Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has partnered with Nairobi-based IXAfrica Data Centres to launch East Africa’s first and largest hypercloud data centre. The power train for the new Tier 3+ facility is built around Schneider Electric MV and LV switchgear to ensure stable and reliable cloud services renewably powered by Kenya’s grid.

Nicknamed ‘NBOX1’, the new development is now open and ready for business as a carrier-neutral, AI-ready data centre - the largest and most technologically advanced digital habitat for cloud, colocation and connectivity in East Africa. It is designed to attract hyperscale and internet customers to the region’s largest data hub, delivering a customer and user experience comparable to facilities in North America and Western Europe.

Underpinning the launch of NBOX1 is Schneider Electric’s proven EcoStruxure for Data Centers architecture and solutions, providing the new data centre with maximum resilience, uptime and cost efficiency, enhanced security, and the ability to meet IXAfrica’s sustainability goals.

A Natural Digital Habitat for Innovation

Backed by a $50m capital investment from leading investment firm Helios, IXAfrica’s new data centre is positioned amid Africa’s growing technology epicentre, the so-called ‘Digital Savannah’ – serves a population of over 300 million and supports an ecosystem for innovation which includes a skilled workforce, cloud and content providers, and colocation and connectivity services.

“Kenya,” says Snehar Shah, CEO IXAfrica, “is a hypercloud-ready region with advanced cloud adoption propensities, a digitally savvy ecosystem, access to diverse internet fibre connectivity, high-availability and low-carbon sources of power. This all sits within a country offering a stable regulatory and political environment, and a strong economy forecast to grow 5.2% in 2024.”

Schneider Solutions Guarantee 99.999% Uptime

A key customer requirement for this major new campus data centre development is to ensure ongoing and dependable IT operations. To ensure power quality and reliability, IXAfrica turned to Schneider Electric to provide the power train solution including power protection and distribution equipment, together with transformers, MV and LV switchgear, and a basic BMS for monitoring the solution.

Schneider Electric worked with local consultants Prisma Techniques to ensure that the power train solution met the objectives of the design provided by FutureTech on behalf of IXAfrica. The equipment is engineered to meet IEC standards as well as local requirements imposed by the nature of Kenya’s national grid, and environmental considerations such as weather conditions and Nairobi’s high altitude.

The new data centre is ‘EcoStruxure-ready’, with components of the installed EcoStruxure for Data Centers platform solution including:

• Galaxy VX modular 3-phase UPS with Li-ion
• PDUs
• LV and MV Switchgear

 According to Ifeanyi Odoh, Schneider Electric Country President in East Africa, “The solutions provided by Schneider Electric are engineered to support N+1 redundancy with four independent power trains, meeting IXAfrica’s immediate and long-term objectives, including design 1.25 PUE across the campus, as well as a 99.999% uptime guarantee”.

With the power grid creating stability challenges as it introduces more power from renewable sources, the use of back-up lithium-ion batteries in conjunction with the Galaxy VX UPS provides a formidable solution to some of the challenges associated with intermittency or variability of supply.

Sustainability by Design

With NBOX1 designed and built as a ‘Data Centre of the Future’, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure for Data Centers and its supporting solutions not only enable the highest levels of data centre performance, resilience and resource efficiency, but also support IXAfrica’s sustainability ambitions through energy savings and lowered CO₂ emissions.

Mouna Essa Egh, Secure Power Vice President for Middle East & Africa also highlighted Schneider Electric’s commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions for data centres: “We believe that sustainable practices are essential for the future of data centres, and we are proud to partner with organizations like IXAfrica to create environmentally conscious and innovative digital habitats for the evolving technological landscape."

Snehar Shah added: “We have a very strategic relationship with Schneider Electric – in fact, our new Nairobi campus site is built on land formerly part of Schneider’s complex, and the power engineering for the site was designed by Schneider’s local partners. NBOX1 is sustainable by design, and our goal is to ‘Keep it Africa’ - our switchgear and panelware were all manufactured by Schneider Electric on our own doorstep.”

He concluded: “We’re delighted to partner with Schneider Electric, a company that not only shares our ethos and passion for the environment, but is also committed to ensuring that IXAfrica and its clients meet their operational and sustainability goals.”

There is need to seek and increase funding for the Children Justice System in the country to enable stakeholders mitigate challenges affecting children and support childcare and welfare programmes. 

Speaking during the launch of the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ) National Strategy on Justice for Children (2023-2028), Chief Registrar of the Judiciary (CRJ) Winfridah Mokaya said the recognition of the need for increased budgetary allocation for children in the justice system is key in the implementation of the strategy.

 “We understand that without adequate financial resources, our ambitions for child-friendly facilities, trained justice actors, and enhanced capacity to respond to children's needs will remain unfulfilled,” said the Chief Registrar.

The CRJ noted that the launch of the National Strategy is not just a milestone but a beacon of hope and a testament to the justice sector’s unwavering commitment for a brighter future for every child.

“The Strategy we launch today is our promise, our pledge, to fundamentally transform how our society and our justice system interact with and protect our children. As Nelson Mandela powerfully stated, ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.’ Let us reveal the soul of Kenya as one that fiercely protects and cherishes its young,” said  Mokaya.

She noted that the Strategy was justified by the pressing need to address the systemic and multifaceted issues that children face and that the injustices experienced by children, such as abuse, neglect, and exploitation, are not just individual tragedies but societal failures that hinder our nation’s progress. 

The CRJ assured that the NCAJ will spearhead the coordination efforts, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to promote, protect, and improve the administration of justice for children in both formal and informal settings.

“Our vision extends far beyond the justice system. We aim to empower all stakeholders - including children themselves, communities, civil society organizations, and development partners - to contribute to a child-friendly justice sector. This partnership is not just instrumental; it is essential. Together, we can enhance our response to violence against children, promote their participation and empowerment, and strengthen collaboration among all involved parties,” said CRJ Mokaya.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of the NCAJ Standing Committee on Justice for Children, Justice Teresia Matheka said the Strategy represents NCAJ’s commitment to enhancing the administration and access to justice for children in Kenya and it would require robust coordination and resources from both the government and development partners.

 “Together, we can build a justice system that truly serves and protects our children,” said Justice Matheka.

The objectives of the Strategy are: to ensure a coordinated, efficient, effective and consultative approach in the administration of justice for children in Kenya, to empower stakeholders, to prevent violence against children, timely response and child participation towards a child friendly justice system that is well resourced, to strengthen the coordination by NCAJ and relevant stakeholders to promote, protect and improve access to justice for children in the formal and informal sector and to establish a monitoring, evaluation, learning and budgeting framework for the child justice system.

King Kaka is set to make waves in Los Angeles with an exclusive listening party for his upcoming album , Mr. Invincible Part 1 .

The event will take place on July 20th at 510 S. Spring St. 208, from 9 PM until late night, promising an unforgettable evening of music, vibes, and celebration.

King Kaka is excited to share his latest project with fans and industry insiders in the vibrant heart of L.A. Mr. Invincible Part 1 is the first installment of a larger album of the same name, which will be released in four parts.

This weekend's listening party marks the debut of the first part of this ambitious and groundbreaking project.

The listening party will feature exclusive performances, behind-the-scenes stories of the EP's creation, and an opportunity for fans to engage with King Kaka himself. 

This event marks a significant milestone in King Kaka's career, as he continues to expand his influence and connect with audiences worldwide. 

Event Details:

• Date: July 20, 2024
• Time: 9 PM until late night
• Location: 510 S. Spring St. 208, Los Angeles, CA

Candy Kash, an innovative skill-based game inspired by the popular Candy Crush game, is poised to revolutionize the mobile gaming industry.

Founded during the 2020 lockdown by a visionary Kenyan entrepreneur- Eliud Gilisho , Candy Kash enables players  to convert their gaming skills into real money through competitive play.

During the global lockdown, the founder of Candy Kash recognized the untapped potential of mobile gaming. With millions of young gamers spending countless hours on their phones without tangible returns, the idea for Candy Kash was born.

This platform allows gamers to monetize their skills, creating a sustainable and engaging gaming ecosystem.

Candy Kash distinguishes itself with several unique features:

• Skill-Based Earnings: Inspired by the popular Candy Crush game, Candy Kash allows enthusiasts to earn real money based on their gaming skills by competing against other players. This feature transforms casual gaming into a profitable venture.

• Fair Play Environment: The platform is designed to be unhackable, ensuring that all outcomes are purely skill-based and unalterable.

• Real Opponent Matches: Players are matched with real human opponents, enhancing the interactive and competitive experience.

• Customized Music Experience: Enjoy a personalized music experience while playing, making the game even more engaging and enjoyable.

Since its inception, Candy Kash has achieved several significant milestones:

• Financial Rewards: The platform has paid out millions of Kenyan Shillings to winners, with instant transactions ensuring seamless financial benefits.

• Growing User Base: Despite limited advertising, Candy Kash has attracted tens of thousands of users, with expectations to reach millions in the next two years.

Eliud Gilisho, founder of Candy Kash, said: "We wanted to create a platform where gaming skills could be more than just a pastime. Candy Kash is about turning passion into profit, providing an engaging and fair environment for gamers to compete and earn real money."

Speaking on how Gen Z can take their place in this country, Eliud said, “We stand at a pivotal moment in history, where the potential for innovation and positive change is boundless. As the problem solvers our country needs, we possess the energy, zeal, and passion to transform challenges into opportunities. Let’s channel our creativity and drive to reshape the narrative. By leveraging innovative business ideas and technology, we can create jobs, spur economic growth, and build a brighter future.”

Candy Kash envisions becoming a global leader in the gaming industry. With plans to expand across Africa and beyond, the platform aims to revolutionize skill-based games by offering a unique blend of entertainment and financial rewards. The ultimate goal is to create a multi-billion dollar company listed on global stock exchanges, setting a new benchmark in the gaming world.

Candy Kash is dedicated to giving back to the community. The company supports young innovators by building innovation hubs and providing funding and resources to bring their ideas to life. Additionally, Candy Kash engages in various CSR activities, including offering scholarships and supporting educational institutions.

After touring Eldoret, Mombasa and Kisumu, Red Bull Dance Your Style finally held the Nairobi leg of the competition last weekend (13 July 2024) at the Junction Mall.

The event, attended by dance community and enthusiasts alike, drew significant attention and brought back a spark on Nairobi’s entertainment and events scene.

The signature dance battle sessions saw Samuel Brian emerge the winner and Meshack Omondi take first runner-up position.

The winner, Samuel Brian, shares, “The competition was far more intense than I had expected, but I triumphed, which is incredibly satisfying. I am now confident in my ability to win the national finals trophy. With dedicated practice and faith, I trust in God's plan,”

Adding, “Showcasing my art on such an iconic platform and thereafter, networking with dancers of all diversities was an invaluable experience.” The other two dancers who made it to the semi-finals, Irene Shishi and Anthony Kiplimo will also get the opportunity to shine at the upcoming national finals.

The next stop for Red Bull Dance Your Style is the official national finals in Nairobi (10 August 2024) - that will bring all the top winners and selected wild cards from recently concluded qualifier and online audition events for the ultimate battle. The winner from the national finals will represent Kenya at the world finals happening in Mumbai, India for the world finals this November. 

The competition has no judges because the crowd decides who wins by voting for their favorite dancers by holding up blue or red placards to choose a winner, after each battle. Dancers are expected to bring their authenticity, attitude and creativity alongside freestyle and musical skills in the competition that allows all urban dance styles except for break dancing. The DJ plays unpredictable music as the dancers adapt and flaunt their style to impress the crowd. 

Renowned Tanzanian  fashion designer and founder of Sheria Ngowi brand, Sheria Ngowi has been tasked to design and produce Kenyan premier league champions Gor Mahia new kits for the season 2024/25 .

Sheria Ngowi is one of the best Jersey designers in Africa, Ngowi designs YANGA SC and Zanzibar Heroes Kits.

He has won several awards such as the Swahili Fashion Week Awards as the best male designer of the year in 2011 and 2013.

"We are delighted to announce Designer Sheria Ngowi as our kits designer for the season 2024/25" reads a statement from Gor Mahia Fc.

Among the notable figures that the designer has dressed includes President William Ruto, Zanzibar President Dr Hassan Mwinyi, former Tanzania President Jakaya kikwete, former Kenya Prime minister Raila Odinga among others.

Cybersecurity specialist Exclusive Networks Africa has announced a new local partnership with Akamai Technologies, the cloud company that powers and protects life online, with a view to assisting the organisation to further entrench itself across the African continent.

According to Stefan van de Giessen, Security & GSI Lead Africa at Exclusive Networks Africa, the two businesses have already worked together on a significant local project, which saw the successful implementation recently of a microsegmentation strategy for an African telecommunications group.

“Having collaborated for the past six months on this particular deal, Akamai opted to broaden our partnership and leverage Exclusive Networks Africa’s extensive partner base across East, West and South Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean Islands and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, in line with the company’s strategy. Together, we will focus on delivering the benefits of microsegmentation to local enterprises, governments and telco organisations in particular.”

Software-based microsegmentation is an emerging security best practice that offers several advantages over more established approaches, like network or application segmentation.

These traditional methods rely heavily on network-based controls that are coarse and often cumbersome to manage, notes Van de Giessen. However, the software-based segmentation element of microsegmentation separates security controls from the underlying infrastructure and provides businesses with the flexibility to extend protection and visibility anywhere.

The added granularity that microsegmentation offers is essential at a time when many organisations are adopting cloud services and new deployment options, like containers, that make traditional perimeter security less relevant.

Says Van de Giessen: “Microsegmentation is essentially a software-defined network overlay that, through AI intelligence, allows for greater visibility around all assets within the network. This infrastructure visualisation is helpful in that it makes activity in the environment easier to identify and understand.

“This approach allows companies to ringfence their applications and servers and define which ones are able to talk to each other. This is critical in the case of, for instance, a ransomware attack, as the malware is not able to spread to other machines within the network due to these authorisation parameters. The ability to lock down a device individually allows for greater control over the blast radius of an attack, which would not be possible with the use of a firewall, for instance.”

Furthermore, he explains, a software-based microsegmentation solution can be rolled out faster, seamlessly and with far less capital expenditure (Capex) than would be required to purchase firewall appliances and additional hardware.

“Microsegmentation also allows businesses to avoid lengthy implementation timelines – taking rollout timelines from over a year down to weeks - as well as the unavoidable related downtime, which comes with a hefty price tag. In addition, the reduced maintenance - and reduced management effort needed - results in far lower operating expenses (Opex) over time, in the form of labour and resource savings.”

“Microsegmentation may be a newer concept to many, but it is becoming an increasingly important tool for IT teams challenged with ensuring that security policies and compliance keep pace with the rapid rate of change in today’s dynamic data centre, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments,” Van de Giessen concludes.

Speaking about the partnership, Hans Nipshagen (Regional Vice President of Channels and Alliances EMEA at Akamai) said: ‘We are excited to team up with Exclusive Networks and their strong ecosystem of local partners to deliver our microsegmentation services, enhancing cybersecurity for customers across the African markets.’

In a bid to elevate passenger travel experience, the Kenya Railways announced in May this year (2024) plans to introduce a premium coach service on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) popular Nairobi-Mombasa route. 

In a statement on Tuesday, May 14, the corporation intimated that it is about to make its customers' trips unforgettable but did not give the exact date when the services will be in place.

"Luxury is about to hit the tracks! KR Premium is designed to make your trips between Nairobi and Mombasa unforgettable. Watch this space!" read the statement. 

The good news is that the premium coaches have finally arrived at the Mombasa port.

The four Premium Coaches are among a batch of ten economy class coaches, one dining car, one power car and four first class coaches.

The coaches will accommodate 28 passengers, providing ample legroom and personal space.

The seats are designed to recline fully, ensuring ultimate relaxation throughout the journey.

 In addition to extra storage options for travelers with additional baggage, the KR Premium Service includes designated shoe storage space for neatly storing shoes.

They will also have automated window shutters and seats that can rotate to face any direction transforming the journey into a luxurious experience.

Segregated from other compartments, the premium coach offers privacy and exclusivity, allowing passengers to work, relax, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Furthermore, the premium Class passengers will have access to VIP lounges and benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation at terminals, adding to the convenience of their journey.

Daring Africa 2024, Nissan’s overland adventure across eight countries with four Nissan Navara pick-ups and an X-Trail SUV, is preparing for the eighth and final leg of the odyssey, joining Nissan’s LCV manufacturing hub in South Africa and the company’s PV assembly plant in Egypt.

To date, Daring Africa has covered 7 000kms across seven countries giving more than 80 local journalists immersive real-life real-time experiences of the all new built of more Nissan Navara, while sharing the story of the journey with 3 500 media across the rest of the continent.

The journey has been a resounding success to date, says Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa Managing Director Maciej Klenkiewicz. He saw the convoy off from the Rosslyn factory, the African home of the all new built of more Nissan Navara, and he travelled to Nairobi to welcome the convoy when it made its penultimate stop last month before preparing for the last leg.

“When you think about it, these vehicles have travelled 7 000 kms without a single mechanical issue – not even a flat tyre – travelling over some of the toughest road conditions imaginable. It is an incredible achievement,” he says.

Nissan Africa President, Jordi Vila is just as impressed.

“It has been an amazing journey so far. We set out to celebrate our African footprint and our 60-year-old LCV legacy on the continent through this incredible vehicle which of course was designed for Africa and is built in Africa by Africans, and I have no doubt that we have proved our point.” he noted.

Daring Africa began by heading due east out of Pretoria to Nelspruit in South Africa’s easternmost province, Mpumalanga, and from there into Mozambique to the capital Maputo. After the standard shop at the Nissan Mozambique showroom, the odyssey headed north up the coast, recording some unforgettable images in the process as the Navara showed its prowess on miles of beach sand.

From Mozambique, it was off to Zimbabwe via the Eastern Highlands and Africa’s second highest waterfall, Mutarazi. Daring Africa stopped in Harare to show off the Navara to key customers, before turning north over the Kariba Dam and into Zambia.

Traversing the Luangwa Valley, the crew headed for Lake Malawi and then into Tanzania, around the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and then up past Kenya’s Amboseli National Park into the capital Nairobi.

“This has been an epic experience so far for everyone involved,” says Nissan Africa Head of Communications Ramy Mohareb, “it really has been Daring in every possible way. The roads have been challenging but the sights and the experiences that we have all gained have been invaluable. We have been able to renew old relationships and forge new ones as we shared our vision for Africa on the road and in fireside chats with media members and influencers at night”.

He is particularly happy with the outreach element, which has allowed the team to give local media immersive experiences in the Navara that they had never experienced before, as well as showcasing the vehicle to fleet owners and key customers in the different markets.

This was a very important aspect, says Sherief Eldessouky, Nissan Africa Managing Director, as a key part of Daring Africa has been to amplify the Navara’s attributes across existing African markets as Nissan opens new markets for the Rosslyn made vehicle in North Africa, with the Navara on the cusp of being introduced to Egypt, Algeria, and Libya.

It has also been a wonderful platform for the Nissan X-Trail, launched in South Africa last year and in Egypt this year to prove its worth as the daring family adventure vehicle, running in support of the expedition alongside the tough, built of more Navara.

“I can’t wait to finally welcome the expedition to Egypt, finally joining the Hands that Build from our African LCV hub in Rosslyn with the Hands that Build at our African Passenger Vehicle hub in Cairo. It really will be a fitting finale to a truly bold and daring odyssey, just like we planned it,” Eldessouky concluded.

Talented Kenyan singer and performer based in New York, Mia Ivy makes a comeback with her soulful voice and catchy melodies that have captivated audiences over the years.

Mia started singing at a young age and quickly discovered her passion for music.

Influenced by artists such as Celine Dion, Yola Semedo and Brenda Fassie, Mia Ivy's music blends elements of pop and Afro-fusion to create a unique sound that is all her own.

Her powerful vocals and soulful performances resonate with audiences, drawing them in and leaving a lasting impact.

Her latest release “Baby” is a soul-soothing love ballad that talks about love and passion for her better half in an extensive and capacious way.

Produced by the talented Kisumu-based music producer and professional sound engineer; Crazy Monkey, the production levels and surety of the song is undoubtedly a touch of class and dedication to the art. 

Ivy has performed at various venues, events and livestreams, including TikTok, gaining a loyal following of fans who appreciate her authenticity and talent. She is working on her album, ' Project 6’, which is set to be released later this year.

With her drive and determination, Mia Ivy is poised to make a significant mark on the music scene and establish herself as a rising star.