The Nairobi Polo Club, with support from Tanqueray as an Experience partner, is pleased to announce the return of the last leg of the Nairobi Polo Season that was postponed due to the unexpected rains in late January.

This is set to kick off this weekend on the 16^th and 17^th  of February 2024 with the Soldier’s Salut Tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club. Sport, Luxury, and Style enthusiasts are welcome to what is surely going to be an exciting weekend.

The Nairobi Polo season kicked off with the Horseman Cup in July 2023. Fans will be eager to follow the progress of their favorite teams and players into the Chairman’s Cup that follows next weekend on the 25^th and 26^th of February. This marks the culmination of the tournament where the best will be awarded after an amazing season.

Tanqueray has been on board as co-sponsors for the duration of the season and has spared no expense to ensure there is elite hospitality. On arrival, guests will be taken through an immersive experience that will showcase Tanqueray’s entire portfolio and their rich history.

This will be coupled with intricately mixed signature cocktails that will surely complement the consumers’ style.

The Soldier’s Salute and Chairman’s Cup serve as an opportunity for guests to indulge in what is quickly becoming a popular Sport for those with an appetite for style and elegance.

This, as evidenced in previous editions, has had attendees dressed in some of the best outfits the country has to offer. It will also certainly serve as a networking opportunity for those who want to mingle with fellow Polo enthusiasts.

Government is set to begin the exercise of inspecting marine vessels operating in the country.

Speaking in Mombasa after a meeting with top officials from Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Bandari Maritime College and Kenya shipping line, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya noted the exercise which will will involve vessels of 24 metres and below will begin on April 1st.

Mvurya noted the government has already offered a waiver for the exercise which will include vessels in the Indian Ocean and Inland waters across the country

"The reason we want to carry out  the major inspection is to make sure that those vessels are worthiness in terms of where they are being operated and meet the set criteria. We want to also register all vessels to help us in managing rescue operations, just incase we have a missing vessel we can know. We will be giving the vessels unique identities as part of making sure that they operate within a safe environment " said Mvurya.

Adding "This will also enable us have a good data base of the vessels in the Indian Ocean and the Inland waters . The exercise will be free and will run for 12 months."

The exercise will be spearheaded by the Kenya Maritime Authority.

The CS also announced the appointment of Dr Eric Lewa Katana as the Director and Chief Executive Office of the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA)  effective February 12, 2024.

Dr Katana brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having distinguished himself as a seasoned maritime administrator with a proven track record of service within the sector.

Before his appointment at BMA, he served as the Principal at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) Mombasa Campus.

His extensive career includes tenure at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where he held various positions, steadily ascending to the role of Principal Port Logistics Officer.

Katana boasts a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration from JKUAT, and a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

"We have confidence in him and believe that he is going to bring changes to our institution." said Mvurya.

Mvurya further revealed that the Bandari Maritime College will be reviewing its fees for seafarers training following concerns from stakeholders

Mvurya noted "There has been alot of discussion and concern  from the youths and leaders that the training is very expensive, we are expecting that in the next two weeks Bandari maritime college and the Kenya maritime authority (KMA) will be coming up with new figures"

The Kenya correspondents association (KCA) has officially announced the election of new board members.

The new board members who were elected on  December 7, 2023 during the association's annual general meeting will serve for three years.

The members are Hadson Araka Matara (Chairman), Irene Nasimiyu (Vice Chair), John Shilitsha (Secretary General), Teryanne Mwadzaya (Assistant Secretary General) and Bernard Kwalia (Treasurer). Regional Chapter leaders who also form part of the board includes Kevin Omollo (Nyanza), Benson Lusenaka (Western), Wycliffe Masinde (North Rift), Osman Mohammed (Nairobi), Stephen Munyiri (Central), Daniel Kituku (Lower Eastern), Antony Rugendo (Upper Eastern) and Omar Shungu Abdalla (Coast).

The board also appointed the immediate former Chairman, William Oloo Janak, as the s the Head of Programs.

The announcement was made by KCA National Chairman Hadson Araka Matara. 

"He will lead the process of strengthening the association’s Secretariat, partner relations and help ensure a smooth management of the transition" reads a statement from KCA Chairman Hadson Araka Matara.

Adding " The Board wishes to assure media stakeholders, our partners and well-wishers of our continued commitment to nurturing existing relationships and building new partnerships to achieve our mandate and sustain our integrity and high profile in the media industry."

The new board held a  two-day induction meeting in Nairobi on February 1-2, 2024 where they also reviewed programs, activities and outlined a road map for growth, including recruitment of new members, improving the welfare and safety of its members, and working together with other media stakeholders to tackle policy, legal and other challenges facing the media sector.

RAHA Fest, Africa's biggest music, art, and cultural extravaganza, is excited to unveil award-winning Nigerian superstar Davido as the headline act for its 2024 maiden edition.

The 2-day festival will go down at Uhuru Gardens on  March 30th and 31st, 2024,  this year's festival promises an unforgettable blend of music, art, and culture. 

David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a multi-award-winning artist celebrated for his captivating Afrobeat tracks and dynamic live shows.

His chart-topping hits, including "Unavailable ft Musa Keys," "Feel," "Fall," "If," and "FEM," have cemented his status as one of Africa's most influential and internationally renowned music sensations.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Davido as the headline act for RAHA Fest 2024," said Tunde Daniel, RAHA Fest Organiser. "Davido's energy, charisma, and musical prowess perfectly embody the spirit of RAHA Fest, and we are confident that his performance will be a highlight of the festival."

RAHA Fest promises to be a spectacular showcase of African music and culture, featuring a diverse lineup of artists representing the continent's rich musical heritage.

From traditional rhythms to contemporary sounds, the festival will offer a dynamic and immersive experience for attendees.

In addition to Davido's headline performance, RAHA Fest 2024 will feature a range of activities and attractions, including art installations, cultural exhibitions, culinary delights, and interactive workshops.

The festival aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate African creativity and diversity.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Kenya after a long absence, and this time I will be performing at Africa's biggest festival," said Davido. "Kenya holds a special place in my heart, and I have always been inspired by its vibrant culture and social life. I can't wait to come back and have a great time with all of you. Get ready for an unforgettable experience #FomniRaha!"

Nairobi is the ultimate party destination in East Africa and the entertainment hub of the region. This will be Davido's third time performing in Kenya, and this time he promises his fans a spectacular show.

As the Managing Director of Crown Relocations South Africa, a leading force in international relocation, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with moving families across borders. International relocations represent not just a change in geography but a profound shift in culture, lifestyle, and identity.

In this era of globalisation, where mobility is increasingly common, the ability to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and understanding has become more crucial than ever.

At the heart of successful international relocations lies a concept known as cultural intelligence (CQ). Cultural intelligence goes beyond mere awareness of cultural differences; it encompasses the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural settings. In the context of international relocations, a high level of cultural intelligence can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a rocky adjustment period.

So, what does cultural intelligence entail, and how can it be applied in the international relocations sector?

Primarily, cultural intelligence involves developing a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of both the home and host countries. This goes beyond surface-level knowledge of customs and traditions; it requires an appreciation of the underlying values, norms, and communication styles that shape daily interactions. For individuals considering moving to another country, investing time in learning about the local culture can greatly facilitate their integration process.

Communication skills also play a pivotal role in fostering cultural intelligence. Effective communication involves not only speaking the language but also understanding the nuances of non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions. In the context of international relocations, something as basic as being able to communicate effectively with local colleagues, neighbours, and service providers can significantly ease the transition and build meaningful connections in the new environment.

Building cultural competency among expatriates is another essential aspect of successful integration following international relocations. Cultural competency goes beyond awareness and communication skills; it involves the ability to adapt your own behaviour and mindset to effectively interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

This might involve attending cultural orientation programs, seeking out cross-cultural training, or engaging in immersive experiences that expose individuals to diverse perspectives.

Expatriates should seek assistance from organisations that facilitate cultural exchange programs and networking opportunities to help them build connections and forge relationships with locals. By participating in cultural events, community gatherings, and networking sessions, opportunities arise for expatriates to immerse themselves in the local culture, expand their social circles, and build meaningful connections in their new environment.

One key aspect of cultural relocation support is the provision of comprehensive cultural orientation programs. These programs are designed to familiarize expatriate families with the cultural norms, customs, and traditions of their destination country. From understanding local etiquette to navigating social norms, cultural orientation programs offer invaluable insights that help expatriates adapt more seamlessly to their new environment.

In-person language training programs are an excellent way to help expatriates overcome language barriers and communicate effectively in their new surroundings. Whether through one-on-one tutoring sessions or group language classes, language training equips expatriates with the linguistic skills necessary to engage with local communities and navigate daily interactions with confidence.

I must emphasise the importance of ongoing support and guidance throughout the relocation process. For example, having a dedicated team of relocation and cultural specialists on hand to provide assistance and advice, whether it’s navigating bureaucratic hurdles or adjusting to cultural differences can make the transition as seamless as possible.

Global relocations agents are well versed in facilitating smooth transitions by offering comprehensive cultural orientation programs tailored to the specific needs of each family. From language classes to cross-cultural communication workshops, they equip clients with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their new environment.

Companies who employ large numbers of expatriates can facilitate cultural exchange programs and networking opportunities to help expatriates build connections and forge relationships with locals. By organising cultural events, community gatherings, and networking sessions, these companies create opportunities for expatriates to immerse themselves in the local culture, expand their social circles, and build meaningful connections in their new environment.

By incorporating these cultural relocation services into their offerings, employers can play a pivotal role in easing the transition for expatriate families and ensuring their success in their new cultural contexts. By providing comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges of cultural relocation, these companies empower expatriates to embrace their new surroundings with confidence and adaptability resulting in more productive employees.

Cultural intelligence is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental skill set that can make or break international relocations. By fostering cultural awareness, communication skills, and building cultural competency among expatriates, we can ensure that individuals and their families embark on their relocation journey with confidence and grace.

East African Community Partner States have been urged to support local investors to help seek local solutions to local problems in the region.

East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Mp James Milya, from Tanzania argued that local investors are up to the task if given the opportunity by relevant governments to undertake and drive investments in the region.

Speaking in Mombasa during a tour of the Buxton housing project by the  EALA Committee on Communication, Trade, and Investment, Milya said as a committee they will seek to implore to member partners to support local investors.

The Buxton housing project in Mombasa, Kenya is a project initiated by EALA Mp Suleiman Shahbal who is also the Chairman, EALA Committee on Communication, Trade, and Investment

"We have been here touring this nice housing project and this is a clear indication that we now need to have confidence and give the opportunity to our local investors. This is a very good project initiated by a local investor" said Milya.

Adding "Why should we always rely on foreign investors yet we have the potential locally".

His sentiments were echoed with her counterpart representing South Sudan Deng Nhial who called on other EAC member states to emulate the housing project.

"This project showcases what can actually be done by local private investors and we would like to see such projects initiated in other member states" said Mp Nhial.

Adding "Personally I think it is an exciting project to be emulated."

On EAC adopting a policy on affordable housing project Nhial stated " I think we should now adopt a policy on such projects and ensure that all our member states can benefit from them.

On his part Mp James Kakooza called on the members states to come up with good policies and regulations on how to deal with the rural urban migration arguing that it has been the main cause of the housing challenge in the region.

"In our member states we have what we call rural to urban migration. Many people are coming to towns from rural areas and our governments have not been investing properly in housing to accommodate this people, so if a local investor can do it then it is very good and I hope this can spill over to other member states since we all face similar challenges" said Kakooza.

Bamburi Cement PLC has joined the Ministry of Health, Mombasa County’s Department of Public Health, Kenya Red Cross, USAID and a host of other partners to help eliminate cervical cancer within a generation in Mombasa County.

The collective stakeholder campaign aims to create awareness and lower the prevalence of the killer disease in the region as the country marks the Kenya National Cancer Awareness month.

Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Kenya from the ages of 15 to 44 years.

More than 100,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in sub-Saharan Africa and at least 9 succumb to it every day, according to World Health Organisation’s (WHO) HPV Information Center.

Speaking following a Cervical Cancer Awareness Walk in Mombasa County and a handover of assorted medical supplies to the County Government of Mombasa, Bamburi Cement Plc’s Mombasa Plant Manager Deepak Jasuja said the company is reinforcing its cancer awareness efforts and community health programs in the County.

“As part of our enduring commitment to continue eliminating cancer in the region, we have recently renovated and equipped the Bamburi Cement Cancer Center within the Coast General Hospital which ensures that patients in Mombasa and from across the country have access to specialised cancer treatment and management services,” said Mr.Jasuja.

Additionally, the company in collaboration with the Department of Health in Mombasa County has rolled out a two-week free-to-public cervical cancer screening clinic at its Bamburi Cement Staff Clinic in Bamburi Area.

According to Bamburi Cement Plc’s Health Manager Dr. Diana Ruchugo, the initiative’s proactive approach will contribute to reducing disease burdens and advocating for preventive healthcare.

“Early detection and prevention of cervical cancer not only enhances the well-being of our mothers and daughters in the community but also nurtures a healthier community, in accordance with the targets outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. It not only showcases our dedication as Bamburi Cement to social welfare but also tackles a pivotal public health concern related to prevention and health promotion,” said Dr. Ruchugo.

With escalating annual cancer rates at the Coast and around the country, Bamburi Cement Cancer Centre has impacted over 77,000 cancer patients directly since it was unveiled as the first fully-fledged Cancer Centre in the former Coast province and the third in the country. It provides chemotherapy and other can

By Saul Wamalwa, Regional Manager for West, East and Central Africa at Commvault

Since data is considered to be the new oil, good data management is key for businesses operating in Kenya as it enables improved organisational agility, better and faster decision making and quicker problem-solving based on accurate, up-to-date information.

There are very few businesses today that do not leverage some elements of data within their day-to-day operations, and organisations now have huge potential to gather, store and analyse data to learn more about consumer behaviour, market trends and other important aspects that have an impact on their operations.

According to DataReportal, there were 17.86 million internet users in Kenya at the start of 2023, with internet penetration at 32.7%, which is one of the highest in East Africa.

With the correct data management tools and tactics, businesses in the country can exploit this abundance of data to improve efficiency, cut costs and increase profitability.

Effective data management practices translate into information that is simple to access, to analyse and gain useful insights that can guide business decisions.

This may entail spotting patterns, projecting future expansions and highlighting potential improvement zones for the organisation.

Visibility of data assets

Additionally, proper data management can boost the visibility of a company’s data assets, which makes it easier to quickly find the right data for any specific analysis.

Data visibility not only allows an enterprise to be more organised and productive, but also enables its employees to find the information they need to better do their jobs.

Unfortunately, many organisations in Kenya – across both the public and private sectors – still lack insight and understanding of where some of their critical data resides.

This means that sensitive information can easily end up on unauthorised devices or email accounts outside of the organisation, without the organisation even being aware of this.

This naturally increases the chances of a data breach, which can have various negative consequences.

Probably the biggest risk associated with data breaches is reputational damage, which can lead to a loss of existing customers and the inability to attract new ones, which will have an adverse effect on a business’s bottom line.

In addition, the loss of sensitive customer data could also result in fines and penalties being levied by regulators, depending on the particular industry sector.

Security and privacy

Data security and privacy are important functions of data management, which should be an important consideration for businesses in Kenya, as there are a growing number of regulations that are being introduced around data and how it should be processed and stored.

Effective data management includes deploying the right authentication and encryption tools that are key to protecting an organisation and its employees from data loss, theft and breaches.

Robust data security also ensures that critical enterprise data is backed up and can be recovered in the event that the primary source becomes unavailable.

Organisations should also be aware that security becomes increasingly important when their data contains any personally identifiable information that needs to be carefully managed.

However, besides ensuring that effective data management practices are in place, organisations should also review and update these measures regularly to ensure that their sensitive information is always handled and stored securely.

Updating and reviewing data management practices is essential in a threat landscape that constantly changes as hackers continue to find creative ways to compromise IT environments.

Ultimately, data management should be top of mind for businesses in Kenya, because when data is organised properly, it is simple to access, analyse and can be used to gain useful insights that can guide business choices that will give an organisation a competitive edge.

The acclaimed and new ‘The Color Purple’ movie has finally come to East Africa–brought to you by Warner Bros. Pictures International and distributed by Crimson Multimedia Ltd in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia, following a successful American premiere (Dec 25 2023).

A star-studded Kenyan premiere hosted by Pinky Ghelani and themed ‘Women Wear Pants’ took place in Nairobi at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall, on Friday.

Prepare to be taken through a roller coaster of emotions and unhinged drama in the astounding masterpiece that gives a bold new take on the beloved classic - American musical and novel.

The period drama movie features celebrated and distinct stars including Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), Colman Domingo (Passing Strange), Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid), Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead), Fantasia Barrino (American Idol), H.E.R (Judas and the Black Messiah) and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (The Lion King Broadway).

Kenyan movie and musical lovers can watch ‘The Color Purple’ at several Kenyan Cinemas from Feb 9, 2024. In Nairobi catch the film at Westgate Cinema, Century Cinemax Two Rivers, Century Cinemax Garden City, Century Cinemax Sarit Centre, Century Cinemax The Junction, Motion Cinema Greenspan Mall, Prestige Cinema, Anga Cinema CBD, Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza, Anga Cinema and Panari Centre. In Mombasa watch ‘The Color Purple’ at Nyali Cinemax and if you’re in Eldoret it will be showing at Rupa Cinema Rupa Mall and for those in Kisumu at Mega Cinema Mega Mall.

“We’re excited to bring the film to Cinemas wide across East Africa, and urge audience to watch it on the Big Screen where the visuals, sound and emotions are immersed experience” - Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Managing Director, Crimson Multimedia Ltd 

Upholding the power of strong female friendships in the face of sexism, violence, love, sex, religion and racism; the film based on an epic novel, depicts the growing up and self-realization of an African-American woman between 1909 and 1947 in a town in rural Georgia. Its main character, Celie, survives rape and abuse at the hands of her father and husband and separation from her children and sister to find fulfillment and independence away.

The drama-endowed film directed by Ghanaian filmmaker and artist Blitz the Ambassador a.k.a. Baz Bazawule orbits around the virtue of sisterhood uniquely. It demonstrates how Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable and unshakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood with support from a sultry singer named  Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter. This is after she faces a mountain of hardships in life including separation from her sister and her children, and being in an abusive marriage. 

Early reviews from Kenyan media personalities came in. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions. It would be the best way to sum up my experience watching The Color Purple”, said June Gachui of Capital FM.  Pinky Ghelani said, “ It truly made me cry as a woman and as a mother.” Shiksha Arora of KBC added her view, “The film is emotionally heavy, its themes of resilience and sisterhood resonate profoundly, making it a thought-provoking cinematic & musical experience.”  

Victoria Commercial Bank PLC  are the title partner of the Kenyan premiere of ‘The Color Purple’ hosted by Pinky Ghelani and What Women Want at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall. 

Speaking of this collaboration, Chief Business Officer – Assets - Poonam Shah let on… “The Color Purple - beautifully encapsulates narratives of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of the human spirit. Victoria Commercial Bank PLC, in its resolute support of these principles, is dedicated to championing the cause of women's empowerment. Our partnership serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where women not only succeed but thrive.”