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Date Posted: September 11, 2018
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Literacy and Skills Development Among Youths.

Literacy among youth

A-happy-girl-with-her-pile-of-school-books-picture-Theirworld

International Literacy Day is observed every September 8. This year’s theme was Literacy and Skills Development. In Kenya, activities during Literacy day included a Literacy Walk, visiting Model Adult Learning Centers and a Reading Tent.

Statistics from UNESCO show that worldwide, more than 260 million children and adolescents are not enrolled in school. Six out of 10 children and adolescents – around 617 million, do not acquire the minimum skills in literacy and numeracy. 750 million young people and adults still cannot read and write and among them, two-thirds are women.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of exclusion. Over a fifth of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are out of school, followed by a third of youths aged 12 and 14. According to UIS data. Almost 60% of youths aged 15 to 17 are not in school.  A key obstacle to achieving the agreed target is persistent disparities in education participation linked to sex, location and wealth.

In an ever-changing world, where the pace of technological innovation is continuously accelerating, traditional literacy skills and numeracy skills are no longer enough. New skills, including information and communication technology skills, are becoming increasingly necessary. Preparing young people and adults for jobs is a challenge that needs to be tackled. In this light, access to lifelong learning, taking advantage of pathways between different forms of training, and benefiting from greater opportunities for mobility, are therefore indispensable.

Date Posted: August 25, 2017
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The Kenyan plastic ban in perspective.

This article is a cross post.

It is now official that plastic carrier bags will be a thing of the past come Monday 28th August, 2017. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been sending people text messages to prepare them for the upcoming ban. As the ban nears, it is interesting to ponder what this looks like for our country.

  • Remember back in school when some students would use plastic bags to carry books? Yes, there were some children who came from families that prioritized buying the bare necessities like food, clothing and shelter. Backpacks then qualified as wants in the hierarchy of needs.
  • Every time we go to a ‘mama mboga’ vegetable vendor in the estate, we are looking for convenience. We know the one who washes our vegetables the cleanest and cuts them the thinnest. Our favorite plastic bags used for the wet ready-made vegetables will now be a thing of the past. It will be interesting to observe the alternatives that people will turn to in their absence. In essence, we will feel the pinch for the first month, then get alternatives soon after.
  • Ever heard  of the ‘Kadogo’ economy? Well, let me school you a little. There are some hoods that are used to buying everything in small quantities. From sugar, flour and even cooking fat. The people that, as cliche as it may sound- live on less than a dollar a day. Most of the shops operating in these hoods rely heavily on small plastic bags that they use to measure a little of everything, sufficient for that one meal.
  • If you have been in Kenya lately, you must by now be familiar with the overnight celebrity- Githeri man, who by just standing on line to vote, holding a snack of maize and beans in a transparent plastic bag, his fortunes changed. That was a good comic relief for Kenyans and a grass to grace story- I have digressed. My point is plastic bags are used by small scale food vendors in mostly, the informal settlements. It will also be very interesting to see how this plays out.
  • The examples I have outlined above, are from the lower part of the economic pyramid. This is not t imply that only poor people will be affected by the ban. Now, to balance that narrative, at the supermarkets, the main packaging material is plastic bags. Outlets like Nakumatt have started facing out plastics with bio-degradable options.
  • That also includes the greatest benefactors of the plastics trade. The manufacturers of plastic bags. According to Quartz, there are have over 30 plastic bag manufacturers with a combined investment worth of over $77.3 million (Kenyan shillings 5.8 billion). This industry employs up to 9000 people, both directly or indirectly.

Rwanda was successful in their ban on plastic bags in 2008, earning them the title of ‘the cleanest city in Africa’. The environment conservation would be the greatest benefit from this ban. Such is life, always full of paradoxes. One thing leads to pros and cons in equal measure. Banning the plastic bags will provide a reprieve for the environment, yet it also means loss of livelihoods. What do you think is a lesser evil in your view. Let’s engage in the comments.

Some comic relief: Maybe this is a time to start being creative. Avoid the 2 Million shillings fine or jail term. 

Date Posted: March 24, 2017
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Who will win the BLAZE #BYOBTVShow? Season finale this Sunday.

After 7 weeks of pure drama, BLAZE BYOB TV show comes down to the wire on Sunday evening where the last boss standing will be crowned the winner bagging a grand prize of KES 5 million that includes KES 3 million in start-up capital.

KES 2 million will be in form of mentorship, financial advice and business support from Safaricom and various partners.

What started as a competition with 12 contestants from Nairobi, Rift Valley, Central, Western and Coast has whittled down to 3 of the best; Joseph Mugweru from Eldoret, Valentine Nekesa from Kakamega and David Kimani from Malindi.

The aspiring entrepreneurs are all aged below 26 years, and were selected following a rigorous auditions process carried out during the BLAZE BYOB mentorships held between June and October 2016.

For the last 8 weeks that the TV series has been on air, the contestants have been evaluated on their ability to perform outstandingly well across a series of tasks that helped assess their business skills, communication skill and if they are team players.

Based on a reality TV –show concept designed to be relatable to a Kenyan audience, the show is in line with BLAZE’s promise to empower the youth and teach them how they can be their own bosses, by encouraging them to earn from their passions and talents and igniting a spark in them to achieve their own versions of success.

The contestants were guided by the very able judges; King Kaka, Caroline Mutoko and entrepreneur Trushar Khetia.

Here are the profiles of the last 3 standing;

David Kimani

David, 21, is one of three children brought up by a single mum in Nyandarua County.

He is currently studying Computer Science at Pwani University, and is an aspiring social entrepreneur whose desire is to bring change to society.

He has a passion for in positive transformation, which he hopes to bring about by elevating education standards in his community.

An entrepreneur who is already chasing his dreams through his Second Chance Adult Learning Center in Kilifi County, David’s mission is to contribute towards improving literacy and providing skills training to those in the informal sector in order to drive economic growth.

The learning centre offers KCSE, KCPE, Literacy & HIV/AIDS and Drugs Awareness, and has been in operation for three months.  If he wins, David plans to use the money to fund his business.

Safe Joe

Born in Dagorreti Corner 25-year-old Joe was brought up by a single mum who passed away when he was in high school. He has lived in Githurai 45, Eldoret (Kaptagat, Langas), and after completion of high school settled in Eldoret where  he  currently works as a self-taught music producer and a sound engineer offering mastering, editing, mixing and recording services.

He is addicted to all things music – seeing talent grow and creating great work – and if  he wins the KES 5 million, he plans to buy equipment for his company, focus on marketing and artists, and developing an app that provide people in the diaspora with access to local music.

Valentine Nekesa

19-year-old Valentine grew up in Kakamega. Her mom passed away, forcing her to move in with an aunt and her family of 13.

She is currently a student at Mount Kenya University, and loves to figure out what she can make out of available materials just for fun; she is a part-time designer and model.

With the money, Valentine plans to buy sewing machines, rent a shop and re-model it to suit her work needs, buy quality fabrics, and hire employees who will be particularly talented and share the same dream as hers.

Creating employment is very important to her, as it has the ability to attract more global investment in the Kenyan fashion industry.

Date Posted: January 25, 2017
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Gates Foundation’s Nairobi storytelling workshops with the Moth

Stories are everywhere. They are shaped from our daily experiences and they in turn they shape our lives.

The Gates Foundation has an ongoing partnership with the Moth, an acclaimed organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.  Through this partnership, the Moth will run storytelling workshops designed to elevate the personal stories of the incredible advocates, leaders, and development practitioners working with the Gates Foundation.

In March/April 2017, to strengthen the Gates Foundation’s new gender equality advocacy work, the Moth will be hosting 2 new workshops in Nairobi focused on women and girls.

They are looking for 24 participants—ideally those who have a background in advocacy related to gender equality—to participate in these workshops, which will help hone their own personal stories and public speaking skills.

Applications are open until February 10th, 2017. If you are a storyteller, who would like this opportunity, you can apply here. Please share widely. Past participants have found this to be a very meaningful opportunity, personally and professionally. All the best fellow storytellers.

Date Posted: July 10, 2016
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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.

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.

Date Posted: June 29, 2016
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Safaricom introduces tools to Guarantee better user experience

MTN Guarantee infographic revised-2

Safaricom has unveiled a suite of products designed to enhance experience for customers on its network.

The tools – which aim to hand customers more control on how they use voice, data or value added resources on the network – include the Safaricom Guarantee, My Data Manager and My Subscriptions, all of which are freely available on any handset in the country.

Safaricom Guarantee and My Subscriptions Management are available to all Safaricom customers and requires no sign up action. My Data Manager may be accessed by dialing *100# for PrePay customers and *200# for PostPay customers.

“Over the last few years, we have invested an average Sh30 billion a year to build the best network for Kenya. However, we are aware there is a great deal of opportunity to enhance the experience on our network for our customers,” said Bob Collymore, Safaricom’s CEO.

As a service that will enable the company to offer refunds to customers should they experience a network disconnection, the Safaricom Guarantee will leverage the extensive investments Safaricom has made in building the most advanced network in the country.

Safaricom also launched My Data Manager that gives customers power to control data bundles usage, allowing them to restrict browsing on out of bundle rates. This development will seek to resolve instances where a customer’s data bundles run out and the network switches automatically to the more pricier airtime option when surfing the Internet.

Through the first-of-its-kind promotion, Safaricom has committed to refund customers with up to one (1) minute of talk time if they experience a network disconnection during local calls to other Safaricom subscribers.

Information Cabinet Secretary, Joe Mucheru, had this to say at the launch, “As the sector continues to evolve and focus shifts to quality of service, this strong commitment demonstrates the belief that Safaricom has in its network and is testament to the fact that they continually innovate on behalf of their customers’ needs.”

My Subscriptions Management hands customers power to view their active subscriptions (Data, SMS, Skiza and Premium Rate Services) and manage their subscriptions by adding more services or unsubscribing from active services.

Safaricom becomes the first operator in Africa to announce such initiatives, and is the first in the world to offer a real-time refund for network related call disconnections.

Date Posted: June 21, 2016
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Algeria Blocks Social Media to Contain Exam Leakage

Algeria

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Exams cheating is evidently not a problem that’s unique to Kenyan education. As it is, Algeria has also been hit by the same problem that got social media ablaze with criticisms of the Education Cabinet Secretary’s proposed solution to curb cheating in schools.

More than half a million secondary school pupils are retaking their baccalaureate exams in Algeria after a major leak of the papers online earlier this month. A total of 555,177 pupils are re-sitting partial baccalaureate exams from June 19 to 22.

Algerian authorities have decided to temporarily block several social media websites including Facebook and Twitter, during the exam period, to prevent further cheating. The Social Media is being blocked from early in the morning and turned back on in the evening until the completion of the exams.

The Algerian Ministry of National Education said that all measures have been taken to ensure the smooth running of the exams. “We are working in collaboration with other sectors concerned, namely the National Police, and other concerned stakeholders”, they said.

Authorities reportedly arrested dozens of people, including officials working in national education offices and printers, earlier in June, as part of an investigation into how parts of the 2016 high school exams were leaked onto social media.

Critics are saying the move to cut social media as an easy solution. They think that better controls like putting in place infrastructure in exam centers to avoid students from accessing exams leakage should be employed.

A month ago, the Kenyan Ministry of Education CS, Fred Matiang’i banned visiting days and prayer days in third term for boarding schools. These were part of measures to curb exam leakage in schools. A move which was met with wide criticism. However, there were some who were in support of the strategy.

The Algerian ministry said the unusual move was to protect pupils from “phony topics” that might appear on social media. All other parts of the internet were not affected.

Now the Algerian problem could also be tied to well-developed infrastructure. Question is if Kenya could also be headed in that direction. Imagine the Kenyan social Media blocked due to exams. Oh well, maybe this is just my over active imagination.

Republished with permission from Eneza Education.