markets.

"The ferry operation aims to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses in the region, thereby promoting trade, and contributing to economic growth. We are excited to be part of this project and confident in our operational teams' ability to deliver excellent results in this endeavour."

The EAMT vessel is expected to undertake its maiden voyage in April 2024.

The Mombasa Creatives economy interim board is set to conduct it's second public participation on the creatives economy board bill end of this month.

Addressing members of the press at the Mombasa little theatre club, the interim Chairman Daudi Anguka said this exercise is aimed at collected more views from stakeholders who did not participate in the first exercise held late last year at the Swahili pot hub.

"As you are aware the governor tasked us to ensure that the process of presenting the bill to the county assembly starts by the end of this month, February" said Anguka.

Adding "We want to bring everyone onboard, what we are avoiding is politics and what used to happen before where only few individulas in the industry were involved and pretended to be talking and making deals on behalf of others."

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Arccording to Anguka, after the public participation, they will call a meeting of all stakeholders in the creative industry to fine tune their opinion and officially sign a memorandum of understanding with the county government before presenting their proposals to the Mombasa county assembly Tourism and culture committee for presentation and adoption in the counrty assembly.

"This will be a legal board formed through the county assembly. We are currently enganging law experts to guide us and we believe we will finally have something that will benefit all of us. It is not only for musicians, this will also involve poets, actors, bloggers and other creratives whom operate in the county."

Anguka further called on the industry players to come out and support the initiative.

"We do not want to have a scenario where when a governor comes into office we go back to where we were. We need to have something that has been founded on the foundation of law which any governor who comers into office will have to implement.  Time has come where we will no longer have the cartels as it was before." argued Anguka.

On his part rapper Kaa La Moto who is a member of the interim board called on creatives to be confident and optimistimic that the board will bring changes to the industry.

"We have all been in this industry and know the challenges that have been facing us. Let's have confidence that this thing will work. We have never had such a board before. Time for cartels is over" said Kaa La Moto.

The board will be manadated to promote and empower local talents among other things.

The highly anticipated single, "Nikueleze," by Dubbz featuring Amuka Sasa, a Switzerland-based Kenyan rising star is now officially released and available on YouTube.

Released on Valentine's Day, 14th February, this soulful song is a heartfelt tribute to love, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit.

"Nikueleze"(Swahili for "Let Me Tell You") is a powerful composition that resonates deeply with listeners, offering a message of hope and encouragement in the face of life's challenges.

Through its poignant lyrics and captivating melody, the song serves as a reminder that no matter the obstacles, love and perseverance can conquer all.

Dubbz, renowned for his lyrical prowess and emotive storytelling, brings a depth of emotion to "Nikueleze," Amuka Sasa's smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery add a layer of sincerity and relatability to the track.

"We wanted to create something special for our listeners, especially on Valentine's Day," says Dubbz. " 'Nikueleze' is our gift of love and hope, a reminder that love and resilience can carry us through even the toughest of times."

Amuka Sasa adds, "This song celebrates love in all its forms. We hope that 'Nikueleze' touches the hearts of everyone who listens to it, and serves as a beacon of hope and positivity."

The release of "Nikueleze" is a project under the Amuka Sasa Foundation, an initiative started by Amuka Sasa.

This foundation aims to empower the youth by providing support through music recording and promotion for upcoming artists, distributing sanitary towels to young girls, and providing football kits to budding football stars.

By Bethanie Musyoka, Business & Commercial Banking / Public Sector, Stanbic Bank.

If you are like me, you probably had your first interactions with having a sense of controlling money when you went to Boarding school.

And even then, this mostly involved a bursar keeping the money for you. If the bursar doubted your worthiness, you'd end up pleading your case with a shopping list of basics like plain bread and a soda. 

When you see toddlers throwing tantrums in supermarkets over colourful treats while their parents struggle, you realise it's a prime teaching moment.

We can instil budgeting basics early on. Children as young as three can begin understanding basic money concepts. Even at this age, they grasp ideas like trading money for items at the store and following a shopping list.

Many money habits are set by age 7 to 9. These habits include planning ahead, budgeting, delayed gratification, and even returning borrowed items.

What children observe and learn during their early years significantly influences their adult financial behaviour.

Counterintuitively, allowing kids to spend money and experience failures now can be beneficial.

It provides an opportunity to teach them about saving and delayed gratification. These lessons lay the foundation for responsible money management later in life.

Here are some easy financial education tips for 6-year-olds (even adaptable for 3-year-olds):

1. Introduce money: Explain it's what we use to buy stuff earned through work, chores, or gifts.

2. Count money: Use real coins and notes for hands-on learning.

3. Give an allowance: Start small, teaching value and responsibility.

4. Teach charity: Show how giving back is essential.

5. Encourage saving: Help set goals and differentiate needs from wants.

6. Compare prices: Teach value for money.

7. Use a bank: Open a savings account and learn about deposits and withdrawals.

8. Talk debt: Explain borrowing and repayment.

9. Lead by example: Kids mimic adults, so watch your spending habits.

10. Play board games: International currency games can be both fun and educational.

While these tips might seem daunting, teaching kids about money early on has immense benefits.

It's an opportunity to impart life lessons and set them up for financial success in the future.

Happy parenting!

Liz Ogumbo’s music brand - KenSoul is thrilled to announce the release of a powerful new song titled "Say No," aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting positive social change.

Liz Ogumbo has created a compelling musical piece that seeks to shine a spotlight on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and inspire action towards ending it.

'Say No’ addresses the complex and urgent issue of gender-based violence, conveying messages of solidarity, empowerment, and hope for survivors.

Through evocative lyrics and emotive melodies, the song aims to:

· Raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence in communities worldwide.

- Challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

- Encourage survivors to seek support, speak out against abuse, and know that they are not alone.

-Mobilize individuals, communities, and institutions to take concrete action to prevent and address gender-based violence.

Additionally, she will be launching a comprehensive social media campaign to engage audiences, share resources, and encourage dialogue about gender-based violence using the hashtags #SayNo #EndGBV.

The song is available on youtube an all other major music platforms.

I&M Bank has opened its new branch in Diani, Ukunda as part of its retail expansion strategy to strengthen its presence in the Coast region.

The lender currently has 8 branches in the region and 52 in the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the branch, I&M bank Coast Regional Manager James Ng'anga said the new branch targets the tourism industry in the area.

"We have always wanted to open a branch here in Diani, we finally have done that. This new branch is also as a result of our focus to being close to our customers and driving higher personalised engagement." said Ng'anga.

Adding" With this branch we are mainly targeting the blue economy and tourism sectors as you are aware those are the main major businesses here."

Ng'anga pointed out that the opening of the new branch  has signaled the bank's commitment to addressing the needs of the people and bridging the gap to financial inclusivity across the country.

Now in its 50th year, I&M Bank  intends to grow its countrywide network guided by its iMara strategy that has prioritised expanding its retail services through initiatives such as new innovative retail products and expanding its credit facilities.

Among the services under the iMara strategy also includes introducing retail products, expanding its credit facilities, and eliminating Bank-to-MPESA transaction costs among others.

Last month, the lender announced that it was planning to open more branches this year spread across all the 47 counties.

Home appliances that offer efficiency, convenience, and advanced features have become essential in the current world.

With the world pushing daily for various sectors to embrace green investments that are friendly to Earth, the need for efficient electronics has never hit the peak as it is now.

Samsung has again raised the bar with its state-of-the-art and cutting-edge 12KG washing machine, designed to simplify your laundry routine while prioritizing safety, energy conservation, and user-friendly features.

According to Samsung, with this washing machine, the dedicated EZ Wash TrayTM provides a convenient space to hand-wash delicate items and pre-wash heavily soiled clothes, rather than having to find a separate area or bend over a faucet.

This washing machine comes with the following great features:

Capacity and Efficiency

Samsung 12KG washing machine comes with an impressive capacity, making it ideal for large households or families with substantial laundry loads.

With this appliance, you can bid farewell to the hassle of frequent wash cycles and enjoy the convenience of handling larger amounts of laundry in a single load.

At the same time, it helps the user reduce washing time by up to 50% with Q-Bubble™ technology - its dynamic drum rotation and additional water shots create more abundant and powerful detergent bubbles, which penetrate faster for quicker yet gentler washes when activated.

Child Lock

There is no doubt that safety is a top priority for families, and Samsung understands this well.

The electronic giant has included the Child Lock feature in the washing machine, ensuring that curious little hands won't accidentally interfere with the appliance's operation, providing parents with peace of mind, knowing that their children are protected from any potential harm.

Warranty Assurance

Investing in a high-quality appliance is a commitment, and Samsung stands firmly behind the reliability of its 12 kg washing machine.

The product comes with a comprehensive 24-month warranty on the product and a 20-year warranty on the Digital inverter, offering assurance and support in the unlikely event of any issues.

This commitment to customer satisfaction underscores Samsung's confidence in the durability and performance of its products.

Energy and Water Conservation

Samsung's 12KG washing machine takes centre stage with its energy and water conservation features.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the appliance optimizes water usage and energy consumption without compromising on cleaning efficiency.

This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings in the long run. This helps the user enjoy efficient cleaning even at low temperatures with EcoBubble™ technology as detergent is turned into bubbles that quickly penetrate fabric and easily remove dirt. This saves energy and also protects your laundry’s colour and texture.

Remote Control and AI Integration

Imagine being able to control your washing machine from the comfort of your couch or even while you're away from home.

Samsung has made this a reality with the remote control and AI integration features of their 12KG washing machine. Through a user-friendly mobile app, users can start, pause, or monitor the progress of their laundry cycles.

The AI technology adapts to your usage patterns, optimising wash settings for maximum efficiency and performance. Samsung affirms that AI Wash knows what to do with your laundry, even when you don't. Its 4 built-in sensors do all the thinking for you, working together to determine the optimum amount of water, detergent and rinse your load needs based on soil level and weight of your clothes.

Hygiene Steam

With this feature, as the user, you give your clothes a deep, hygienic clean with steam that improves the cleaning quality of your wash without pre-treatments.

Steam is released from the bottom of the drum, so every item is thoroughly saturated.

This removes ingrained grime and bacteria and reduces allergens.

The Nairobi Polo Club, with support from Tanqueray as an Experience partner, is pleased to announce the return of the last leg of the Nairobi Polo Season that was postponed due to the unexpected rains in late January.

This is set to kick off this weekend on the 16^th and 17^th  of February 2024 with the Soldier’s Salut Tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club. Sport, Luxury, and Style enthusiasts are welcome to what is surely going to be an exciting weekend.

The Nairobi Polo season kicked off with the Horseman Cup in July 2023. Fans will be eager to follow the progress of their favorite teams and players into the Chairman’s Cup that follows next weekend on the 25^th and 26^th of February. This marks the culmination of the tournament where the best will be awarded after an amazing season.

Tanqueray has been on board as co-sponsors for the duration of the season and has spared no expense to ensure there is elite hospitality. On arrival, guests will be taken through an immersive experience that will showcase Tanqueray’s entire portfolio and their rich history.

This will be coupled with intricately mixed signature cocktails that will surely complement the consumers’ style.

The Soldier’s Salute and Chairman’s Cup serve as an opportunity for guests to indulge in what is quickly becoming a popular Sport for those with an appetite for style and elegance.

This, as evidenced in previous editions, has had attendees dressed in some of the best outfits the country has to offer. It will also certainly serve as a networking opportunity for those who want to mingle with fellow Polo enthusiasts.

Government is set to begin the exercise of inspecting marine vessels operating in the country.

Speaking in Mombasa after a meeting with top officials from Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Bandari Maritime College and Kenya shipping line, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya noted the exercise which will will involve vessels of 24 metres and below will begin on April 1st.

Mvurya noted the government has already offered a waiver for the exercise which will include vessels in the Indian Ocean and Inland waters across the country

"The reason we want to carry out  the major inspection is to make sure that those vessels are worthiness in terms of where they are being operated and meet the set criteria. We want to also register all vessels to help us in managing rescue operations, just incase we have a missing vessel we can know. We will be giving the vessels unique identities as part of making sure that they operate within a safe environment " said Mvurya.

Adding "This will also enable us have a good data base of the vessels in the Indian Ocean and the Inland waters . The exercise will be free and will run for 12 months."

The exercise will be spearheaded by the Kenya Maritime Authority.

The CS also announced the appointment of Dr Eric Lewa Katana as the Director and Chief Executive Office of the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA)  effective February 12, 2024.

Dr Katana brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having distinguished himself as a seasoned maritime administrator with a proven track record of service within the sector.

Before his appointment at BMA, he served as the Principal at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) Mombasa Campus.

His extensive career includes tenure at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where he held various positions, steadily ascending to the role of Principal Port Logistics Officer.

Katana boasts a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration from JKUAT, and a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

"We have confidence in him and believe that he is going to bring changes to our institution." said Mvurya.

Mvurya further revealed that the Bandari Maritime College will be reviewing its fees for seafarers training following concerns from stakeholders

Mvurya noted "There has been alot of discussion and concern  from the youths and leaders that the training is very expensive, we are expecting that in the next two weeks Bandari maritime college and the Kenya maritime authority (KMA) will be coming up with new figures"