Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Second Season set to commence with an introduction of a Mobile App Challenge

China’s AVIC International Holding Corporation in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is back with the second season of their youth empowerment project, Africa Tech Challenge. The first season was in form of a technical challenge that saw the three most outstanding participants walk away with full master’s degree scholarships in the most prestigious engineering schools in China as well as cash prizes of $1500, $1200 and $900 for the top three teams. The most coveted award was the top two teams (Kabete TTI and Nyeri TTI) signed a commercial contract worth $100,000 to go into local manufacturing of spare parts. In a bid to encourage more youth to take up and utilize their technical and innovative skills, ATC Season Two is back and bigger than ever. There will be two competitions (Technical Challenge and Mobile App Challenge) with cash prizes amounting to 10,000 $ for the Technical Challenge’s top six teams and 8000$ as cash prize for the top three individual winners of the Mobile App Challenge. Our ATC objectives are to empower the youth by upgrading their technical & Information Technology skills to high professional skills that will enable them to get internships and jobs, as we decrease the huge unemployment rate facing Kenyans. Our other objectives are to cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship and facilitate self-employment among the youth. This will be achieved by the intense training that we will provide in both competitions.

In order to push the youth empowerment agenda, cultivate the spirit of entrepreneurship and facilitate self-employment among the Kenyan youth, we encourage the participants to enhance their creativity through developing a Mobile Application that meets a specific criteria in this year’s new competition, the Mobile Application Challenge. It targets the recent graduates and fourth year students with IT backgrounds. Once it’s completed, the Mobile Application will be supervised by a panel of experts to determine the three best applications. The top three winners get a chance to walk away US $5,000, US $2,000 and US $1,000 respectively. The overall winner will also get a six month incubation period with GearBox of i-Hub, one of ATC’s partners. This year’s Mobile Challenge will be taking place at Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC) in Nairobi. Fifty applicants will be chosen and they will start the contest on 27^th July at KTTC which will be in the form of training+Hackathlon (Elimination competition) that will last for two weeks, until August 8^th. Applicants are required to apply online via our website, avicatc.org

The second season of the Technical Challenge will begin with an intensive nationwide recruitment process of teams from different technical training institutes and universities around the country undergoing a rigorous training from the Chinese experts on how to use raw materials and machines as well as gaining the best techniques to use during the competition. Marks will then be awarded on skill, accuracy and precision, cost of production and quantity of raw materials used.

Training commences on 27^th July-1^st August 2015, followed by four regional competitions from 3^rd August to 7^th August. There will be twelve finalists who will proceed to Shamberere Technical Training Institution in Kakamega, for final training from 10^th August-29^th August and the final competition will be held at the same school on 30^th- 31^st August. The six winning teams will be awarded with a cash prize and the three most outstanding participants with scholarships to study in the most prestigious Engineering Universities in China.

During the competition, the participants will also have the opportunity to interact with invited business leaders during the ATC Talks. These talks are meant to guide and mentor the participants and will feature different CEO's, Entrepreneurs, Financial Advisers and Business Leaders.

Mortein Doom launches social media campaign dubbed - Pamoja Tuendelee Kuangamiza Malaria

Ahead of the Malaria Day this coming month, Reckitt Benckiser  launched a social media campaign geared to raise awareness of the disease to mothers as the cold season sets in. RB is focused on healthier lives for people and believes that it is part of their mandate to be actively involved in promoting the achievement of health related goals in Kenya. 

The strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Health and implementation of initiatives around the World Malaria Day, is a clear demonstration of their commitment. Malaria can be eliminated in Kenya, which is the reason why RB, through our flagship brand, Mortein Doom, has for the 3^rd year running, partnered with the Ministry of Health, to spread the message that malaria is preventable. 

In reality, Mortein Doom aims to make every home a pest-free haven by continuously providing innovative products that will ensure peace of mind in every home.  In support of the goal to achieve a malaria free country, Mortein Doom has invested in the development of a variety of Mortein Doom products including the insecticide spray, and liquid electrical mosquito repellant, all of which are easily accessible from shops and leading retailers countrywide.

Speaking on the launch, Reckitt Benckiser Company Manager Sachiv Varma said,

• Together, we have achieved a lot but we need to do more. RB will continue identifying more partnership opportunities with health sector players, investing in  community education programs, as well as introducing innovative products to the market e.g. Mortein LED.
• I must commend all of the organizations represented here today, for their efforts to fight Malaria. However, there is still much to be done. The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics released in December 2014, estimate that there were about 198 million cases of malaria in 2013 and an estimated 584, 000 deaths. Further, WHO indicates that most malaria cases and deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, where a child dies every minute from malaria.
• Despite these gloomy statistics, I am happy to also note that there is great progress that has been made through the years, with regard to fighting this life-threatening disease. According to the WHO, malaria mortality rates among children in Africa have been reduced by an estimated 58% since the year 2000.
• This means that through continuous efforts, we can bring this disease under control.



Sachin Varma, RB Country Manager.

• As we prepare to mark the World Malaria day this Saturday 25^th April, let us maintain the spirit of collaboration that is evident in this room today. I am certain that our joint efforts will steer us to achieve the goal to reduce incidences of malaria in countries by 75%, in line with World Health Assembly targets for 2015."   



Dan Mwangi, Spoken Word Artist – Presented

Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia gives a speech during the media breakfast

Konza Technopolis Unveils Smart Technology Plan

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Konza City Technopolis is looking at developing its Phase 1 infrastructure through smart technology to reap the benefits of innovation and connectivity.

In a demonstration of expending technology to bridge infrastructure operations and improve service delivery to citizens, the Techno City has embarked on development of Phase 1 to world class smart city building standards using smart technology solutions.

Eng. John Tanui, Konza Technopolis Development Authority Chief Executive Officer, said smart concepts will be designed into the City using state-of-the-art internet and telecommunications networks to enhance on the city’s efficiency and integrate infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the on-going Connected East Africa in Kwale County, he said Konza City will use a single converged Internet Protocol (IP) network as the platform to plan, build, and manage day-to-day city operations.

KoTDA sponsored the KONZA ICT Innovation Awards at the Connected East Africa Summit. There were 586 applications narrowed down to 6 category finalist. Applications were received from the – US, Germany, Egypt, UK and Ethiopia.

“The Konza IP network will allow for significant new efficiencies in every aspect of life within Konza, enhancing productivity, improving availability of and access to public services,” said Eng. Tanui.

“Smart technology in Konza City will be integrated in Transportation Operations, Sanitary Collection, Treatment & Re-use Operations, Storm Drainage Operations, Water System Operations, Electrical System, E-Governance Data Centers, Security Parking and Informational Signage Landscaping,” he added.

Eng. Tanui further noted that the smart technology integration was benchmarked from best practices of smart cities globally and will create “added value by improving efficiency, enhancing economic potential, reduced costs, opening the door to new business and services, and improving the living conditions of Konza City citizens.”

Additionally, the Techno City will harbor the Konza Campus, a shared ICT platform for education systems for both local and international universities. Excellent ICT infrastructure poised to make Konza City an e-government commerce giant targeted at government agencies and the private sector would vastly improve efficiency and citizen services through cloud-based IT infrastructure.
Kenya's leading ICT players are expected to form the bulk of pioneer investors and partners in Konza, with good interest registered by telecom operators and leading banks to locate their data centres and other ICT investments in Konza

“KoTDA is keen to work and partner with other stakeholders to improve the innovation space in the country,” said Eng. Tanui while urging the private sector and government agencies to take advantage of the Konza techno ecosystem by locating their new investments in Science and Technology in Konza City.
Further, Eng. John Tanui said the Authority is confident the legal and legislative approvals will accelerate the Technopolis progress.

According to Eng. Tanui, a tremendous opportunity lies in recent passing of key bills such as the Public Private Partnership bill into law which will “be a major contributor to easing budgetary constraints on social expenditure, directly enabling the Government to broaden and deepen balanced development while  developing the techno City’s infrastructure in affordable and sustainable ways.”

Upon completion of Phase 1, Konza City is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Technopolis is expected to host various amenities including ICT research centres, a university complex, offices, residential houses and parks. The city will be implemented as a public private partnership, in which the Government will take a minimal role, developing the public infrastructure and regulatory guidelines.

The Government of Kenya in 2014, through the Konza Technology City Development Authority (KOTDA), signed a 5-year Master Delivery Partner 2 (MDP2) Agreement with a consortium led by major international civil engineering firm Tetra Tech (Denver, USA) to develop the 400-acre Phase 1 of Konza Technology City.

MDP2 is assisting KOTDA with the roll-out of on-site public infrastructure and the leasing of serviced land to developers and tenants. MDP2 will also create a strong brand for the project and enhance KOTDA’s management capacity.

Naijas Invade Rotary Club of Nairobi East

Last week the Rotary Club of Nairbi East was privileged to host 5 Nigerians from the Rotary Club of Maryland in Nigeria.  RTN Kehinde Bello a Consultant Project Manager and a Certified Engineer), RTN Bola Oyebade presently the Founder and Principal Partner of BO Consulting a Management, RTN Adewale Sanni  A professional in the Aviation industry and RTN George Ikpekhia currently works with Emirates Airlines as the Station Manager at Lagos graced as by visiting some of the projects we are doing in Nairobi.

Boosting our efforts geared to preventing martenal and child mortality. These gentlemen in partnership with Rotary Club of Nairobi East donated mosquito nets to expectant and new mothersat the Korogocho Centre Clinic, Nairobi. The mosquito nets are part of an aftercare package given to mothers who deliver at the facility. The clinic has been adopted by Rotary Nairobi East.

President Elect Nana Wanjau, Rotarians from Rotary Club of Maryland and the 
New Mothers at Korogocho Center Clinic

Rotarian Bola Ayebade from Nigeria with President Nana with donating a mosquito net
to a new mother.

Rotarian Bola Ayebade from Nigeria with President Nana with donating a mosquito net
to a new mother.

Why I signed security bill into law – Uhuru

Fellow Kenyans ,
1. A few minutes ago, I signed into law the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014.

2. On the 22nd of November, 28 Kenyans were executed by terrorists. A week later, another 36 Kenyans were yet again massacred by terrorists. Following this, there was extensive consultation and reflection across the executive. I constituted a team to undertake a comprehensive review and I received their report within a week.

3. he review identified a number of gaps within our security laws as well as administrative challenges in our security sector. To address this, a draft bill was developed and subjected to extensive consultations through public participation, engagement with independent constitutional commissions and parliamentary processes that built consensus around the core areas of review. During this process, all the concerns raised by the different stakeholders were addressed by the relevant Parliamentary Committees through amendments.

4. I take this opportunity to thank the National Assembly for having the presence of mind, yesterday, to pass this bill despite deplorable conduct of a few individuals who seem oblivious to the threat that is upon our country at this point in time. As a result of this unfortunate incident, many Kenyans were denied the opportunity to follow the Parliamentary proceedings.

5. I therefore urge all Kenyans to take time to read and understand this law. I am confident that you will find that there is nothing in this law that goes against the Bill of Rights or any provision of the constitution. Its intent is one; to protect the lives and property of all citizens. 

Fellow Kenyans,
6. This law gives our security actors a firm institutional framework for coherent cooperation and synergy within the national counter-terrorism centre. 

7. This synergy is cascaded from the highest to the lowest level through the national government security structures.

8. The law also deals with emerging crimes that reinforce terrorism, including the phenomena of foreign fighters, radicalization and transnational and cross-border crimes such as poaching and trafficking. Increasingly, these crimes are assuming a degree of sophistication that calls for a radical approach.

9. The law also improves our capacity to detect, deter and disrupt any threats to national security. For the first time, we now have a law that focuses on prevention and disruption of threats. 

10. Further, the law allows for the use of technology in processing and advancing the ability for successful prosecution of suspects.

11. Cognizant of the lack of integrity and its role in accentuating vulnerability as well as compromising national security, this law sets a higher threshold for any public and state officer that is charged with the responsibility of protecting Kenya and its people.

12. In this regard, the law provides for heavy penalties for any transgression.

13.In addition to this raft of legal amendments, we have also commenced wide-scale administrative and operational reforms that align command and control, improve doctrine and modalities of work and improve operational effectiveness on the ground.

Fellow Kenyans,
14. In conclusion, I call upon all Kenyans to bring their full weight to bear in giving effect to this law. 

15. While we now have this important law, it is critical to appreciate that it is only one instrument among the many measures that we need to put in place in order to guarantee our security. We must all remember that we are still at war and vulnerable to terror attacks. 

16. I therefore call upon each one of us to remain vigilant and share any information that would aid in securing our country with the relevant authorities.

17. May peace dwell within our borders during this festive season.

Thank you and God bless you.

LG inks deal with new distributor

LG East Africa has signed a distributorship agreement with Polestar which has several brand shops in Nairobi and Mombasa.

The new agreement will see LG have a second brand shop in Mombasa as well increase service centres footprint. The deal was signed shortly before Polestar opened a new brand shop on Westlands, Mpaka Road where it will only sell home and entertainment appliances.  

Speaking when he officially opened the showroom, Moses Marji, the LG East Africa Marketing Manager said the facility will help bring LG Electronics world class technology closer to Westlands.

Moses Marji, the LG East Africa Marketing General Manager (left) and Rakesh Singh,
the Polestar Kenya General Manager cut a ribbon to mark their distributorship
 agreement as well as the opening of a new Polestar brand shop in
 Westlands as staff of the two companies look on.   

“This will also bring after-sales-services closer to our customers in Westlands. LG Electronics will liaise closely with Polestar and Westlands customers can still reach our customer care offices directly through 0800 545454 for any queries or assistance,” said Mr Marji.

LG Electronics is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 87,000 people working in 113 offices around the world.  

The company recently announced a raft of new innovative products an intelligent messaging service dubbed HomeChat. The service employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LINE, the popular mobile messenger app with over 300 million users, to let homeowners communicate, control, monitor and share content with LG’s latest smart appliances.

LG HomeChat incorporates the popular LINE application to allow users to receive recommendations and control settings of smart appliances like refrigerator, washing machine or oven when away from home.

“We are proud to be associated with a trusted brand such as LG Electronics and we ready to latch onto the company’s continued innovation and steady growth,” said Rakesh Singh, the Polestar Kenya General Manager.   

LG comprises five business units― Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components ― and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators.

LG Electronics reported recently reported an 87 percent jump in third-quarter net profit from a year ago after profits from its mobile unit surged to a five-year high. Net profit for the electronics giant in the July-September period amounted to $193 million, up 87 percent from a year ago.

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LG donates solar-powered fridges to West Pokot County

Catherine Omenda, the  World Vision Director ( Kenya) receives a donation of 
solar-powered refrigerators worth Ksh2.2 million from Oktae Kim the LG Head of 
ome AppliancesThe new refrigerators were developed in response to absence of 
power supply in some areas, erratic power supply and extended
 power cuts in most parts of the country that often leaves 
home appliances such as refrigerators ineffective.

LG Electronics has donated five solar-powered refrigerators worth ksh2.2 million to West Pokot County through World Vision Kenya targeting. The donation targets seven health facilities currently experiencing challenges maintaining a cold chain system for laboratory of reagents, pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

The health facilities will each receive a fridge that will provide fridges to store vaccines and other medical equipment with the aim of improving immunization coverage among children under five years and pregnant and lactating women.

The health facilities benefiting from this donation cover all the four sub-counties within west Pokot County. Each of these health facilities (Kasei Health Facility in Pokot North, Kauriong in Pokot North, Nachecheyet and Chepnyal Health facilities in West Pokot and Nyag’aita Health Facility in Pokot Central) will each get one fridge.

“We manufacture products that fit the needs of our consumers and this donation is another cutting-edge technological innovation based on customers’ insights and the need to provide human-centric technological solutions,” said Tae-Ick Son, the Managing Director LG East and Central Africa.

Mr Son said the new off-grid power supply fridge comes with an LG Inverter Compressor that adjusts cooling power in response to the amount of medical supplies you load in the refrigerator which provides efficient energy consumption.

“Cooling power is controlled automatically according to the internal and external temperature conditions of the refrigerator,” he added.  The new off-grid power supply refrigerator is 36 percent more energy efficient than traditional models.

World Vision has been implementing several development projects within West Pokot County. Up to early this year the organisation has been running three Area Development Programme (ADP) in the county.

They are; Marich Pass, Sook and Orwa ADPs, whose coverage is 118,680 people out of the total county population of 512, 690 (2009 Census). These programmes covered a total 2,038 KM2, compared to the total West Pokot area of 8,418.2 km²; Orwa and Sook ADPs are still operational until 2023.

World Vision has also supported the formation and strengthening of seven community units improving provision of community health services to more than 7,000 households. World vision has also supported the Ministry of health in West Pokot County with equipment’s for health facilities worth Sh1.6 million

Vast areas of West Pokot County are arid and semi-arid; hence most people rely on livestock for their livelihood. According to West Pokot health Sector Strategic Plan, health indicators in the county are generally lower than World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

Songwoo Cheon, Assistant Product Manager Home Appliances at
LG East Africa is decorated by a Pokot Resident shortly after
LG Electronics donated of solar-powered refrigerators worth Ksh2.2 million
to West Pokot for the storage of laboratory of reagents, pharmaceutical
and vaccines in the County.  

The current donation from LG Electronics to World Vision Kenya will strengthen these ongoing health interventions that are carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in West Pokot County. This is in line with the current World Vision Kenya strategy that seeks to improve health and nutrition status of children less than five years, pregnant women and lactating mothers within communities in Kenya.