The port of Mombasa today (Thursday) received the longest ever container ship, Mv MSC Kotka.

The ship docked at the port minutes after 10am from the port of Durban.

Speaking after receiving the ship, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) General Manager cargo operations Sudi Mwasinago said the arrival of the ship at the port testifies the efficiency of the port.

"This ship does not go to just any port, it goes to a port which is efficient and can handle the amount of cargo that it carries and this tells you how efficient our port is" said Mwasinago.

Adding " The ship is not going to discharge anything, she is going to load 5,8777 containers, that's a very big volume".

Mwasinago credited the investment at the port to its efficiency and confidence from customers.

" This is the largest ship that we have ever received here at the port. At the moment the port boasts of 100 capacity of 47,000 containers. Last year we handled the total tonnage of 35.9 million tonnes, that was a growth of 6.2% from 2022 when we handled 33.8 million tonnes" noted Mwasinago.

"In the containers side last year we did 1,623,080 tus of containers compared to 2022 when we did 1,450,000 tus this was a record growth of 12%".

The ship which next port of call is Abu Dhabi is 318 metres long with a tonnage of 130,000 tonnes.

Amalia Maliaka, a remarkable nine-year-old from Adelaide, Australia, has been creating ripples of change in the realms of arts and philanthropy, particularly in Kenya.

Having commenced her entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of six, Amalia has captivated audiences worldwide with her inspiring story of generosity and innovation.

On the 29th of February 2024 Amalia will be part of a global conference focusing on entrepreneurship and sustainability bringing people from all over Africa to the event.

Featured on SBS Insight and celebrated in the bestselling book "The Barefoot Kids," Amalia has gained recognition for her extraordinary dedication to paying her profits forward to children in resource-poor communities in Kenya.

In January of 2023, Amalia, along with her brother and their Australian mother, relocated to Kenya to further expand her philanthropic efforts.

Building upon their previous work, in 2019, they established two schools that have since provided education to approximately 350 children.

Now, Amalia is embarking on an ambitious new project: Solar Media.

This ground-breaking device, conceived and designed in Kenya, promises to revolutionize education by providing children and adults alike with access to a comprehensive primary curriculum and vocational training.

Powered entirely by the sun, Solar Media offers cost-effective, sustainable education directly in the palm of one's hand.

Through Solar Media, individuals in remote and underserved communities will have the opportunity to learn essential skills such as hairdressing, farming, baking, and more.

This innovative approach to education not only addresses the pressing need for accessible learning resources but also champions environmental sustainability by harnessing renewable energy sources.

Amalia's vision for Solar Media represents a beacon of hope for millions around the world, demonstrating the profound impact that one young individual can make through passion, dedication, and a commitment to positive change.

Samsung Electronics has once again demonstrated its dominance in the global TV market, marking an unprecedented 18-year streak at the forefront of the industry.

Market research firm Omdia reported that Samsung has achieved a 30.1% share of the global TV market in 2023, reinforcing its status as the industry leader since 2006.

This success is largely due to the company’s strategic focus on premium and large-screen TV categories, driven by its cutting-edge QLED and OLED models.

Since its launch in 2017, Samsung’s QLED TV lineup, including the latest Neo QLED models, has surpassed cumulative sales of 40 million units. In 2023 alone, the QLED lineup achieved sales of 8.31 million units.

Kenyans are enjoying the unrivalled picture quality and sound excellence of the Neo QLED TV lineup launched locally in 2022.

Rahul Kochhar, Senior Business Leader, Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd said: “Our commitment to cutting-edge QLED and OLED models has been instrumental in maintaining our unrivalled position. We look forward to delivering even more exceptional experiences to our customers.”

Samsung asserted notable leadership in the premium TV sector – specifically for TVs over 75 inches and priced above $2,500 (Approximately KES 365,000).

The company has recorded an impressive 60.5% market share in terms of sales for TVs priced over $2,500, while also maintaining a lead with 33.9% sales share for TVs over 75 inches.

In addition, thanks to robust sales of 98-inch models, TVs over the 90-inch have maintained the lead with a 30.4% market share.

Samsung has also made significant strides in the OLED sector, building on its success in the ultra-large and high-end TV market.

The company’s OLED TV lineup recorded 1.01 million units sold in 2023, capturing a market share of 22.7%.

With the expanded OLED lineup in 2024, Samsung’s market share in the OLED sector is projected to surge in 2024.

"We are proud to be recognised as the market leader in the global TV sector for 18 consecutive years, a testament to the enduring trust and loyalty our customers place in Samsung,” stated SW Yong, President and Head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

Adding“We are deeply committed to advancing the industry, moving beyond exceptional picture quality to offer more meaningful and valuable experiences.”

At CES 2024, Samsung Electronics unveiled the groundbreaking NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, heralding the start of the AI Screen Era.

The advancement in state-of-the-art chipsets and capabilities is set to redefine the smart TV domain, integrating sophisticated AI powered by Tizen OS to establish AI screens as center of the smart home innovation.

2024 is shaping up to be another year of significant innovation for Samsung.

With advancements in processors and cutting-edge AI features, Samsung is on course to further transform home entertainment and set new benchmarks in the TV industry.

Schneider Electric™ Kenya, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the appointment of Ifeanyi Odoh, as its new Country President.

Ifeanyi joins Schneider Electric Kenya from South East Asia where he served as the Strategy and Transformation Leader in charge of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Ifeanyi is an experienced business leader who has taken an active role in incubating the Sustainability and New Energy Landscape concepts in the markets that he has served.

While in Vietnam, he delivered transformational priorities that established products such as e-Mobility and Energy as-a-Service delivering significant value to the business.

Prior to leading strategy in Vietnam and Cambodia, Ifeanyi worked as the Head of Offer Marketing & Business Development in Anglophone West Africa where he led and deployed the commercial actions and go-to-market strategies for Schneider Electric products, software, and services in the region.

Ifeanyi began his career in France as a Research Engineer, in the Strategy and Innovation department within Schneider Electric.

Speaking on the appointment, Devan Pillay, Anglophone Africa Cluster President, Schneider Electric said: “ Ifeanyi is a visionary strategist and transformational leader who has proven his capability in driving sustainable growth and innovation for the business. We are looking to tap into his expertise in the New Energy Landscape as we unlock new energy opportunities in the region.”

Carol Koech, the outgoing Country President will be stepping into a new role leading Sustainability Strategy for Schneider Electric in International Operations, a transition that will see her relocate to Dubai.

“I want to thank Carol for her valuable contributions to Schneider Electric Kenya over the past three (3) years,” said Devan Pillay.

Adding “During her tenure as the Country President, we made significant strides in streamlining operational excellence, and Carol’s steadfast leadership has been crucial to strengthening our foundation and positioning the company for our next growth phase.”

"As we say thank you and all the best to Carol, we welcome Ifeanyi into his new role and we look forward to tapping into the institutional knowledge and experience gained from the different Schneider Electric markets.” Continued Devan.

Speaking on the appointment, Ifeanyi said, “ I will be focused on working with the local team to deliver not just a step-up in business performance, but I will also look to establishing New Energy Concepts and Impact Entrepreneurship initiatives in the region.”

In today's world, where the pursuit of success often overshadows the quest for personal fulfilment, individuals like Maggie Mwende stand out as beacons of inspiration for Kenyans.

Maggie's story is not merely one of career achievements or familial responsibilities, it is a narrative of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to living life to the fullest.

As an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a devoted mother, Maggie's journey from the courtroom to the digital realm of content creation is a testament to her ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and determination.

In a recent interview, Maggie shares her insights into this transformative journey, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of her mind and the driving forces behind her remarkable success.

She recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her path, from taking a break from legal practice to explore her passion for content creation to the serendipitous convergence of her legal career and digital endeavours.

Maggie paints a picture of a woman who wears many hats with effortless poise and grace.

As an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she brings a wealth of legal knowledge and expertise garnered over years of dedicated service.

Yet, her role as a mother to an adorable baby boy defines her identity and fuels her relentless pursuit of happiness and fulfilment. Within the intricate tapestry of motherhood, Maggie finds her greatest joy and her most profound sense of purpose.

She says, “I am passionate about content creation, focusing on day-to-day activities and homemaking.”

For Maggie, content creation is not merely a profession but a passion, a calling, and a means of self-expression.

From the outset, her content has been characterised by authenticity, relatability, and a genuine desire to connect with her audience on a deeper level.

Whether she's sharing cleaning tips, culinary delights, or heartfelt musings on motherhood, Maggie's content resonates with a diverse audience seeking inspiration, guidance, and companionship in the journey of life.

Central to Maggie's narrative is her classification of content, which transcends conventional labels to encompass the entirety of homemaking.

From the mundane to the extraordinary, Maggie's content offers a window into her world, inviting viewers to join her on a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation.

Her content is a reflection of her values, her beliefs, and her unwavering commitment to living life.

"My content creation journey was sparked during a break from practising law, and now, seamlessly blending my day-to-day activities with content creation, film my life as is, which has become my inspiration”.  

Yet, behind the scenes of Maggie's content creation journey lies a silent enabler - Samsung technology.

The partnership between Maggie and Samsung is not merely transactional; it is a symbiotic relationship rooted in shared values, goals, and a commitment to excellence.

Samsung technology empowers Maggie to elevate her content to new heights, providing her with the tools, resources, and support she needs to unleash her creativity and potential.

"When my nanny wants to do laundry using the Samsung washing machine, sometimes it may display an error related to water supply or something else. If I am not around, she calls me on the phone and notifies me about the issue. To solve this problem, I use the SmartThings app on my phone to send instructions remotely, and the machine starts washing the clothes, saving me the trouble of waiting until I am back home to deal with the washing machine in person. This has helped me a lot, as most of the time, I would have returned home from work in the evening to deal with laundry matters. I return to a clean house, which makes me happy.”

Maggie reveals that she shops for groceries every two weeks thanks to the Samsung bespoke 317-litre fridge with a spacious design packed with innovative features.

This fridge keeps her food fresh longer, reducing the need for frequent trips to the supermarket.

This allows her to focus on what matters most - spending time with her family.

“By the way, from my experience as a mother-of-one, if you're part of a baby shower group or an expecting mom, I highly recommend getting a Samsung washing machine. Additionally, if possible, consider getting two Samsung fridges; one for a refrigerator and the other as a freezer for storing breast milk. These fridges can easily be converted to suit either use case.”

With its stunning clarity and immersive sound, the Samsung TV transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, bringing joy, laughter, and entertainment into Maggie's home.

As she gathers with her loved ones to watch their favourite shows or movies, the Samsung TV becomes a focal point, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for creating lasting memories.

“I had a change of perspective about smart living when I learned that Samsung TV comes with a solar-powered remote control and can be charged using USB-C. I no longer worry about my child putting dangerous remote batteries in his mouth. Plus, this feature saves me a lot of money on new batteries I would have to buy every few weeks.”

As Maggie reflects on her journey with Samsung, she acknowledges that she continues to uncover new features and functionalities that enhance her daily routine, making life easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling.

As she navigates the ever-changing landscape of modern life, Maggie remains steadfast in her pursuit of balance, fulfilment, and happiness, guided by the unwavering support of Samsung technology.

Celebrated hip-hop and lyrical sensation, COLLO, is set to host guest icons Nyashinski and Rawbar of the legenadary Kenyan rap trio, Kleptomaniax in a debute season of an online show dubbed, the E.A Flight.

It is a special chat and vibe session scheduled for this Thursday, February 29, 2024.

This will be a live meet and greet recorded event at 254 Beer District, Westlands and also streamed exclusively on COLLO's official social platforms.

COLLO first gained prominence in the industry with the award-winning group, Kleptomaniax, before venturing into a successful solo career and collaborations with other renowned artists.

His chart-toppers include hits like "Hii Ngoma" with Nikki, "Party Don’t Stop" with Camp Mulla, and "Bazokizo" with Bruz Newton.

Gearing for the upcoming E.A Flight show, COLLO, often hailed as the "king wa rap," expressed, "Last year one the world’s most influential cultures and musical genres of our time, Hip Hop turned 50. It’s impact to the global family has inspired the continent of Africa with today’s most sought after sound, Afro Beats which has a huge representation from West Africa and South Africa with Amapiano. There is an East African perspective and with Nairobi being the region’s business hub, a native story about the evolution of Africa’s pop culture is yet to be told. Enter, The E.A Flight #AfroEast.”

Beyond his musical accomplishments, COLLO has found success in various media and entertainment sectors, including roles as a radio and TV presenter and copywriting in advertising.

Anticipating the first episode of the chat and vibe with Nyashinki and Rawbar who kicked off their music careers together while still in Nairobi School.

They will take the audience on a journey back in time to experience the unique bond of brother hood in the Theme 29 Klepto-LOVE-Questions, an initimate Q and A session with the fans.

I&M bank has opened it's latest branch in Watamu, Kilifi as it intensifies its expansion drive in a bid to bring its products and services close to customers.

The opening of the new branch situated at the newly built Watamu Mall pushes the bank branches to 53.

The new branch targets the tourism activities and hotels in the area.

"As you are aware there are a lot of tourism activities here and that is our main target" said  I&M bank Coast Regional Manager James Ng'anga.

Adding" For us at I&M we don't offer just normal banking, we offer solutions".

On his part the bank Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) Gul Khan said the opening of the bank is timely promising the residents and clients of personalised customer-first services.

"We are a bit late but better late than never. We are trying to grow by being different. We are doing what other banks are not doing, we are the only bank not charging for bank to mpesa transactions. We have the largest personal loan of 10 million most banks have 6 to 7 million, try us out" said Khan.

Adding "Watamu is really growing we are seeing that from our customers and that's means we need to grow here and offer more services to our customers"

Speaking at the launch, Watamu residents association Chairman Shariff Athman challenged other banks to also open branches in the area to increase competition.

"We need to see more banks opening branches here, this will create a healthy competition which is highly encouraged. We want to see Watamu grow when it comes to business" said Athman.

Early this month the bank opened its 52 branch in branch.

Now in its 50th year, I&M Bank  intends to grow its countrywide network guided by its iMara strategy that has prioritised expanding its retail services through initiatives such as new innovative retail products and expanding its credit facilities.

Among the services under the iMara strategy also includes introducing retail products, expanding its credit facilities, and eliminating Bank-to-MPESA transaction costs among others.

Last month, the lender announced that it was planning to open more branches this year spread across all the 47 counties.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has handed over a sh 39 Million state- of- the- art multi-purpose hall to Mazeras Memorial girls school in part of this year's corporate social investment CSI plan.

KPA board of directors Chairman Benjamin Tayari who presided over the ceremony said the multipurpose hall, constructed at a cost of Ksh 39 million, stands as a testament to the Authority's commitment to corporate social investment and community development.

In his speech the Chairman expressed his pleasure in commissioning the new multipurpose hall terming it a milestone achievement.

"This multipurpose hall is more than just a structure, it is a symbol of our dedication to education, empowerment, and community development. It is a space where students can gather for various activities, where teachers can conduct workshops, and where the community can come together for events and celebrations." said Tayari.

Adding " This is one of the most expensive projects the Authority has undertaken through our corporate social investment programme. This serves as a testament to KPA's unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve.

The KPA board chair said the Agency is conducting countrywide programs targeting to uplift the lives of communities.

Tayari charged "I am proud to note that to date our CSI programs have made significant contributions to the development of over 60 infrastructures, including a dispensary clinic, school laboratories, libraries, dormitories, classrooms, a centre for rescued girls, and administration blocks administrative buildings across the country and in the neighboring nations."

On port operations, Tayari stated the agency has improved on its efficiency to increase cargo turn around.

“What we are doing is to ensure the cargo turns around efficiently within 24 hours, this gives us an opportunity to do a lot of business and become competitive in the region.

Tayari was speaking at Mazeras Memorial girls during a community social investment where they handed over a multi-purpose social hall to the school worth sh 39 Million.

On her part Mazeras Girls high school principal Faith Waithaka said the multipurpose hall will be used to hold meetings, act as a dining hall and will also help them in undertaking indoor games.

"We have been spending alot of money before when we hosted events in the school. we were forced to rent tents but withy this new hall the burden has now been eased and we wish to thank KPA for this gesture" said Waithaka.

Adding "This hall will not only help Mazeras girls nut most institutions here around since it is big enough"

Kasemeni member of the Kwale county assembly Safari Victor applauded KPA for continuing to support the communities on matters of education.

"KPA needs to be congratulate and emulated in what they are doing to the community. This is commendable" said Safari

Following a construction period of twenty-one months, yesterday saw the launch of the M.V. Mpungu - the pioneering East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) vessel - on Lake Victoria.

The vessel was launched from the purpose-built Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd, an Alpha Group Company.

The vessel will now undergo a period of Lake trials before commencing service in Q2 2024.

The M.V. Mpungu will be Lake Victoria’s first scheduled roll on / roll off freight vessel, addressing the need for a reliable freight service to facilitate regional and international trade.

Commissioned by InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and experienced regional logistics company, Grindrod Limited (Grindrod), the 96-metre-long vessel has the capacity to handle up to 1,000 tons of containerised cargo, the equivalent of twenty-one trailers.

EAMT also benefitted from a European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF) grant for market and technical studies as well as for legal and regulatory support.

Brenda Omuombo, Regional HSES Manager (PIDG), officially launched and named the vessel, undertaking the naval tradition of smashing a bottle of champagne on its hull, “I am honoured to have been asked to launch the M.V. Mpungu here today, I wish the vessel - and all who crew and sail on her - good fortune!”

The vessel was then launched into the Lake by specialist teams from SECO Marine (U) Ltd.

Uganda  Minister for Works, Echwera Musa, began by thanking the young men and women present who built the M.V. Mpungu vessel,.

“They are our heroes today.” he said.

Adding "Thank you to the people who put the idea together first, the owners of the company, for accepting to come and invest in this part of Africa, and to the designers of the vessel who put this design on paper so that it could be translated into reality. It humbles me.”

He thanked the vessel stakeholders for having confidence in Uganda.

“I can assure you that your investment is safe. Maritime transport is very delicate, there are so many hurdles to be jumped, we shall help you jump those hurdles. We need vessels to occupy our water bodies, there are many who have showed interest, but you have gone beyond that, by proving a presence. This Lake will be full of reliable vessels in the years to come. I declare M.V. Mpungu officially launched, for God and my country!”

Speaking after the launch, Rodney Seema, InfraCo Africa’s Regional Asset Management Lead, said, “The launch today marks the culmination of many years of work by all parties to develop, finance, design and build this pioneering vessel. We are excited to witness the economic impact that access to a safe, scheduled freight service will bring for Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the wider region.”

The ceremony took place in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and representatives from InfraCo Africa, SECO, Grindrod, OSK Design, Alpha Group and EAMT and members of the construction team who had gathered in Entebbe to mark the momentous occasion of floating the vessel.

Mr. Sujal, Director of SECO Marine (U) Ltd said, “ This is an important milestone for the vessel, the maritime industry in Uganda, and for logistics within the East African community. "

Grindrod will operate the EAMT vessel, offering freight carriers access to a safe, scheduled freight service between Uganda and Tanzania.

The EAMT vessel will cross the lake in an anticipated time of eighteen hours, compared with the current journey around the lake by congested regional roads which can take between three and four days.

As well as preventing spoilage of fresh produce, reduced journey times are expected to boost trade, supporting SDG 9.4.

The fuel-efficient freight vessel will reduce CO2 equivalent emissions associated with climate change and will remove freight vehicles from the region’s congested road network.

Xolani Mbambo, CEO of Grindrod Limited, emphasised the importance of understanding customers' requirements and finding innovative solutions for efficiently and cost-effectively moving their cargo to markets.

"The ferry operation aims to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses in the region, thereby promoting trade, and contributing to economic growth. We are excited to be part of this project and confident in our operational teams' ability to deliver excellent results in this endeavour."

The EAMT vessel is expected to undertake its maiden voyage in April 2024.