July 2016

Date Posted: July 28, 2016

Grace’s Grass to Grace story after meeting Merck

In Africa, when a woman gets married, the society expects that she bears a child within a year or two. For Grace Kabini, “Mama Chips”, it did not work out that way.

Nine years into her marriage she realized that she could not bear children. She suffered abuse from her husband, and in-laws to the point where the stress resulted in her getting diabetes.

Grace owns a small shop in Kibera where she sells chips to help provide for her daily needs. The shop was dilapidated and now everything has transformed.

Thanks to the “Empowering Berna” project through the Merck more than a Mother campaign, Grace is now enjoying a better quality of life. She now runs a new and larger shop that stocks fruits and vegetables, plus she received a new chips fryer and a glass storage unit that helps keep freshly-made chips warm. Her customers are happy; they no longer complain about the smoke from the stove she used to use to make chips as she now has a new fryer. Merck also supports Grace by supplying her with diabetes management drugs.

Grace’s health has improved significantly and her faith in humanity has been restored. “I remember my life before Merck found me, I spent a lot of time in hospitals,” Grace recounts, “But since Merck came to my help, I stopped falling sick often, which makes me very grateful.”

Grace’s business used to be dilapidated, the door to her stall was falling apart, and the iron roof was rusted. However, Merck expanded the shop, gave it a fresh coat of paint –Her business got a face lift and an expansion. The shop is now attractive and stands out.

“It is very important to empower infertile women through improving access to awareness and fertility care so they can bear children as part of their human rights,” Rasha Kelej, Chief Social Officer of Merck Healthcare remarked. “In cases where they can no longer be treated, Empowering Berna project will contribute towards empowering and training them to establish their own small business so that they can be independent and re-build their own lives. A woman is more than a mother, Empowering Berna initiative proves this everyday.”

If you would like to share your story, please contact mystory@merckmorethanamother.com. Let your voice be heard and Join the conversation on “Merck more than a Mother” on social media:

Twitter: @MerckandMothers

Facebook: Merck more than a Mother

Youtube: Merck more than a Mother

This is part two of Sponsored posts to raise awareness on infertility among women. Mother campaign is a part the Merck Capacity Advancement program. This is the social responsibility arm of Merck Group that seeks to expand the professional healthcare capacity focusing on Africa and developing countries. Part 1 is here.

Date Posted: July 27, 2016

0 Comments

Entitlements and unrealistic expectations from Kin

Half brothers Barack & Malik Obama

I am an African, a proud one, note the pride. Still some things make me stoop my head in shame to be called an African. One of them is the sense of entitlement that we have on our relatives.

Coming from a community where relatives expect so much from you yet they never lifted a finger to help you get to where you currently are. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a bitter bitch out there to revenge on relatives for not helping me out when I needed them.

If they helped me every time I was in need, I wouldn’t be as resilient and hardworking as I am. Those situations also made me meet people who helped propel me to my destiny. I digressed a little from the topic… I am not talking about myself. I am illustrating how we have unrealistic expectations on our relatives and as a result, we waste our time being so bitter with everyone.

The disease of entitlement is what we are witnessing from Barack Obama’s half brother, Malik Obama. I believe that he has the right to vote whoever he wants. I however have an issue with sentiments that Obama has done little to help his family back in Kenya. Give the guy a break! If you were in his shoes, what would you have done? Helped the whole community? Those that you don’t even know?

I believe, and I stand to be corrected, that Barack Obama has done so much to improve his grandmother, Mama Sarah Obama’s life. This in turn has trickled down to the community, from Mama Sarah’s philanthropic projects.

Well, enough ranting on disgruntled relatives. I too have my fair share of those to deal with. As we know you can never please everyone.

You can’t please everyone. When you’re too focused on living up to other people’s standards, you aren’t spending enough time raising your own. Some people may whisper, complain and judge. But for the most part, it’s all in your head. People care less about your actions than you think. Why? They have their own problems! Kris Carr

Date Posted: July 23, 2016

0 Comments

Renault KWID, a brand new car for just 1 Million

Renault Kenya Brand Manager Jonathan Dos Santos with Simba Corporation Chief Commercial Officer Paul Chaggar at the launch of the New Renault KWID. Renault KWID is the most affordable brand new passenger vehicle in the market.

If you are like me, you probably would be looking for an automobile that’s sleek and classy. Well, In keeping with the international trends, Renault Kenya has unveiled the KWID model for business users and private motorists. The KWID is Renault’s most affordable offering globally and is a rival to many small car models.

The KWID is the French vehicle manufacturer’s strategy of accessible mobility for all, this model seeks to take on the local motor vehicle market that has been dominated by the second hand segment. According to Renault the KWID is a brand new passenger vehicle that comes at an affordable price and that will ultimately excite the market.Renault, an innovator since 1898, has constantly sought to pioneer new ideas, question conventional thinking and reinvent the way we use cars.

The KWID boasts of several novel features including the SUV-inspired design language, touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The spacious cabin and peppy 800cc three-cylinder petrol engine are also key features.

Speaking during the launch, Renault Kenya Brand Manager, Jonathan Dos Santos reiterated that the new model has unmatched features and price compared to similar models in the market. Among its unique offering is its fuel efficiency of up to 25.17 kilometers per liter and a three year warranty, which is incomparable to any model in the market. “Its SUV-inspired stance offers a high driving position and greater visibility. Whizzing around city traffic or zooming down the highway, Renault KWID is the ideal car for you”, said Dos Santos.

Now that is tempting given that a lady requires just the right car to complement her image. The metallic colors are also a plus with some of us who like the finer details. This baby is the ultimate temptation.

Simba Caetano Formula is the Renault official distributor in Kenya. Simba Corporation Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Chaggar said the new Renault KWID promises to transform the market as it combines good quality at an affordable price.

The Kenyan market price is 1 Million VAT inclusive, and it’s set to target second hand vehicle buyers.

Since its entry into Kenya Renault has so far invested over 1.7 M USD in the motor business offering incomparable models at affordable prices in the market. Over 116 units have been sold since 2014. In addition Renault Kenya has ensured that genuine parts are available at all times and at very competitive prices.

As part of its initiative to further stamp its footprint in the Kenyan market, Renault Kenya will continue unveiling more consumer driven models that seek to meet the demands of the growing middle class.

Featured image credit.

Date Posted: July 22, 2016

0 Comments

Designers shine the Kenyan Flag at UNCTAD 14

U14news28_FashionShow_930x300

Bold patterns, striking poses and African rhythms spilled out on the roof of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Tuesday night as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted the crème of Kenyan fashion at UNCTAD 14 in Nairobi.

A collaboration between the United Nation body and the hottest Kenyan clothing and accessory brands may once have seemed like an unlikely partnership. The fashion show highlighted the vast potential of creative industries to create jobs in developing countries such as Kenya. For that to happen, clothing companies in particular will need to change the way they work.

The UNCTAD event was organized by Ann McCreath, a designer and managing director of Kenyan fashion house KikoRomeo. “If we are just manufacturing for the Walmarts and the H&Ms of the world, it just means a lot of people employed on the minimum wage,” she said.

“If top international luxury designer brands come and work with our people in the slums, again it’s a very minimal wage that’s being paid and all the added value stays in the developed country where the product is sold or where the brand originates.”

Ms. McCreath said she sees a different path that can bring better results for creative industries, including fashion in developing countries.

“It’s important to push out our designer and affordable luxury brands because they raise the ceiling and leave a lot more space for everyone else,” she said.

“Fashion is also key to changing the perception of our country and its sophistication level. If they create a “wow” factor in a developed market, everyone imagines a whole string of things that are associated in terms of lifestyle. At the end of the day, fashion leads lifestyle. That means Kenya can sell its tea and coffee and everything else by having fabulous fashion out there.”

Tuesday’s fashion show embraced both high-street and haute couture labels to show the breadth of Kenyan fashion. It featured ying-yang-inspired pieces from Waithira Kibuchi for VIVO and a selection of Lornah Kiplagat’s Sports “athleisure” wear in eye-catching patterns. Some of Lornah’s designs were worn by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the Half marathon for Beyond Zero campaign.

Designers Jamil Walji and pieces for KikoRomeo also featured. These were accessorized with bags from Arnold Muriithi for Suave, Akinyi Odongo for Honey from the Moon and John Kakeve for Sandstorm. Premium jewellery by Embody Accessories and Le Collane di Betta finished off the looks.

UNCTAD believes that creative industries like art, design, cinema, advertising, fashion and tourism can bring significant gains for developing countries.

“The creative industries represent the new frontier of development, moving on from industrialization, commodities exploitation, manufacturing, and now onto the knowledge-based economy,” said Bonapas Onguglo, senior economic affairs officer, chief of the creative industries programme of UNCTAD. “They will widen and deepen opportunities for growth, trade and economic development.”

The fashion show gave United Nations and Kenyan Government officials a chance to let their hair down during intense negotiations at UNCTAD 14. Music by Kenyan star Suzanna Owiyo prompted UNCTAD Sectretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi to leap from his seat and lead an impromptu dance around the venue.

Date Posted: July 16, 2016

0 Comments

Kenyan students make it to Finals of Global Technovation Challenge

Team Snipers, who emerged the best team from Africa in the Technovation Contest. Their mobile app, M-Safiri, is a booking and payment transport solution

Five students from Precious Blood, Riruta in Nairobi are among finalists in a global technology and entrepreneurship competition, Technovation Challenge 2016, that took place this week in San Francisco, California.

The students were presenting their innovation dubbed M-Safiri, a bus booking app during the two day , in which they stood a chance to win Sh1 million (US$10,000) funding to launch their app.

The M-Safiri app was developed through App Challenge, an initiative of Safaricom Women In Technology (WIT). Through the Safaricom Women In Technology (WIT) initiative, students are not only mentored but also introduced to the basics of coding, user-interface design, market research, and entrepreneurship and presentation skills.

The five students, who go by the name Sniper team, came up with M-Safiri to offer a solution to the country’s fast growing transport sector. They have emerged second place in the high school category.

“The M-Safiri app was developed out of a strong urge to solve community problem using modern technology. It is the answer to the difficulties that come with booking a bus or matatu during peak seasons such as the festive seasons, back-to-school or when one is unable to physically go to a bus station to have a seat reserved for them,” the students explain in a brief about the app.

“We are proud of the success that the Sniper Team has achieved through this opportunity to take part in this global platform. The aim of Safaricom WIT is to inspire girls to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as inventors, designers, builders and entrepreneurs who can solve real-world problems through technology,” said Ann Cheboi, a Safaricom WIT member.

Ms Cheboi added that through Safaricom WIT, the girls will work in teams to develop mobile apps, conduct market research, write business plans, and create a “pitch” for funding for these apps that are aimed at solving local community problems.

Each team is supported by an advisor, often a computer instructor from their school and a female role model from the technology industry.

The students were coached by Daisy Ndung’u, a student at Multimedia University and mentored by Anne Cheboi, Josephine Kamanthe and Emily Jematia Bett from Safaricom.

Date Posted: July 16, 2016

0 Comments

Malala Yousafzai: “I am 66 Million Girls deprived of Education”

Malala Yousafzai was born on 12 July 1997 in Pakistan. This week marked her 19th birthday, it also marked an important day in education. Malala, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate is a girls’ education activist. She spent her 19th Birthday in Kenya, at the largest refugee camp in the world.

This girl is a natural educational activist who has a way with words. She just says simple statements in her speeches, that end up being profound quotes. One particular one is “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”
She is brave to fight for what she believes in, despite being shot by the Taliban on the head, for suggesting that girls should go to school. At that young age, she continued to champion for literacy of girls and all children.
Malala was a blogger under a pseudo-name, for the BBC blog at 14 years. This is just proof that no matter how young, your voice can be heard.
She was a co-winner of the Nobel Peace prize at only 17 years of age, making her the youngest person to receive that accolade.
She has and continues to help refugee girls attain education. Last year on her 18th birthday, she spent time with Syrian Refugees and opened the “Malala Yousafzai All-Girls School” near the Syrian border. This provides quality secondary education to more than 200 Syrian girls.
This year on her 19th Birthday, she spent time in Daadab Refugee camp, in Kenya, and continued championing for the education of refugee children. She spoke against the Kenyan Government’s plans to shut down the camp.
She set up the Malala fund that helps young girls gain literacy skills. In Kenya for example, the Fund supports girls from Nairobi’s slums to enroll in NairoBits’ Girls’ Centers, where they receive training in information and communication technology (ICT) skills, reproductive health, and life skills; and training to prepare them to enter the workforce. The program also assists the girls to find jobs and internships in the technology sector.
In 2011, she received Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize and was nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the International Children’s Peace Prize. In response to her rising popularity and national recognition, Taliban leaders voted to kill her.
The right to equal access to education is something worth fighting for. We learn that one person can be a voice to many who are voiceless. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to standing from what you believe in. Malala is my youngest sister’s age, yet she has done a commendable job globally. What will you stand for today?

Image Credit

Featured Image

Date Posted: July 10, 2016

0 Comments

Ecobank wins record four awards at 25th Euromoney Excellence Awards

Ecobank Kenya out-going Managing Director Ehouman Kassi (right) donates exercise books to the students and Principal of County Girls High School Mr. Mude Mude (left) as part of an initiate to support education in the country.

Pan-African banking group Ecobank has won this year’s Euromoney Excellence Awards for ‘Best Bank for CSR in Africa’ and ‘Best Bank for
Transaction Services in Africa.’ Ecobank also won two country awards: ‘Best Bank Ghana’ and ‘Best Bank Malawi.’

The Euromoney awards are presented in recognition of excellence in the global banking community.

Speaking at the 25th Euromoney for Excellence Award ceremony in London, Ecobank Foundation CEO Julie Essiam said, “At Ecobank we are passionate about transforming the communities that we serve across Africa”.

As one of their Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the bank partners with initiatives that improve the quality of lives in Africa through the Ecobank Foundation. Projects funded by the Foundation include the provision of meals to the hungry and deprived children. The provision of treated mosquito nets and drugs for the treatment and prevention of diseases including malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

“Through strong partnerships like our work with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, we are making long-term positive change. Our award for corporate social responsibility is gratifying and it demonstrates the powerful impact that the private sector makes on development in Africa”, said Ms. Julie Essiam.

Commenting on the ‘Best Bank for Transaction Services in Africa’ award, Ecobank’s Transaction Services Group Head Patrick Gutmann said, “This award highlights our growing reputation as one of the leading transaction banks in Africa.”

This is the second consecutive year that Ecobank subsidiaries in Malawi and Ghana are being honored for their performance. The bank operates in 36 countries across Africa, Kenya being one of them.

Monthly Archives