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KNCCI President Ngatia in Talks With Grassroots Business Fund Teams

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Richard Ngatia today met with the Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) Team and held discussions centered on access to financial and non-financial products for MSMEs in Kenya as well as the overall business climate in the country. The Grassroots Business Fund Team, which was led by its global CEO Mr. Harold Rosen -who based in Washington, DC, USA- also included Lilian Mramba, Dushanbe Dhakan and Victoria Garzon as Ngatia continues in his pursuit of bettering the business environment in Kenya and the region. During the meeting, the KNCCI and GBF teams discussed cooperation areas in women-led and youth-led start-ups with emphasis being on access to affordable and appropriate finance and capacity building through training. Both organizations seek to address the funding gap by pairing up financial support with well-tailored technical assistance, and a hands-on coordination strategy between various players in the eco-system to

Gallant Airbase MCA Fuad Hussein Defends Businessmen From Fraudsters

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Airbase MCA Fuad Hussein has vowed to protect investors from unscrupulous people who want to hinder their efforts to develop the country. Fuad accused swindlers posing as Nairobi County Government officials of colluding to rob the city's developers. He threatened to expose a more sophisticated system of con artists who have been demanding "protection fees" from members of the Somali community doing business in the country. His sentiments come after reports emerged that a ring of fraudsters in Nairobi conspired to extort him following his strong stance against corruption. In an intriguing twist, suspected fraudsters have threatened to blow up the internet by uploading a video where Fuad was reportedly captured intimidating a person who claims to work in the Nairobi county government.  The video insinuates that Fuad threatened the unidentified man with sexual assault. People with knowledge of the situation, however, have dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that the

CAN AZIMIO LA UMOJA COME TOGETHER TO STOP SAKAJA FROM BEING IMPEACHED?

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As different camps take sides in the war pitting Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja against deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, the unity of the Azimio la Umoja-allied MCAs is about to undergo a litmus test. In the aftermath of his spat with deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Sakaja will be pegging his hopes on the Azimio brigade to save his career.  The Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which sponsored him, is divided on his suitability to hold the volatile seat, with UDA politicians already expressing reservations about his future. The young first-term governor has become increasingly isolated by allies of deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, which spells doom for his career. DP Gachagua slammed the governor two weeks ago for his intention to ban matatus from the CBD. Gachagua warned Sakaja he risked losing his seat in the next election if he did not rescind his directive.  According to the DP, Sakaja’s plan was bound to destroy the economy in the nation's capital. Gachagua also implied

KENYAN BUSINESSES TO RECORD MAJOR GROWTH IN 2023, SAYS TOP EXECUTIVE NGATIA

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Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Richard Ngatia believes that the opportunities provided by the government will allow the country to thrive economically. Ngatia cited a slew of initiatives launched by President William Ruto's administration to aid business growth in Kenya. “Government initiatives, including the Hustler Fund, will enable small businesses to stay afloat and sustain livelihoods,” Ngatia said.   In the coming year, he anticipates more opportunities to expand key manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and ICT sectors. “We foresee increased investor participation in Special Economic Zones and mega infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)," he added.  Ngatia stated that KNCCI would seize the opportunities to create a favorable environment for entrepreneurs in the country. "As the African Continental Free Trade Agreement takes off, we are working closely with the government, financial institutions, and developme

Bunge La Mwananchi Files Petition Against Nairobi Attorney Lydia Kwamboka at EACC.

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The Peoples’ Parliament known as Bunge La Mwananchi has petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate and prosecute Lydia Kwamboka for corruption at City Hall.   The Bunge La Mwananchi President Edward Githaiga accused Kwamboka of engaging in corrupt deals and occupying the office of the County Attorney illegally.   In a letter addressed to the EACC Chief Executive Officer, Githaiga petitioned the anti-graft body to investigate the continued stay of Kwamboka in office. On July 29th, 2021 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) resolved to terminate the services of County Attorney Lydia Kwamboka. The ward representatives adopted a report by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that recommended for termination of the contract of Kwamboka for abuse of office and operating without a valid advocate practicing certificate. The report stemmed from an investigation by the committee which had been probing a petition by John Mark Ojiambo who sought for the r

Sakaja and Nairobi County Executives Offer New Year's Goodies to Nairobians

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Nairobians are no longer interested in mere rhetoric but want development projects that will improve their living standards. It is high time leaders respected wananchi and focused on work instead of politics,” said Nairobi County Government executives. The Nairobi county government executives have rolled up their sleeves ready to execute the mandate by performing their duties in the new year of 2023 which is just a few days away after the general elections which were held on August 9th, 2022. “We must create a city of Order and Dignity, Hope and opportunity for all in Nairobi. We can do it. We must do it. Let’s Make Nairobi Work,” they said in unison. “My priority in the new year is to ensure that Nairobi residents continue to receive services because I have their best interests at heart. We have to make Nairobi work by restoring Order and offering our people dignity. Nairobi is full of opportunities and we owe Nairobi residents that much," said Nairobi Governor Johnso

KNCCI President Ngatia Ushers in 2023, Assures Business Community

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has is wishing the business community a happy new year as the world ushers in 2023.   “During this festive season, on behalf of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), we take time to reflect upon the good things we have done together like our partnership with you last year. We appreciate working with you and hope that the year that has just come in will bring you happiness and success,” said KNCCI president Richard Ngatia. Ngatia said that the New Year season ushers in an opportunity for renewal, fresh opportunities, and for Kenyans to build on the successes of the old year and urged Kenyans to reflect with gratitude, the journey the nation has walked together with them last year. "As we usher in the new year 2023 draws, we give thanks to the Almighty God for the Grace, provision, and protection extended to us as individuals, families, communities, as a Nation, and as humanity. This new y

Nairobi's Sports Minister Brian Mulama in Western to Lobby for Luhya Unity

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The Nairobi County Talent, Skills Development and Care CEC Brian Mulama joined Luhya leaders in lobbying for the community’s unity. Mulama joined Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in calling on leaders from Western Kenya who supported Azimio la Umoja to consider working with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Mulama who is the Amani National Congress (ANC) Nairobi branch chairman called on the Luhyas to rally behind Mudavadi in taking the community to the “Promised Land of Canaan”. Mulama was among other leaders present who joined Mudavadi during the 43rd Annual Maragoli Cultural Festival in Vihiga County,at Mbale Grounds who included Vihiga governor Wilbur Otichillo, University Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala and legislators Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Dickson Maungu (Luanda), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga Woman Rep), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Clement Sloya (Sabatia). “Through such a remarkable event, we can renew the call for our regional pe

UN Employee Harassing Kiambu Businessman in Bid to Snatch His Property

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Alice Muchugi, a United Nations employee based in Kenya has been trying to wrestle her estranged husband out of his business and residential properties. This has led to the Businessman, Christopher Mathea Mukirae to seek orders from Kiambu courts and rent tribunal to restrain the bitter ex-lover from interference with his businesses pending determination of the matter. Mukirae a former police officer who is now a prominent businessman, owns several prime properties including Lulu Gardens Resort in Mugutha along the Kimbo-Kiganjo road. However the ex-wife who is said to be bitter on Mukirae’s marrying another wife after their separation and continued progress in his businesses was hell-bend to bring him down. The woman has laid claim of several of his properties including Lulu Gardens Resort which however, are on record as being properties of Christopher Mukirae. Several attempts by Alice Muchugi to obtain eviction orders from the courts have been futile. She has since been

Betgr8 Enters Kenya's Betting Market

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Betgr8 have started operations in Kenya amid excitement among sports gamblers. The firm touts itself as one offering the ‘biggest bets and best odds’, live streaming and instant payouts. Betgr8 is the latest entrant in the sports booking industry and Kenya becomes their first port in the world. “They are now ready to penetrate the already saturated gaming market in a big way,” said a source. Their entry will definitely shake the current players.” “They have a greater capacity in terms of what incentives they can offer and that makes it very attractive to the Kenyan market,” added the source. “I have looked at their platform having gone live a few weeks ago and it is obvious that they are already hitting the numbers so it is going to be very competitive.” Few weeks since it started its operations in Kenya, their entry has been received with a lot of excitement by bettors. The Btgr8 betting website has been visited by thousands of Kenyans attracted by its offers and curiosity

President Ruto, Industry Captains Woo Investors in USA to Invest in Kenya

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The Corporate Council for Africa convened a meeting for the private sector and government leaders on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC on Friday, December 16th, 2022. The meeting was graced by Kenya's President Dr William Ruto accompanied by the private sector delegates including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) boss Richard Ngatia, KEPROBA chairman Mr Jaswinder Bedi, Safaricom Chief executive officer Peter Ndegwa and Equity Bank Group Managing Director Dr James Mwangi. Members of the Kenyan government delegation included Cabinet Secretaries, Moses Kuria (Trade and Industry), Dr Alfred Mutua (Foreign Affairs) and Prof Ndung'u Njuguna (National Treasury and Economic Planning). During the meeting, Kenya's Chamber of Commerce president Richard Ngatia managed to have a discussion with Coca Cola Vice President for Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability for Africa Ms Patricia O

Soccer Journalist Dies at World Cup After Collapsing at Argentina Game

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Grant Wahl, a highly regarded soccer journalist who wrote extensively on the game, died Friday in Qatar, where he was covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands. Wahl’s agent, Tim Scanlan, confirmed the death in a phone interview on Friday night. Scanlan said that Wahl had been in the press box in the closing minutes of the match when he went into acute distress. He is believed to have died, Scanlan said, at a hospital in Qatar or while he was being taken to one, after feeling unwell as the tournament proceeded. “He wasn’t sleeping well, and I asked him if he tried melatonin or anything like,” Scanlan said. “He said, ‘I just need to like relax for a bit.’” According to two New York Times journalists who were present, medical personnel performed chest compressions and other treatment for about 20 minutes before Wahl was taken out of Lusail Iconic Stadium. Wahl was in the midst of his eighth men’s World Cup, with an aggressive schedule of

ODM Youth Commander Stazo to Lead Azimio Youths March to Kamkunji for Raila

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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth Commander Elijah Stazo Omungala has embarked on mobilizing young people for the Azimio anti-government rallies scheduled for December 7th and December 12th, 2022. Stazo who is the Nairobi County Assembly deputy Minority Whip said he is bringing the youth on board to be part of Kenya’s third liberation which is key to their future in the country. “Am calling on the youth to turn up and be part of the movement of correcting the wrongs and dictatorial tendencies which are being committed by the current regime of President William Ruto in fighting for their future,” he said. Stazo said the youth missed an opportunity for prosperity a bright future after the country’s presidency was “taken away” from the Azimio candidate Raila Odinga at the August 9th elections saying that the former Prime Minister has their interests at heart. “As the youth let’s back Jakom in putting President Ruto’s regime on toes for the good of our futu

Freedom of Worship Under Threat in Nairobi as Sakaja Targets Churches & Mosques in Crackdown

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Days after closing night clubs operating in residential areas, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has shifted focus to places of worship in the Kenyan capital city. In a tweet, Sakaja says that they closed nightclubs after failing to heed and adhere to the county government’s warning on noise pollution adding that the places of worship will also suffer a similar fate. "Even with the nightclubs; we didn’t start by shutting them down. We spoke to them over time and they agreed to comply but some ignored it. Then we took action," he said. Nairobians from various religions faulted Sakaja for likening places of worship to bars arguing that churches and mosques are more disciplined compared to drunk revelers. The Nairobians also noted that the church ad mosque is the first place people seek refuge in times of need. They said freedom of worship is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution and whatever Sakaja was attempting to do was illegal and will be met with stiff

KCB, KNCCI Partner to Support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

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The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), KCB Foundation, and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) have entered into a memorandum of understanding to offer tripartite support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and corporates in the country.   Through the partnership, MSMEs will access financial services from KCB bank, undergo capacity building and mentorship through KCB Foundation programmes, and showcase their work at targeted MSMES trade fairs and expos organized at the National and County level.   In terms of financial services, KCB will offer their products, Payment and Forex solutions, Free Account maintenance for amounts above USD 1,000 for KNCCI members, and Free cash deposits to foreign currency accounts up to US$10,000 for KNCCI members.   In terms of non-financial benefits, KCB Foundation will provide MSMEs with education on business finance, training, and partnership through 2jiajiri, Mifugo ni Mali & Agribusiness programmes