Ommy Dallah
Bedzimba, Rai Make Comeback After Years In Political Cold
Rashid Bedzimba is now the Kisauni Mp elect after garnering 34,747 votes in the just concluded August 9 polls.
Former Mombasa County Chief Officer Mugabe Wins Likuyani Mp seat
Former Mombasa county government Tourism Chief officer Innocent Mugabe has clinched the Likuyani Parliamentary seat.
Mugabe trounced his main rival and the incumbent Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi in the hotly contested election.
Mugabe who vied on an ODM ticket garnered 17,543 with Kibunguchi garnering 13382 votes.
"With so much humility, I wish to sincerely thank the people of Likuyani Constituency for the huge responsibility they have bestowed on me to be their next Member of Parliament. This is a win for all of us." said Mugabe
Mugabe who was also a lecturer at the Technical university of Mombasa was initially the running mate for ODM Kakamega governor candidate Fernandes Barasa but later stepped down for Lugari Mp Ayub Savula.
Team Pankaj & Uber To Distribute Meals To Police Officers During Election
Uber has announced a collaboration with Team Pankaj to provide meals to police officers stationed across Nairobi County during the General Elections.
Election Day is an important day for Kenyans to play a role in shaping the future of the nation and Uber aims to play a role using its technology and resources to be a partner to cities and make it easier for police officers to carry out their duties.
“We know that law enforcement officers have a critical role to play during the elections and we want to support them. We are uniquely positioned to help provide some comfort while unlocking further earnings for drivers, a demonstration of our commitment to the community,” explains Imran Manji, Uber Head of East Africa
Known for distributing survival hampers to vulnerable people across all of Nairobi’s slums, TeamPankaj will be embarking on a slightly different campaign and will be donating the meals on the day to ensure police officers are looked after.
“This partnership is very exciting, as we believe it's important for every resident to make their mark- and by providing meals to police officers, we believe that we can reduce their pressure during this monumental day. We want to thank each one of them for their consistent hard work!” says Vikas Shah from TeamPankaj.
Agilitee Goes Public As Trading On Its IPO Embarks At JSE
African leader on Electric Vehicle manufacturer - Agilitee-will starts trading its IPO at Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) after approval by the relevant authorities.
With the IPO trading kicking off it now means that the firm will now be converted from being a privately held company to a public company.
This is part of the process of Agilitee’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the JSE and it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Agilitee now that it has officially become a public company.
“I am excited by this approval by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,” said Dr Lamba.
Adding “This is the testament of the emergence of the New Africa, the ERA of just a hopeful Africa is gone as Africa is entering the world of the promise of God. This IPO is the final leg of every promise that Agilitee made when Agilitee was formed and it will usher the continent to the forefront of the global green revolution.”
The firm at the initial stage of being listed at the JSE had contracted the services of Acaciacap Advisors as it embarked on its IPO listing journey at JSE.
Agilitee seeks to raise a total of $2 billion in equity capital by selling 10% of the business to new investors.
According to Dr Mandla Lamba the CEO of Agilitee, the firm allocated an additional 10 % shares equivalent to $2 billion for the less across the continent.
Prof Onkgopotse JJ Tabane, Agilitee, Global Board Chairperson also pointed out that the firm is eyeing more partnerships with various players to drive its growth strategy.
"The approval by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the conversion of Agilitee from a private into a public company is a major and irreversible milestone towards our envisaged Initial Public Offering of 10 percent of the company for $ 2 billion US. “
Adding “We are standing on the brink of a major partnership with the public to make a huge dent towards a carbon free economy while creating wealth for many people across the African continent and the world. The company will soon release its prospectus and formally invite the public to purchase shares. "
Can continental tech firms drive economic growth?
In 2020 China witnessed a huge economic shock but a ‘V-shaped economic recovery and growth the world had never seen.
The covid-19 stricken Asia nation added $1.5trn to the wealth of China’s billionaires bringing to $4trn the total worth of the country’s billionaires, according to a new report which described the increase as China’s fastest growth ever.
This is attributed to the spate of Initial Public offers and robust tech growth in recent times.
China’s soaring stock markets, a flood of Initial Public Offerings and surging growth in the sector have been identified as what has helped to fuel the country’s latest wealth boom.
In the US for instance, it has been observed that since the 1980s when Apple Inc went public, Google in 2004 and Facebook in 2012, instant millionaires were created.
Companies' and individuals' net worth rocketed upward when companies like Apple, Google and Facebook and Alibaba Group, and Xiaomi Corp, all sold their IPOs.
The post-covid economic era has shown that the tech and green space attract a lot of investors in thousands of dollars when IPOs are sold.
Could Africa take advantage of this development? Experts have said that South Africa-based Agilitee, one of Africa’s fast-growing green technology and electric vehicle manufacturing companies, is poised to lead the revolution in Africa.
They argued that the Tech industry forms a majority of the exemplary IPOs in recent times that have raised billions of dollars through IPOs in especially China and the US.
According to them, Agilitee is not only a technology firm but a green technology firm operating in the Electric Vehicle space as well. This, they noted, puts the firm in a very strategic and good position to attract major investors.
With its IPO valued at $20bn, the company looks to raise $2bn by selling 10 per cent of its equity through a public offering.
Like the blueprint laid by China and US, experts said the success of Agilitee’s IPO will create some millionaires in Africa.
This is because already, the firm is offering another 10 per cent valued at $2bn dollars to the less fortunate in Africa with the long-term objective of raising millionaires to alleviate poverty in Africa.
It is also a narrative that illustrates how a vision which had its roots in South Africa is transforming other parts of the African continent.
When the founder and current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agilitee Africa, Dr Mandla Lamba, started the project in 2015, he knew that the destiny of the company would be a force to reckon with.
“The journey to where we are was not easy, a lot of twists and turns and ups and downs but a lot of success has been enjoyed amid the pain.The story of Agilitee has been that of not amplifying problems and challenges at the expense of the goodness of God.”
“What gave us the strength was the fact that five years ago, there was no Agilitee and here we are today with this great company, yes, we have had to fight a lot but we can’t complain about it because we are grateful of the blessings we saw in the deep of tears,” he said.
Lamba said the conception of the company started in 2015 and the formalisation of the company was done in 2018.
Opinion piece: Organisational Culture Change Needed To Address Gender Bias In Africa’s ICT Space
By Doreen Kinja, Sales Team Leader at Infobip Africa
When it comes to gender equality in the workplace, the African continent remains varied, with some regions – such as the southern, western and eastern parts of the continent – showing better progress in creating more gender-equal environments than others.
A study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that African firms had the highest share of female representation on company boards – 25% compared to the global average of 17%.
But while progress has been made at the top level of firms, women are less well represented in middle management. Notably, women make up 43% of individuals who receive a tertiary education yet hold only 28% of formal sector jobs.
On a global scale, a PwC report shows that women currently hold 19% of technology-related jobs at the top 10 global tech companies, compared to men who hold 81%.
In leadership positions at these global tech giants, women make up 28% of the workforce, with men representing 72%.
Despite Research Professional News claiming that the ICT sector attracts more and more women across the African continent, which has the highest proportion of female STEM graduates, more needs to be done to address gender inequality.
Insufficient transformation
Not all parts of Africa have transformed sufficiently to meaningfully tackle the gender equality gap. In some countries, many industry sectors, including ICT, remain male-dominated.
This is the result of a legacy culture, where women’s contribution to business is neglected. These attitudes need to change and are best overcome by developing a corporate culture that does not recognise gender, but the contributions made by all employees.
Instead of driving male-female quotas, companies should develop a culture that instils a balanced outlook across the entire organisation and that relies on the skills and abilities of the individual and what each employee can bring to the table.
More women leaders in mature markets
According to Grant Thornton, we’re starting to see a pronounced shift in some regions as women take up leadership roles.
This trend is particularly evident in more mature markets (e.g. Southern, Western and East African regions), where sustained efforts to drive gender equality over the last 10 to 15 years have resulted in greater workplace parity.
Organisational culture must filter down from senior leadership and needs to be shaped by the input of all employees. Critically, organisational culture must also be inculcated across the entire organisation, so that it is the same in the company’s African office as it is at its European headquarters, giving employees a sense of being part of a single, focused environment.
Companies that instil this type of organisational culture across their global footprint are usually those that enjoy strong leadership that encourages collaboration among everyone in the organisation.
Gender equality is usually part of these organisations’ DNA and they do not dwell on different genders and cultures but focus on a company culture that all employees adhere to.
Companies should realise that an effective leadership structure can no longer be based on a carrot and stick approach.
By fostering an environment that is conducive to gender equality, only then will we start to see more balance in Africa’s ICT industry.
Somerset Starts Chef’s Herb And Portable Apartment Gardens As Part Of Green Efforts
Serviced Apartment Operator – Somerset Westview Nairobi has set up its own Chef’s Kitchen & Herb Garden and portable apartment gardens in an effort to become a more sustainable Aparthotel.
Measuring 3 by 6 metres, the outdoor Herb Garden, situated in one of the open spaces of the property, will grow herbs such as mint lemon, verbena lemon, thyme, rosemary, chives and dhania, to meet the needs of the kitchen. It is targeted to become the main supplier of herbs and vegetables, in a few years’ time, making the Somerset kitchen operations sustainable.
“We fully believe and stand for Sustainability as a way of life, and so these gardens are part of our long-term plans to champion a greener and cleaner environment and to protect the planet, we all call home,” said Mr. Ashwin Vijayasekar - General Manager, Somerset Westview Nairobi.
Complementing the Chef’s Garden, Somerset has also set up indoor portable gardens in its 162 apartments. Long stay guests will be encouraged to adopt and maintain the gardens. Guests who wish to whip up a meal in their fully-equipped kitchen of their apartment need only to harvest key ingredients from their portable herb gardens, to give their dishes that extra flavour.
"Having their own apartment Herb Garden is one of the ways we make our residents feel at home. At the same time, it helps to reduce wastage. With the garden, residents don't have to keep unnecessary stock in the kitchen. They can simply pick the herbs for their cooking needs," explained Mr Ashwin.
The launch of the chef’s kitchen and portable apartment herb gardens is part of several eco-friendly initiatives that the serviced residence has introduced Ranging from saving water and energy consumption to recycling waste to protect the environment.
IGAD Deploys 24 Election Observers To Mombasa And Other Counties
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has deployed 24 election observers across the country ahead of next week polls.
The IGAD head of election observation Dr. Mulatu Teshome flagged off the observers who have been deployed to 18 constituencies across 11 counties.
“I am particularly working closely with leaders of African regional and continental organisations like the African Union (AU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) election observation missions among others. We have one common interest and it is to see a peaceful and credible election in the country and a peaceful transition of power. This will also pave the way for further consolidation of democracy in the republic of Kenya,” said Dr. Teshome.
The team drawn from six IGAD member states underwent an orientation programme touching on relevant legal frameworks for the polls as well as IGAD code of conduct for election observers.
The team will be stationed in Mombasa, Machakos, Kakamega, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru and Kajiado.
Dr Teshome noted “The mission will share its findings in a preliminary statement after election day. A final report containing a more in-depth analysis on the conduct of the electoral process as well as recommendations for future electoral processes will be presented in due course."
On Saturday the team led by Dr Teshome met deputy president William Ruto at his official Karen residence.
Mombasa Polls Preparations Complete, More Security Officers Deployed In Nyali, Likoni And Kisauni
Preparation for next week polls are complete in Mombasa.
According to the county elections manager Swalha Yusuf the county has a total of 641,000 registered voters and 1041 polling stations.
The county tallying centre will be at the Kenya school of government.
Four prisons, Shimo la Tewa main prison, Shimo la Tewa Women prison, Shimo la Tewa medium and the Kingorani prison (Jela baridi) will also act as polling stations with inmates only voting for the president.
Addressing members of the press at county IEBC offices on Sunday afternoon, Yusuf said more police officers including GSU officers have been deployed to areas that have been marked as hotspots which are Nyali, Likoni and Kisauni.
"We want to make sure that residents elect their leaders peaceful'' said Yusuf.
Yusuf also noted that they expect a voter turnout of more than 80%.
MCK Sets Up Media Centre For Mombasa Journalists
The Media council of Kenya (MCK) has set up a media centre for journalists who will be covering the egeneral election in Mombasa.
The centre which is at the Kenya school of government (MCK) will be accessible to accredited journalists who will also be offered technical and logistical support and information on election related matters.
"This is in line with the council's strategic efforts to strengthen the work of journalists towards a free, fair and credible general election" reads a statement from MCK.
MCK Coast region coordinator Maureen Mudi said "The centre can host up to 40 journalists. We want to ensure that accredited journalists are well equipped to conduct their work in a conducive environment. The centre has reliable internet that will see them operate near the IEBC tallying centre,"
MCK has also established other media centres in six other areas, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii, Meru and nyeri.
The council has at the same time deployed 150 press freedom monitors to observe adherence to provision of and access to information for journalists.
Omar Outlines His 5 Point Agenda For Mombasa
Former Mombasa senator and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Hassan Omar has unveiled his 5 point agenda for Mombasa county if elected to succeed Hassan Joho.
Reviving Mombasa's economy and strengthening devolution are Omar's top priorities.
"Over the last five years, I have held 840 meetings in Mombasa's 30 wards and 67 interactions with its stakeholders. My unpublicised memos of these engagements have enabled my team to develop a blueprint of ward based executive committees. These committees will roll out devolved functions, enhance transparent online interaction and create dignified employement and wealth which Mombasa has long sort in vain" said Omar.
Adding "We will strengthen devolution in Mombasa, develop a model of civic engagement, foster resident associations and reorganise the priorities of this county government. We will account for every penny and demonstrate why integrity in leadership matters"
His main plan christened 'Wheel' features sectors like water, health, economy, education and Land.
Addressing members of the press during a media briefing which he termed as closing statement, Omar who has been holding media briefings every Monday also promised to make sure that port services are brought back to Mombasa.
"My government has charted the plan into short and mid term but I want to make a public oath that port operations and services will be back to the people of Mombasa before we implement this plan. A good plan can't ignore the glaring injustices of Mombasa when their best developed saset and resource is intentionally directed to benefit a few people."
Omar who was flanked by his running mate Selina Maitha called on UDA supporters in Mombasa to come out in large numbers next week and vote for him and their presidential candidate William Ruto assuring them of enough security.
"Let no one try to scare you, we will have enough security and we will guard our votes, that I can assure you, so just come out and exercise your right. I believe we will form the next county and national government."
