EAST AFRICA TIMES

 BY JAMES MUTUA  Bic logo.  Nairobi, Kenya – 22, April 2024: BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, has  announced the kick-off of its flagship art competition. In its sixth edition, Art Master Africa calls on creatives across the region to depict their interpretation of Ubuntu (or One Africa), this year’s competition’s theme, using the iconic BIC ballpoint pen. Submissions will be accepted effective the 19th of April 2024 through the BIC Art Master Africa website. Participants will have three months to complete their artwork before judging takes place, followed by the winner announcements in the last quarter of the year. Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and technical skills. First, second, and third place winners will be rewarded by BIC – $2,000, $1,000, and $500 respectively. A total of nine winners from across the region will also be announced and awarded.  Artwork of selected participants will be included in various...

 BY JAMES MUTUA Law Society of Kenya President Ms. Faith Adhiambo and LSK members during a presser on Monday in Nairobi. LSK wants bodies involved in the distribution of counterfeit fertiliser held liable. Picture courtesy LSK twitter.  The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Monday  expressed deep concern over the unfolding scandal surrounding the implementation of the National Fertilizer Subsidy Program (NFSP). They said that NFSP, aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and stabilizing food prices, has faced allegations of widespread breaches of duty, incompetence, and fraud. Since its inception in September 2022, the NFSP has faced mounting criticism, with recent reports highlighting systemic issues within the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Among the alarming revelations are instances of fake fertilizer being sold to unsuspecting farmers, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and severe delays in distribution. LSK says that despite its ...

 By James Mutua Naivas is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest branch, conveniently located in a populous residential area of the very busy Lang’ata Road. Located at Lang’ata Medlink, a mixed-use development, the branch covers 28,000 square feet of trading space bringing the count of outlets along the road to three, Lang’ata at Freedom Heights and One Stop Foodmarket in One Stop Arcade. It has a spacious retail floor showcasing a wide array of products and services, and as is our standard, customers will find everything they need in one convenient location. The branch features dedicated sections for electronics, home goods, clothing in addition to fresh, commodities and fast moving consumer goods not forgetting knowledgeable dedicated staff ready to serve, convenient parking and easy access for shoppers. “We are excited to expand our presence in Lang’ata since this is an ever-growing area of Nairobi and once we identify a gap and need in a community, we move in a strat...

By James Mutua  Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCD)  during a presser in Nairobi on Tuesday. NCD Alliance Kenya has implored the Government of Kenya and the KMPDU to prioritize the welfare of patients and heed the urgent call to end the doctor's strike. NAIROBI, KENYA, April 23, 2024 - The healthcare crisis in Kenya deepens as the nation grapples with the ongoing doctor's strike, now entering its sixth week. The strike, orchestrated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has precipitated a dire situation, prompting urgent calls for resolution from the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCD Alliance Kenya) and concerned citizens alike. Essential healthcare services have been severely compromised since the commencement of the strike, resulting in devastating consequences for patients nationwide. Tragically, a recent incident in Isiolo claimed the life of a child due to complications from diabetes, highlighting the urgent ne...

 By James Mutua FAWEK stakeholders during a consultative meeting at a Nairobi hotel on Friday. FAWEK aims to reduce teenage pregnancy across Kenya significantly. Picture by Elijah Odanga In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and promote educational opportunities for young women, the Forum For African Women Educationalists- Kenya (FAWE) , in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, on Friday convened a landmark event aimed at forging strategies and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The program dubbed "Imarisha Msichana," launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to reduce teenage pregnancy rates and facilitates the re-entry of teenage mothers into the education system. The program recognizes the critical importance of education in empowering young women and breaking the cycle of poverty. At the event, representatives from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), local chiefs, and the County Director of Education came toget...

  Mega Growth models display mega growth products with new logo.  Nairobi, 12th April 2024 – Mega Growth, a pioneering force in hair care solutions, has unveiled its latest campaign, 'Goodbye Hair Breakage', aimed at women aged 25 to 45. This initiative seeks to address the issue of hair breakage by emphasizing both external care and internal health. During the launch event held at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Margaret Muriithi, the Hair Care Brand Manager, highlighted Mega Growth's commitment to understanding and nurturing the unique needs of African women's hair. She emphasized the brand's dedication to research-backed products, containing natural oils and proteins, specifically designed to strengthen African hair and protect it from breakage. Today, we are excited to introduce this new campaign centered around our range of Relaxers, Daily Break Free leave-in strengthener, Deep Strengthening treatment, Oil and lotion products, all backed by cutting-edge research, and n...

Nduku Wamakau - Head Customer Marketing EABL Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday 9 th April, 2024- East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) has announced the rollout of its National Consumer Promotion dubbed “Tujengane.” The Tujengane campaign represents a bold commitment to fostering a sense of togetherness and resilience within communities.  The 12 weeklong campaign that will run from April to June 2024, seeks to reward and celebrate consumers by providing them with exciting opportunities to enrich their lives. Speaking at the launch event, Mark Ocitti, Managing Director, KBL, emphasized the strategic significance of the Tujengane campaign.  "The Tujengane campaign represents a pivotal moment for EABL as we navigate through dynamic market conditions. By leveraging ingenious marketing strategies and consumer-centric initiatives, we are confident in our ability to drive engagement, loyalty, and growth for our brands while providing tangible value to our consumers."  “Tujengane embod...

By James Mutua In a press statement issued from the Christian Students’ Leadership Center at Ufungamano House, the National Council of Churches of Kenya Tuesday highlighted the importance of validating the recommendations put forth in the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), recently passed by Parliament. Referring to Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya, which asserts that sovereign power belongs to the people, the NCCK stressed the necessity of seeking public validation before implementing significant reforms. The NCCK urged parliamentary speakers Hon. Moses Wetangula and Hon. Amason Kingi to ensure the accessibility of the NADCO report to all Kenyans and called for hearings in counties to gather citizen feedback. The statement emphasized the biblical warning against unjust laws and oppressive decrees, underscoring the moral imperative for representatives to heed the voice of the people. Addressing concerns over proposed constitutional amendments, the NCCK emp...

Nairobi April 6, 2024-Wiper Party Leader H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, on Saturday attended Bishop Dr. Wilson Mamboleo's Life Celebrations and Service today at Deliverance Church on Langata Road in Nairobi. Dr. Mamboleo, known as the pioneer of the Ministry of Intercession, recently turned 90 years old and has committed 70 years of his life to serving God. Speaking to Bishop Mamboleo, his family, Church leadership, and friends, the former Vice President stated, "This is one man of God who loves his nation." Dr. Musyoka was accompanied by Kitui and Makueni Senators Enoch Wambua and Dan Maanzo respectively, MP for Kaiti Joshua Kimilu and Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) party Nairobi leadership. Recalling the October 1998 Teachers' Strike following the then Government's failure to implement a 1997 pay rise, Dr. Musyoka who had just been appointed as Minister in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development said that Bishop Mamboleo called him and...

  In a bid to reinforce local representation and foster community engagement, the Luhyia community in Langata Saturday conducted interim elections. The move underscores a proactive approach towards ensuring inclusive governance structures and promoting the voices of the Luhyia people in the capital city. Historical Context: The Luhyia community, primarily hailing from the Western region of Kenya, has a notable presence in various parts of the country, including Nairobi. Being a majority group in the capital city, they have remained active participants in its social, economic, and political spheres. Rationale for Interim Elections: The decision to hold interim elections stems from a desire to establish a robust framework for community leadership and representation in Nairobi . It reflects the community's commitment to self-governance and the determination to address local concerns through a structured approach. Key Objectives: Enhancing Representation: By electing interim leaders, t...