Safaricom PLC (NSE:SCOM) has today hosted the fourth series of the ‘Grow with Safaricom Business’ targeting MSMEs in the Coast region.

The forum aims to equip the entrepreneurs with knowledge that will enable them scale their businesses through technology.

The engagement forum will also give the MSMEs an opportunity to exchange ideas on how they can leverage digital technologies to enhance their market reach, streamline operations, and create a strong brand presence online.

According to the Kenya Institute of Public Policy, Research and Analysis, there are over 7.4 million MSMEs, employing approximately 14.9 million Kenyans in various sectors of the economy, generating 30% of the GDP.

“Despite the significant contribution MSMEs make to the economy, they continue to face considerable challenges, such as inadequate knowledge and skills and rapid technology changes among others that hinder the growth of their businesses. At Safaricom, we believe in the power of technology and its potential to transform businesses, which is why we are hosting the Grow with Safaricom Business to empower MSMEs,” said Cynthia Kropac, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Safaricom.

As the global economy rapidly digitalises, it is estimated that 70% of new value created over the coming decade will be based on digitally enabled platform business models.

Launched in March this year, the Grow with Safaricom Business forum will provide ample networking opportunities for MSMEs to connect with peers, industry experts, and potential partners.

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)  has recognized outstanding journalists reporting on Environment and Climate change in Africa.

The ceremony took place in Abidjan on the sidelines of the 12^th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa CCDA-XII.

Among those who were recognized is Mombasa based journalist Jasmine Atieno.

Jasmine who works with the People daily newspaper was the only journalist from Kenya who won the award,  with Leleti Jassor from Nation media group being the runners up.

"I am very excited and humbled for this win. Thankful to Pan African Climate Justice Alliance for recognizing and rewarding our efforts and commitment as journalists in highlighting critical environmental issues and advocating for climate justice." said Jasmine.

Adding "I have to also say, the winning story was my first opinion article on climate change. I decided to write this article especially motivated by the devastating effects the floods had to Kenyan families and especially to women, which we all witnessed and reported about. As a features writer we are so used to collect everyone else's voice but we should never forget how important our voices and opinions also are in driving for change. And I really hope to see this change happen in terms of empowering Kenyan and African women to mitigate effects of climate change."

The theme for this edition was 'Advancing for accountability for Adaptation finance for enhanced resilience, climate justice and equity'.

478 journalists submitted their entries for the awards. Out of 478 candidates, 16 were selected winners in six categories.

Contestants submitted entries in six categories namely: print media, Broadcast media, Digital Activists, Investigative, Coverage of local Climate Change Issues, and opinion/commentary.

During his address to the participants at the gala night, Carlton Cofie, the chief judge, expressed his admiration for the impressive quality of all the entries. He emphasized the difficulty in selecting the winners due to the high level of competition.  He said that the next competition will be improved as journalists will be equipped with more skills in climate change and environmental issues.

The ACCER awards are currently in their 8th edition, with the inaugural event held in 2013. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized that the media is the strategic ally of PACJA in advancing and promoting climate justice advocacy in Africa and beyond.       

The African Climate Change and Environmental Reporting (ACCER) Awards have been held biennially since 2013.

These awards aim to acknowledge and encourage exceptional journalists and media networks who utilize their skills, reach, and influence to simplify complex environmental-scientific discussions and raise awareness about how they affect people's lives, societies, economies, and the health of the planet.  The following annex indicates the winners of for  8^th ACCER Awards.

By Phenyo Mokgothu

When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.

Found only in the Udzungwa Mountains, the species experienced a population decline after the construction of the Lower Kihansi Hydropower project and an outbreak of a fungal disease. This is according to a study co-authored by Prof Ché Weldon of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Zoology.

The hydropower project reduced water flow in the toads’ habitat tenfold, and by March 2001 the population had dropped to fewer than 2 000 toads. Although restoration efforts increased the population to nearly 18 000 by June 2003, this recovery did not last.

The final blow was an outbreak of chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This infection affects the outermost layers of amphibians’ skin, impairing their ability to breathe or thermoregulate correctly. This led to the toad population's rapid decline. By 2009, the Kihansi spray toad was declared extinct in the wild.

Putting two and two together

The NWU study used spatiotemporal surveillance and mitogenome assembly of the fungus from archived toad specimens. It showed that the outbreak was caused by the BdCAPE lineage of the fungus which, according to molecular dating, appeared in southern Africa around the time of the extinction of the spray toads.

Further surveillance of other amphibian species in the Udzungwa Mountains showed BdCAPE infection without noticeable health impacts, suggesting that these species can tolerate the fungus under stable conditions. However, the spray toad's vulnerability increased due to habitat change.

The findings show that despite habitat restoration efforts, the BdCAPE fungus led to the Kihansi spray toad's extinction. This is the first documented instance in Africa of a host species being driven to extinction by this specific pathogen.

The study highlighted the use of molecular techniques, such as shotgun sequencing, to analyse archived specimens and understand disease outbreaks and their impacts. It calls for comprehensive efforts to assess the risks posed by habitat modification, climate change and emerging diseases on vulnerable species.

According to the authors, the extinction of the Kihansi spray toad shows the need for integrated conservation strategies that consider environmental changes and disease dynamics.

They say policymakers must recognise the threats posed by habitat alteration and emerging infectious diseases to prioritise and implement conservation actions for endangered species.

Stanbic Bank Kenya has launched the Stanbic Money Market Fund (KES) and the Stanbic Fixed Income Fund (USD) following approval by the Capital Markets Authority earlier this year.

The funds will be managed by SBG Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic Holdings Plc.

This launch marks Stanbic Bank’s official entry into asset management through its newly established Insurance and Asset Management Unit, with plans to introduce more investment products in the future.

This initiative aligns with the Bank’s strategy to offer comprehensive solutions, creating a seamless, one-stop financial services hub tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients through a range of client-centric products and services.

It also supports the Bank’s purpose to drive growth by providing meaningful solutions.

With minimum investments of KES 1,000 and USD 100, the funds are designed for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and achieve long-term growth with minimal risk and high liquidity.

Clients’ investments will be managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals.

Commenting on this, Dr Joshua Oigara, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Kenya and South Sudan said, “To drive growth, we must mobilise domestic savings and investments by strengthening our capital markets and developing investment products that cater to our people’s needs."

Adding "We need to create accessible entry points for investors, offering affordable and user-friendly solutions that lower barriers to investment. Our Asset Management unit is strategically positioned to deliver investment solutions that drive growth for both retail and institutional investors.”

"We strategically set up a fourth business unit called Insurance and Asset Management to ensure that we were offering a holistic suite of Banking and non-Banking solutions to our clients. Investing in Stanbic's Unit Trusts offers vast advantages, including expert management and diversification across various asset classes” said Anjali Harkoo, Head Insurance and Asset Management, Stanbic Bank Kenya.

"Licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority, these funds adhere to stringent investment guidelines , ensuring stability and security for investors. Leveraging our extensive asset management experience across our Group network, we will implement best investment practices and utilise our robust internal capabilities to deliver value to our clients.” added Anjali.

The funds currently provide investors with an annualized yield of 15.12% for the Money Market Fund (KES) and 5.56% for the Fixed Income Fund (USD).

The Money Market Fund charges up to 2% in management fees, while the Fixed Income Fund charges up to 1%.

The funds will be available to both existing and new Stanbic Bank clients, catering to both individual and institutional investors.

Mombasa county has shut down the Frere town dumping site which has been eyesore for the residents for years.

The exercise , spearheaded by the Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, included a comprehensive community sensitization on the importance of environmental cleanliness and public health. Residents.

Speaking during the exercise, Thoya called on the local ward administrator to ensure that the area remains clean, free of garbage.

''It has taken us time to close this dumping site but we are thankful that we have finally managed. I now believe that the residents around here will live  peaceful and in good environment. We will see how to help those youth who were used to dumping waste here" said Thoya.

Adding " For us, we will leave immediately after so the work is now upon the ward administrator to ensure that no one dumps waste here again. As the county we will always be available and willing to help you whenever you need our help."

On his part Nyali sub county administrator Mohammed Abubakar called on the residents to take the responsibility of keeping the area clean.

"Just as your play your part as parents at home to ensure that your Children have good life, take up the responsibility to ensure that this place is clean. My office will work closely with all relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that this area remains clean and no one dumps waste again here."

According to the area elder Mzee Omar the move by the county government is timely.

"We would like to congratulate the Deputy Governor and the entire Mombasa county government for this bold move. This particular dumpsite has a history dating back to several years ago and has been a bother to us as residents." said Omar

Adding" We have lost do many tenants because of the dumping site, If you around here you will see many empty houses, people deserted this area leaving it to us who were born and raised here, I believe we will now be welcoming back the tenants and our houses will once again be full."

Mombasa industrialist and philanthropist Hasmukh 'Hasu' Patel was finally cremated on Sunday afternoon at a ceremony attended by several leaders from Kenya, Uganda and India.

The cremation took place at the Hindu Crematorium, Buxton, in line with Hindu customs.

The funeral procession of the tycoon which started at the Pandya memorial hospital few minutes past 9am brought Mombasa city at standstill as hundreds of residents who most have in one way or the other been touched by his charity gestures lined up the streets to say their final goodbye to a man who has touched many hearts not only in Mombasa but other neighbouring counties like Kilifi.

His body was placed in a chair, in a sitting position on a special vehicle well decorated with flowers, his close family members especially sons surrounding him on both sides while other family members at the back.

Among those who were with the body at the hearse was his former right hand man and religious leader Naran Mepani.

According to Mepani, they decided to give the late tycoon a special send off because of his status in the community and according to the hindu traditions.

"He was not just a normal person, he was like a king, in our Swaminarayan community we refer to him as Raja and that is why you see all this." Mepani told journalists during an interactive session at the late tycoon's home in Nyali.

Adding " This has never happened in Kenya, it only happens in India, to people who are highly regarded in the community. We always ensure that their corpses seat in a decorated hearse and there has to be a procession. This is also what happens to priests those who you see wearing orange clothes."

The body of the late businessman passed through four different Hindu temples where members of the respective temples came out with flowers and for special prayers.

"His status allows that he be taken through different temples on his way to the final place, the congregants at the temples have to come out and thrown flowers to the hearse carrying his body, symbolizing his status." explained Mepani.

The hearse carrying Patel's body was also escorted by several people living with disabilities who he mainly assisted especially with wheel chairs.

During his speech at the funeral service, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said he will present a request to the county assembly to have one of the roads and ECD centres in the county named after Patel.

Former president Daniel Moi's press secretary Lee Njiru has advised journalists to invest their earnings for easy landing upon retirement.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa ,Njiru regretted that only a small percentage of journalists working in newsrooms have huge investments, therefore a majority end up living a miserable life and dying poor .

"I have established that only 1 percent of journalists put up huge investments,many end up being carried away by fame and incentives given to them by news sources,others end up too alcoholic and due to frustrations after leaving work,"he said.

Lee who served former presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi for over three decades said discipline,hard work, determination is paramount in the media sector for ones survival.

"Stop drinking alcohol, report to work on time,dress well, be consistent and ensure you deliver the best until nobody will victimize you anywhere, make people feel your work and they will fear it,"he said.

At times he says, journalists ego makes them think that they are equal to their bosses or sources thus forgetting to live within their means.

He is now urging practicing journalists to adjust accordingly and rethink about retirement.

" Am speaking to you as a father, colleague and grandfather to some of you,the work of a journalist if you are not careful you will perish, because when you work on a radio,Tv or a newspaper you grow horns, forget that the media house you are working for belongs to the owner,"he added.

Njiru said working for the head of state is a rare opportunity therefore it demands one to uphold much discipline and perseverance.

In his advice to practicing journalist the veteran spares no one saying retirement is awaiting them and many will end up suffering for failing to plan about their future.

"I would advise you,if you get any earnings invest it,the little you get make good use of it,I have seen many colleagues perish because of forgetting about life after retirement,"he said.

He added. "When l life is good build your own empire,don't live on borrowed fame,that media house belongs to the owner not yours,"he cautioned.

The veteran pressman advised parents and guardians to guide their children to take up marketable courses for job marketability.

He was responding to a question regarding the state of diminishing media jobs in the country.

"Relook at the marketability of the course,this world is very competitive and no one looks after you when you fail to get a job,"said Njiru.

Kenya plans to increase diaspora remittance to sh1 trillion by 2027 Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.

Mudavadi said that last year Kenyans working abroad sent home Sh.671 billion which was bigger than the traditional foreign income earners of tea and coffee combined signaling the new cash cow for the country.

Speaking during the Western Edition of the Kazi Majuu Job Fair in Vihiga County, Mudavadi said that the government has stepped up the number of those getting jobs so that they can benefit from the dollars through remittances.

“We want to push the remittance to a trillion in the next three years. Currently, Kenyans in foreign countries are increasing in number through our government’s intervention and bilateral agreements,” said Mudavadi.

He emphasized the critical role of youth employment abroad in enhancing Kenya’s foreign revenue and improving the livelihoods of families nationwide.
“If we do not continue to build diaspora remittances as a major resource, we risk a run on the Kenyan shilling,” he warned.
Mudavadi, also Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said that Kenyans are in high demand globally due to their work ethic and fluency in language. He pointed out that even international call centers, such as Delta Airlines, employ Kenyans who work remotely from Nairobi’s Tatu City, earning salaries in dollars.

“We have some Kenyans working in cruises and they are earning an upward of sh250,000 to Sh 400,000 which is a tidy sum for you Kenyans,” said Mudavadi.
He stressed that discipline is paramount for the youth as they seek employment opportunities abroad.

He reminded them that Kenya is an open society, hosting global media giants like BBC and Al Jazeera Africa headquarters in Nairobi but cautioned that violence and extremist behaviors could undermine the credibility of Kenyan youth, making employers turn to candidates from other countries.

“Once you leave Kenyan soil, the law that applies is that of the country you are going to. You must respect it,” Mudavadi advised.
He urged the youth to maintain discipline, avoid reckless behavior, and honor their financial obligations, such as paying rent on time.

He said that Kenyans have been performing well globally, and it is essential to elevate the country's reputation further so that the Kenyan workforce is highly respected.

Mudavadi also emphasized the government's efforts to create job opportunities within Kenya. He highlighted Israel's interest in investing in Kenya’s agricultural sector through foreign direct investment, particularly in response to global food security concerns.

He mentioned that Israeli investors are keen to invest in large-scale farming in Kenya, a venture supported by both governments.

This partnership is seen as a response to dwindling food production, especially wheat, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
"Investors come where there is peace and stability. If I am an investor, I will not take my money where there is chaos," Mudavadi remarked.

Prime Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that capital is a very shy element, which flees at the first sign of danger. He called for a unified approach to ensure a conducive environment for investment and economic growth in Kenya.

PCS highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline among youth employed abroad, warning that indiscipline could tarnish Kenya's reputation. He cited examples of Kenyans being caught up in situations of indiscipline, leading to unnecessary diplomatic negotiations.

Mudavadi touched on the situation in Lebanon, where 26,000 Kenyans are currently employed. He expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the region, stressing that the government's priority is the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.

"It is our prayer that normalcy returns to the Middle East, as many Kenyans are earning a livelihood there and contributing to diaspora remittances," he said.

Mudavadi was accompanied by Vihiga County Governor Wilber K. Ottichilo, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline Njogu, MPs Charles Gimose, (Hamisi), Clement Sloya (Sabatia), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Ernest Kagesi (Vihiga), Vihiga County woman Beatrice Adagala and East Africa Legislative Assembly lawmaker David Sankok.
Ms. Njogu said the government was keen to weed out unscrupulous employment agencies by ensuring that all them are registered under the National Employment Authority (NEA).

She urged the youth to remain vigilant and verify the credibility of agencies through the website. "Stay woke and do not be duped by rogue agencies," she cautioned.

Vihiga County Governor Wilber K. Ottichilo, called for expedited processing of passports and national IDs for the youth. He stressed that quick access to these documents is crucial for those seeking employment abroad.

He lauded Alex Chamwada, a notable advocate for youth empowerment, particularly through his ‘Daring Abroad program’. Chamwada's efforts in inspiring young Kenyans to explore opportunities abroad were recognized as contributing to the nation's prosperity.
"We are here to prepare young people because they are in demand globally. But we need to tell you the truth: choices have consequences," he said.

The event was attended by senior government officials, stakeholders, and both local and national leaders. The Kazi Majuu Job Fair aims to empower young Kenyans by connecting them with potential employers and providing resources to facilitate their entry into the global job market.

Former President Daniel Moi's press secretary Lee Njiru now says that Azimio leader Raila Odinga joining (AUC) as chairman  has no tangible benefit to the country.

Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting with journalists, Njiru termed the campaign for Raila to be the AU commission chair as a self glorification and all 'heat without light'.

"When we talk of Raila being the chairman of Africa Union commission chairman,in my opinion,Raila being the chairman it's for Kenya's glorification and has no tangible benefit to Kenya as a country,"said Lee.

Njiru said the clamour for unity  through (AUC) has been overtaken by time because all African countries are already dividend by culture, currency and languages.

He said since 1945, Africa dis-unity cracks have never been sealed.

"We need to ask ourself what will we benefit from Raila being the chairman of AUC, African has been talking about Pan-Africanism since pre-indipendence in 1945, but there has not been unity,"he added.

Njiru opined that Uniting African is not a easy task for Odinga , because there is no political will within (AUC) nations.

He accused international interference by foreign nations as the stumbling block to Africa Unity.

"I have been listening keenly to scholars talking eloquently about Africa unity,if you go all African countries they have different currencies, languages,then even if Raila ve ones chair of (AUC) it's meaningless because we are divided by culture, currency and languages,"said Njiru.

Njiru's sentiments came a day after the unveiling of Raila Odinga at statehouse .

The East Africa Community (EAC) leaders this week  gathered at State House, Nairobi, for the formal unveiling of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the candidate for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), in a significant indication of regional backing.

President William Ruto had invited the regional heads of State to grace his grand unveiling of  Odinga.

The launch marked the start of  Raila Odingas official campaigns ahead of the February 2025 elections to replace outgoing chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.

EAC chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Tanzanian’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni graced the event, signaling strong support for Odinga in the EAC. 

Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca were also present.

Other prominent African leaders included former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria. Their presence underscored the regional and continental backing for Odinga.

Raila will contest for the AUC post against Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssou, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan and Richard James Randriamandrato, a former Madagascar Foreign Minister.

Prominent Mombasa Businessman and philanthropist Hasmukh 'Hassu' Patel is dead.

Patel popularly known in Mombasa streets as 'Mombasa Cement' was known for his gestures of clearing medical bills for families and sponsoring students to school by paying their school fees.

He was the proprietor of Mombasa Cement limited among other companies.

According to the family spokesperson Samir Bhalo, the late Patel breathed his last at 1pm (Thursday) as he was receiving treatment at the Premier hospital.

In an interview with one of the local dailies, Bhalo revealed that the late tycoon had been ill for two days. He died aged 58.

One of his biggest philanthropic activities was his Ksh700 million contribution to the conversion of the Kibarani dumpsite to a park.

His philanthropic effects have been felt beyond Mombasa county.

The news of his death was announced on Thursday by Mombasa leaders led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamd Nassir.

"We have learned with sadness of the passing of businessman Hasmukh “Hasuu” Patel of Mombasa Cement Limited in Mombasa." posted Nassir

Adding "Mr. Patel will be remembered for his active participation in society affairs in Mombasa as well as his generous support for the underprivileged. I take this opportunity on behalf of the County Government of Mombasa to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the departed. We will stand with you during this difficult time."

On his part Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro posted "It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and Mombasa Cement company owner, Hasmukh Patel, also known as Asuu Patel. He was a respected family man who always supported and cared for his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, friends, and colleagues as they navigate through this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend."