Pharmacies and Chemists are among the weak link in the war against drug abuse.

According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua some pharmacies have been selling drugs over the counter without prescription thus contributing to abuse of drugs

Speaking during the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya's International Scientific Conference 2024 in Mombasa, Gachagua said existence of rogue pharmacists in the industry pose a major challenge in the war against drug abuse.

"I want to say that I'm leading the fight against drug and substance use. And one of our weak points are pharmacies and chemists, some properly licensed and run by professions yet they dispense drugs that are supposed to dispensed against prescription over the counter" said Gachagua.

Adding " We have alot of young people even in this town of Mombasa getting alot of syrups and mixing them with other things to get a very dangerous combination that is harmful to our Children. I want to call upon all those professionals who run pharmacies and chemists to live up to your oath and do the right thing. Please don't dispense drugs that are supposed to be dispensed by prescription over the counter "

The deputy president expressing government’s willingness to deploy security forces in all the 47 counties to work with the licensed pharmacists to root out those conducting the business illegally.

“There are quacks who have opened pharmacists that are not licensed and not ran by professionals. We are asking you to work with us and we are willing to pair you with our county security teams to crack down on unlicensed pharmacists and chemists. Shut them down and take those running them to jail.”

“We are ready to give you law enforcement officers in all the 47 counties to shut down all unlicensed facilities across the country. Those professionals who lease out their licenses, how do you do that? It is insulting to yourself. Those are merchants who don’t care. Please be professional and let us respect our professionals. Don’t allow merchants in such a noble profession?”

The deputy president also appealed to members of the Pharmaceutical  Society of Kenya to exercise the moral obligation of not allowing their licensed facilities to be the dens where drugs that are harmful to humanity get their way into the hands of unprescribed users.

He noted the need for everyone to exercise individual responsibility and contribute where possible in the effort to rid the country of the drug abuse menace.

After a week of anticipation and intrigue, Kaka Empire is thrilled to officially announce the signing of Azeezah Hashim, renowned media personality and events MC, to our dynamic roster of talent.

Azeezah Hashim, a powerhouse in the media and events industry, has made a name for herself with her dynamic presence, exceptional hosting skills, and engaging on-screen charisma.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and a magnetic personality that has captivated audiences across the nation.

To celebrate this exciting new chapter, Head of Talent, Dennis Njenga and CEO King Kaka hosted Azeezah, along with the Kaka Empire team, for a warm and intimate welcoming dinner at the prestigious Mister Wok restaurant.

The event was a vibrant mix of camaraderie and celebration, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Azeezah to the Kaka Empire family," said Dennis Njenga. "Her talent, professionalism, and vibrant energy align perfectly with our vision and values. We are confident that this partnership will bring about innovative and groundbreaking projects."

King Kaka, CEO of Kaka Empire, echoed these sentiments: "Azeezah is a trailblazer in the media industry, and we are honored to have her join us. This collaboration signifies our commitment to expanding our horizons and continuously delivering top-notch entertainment and talent to our audience."

Azeezah expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership: " I am overwhelmed with joy as I say this! Joining Kaka Empire feels like the perfect next step in my career. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to creating magic together with the amazing team."

This signing is a testament to Kaka Empire's dedication to nurturing and promoting top-tier talent in Africa and beyond.

Mombasa county has joined the 10-day campaign against Muguka.

The campaign running from June 10 to June 20, seeks to highlight the negative impacts of the stimulant especially on the youth.

On Monday, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya launched the campaign at the Kibaoni Social Hall in Kilifi town.

Speaking to the Press at the Governor's office on Tuesday, Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya said Coast leaders have been forced to come up with the campaign after the government 'ignored' them.

"We have realised that the national government has decided to ignore us on this. The president has been meeting leaders from areas where Muguka comes from, just yesterday he had a meeting with leaders from Meru but has ignored to meet the six governors from the Coastal counties" said Thoya.

Adding " For us we have now resolved that the issue of Muguka is no longer about the leaders but our people and that is why we are starting this campaign , it will be a nationwide campaign starting with our Coast counties. We have now decided to get out of the boardrooms and go to our people and educate them on the effects of Muguka and why we should not allow it in our region."

The campaign which will involve political and religious leaders, stakeholders will include radio and Tv talk shows, street protests, community and school engagements. visiting rehabilitation centres, offering counseling services among other activities.

"If the government does not want to listen to the leaders, then it will now be forced to listen to the people. We know it is not going to be an easy fight but we are ready for it. Prepare for a major announcement after this campaign" said Thoya.

The campaign will also include advocating for support  for the draft Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes removing miraa from the list of scheduled/ cash crops.

Thoya accused the government of being insensitive to the concerns of leaders from the Coast region.

"The reason why the president is engaging leaders from Meru and Embu is because he got majority of his votes from those areas, if at all he could have got majority votes from the Coast then he could be here speaking to us" argued Thoya.

Stanbic Bank Kenya has launched the "Switch Campaign," an initiative aimed at mobilising deposits and rewarding new and existing customers.

During the campaign period the Bank will award new and existing clients with cash rewards amounting to KES 7.2 million.

The 'Switch Campaign' positions Stanbic Bank as the ideal partner, offering a range of benefits tailored to clients' diverse needs.

Salaried Kenyans can open new accounts, while existing clients can reactivate their dormant accounts and enjoy enhanced banking experiences and rewards.

Abraham Ongenge, Head of Personal and Private Banking, Stanbic Bank Kenya, said, “Stanbic is committed to providing financial solutions that drive growth. To this effect, we have designed a deposit account that provides access to additional loan and protection services. With a digitized and seamless account opening process, we are enabling financial inclusion and equipping individuals with the right tools for sustained growth.”

The "Switch Campaign" will run for three months, during which select participants will win cash prizes. Every month, three lucky New-to-Bank Salary Switch participants will receive KES 200,000, KES 100,000, and KES 50,000 for the winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up, respectively.  Similarly, three existing clients will win a similar amount every month for increasing their deposits”, he added.

The Grand Draw will be done at the end of the three-month campaign period, with the grand draw winner receiving KES 1,000,000. In total, 66 participants will win cash prizes during the campaign period.

Individuals can quickly and conveniently open a Stanbic Account through the Stanbic Mobile APP. Stanbic Bank offers accounts with retrenchment cover, a crucial feature that ensures financial security in case of job loss, for as little as KES 200 per month. Moreover, Stanbic Bank clients can access cash advances from KES 30,000 and unsecured personal loans up to KES 6 million, all through the mobile app.

Additionally, Stanbic Bank ensures a smooth transition for personal loans, including unsecured, secured, and home loans.

This includes the provision of home loans up to KES 10.5 million with a fixed rate of 9.5% per annum and a maximum repayment period of 25 years.

L'Oréal Paris proudly unveils its partnership with the multi-talented actress, entrepreneur, and global influencer Temi Otedola as the new African Digital Brand Ambassador for L'Oréal Paris Makeup.

This is a historic partnership as Otedola will serve as the new digital Ambassador for Africa and the first Nigerian to ever represent the iconic brand.

Standing alongside fellow ambassadors including Kendall Jenner and Viola Davis, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in celebrating beauty in all its forms across the African continent and reaffirms L'Oréal Paris's commitment to diversity and empowerment.

 In 2023, L'Oréal Paris announced talented South African actress Thusi Mbedu as L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador and spokesperson in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

As the face of L'Oréal Paris Makeup, Temi will headline the latest Infallible Makeup Range campaigns, showcasing her unique style and celebrating the diverse beauty of Africa.

Temi expressed her excitement and honor in her statement: "Words cannot describe how honored I am to partner with L'Oréal Paris Makeup. L'Oréal Paris was amongst the first beauty products I was introduced to as a young girl playing with my mother's makeup."

Adding " I have grown up loving their products and deeply respecting the company's values and vision. The L'Oréal Paris woman is someone I deeply resonate with—confident, unapologetic, and always striving to make a difference in the world. I'm so excited to begin this beautiful journey with a brand that truly inspires me.”

Issima Oniangue, General Manager for Makeup in the Sub-Saharan Africa Zone at L'Oréal Paris, shared her excitement about the partnership: "Temi's unique style, confidence, and passion for beauty perfectly embody the L'Oréal Paris ethos of empowerment and sophistication."

He added "This partnership marks a new era of glamour and innovation in beauty for the region as we continue to celebrate and cater to the diverse beauty of African women. We are excited to inspire and bring the best of beauty to every corner of the continent." 

Politicians from Mombasa have expressed their heartfelt condolences following the tragic passing of renowned youth leader Brenda Wasike. 

Brenda who was the President, Mombasa Youth Assembly died on Saturday evening through a road accident, at Bangladesh.

A statement from Mombasa Youth Assembly reads "In loving memory of Brenda Wasike, a dedicated leader and advocate for youth empowerment. Her passion and commitment inspired us all. May her legacy continue to shine brightly through the Mombasa Youth Assembly, Rest in peace Brenda."

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed eulogised the late Brenda as a good grassroot mobilizer and a champion of youth empowerment..

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the tragic passing of BRENDA WASIKE. It is hard to comprehend how the cruel hand of death has suddenly snatched her from our midst. She was an energetic, jovial and an extremely pleasant person to deal with." posted Zamzam.

Adding "Her participation in social activities which saw her being the president of Mombasa Youth Assembly was a valuable contribution to the growth of youth empowerment and a good grassroots mobilizer in the county. May her soul rest in peace."

On his part Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki noted " Nimepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa kifo cha Mmoja wa mwanachama wa kamati ya Seneti ya Uangalizi wa Eneo la Changamwe (Changamwe Ward Oversight Committe) Brenda Wasike kilichotokea Leo katika kaunti ya Mombasa.kwaniaba Yangu na Watu wa Kaunti ya Mombasa natuma salamu za rambi rambi kwa ndugu, jamaa na marafiki kwa msiba huu Mola Awape subra wakati huu mgumu na ailaze roho ya Mpendwa wetu mahali pema peponi Ameen."

The World Gin Day is upon us, offering an opportunity to appreciate the rich heritage and evolving landscape of gin in Kenya.

Celebrated annually on the second Saturday of June, this special day brings gin enthusiasts together to enjoy and explore the beloved spirit in a variety of ways with the participation of both local and international brands.

In the 1830s, Charles Tanqueray established his distillery in Bloomsbury, London, taking the World on a journey of refined taste with a display of elite craftsmanship giving rise to the timeless classic gin: Tanqueray.

This special gin, known for its distinctively balanced flavor profile that features a blend of botanicals such as juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice, quickly rose to prominence.

The commitment on display by brand stakeholders to quality and consistency has continued to cement its reputation over the decades, making it a global gin icon.

Tanqueray has carved out a significant niche since its introduction, elevating the overall perception of gin and transforming it from a casual beverage, to a sophisticated choice for the discerning drinker. 

At the pinnacle, is the Tanqueray No. TEN.

The first ultra-premium gin distilled from whole citrus fruits. The citrus heart is distilled in the 500L Tiny Ten copper still for an unmistakable taste and personality. The brand’s premium image and classic taste has resonated well with Kenyan consumers, who appreciate both its heritage and sophistication.

It continues to innovate and cater to the evolving tastes of the Kenyan market with a selection of variants including the, Seville, Rangpur and Royale. These offer unique twists on its classic formula, appealing to both traditionalists and experimental drinkers.

The availability of these variants demonstrates the brand’s adaptability and commitment to maintaining its relevance in a dynamic market.

In the year 2009, Neil Houston founded World Gin Day as a way of getting his friends together for a gin party in Birmingham. Soon Emma and Neil became tight gin friends and brought the celebrations to London in 2010.

The celebrations happened in a little gin bar called Graphic in Soho. Since then, World Gin Day is observed every year. Soon, Emma took up charge officially to celebrate the day, as Neil had other work commitments. World Gin Day is observed every year in multiple countries.

Let’s raise a glass to the World Gin Day, celebrating the rise of this special spirit and the exciting moments it elevates in our life experiences. Follow the conversation on #unmistakablytanqueray.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to familiarise themselves with key policy documents governing counties to enhance devolution reporting.

MCK Kisumu Regional Coordinator Evans Teddy says journalists have the duty of interrogating and understanding the policy documents to not only ensure accuracy in reporting but also promote transparency and accountability.

“Comprehending key policy issues allows journalists to critically evaluate information and effectively inform the public through analytical reporting. This understanding is essential in creating an informed citizenry while ensuring accountability in governance”, said Mr Teddy during a meeting with journalists from Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga Counties at a Bungoma hotel.

He emphasised the agenda-setting role of media in shaping public discourse, especially on the government’s agenda by assessing what has been achieved.

MMUST FM’s Joel Okwayo asked the journalists to engage in investigative reporting, especially on matters affecting the masses. He added that reporters have a clarion call to understand and synthesise information before sharing it with the public.

“This being an information era, our role as journalists is not just to report news, but to engage in quality investigative journalism that fosters transparency in governance. This however requires that we have a strong foundation in understanding governance structures and development agenda”, he emphasised.

TV 47 journalist Ms Violet Auma spoke on the press freedom incidences in the county and called for collaboration.

“The shrinking press freedom space in counties is at an alarming rate, calling for an urgent stakeholder intervention. County Governments should serve the public and, in that obligation, lies the responsibility to allow media access to information”, she said.

Tandao TV Report Robert Wanyonyi reiterated the need for collaboration between journalists, national and county officials, adding that this will contribute to mutual respect and understanding between the actors while enhancing access to information.

By  Anthony Hutia, Samsung Electronics East Africa, Head of Mobile Experience Division.

As the urgency to combat climate change escalates, technology companies are uniquely positioned to drive environmental sustainability.

Samsung, a global tech giant, exemplifies this potential through its innovative approaches and commitment to greener practices. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Samsung is not only transforming the way we live but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Samsung Electronics assesses a product’s entire life cycle, including the sourcing, production, distribution, product use and recycling phases. At the production stage, it aims to expand the development and application of recycled materials with a lower carbon footprint.

At the distribution stage, it is working to minimize packaging volume and weight to reduce carbon emissions.

Through initiatives like improving the energy efficiency of chargers, itis trying to improve the environmental impact at the use stage. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend, with similar  companies moving towards more sustainable packaging.

The increasing accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste) across the globe has become a concern for environmentalists and tech stakeholders, prompting campaigns to minimize the production of non-essential electronic accessories.

One of the biggest challenges facing the recycling industry in Kenya is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Many areas lack proper waste management systems, which means that a lot of waste, including plastic waste, ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment.

The exclusion of charging adapters from new device packaging is based on the fact that new-generation devices now all use type-C cables, meaning a single charger can work on multiple devices such as phones, laptops, power banks, and ear pods.

Lately, high-end phone makers have changed packaging of new devices to exclude traditionally freely available accessories such as charging adapters and earphone sets to minimise electronic waste that is ravaging the world.

It is part of the move to minimise electronic waste globally. Samsung is currently rolling this out across East Africa.

Samsung’s innovations in 5G and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies are revolutionizing urban living. These technologies enable the creation of smart cities where infrastructure and services are interconnected and optimized for efficiency.

For example, smart grids equipped with IoT devices can monitor and manage energy use in real-time, reducing waste and lowering emissions. Smart water management systems can detect leaks and optimize usage, conserving this vital resource.

Samsung’s sustainability efforts extend to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The Samsung Innovation Campus equips young people with digital skills and knowledge needed for the green jobs of the future. By fostering a new generation of innovators, Samsung is helping to ensure that future technological advancements will continue to prioritize sustainability.

Samsung’s proactive approach to sustainability serves as a powerful example for the tech industry.

By integrating environmental responsibility into its core business strategy and leveraging its technological prowess, Samsung is not only mitigating its own environmental impact but also inspiring others to follow suit in making strides in this area, emphasizing the industry-wide potential for positive change.

As consumers, investors, and global citizens, we have a role to play in supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. By choosing products and services from environmentally responsible companies like Samsung, we can collectively drive demand for greener solutions and contribute to a more sustainable world.

The future of technology is not just smart but also green, and together, we can work towards a more sustainable world. By embracing these advancements and supporting sustainable practices, we can contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Stanbic Bank and Mobikey Kenya, a leading player in the zero-mileage vehicle distribution industry and a member of Grupo Jap have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) set to transform vehicle financing in Kenya.

This landmark agreement marks Mobikey’s first local partnership and is set to make vehicle financing more accessible and affordable, particularly for trucks and trailers.

The partnership features a competitive interest rate of 20.17% on a reducing balance, a 0% facility fee and a tenure of up to 48 months.

Stanbic Bank will also offer up to 80% financing for trucks and up to 70% for trailers, subject to credit evaluation, making high-quality vehicles more accessible to a broader range of customers.

During the MOU signing, Renato D’souza, Head of Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, said, “We are excited to partner with Mobikey Kenya to enhance access to affordable vehicle financing in Kenya. By leveraging Mobikey’s robust market presence and Stanbic Bank’s financial expertise, we aim to unlock significant value for our clients and drive growth in the local vehicle market."

Adding" We are committed to supporting the automotive industry and will continue to develop innovative financing solutions to this effect.”

On his part, Ricardo Teixeira, CEO Mobikey East Africa said, “We are delighted to partner with Stanbic Bank Kenya to make our asset financing solutions for our products, that is MAN trucks, Randon trailers, Hyundai Equipment’s and Agri machinery Powertrac more accessible to our clients across Kenya."

Adding "Their strong presence and solid reputation in the market make them an invaluable ally in our mission to empower enterprises with the assets they need to succeed."

This partnership is also set to support the revitalization of the MAN brand locally and increase local access to high-quality trucks and trailers.

Mobikey Kenya is a significant entity within Grupo Jap, a distinguished Portuguese conglomerate with substantial investments in zero-mileage vehicle distribution, car rental, heavy machinery, and used car sales.

Grupo Jap’s footprint spans multiple African countries, including Kenya, Angola, Mozambique, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Mobikey Kenya, known for its excellence in vehicle distribution, currently offers high-quality MAN Trucks and Randon Trailers, with plans to expand its portfolio to include more premium brands.