Jordi Vila, currently Nissan Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe has been appointed as President Nissan Africa, as DVP. Joni Paiva, currently Nissan Africa President & India Sales & Marketing DVP returns to the Renault group.

Vila is a 30-year Nissan veteran with extensive experience sales and marketing in leading roles both at regional headquarters and markets, including among others Nissan Netherlands and Nissan Nordics, as well as Sales and Network Operations for Nissan in Europe.

Prior to this appointment, he was Divisional Vice President Marketing and Sales for Nissan Europe, and before that he was leading Asia and Oceania region as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.

He said he was looking forward to his new appointment.

“Africa is an important and strategic market for Nissan and presents many opportunities in the years to come,” he said. “We have a strong local presence and I’m sure we will continue to harness that expertise to deliver exceptional products and services for our African customers.”

Paiva is leaving Nissan after 11 years with the company, which has included strategic roles in North America and latterly Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania region where he played an instrumental role. Under his leadership, multiple new models were successfully launched across the region including Magnite and the iconic Patrol. Paiva is returning to the Renault group, where he was before joining Nissan.

Reflecting on his time overseeing Africa for Nissan, Paiva paid tribute to the management of Nissan Africa for their skillful handling of different challenges across the continent in the last year. The continent, he said, held a very special place in his heart and in Nissan’s strategies as it was the world’s last great automotive frontier.

“Nissan Africa is now well positioned with a solid organization and a clear brand strategy, underpinned by a unified product line up for the entire continent. Nissan is ready to capture the continent’s growth being the only OEM with a strong industrial footprint with fully owned manufacturing plants in Egypt and South Africa, as well as assembly operations in Ghana and Nigeria” he added.

Next week, Nissan Africa will be launching Daring Africa 2024; an eight-country odyssey comprising five Navaras and a Nissan X-Trail, from the home of the Navara in South Africa to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya, later ending in Egypt.

The epic adventure will showcase both the Navara’s capabilities and Nissan’s African partners in the individual markets, while linking the assembly plants in Rosslyn and Cairo, ahead of the Navara’s introduction to the Egyptian market.

Journalists across the country have been urged by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to embrace technology and monetize their content.

Media Council of Kenya Director of media training and development Victor Bwire said time has come to phase out media practitioners depending on brown envelops from their sources to sustain their lives.

Bwire was speaking in Mombasa during the launch of Mombasa Press Club, the third in the region after MCK recently launched the Kilifi and Kwale press clubs.

“We need to be engaging in a professional manner, we cannot be members of the fourth estate who follow people for brown envelops,” said Bwire.

He said through the press clubs and media hubs being launched by MCK, they intend to train journalist on how to monetize their content to help them make money in a dignified and professional manner through working on content and selling.

“The biggest business for any journalist is content. “If you don’t sell what you produce, where do you expect to get money?”

"We must look at selling the item you are trained to produce which is news,” he said.

So far, MCK has opened 13 press clubs since last year with four media hubs. Mombasa is also set to acquire a media hub to bring the total of media hubs to five.

Kenya he said is considered to have one of the most highly trained journalists in the world with an average age of 24 years, competing with the likes of Nigeria and South Africa in the continent.

"We have so many Kenyan journalist making good money selling content at the international level,” he said.

He further called for unity among journalists as he emphasized on the need to work together to hep each other grow.

The chief guest at the event, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged the media fraternity to be patriotic and sell their counties in their stories.

“We have had our challenges and achievements as a county. It will not be a bad idea to sell our counties as we do our stories,” said Nassir.

He added that the media is the mirror of the society, and as such it will be paramount to give it a clear wipe so that people can be able to see themselves clearly through it.

Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya on his part challenged journalists to entrench professionalism calling for indepth analysis and being factual in reporting stories.

He lauded the formation of press clubs and media hubs saying that this will bring journalist together to have shared values.

"I used to talk about problems facing Mombasa through my pen when I was a journalist. Many years later, I now seat on the side of those supposed to provide solutions to these problems”

“Be factual in your reporting and do thorough research,” said thoya.

He further challenged journalists to focus on human interest stories catalyzing change in the society.

"Ask yourselves this question, how is the news we are writing impacting the community?” Thoya posed.

Kenya Maritime Authority board of directors chairman Hamisi Mwaguya reiterated the need for professionalism as he pledged the support of KMA in covering Blue Economy and Maritime affairs stories.

"You to be professional in your discharge of duties. I assure you that we (KMA) shall work with you in your endeavor to entrench professionalism in media practice in Mombasa.”

Also present during the launch was SwahiliPot Hub founder and chief mentor Mahmoud Noor who emphasized the need for journalists to embrace new technology.

He said that failure to do so, one will be locked out of many opportunities in the ever evolving world of technology..

Noor said that journalists also need to be self-sustained for them to be able to be fair, truthful, be independent and earn the trust of wananchi as they discharge their duties.

“The biggest challenge is when people are hustling not knowing how they will survive the next day and there is somebody trying to convince them to write a story in their favor to earn something”

"That is why the press club is very important to look at the welfare of its members. Once we are able to empower journalists through the press club, then it means independence will come,” he said.

Passengers flying Skyward express from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Moi International airport will now choose between a morning and an evening flight, as the airline doubles its flights to the Coastal city of Mombasa.

The two flights per day which will start at the end of March will boost the number of visitors visiting Mombasa, especially for local tourism and business.

The flight from JKIA will be departing at 0700hrs and arrive in Mombasa at 0800hrs, the Mombasa flight will be departing at 0845hrs and arrive in Nairobi at 0945hrs.

"Our Customers will pay as low as 7,600 which is the cheapest rate in that route" reads a statement from Skyward.

Mombasa is set to get an international FIFA standard stadium that will be constructed by the national government.

This was revealed by the Cabinet Secretary for sports Ababu Namwamba who said that Mombasa and the entire coast region is a hot-bed for talents especially football, and as such deserves an international stadium.

He was speaking in Mombasa as he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of renovation works worth Sh300 million for KPA Mbaraki Stadium that plays host to Bandari Football Club representing the region in the national top-tier league, the Kenya Premier League (KPL).

The team is being sponsored by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

“Mombasa and the coast region remains a hotbed of talents. The region produced the best goalkeeper Mohammed Abbas who up to date retains the ‘Kenya 1’ title,”

"We recognize the region as a source of talents for football and other fields of sports,” said Namwamba.

The government he said has put aside Sh250 million for the works expected to be completed in six months’ time.

The stadium sits on a three acre parcel of land within Mombasa town, less than a kilometer away from the Likoni Ferry channel leading to the port of Mombasa.

The work he said will be done in three phases with phase one entailing the installation of a racing track.

Phase two will entail working on the pitch and phase three and four will involve working on the terraces and setting up of a pavilion respectively.

“Through good plans that we have in place, we will make this is a success. I want to assure KPA that we shall combine resources and work together” he said.

He lauded KPA for the good work it has been doing in nurturing sports in the region owing to the success that the authority’s football, basketball and volleyball teams for men, women and the youth have heard in recent past both in local and continental showpieces.

The CS further said that plans were also in place to look in to the completion of renovation works for the Mombasa Municipal Stadium that has stalled for the last 11 years since works begun.

The stadium has been out of use since then with renovation works to uplift it to FIFA standards expected to be over Sh1.2 billion.

He added that the government was also planning to set up stadiums in each of the six coastal counties.

"We want to improves fields and sports as a whole across all the counties in Kenya. Through the Talanta Hela project, we want to see money trickling into the pockets of our sportsmen and women and we want to see the benefits of this trickling down to all counties,” Namwamba said.

KPA General Manager Operations Dr. Sudi Mwasinago who was representing the KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said that sports organization within the region need to come together to support the initiative.

He said that by coming together, they will be able to create a vibrant sports ecosystem that natures talents, promotes healthy competition and instills a sense of national pride.

"The upgrading of KPA Mbaraki Stadium is a testament to our collective dedication to excellence and I believe in the power of sports to unite us and inspire future generations,” said Mwasinago.

Dennis Njenga, the esteemed Head of Talent at Kaka Empire, has been nominated for the prestigious Top 40 Under 40 Africa Awards.

This esteemed recognition seeks to identify, honor, and celebrate the continent's most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty from a diverse array of industries, who demonstrate unwavering commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and community service.

Mr. Njenga's nomination underscores his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry in Africa. As Head of Talent at Kaka Empire, he has played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting emerging talent, shaping the landscape of African music, and fostering socio-economic development through cultural expression.

This nomination comes hot off the heels of Dennis having been named one of the Top 40 under 40 by Business Daily.

The Top 40 Under 40 Africa Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Dennis Njenga's visionary leadership and dedication to fostering talent exemplify these values, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious accolade.

"I am deeply honored to be nominated for the Top 40 Under 40 Africa Awards," said Dennis Njenga. "This nomination not only recognizes my personal achievements but also underscores the collective efforts of the entire team at Kaka Empire in driving innovation and excellence in the entertainment industry. I am committed to continuing our mission of empowering young talents and contributing to the cultural and economic development of Africa."

Under Dennis Njenga's guidance, Kaka Empire has become synonymous with groundbreaking talent development, strategic partnerships, and unparalleled creativity in the music industry. His visionary leadership has propelled the company to new heights, earning recognition and acclaim both locally and internationally.

The Top 40 Under 40 Africa Awards ceremony taking place in Nairobi on 24th-30th March has been organised by Xodus communications.

It will bring together influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from across the continent to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations. The event will provide a platform to showcase the remarkable achievements of young business leaders who are shaping the future of Africa.

By Faith Waithaka, Cloud and Service Provider Segment Sales Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

As the African datacentre sector emerges as an important global player gender diversity must undoubtedly also keep pace with this growth.  Unfortunately, current estimates are not promising; a recent report by the Uptime Institute states that three-quarters of datacentre operators employ 10% or less women.

Similarly, a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that women make up a mere 16% of the traditional energy sector's workforce, again highlighting a substantial gender gap. Moreover, women in the sector face a pay disparity of 20% compared to their male counterparts.

The reality is achieving sustainability goals and staying ahead of digitalisation curve, require a diverse and innovative workforce. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives; it represents a strategic business imperative that drives creativity and foster innovation.

At this important juncture, industry leaders from across the continent must come together to pave the way for increased female representation in the datacentre sector. 

The recent establishment of the African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) by the African Energy Chamber is an important step in the right direction.  The chamber aims to foster a supportive community for women in the energy and datacentre industry. This initiative recognises that as the energy sector expands, so does the imperative for more women to participate.

AWBEN’s key initiatives include inciting collaboration among African women in the energy industry, hosting mentorship programmes and empowering women to take ownership of their personal and professional development, offering coaching and sponsorship opportunities for girls in STEM, creating avenues to encourage more African women-participation and leadership roles in the energy industry.

Addressing cultural, social and skills challenges

One of the challenges hindering female participation in the datacentre industry is the influence of cultural and social norms. Here, the industry must come together to not only attract women to the sector but to also break barriers that may discourage them from pursuing roles.

By dismantling these historic challenges, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the data centre industry. One of the areas where there is a need for change, is women in leadership. Young women thinking about their career options may be deterred from entering an industry where there are few women leaders.  This needs to change.

Furthermore, to secure the future of sustainable datacentres in Africa, the industry must invest in both inspiring and retaining the next generation of skilled professionals. This begins with encouraging young talent, especially girls, to pursue STEM subjects from an early age.

Supporting initiatives such as Girls in Data and Woman in Data and establishing mentorship programmes are crucial steps in a more equally represented datacentre industry.

The Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has entered into an agreement with the Korea Institute for Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT)  that will see the two institutions collaborate in joint training and certification, exchange programs, joint capacity building programs among other areas.

The MOU signed by Bandari Maritime College C.E.O Dr Eric Katana and the KIMFT president Jong Kim in Busan Campus South Korea on Wednesday was witnessed by the Principal Secretary  State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko.

"This MOU will enormously contribute to the Government of Kenya’s efforts to leverage the oceans and blue economy to create sustainable job opportunities for young people." said Kaituko.

Adding " More importantly this will enable Cadets from our licenced Maritime Education and Training Institutions to receive high quality maritime education and training at KIMFT’s advanced facilities will support Kenya’s efforts to grow its Merchant Navy and grow her maritime resources."

Kenya made a formal application in February 2024 to KIMFT through the Korean Embassy in Nairobi for consideration in the Global On Board Training Programme & the Impartment of Advanced MET Programme for the 2024/2025 year.

Other areas of collaboration between the two institutions includes curriculum development, sourcing for onboard training for students (sea-time), research, develoement and innovation, and exchange of publications and teaching materials.

PS Kaituko noted "We wish to expand the said areas of cooperation to include donation/grants of training equipment and facilities including and not limited to simulators for the use of the Academy."

There are currently seven(7) public and private institutions in Kenya offering maritime education and training, graduating more than 200 personnel annually in various maritime education and training programs such as marine engineering, nautical science, maritime transport & logistics at degree, diploma and certificate levels.

By Carol Koech, Strategy Director, Sustainability & Thought Leadership – Schneider Electric International Operations.

In a time when countries are proactively moving toward more sustainable practices, particularly in light of the recent COP28 climate summit’s plan for transitioning from fossil fuels, East Africa is undoubtedly a shining beacon.

Today, the region continues to implement a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to addressing climate-related challenges.

From renewable energy initiatives to greener agriculture, transportation, and tourism, East Africa is navigating a complex landscape with both urgency and pragmatism.

Kenya is a prime example; the country relies heavily on renewable energy, with geothermal and hydropower contributing significantly to its energy base load.

As of 2021, the green component of Kenya's energy mix stands at an impressive 81%, tangibly demonstrating the country’s commitment to clean energy.

Importantly, Kenyan CEOs, captains of industry and government entities are driving the agenda for climate sensitive practices that allow them to meet their decarbonisation goals.

This commitment is undoubtedly creating important momentum in the industry and reemphasising that both public and private sectors have roles to play in addressing environmental challenges.

In Kenya, sustainability is driven by various industries, some of which include:

.Telecommunications Industry – Safaricom's Initiatives: Safaricom, a leading telco in Kenya, is making substantial strides in sustainability.

Initiatives include the collection and recycling of 1626 tons of e-waste, with 310 (cumulative total) sites powered by clean and renewable energy, marking a 19% increase in sites operated by the company compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, Safaricom continues to demonstrate its commitment to diversity with a 50% women workforce and 35% representation in top leadership.

The deliberate measures to assess carbon footprint (66,562 tCO2e) and water consumption (58,340 cubic meters) underscore the company’s dedication to holistic sustainability.

• Food and Beverage (F&B) industry – Bio Foods' Initiatives: In the F&B sector, Bio Foods Bio Foods is setting an exemplary standard for sustainability.

The company has successfully recycled 96.8% of the 26,280 kgs of waste produced. Bio Foods has implemented a closed-loop water system for their UHT autoclave machine, allowing them to recycle up to 60,000 litres of water daily.

Despite increased production, the company has reduced its carbon footprint by an impressive 22%.

These are just but a few of the many leading companies making moves towards sustainable practices.

Organisations such as Schneider Electric have also been instrumental in enabling countries to tackle their sustainability challenges head on.

By digitising processes and implementing energy measurement tools, Schneider Electric is assisting companies to valuable insights into their energy consumption, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable operations.

By implementing EcoStruxure solutions such as the industries have led optimised and energy efficient operations enabling them meet industry benchmarked ISO standards for energy management, environmental management, GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, and life cycle assessment.

Further, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: access to Affordable and Clean Energy is one the pillars in the globe’s sustainability journey, that various East African industries are working on to transition to prosumer status, by generating and consuming their own energy. 

The proof is in the proverbial pudding, and East Africa is certainly putting proactive steps in place to establish a region that is driven by sustainable practices, renewable energy and importantly a clear, climate-sensitive vision for the future.