The company 1xBet, recognized as the best bet prediction site, shared the most interesting bets of the outgoing year. Clients appreciated the variety of offers from the bookmaker with the best odds, chose non-standard outcomes, and now can earn good money on it.

1. Best long-term prediction: Liverpool will become the Premier League and the Champions League champion

Odds: 5.0

The Reds, led by Arne Slot, have given hope to their fans and perform brilliantly in key tournaments. The odds offered by 1xBet have become the best bet odd prediction for long-term bets. If Liverpool continues to do so, their fans will enjoy a double triumph.

2. Best bet on politics: Trump will not complete his term

Odds: 3.0

The events surrounding the 78-year-old US President have become a reason for witty bets. This long-term prediction, with high bookmaker odds, is one of the most discussed options.

3. Best Ballon d’Or bet: Haaland not to win

Odds: 2.93

Despite his outstanding performance, Erling Haaland remains in the shadow of the competitors. His Man City is a historic tsunami, and for the first time in many years, it is not considered a contender for the title. High bookmaker odds for this event allow our clients to experience the excitement and win big.

4. Best stat bet: Bellingham and yellow cards

Odds: 2.55

Jude Bellingham’s tenacity is evident in everything from last-minute goals to fouls. The option of over 3.5 yellow cards per season in La Liga has become a real hit with our clients.

What to expect in 2025?

1xBet keeps holding the bar as a bookmaker with the best odds, offering profitable conditions and convenient ways to deposit your account. In the new year, the company will present many witty long-term predictions that will interest both experienced players and beginners.

Let 2025 be the year of bright victories and important events. 1xBet is always there to make your game exciting and profitable!

Start the year with profitable long-term bets: Discover 4 of the most unusual bets. first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Mazda CX-5 has gained a lot of traction over the oast few years in the car market. But how exactly does this vehicle compare to a Honda CRV?

In Kenya, the latest and most common of these two models in the year 2025 shall be the 2018 second hand models.

For a start, the 2018 Honda CR-V comes with a petrol power-train making 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency for the Honda CR-V is 8.7 L/100km in the city, 7.2 L/100km on the highway and 8.0 L/100km combined.

On the other end, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes with a petrol power-train making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency for the Mazda CX-5 is 9.8 L/100km in the city, 7.9 L/100km on the highway.

When it comes to transmission, the 2018 Honda CRV comes with the Continuously Variable (CVT).

The Mazda CX-5 on the other hand packs the 6-Speed SKYACTIV-Drive Sport Mode Auto -inc: manual shift mode and drive selection switch. It also has the 6-Speed SKYACTIV-Drive Auto -inc: manual shift mode and drive selection switch, and the 6-Speed SKYACTIV-MT Manual options.

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The Honda CRV has a 53 litre capacity while the Mazda CX-5 has between 56 and 58 litre capacity.

Both vehicles safety come with traction control, child locks, stability control and ABS braking system.

– Additional review adapted from Driving!

Second-hand 2018 Honda CRV vs Mazda CX-5: Which is value for money? first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenya’s padel community reached a new milestone during the Nairobi Padel Stage, a three-day intensive training event led by world-renowned coach Fede Vivas Ribas. Supported by Air France, the training provided players with cutting-edge techniques and strategies to elevate their game in one of the fastest-growing sports globally.

Padel: A Global Phenomenon

Originating in Mexico, padel has become a global sensation, blending the best elements of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court with walls, it offers a fast-paced, accessible experience for players of all ages and skill levels. According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), the sport is now valued at €2 billion (KSh267 billion) and boasts over 25 million active players in 90 countries.

Since launching in Kenya in March 2023, Padel Kenya has seen remarkable growth, expanding from three courts to 45 and amassing a community of 2,500 players.

Elite Coaching by Fede Vivas Ribas

The Nairobi Padel Stage marked a significant moment for local players as they trained under Fede Vivas Ribas, one of the sport’s most celebrated figures. With over 20 years of experience, Ribas holds the prestigious First Grade of Padel Master Trainer designation from Adidas International and has coached globally.

“I am pleased to see the enthusiasm and potential of Kenyan players,” Ribas said. “With the right training and support, Kenya could become a leading padel destination in Africa.”

The event highlighted the increasing interest in padel across the country, signaling Kenya’s potential to make a mark on the international stage.

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Air France’s Commitment to Community Building
Air France’s support of the Nairobi Padel Stage underscores its dedication to fostering community development through sports.

“We are proud to play a role in the development of padel in Kenya and bring international expertise to local players. This aligns with our mission to connect global communities and support their aspirations,” said Hildabeta Amiani, Air France-KLM County Sales Manager for Kenya.

A Promising Future for Padel in Kenya
With initiatives like the Nairobi Padel Stage, Kenya’s Padel community is poised for exponential growth. As interest in the sport continues to rise, Kenya is establishing itself as a regional hub for padel enthusiasts, combining world-class coaching and rapidly expanding infrastructure.

Kenyan padel players gain world-class skills at Nairobi padel stage first appeared on Bizna Kenya

When the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) closed trading on Wednesday January 15, 2024, Kenya Airways was on top of the pack of gaining stocks. The KQ shares closed trading at Sh. 7.60 per share after gaining by 9.83 per cent. The counter had a volume of just 230,800.

In the previous day’s trading, the KQ shares were at Sh. 6.92 per unit. This has been a remarkable gain for a stock that had been suspended from trading at the local bourse for months. In fact, in just about eight days, the Kenya Airways shares have doubled from the pre-suspension price of Sh. 3.83 per share.

This gain means that shareholders of the national carrier are currently counting gains of up to Sh. 21.4 billion. Since the counter resumed trading on the NSE, investors have traded 3.4 million shares.

The counter may rise even higher should the national carrier record a full year net profit, which will be a progress from the half year recovery to profitability.

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In August 2024, KQ marked the first time since 2013 that it had recorded a profit after tax. For the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, the airline achieved a profit after tax of Sh. 513 million, from the Sh. 21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period.

In that period, Kenya Airways experienced a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers, totaling 2.54 million. The airline’s total revenue grew by 22 per cent to Sh. 91 billion, driven by higher passenger numbers.

The airline attributed this turn to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru. “Our financial results are a clear indication that our strategic initiatives are delivering the desired outcomes. We have focused on strengthening our core operations, enhancing our customer service, and exploring new avenues for growth. This performance positions us in good stead to navigate the challenges of the aviation industry and prepare for future growth,” said KQ chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka.

Shareholders gain as KQ shares rise on NSE days after resuming trading first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Homeownership is one of the most fulfilling achievements, given the comfort and peace of mind it brings.

However, the process has not been easy for many homeowners primarily due to cost. When Yassin Makolo wanted to construct a house for his parents five years ago, he didn’t know how to go about it due to cost.

Upon consulting his local fundi, he was advised that Sh250,000 would be enough for the entire construction.

Determined to see his parents leave rentals for a more comfortable house, Makolo went ahead to take a bank loan of Sh250,000 little did he know the entire amount would be used up in the foundation stage.

“I was mistaken as the entire Sh250,000 was used up in the foundation stage, and I had to start from scratch. I started through saving in chamas because I could not afford to take any more bank loans,” he told Tuko.

After running out of funds, Makolo had to look for ways to raise money to complete the stalled structure, forcing him to sell his motorbike.

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He further developed a saving culture where he managed to raise Sh100,00 at the end of 2021, which he used to purchase construction materials.

“I owned a motorbike that I had to sell to purchase cement. This helped me raise the building to nearly halfway. I was funding the entire project by myself, so it stopped when I ran out of funds again. This was in 2021,” he added.

His dream to own a house further dampened in 2022 when he moved from Mombasa to Nairobi. Makolo revealed that he had little to save for the project due to the costly living in Nairobi.

It was not long before his salary was doubled enabling him to purchase more construction materials hoping to complete the structure which still remains incomplete years later.

“Luckily, later that year, I got a bonus at work, where my salary was doubled. This enabled me to buy more building materials. Unfortunately, my fundi wasted this money and even stole from me,” he stated.

He plans to save more this year to do roofing so that his parents can move in, and do the finishing when it is already occupied.

If Yassin had to start the building process again, he said he would not take a bank loan to construct the house.

“I would use my savings instead. Taking a bank loan to build was not such a good idea. Secondly, I would seek professional fundis who know their craft. Using local fundi has seen me lose lots of money that would have been put into the project,” he added.

I’m yet to complete a house I started building with Sh250k loan five years ago first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenya Airways triumphs at the 2024 SkyTeam aviation challenge for sustainability innovations first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenya Airways continued its remarkable rise at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) on Thursday, rising by 10 per cent to close at an average high of Sh. 8.36 per share. The counter had a traded volume of 255,100 and a turnover of 2.13 million.

In the previous day’s trading, the national carrier had closed at at Sh. 7.60 per share after gaining by 9.83 per cent. The counter had a volume of just 230,800. By the end of that day’s trading, shareholders of the national carrier were counting gains of up to Sh. 21.4 billion. On Tuesday, the KQ shares were at Sh. 6.92 per unit.

This has been a remarkable gain for a stock that had been suspended from trading at the local bourse for months. In fact, in just about eight days, the Kenya Airways shares have more than doubled from the pre-suspension price of Sh. 3.83 per share.

The counter may rise even higher should the national carrier record a full year net profit, which will be a progress from the half year recovery to profitability.

In August 2024, KQ marked the first time since 2013 that it had recorded a profit after tax. For the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, the airline achieved a profit after tax of Sh. 513 million, from the Sh. 21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period.

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In that period, Kenya Airways experienced a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers, totaling 2.54 million. The airline’s total revenue grew by 22 per cent to Sh. 91 billion, driven by higher passenger numbers.

The airline attributed this turn to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru. “Our financial results are a clear indication that our strategic initiatives are delivering the desired outcomes. We have focused on strengthening our core operations, enhancing our customer service, and exploring new avenues for growth. This performance positions us in good stead to navigate the challenges of the aviation industry and prepare for future growth,” said KQ chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka.

Kenya Airways continues to rise on NSE; inches closer to Sh. 10 per share first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Nyandarua County has hit the headlines again, and not for very pleasant reasons. The county has been placed at position one in the list of counties whose residents borrow phones from friends and neighbours to make calls.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), 22.2 per cent of residents in Nyandarua County use mobile phones borrowed from other family members, neighbours and friends to make calls or send short messages.

The county is followed by Nakuru County and Laikipia Counties with 20.9 and 20.8 per cent of residents without mobile phones.

“Urban areas show a higher reliance on shared or borrowed phones at 11.8 per cent, compared to 11 per cent in rural areas,” KNBS states in the new household survey report for 2023/2024.

“Nyandarua had the highest number of individuals using non-owned phones, while the least was from Bomet and Narok.”

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KNBS further stated that in Nyandarua, the habit of borrowing phones was more prevalent among men at 22.5 per cent in contrast to women at 22 per cent. In Nakuru though, more women than men used borrowed phones to make calls.

Countrywide, the KNBS data showed that about 11 per cent of the population uses mobile phones that belong to other people including relatives, neighbours, friends or mobile pay phones.

“Nationally, 11.3 per cent of people use mobile phones that they do not own, with a slight difference observed between males and females,” said KNBS.

The report added that usage of mobile phones remained high across all ages. For instance, in the last three months, 64.9 per cent of the population aged three years and above reported that they used a mobile phone regardless of whether the gadget was self-owned or borrowed from another person.

There was however a notable difference in usage between rural and urban areas, with usage in urban areas recorded at 76 per cent for women and 76.8 per cent for men, in contrast to usage in rural areas which was at 60.3 per cent for men and 59 per cent for women.

Nyandarua named top county where residents borrow phones to make calls first appeared on Bizna Kenya

An alumnus of Starehe Boys Centre, Ian Gichohi Mwangi has attained an ambitious yet remarkable feat after he managed to cycle from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa and back home to Kenya. He covered a total distance of 10,000 kilometres.

Mwangi was on a mission to raise money for his former institution, with the aim to raise enough fees for 100 students from needy backgrounds, including those at Starehe Girls School. Each student anticipates to receive Sh. 100 million.

“I am riding 10,800 kilometres from Cairo to Cape Town to raise Sh. 100 million for 50 boys and 50 girls in the Starehe Schools. The idea is that the money we will raise will be invested in the students who’ll live off the interest forever,” he said in a past interview.

His journey went viral late last year in November when he’d already covered 4,000 kilometres of the total stretch. At the new year, Gichohi had already arrived in Cape Town and was preparing for the final return leg to the  Namanga border.

Upon his arrival in Kenyan territory on 16^th January 2025, Gichohi was received by the Starehe Boy’s School band in a colorful celebration. The cyclist, despite feeling the extremes of the journey, was in high spirits as well.

“He arrived at the Namanga border today. He has been on a 16-day journey from South Africa and arrived in the country today,” said another Starehe alumnus, Kennedy Muendo.

Nyandarua named top county where residents borrow phones to make calls

It was revealed that Ian Mwangi managed to raise more than Sh. 4.2 million during his trip. Professionally, he works as a graphic and web designer.

Despite not reaching his set amount, the journey traversing various countries was more than the experience he intended to have. Mwangi dutifully shared updates of his trip with his followers on social media. He recalled suffering challenges as part of the trip.

“In Egypt, we suffered heat wave attacks and harassment by authorities. We also endured a communication barrier because they did not use English. The traffic is crazy. The challenges in Egypt paled when compared to the fear of abduction in some parts of Ethiopia. I flew over Sudan because of its volatility,” he noted.

In the past, Mwangi has taken part in various cycling charity events since 2019. One of them include when he cycled more than 937 kilometres from Busia to Mombasa to raise money for needy students.

Starehe Boys alumnus who cycled from Egypt to South Africa to raise Sh. 100 million first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The High Court has ordered the popular Super Metro matatu Sacco and a bus owner in the Sacco to pay a passenger Sh. 420,000. The money will be paid to compensate Wairimu Muthoni Wachira who was kicked out of a matatu under the Sacco about six years ago.

In its findings, the High Court ruled that the Super Metro Sacco and the bus owner Ezekiel Njuguna Ngure were liable for the actions of the crew that was employed to operate the matatu.

“Considering the indignity the petitioner (Wairimu Muthoni Wachira) was subjected to, being thrown forcefully from the bus, losing her property, being repeatedly slapped in public until she bled, it is my considered view that compensation to the tune of Sh. 420,000 is fair and reasonable,” ruled High Court judge Lawrence Mugambi.

“Matatu Saccos were introduced to ensure accountability to the public and the Sacco must take responsibility for the poor service and harassment of the members of the public by crew under their management.”

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According to court papers, Wairimu Muthoni Wachira was assaulted by the matatu crew on August 7, 2018. The crew included the matatu conductor and the bus driver. Apparently, she had protested after the bus changed course. She demanded to alight and asked for change. The conductor refused. She told the court that she had paid Sh. 1,000.

“The driver stopped the bus, came to the passenger cabin, and joined the conductor in pushing her from the bus. [This caused] her to fall outside the bus after [she was] trapped by the metal bar at the exit door,” court filings show.

“[The driver and the conductor] followed her outside where [they slapped her] until she started bleeding.” The filings further noted that the crew threw her belongings at her before speeding off. Wairimu Muthoni Wachira said that she would later realize that some Sh. 80,000 that was in her bag was missing after the ordeal.

Super Metro to pay passenger Sh. 420,000 after crew threw her from bus first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Have you wanted to become a landlord but cannot due to the large initial capital outlay involved in construction?

There is another way to go around this problem without need for taking large mortgages and/or spending hours managing the property and collecting rent from tenants. Real Estate Investment Trusts are among the best investment vehicles one can have in their portfolio.

The real estate sector in Kenya has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, attributable to urbanization, an ever-growing middle class, and infrastructural developments.

REITs give an investor the opportunity to create a regular stream of passive income, with a relatively low cost of entry into the real estate market. It is also a great opportunity to build wealth as you continue benefitting from the property.

This is a fairly unknown form of investment, that also comes with its pros and cons. REITs arre regulated by the Capital Markets Authority guaranteeing their safety. In this article, we take a look at the definition of REITs, how they operate, how to invest and the risks involved.

What are REITs

As defined earlier, they are Real Estate Investment Trusts, which work by pooling funds from multiple investors to purchase a real estate asset used to generate income. There are four parties involved in the investment of a REIT:

1. A promoter who issues the REIT
2. A REIT manager, usually an incorporated Kenyan company licensed by CMA to offer fund management services
3. A trustee acting on behalf of the investor
4. A project manager assigned to the planning and delivery of the real estate development.

Currently in Kenya, there are only three types of REITs that are offered in the market. They are:

1. Income REITs (I-REIT) – Funds raised are used to purchase income-generating assets
2. Development REITs (D-REIT) – Funds raised are used to acquire the land and develop a real estate project. Upon completion, they convert to I-REIT
3. Islamic REIT – This is for REIT investors who seek shariah compliant investments in real estate

REITs can purchase a wide variety of real estate assets such as commercial buildings, shopping malls, residential apartments and industrial parks. These assets receive professional management to ensure that the investor gains rental income from the property; just like a landlord.

This income is distributed in form of dividends. Currently, REITs are required by law to allocate at least 80% of their annual net income to shareholders. Oftentimes, REIT companies may not be subject to corporate income taxes and also offer higher returns to investors.

Two Kenyan companies have been licensed by the Capital Markets Authority to issue REITs. They are ILAM (a subsidiary of ICEA Lion) and Acorn Holdings Limited (Proprietors behind Qwetu and Qejani University accommodation)

How to invest in REITs in Kenya

Generally, REITs are safe investments that can guarantee returns of between 5%- 10% pa compounded over the investment period. Here’s how to make any REIT purchase:

1. Through the Nairobi Stock Exchange
2. Through a local stock broker
3. Through a mutual fund specializing in REIT investments

Some of the benefits an investor stands to reap from REITs include wealth diversification, capital appreciation, passive income generation and liquidity. Investors also have the grant to invest in multiple REITs and grow their investment portfolios.

The minimum investment amount required typically depends on the REIT being issued. When choosing a REIT to invest in, important factors to consider include the property portfolio, the management team’s expertise, financial performance, dividend history and market reputation.

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Risks involved in REIT investments

There are potential downsides associated with this investment vehicle that an investor ought to be aware of. They include:

1. Market Risk – As with any other share, prices tend to exhibit volatility as a result of various factors
2. Interest Rate sensitivity – REITs rely on debt financing. A rising interest rate signifies increased borrowing cost thus reducing profitability
3. Property-specific risk – Poorly located properties will underperform due to lower demand
4. Leverage – Excessive debts can amplify losses during market downturns.
5. Regulatory Changes – These may be in the form of changes in tax laws which affect dividend earnings or new real estate regulations

REITs: Step-by-step guide on how to invest your money in real estate assets first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Keroche Breweries is set to make a comeback after plans to revive the Kenyan brewer kicked off early this year.

This is after Edward Muigai, the son of Keroche founder and Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, took over the company’s operations in a bid to prevent the collapse of the billion-dollar empire and create employment for Kenyans.

The company, which is now rebranding to KB, has begun recruiting employees. The countrywide recruitment drive is set to last for at least three months—until March 15—after which the teams will get down to business.

“It got to a point where I decided that we couldn’t just sit and watch a billion-dollar empire like Keroche just rot to the ground. This business took years of hard work and unimaginable sacrifices. I just thought it would be great to bring it back to life and also, offer employment to thousands of qualified men and women languishing in poverty across this country.” Muigai said.

Keroche Breweries, which was founded in 1997 by Tabitha Karanja and her husband Joseph Karanja  has witnessed financial struggles and unending tax disputes which led to its closure in December 2021, and again in June 2022.

This was after the brewer and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) failed to agree on how to settle the outstanding tax arrears amounting to  Ksh.322 million that had prompted the closure of the factory in December 2021.

Super Metro to pay passenger Sh. 420,000 after crew threw her from bus

The company had allegedly defaulted on this earlier agreement to gradually settle its outstanding tax arrears, which it denied.

In the agreement Keroche Breweries was to pay Sh.957 million to the taxman over a period of 24 months starting January 2022.

According to Tabitha Karanja, Keroche’s woes began after the outbreak of the covid 19 pandemic and the immediate aftershocks which led to poor cash flows that limited its financial performance.

The company’s flagship brand is Summit Lager. It also brews Summit Malt and KB Lager beers as well as vodkas, dry gin and whiskey.

Edward Muigai: Tabitha Karanja’s son who is reviving Keroche Breweries first appeared on Bizna Kenya

NCBA OST Platform: NCBA Investment Bank is an arm of NCBA Group Ltd that is responsible for dealing with investments and securities. Their tagline is ‘Your Money Never Sleeps’.

This department caters to the provision of wealth management, advisory services and stock brokerage through its online share trading platform.

NCBA Group Ltd is a member of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. As such, one of the services they provide to clients is the opportunity to trade NSE shares. This is done through their user-friendly Online Share Trading (OST) platform.

Clients receive direct, real-time access to the markets and can manage their investments as well as do live trading through the OST platform. Other features include portfolio valuation and transaction statements This is for customers who prefer having their trading experience on a desktop or laptop.

Additionally, NCBA clients can connect directly to the NSE trading platform through the NCBA Mobile Banking smartphone app. The app is compatible with Android, iOS and Blackberry devices giving customers the power to act as their own broker while trading shares securely and conveniently on their smartphones.

Steps to trade shares on the NCBA OST Platform

Starting your online shares trading journey with NCBA is straightforward. Follow these steps to register:

1. Open a CDSC Account: Visit an NCBA branch to open your Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC) account. Download the relevant forms from the NCBA Investment Bank website:
   • Individuals: Personal Account Opening Form
   • Corporates: Corporate Account Opening Form
   • Groups/Couples: Joint Account Opening Form
2. Sign the Online Trading Agreement: This agreement is available on the NCBA website.
3. Set Up Your Account: Head to the NCBA Online/Mobile account home page and select ‘Sign Up’. Enter your CDSC account number, ID number and email. Choose a username, accept the terms and submit your details.
4. Receive Login Credentials: NCBA Stock Brokerage will email your credentials.
5. Login and Start Trading: Use the credentials to log in at NCBA OST, set your password, and you’re ready to go.

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How to fund your trading account

In order to channel money into your share trading account, NCBA offers two options:

1. M-Pesa Paybill: Use Paybill number 488522 and include your CDSC account number in the account section.
2. Bank Transfer/Deposit: Deposit funds directly into the following account and send a confirmation email to brokeragebd@ncbagroup.com:

• • • Bank Name: NCBA Bank
    • Branch: City Centre
    • Account Name: NCBA Investment Bank
    • Account Number: 1000132604
    • Swift Code: CBAFKENX

Trade Nairobi Stock Exchange shares profitably through NCBA OST platform first appeared on Bizna Kenya

USAID pledges $9.95M to strengthen Africa’s Seed Systems first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Pawpaw farming in Kenya is profitable and in high demand due to the fruit’s sweetness, nutrition, and commercial appeal.

Among the varieties that do well in Kenya are Solo Sunrise, Lady Dwarf, and Calina Papaya IPB9. According to sources, the venture offers quick returns and long-term profits.

Farmers can harvest in 8-12 months and earn up to Ksh 900,000 per acre yearly. This opportunity suits both small and large farmers.

However, for pawpaw trees to produce optimally, farmers need to be keen on various farming practices including planting in the right season, right soil preparation, irrigation, right spacing pest and disease control, and pruning.

This article features the importance of pruning in pawpaw farming as advised by experts

Pruning is important because it helps establish and maintain an open and balanced canopy structure for pawpaw plants.

This encourages even sunlight penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy, which is essential for optimal growth and fruit development.

A well-pruned pawpaw tree is less likely to become top-heavy or bushy, reducing the risk of branches breaking under the weight of fruit or in strong winds.

Secondly, pruning aids in disease and pest control. Properly pruned pawpaw plants are easier to inspect for signs of disease or pest infestations.

An open canopy allows better visibility, making it simpler to detect and address problems early. Additionally, good air circulation reduces humidity within the canopy, which can deter the development of fungal diseases.

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Furthermore, pruning can stimulate the production of more and larger fruits. By removing excess branches and growth, the plant can allocate more energy and nutrients to the remaining fruit-bearing branches, resulting in better fruit quality and yield. Pruning also helps reduce the competition among fruits for sunlight and nutrients.

Additionally, pawpaw plants often produce more flowers and fruit than they can support. Pruning allows you to thin out excess fruit, preventing the plant from overburdening itself.

Thinning ensures that the remaining fruits have enough space and resources to develop properly, resulting in larger, higher-quality fruits.

Pruning also helps prevent and manage disease. Some pawpaw diseases, such as black spot, can be reduced by pruning away infected branches and leaves promptly. Pruning removes disease-prone material, limiting the spread of pathogens and promoting plant health.

Furthermore, over time, older branches on pawpaw plants may become less productive. Pruning can rejuvenate the plant by removing older, less productive branches and encouraging the growth of new, more vigorous ones.

Moreover, pawpaw plants can grow quite large if left unpruned. Pruning helps manage the size of the plant, making it more suitable for the available growing space. This is particularly important in small-scale or home gardens where space is limited.

Pawpaw farming can be a sustainable source of income for farmers due to its high yield potential and short harvest time.

Pawpaws can be used in a variety of products, including cosmetics, supplements, and natural remedies. The fruits are a valued export in many countries, especially to markets in Europe and the Middle East.

Health Benefits of Pawpaw

• Rich in vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system.
• Contains antioxidants like lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
• High fiber promotes digestive health.
• Supports eye health and vision.
• May help prevent heart disease and some cancers.
• Vitamin K contributes to bone health.
• Nutrients that support collagen benefit hair and skin.

Economic Value

• Quick maturation: 8-12 months to harvest.
• Year-round production possible.
• Multiple revenue streams:
  • Fresh fruit market
  • Processing industry (jams, juices, dried fruits)
  • Exports
  • Medicinal products from leaves and seeds

Why you should prune your pawpaw trees constantly first appeared on Bizna Kenya

In a bold effort to integrate Kenya’s informal sector into the government’s Affordable Housing Program

(AHP), 20X Entrepreneur has officially launched the ‘Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities’ initiative. This transformative program aims to empower artisans, suppliers, and construction professionals in the Jua Kali sector by providing the tools, skills, and connections needed to thrive within the housing value chain.

With plans to reach over 4,000 participants across seven counties by early 2025, the initiative seeks to create long-lasting economic impact while fostering collaboration between local communities and policymakers.

A Critical Housing Need

Kenya currently faces a housing deficit of 2.5 million units, with the government targeting the construction of 100,000 affordable units annually. However, many local artisans and suppliers remain excluded from this value chain due to challenges such as lack of visibility, limited financial access, and misconceptions about the AHP.

Eunice Maina, CEO of 20X Entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of addressing these gaps:

“The Jua Kali sector employs over 80% of Kenya’s workforce but remains underserved in terms of access to financial products and growth opportunities. This initiative creates a platform that inspires empowerment and fosters economic growth.”

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Core Pillars of the Initiative

The program is anchored on four key objectives:

1. Economic Empowerment: Participants receive training in financial management, customer relations, and technology adoption. Artisans also learn how to identify market opportunities and negotiate favorable terms with manufacturers.
2. Financial Inclusion: Tailored financing and insurance solutions are introduced to help Jua Kali workers scale their businesses.
3. Data Collection: A comprehensive database of artisans and suppliers is being built to connect stakeholders and streamline collaboration with the government.
4. Perception Shift: Success stories are amplified to build trust and encourage participation in government programs.

Implementation and Outreach

The initiative’s pilot phase has already seen success in Embu County, where over 150 SMEs and artisans participated, and Nakuru County, which hosted over 200 attendees. Upcoming sessions will be held in Machakos, Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, and Homabay, bringing together local artisans, suppliers, and contractors to explore opportunities in the housing sector.

To boost registration and engagement, 20X Entrepreneur is working with Bingwa.co.ke and the Federation of Jua Kali Associations.

Call for Partnerships

20X Entrepreneur is inviting financial institutions, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to partner in scaling the initiative. Partners stand to gain from data-driven insights, brand visibility, and access to an untapped market.

“Together, we can unlock opportunities for thousands of Kenyans and contribute to the country’s economic resilience,” added Eunice Maina.

20X Entrepreneur launches “chanuka, jipange” initiative to empower Kenya’s informal sector housing program 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.

I started paying tithe to stop going broke, but I’m still broke even after paying

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

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.

Jalang’o: Workers who stole from me struggling, begging; should I re-hire them?

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

In the framework of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is funded by United Kingdom (UK) International Development, the International Trade Centre is collaborating with Absa Bank Kenya, the host institution of the SheTrades Kenya Hub, to launch the Access to Finance Accelerator programme, a six-week intensive training to enhance access to finance for women entrepreneurs in export businesses.

This programme focuses on equipping participants with the skills needed to create bank-ready business plans and manage business risks effectively. It supports participants with a comprehensive understanding of commercial banking, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, and alternative funding options to enhance their financial literacy and business financing preparedness.

The training combines practical exercises, such as pitching sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to successful business cases. It promotes the role of trade logistics and e-commerce as key drivers for international business growth. The programme also provides customized financial solutions, expert mentorship and strategic partnerships to ensure that participating women-led businesses are well-positioned to compete and succeed on the global stage. Other partners in the programme include the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and DHL GoTrade Initiative.

Speaking during the launch, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna said the Access to Finance Accelerator programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to navigate the complexities of international trade successfully.

Absa Bank Kenya empowers 200 business leaders in Kisumu

“At Absa, we are deeply committed to supporting women in business. We acknowledge the challenges and barriers they face in accessing finance and markets necessary to expand their businesses across the globe. As the SheTrades Kenya Hub host institution, we are proud to be at the forefront of initiatives that bridge the gap between women-led businesses and international markets. This initiative complements our four-pronged approach to providing access to markets, information, mentorship and coaching, and sustainable finance,” said Ms. Wasunna.

On her part, Senior Advisor for SheTrades Hubs in Eastern and Southern Africa Phyllis Mwangi noted the importance of the new programme in bridging the access to finance gap for women entrepreneurs in Kenya.

“This is a pivotal moment for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, as we celebrate the launch of the Access to Finance Accelerator initiative designed to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and the critical resources they need to grow and thrive. The programme reflects a shared vision in which women have equal opportunities to succeed in business and have access to the tools they need to scale,” said Ms. Mwangi.

Speaking at the event, the British High Commission Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché for Africa, Rebecca Schneider, noted the need to support women in export to scale up their operations, invest in new markets and compete internationally, while leveraging on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

“Women entrepreneurs are important to the future of Kenya as they are critical to creating employment opportunities, poverty reduction and economic growth, especially in the agricultural sector, where women make up the bulk of the sector in Kenya. It is therefore important to support women to reduce these barriers and export their products to the United Kingdom, the African continent and the rest of the world,” she noted.

The Access to Finance Accelerator programme will target women exporters operating in manufacturing, including textiles and apparel, handicrafts, hospitality, agribusiness, agri-processing and services sectors in the next two years.

Absa Bank Kenya and International Trade Centre partner to launch access to finance programme first appeared on Bizna Kenya

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Transform Your Essays: The Benefits of Choosing MyAssignmentHelp first appeared on Bizna Kenya