Ondoro and Biwott win 2012 Bristol Half Marathon

Ondoro makes to the finish; Bristol Half Marathon

Photo Courtesy of www.runbristol.com

Kenya’s Dominic Ondoro and Emily Biwott emerged the winners of the 24^th edition of the Bristol Half Marathon held in the UK on Sunday.

Ondoro posted a time of 1:02:50 to finish ahead of compatriot Bernard Rotich and New Zealand’s Paul Martelletti who came in second and third respectively.  

In the women division there was another Kenyan 1-2 inspired by Emily Biwott (1:11:22) and Eunice Kales who finished second and third respectively. Third place went to British woman Hannah Walker.

The race attracted over 10,000 elite athletes and fun athletes from all over the world.

Edwin Kipyego wins 2012 Delhi Half Marathon

Kenya continued with their impressive performance in India where Edwin Kipyego clinched the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, on a hot Sunday in India’s Capital of Delhi.

Kipyego who finished in one hour and 55 seconds led compatriots Leonard Langat (1:01:07) and Silas Kipruto (1:01:57) in ensuring that Kenya sealed the podium finish.

In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Yimer Wude (1:11:10) and compatriot Waganesh Amare (1:11:12) finished in the first and second position ahead of Kenya’s Helah Kiprop who posted a time of 1:11:18.  

The winners pocketed a cash reward of $25,000. 

Kenyans shine at 2012 Berlin Marathon

Mutai crosses the finish line ahead of Kimetto at the 2012 Berlin Marathon
Photo Courtesy of mobil.morgenpost.de

World's fastest Marathon runner Geoffrey Mutai won the 39^th edition of the Berlin Marathon on Sunday at the German Capital.  

Mutai finished in a time of 2:04:15 ahead of his training partner and debutant Dennis Kimetto (2:04.16) and compatriot Geoffrey Kipsang (2:06.12) who came in second and third respectively.

Mutai who was focused on breaking the world record, was more than half a minute short of the World Record of 2:03:38 set by Patrick Makau last year.

Breaking the World Record for Mutai was something big for his illustrious career, as it would have given him a course record at three of the five World Marathon Majors (Berlin, Boston, and New York), a feat only the late Samuel Wanjiru has rivaled (Wanjiru had the London, Chicago, and Olympic records).

However, Mutai is arguably a marathon great, being the second man from Wanjiru to have three different ‘Majors’ to his name.    

In the Women division, Ethiopia’s Aberu Kebede emerged the victor posting a time of 2:20:30. She was followed by fellow compatriot Tirifi Tsegaye (2:21:19) and Ukraine's Olena Shurhno (2:23:32).

Here are the top 10 results:

Men

1.Geoffrey Mutai (Kenya) 2:04:15
2. Dennis Kimetto (Kenya) 2:04:16
3. Geoffrey Kipsang (Kenya) 2:06:12
4. Nicholas Manza (Kenya) 2:08:28
5. Josphate Keiyo (Kenya) 2:08:41
6. Jonathan Kiplimo Maiyo (Kenya) 2:09:19
7. Eliud Kiptanui (Kenya) 2:09:59
8. Felix Keny (Kenya) 2:10:22
9. Masakazu Fujiwara (Japan) 2:11:31
10. Suehiro Ishikawa (Japan) 2:11:46

Women

1. Aberu Kebede (Ethiopia) 2:20:30
2. Tirfi Tsegaye (Ethiopia) 2:21:19
3. Olena Shurhno (Ukraine) 2:23:32
4. Filomena Chepchirchir (Kenya) 2:24:56
5. Fate Tola (Ethiopia) 2:25:14
6. Alevtina Biktimirova (Russia) 2:28:45
7. Caroline Chepkwony (Kenya) 2:30:34
8. Anna Hahner (Germany) 2:30:37
9. Sonia Samuels (Britain) 2:30:56
10. Degefa Biruktayit (Ethiopia) 2:33:27

Grenade attack at a Church, Juja Road

News Just In: A hand grenade was hurled by unknown assailant at a church along Juja Road, shortly before 10 am.

The explosion, which took place at St. Polycarp ACK Church (Mlango Kubwa), has left 7 children injured with one in critical condition.

Police are at the scene and casualties have been rushed to the nearest hospitals.
We will keep you posted on this developing story..

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According to Starehe OCPD Samuel Anampiu, the explosive may have been planted or thrown at the building, where the children were attending a Sunday School Service.

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One child confirmed dead and 3 in serious condition.
Our Heartfelt Condolence to the Family.

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Police have arrested 3 suspects.
Some of the children undergoing treatment at the Guru Nanak Hospital may soon be discharged.

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Kenya dominates DEMO Africa 40 Finalists

Among the 40 demonstrators to launch at the first-ever DEMO Africa Conference, Kenya has 14 demonstrators closely followed by South Africa who managed to have 11.

The tech launch pad received 500 applications from 16 countries before short-listing 40 finalists this week. They cover 5 categories that include Social Media, Cloud Services, Mobile, Consumer and Enterprise Technologies.

The 40 finalists are headed for Nairobi to launch at an event to be held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) from 24^th to 26^th October. The event will attract Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, investment fund managers, tech buyers, entrepreneurs, innovation supporters & the media.

Here are the Kenyan Finalists:

‘eLimu’ by Nivi Mukherjee

eLimu is an award-winning interactive, engaging and fun application for children in the Kenyan Primary School education system to learn and revise for their exams. We incorporate animations, videos, songs, music, games, and quizzes into the content from a leading local textbook publisher.

Kenyan Concept among CrowdSourced Journalism Award winners

A Kenyan project was named among three concepts as winners of the first Crowdsourced Journalism Award for Africa by the Big Picture Digital Journalism project, an initiative of Internews Europe and International Press Institute.

‘This is My Backyard’ submitted by Anjali Nayar, an award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Nairobi, was among the inaugural winners.

Representing Kenya, the project seeks to use crowdsourced journalism to gather and disseminate information on the subject of land and resources in Africa.

The other two winners were Tanzania’s ‘Tanzglo’, which was submitted by Byekwaso Cosmas, the founder of Tanzglo and Business Manager at Ebony Fm and Zimbabwe’s ‘CCDN’ submitted by Eddington Mutakiwa Shayanowako, Coordinator at Chitungwiza Community Development Network.

The two projects use crowdsourced journalism to give ordinary citizens control over news agendas as well as raising awareness on issues important to their audience.

The awards received 67 crowdsourced journalism concept proposals submitted from 13 countries across Africa.

Here are the other Kenyan-based journalism concepts that were shortlisted in the top 10 concepts:

‘Disaster Reporting’
Submitted by: Robert Mureithi, a Blogger and Facilitator
Summary:  goal is to use crowdsourcing tools as aids to accurate reporting.

‘Eseriani’
Submitted by: IBRAHIM PARANAE KANTET, Chairman ESERIANI
Summary: Aims to use crowdsourced journalism to increase collaboration and reduce tensions.

“The public have insatiable curiosity to know everything. Except what is worth knowing. Journalism conscious of this, and having tradesman-like habits, supplies their demands.” – Oscar Wilde.

Image Credit: smamedia.wordpress.com 

Airtel Impala Floodlights 2012 Draw Released

The draw for the 31^st edition of the Impala Rugby Floodlit tournament is out. The draw for the tournament, which will take place on 6^th, 13^th and 20^th October at the Impala grounds, was released on Friday evening at the Impala Club with 8 teams being drawn from the final top 8 finishers in the 2012 Kenya Cup.

Read also: Impala Rugby Floodlit 2012 launched 

Clubs that have been drawn include Kenya Harlequins, Impala, Nakuru, KCB, Strathmore University, Mean Machine, Mwamba RFC, and Nondies.

Saturday, 6^th matches

Mean Machine vs. Strathmore (1500)

Nondies vs. KCB (1630)

Nakuru vs. Mwamba RFC (1800)

Quins vs. Impala (1930)

In the University Category, Kenya Polytechnic, Strathmore 2, Machine 2, Blak Blad, KEMU, USIU, Multimedia, and JKUAT will be in action.

Saturday, 6^th matches

Kenya Polythechnic vs. Multimedia

Strathmore vs. Blak Blad

JKUAT vs. Machine 2

KEMU vs. USIU

For the Secondary Schools, applications are expected to be made before Monday due to the recent teacher’s strike.  

Entry Charges: Sh200 (6^th and 13^th October) and Sh100 (for students in uniform)

                        Sh300 (20^th October [Finals]) and Sh100 (for students in uniform) 

Remembering the Late Prof. Wangari Maathai

The world this week is remembering Africa’s first woman Nobel Laureate with much celebration and adoration for her contribution to the environment and peace.

In memory of Prof. Maathai who passed on 25^th September 2011, the inaugural Wangari Maathai Award ceremony was held on Thursday at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The award launched by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), presented the award to Narayan Kaji Shrestha from Nepal.

Homeboyz One Night Stand Draw Released

The Draw for the 3^rd edition of the annual Homeboyz 10-A-side rugby tournament, better known as the Homeboyz One Night Stand is out. The draw of the tourney, which will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 29 September, was released on Thursday.  

12 teams are pooled in four groups each with 3 sides each.

Here is the Draw:

Pool ‘A’

Avengers (mainly consists Mwamba RFC players), Masaku and Impala

Pool ‘B’

Homeboyz, Thika and Eastlandoz
Pool ‘C’

Machine, Stormers and Multimedia
Pool ‘D’

USIU, Daystar, and KCB

Mwamba RFC who are the defending champions are seeking to win the title, which comes with a cash prize of Sh150,000 after failing to impress in the national sevens circuit.

Gates open at 9.00am with tickets going for Sh300 (men) and Sh200 (women) at the gate. 

Kenya to play South Africa in October

Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play a friendly match against South Africa’s national team Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, 16 October at the Nyayo National Satdium. The match which is already listed by FIFA was confirmed on Thursday by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

According to organizers, the big clash will be played in the evening under floodlights to ensure more Kenyan fans get the opportunity to watch the match, since Tuesday is a weekday.

This will be a big test for the new head coach Henri Michel who was caused controversy after saying that the regional tournament, CECAFA wasn’t top of his priority and he was focused on the upcoming 2013 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana will play Poland in another international friendly slated for 10^th October in the Polish Capital, Warsaw. The team will then leave Warsaw on October 13^th for Nairobi to prepare for the match.   

Image Credit: coloseum.wordpress.com

An App that tracks Mpesa dealings unveiled

App Screenshot

“I decided to develop the app after I realized that I was using Mpesa for a lot of my business and daily transactions, and I needed good records that were readily available.” – Zebumob app developer

You can now track all your Mpesa transactions, thanks to an innovative mobile application developed by Muthuu Kagio.

The recently launched app, Zebumob for Android phones easily identifies Mpesa messages (messages on money received, sent, loaded, withdrawn, bills paid, and airtime purchased) on user’s phone and categorizes them to find out how much one spends per month, week or day.  

JinkoSolar to develop Kenya’s Largest Solar Power Plant

JinkoSolar to develop Kenya’s Largest Solar Power Plant

Leading solar power product manufacturer, JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd, on Wednesday announced it would supply modules for a 50-megawatt solar power project in Kenya.

The Chinese Company has signed a cooperative agreement with China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic & Technical Co. Ltd (CJIC) to ensure realization of Kenya’s largest solar power project.

The plant, which will be located in Garissa County, is expected to occupy 81 hectares and produce 76,473 megawatts hours per year.

Impala Rugby Floodlit 2012 launched

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has unveiled the 31^st edition of the Impala Rugby Floodlit tournament that will run for a duration of three weekends on October 6^th, 13^th , and 20^th at the Impala Club grounds along Ngong Road.

Expected at the annual rugby tourney are 8 local clubs, 8 university teams and 8 secondary schools, which will compete for the top prize of Sh200,000.

Mobile Operator Airtel, who are the title sponsors of this year’s event presented a 4 million-shilling boost that will go into the logistics including installation of new floodlights and security within the venue.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Mwangi Muthee lauded corporate organizations, which have taken the opportunity to promote rugby events in the country through sponsorships.

The draw for the most successful local rugby tournament will be released on Friday.

Kass International Marathon 2012 slated for November

The sixth edition of the annual Kass International Marathon was unveiled on Wednesday in Nairobi. The marathon will be held on Sunday, 18^th November in Eldoret with the course starting in Kapsabet and ending at Eldoret Town. 

According to the organizers, Kass Club, the event will be bigger than the previous ones with more local and international elite athletes expected as well as the winners of the marathon walking away with Sh1.5 million in both the men and women divisions.

Speaking during the launch, Kass Media Group CEO Julius Lamaon said, “Our objective is to do a race of international standards with all the necessary requirements met. The race gives locals a taste of what happens in other international marathons. The numbers of foreign runners has increased tremendously and some are even inquiring when the race registration will be opened.”

In attendance were newly appointed Minister for Sports Ababu Namwamba and Athletics Kenya Chairman Isaiah Kiplangat who lauded the event’s move of tapping talent and promoting peace in the country.

This year’s title sponsor is Transnational Bank with Kass Media Group, Jamii Telecom, Amaco Insurance, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Bank of Kenya, Toyota Kenya, and Safaricom among the other sponsors.

One will have to pay a fee of Sh200 to register for the event, which will receive live coverage from KTN and Kass TV.

Marketing platform, Everlytic Kenya unveiled

Johannesburg-based Email & SMS Marketing software provider, Everlytic, has launched in Kenya, the heartland of Africa's technology innovation. As part of its expansion into emerging markets, the company recently unveiled its Kenyan website www.everlytic.co.ke.

Speaking during the launch, Walter Penfold, Managing Director at Prefix Technologies said, “We believe strongly in the potential of emerging markets. Kenya is Africa's innovation and technology hub and a great starting point for us to roll out our technology across Africa.”

Read the Original Article @bizcommunity.com:  Everlytic launches in Kenya, gets set to raise the bar 

Platform Profile

Everlytic is a product of Prefix Technologies. The software incorporates email marketing, social sharing, Rich Analytics, and powerful API integration for popular CMS providers such as WordPress, Drupal among others. Founded in 2004, Prefix has grown to become a leading provider of digital messaging solutions in South Africa.

Everlytic was launched in 2010 as a general email marketing delivery platform, which is 100% coded by a team of software engineers from South Africa.

Akon to Perform in Kenya next month

Senegalese-American R&B and Hip-hop recording artiste Akon will perform at the Carnivore grounds, Nairobi in October; this is according to his official Facebook page.

Though the organization of the event remains vague, the event labeled Nairobi, Kenya Show says that the event is slated for Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Carnivore grounds.

He also later tweeted on Tuesday:

The Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer was last in Kenya in 2009 for the second MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) where he performed alongside Wycliffe Jean at the Kasarani Sports Complex.

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The Carnivore Restaurant has released a video on YouTube confirming Akon will perform in a concert set for Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28.
Here is the video

Varsity Social Media Clubs to be launched

SocialPro Clubs is expected to bring together Twitter Power users, speakers, Venture Capitalists, lecturers, bloggers, industry experts, digital marketing agencies, as well as organizations that have immensely contributed to the growth of social media in Kenya.

Social Clubs that are meant to ease content sharing and networking amongst Kenyan varsity students and faculty in large by harnessing the power of social media are expected to be launched in October.

Dubbed SocialPro Clubs, is an initiative of Social Edge Africa and will be launched on 11^th October at the University of Nairobi, School of Business (Lower Kabete).  

“SocialPro Clubs will bridge the Information gap currently experienced in Universities by providing a platform (both online and offline) for exchange of ideas and to share opportunities among university students thus boost collaboration,” explained Muthuri Kinyamu, the founder of Social Edge Africa.

“The core objective of these clubs is to teach, educate students, create awareness, and impart knowledge and skills on social media,” the 24-year-old added.

The pilot phase will be in 4 universities namely; Strathmore University, Multimedia University, Kenyatta University and USIU in October and November.   

Social Edge Africa has partnered with the Ministry of Information and Technology, Nairobi Hub, Kuza Biashara and University of Nairobi to ensure the success of its initial phase.

Adapted from Capital Campus 

More on Muthuri Kinyamu and SocialPro Clubs go to Kenyan Marketer 

Inaugural Mt. Kenya Sevens slated for this weekend

Only two months have passed after the first rugby tournament was held in Eastern Province, the Masaku Sevens, now another first of its kind tournament will be held in the Mount Kenya region, this weekend.

Dubbed Mt. Kenya Sevens, the tourney will be held at the Dedan’s Park, Kimathi Univeristy in Nyeri County from Saturday 29^th to 30^th September.    

Kenya Women Sevens squad named

The Kenya women 7s squad (better known as the Kenyan Lioness) that will compete for a slot at the 2013 Rugby Women Cup Sevens this weekend in Rabat, Morocco has been named.

Here is the Kenyan Lioness Squad:

Doreen Remour (Captain), Mary Otieno, Linda Nandwa, Mary Musieka, Irene Otieno, Rachel Odhiambo, Catherine Abila, Philadelphia Olando, Stacy Awuor, Janet Owuor, Linda Nandwa, Angela Olum, and Celestine Masinde.

The Non-travelling Squad: Camyline Awour, Robina Wambui, and Adelaide Nasambu.

The Team will be accompanied by Kevin Wambua (coach), Enos Otieno (assistant coach), Doris Mwanzia (team manager), and Ben Mahinda (physiotherapist).

The team will be playing without the late inspirational captain Aberdeen Shikoyi who passed away in April.

RIP Shikoyi 

“To the young people I say, you are a gift to your communities and indeed the world. You are our hope and our future.” – Wangari Maathai's Nobel Lecture, delivered in Oslo, in 2004.

Nairobi Half Life Nominated for Oscar Academy Awards

A scene from Nairobi Half Life

Kenyan new crime drama, Nairobi Half Life has been nominated for the 85^th Academy for Motion Pictures Arts and Science (AMPAS), better known as The Oscars in the “Best Foreign Language Film” category.   

The film, which becomes the first ever in Kenya to contend for an Oscar Award, received international acclaim back in July when its leading actor Joseph K. Wairimu won the best actor award at the 33^rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival.

‘Nairobi Half Life’ narrates a story of a young aspiring actor [Mwas] who leaves his hometown for Nairobi, the city of opportunity to pursue his dreams. Unfortunately, after setting foot in Nairobi he’s robbed of all his money and belongings and left alone in a city that he doesn’t know anyone. However, he braves the up and downs of life in the city to survive and become successful.      

Here is the Official Nairobi Half Life Trailer

It is directed by David Tosh Gitonga and produced by Sarika Hemi Lakhani, Marie Steinmann, Ginger Wilson, and Tom Tykwer. It stars Olwenya Maina, Nancy Wanjiku Karanja and Mugambi Nthiga.

The official Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, 24^th February 2013 in the famous Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.

Related News on Nairobi Half Life:

Nairobi Half LifePremieres on 30th August  

Joseph Wairimu Named BestActor at DIFF 

Kenya’s iHub among Google For Entrepreneurs partners

Google has partnered with Startup Weekend, Women 2.0 and Kenya’s iHUB among others to launch Google For Entrepreneurs, an umbrella for its various programs that cater to startups and entrepreneurs around the world.  

Google targets partnerships with strong organizations that serve entrepreneurs in local communities, Google-led programs to bring its teams and tools directly to entrepreneurs, and placing relevant Google tools in the hands of startups as they are getting off the ground and ready to scale.

Google justifies the launch with this statistic: there are approximately 400 million entrepreneurs across 54 countries, and 69 million early-stage entrepreneurs offering new products and services.

More on Google For Entrepreneurs visit http://www.google.com/entrepreneurs/initiatives/

Introducing Google For Entrepreneurs YouTube 

Youth Loan Scheme launched by Amiran Kenya and YEDF

Photo Courtesy of hortinews.co.ke

The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) and agro inputs supplier Amiran Kenya Ltd have partnered to launch a loan scheme targeting youth farmers in Kenya.

The loan dubbed AgriVijana Loan Scheme will help youth in organized groups to acquire the AgriVijana Amiran Farmers Kit.    

Speaking at the launch, YEDF chairperson James Gitau Singh said, “The AgriVijana loan will be provided to youth groups across the country to buy a complete Farmers Kit from Amiran Kenya. In the first phase, we have set aside Sh150 million to help purchase 420 kits, two per constituency.”

The loan will be disbursed in batches of Sh358,344 per group. With the Amiran Farmers Kit (AFK) to be purchased comprising of 2 green houses; a drip irrigation system for the 2 green houses; seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals; group training and agro support as well as a CIC insurance package.

To read the Original Article go to: Youth Fund and AmiranKenya launch AgriVijana Loan by Michael Ouma  

WordCamp Kenya 2012 Slated for November

WordCamp Kenya 2012 will be held on November 10th and 11th at Maanzoni Lodge along Mombasa Road.

The 2-day event, which is organized by the world’s most popular blogging and online publishing software, WordPress, comes with a campfire dinner and party set for that Saturday night.

Expected at the informal gathering are WordPress enthusiasts, bloggers, podcasters, developers, and designers as well as marketers and other ICT professionals.

This year’s theme is Responsible Blogging and Positive Social Media Influence and focus will mainly be on the role of social media in communication as well as aspects of blogging, social media, and digital publishing.

The 2012 event is expected to be bigger and better after the success of the inaugural WordCamp Kenya, which was held last year in Fisherman’s Camp, Naivasha with 215 people attending.

Uganda and Tanzania will be streaming the event live with a sitting audience of 100 people expected in Uganda’s Outbox Hub and 80 more in Tanzania’s Kinu Innovation Hub.  

Sponsors for the event include Orange Kenya (Title Sponsor), CODE Poet, Kenya ICT Board, ICT Consultants, Niaje, ThemeFuse, and Whive.com.   

“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” – Abraham Lincoln

                                                                

KEMUs Library Named Library of The Year

Image source: Viel Library

The library of the Kenya Methodist University bagged the prestigious Library of the Year title at the third edition of Maktaba Award held on Friday, 21^st September at the Louis Leakey Auditorium of the National Museums of Kenya.

The award, which are organized by the Goethe-Institut Kenya, the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, and the Kenya Library Association, seeks to recognize excellence in the provision of library and information services in the country.

KEMU was chosen for having fully integrated modern information and communication technology in the provision of information services to its clientele as well as recording the highest usage of e-journals among the academic libraries in Kenya for the past 2 years. It received a cash reward of Sh250,000, books, a trophy and a certificate.    

Established in 2010, the inaugural award was won by the library of the United States International University.

This year’s awards received 75 submissions.  

Below is the complete list of winners of Maktaba Award 2012:

Overall winner – Kenya Methodist University Library

School Category – Aga Khan Academy Mombasa Library

Academic Category – Kenya Methodist University Library

Community Category – Coastal Resource Centre Mombasa

Special Library Category – National Museums of Kenya Main Library

Public Category – KNLS Buru Buru Library

Creatives in Business Forum Slated for 26th September

The second edition of Creatives in Business Forum will take place on Wednesday, 26^th September at the Michael Joseph Centre, Safaricom Headquarters.   

Time: 8am–5pm

Entry Charges: Sh1000   

Hosted by the Creative Community Network, the forum returns after the success of the inaugural one held in July this year. The forum gives participants the opportunity to network and maximize their business potential.

Topics to be covered include:

J        E-Commerce

J        Intellectual Property

J        Raising Finance

About Creatives in Business Forum

The Creatives in Business Forum is an exciting open discussion between creative entrepreneurs and panelists comprising of entrepreneurs and leaders from both the private and public sectors. These open forums are an excellent learning platform for the entrepreneurs in various aspects of business and the business environment. The creative entrepreneurs are  emerging as a strategic priority in job creation and economic growth and  therefore the need to grow the talents to sustainable growth oriented  enterprises.

Here are the event’s panelists:

Bernard Neto – Film Producer, Director, and Writer. Director Tafsiri Entertainment Group.

Marisella Ouma – Executive Director Kenya Copyright Board.

Alvin Okari – IT Expert, Senior Manger M-Pesa.

Patricia Jumi – Managing Director, GrowthAfrica.

Dr. Isaac M. Rutenberg – Director of the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) at Strathmore Law School

Julius Owino aka Juliani – Award-winning Gospel Rapper.

Peter Maigua – Africa Director and Group CEO of Value Based Consulting Ltd (VBC).

Mark Mwongela –Managing Director Verviant Consulting Services and Pesapal

Rishi Khubchandani – General Manager, GroFin Kenya

Dr. Henry Mutai – Managing Director, Kenya Institute of Property Institute (KIPI)

Komon and Kibet win Dam tot Damloop 2012

Leonard Komon crosses the finish line
Photo Courtesy of damloop.nl

Kenya’s Leonard Komon and Sylvia Kibet emerged the winners of the 28^th edition of Dam tot Damloop held in Netherlands’ Capital of Amsterdam to Zaandam, Sunday.  

24-year-old Komon crossed the finish line in 44.48 to defend the title, 20 seconds short of Haile Gebrselassie's world best time. He was followed by compatriot Daniel Chebii (45.02) and Ethiopia’s Abera Kuma (45.28) who took second and third place respectively.

In the women division, compatriot Sylvia Kibet made her debut in the Dam tot Damloop memorable winning in 51.42. At the homestretch, she outpaced her fierce rival Bezunesh Bekele from Ethiopia to finish 3 seconds ahead of her.

Bekele came in second in 51.45 while Kenya’s Esther Chemtai settled for third place clocking 52.45.

Top 5 Men

1)      Leonard Komon, Kenya, 44.48

2)      Daniel Chebii, Kenya, 45.02

3)      Abera Kuma, Ethiopia, 45.28

4)      Hillary Kipchumba, Kenya, 45.37

5)      Timothy Kiptoo, Kenya, 46.10

Top 5 Women

1)      Sylvia Kibet, Kenya, 51.42

2)      Bezunesh Bekele, Ethiopia, 51.45

3)      Esther Chemtai, Kenya, 51.54

4)      Hilda Kibet, Netherlands, 52.45

5)      Josephine Chepkoech, Kenya, 53.17

South Africa EPD wins Safari Sevens

South Africa Sevens Elite Player Development (EPD) squad beat Kenya Morans 21-17 to lift the 2012 Safaricom Safari Sevens title in a thrilling main cup final played at the Nyayo National Stadium, Sunday evening.  

Morans, inspired by arguably the man of the match Dennis Ombachi were on the way to claim the prestigious Robin Cahill trophy until a late try by SAs Justin Geduld denied the gallant side the top honors.

Earlier in the day, South Africa 7s EPD beat Kenya Shujaa 29-7. Shujaa, captained by Collins Injera came back strong to beat Spain 21-7 and finish in third place.

Kenya Morans beat Spain 17-0 in the semifinals to reach the main cup final in a front of cheering home fans.

In the Bowl Finals, Western Province from South Africa emerged the winners beating Kenya Chairman Select 10-26.
In the Shield Finals, Kenya University Select lost to Zambia 21-15.
In the Plate Finals, Samurai (New Zealand) beat Grenoble (France) 40-14 to claim the Plate title.

Vietsmile Travel eases Switzerland Visa Application for Kenyans

PRWEB Press Release

Kenyan Citizens Now Can Easily Get a Switzerland Visa with the Support of

Vietsmile Travel

(PRWEB) September 22, 2012 -- As more and more people have demands to travel abroad for different

purposes such as business, study or travel… Vietsmile Travel has launched many websites providing visa – related information of nearly 100 countries around the world including the Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi, Kenya. This is part of Vietsmile Travel’s strategy to reach further in the international market, which is tough and challenging. To better serve the customers’ demand, the company has constantly improved its service quality and provided reliable information on a visa, which is approved by the authorities.

In fact, the websites of Vietsmile Travel have been introduced at the right time to cater for the customers’ urgent need of a visa. So far, Vietsmile Travel has received many good responses and comments of both international and domestic customers for the sake of company’s development and customers’ benefits.

In general, the website of the Switzerland Embassy in Nairobi supplies information relating to travel.

Customers are directed to apply for a visa online by filling in the application form. Besides, those who want to obtain visas through the Switzerland embassy can get full information on the web.

The very first impression of customers is the wise and subtle interface with scientific arrangements of

Subsections. As a result, they can easily find specific information without straining their eyes. Importantly, they will find exact information on address, phone number, email and fax, and office hours of Switzerland Embassy. Besides, customers are offered such informative details as requirements for visa application, cost, the required time valid of visa and processing time, as they can save time and money with their careful preparation before getting a visa. If customers have difficulty in finding way to the Consulate, the map attached below the webpage will be of great help. In addition, customers will be satisfied with the offering of links of Switzerland consulate or Embassy in different cities worldwide as well as consulates in Kenya such as Spain Consulate as they can find their needed visa information on these WebPages.

The Star Unveils Citizen-Reporting App

A screenshot of the Star Reports 

Kenya’s fastest growing national newspaper, The Star has launched the first Citizen Journalism mobile application in Kenya, similar to CNN’s iReport.    

The new android-based app dubbed ‘Star Reports’ will allow Smartphone users capture news through pictures, videos, and audio-recordings before transmitting them to the mainstream media.

Dickens Olewe, Star Reports Project Leader explained, “Star Reports is our answer to the question of whether collaboration between traditional media and citizens is possible. In a three step process the user can sign up, create, and share their story.”

About The App

Star Reports is a project that was initiated last year with a grant from the World Association of Newspapers through the Mobile News in Africa Project to implement a citizen journalism mobile application project.

The App Description

Star Reports is an open platform that allows citizens to report/create and share news and events in real time from their mobile devices.

Star Reports enables citizens take pictures and type short stories on their mobile devices. Stories will be transmitted from the mobile devices to a centralized content management system for processing by journalists and editors and dissemination to other citizens.

The newspaper has also disclosed that the app will be available in other platforms such as IOS and Symbian in the subsequent release of other versions.

The Android app can be downloaded free from Google Play Store.

“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” – Anne Frank

Kenya’s Travel and Tourism Industry Honored at WTA

Diamonds Dream of Africa Resort in Malindi, Kenya 

photo courtesy of dreamofafrica.diamonds-resorts.com

Kenya at the Oscars of the Travel Industry

Leading players in the Kenyan travel and tourism industry were feted at the 19^th edition of the World Travel Awards held earlier this week.

Among the top winners included Magical Kenya and Diamonds Dream of Africa Resort who walked away with Africa’s Leading Tourist Board and Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel award respectively.

This year’s award list was dominated by South Africa and Morocco who scooped most of the awards in the over 50 categories.      

The African awardees who were voted for by travel agents worldwide will progress to the WTA’s Grand Final to face winners from other regions in New Delhi, India on 12 December 2012.  

Established in 1993, WTA objective is to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence in the tourism industry. The annual programme has grown in leaps and bounds to become the most coveted and comprehensive in the travel and tourism industry.

Other award winners from Kenya included:

Kenya’s Leading Hotel – The Sarova Stanley

Kenya’s Leading Resort – Leopard Beach Resort

Kenya’ s Leading Beach Resort – Swahili Beach

Kenya’s Leading Business Hotel – The Sarova Stanley

Kenya’s Leading Tented Safari Camp – Encounter Mara Camp

Kenya’s Leading Safari Lodge – Finch Hattons

Kenya’s Leading Golf Resort – The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort  

Kenya’s Leading Travel Management Company – Carlson Wagonlit Travel

To see the full list of winners go to  http://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2012-3   

Justice Koome, Maraga and Rawal found suitable

  

Vetting of Judges and Magistrates board led by Chairman Sharad Rao delivered their verdict on three Court of Appeal judges Martha Koome, David Maraga and Kalpana Rawal, Wednesday morning at Anniversary Towers.  

The board determined that Lady Justice Martha Koome, Justice David Maraga and Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal are suitable to continue serving in the judiciary.

The verdict on the three was delayed for over a month to allow them complete the next general election date case.

The board also determined that Justice Mohammed Ibrahim of the Supreme Court would continue to serve in the judiciary, while Appellate judge Roselyn Nambuye would be re-interviewed.  

The board upheld decision that Justice Jeanne Gacheche was unsuitable to continue serving in the judiciary while it found High Court judge Joyce Khaminwa also unfit.

Justice Martha Koome was the first to undergo the public vetting exercise after her request. Her main obstacle was a complaint made by Royal Media Services Chairman SK Macharia over the way she handled a land dispute involving his wife.  

Koome was appointed judge in 2003 after 15 successive years of private practice where she was a notable defender for human rights.

The judges who had earlier faced the axe include appellate judges Omollo Riaga, Samuel Bosire, Joseph Nyamu, Roselyn Nambuye, Jeanne Wanjiku Gacheche, Emmanuel O’Kubasu and Mohammed Ibrahim of the Supreme Court.

The vetting is among the various measures undertaken by the Judiciary to ensure public confidence in the body.

EAC launches Connect, Vuka Border

The East African Community Students Union (EASCU) has joined the Ministry of East Africa Community to unveil an Inter-University Social media challenge that will see 13 Kenyan Universities participate.

The competition dubbed Connect, Vuka Border was launched at the Multimedia University College of Kenya and is based on social and digital media with specific interest in Facebook and Twitter platform.

The winners of the competition will receive a fully paid tour round the 5 partner states of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda) as well as visiting their major universities.

Here are the 13 participating universities:

University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Daystar University, African Nazarene, Kenya Methodist University, Kenya Polytechnic University College, Multi Media University College of Kenya, Egerton University, Maseno University, Catholic University of East Africa, KCA, Moi University, United States International University (USIU), and Strathmore.

For more information about the Campaign follow on twitter @cvukaborder or Facebook Page Connect Vuka Border   

Michael Friday names Moran and Shujaa Squad

The Kenya Sevens team coach, Michael Friday on Thursday named the two Kenyan squads that will participate in the 2012 Safaricom Safari Sevens slated for tomorrow at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The two teams Morans and Shujaa are in Pool B and Pool A respectively while compatriots Chairman’s and Universities Select are drawn in C and D.

KU Students win NSE Investment Challenge 2012

The team of Michael and Joseph from Kenyatta University were announced the overall winners of the year’s Nairobi Securities Exchange Investment Challenge at an award ceremony graced by Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Kabando wa Kabando on Wednesday.

The competition, which ran from June to August, gave participants Sh2 million in virtual investment capital and real time market information with which to make trades. The winners were then selected by a panel based on the value of their portfolio at the end of the challenge, level of research, and participation in the provided discussion forums.  

Speaking at the award ceremony, Director of the NSE, Jonathan Ciano said; “The NSE Investment Challenge is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. We believe that it is our duty as a financial institution to help create a more knowledgeable society by increasing both access and understanding of securities markets information.”

Other top contenders included Kelvin Kiplagat, a law student at Moi University, who posted the highest profit of Sh1 million to hold a portfolio of Sh3 million when the competition came to a close. Lack of enough research and participation in discussion forums were the biggest undoing for Kiplagat who many thought would win the coveted award.  

The overall winners pocketed Sh200,000 in cash to be invested at the Bourse, while the runners-up and second runners-up walked away with Sh75,000 and Sh25,000 respectively.  

This year’s award attracted 5,621 participants from 172 institutions some coming from as far the United States and Europe.

NSE Investment Challenge is an initiative of the NSE and Smart Youth Investment Ltd with NIC Securities and Centum Limited serving as its main sponsors.

For more on the NSE Investment Challenge and how to participate visit http://www.nse.co.ke/public-education/nse-investment-challenge.html

RIP Music Maestro Arthur Mudogo Kemoli

Jeff Koinange  hosts Dr. Kemoli (left) on the Bench

Remembering Musical Kemoli

Dr Arthur Mudogo Kemoli died on Sunday after a long battle with diabetes and renal disease. Many will remember Dr. Kemoli for his mastery in composing choral music with pieces such as ‘Fimbo ya Nyayo’ remaining golden. 

Safaricom Safari Sevens Draw Released

The draw for the 17^th edition of the Safaricom Safari Sevens was released on Wednesday where 16 elite teams are banded into 4 pools of 4 teams each.

Here is the draw:

Pool ‘A’

·         Samurai (New Zealand)

·         Shujaa (Kenya)

·         Western Province (South Africa)

·         Uganda Kobs

Pool ‘B’

·         Kenya

·         Grenobe (France)

·         Cranes (Uganda)

·         Rwanda

Pool ‘C’

·         Spain

·         Bristol Barracudas (England)

·         Hamilton Raiders (South Africa)

·         Chairman’s Select (Kenya)

Pool ‘D’

·         Portugal

·         South Africa’s Sevens Elite Player Development Squad (formerly Emerging Boks)  

·         Zambia

·         Universities Select (Kenya)

The tournament will kick off on Thursday at RFUEA and Impala grounds with Mtaa Seniors and Age Grade set to grace the opening ceremony.

The Age Grade tournament features Girls U-19 as well as the Boys U-14 and U-12, while the Mtaa Seniors features sides from Nairobi’s 8 constituencies namely Makadara, Westlands, Langata, Kasarani, Dagoretti, Starehe, Kamakunji and Embakasi.           

Kenya Harlequins omitted from 2012 Safari Sevens  

Kenya Harlequins will not participate in this year’s Safari Sevens as expected; their slot was taken by debutant Universities Select. Quins are blaming the Kenya Rugby Union for their omission from the event.  

The rugby fraternity widely expected Quins to participate in the Safari Sevens after winning the 2012 National Sevens Circuit.