This weekend brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for football fans and sports enthusiasts alike, as SportPesa’s Mega Jackpot hits a record-shattering KES 381,029,105! With just a 99-shilling stake, you could claim the largest jackpot ever seen in Kenyan football betting history.

The SportPesa Mega Jackpot, spanning 17 games, is at an all-time high for this 36th weekend of 2024. All you need to do is predict the outcome of the 17 selected football matches, and you could be on your way to becoming Kenya’s biggest football jackpot winner. With each correct guess, the prize money is tantalizingly within reach. Even if you don’t get all 17 right, SportPesa still rewards you with bonuses starting from 12 correct predictions—guaranteeing that no effort goes unrewarded.

Mega opportunity, mega prizes

For just 99 shillings, you’ll unlock a weekend full of possibilities. SportPesa not only offers you a shot at the biggest prize but also provides bonuses on other jackpot tiers, such as 15, 14, and 13-game correct predictions. This unique chance to win massive rewards should not be missed. Click here to place your bet and become part of Kenyan betting history.

SportPesa announces landmark Ksh75 million sponsorship deal with Shabana FC

Legendary winners like Gordon Ogada, who won KES 230,742,881, and Cosmas Korir, who bagged KES 208,733,619, have shown that these life-changing winnings are achievable. You could join this elite club of winners this weekend!

Highlighted matches: Mega Jackpot action

These are just a few of the thrilling matches featured in this weekend’s Mega Jackpot. Kicking off on Saturday at 7:00 PM (EAT) and concluding with the final match on Sunday at 7:30 PM (EAT), these games promise intense action that could catapult you to victory.

How to play the jackpot

Don’t wait! This KES 381 million jackpot won’t last forever. Play now and be in the running to become Kenya’s next multi-millionaire!

SportPesa launches the revolutionary ‘Tujiamini’ initiative to nurture talent across Kenya. Be part of this inspiring journey and apply through Tujiamini.co.ke.

Place your bet today

This weekend is all about chasing the dream. Don’t miss your chance to make history—bet today and make the most of this unforgettable opportunity!

SportPesa Mega Jackpot soars to Kshs381 million: Could you be the next big winner? first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir was on Thursday night taken to task on how the Adani Group would raise billions of money it claims will be needed for the renovations of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

While appearing on Citizen Tv, the Cabinet Secretary said that Adani will borrow 70 per cent of the funds.

“Investing own money from own sources is expensive. On the other hand, debt is cheap. Since equity is expensive, the ration of equity to debt is 3 to 7 or 30 per cent to 70 per cent,” he said.

CS Chirchir was however unable to explain where Adani would get this money from, and could only assume that the money would be borrowed from banks with a support letter from the government of Kenya.

“It’s a complex transaction. It will be a couple of banks because we are not looking for equity,” he said.

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This came amidst growing voices against the leasing of Kenya’s top airport to Adani for three decades.

The proposed takeover of the JKIA has been shrouded in secrecy and controversy, and was only revealed to the public after a whistleblower leaked its details.

The government has so far been unable to explain why the proposed patchworks at the JKIA that have not included the construction of a new runway will cost nearly the same amount of money neighbouring countries Ethiopia and Rwanda are using to build brand new airports from the ground.

CS Chirchir: Adani to borrow 70 per cent of funds for JKIA patchwork first appeared on Bizna Kenya

In a powerful call to action, Box Girls Kenya, a leading community-driven organization focused on female empowerment through boxing, has called for the establishment of a dedicated Women’s Boxing League in Kenya.

This groundbreaking proposal was unveiled as Box Girls Kenya celebrated their win as the Tujiamini Gold Award winners for the Nairobi region, walking away with a prize of Sh. 500,000.

The Tujiamini Initiative, powered by SportPesa, aims to foster sports talent and community development, shining a spotlight on grassroots sports programs across the country.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Analo Anjere, boxing coach and founder of Box Girls Kenya, emphasized the need for an organized women’s boxing league to nurture local talent and elevate female boxers to regional and international prominence.

“We need a structured Women’s Boxing League, led by women, to boost participation and competitiveness through regular tournaments. This is key to developing both amateur and professional rankings, giving our female athletes the edge they need to shine on the world stage,” Anjere stated.

The Sh. 500,000 Tujiamini Gold award will be directed toward upgrading the gym and training facilities in Kariobangi, Embakasi North Constituency, where Box Girls Kenya is based.

Sarah Achieng, professional boxer and sports administrator at Box Girls Kenya, highlighted the disparity between men’s and women’s boxing, calling for stronger support of women’s sports.

“Female boxers need consistent competition to reach their full potential. Regularly scheduled fights are critical for growth. We have the talent; all we need is the platform and the support from the public,” Achieng urged.

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Founded in 2007 with just two aspiring female boxers, Box Girls Kenya has since trained over 4,000 girls in boxing and self-defense, empowering young women to succeed both inside and outside the ring. Their ambition is to expand their reach and incorporate additional sports and activities that empower girls from all walks of life.

Lyle Asiligwa, Director at DBA Africa, a key partner in the Tujiamini Initiative alongside SportPesa Kenya, lauded Box Girls Kenya for their transformative role in developing local sporting talent.

“The Nairobi region’s Tujiamini submissions were highly competitive, but Box Girls Kenya stood out. They have created a high-yielding program blending amateur and professional boxing, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success,” said Asiligwa.

The Tujiamini Initiative now moves to the South Rift region, where the competition is set to intensify. Young people across Kenya are encouraged to participate in large numbers as the program moves toward its grand finale in November.

Why this matters?

• Empowering women in sports: Box Girls Kenya’s call for a dedicated Women’s Boxing League could redefine the future of women’s sports in Kenya, opening new opportunities for talent development.
• Grassroots impact: The Tujiamini Initiative’s by the online betting giant focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots highlights the untapped potential in Kenyan communities, with sports as a vehicle for positive change.
• Global aspirations: As the call for a women’s boxing league gains traction, Kenya could soon be positioned as a regional powerhouse in women’s boxing, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.
• This movement marks a pivotal moment for women in sports, as Kenya’s top female boxers push for the establishment of a league that could change the game.

Box Girls Kenya calls for national women’s boxing league first appeared on Bizna Kenya

When airport workers in Kenya went on strike to protest the potential Adani takeover of the country’s international airport, it triggered a series of events.

Armed with plastic trumpets and whistles, the workers took to the airport streets chanting against the deal.

A scuffle ensued with police who sought forceful coercion to get everyone back at their desk. The aftermath was cancellations and delays for hundreds of passengers.

The government appeared to have agreed to lease the airport to the Adani Group for 30 years in return for a $1.85 billion investment in its expansion.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) expressed concerns that the deal could result in job losses, as Adani might bring in employees from outside Kenya.

The government previously stated that the airport is running beyond its current capacity and needs modernization, but it is not for sale. As a result, no decision has been made regarding the proposed ‘Public Private Partnership’ to upgrade JKIA.

The situation at Kenyan airports appears to have calmed down, with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) reporting that discussions are underway with relevant parties to resolve the issue. Besides JKIA, several other airports were also in near paralysis.

These include Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret Airport, and the neighbouring Nyerere International Airport, which was also affected as collateral.

Regional carriers were hit hardest by the strike of Kenyan aviation workers. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam), warning of flight disruptions for departures and arrivals and advised pilots to anticipate schedule delays.

RwandAir, Ethiopian and Ugandan Airlines advised their travellers to await more information as flights into and out of Nairobi were grounded.

RwandAir were the first to announce immediate cancellations of trips to Nairobi, while Uganda Airlines cautioned of possible delays and disruptions in regional flight schedules. Ethiopian Airlines noted that they were working to reduce passenger impact.

“All affected passengers will be rebooked on the next available flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” RwandAir wrote.

Many travellers were left stranded at Entebbe and Kigali airports. Uganda Airlines has two daily flights from Entebbe to Nairobi, while RwandAir operates three flights between Nairobi and Kigali. Ethiopian Airlines runs four trips.

Despite the chaos, Kenya Airways continued operating local and regional flights, including those to Entebbe. However, local carriers like Jambojet had been reported to have suspended flights for some time.

Normalcy has been temporarily restored after the Kenyan High Court suspended the proposed lease of the airport until October 8th, when a court hearing is scheduled. The case was brought by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Airlines with heaviest losses following aviation workers strike against Adani first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Designed with an array of models and sizes ranging from 55″ to 83″ to cater for every space and preference, LG OLED TVs have greatly transformed modern entertainment by leading the global OLED TV market for 11 consecutive years. Discerning viewers get to savour world class technology, offering unmatched superior image quality, innovative designs and great performance.

Futuristic families choose LG OLED TVs, the brighter choice of home entertainment for the following reasons:

Perfect Black Contrast

Imagine watching your favourite show and every shadow and tone of colour is perfectly blended. The LG OLED TV Self-Lit Pixel technology provides the perfect black levels, a feature that significantly enhances infinite contrast and overall picture quality. Rather than relying on an additional backlight, LG OLED’s Self-Lit Pixels illuminate independently resulting in absolute blacks that never gray and a picture beyond compare. Overall, the Eye Comfort Technology intelligently adjusts the screen’s brightness and color ensuring a comfortable viewing experience without eye strain whether you are watching during the day or at night. Marvel in a 100% color volume with rich hues and 100% color fidelity with enhanced overall visual experience as you watch your favourite show.

Advanced Technology

Equipped with a powerful α9 Gen7 AI Processor to analyse and optimize picture and sound quality, the LG OLED TV takes your viewing experience to the next level with clear text and images, reduced noise and enhanced sharpness. It features AI Picture Pro for real time image enhancements and AI sound Pro for immersive virtual 9.1.2 surround sound, ensuring rich and clear audio. This versatility in technology makes it an ideal addition to your home, whether you are a sports fanatic or simply love indulging in streaming TV shows and series.

Quality Sound and Vision

Delight in cinematic quality entertainment with Dolby Vision IQ which optimizes the picture settings according to the room’s brightness and Dolby Atmos which delivers immersive multi-dimensional audio that surrounds you from every angle. Paired together with AI Sound Pro these audio-visual technologies deliver a massive cinematic exposure, turning your home into a fancy personal theatre. With just a single setting, Filmmaker Mode allows you to experience films exactly as they were intended to be seen by preserving the director’s intention while optimizing picture quality.

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Ultra Slim Design

With a minimalistic design infused in stunning elegance, the LG OLED TV is made to complement any living room space with both aesthetics and functionality. Given its ultra-slim profile that hugs the wall and nearly invisible bezels, the TV seamlessly blends into your décor ensuring that the focus remains on the stunning visuals it delivers whether it is mounted on a wall or placed on a stand.

Smart Home Hub

The LG OLED TV smart features help transform your home experience by turning your TV into a command centre through the ThinQ AI. In built with Intelligent Voice Recognition, you can use the voice command functionality thus enabling hands-free operations for controlling your connected household devices. Additionally, enjoy a more streamlined and customizable interface with webOS. This feature uses AI to curate and organize personalized recommendations across streaming services and Apps making it easier to navigate your entertainment options.

LG OLED TVs: Smart features that redefine the future of Home Entertainment first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Africa’s youth have been called upon to embrace engineering as a key driver of development and innovation across the continent.

Speaking at the 10th annual UNESCO Africa Engineering Week – High-Level Workshop held in Nairobi – Kenya on September 12, 2024, Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs

and Policy at Huawei Kenya, said the shortage of engineers in Africa, and the rest of the world was a cause for concern.

“There has been declining interest in the profession from the youth, with the enrolment of young people, especially women in the profession dwindling. The continent is facing a situation where there are a lot of older more experienced engineers, but not enough young candidate engineers entering the profession. Our ability to sustain the profession lies in the number of young people choosing engineering as a career,” Eng. Mwaniki said.

She noted that Africa’s future depends on its youth embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, particularly engineering, which lies at the core of solving the continent’s most pressing challenges.

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“The growing need for infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience offers a unique opportunity for engineers to shape Africa’s path toward sustainable growth.  But more efforts need to be put in attracting younger people, especially women, to the profession,” Eng. Mwaniki said.

“Women, in particular, need to step out of their comfort zones and grab the opportunities that are offered by companies such as Huawei. Programs like Seeds for the future, ICT Competition, Women Collaboration programs with our partners, etc will help expose the Women Engineers to advanced technologies that can enable them to create solutions for their country.”

The Africa Engineering Week provides a platform for government representatives, industry leaders, and academia to discuss policy frameworks and partnerships that can accelerate engineering education and innovation on the continent.

Celebrated across the region every year, UNESCO Africa Engineering Week promotes engineering solutions and awareness among students, society and policy-makers. It aims to inspire and educate youth and the public on the vital role of engineers in societies.  

This year’s edition is hosted by the Ordem dos Engenheiros de Angola in Luanda, Angola, and organised jointly by UNESCO, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO).

It will include the 8th Africa Engineering Conference, the 7th Africa Women Engineers Forum, the Young Engineers Forum and a Business-to-Business (B2B) session. These events will focus on sustainability and innovative infrastructures; engineering and acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation; and engineering education and capacity building.

“This year’s theme, ‘Engineering Android for Sustainable Development’, highlights the urgent need for technical solutions to address challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development, and digital transformation,” Eng. Mwaniki said.

African Youth urged to embrace engineering to drive development first appeared on Bizna Kenya

• Limuru Country Club – Friday, 13th September 2024
• Sigona Golf Club – Saturday, 19th October 2024
• Nyali Golf Club – Saturday, 9th November 2024
• Vetlab Sports Club – Friday, 22nd November 2024
• Muthaiga Golf Club – Saturday, 30th November 2024

I&M Bank kicks off the I&M @50 golf series at Limuru Country Club first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kienyeji poultry farming is increasingly becoming a popular economic activity in Kenya.

You might asking, what is the cost of rearing 100 kienyeji chicken in Kenya?

Below is a cost estimate prepared by Neo Chicks for raising 100 improved kienyeji chicken up to the time they start laying the eggs.

Mostly, they start laying at around 4 to 5 months.

Kindly note that the calculation are based on the current market price estimates which may vary with time and with your locality.

It is also worth noting that the estimates are broadly based on the major expenses and may not include other unpredictable costs. We assume you have a ready structure.

Cost of rearing 100 kienyeji chicken in Kenya

1). Improved kienyeji chicken price in Kenya: 3-day old chicks, vaccinated against Marek’s at Ksh. 100. If you buy 100, you’ll spend Sh. 10,000.

For Kari improved kienyeji chicken price, kindly get in touch with the organization.

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2). Chicks feed on chick mash up to 8^th week. On average, the chicks will consume 60 grams per day. Each Kg is ksh. 50.

You will need around Sh. 16,800 to cater for chick mash.

3). You will also need growers mash. They are fed at between the 9^th week and 19^th week. On average, they consume 90 grams per day. Each Kg is ksh. 35. You will need Sh. 24,255 for this.

4). You will need to vaccinate your chicks against chicken diseases like Gumboro. You’ll need to vaccinate against: Gumboro 1^st dose, Gumboro 2^nd dose, Newcastle 1^st dose, Newcastle 2^nd dose, Fowl typhoid, Deworming, and Vitamins. It will cost you roughly Sh. 2,200 for all these vaccines.

5). You will also need equipment such as feeders and drinkers.

6). Finally, always set a budget for miscellaneous costs such as Sawdust, labour, transport costs etc. You may set a budget of Sh. 8,000 for this.

As you can see, poultry farming is a capital intensive venture. However, improved kienyeji chicken prices can quickly help you recover your investment and make a profit.

The cost of rearing 100 kienyeji chicken in Kenya today first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Francis Mwangi is the owner of the high prosperous Joy Farm that is located in Lanet, Nakuru County. At this farm, Mr. Mwangi mainly keeps Friesian and Ayrshire animals mainly.

He recently revealed to a local agribusiness journal that he has 100 cows, 32 of which he is milking. The rest of the herd comprises of 10 dry cows, 25 in-calf heifers, seven calves and 26 heifers

His farm, which is made up of five-acres, also hosts lucerne and maize fodder plantations as well as a barn and a servant quarters.

“I grew up with livestock and loved the idea of keeping them. My parents kept a single cow we called January, which we milked as we grew up,” he said.

In a media interview, Mwangi said that in 2000, he actualized his dream of starting a dairy farm by buying two cows, but closed the unit in 2004 after he was transferred from Nakuru to Nandi.

Mwangi started the business again in early 2006 with a single cow but as fate would have it, it died from disease. The same year, he moved from his quarter acre to five that he had purchased after he was transferred back to Nakuru.

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In 2008, he bought four Friesian cows from a farmer who was disposing them and nurtured them. He spent Sh. 50,000 on the herd

“From a litre of milk that they were each giving, they moved to five, then 10 and 15 in three months,” he told local agribusiness journal Seeds of Gold in a previous interview.

He then bought three more and soon, his herd increased to 15. He sold the bull calves as soon as they were born to save on the cost of rearing them.

He expanded his dairy herd to 24, then to 55 after building a 64 by 40 feet modular cow barn. He currently hosts his 100 cows in a 40 by 128 feet barn.

The livestock stays in the barn in seven groups, starting with the calves, weaners, heifers, bullying heifers, in-calf heifers, dry cows and milkers. The daily routine at the farm starts at 4am. The farm has seven employees who start off by cleaning, milking and feeding the animals.

“For milkers, we feed them maize silage, hay and lucerne in the ratio of 70, 15 and 15 per cent respectively. The feeding depends on the stage, with the milkers getting more silage while heifers do with hay alone,” said Mwangi.

The animals are also given dairy meal that they formulate on the farm depending on the amount of milk they produce. Their highest milker offers 42 litres a day while the lowest 14 .

The cows are milked using machines thrice a day at an interval of eight hours and then the produce is stored in a cooler before it is collected by a processor from Nairobi.

“We collect 750 litres of milk daily and sell each at Sh. 54.  Keeping in the cooler enables us to get better prices and avoid spoilage,” said Mwangi.

He owns two coolers,  one that is 3,000 litre  and  the other 1,100 . Having the coolers, making his own feeds as well as growing fodder has helped not only to cut costs but also make the farm profitable.

“We use several ingredients to make the dairy meal. They include maize, maize germ, wheat bran, canola, meal, soya meal, lime, salt, toxin binder, bi-carbonate of soda and dairy premix,” he said.

To curb pest pests and diseases, they spray the animals twice a month and deworm the calves and weaners once a month. Mwangi added that he vaccinates his cows twice a year against foot and mouth and lumpy skin diseases, which killed his two animals in 2019.

Training is key, he says, noting he attends workshops hosted by institutions like SNV Netherlands to learn new skills.

“One of the lessons I have learnt from the venture is that you cannot keep few cows and operate optimally. Economies of scale help, but it takes time to achieve that. In my case, it took me about a decade.”

Mwangi says that one of the challenges in the business is fluctuating milks prices. “The cost of running a dairy business is high but you can cushion yourself by planting maize for silage and growing fodder like lucerne.  These are the small things make the difference,” said Mwangi. His target in three years is to milk over 100 cows, getting an average of 25 litres from each.

Inside Nakuru dairy farm that collects over 750 litres of milk every day first appeared on Bizna Kenya

One of the most commanding brands globally, Apple, never released an iPhone 9. After launching the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, they jumped straight to the iPhone X. Ever wondered why they skipped the number 9?

In various parts of the world, certain numbers carry superstitions. For instance, in China, the number 4 is considered unlucky thus many buildings skip the 4th floor. Similarly, in the West, the number 13 is often avoided due to its unlucky reputation.

Apple has always maintained a level of secrecy around their product launches. They’ve never publicly explained why they chose to skip the iPhone 9 series.

This led to so much speculation and as usual, secrecy always breeds heavy speculation. Why didn’t the iPhone 9 really happen?

Of course, people thought of any possible beef Apple could be having with the number 9. However, the most likely cause for them to skip the iPhone 9 series really boils down to 3 reasons:

1. iPhone’s 10th Anniversary

At the time of the release of the iPhone 9, it was actually the smartphone’s 10th birthday. It just came one year short on the device numbering. Instead of biting the bullet and following convention, Apple decided to skip the 9 series and moved to the iPhone X (X is the Roman numeral 10).

Apple threw iPhone a lavish birthday party by tying its naming to the anniversary. They made sure that the device was special too. This was the first gadget at the time to break the $1000 mark in price.

The iPhone X had a completely different outlook from the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. It had face ID recognition, the first of its kind, in contrast to the home button. Hence why naming it the iPhone 9 would just feel weak.

2. To draw the hype

These days, the iPhone design is something we almost take for granted. Every year, we’re eager to see what’s changed, and for most people, the first thing to check is the camera design and quality, probably you too.

Back in the day, around 2017, the new iPhone X’s design and functionality was a big deal to the tech giant and its fans. For Apple, this was supposed to be their first major cash cow and needed proper marketing.

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To justify the higher price tag, Apple needed the iPhone to stand out and appeal to their loyal customers. At the same time, they aimed to attract Android users, hoping to convince them to switch allegiance to iOS.

Interestingly, after the iPhone X’s price was hiked above $1000, other Android brands followed suit and began pricing their flagship devices somewhere close to $1000. This, plus inflation, is the reason why great phones cost an arm and a leg.

3. It made sense from a marketing perspective

‘X’ is one of the coolest letters of the alphabet, think about it. Psychologically, humans are hard-wired to respond to the letter X to have a myriad of connotations. In this case, ‘X’ marks the spot when searching for treasure.

Additionally, the X branding gives a visual punch and Apple definitely knew that 9 wouldn’t have the same impact for such a big occasion. It took a lot of marketing genius from the Apple team to pull this off.

Ladies and gentlemen, these are the 3 most probable reasons why the iPhone 9 was never launched.

Why Apple never released the iPhone 9, skipped to X first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenya Airways successfully operated its first flight, fully staffed by an accredited crew under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Flight KQ554 from Nairobi to Kinshasa marked this significant milestone for the airline, joining a select group of African carriers that have achieved this prestigious certification.

The crew are part of 71 Kenya Airways personnel who have completed rigorous training to obtain the EASA Attestation Certificate, demonstrating their proficiency in managing safety and service functions on European-registered aircraft.

“We are proud to have a significant portion of our cabin crew complete the EASA training program, demonstrating their proficiency in meeting the rigorous requirements of this internationally respected certification,” the Chief Operating Officer, George Kamal, stated. “This accomplishment exemplifies Kenya Airways’ leadership in the African aviation industry and our preparedness to match international standards.”

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The EASA Certification equips the KQ team to effectively manage safety and service operations on European-registered aircraft during ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing world-class aviation services, adhering to the highest international safety standards.

“This milestone places our cabin crew in an advantageous position, benchmarked against global standards, and showcases our operational excellence,” notes Pauline Kihara, Head of In-Flight Services and Catering. “By aligning with one of the best regulatory frameworks in the world, we not only enhance the capabilities of our cabin crew but also strengthen the confidence of our passengers in the safety and quality of our services.”

The addition of EASA certification marks a new chapter in the history of Kenya Airways as the airline continues to strive to meet and exceed global standards. It also highlights the airline’s success in aligning ACMI operations with its regulations and standardizing cabin services. EASA compliance reaffirms Kenya Airways’ longstanding commitment to passenger safety and solidifies its position as a leading and innovative airline on the global stage.

Kenya Airways operates first flight under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Perminus Wainaina is the chief executive officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a Human Resource Consultancy firm based in Westlands, Nairobi.

I took a big risky step to leave a stable job and venture into HR consultancy. Since then, I have helped over 1, 800 employers to get top talent for their businesses and helped thousands to get jobs through my consultancy. This happened only after I chose to grab an opportunity, invest and take a chance on myself. The business now offers recruitment, training, staff outsourcing that includes payroll processing and HR outsourcing services. For instance, the business not only recruits for employers but we also support them by improving the efficiency of their employees to ensure business success by guiding them through performance management and training on technical and soft skills.

I quit my well-paying accounting job in 2008. I then started my business in 2009. Back then, the Human Resource industry was not regulated. After resigning, I saw an opportunity, went back to school and got a practicing license. It took me 3 years to make a decent income out of the business. It was not easy to get business.

At the time when I was starting, human resource consulting and outsourcing services were not as widely accepted as now. I had to take a step to teach employers the value of having HR structures in place, show them the importance of being compliant and the importance of having motivated and engaged employees to work for them. I also found marketing the business challenging because I had not done a marketing course. This made me appreciate the importance of marketing for a business to succeed; people must know you exist and I have now since embraced this for my business.

I once invested at the Nairobi Securities Exchange without doing thorough due diligence on what was affecting the company from which I bought shares. After acquiring the shares, the price did not appreciate as I had anticipated. It kept falling, resulting in a massive loss of investment. This loss became a learning experience on why it is critical to always do research before getting into anything. Today, I would rather invest in an expert who I can consult when making such decisions. It is always best to invest in something you know of and not what others are talking about over how successful they have been or how they have made a lot of money from it.

10 per cent of my monthly income goes to an emergency fund. I also ensure to save at least 25 per cent of my monthly salary. I then look at what I have and the best place I can invest it in. I have been disciplined enough to ensure that these savings are mandatory despite what comes up.

Choose to challenge yourself in order to stand out. Looking back, I have realized that when I started my career and business, I was not good at planning and putting things on record and I did not follow up on things with strictness and to the letter. Now that I have learned to do this and also plan and implement things better, I have realized that having a sense of direction would have made my journey much easier.

In business, I learned that it is important to have a target audience in mind. More often than not when starting a new business or offering a product, we target everyone and that does not work.

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Assessing your strengths to see where you will be happier is crucial. People always think that you make more money as an entrepreneur. But this can happen under employment as long as you are providing value to either your employer or your clients. For instance, I know of business owners whose businesses don’t make even Sh. 100, 000, yet there are employees who take home millions of money in salaries.

People who offer value to others will always be in demand. Ensuring that you can give value, whether to your employer or clients, will make certain you always are sought after, come rain come sunshine.

A version of this profile feature was published in the Saturday Magazine. The Saturday Magazine is a publication of the Nation Media Group.

Perminus Wainaina: It took my business 3 years to make decent income first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenyan men with families, here is an open letter to give you that reality check on why you must not neglect yourself in the process of improving the living standards of your families. This letter was penned by Kalya Kiprono:

Dear Men,

I see men spend millions to build or buy houses then become awkward in them because it’s taken over by their wives and kids.

I have a friend who spent Sh. 1,000,000 to buy a nice TV for the living room and another Sh. 250,000 for the entertainment room but he spends all his evenings watching a Sh. 7,000 worth LD… (not LG) at his local smoky joint to watch news because his wife shifts between Fine living and Telenovelas on the Sh. 1,000,000 TV.

His daughters fight over the entertainment room remote… his househleps run the kitchen TV and his bedroom is ‘strictly’ bed only.

Men, the reason you find yourselves out of your homes all the damn time is because someone lied to you that a real man builds a home without the rider that as the builder of the home, you need to accommodate yourself and make it functional for YOU.

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The only time a man finds purpose in his house is watching news and entertaining the in-laws for 10 minutes before he pretends to pick someone from town and disappears for the rest of the day.

Listen, for every Sh. 1 million you spend on your dream home, spend 20 per cent on your man-cave.

Have TWO master bedrooms…one when you’re high as a kite and susceptible to annoying snores and dirty clothes on the floor and one for the missus, when you’re behaved.

Have a man-cave built with a fully stocked drinks cabinet, a snack bar, a 100inch sports TV or projector, an ice box, a bathroom and one that has access straight from the parking lot… one that has independent running water and electricity, a magazine rack and secret internet cables.

A fully stocked first aid box, One that is sound proof and one that the cleaning lady has a spare key… one that has access to the garage and one where your dirty boots and mud stained jeans can thrive without being judged….

This way, you’ll finally enjoy being in your own property… you’ll stop finding excuses to run away from your own damn house.

Men, please start being smart… we’re tired of visiting you and you find reason to take us away from your own house because you have no uwezo, no nguvu in the goings on of your own compound.

Men, please build a home for your family, but don’t forget yourself in the process….

An open letter to Kenyan men with families first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kiprono Kittony is the former National Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and CEO of Capital Airtime Limited.

Entrepreneurship vs Employment: The best way to make money or get rich is through entrepreneurship. Employment will hardly ever make you as wealthy. For instance, take a look at the newly released 2017 Forbes list of the wealthiest people in the world today. Can you spot any employees in the pack? Wealth exclusively lies in business ownership!

Biggest money mistake: My biggest money mistake so far has been on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.  I had bought a good chunk Safaricom shares. However, I sold them off when they dipped. I should have held on for they soon began to gain, and I had to buy them back at a much higher cost. This has taught me the value of taking a long term view in money matters. For instance, you cannot afford to abandon resilience and a long term view if you want to stand any chance of growing wealth.

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Biggest loss: My biggest loss came in 1995 when our horticultural export business went under. We had exported horticultural produce to Britain and France under Fresh Produce Limited but didn’t get paid. Our company collapsed and I had to start all over again. The failure taught me that life gives second chances! In the same vein, it is when you have failed and are trying to start from scratch that you know who your true friends really are! I also learned that there is a big premium in having a good name in the market and being truthful with both yourself and your creditors.

Biggest money milestone: I got completely debt free from a value exit when I turned 50 years old. One of the trickling lessons I have learned from this is the importance of exiting a business when the timing is right. In the same vein, after turning 50, I now ensure that a certain percentage of my resources are in liquid form.

Making it in business: From my experience, I have come to see that the real secret to making it in business lies in how a business idea or business model is executed. You may have the best laid out plans for your business but if you don’t execute them well, there is no doubt that your efforts will be put asunder. I have also observed that when it comes to business, many women will tend to get it wrong by playing second fiddle and failing to wrestle their rightful space.

If I were to start all over again: Frankly, I would not chart a different path. It hasn’t been easy, but the journey has been worth it. Kiprono Kittony.

Kiprono Kittony: 6 things I have learned about wealth creation first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Homeland Itoya Events, a premier Kenyan end-to-end events supply and management company, became the first non-European events company to co-organize this year’s Bürgerfest in Berlin, Germany. The festival was attended by President William Ruto and the President of The Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steiner.

The Bürgerfest 2024, held in Berlin, was a resounding success, celebrating cultural exchange and international collaboration. The festival vibrantly showcased the diverse traditions of Germany and Kenya, the first non-European guest nation of the festival. Attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of experiences, from traditional German folk dances and Kenyan tribal performances to a fusion of contemporary art. Culinary delights offered a taste of both nations, with German classics like bratwurst sharing space with Kenyan favourites such as Nyama Choma and the Tusker Lager beer.

Beyond the performances and culinary experiences, the Bürgerfest fostered a strong sense of community and cross-cultural understanding. Interactive workshops, craft sessions, and educational talks provided engaging experiences for all ages. Live music, theatrical performances, and the active participation of local organizations further enriched the atmosphere of unity and celebration. The inclusion of Kenya as a special guest nation underscored the festival’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between the two countries and highlighting the beauty of global diversity.

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Kenya’s Homeland Itoya Events, collaborated with German events companies to curate the event setup comprising concert tentage, audio-visual, lighting, staging and flooring setup. The companies also collaborated in setting up the workshop and craft session venues, all held in the park inside Schloss Bellevue (Bellevue Palace), the official residence of the Federal President.

Edwine P. Anayo, Managing Director, Homeland Itoya Events, commented on the event: “Curating this groundbreaking cultural exchange between Kenya and Germany has been an immense honour. Our participation here underscores the immense potential of Kenya’s events industry. We have truly come of age, demonstrating that we can compete on an equal footing with international events service providers,” he said.

Among the Kenyan acts who performed at the two-day festival included DJ Space, Bomas of Kenya cultural dancers and Gogosimo Band.

Bürgerfest 2024: Kenya’s Homeland Itoya Events Becomes First Non-European Organizer for German Festival first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The German government has refuted claims that were made by President William Ruto that up to quarter a million of Kenyans will be given visas to work in Germany.

This is after President Ruto made the assertion during an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).

The German government stated that the agreement that had been arrived at between the two countries did not include any number of skilled workers that would be accepted into the country.

“This information is clearly false. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in Germany. All applicants must fulfil the strict requirements of the German Skilled Immigration Act,” Germany’s Federal Ministry of Interior and Community said on X (formerly Twitter).

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The denial forced the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to pull down a story in which the Kenyan authorities had been quoted claiming that 250,000 Kenyan citizens were now set for German jobs.

According to a related report on the German jobs that was publish by the CNN, immigration has become a hot potato in Germany.

“Migration is a major flashpoint in Germany, and has fueled the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Germany welcomed more than one million people during the migrant crisis of 2015-2016 and more recently took in large numbers of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion,” the CNN reporter stated.

The report further notes that there are currently around 14,800 Kenyan citizens living in Germany. Out if these, the CNN reporter noted, around 800 are currently out of status and are required to leave the country.

Germany denies Ruto claim that 250,000 Kenyans to be given German jobs first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Many Kenyans have lost millions of money after falling prey to a scam that promises to multiply money.

Most of these Kenyans have been made to believe that they could have millions of fake money turned into real money.

So huge is this cartel of wash wash conmen in Kenya that an estimated 20 members of parliament are currently minting millions from the fake currency syndicate.

“A private investigator, Steve Odero, told us how an employee of a parastatal was holding onto a consignment of fake notes he had been made to believe was worth $2 billion.The man has been stuck with the consignment in a house for the last eight months.

“He has been conned by an MP from Rift Valley who is always coming back for more money to erase a UN stamp on the dollar notes.

“He has so far spent about Sh. 46 million in paying for ‘special chemicals’ which he rendered impotent by failing to follow some ridiculous conditions,” the Standard reported recently.

The paper further reported that in some instances, the unsuspecting Kenyans are told to ensure they do not shake while carrying the containers, and to be careful not to expose them to daylight.

When the chemicals prove to be ineffective while they are mixed, the victims are blamed for breaching the rules and told to cough up more money to get fresh supplies.

“At one point, the parastatal boss was told that a technician who was coming to “wash” his consignment had just arrived from the US, but had a sudden epileptic fit and dropped the containers with the chemicals.

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“The racketeers then used an ambulance to ‘rush’ the technician to hospital. After recovery, the technician had to be given more money so that he could bring fresh chemicals as the supply he had dropped was now useless,” the newspaper reported.

According to www.quora.com, an SSD solution chemical is a special type of homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, which is mostly used for an extraction process.

According to the website, the price for a litre of US standard “A” grade SSD solution chemical is approximately $15,000 (Sh. 1.5 million) and can clean up to 4,000 pieces of $100 notes or $400,000 (Sh. 40 million).

In Kenya’s black market, the racketeers tell their victims that a cylinder of SSD chemical costs about Sh. 2.5 million. Once the victim produces the amount, the cons will just go to a store and buy a three-kilo fire extinguisher cylinder, which ordinarily costs Sh. 3,000.

The Standard further says: “Investigations show that once they buy the fire extinguisher, they then erase its inscriptions and paste stickers to present them as SSD solution chemical. For effect, there is even a picture of a wash wash money machine on the sticker and instructions on how this valuable substance is supposed to be applied. So, to clean a consignment of $600 million (Sh. 60 billion), the racketeers tell their victim to purchase 10 cylinders of the disguised fire extinguisher at a cost of Sh. 25 million.

The newspaper also reports that there are wash wash money machine in Luthuli, Khoja and Kirinyaga roads, whose specialty is bulk printing of counterfeit currency.

“The cartel uses rented houses to print the money. The houses are equipped with the printers, and have supplies of vitamin C, iodine liquid, paper cutting machines and rims of white papers. Some of the deals are done in five-star hotels.

“The unsuspecting prey is told how his money will multiply within a short period of time and given samples to go and change in a forex bureau of his choice or within the bank, after making a small payment,” the paper says.

It also reports that the cartels charge Sh. 60,000 to make counterfeits of Sh. 20 million, while printing fake $100 million attracts a fee of between Sh. 500,000 and Sh. 1 million.

“A few weeks ago, a woman lost Sh. 15 million after she was lured into the trade by con men who baited her with Sh. 1 million they had allegedly washed for her. The woman who declined to be named, says she had to sell her lorry and take a bank loan to raise the Sh. 15 million demanded by the cons,” says the newspaper.

Kenyans losing millions of cash to wash wash scams first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Investing your money is the most reliable way to build your wealth over time. And while there is no universal way to make your money work for you, there is no better strategy than to diversify your portfolio.

What matters is your desire towards the investment, proper budget, and knowledge on how to balance potential gains as well as risk tolerance.

There are many ways to invest, which means you can find an investment that offers a variety of returns and fits your risk profile.

A good example of such investments is a Money Market Fund.

What is Money Market Fund (MMF)?

A Money Market Fund (MMF) is a type of mutual fund that invests in cash and low-risk, short-term debt securities.

They are considered one of the least risky investment vehicles available, generating income and usually on par with short-term interest rates that may be either taxable or tax-exempt, depending on the investments held by the fund.

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How a Money Market Fund Works

A money market fund sells shares to investors, who earn returns in the form of income and capital gains.

They invest in short-term debt securities with high credit quality, such as treasury bills and commercial paper.

Returns from these instruments are dependent on the applicable market interest rates, and therefore, the overall returns from the money market funds are also dependent on interest rates.

Interest is calculated on a daily basis and credited to the client’s account.

Benefits of Investing in Money Market Funds

Investing in a money market Fund provides a vast ray of benefits which include:

1. Liquidity

MMFs are highly liquid because they are invested in securities that mature very fast and can be easily liquidated for cash.

2. Safety

Money market Fund acts as safe havens for investors’ money.

They are licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), which ensures that investments are made under the scope of the law. This guarantees the security of your investments.

3. Little capital is required to get started.

Investors don’t require a lot of capital to start investing in a money market fund. Most MMFs have a minimum investment amount of as low as Kshs 1,000, which people in most facets of the economy find affordable.

4. Higher Yields

Money market funds provide room for relatively higher yield compared to banks. MMFs have an average annual return rate of around 8.9 percent, while the average returns on bank deposits are 6.4 percent.

5. Building a Saving culture

Making regular contributions to your MMF investment transforms your saving habit, which will turn into a productive saving culture.

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Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Money Market Fund

For beginners, there are some factors you need to consider before starting an investment journey with a particular money market fund. They include:

1. Performance Record – How has the fund performed in the last 5-10 years
2. Average annual return rates – Be cautious of MMFs that have higher average annual return rates than their peers or the market average.
3. Investment costs – MMFs charge fees like management fees and withdrawal fees
4. Ease of Access – How easily can you access your money?
5. Where do they invest their money? – Look at their portfolios. Are they investing their money in highly risky investments?

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How to Join an MMF?

You will need to fill out the application form (Most of them are online & you can find them on their websites)

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• National ID or Passport
• KRA pin
• Bank account details

Money Market Funds in Kenya

Below is a list of some of the money market funds in Kenya.

1. 1. CIC Money Market Fund
   2. Britam Money Market Fund
   3. Co-Op Money Market Fund
   4. ICEA Money Market Fund
   5. Equity Bank Money Market Fund
   6. UAP Old Mutual Money Market Fund
   7. Cytonn Money Market Fund
   8. Kuza Money Market Fund
   9. Apollo Money Market Fund
   10. Zimele Money Market Fund
   11. GenCap Hela Imara Money Market Fund
   12. NCBA Money Market Fund
   13. Nabo Money Market Fund
   14. Sanlam Money Market Fund
   15. Madison Money Market Fund
   16. Dry Associates Money Market Fund
   17. Absa Money Market Fund

Investing in a money market fund: Everything you need to know first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The mitumba wholesale and retail business is one of the most lucrative lines of business that you can pursue. It is therefore not so far-fetched that this sector is also a leading employer.

According to the data from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the mitumba sector employs over 2 million people. In addition to this, the sector is one of the most revenue generating for the national government.

And with more people joining the trade daily, one of the biggest questions you may have is on how you can join and succeed at it.

The first step is in knowing where you can source for your mitumba. There are three strategic places in Nairobi you can target. These are:

Toi market

Toi market is located in the outskirts of Kibera slums. Here second hand clothes are relatively cheap. But the clothes at the stalls are a bit overpriced. While at Toi, be careful where to buy clothes because of different pricing. A nice outfit can be bought at Sh. 200.

Muthurwa

Muthurwa market is located in Nairobi’s downtown (Railways). Second hand clothes here are sold at cheaper prices, most of them going for less than Sh. 400. The market is easily accessible, i.e. walking distance from the CBD. This market is as well operational 7 days a week 12 hours a day.

Gikomba

Located outside Nairobi’s CBD, along Digo Road in Majengo area, is the busy Gikomba Market. The market is easily accessible from town, one can walk there or board a matatu for Sh. 20.

Here you can buy a blouse for as low as Sh. 20 and a trouser or a dress for as low as Sh. 100. The market is usually operational 7 days of the week, more than 12 hours a day.

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You can get constant supply for your mitumba business in Gikomba any moment there is demand for clothes by your clients.

For only Sh. 2,000 you can have enough stalk to get your business going. ““I’d buy the dresses for Sh. 50 to Sh. 100, then sell them for Sh. 500 to Sh. 600 bob,” says Grace Adek.

The profit margins you’ll be looking for

Once you identify your market, you should examine the type of profit margins you will be aiming to score. These will usually range from 40 to 60 per cent. If you go wholesale and decide to import, these are the figures you will looking at:

• 90 US cents: Estimated price of a kilo of donated and sorted mitumba goods
• 3 to 5 weeks: Time it takes for used clothing to be sorted, graded and ready for shipment
• 4 to 6 weeks: Time it takes for a shipment to arrive at Mombasa.
• 45 kg: weight per bale
• 550: Number of bales in one container
• US$50,000: Estimated cost to purchase a 40-ft container of merchandise
• Sh. 1.5 million: Estimated cost to clear a 40-foot container
• Sh. 1,500 to Sh. 50,000: Range of cost per bale
• Sh. 5,000: Annual charge for City Council business permit
• Sh. 15,000 to Sh. 30,000: Estimated rent for a standard stall in the CBD
• 50 to 100 per cent: Estimated profit margin per mtumba item
• Zero: Tax levied on individual mitumba items

A stock worth between Sh. 200,000 and Sh. 300,000 will give you a maximum profit of between Sh. 100,000 to Sh. 150,000. A bale costs anywhere between Sh. 1,500 to Sh. 50,000.

The cheaper bales are for items that aren’t in high demand like ties and men’s coats. The expensive bales are for trendy items of camera 1 and 2 – items like designer jeans and jackets. The lingo for the grades is ‘camera 1’ for Grade A, ‘camera 2’ for Grade B, ‘camera 3’ for Grade C and ‘wa kufagia’ for Grade D.

Marketing

In this age of technology, you must introduce new ways of marketing your stock. Use Facebook, joining Facebook groups, customize your skiza tone, and utilize your Whatsapp, Instagram, and mass SMSes.

“Call me on my lines and the voice over directs you to my business name, where we are located and how you can get in touch with us. That’s how my ‘Skiza’ has been customized. We are on Facebook where we have a group of over 231,000 active members,” Grace Wambere, who ran the Mitumba Chap Chap business shared in a previous media interview.

“Our shopping bags, employees overalls including reflector jackets for our riders are all branded. And of course there is referrals by word of mouth.”

Money you’ll make if you get into mitumba wholesale and retail business first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Western world is facing a population crisis due to low birth rates, a situation that has seen some nations step up to offer financial incentives to married couples to have children in a bid to combat population decline.

A low birth rate is considered detrimental to a country’s economy due to the aging population that cannot contribute effectively to the economy.

From cash bonuses and housing grants to tax exemptions these incentives are aimed at encouraging individuals to get married.

Below are some of the countries that pay single people to get married.

Singapore

Singapore reportedly encourages family growth by offering financial incentives through its “Marriage and Parenthood Package.”

This includes a cash gift, known as the “Baby Bonus,” which is given to help couples with the costs of raising children. The bonus is paid in stages, starting with the birth of the first child.

Married couples in the country also enjoy housing grants, promoting family growth.

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Japan

In Japan, newlywed couples allegedly enjoy allowances of upto 600,000 yen (Ksh 553,700.

This covers their rent and other living expenses if they live in a municipality that has adopted Japan’s newlywed support program.

South Korea

South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world and this has seen it face demographic crisis.

To address the issue, the country has come up with cash incentives to encourage couples to get married and have babies.

The plan is in the pilot stage, with the country intending to expand the program in 2025 to include foreign nationals who work or live in the region.

Should the deal succeed, married couples in South Korea will pocket between $64,000 to $85,000(Ksh8.2 million to Ksh10.9 million).

This includes marriage preparation grants, marriage congratulatory money, and housing grants, among others.

Other countries that cover some bills for help married couples are Italy and Hungary.

Countries that pay single people to get married first appeared on Bizna Kenya