NIC Bank Donates Kshs 2 million to MPESA Foundation Academy

L-R  NIC Bank Marketing, Communications and citizenship Director Rosalind Gichuru and Les Bailie CEO MPESA Academy  takes a picture with the sponsored students at the cheque handover ceremony

NIC Bank has sponsored five students living with albinism to the M-PESA foundation academy.

The Kshs 2 million sponsorship will go towards financing the students’ education at the academy for the four years.  The sponsored students are beneficiaries of the Dr. Choksey foundation, which is dedicated at improving the quality of life of persons with Albinism in Kenya.

NIC Bank is the first corporate organisation to contribute towards the education of individual students at the M-PESA Foundation Academy.

“As NIC Bank we are pleased to support these students and bring positive change in their lives. Education is key to building our economy and will equip them with life skills that will enable them to make informed life decisions and to contribute to their society positively,” said NIC Banks’ Director Marketing, Communications and Citizenship, Rosalind Gichuru during the cheque handover when the Form 1 students reported to the M-PESA foundation academy.

The M-PESA Foundation Academy is a state of the art, mixed boarding high school providing world class Kenyan secondary education. Driven by leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, the Academy serves talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrable leadership potential.

Dr. Prabha V. Choksey is an ophthalmologist and the founder of the Dr. Choksey foundation. The foundation has supported hundreds of children and families affected by Albinism, mainly offering free eye care and paying school fees for those disadvantaged in society. who are not able to. NIC Bank has been supporting the Foundation for two years as one of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program initiatives  2017 will mark the third year.

“M-PESA Foundation Academy commenced operations in February 2016 when 96 students were admitted to form 1 and a further 192 students have  enrolled this year. The selection process is very rigorous and involves picking students from different counties across the country by identifying their leadership potential from economically disadvantaged schools.

“Education is a holistic process. Learning goes beyond listening to the teacher disseminate knowledge and test accuracy. Developing and nurturing the students’ talents is an essential component that is incorporated in our curriculum. We offer state of art facilities managed by dedicated and experienced staff,” said the CEO of M-PESA Foundation Academy, Mr. Les Baillie during the cheque handover when the Form 1 students were reporting to the M-PESA Foundation Academy.

The five students are Linda Nyakoha, Devrighan Rakuom, Catherine Ngendo, Samuel Mburu and Nancy Njeri and hails from various counties across the country.

Linda Nyakoha, is one of the beneficiaries of the support from NIC Bank. She has been supported by Dr. Choksey through her primary education and was excited to join the academy, having attained 375 marks in her KCPE.

“I would like to be a doctor and support people with Albinism in Kenya. I look forward to my four years here and making new friends,” said Linda Nyakoha.

R-L Rosalind Gichuru - NIC Bank Director of marketing communication   Citizenship handing over a cheque of KES. 2000000. to Les BaillIe - CEO Mpesa foundation academy

LG DOMINANCE IN CONSUMER GOODS.

2016 was a successful year for the consumer electronics industry with many advancements taking place in this sector. 2017 seeks to outpace the previous year with many trends and products by LG that will be improved and suitable to our usage.

The growth of Smart Technology and Information of Things (IoT) in the last one year has surpassed forecaster’s expectations, and with high demand on this, 2017 will be no short of new technology. IoT powered smart homes will be key in the progress of this technology. From lighting, security and climate control, one will be able to control all functions through technology. With LG’s forward thinking, they have innovated devices such as the Smart InstaView refrigerator and SmartThinQ washing machine that enhance consumer experience.

2016 was a successful year for LG when it came to TV’s. With launches of the highly anticipated OLED 4K TV being released among others, we all got mesmerized on how the OLED had such premium picture quality. 2017 with no doubt will be another key year for the TV market, with anticipated releases of the 8k, 4K UHD  and integrated smart video streaming services that will offer consumers an incredibly immersive viewing experience. “LG strives to ensure high quality and perfect delivery when it comes to our televisions and other consumer goods, we strive to bring out the best in everything we set out to do.” explained Moses Marji, General Manager Marketing LG Electronics.

One consumer good that can be found nearly anywhere is a smartphone. From children to adults, smartphones are revolutionizing how we go about our day to day activities. Regardless, statistics show that nearly half of these smartphones have altercations, whether it’s a cracked screen or being waterlogged. Durability is an issue that needs to be addressed. With the highly anticipated release of the LG V20, such issues are to be dusted away. Features on this phone such as its durable material made from the same material used in aircrafts and mountain bikes makes this phone highly reliable and convenient.

Kenya Airways celebrates 40 years in the skies.

Its inauguration flight was on 4th February, 1977 between Nairobi – Mombasa 
NAIROBI, January 22, 2017 – Kenya Airways today marked its 40th anniversary since it was incorporated in 1977.
From humble beginnings Kenya Airways has grown to become a leading player in Africa connecting the region to the World and the World to Africa through its hub in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi. The airline launched its inaugural flight on 4th of February two weeks after the company was incorporated on 22nd January 1977.
Over the last four decades Kenya Airways has emerged as an important economic drive in Kenya and the region as a whole.
“Today Kenya Airways connects directly from Nairobi to more than 54 destinations in four continents, with a fleet of 36 aircrafts from the initial 4. It has been an interesting journey and we believe our best years are ahead,” said Kenya Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze.
He was speaking during the celebrations held at JKIA Terminal 1A with customers and partners. He noted Kenya Airways growth has been characterised by a strategic network expansion focusing on Africa, fleet modernisation, and high quality service among other facets of development.
In addition, Kenya Airways was the first African flag bearer carrier to be privatized, in 1996, a move that saw it listed across East Africa.
The airline has commercial partnerships with various global carriers, including a joint venture with KLM and codeshares with airlines in Europe, Asia and Africa. Through its membership in the Sky Team Alliance, Kenya Airways offers service to 1,057 destinations in more than 177 countries.
Beyond Kenya, Mbuvi cited that the growth and economic transformation of the region and African continent is largely tied to success of Kenya Airways owing to its pivotal role in promoting trade; cultural exchanges, enabling an exchange of ideas as well as promoting peaceful co-existence among people of different beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
He noted the journey was made possible by the tremendous support from staff, guests, partners and shareholders.
“We sincerely thank everyone who have been a part of this journey in the past and today, and look forward to many more years of being the Pride of Africa. Kenya Airways is committed to continue serving the region promoting trade, and offering quality service to our guests,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, Kenya Airways had launched a sales campaign offering customers up to 40% discounts on tickets to various destinations across its network. The offer also includes a special USD 1977 price for its business class tickets to Europe; Paris, London and Amsterdam.
Ends/…
About Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 52 destinations worldwide, 42 of which are in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually. The airline was recently voted the Leading Airline in Africa by passengers in the World Travel Awards. It has been voted the Leading Airline in Africa – Business Class four years in a row. With a fleet of 36 aircraft that are some of the youngest in Africa. This includes its flagship B787 Dreamliner aircraft. The on-board service is renowned and the lie-flat business class seat on the wide-body aircraft is consistently voted among the world’s top 10. Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the new ultra-modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. For more information, please visit www.kenya-airways.com

Eat. Drink. Chew. at this year's Nairobi Restaurant Week

Wrigley East Africa Head of Corporate Affairs Wanja Mwangi (L) poses with EatOut General Manager Michelle Slater at the recent launch of the 4th edition of the Nairobi Restaurant Week. The gum manufacturer has partnered with the online restaurant guide, for the second time in a row, to champion consumer education about oral care practices on-the-go through their Eat.Drink.Chew. campaign.

It is full steam ahead for the 4th edition of the annual Nairobi Restaurant Week, the city’s biggest celebration of food and drink, which officially kicked off yesterday, at an exclusive cocktail event held at The Tribe.

NRW is a celebration of the city’s colourful culinary scene which brings together over 60 sit-down restaurants across the city offering dazzling food and sparkling service for 10 days.

Several companies have come on board this year to support the initiative by Kenya’s largest online restaurant guide and booking engine, among them, the Wrigley Company through its East Africa subsidiary. The world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of gum, has partnered with the organizers, for the second time in a row, to enlighten participants about oral care practices on-the-go.

“We are essentially seeking to create healthy habits and reaching consumers through our oral care brand; Orbit. Through our Eat Drink Chew campaign, we believe that our partnership with EatOut will go a long way in educating consumers on the benefits of chewing sugar free gum such as its ability to wash away food debris and remineralize tooth enamel to help strengthen teeth,” said Wrigley East Africa Corporate Affairs Head Wanja Mwangi.
Wrigley has been championing the oral health agenda in Kenya having commissioned and released the first ever national oral health survey through the Ministry of Health and The University of Nairobi in 2015. They have also been advocating for the inclusion of oral health into the school curriculum during this reform period.
The company partners with dental professionals, supports scientific research and collaborates with governments, organizations and corporate partners to make a difference to oral health worldwide.

In major cities around the world, Restaurant Week has been a proven tradition and has registered success in the country as well. So as you indulge in the finest cuisine, at Nairobi’s top restaurants, remember to Eat. Drink. Chew.

LG SMART INSTAVIEW REFRIGERATOR FEATURES VOICE CONTROL, WEBOS AND REMOTE VIEWING CAPABILITIES

Industry-Leading Technologies Offer Intuitive Control, Home Management, Bringing New Meaning to Kitchen as “Heart of the Home”

NAIROBI, Jan. 17  2017 — LG Electronics (LG) has introduced a new kind of re-frigerator, called Smart InstaView™ that’s embedded with an array of convenient fea-tures provided by Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service and powered by LG’s own webOS smart platform.

Unveiled at CES® 2017, LG’s new flagship Door-in-Door® refrigerator features a 29-inch touch LCD display, which, thanks to its InstaView feature, instantly turns transpar-ent with just two knocks of the screen and allows users to look inside the refrigerator without opening the door. Now with webOS, consumers can also explore a host of WiFi-enabled features directly on the refrigerator, creating a streamlined and powerful food management system all housed directly on the front of the fridge door.

Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service gives users access to an intelligent personal assistant that, in addition to searching recipes, can play music, place Prime-eligible orders from Amazon.com including groceries, add items to a shopping list and more. With over 6,000 skills available, Alexa can also control one’s smart home, request car service, set kitchen timers and check the weather – all hands-free by just using your voice. With Alexa, daily tasks in the kitchen – such as cooking or planning for the day – turn into a dynamic, entertaining experience.

In addition to the services provided by Amazon, the LG Smart InstaView refrigerator offers a variety of other convenience-enhancing features. The Smart Tag menu allows users to add stickers and tags on the screen to indicate which foods are stored as well as the ability to input the expiration date of each item, so the refrigerator can issue remind-ers when foods near expiration. Family members can set up memos for each other and create to-do lists that display on the screen. To check inside the refrigerator remotely, a 2.0 megapixel panoramic super-wide-lens camera captures images of the interior from a variety of different angles which are accessible via smartphone, a must-have feature for anyone who would like to see what’s at home while grocery shopping.

“By working with Amazon, we are able to broaden our smart refrigerator’s capabilities and further provide our customers with a pleasurable cooking and dining experience,” said Song Dae-Hyun, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. “Our Smart InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator will allow users to enjoy their kitchen experience like never before.”

“For many families, the kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and a place where they often find their hands tied. Now consumers have even more convenience in their homes, all just by using their voice and Alexa,” said Mike George, vice president, Amazon Alexa. “In working with an innovative home appliance company like LG, we can truly showcase how much better life can be for consumers everywhere starting with updating one of the most important appliances in the home.”

Jambojet acquires a new Dash 8 Q400 aircraft to boost its domestic fleet

The Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 next generation aircraft

Jambojet has acquired a brand new Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 next generation aircraft, which is expected to improve the airline’s operations across its network.

The new aircraft is leased from Abu Dhabi Aviation and will replace one of the current two Q400 aircraft Jambojet is using. Currently, the airline operates two Q400s and two Boeing 737s.

The delivery of the plane is expected to help the no frills airline address the delays and stabilize its flight schedule across the country, especially the coastal routes including Ukunda (Diani), Malindi and Lamu.

“We selected the Q400 aircraft because it has the speed and range required to service all our current domestic destinations and targeted regional destinations. It has proven to be the right aircraft for this market.  In addition, the aircraft's cabin will provide a quiet and very comfortable experience for our passengers," said Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius.

“This new next generation aircraft has lower operating costs and will help us optimize our operations in terms of increasing the service quality as well as improving economics,” he further noted.

“We have some challenging runways for some of our destinations and the Q400 turboprop’s capability to operate in such terrains, its jet-like speed, long-range cruise capability and outstanding turboprop economics were key factors that guided us in selecting the aircraft for our operations,” added Mr. Hondius.

“The level of in-continent support that Bombardier offers is also very important for us.”

The 78-seater aircraft is expected to start operations in a couple of days’ time after gaining the necessary approval from the regulator, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

In the nearly three years of operation, the no-frills low cost airline has achieved undeniable business growth; increased numbers of routes from four to seven, increased frequency of flights due to fleet expansion and flown over one and a half million passengers. Currently, Jambojet flies to Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as well as to Eldoret, Malindi Ukunda and Lamu.

CONTINENTAL FOOD STANDARDS MEETING KICKS OFF

Cabinet Secretary, Industry Trade and Cooperatives, Mr. Adan Mohamed

African countries have been called upon to adopt and harmonise international quality infrastructure with a goal to tackle food safety challenges bedeviling the continent.
Speaking during the CCAfrica Food Standards conference in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary, Industry Trade and Cooperatives, Mr. Adan Mohamed, said there is need to synergize efforts in tackling food safety problems bedeviling the food industries in not only in Kenya but also Africa.
The Cabinet Secretary said effective implementation and enforcement of adopted policies and regulations and efficient functioning of institutions alongside adoption of international standards such as Codex, will be key factors for Africa to continue to enhance food safety.
“Without a doubt, food standards are mandatory for international trade. Currently in Africa, most industries are facing major challenges related to: Aflatoxin in foods, heavy metals and Carbon miles among others that will need to be addressed in order to make our food industries more competitive,” said Adan
Speaking during the same conference, Cabinet Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Willy Bett, said the African region has made steps towards enhancing market access through strengthening of food safety infrastructures.
“It is worth noting that CCAFRICA is spearheading development of regional standards for Shea butter, dried meat, fermented cooked cassava based products and gnetum species leaves,” said Bett.
He added, this will enhance competitiveness of these products not only in the regional trade but also globally.
According to the CS, food safety policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks are key to the competitiveness of regionally traded commodities/products.
“Efforts such as the standard setting technical working groups under Codex should be supported and lauded by all with a goal of growing trade in the continent, said Bett.
Standardization is a key factor to building robust economies at national, regional and global levels. This among other reasons is why CCAfrica is expected to play a key role in intra Africa trade. Trade among African countries is very low and is estimated by World Bank at about 12-15% of total trade compared to Europe at 60% and Asia at 30%. This is unfortunate considering that Africa is the second largest continent in the world.
Africa must embrace the agenda of standardization and harmonization of standards on the most commonly traded products across the various African regions and economic trading blocks. CCAfrica has a key role to pray in facilitating relevant standards to promote intra African trade in agricultural and other food products.

Kenya is hosting the FAO/WHO Codex Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAfrica) meeting which brings together representatives from 49 African countries.
The conference is very significant in the realm of food safety and fair trade practices in food. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, whose mandate is to develop standards aimed at safeguarding the health of consumers and fair trade practices in food.
Speaking about the meeting, KEBS Managing Director, Charles Ongwae, said the conference is important not only to Kenya but also Africa and a step aimed at information sharing on food standards.
“Kenya being the coordinating country, our goal is to ensure we harmonise our standards as a continent while benchmarking or aligning with food standards developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission – which are recognised by the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” said Ongwae.
CAC has 189 members with Africa Region Codex Coordinating Committee (CCAFRICA) accounting for 49 member countries.
Kenya has been a member of CAC and CCAFRICA since 1969. In July 2015, Kenya was appointed as the CCAfrica coordinator for Africa whose mandate is to come up with regional Codex Food Standards for African countries with a goal to facilitate trade in the continent.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), is the Codex Contact Point and consequently links CAC Secretariat in Rome with Kenya in regard to any CAC activities, such as drafting Codex food standards and related text development.
KEBS has adopted over 200 Codex Food Standards and several codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and facilitate trade. Codex Food standards are also used when harmonising EAC-COMESA standards and whenever there is dispute in EAC trading within the region.
CAC is recognized as the biggest intergovernmental organisation body which takes into account concerns while ensuring fair practices in the food trade thus preventing fraud, deceptive practices, avoiding unjustified barriers to food trade.
The Commission’s mandate is to ensure that food standards developed are science-based, with a goal to protect the health of consumers and also in facilitating fair food trade. The Commission also works with three FAO/WHO independent Scientific Expert committees.

NIC Bank expands university internship programme in bid to tap youth talent

University students sit for the NIC Bank University Internship programme aptitude test as part of the selection process held at Bomas of Kenya , Nairobi on 17th December ,2016. The internship programme aims to tap into the youth’s talent to give the bank a competitive edge and to create employment for the youth.

NIC Bank administered an aptitude test for 2,278 college students at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. The students, who were selected from different local and international universities across the country, undertook the test as part of the selection process for the NIC Bank University Internship Programme.

The number of applicants for the internship programme has more than doubled this year when compared to the 1,112 applications received in December 2015.

“The twofold increase in the number of applicants demonstrates the growing profile of NIC Bank as an employer of choice for the youth,” said Monica Kihia, the Human Resource Director at NIC Bank.

NIC Bank’s internship programme aims to tap into the youth’s talent and creativity to not only give the bank a competitive edge in the market, but also present the youth with an opportunity to access stable and fulfilling careers.

“In just one year we have had 75 interns, many of whom have been retained in full time entry level jobs in line with the branch expansion,” remarked Kihia. NIC Bank has expanded its branch network from 27 in the beginning of 2016 to the current 33.

All successful recruits will receive comprehensive induction into the bank and acquire mentorship, coaching, branch exposure and project delivery opportunities in the different departments.

NIC Bank’s initiative to create employment for the youth comes at a time when youth unemployment in Kenya has soared to alarming levels. Unemployment among Kenya’s youth is now estimated at 17.3 per cent compared to six per cent for both Uganda and Tanzania, a World Bank report released in March 2016 indicates.

Kenya created only 128,000 formal jobs in 2015, according to the recently released Economic Survey 2016. In contrast, the number of graduates from universities and colleges stands at more than 450,000 annually.

“The huge mismatch between job opportunities and graduates joining the job market underlines the need for more proactive recruitment policies such as the ones we have embraced at NIC Bank” said Kihia.

NIC Bank’s University Internship Programme comes hot on the heels of the University Innovation challenge, which was launched by NIC Bank in November 2016 in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Kenya and BRCK Education at Nailab Nairobi. The innovation challenge, which drew over 150 participants, was aimed at fostering innovation among the youth in the areas of financial inclusion, financial literacy and practical financial solutions.

The bank’s engagement with youth and students is part of its broader efforts to improve the quality of education and innovation in Kenya. “Education is one of the strategic pillars under our corporate citizenship agenda,” concluded Kihia.