By Ifeanyi Odoh, Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa

The world is becoming increasingly electrified and with this comes challenges and opportunities. It is a time that sees countries across the globe witnessing a change in how we produce and consume energy.

It is a world that races against time to meet emissions reduction targets and the urgency to fulfil subsequent sustainable transformation.  It is a place which sees organisations prioritise digitalisation, decarbonisation and sustainability.

At the heart of it all lies the new energy landscape. 

Defining the new energy landscape

The new energy landscape represents the outcome of the global shift toward renewable energy sources, which is crucial to fight climate change.  And for each country this is somewhat unique, depending on the sum of the alternative energy resources that ultimately make up the part that is the new energy landscape.

In Kenya, for example, we’re seeing the emergence of an electric vehicle (EV) marketplace which will leverage the country’ geothermal and hydropower energies baseload.  This transition not only represents the adoption of new technology but also a cultural shift towards higher productivity driven, if you will, by alternative energy.

However, with this adoption should also come sound energy management practices. People tend to charge their EVs at their destination—be it their office, home, or shopping malls—accounting for almost 80% of charging behaviour. This shift could potentially double or triple the energy demand of buildings overnight.

To illustrate, a typical electric car might use approximately 7KW to charge, while in Kenya, has a power demand of about 2KW. Introducing an EV to a household could multiply its energy consumption by three to four times.

To meet this demand, and allow for the increased adoption of EVs, optimised energy management strategies should be implemented, allowing for the development of onsite renewable generation, such as rooftop solar and introducing efficiency measures, with digitised real-time monitoring to manage and reduce energy use.

Developing the skills for the new energy landscape

Africa, particularly East Africa, boasts a youthful population. For example, over 80 percent of Kenya’s population is aged 35 years and below. It’s a young, impressionable population that has the potential to change the course of history.

It is also this demographic which underscores the importance of training young people to drive forward the new energy landscape.  Here, vocational schools can play a critical role in preparing the youth for the future, ensuring that East Africa capitalises on its demographic advantage without the need to import skills.

Establishing this young, dynamic and skilled labour force can also extend to entrepreneurship and training, again emphasising the importance of partnerships with vocational schools and industry stakeholders.  This will equip the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in the new energy landscape.

Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to become the backbone of East Africa’s new energy landscape movement. It is these organisations that will create jobs and with the support of large global organisations like Schneider Electric set benchmarks for the establishment of the new energy landscape.

Schneider Electric envisions a future shaped by countries like Kenya, acting at this intersection between technology and decarbonisation.  It is also leaders such as the youth and SMEs, which we refer to as impact makers, which are driving change and shaping a more resilient, electric, and net-zero world.

Kenya ports authority Managing Director (MD) Captain William Ruto has been praised for his efforts in improving services at the port of Mombasa.

In a report released on March this year (2024) KPA announced a  remarkable growth in cargo throughput in 2023, handling a total of 35.98 million metric tons, marking a significant 6.2 per cent increase compared to 2022, signalling a major surge in activities at the port.

Annual Review and Bulletin Statistics released by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) shows the growth was primarily driven by an increase in containerized cargo handling, which soared by 2.33 million metric tonnes, equivalent to 14.8 per cent.

Containerized cargo accounted for 50.4 percent of all cargo handled at the Port.

Moreover, the number of vessels calling at the Port increased to 1,835 in 2023, compared to 1,561 in the previous year.

Despite global uncertainties and tight financial conditions affecting exchange rates, the Port of Mombasa thrived in challenging conditions, tapping into emerging markets through competitive services offered at the facility.

According to Mombasa youth leader Evans Momanyi, the growth is a clear indication of Captain Ruto's transformative agenda.

"Figures speak for themselves and you have all seen what the MD has so far managed to achieve at the port. We would like to congratulate him for that" said Momanyi.

Momanyi added" The MD is transforming the port to a world class one and we should all support him in his efforts."

.Jambojet, Kenya's leading low-cost airline this year introduced the Jambojet Sustainability Challenge in the annual Kitenge Fashion Festival for which they awarded up to ksh.400,000 and return trips to any destination of choice, to the top three designers in the category.

This challenge is supposed to mark a milestone in the coming together of fashion, creativity, culture, and environmental consciousness. The entries in the category repurposed old airline materials including headrests, uniforms and seat covers into stunning fashion pieces.

The chilly streets of Eldoret were made alive with colour and creativity as the 7th Edition of the Kitenge Fashion Festival unfolded at Rupas Mall on Saturday. Within the excitement that comes with this high fashion event and the swish of Kitenge designs, a brand-new initiative was taking centre stage, championing sustainability and eco-conscious practices in fashion and design.

The festival’s highlight came when the models walked the runway showcasing the repurposed designs. The crowd stood amazed at how the young creatives were able to create the designs from previously used materials. The peak of the event came with the announcement of the winners, each being recognized for their innovative approach to sustainable fashion.

Caroline Wairimu of Empress Crafts won first place taking home the top prize of Ksh. 250,000 and a return trip on Jambojet’s inaugural flight to Zanzibar. Her designs were a remarkable fusion of creativity and sustainability. She transformed the old airplane headrests and seat covers into stylish uniforms, and upcycled suitcases, and bags infusing her craft and detailed designs utilising all the provided material.

Coming in second was Eileen Chepchumba of Lyn Crafts,  who was awarded Ksh. 100,000 and a return ticket for one to any local destination, Eileen's designs captivated the audience and judges with their intricate crochet work. She incorporated recycled materials into crochet bikinis and cover-ups for ladies, and sweaters for men.

The second runner up, Ashley Lugalia was recognised with an order of items worth up to Ksh. 50,000 and Jambojet’s limited-edition merchandise. Her designs exuded sophistication and style. She upcycled crew uniforms to seat covers and headrests fashioned into full outfits and duffel bags.

The designers of the category were up to par with the standards set which required them to repurpose the materials without losing their creative touch. They were able to showcase the merging of fashion and sustainability seamlessly. Their collections highlighted the transformative potential of sustainable fashion.

The challenge echoed Jambojet’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting sustainability within the communities it serves. The partnership with Kitenge Fashion Festival underscoring the belief in the power of creativity and sustainability. The airline’s sustainability involvement in Eldoret goes beyond the Kitenge Fashion Festival, they are a partner in the Eldoret City Marathon.

Through the empowering of designers and models and fostering collaboration within the cities they serve, Jambojet aims to pave the way for a more sustainable future. The Kitenge Fashion Festival serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration not only celebrating African culture and creativity but also ushering in a new era of sustainable fashion.

CASIO Middle East and Africa FZE, the regional subsidiary of CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. the leading technology company, has today opened its second CASIO G-SHOCK store in Kenya and first in Mombasa, as it looks to tap into the ever-growing watches and jewelry market in Kenya.

Speaking at the opening event at Promenade Mall, in Nyali, Mombasa, Takashi Seimiya, the Managing Director of CASIO Middle East and Africa FZE, noted the store, located in Promenade Mall, Links Road, Nyali, Mombasa, marks a key milestone in CASIO's ongoing expansion in the Middle East and Africa.

“Kenya's watches and jewelry market is among the fastest growing in the continent. It is with this in mind that we are opening our second G-SHOCK store in Kenya and the first in Mombasa,” said Takashi Seimiya. “As more and more Kenyans desire CASIO watches, as a company, we are committed to meeting the market demand and providing exceptional products, coupled with unmatched service delivery, as we continue to expand our presence in the Kenyan market,” added Takashi.

Takashi Seimiya also mentioned CASIO’s celebrations of 50 years of business in the watch industry, rooted in innovation, high quality, and genuine watches, as a motivation in expanding their footprint in Kenya and larger Africa.

“We believe the store will directly impact the county and national economies. For example, It was built by local companies in the county, supporting business growth locally. This shows CASIO’s commitment to impacting local economies positively,” noted Takashi Seimiya. “The opening of the Mombasa store is special as it boasts a modern and dynamic design that captures the essence of the G-SHOCK brand. It also marks our 50^th anniversary for CASIO. Our heritage is founded on innovation, delivering high-quality, original, and genuine watches that not only capture the essence of timekeeping but also expand its possibilities. You can count on CASIO to keep creating amazing watches the world has never seen before.”

Making his remarks at the opening event, Mr. Mohamed Arif, Managing Director TOP TIME SHOP, the authorized dealer for CASIO in Kenya, assured customers of genuine products even as the counterfeit menace continues to hurt business in Kenya. 

“I am delighted to be the choice of CASIO authorized dealer in Mombasa. TOP TIME SHOP is a known and trusted dealer in the country that sells genuine products. “At the store, we will sell genuine CASIO watches, including G-SHOCK brand, Edifice, Protrek, and Sheen for men and women, offering a wide selection of elegant styles to suit individual tastes.”

CASIO opened its first G-SHOCK store in Nairobi last year, which has seen tremendous growth in the demand for genuine CASIO watches in the market. CASIO plans double digit growth every year in the next few years, growing its market share. During the first week, many surprises await all the visitors who shop at the store.

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) announces the  9th edition of the World Class Kenya 2024 Bartending Competition, presented by DiaGeo. The competition runs worldwide with more than 60 nations hoping to have one of their own crowned The Top Bartender in the world. 

EABL continues its commitment to supporting talent and fostering the growth of the bartending industry in Kenya.

This year’s competition promises an excellent display of mixology if previous editions are anything to go by giving mixologists a chance to shine on the global stage.

“Last year, we saw the very best the country has to offer, with bartenders from various backgrounds pouring their personalities and inspiration into every glass”, says Suwilanji Ngambi, the National Advocacy Manager, EABL.

“We have 40 talented individuals ready to stake their claim to being the Top Bartender not just here in Kenya but in the World and with support from EABL, through our bootcamps and studio sessions, we believe they can all surpass their current level and realize their dreams. Today, they step further into the competition, a challenge tailored for the best of best at the #worldclasske2024” 

The journey began on April 9th with an online zoom training session focusing on the first-round challenge, "JW Beyond a Night Cap” which saw over 270 entrants challenging for the top 40. This challenge aimed to spotlight the depth of flavor and versatility of Johnnie Walker Black Label while testing the bartenders' understanding of classic cocktail structure.  

May 9th marks the second Community Day at the KBL Microbrewery, where the top 40 participants will engage in the second-round challenge. Speaking at the event, EABL’s Luxury Brand Ambassador Wangari Mwangi noted, in this challenge, bartenders will showcase their skills with "Singleton at the Disco.”

This unique challenge celebrates the spirit of togetherness and flavor exploration. Submissions for the second round will be made in the latter weeks of May to allow for deliberations as the top 20 are finally selected, earning a coveted spot in the semi finals slated for June 4th, 2024. Thereafter, the top six finalists will be selected for a showdown to determine the best of the best.  

But before they dive right into the final, interactive studio sessions and bootcamps will be held to refine their craft and techniques in preparation for the challenges at the tail end of June 2024. 

The grand finale on June 20th of the #WorldclassKE 2024 will crown the competition at the KBL Microbrewery, where the top six contestants will vie for the title of Kenya's top bartender. Stay tuned as the World Class Kenya 2024 Bartending Competition unfolds, promising excitement, innovation, and a celebration of the artistry behind the bar. 

After recently moving to CNN, Victoria Rubadiri will make her debut this weekend on Connecting Africa.

In the show, Rubadiri will highlight Kenya’s SGR's recent move to add refrigerated containers to the cargo locomotive. 

For the first time, wagons that are capable of carrying refrigerated containers are also being added to the Kenya SGR Cargo network.

Leonard Githinji, Head of Business Development at Syokimau ICD Ltd. talks about the benefits this will bring, “With the introduction of the refrigerated wagon by Kenya Railways, what will happen is the cost of doing business will go down, it'll lower the cost of insurance premium. The containers’ premium is quite high because you never know what will happen on the road. On the rail, you have got, I would say, 99% sure bet that you’re going to get to the port with no problem at all.”

The SGR is one of the largest infrastructure projects being undertaken in East Africa.

The current line runs from Mombasa Port to Nairobi and onto Naivasha Inland Container Port. There are plans to extend the line into Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and beyond. 

Philip Mainga, Managing Director of the Kenya Railways Corporation, says that rail is an increasingly effective way to carry large volumes of heavy goods over long distances.

“We used to take over 12 to 24 hours to be in Nairobi. Now we are taking eight hours.” He continues, “The most important thing is the weight that these wagons can carry. This saves the Kenyan roads.”

In operation since 2017, Kenya’s standard gauge railway system (SGR) is transforming the way goods are being moved throughout the country and region. Thomas Ojijo,

Head of Operations at the Inland Container Depot says, “Conventional cargo will include steel. We are doing a lot on fertilizer, which is being distributed to various parts of the country. Currently, we have about 30,000 tons that we're moving.”

Mombasa county has announced 259 jobs across 7 departments.

In an advert published in local dailies, the Public Service Board said the qualified applicants have until  May 24, 2024, to submit their applications.

The County is seeking to employ 206 officers in the Inspectorate department.

The transport department seeks to employ 14 drivers and 14 riders.

Others are 16 clerical officers, 14 drivers, 1 record management officer, 2 human resource management assistants, 6 senior support staff.

"All applicants are advised to apply online by filling an online application form. Applicants must attach copies of CV , academic certificates, registration certificates, valid practicing licenses and confirmation of Kenyan citizenhips" reads part of the advert.

Applicants were also cautioned on cases of fraud that the service doesn't condone.

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has welcomed the launch of the state-of-the-art rapid test kit production facility in Kilifi.

The facility equipped through a co-funding mechanism between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Revital Healthcare will have the capacity to produce 20 million test kits a month.

These test kits include HIV-1/2, Malaria P.f/Pan, HCG, Hepatitis B/C, Dengue, and Syphilis among others. Revital Healthcare is the first end-to-end manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) across Sub-Saharan Africa, with these kits intended to reach a population of over a billion across the continent.

Speaking during the launch, KEMRI Director General and CEO Elijah Songok said the institute will now have a local supplier of kits that they will be using in their research and developement.

Songok revealed that KEMRI has already signed and MOU with Revital in supplying of the kits.

" As KEMRI we usually do research and innovation of diagnostic kits, vaccines and medicines and we have always been looking for a company or facility that will produce them in mass and I believe that we now have got the right partner through Revital." said Songok.

Adding " On our part we will be  supporting them in evaluation and testing in microorganisms, so you see this will help us work together."

On his part Revital Healthcare Chairman noted Rajni Vora, “Our goal is to ensure that we produce testing technology that is efficient and affordable across the continent. We have expanded to become the largest manufacturer of medical devices on the African continent with a manufacturing capacity of 2.1 billion medical devices per year, including manufacturers of Africa’s 1 st USFDA certified and patented auto-disable syringes."

The launch of the new facility was also attended by  U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman , Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Kilifi Governor Gedion Mng'aro among other leaders.

USAID’s partnership with Revital Healthcare will see the company significantly increase its production volumes which will in turn boost export volumes to Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan, and Congo while establishing a commercial presence in Nigeria and Ethiopia through product registration and certification.

Additionally, the facility will create 200 new full-time jobs with 80% being women while having a focus on speech and hearing-impaired individual.

Rivatex currently distributes it's products to 32 countries in the world, 19 in Africa.

In a groundbreaking development for the health sector in Africa, Revital Healthcare today unveiled its state-of-the-art rapid test kit production facility in Kilifi, Kenya (Africa).

Equipped through a co-funding mechanism between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Revital Healthcare, the facility will have the capacity to produce 20 million test kits a month.

These test kits include HIV-1/2, Malaria P.f/Pan, HCG, Hepatitis B/C, Dengue, and Syphilis among others. Revital Healthcare is the first end-to-end manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) across Sub-Saharan Africa, with these kits intended to reach a population of over a billion across the continent.

The launch event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Maitha Mung'aro, Kenya EPZA Chairman Richard Cheruiyot, and other delegates from Kenya and Internationally.

Speaking at the launch U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman noted, “Revital's Rapid Diagnostic Test manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Kenya, is a game-changer. By bringing cutting-edge technology and local expertise together under one roof, Revital is not just producing essential diagnostic tests, they're rewriting the script on what's possible when it comes to expanding access to quality healthcare in Africa.”

On his part Revital Healthcare Chairman noted Rajni Vora, “Our goal is to ensure that we produce testing technology that is efficient and affordable across the continent. We have expanded to become the largest manufacturer of medical devices on the African continent with a manufacturing capacity of 2.1 billion medical devices per year, including manufacturers of Africa’s 1 st USFDA certified and patented auto-disable syringes.

Adding “Revital Healthcare is currently exporting our products to over 29 countries globally as our team focuses on ensuring our global expansion to support communities across Africa with high-quality and affordable medical devices .”

 Like other developing countries, Kenya’s health system is burdened by communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the country faces one of the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

 Kenya is a promising market for medical devices and has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing markets in the sub-Saharan Africa region based on reports from the World Bank.

Health Cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha applauded the launch of the new facility saying it will help in reducing cost of purchasing the medical kits.

“We were used to exporting these kits from outside but I believe now it will cheaper to get them since they will be locally produced” said Nakhumicha.

Adding” This new facility will also offer jobs to our youths.”

Nakhumicha further reiterated government support towards the local manufacturers.

Nakhumicha stated “I would like to assure you of our support. This launch is completely aligned with the government agenda of increasing and supporting local manufacturers.”

USAID’s partnership with Revital Healthcare will see the company significantly increase its production volumes which will in turn boost export volumes to Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan, and Congo while establishing a commercial presence in Nigeria and Ethiopia through product registration and certification.

Additionally, the facility will create 200 new full-time jobs with 80% being women while having a focus on speech and hearing-impaired individual.

In a significant development, over 4,400 fishermen are set to receive compensation, totalling KES 1.1 billion as directed by the court following a rigorous verification process. 

The process, which has been ongoing for some time, has finally culminated in a successful outcome for the majority of the fishermen and boat owners where each will get KES.241,714.32 from the 65 percent of the total Lamu Compensation amount allocated for cash compensation.

The compensation process commenced a few years with the validation and verification process, including confirmation of ID and bank account details, after which a total of 4,167 out of the 4,734 fisherfolks were slated to sign compensation agreements.

The balance of 567 was categorized as disputed list. However, the compensation process was abruptly halted following the intervention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which had received complaints that some of the fishermen/boat owners were allegedly not eligible for payment and that  there were other genuine cases left out among the 567.

The investigative body  came up with a list of 429 fishermen and boat owners who had been left out and who it deemed to be genuine. EACC filed an application in court seeking to table evidence on the said numbers.

The Court of Appeal thus  directed that the parties involved conduct a verification exercise of the ineligible and genuine fishermen and boat owners.

Following the court's direction, a task force comprising various entities was convened to undertake the verification process, which was undertaken from 24th March to May 5, 2024. 

"The verification exercise was largely successful.  From the undisputed list of 4,167 fishermen, a total of 3,991 have now signed the necessary agreements and are confirmed to be eligible for cash compensation." reads a statement from the Kenya Ports Authority.

Adding "Additionally, from the disputed list of 567 fishermen, 164 individuals have been verified and deemed qualified for cash compensation. That makes it a total of 4,155 fisherfolks."

The Taskforce has since confirmed that there's another 288 fishermen who have been verified and are expected to sign the agreements soon, and this therefore means  that the total number of eligible fishermen to be compensated is expected to be 4,443. 

The successful conclusion of the verification process marks a significant milestone in ensuring that justice is served for the fishermen who have long awaited their compensation. 

The statement further states "The efforts of all parties involved, including the Kenya Ports Authority, office of Attorney General, County Government of Lamu, Beach Management Units, Save Lamu, and the EACC have been instrumental in facilitating a transparent and fair process that upholds the rights of the fishermen. As the compensation process moves forward, it is hoped that this positive outcome will bring a sense of relief and closure to the fishermen and their families, allowing them to move forward with renewed hope."

Meanwhile, the taskforce has plans to commence the implementation of the second phase of  compensation (35 per cent; KES 0.6 billion) which is expected to empower the fisherfolks for sustainable development programs.