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TVS Motor Company Sets Sights on Africa’s Diverse Markets Under New Boss

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TVS Motor Company is placing emphasis on understanding local markets as Pradeep Chaurasiya takes over as Business Head of Africa for its International Business division, overseeing the company’s journey across more than 50 countries. Chaurasiya, who has spent eight years with the company in Africa, said the continent’s diversity requires businesses to adapt their strategies to different cultures, customer expectations and ways of doing business. “Africa is not one market. It is many, each with its own people, culture, and way of doing business,” he said. His appointment reflects a career progression that began with responsibility for one African country before expanding to a continent-wide leadership role. In his remarks announcing the development on October 14, 2026, Chaurasiya highlighted the lessons he had learnt while working across different markets, describing learning, curiosity and experimentation as important principles in business growth. He said understanding cus...

Octagon Pension Fund Surpasses Market Average as Assets Reach KSh3.2 Billion

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The Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme has grown its fund value to KSh3.2 billion after its aggressive investment portfolio delivered a 19.1 per cent return in 2025, outperforming the umbrella fund market average of 12.37 per cent. The scheme's performance highlights the growing role of umbrella retirement arrangements in Kenya as employers seek cost-effective ways to manage staff pension benefits while providing workers with investment options. According to Octagon Africa, the scheme's Balanced Fund returned 14.8 per cent, while its Conservative Fund recorded an 11.6 per cent return, with all three investment options posting positive results during the year. “The growth of the Octagon Umbrella reflects the increasing importance of professionally managed retirement arrangements that give employers efficiency while providing members with investment choice and access to their retirement information,” said Michael Komen, Head of Retail at Octagon Africa. The s...

OMAR ADEN DECLARES BID FOR KAMUKUNJI MP SEAT, PROMISES PEOPLE-CENTRED LEADERSHIP

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NAIROBI, Kenya – September 2026 — Community leader and businessman Hon. Omar Aden has announced his intention to contest the Kamukunji Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Addressing supporters in Kamukunji, Aden said his political agenda would centre on unity, accountable leadership, economic empowerment and improved service delivery, with a particular focus on what he described as the everyday needs and aspirations of residents. Kenya’s 2027 General Election is scheduled for 10 August 2027, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Aden said his campaign would seek to offer what he termed a new approach to representation, arguing that residents should assess leaders on their record of service and engagement with the community rather than political party affiliation alone. «“The people of Kamukunji are tired. They are tired of empty promises and they want real change. Our c...

Upesi Targets KSh1 Billion in Outbound Transfers With Zero Fee Campaign

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Upesi Money Transfer is targeting more than KSh1 billion in outbound transactions through a four-month zero-fee campaign covering eight international payment corridors. The Kenyan outbound money transfer service said the campaign, which began on September 1 and runs until the end of December 2026, is expected to generate an average of about KSh276 million in transactions each month. China is projected to account for the largest share, with Upesi expecting transactions worth approximately KSh150 million monthly on the corridor, driven largely by Kenyan businesses sourcing goods and services from the Asian market. The campaign covers transfers from Kenya to China, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria. “Cross-border payments are becoming increasingly important for businesses and individuals as trade and other economic links between Kenya and international markets grow. We want to make these transfers more accessible and a...

Karura Race Brings Together Over 1,000 Runners Ahead of Nairobi Marathon

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More than 1,000 runners gathered at Karura Forest on Sunday for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, adding momentum to preparations for the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The event featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races, attracting runners, families and members of the community for a day centred on athletics, fitness and environmental conservation. Participants later joined a family-friendly celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens. The Karura race is part of a series of preparatory events supported by Standard Chartered ahead of the Nairobi Marathon, which is scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Joyce Kibe said the warm-up events are designed to give runners an opportunity to assess their preparation ahead of the main race. “The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, gi...

WildlifeDirect Demands Urgent Pesticide Reforms After 15 Elephant Deaths in Amboseli

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Wildlife conservation organisation WildlifeDirect has called for an independent investigation and 11 reforms to Kenya's pesticide regulation following the deaths of at least 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, warning that the incident exposes a wider public health and environmental crisis. In a statement, WildlifeDirect Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paula Kahumbu said the deaths should not be viewed as an isolated wildlife tragedy but as evidence of serious weaknesses in Kenya's pesticide governance, regulatory oversight and enforcement systems. She warned that if toxic chemicals used in farming are capable of contaminating crops consumed by elephants, there are growing concerns over the potential risks to farmers, farm workers, neighbouring communities, livestock and consumers. According to preliminary investigations by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the elephant deaths have been linked to cyanide contamination associated with pesticides used on tomato farms ...

From Government Spokesman to State House: Mwaura Bows Out After Transforming Public Communication

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Outgoing Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has formally bid farewell to the Office of the Government Spokesperson, closing a nearly three-year tenure that saw the institution undergo significant expansion and modernization under the Kenya Kwanza administration. During an emotional six-hour farewell meeting at Harambee House Annex, Mwaura met with the 80-member team he led over the last 33 months and 17 days, reflecting on the office's transformation from a modest communication unit into a fully-fledged government communication institution. The meeting brought together staff from all six departments to review the office's achievements since Mwaura took over on October 5, 2023, as the fifth Government Spokesperson. Officials highlighted key milestones, including the introduction of 33 communication products designed to improve access to government information through television, radio, print and digital platforms. Among the initiatives launched duri...