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The Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP) has castigated President William Ruto for threatening Kenyans seeking justice for his unconstitutional autocratic policies and actions. In a statement, LDP noted that the threat by Ruto that he will use the Sword to silence his critics and that he will not respect Court Orders is very serious and alarming. The Sword and the Constitution were given to Ruto as a symbol of power and governance as the 5th President of Kenya when he was sworn-in but not to be used to slaughter Kenyans opposed to his bad and crazy leadership style. The threat by Ruto is treasonable and is an act of betrayal to the constitution of Kenyan which he took an oath to protect. The people of Kenya, Human Rights crusaders, the Media, and Civil Society organisations locally and internationally should not take Ruto's threats for granted. According to LDP, a dictator or a murderer is judged by the way he/she talks, his/her past and the way he/ she conducts himself or h

(Barclays Bank of Kenya LTD Pensioners Association (BBKPA) addressing the media in Nairobi) Over the last decade former workers of Barclays Bank of Kenya-now ABSA Bank of Kenya, have lost half the value of their purchasing power due to inflation, poor management of their savings and unfair treatment of pensioners across different markets. The pensioners say consultants Joanna Combrink and Colin Southey have told Absa Bank Kenya the purchasing power of the Absa Staff Pension Fund beneficiaries had decreased substantially (around 50 per cent over the last 13 years). The former staffers of Absa Bank say their decades-long savings have not been earning them a decent enough return to beat years of inflation which has made it difficult to cope with the high cost of living. The lender claims the market has not been generating higher returns during the good years, and worse still, has signalled even lower returns this year blaming it on the economic slowdown. As Pensioners we hold

  Former head of the Electoral Commission in the Democratic Republic of Congo Corneille Nangaa on Friday 15th launched a call for unity of all political, social and military forces of DRC ahead of the much-awaited December 20th general election. Flagged by other opposition leaders Nangaa called on Political parties, Civil Society Platforms, Resistance forces and coself-defence-defense forces, ⁠Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Community and Diaspora leaders. The new movement will be known as “ALLIANCE FLEUVE CONGO” abbreviated AFC (CONGO RIVER ALLIANCE IN ENGLISH) and will establish a structured force for the rebuilding of the state and resolve the root causes of recurring conflicts to ensure lasting peace in the DRC. Speaking at a Nairobi hotel Nangaa noted that the call was Driven by the desire to save the Nation which was in danger, and to restore the dignity of the people of Congo and the State of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Moved by the

By Grace Mwende WAMA International Group opened their third ALDO store in East Africa in 2023 at The Hub Karen Mall in time for the festive season.  The second flagship store is located at Westgate Mall and the first store at the Centre. Founded in 1972, ALDO delivers fashion to a diverse customer base at prices that make keeping up with seasonal styles a luxury within reach.  Every shoe and accessory selection plays a role and the newly opened store has anup-too date collection which is currently in season worldwide. ALDO shoes Pillow Walk technology aims to elevate our customer experience, effortlessly fusing style and comfort.  Crafted with moulded sock foam, it offers targeted padding at the heel and ball of the foot, ensuring day-long comfort. The dual-density foam effortlessly absorbs impact, providing a luxurious, comfortable feel right from the start. With a double layer of foam and plush￾padded insoles, the Pillow Walk range guarantees an extra-comforta

By Grace Mwende Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu has gifted Amos Rono, the man from Bomet who got dumped on his wedding day a free vacation to Mombasa. Rono's story came to the limelight when his fiance cancelled their wedding at the last minute leaving the groom stranded. Kenyans on social media were sympathetic to him and urged Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu to help him relieve the stress. Receiving Rono at his office in Kabu noted that he would have loved to offer them a vacation as a couple but unfortunately, that was not possible. Kabu further advised Kenyans on social media to be careful when commenting on things on social media especially on things they do not understand. Through his social media, Kabu also revealed that he was looking for a therapist to help Rono during this difficult time. As Amos heads for his four-day holiday to Mombasa courtesy of Bonfire adventures he also reveals that he has come to terms with what happened and he is ready to move on w

Civil Society organisations are currently undertaking training in Nairobi on facilitation African Union's peace support operations. The three-day workshop being held in Nairobi is jointly organised by the African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council ( AU ECOSOCC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( COMESA). Africa Peace and Security Architecture (APSA IV) is a joint initiative between the European Union and the African Union. The program aims at promoting peace and security in the continent. According to Mr.William Carew the Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat, the training is important and timely as it provides an opportunity for the CSOs to understand the role and activities of APSA and what it is all about. Mr.Denise Kodhe a former Presiding Officer of AU ECOSOCC and now the Director of the Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa ( IDEA) said that building capacities of CSOs is very critical as that will enable them not only to understand

The government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) is supporting efforts by two international companies to introduce biodegradable products to protect the environment from plastic pollution in Kenya. During a one-day stakeholder's engagement forum in Nairobi, Kaneka and Mitsui & Co. companies in Japan introduced biodegradable products that will help to reduce plastic pollution when planting trees. Addressing the participants Japan Ambassador to Kenya Okaniwa Ken observed that the conversation on biodegradable products is not only timely but also very necessary as careless disposal of plastic waste materials destroys the environment. The high-level consultative meeting brought together stakeholders in the environment industry. It was organised by JICA and two leading Japanese corporates Kaneka and Mitsui & Co. It was also attended by representatives of the National Management Authority ( NEMA), KEFRI, JKUAT, KEBS and The Kenya Association of M

( Mwingi Central MP) By Grace Mwende Mwingi Central Member Parliament Gideon Mulyugi has asked Kenya Kwanza to put their house in order after the country experienced the third nationwide blackout within three months. Mulyugi noted that the country has never experienced a nationwide blackout in the past two regimes and therefore this was a sign of incompetence on the Kenya Kwanza government "This frequent power outage in this country is a typical sign of corruption and incompetent leadership, because it's not a usual occurrence, neither is it by accident but a design and it's time for David Chirchir to resign", he said  The MP said Kenyans are dissatisfied citizens according to the way the country is being run by this Kenya Kwanza government. Several Kenyans, commenting on various platforms, aired their discontentment questioning why the power outages have become frequent. "The rejection started when some Cabinet secretaries were appointed, he said Hon. Mulyungi c

By Grace Mwende Leading retailer Naivas supermarket is setting up shop in Kakamega for the very first time since its inception.  This is not only a momentous occasion as the retailer enters a new town but because it has started its journey of growing beyond 100. The supermarket chain now boasts of 101 branches and it’s so apt that this journey kicks off in a completely new territory. The new branch, number 101, is located at the newly constructed Cathedral Mall with Naivas being the anchor tenant. The outlet covers 32,000 square feet of trading space on two floors. It has a well-thought-out customer journey, a carefully crafted product catalogue, beautiful interior giving it a modern look and feel that guarantees an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience. This is in line with NaNaiva'sission to offer an affordable world-class shopping experience. “We are super delighted that we are finally making an entry into Kakamega which has certainly been the most requested bra

By Grace Mwende The operational plan for the mutual recognition agreement for engineers is currently ongoing in Nairobi Kenya bringing together engineers from the East Africa Economic bloc to come up with regulations on how to work together and open the bloc. The State Department for Roads which is in charge of matters of engineering in Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment towards the full realization of EAC Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Speaking during the ongoing workshop on Digitalization for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT), Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary Roads said there's a need to be innovative the readiness to sail the chartered waters and walk the path less traveled, the ability to take risks, to try new things, and to venture into new territories. Indeed, there is a journey ahead of us and having faith in oneself and being confident through an unknown path will bring one closer to discoveries and great things. The Ps reiterated that t

Former President of the African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council AU ECOSOCC) and Director General of the Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa ( IDEA) is currently attending the Faith Pavillion at the ongoing COP 28 in Dubai. Addressing delegates at the Faith pavillion Mr.Kodhe urged religious leaders to work together to sensitize and create awareness to the citizens on Climate Change issues.  Mr.Kodhe observed that Human Security elements comprising Food Environment, Economic, personal, and Political are all victims of Climate change. He urged Faith and Religious leaders to work closely with governments, Civil Society organisations and other agencies to come up with measures and strategies to deal with the Climate Change Agenda. For the first time, Faith groups have come together to participate in COP 28 and also to advocate strongly on climate change issues. Mr.Kodhe also talked about Citizen's participation in combating climate change challenges. The role

By Grace Mwende Real estate tycoon and MYSPACE properties Chief Executive Officer Mwenda Thuranira has launched the first business in the first of its kind mall in Kenya. Mytown Mall Karen is set to be a game-changer in the real estate field by providing unforgettable experiences to customers. The mall which is not yet completed has officially opened its doors to one of the leading retail stores in Kenya Chandarana Foodplus. Speaking to the media during the official launch, Mwenda said MYSPACE properties had already signed deals with other brands that will take space in the mall. "Along the way, our idea of Mytown Karen was embraced by a mobilized team of very intentional partners and brands such as; Total Energies, Wana Meat, Optica, Kary's Hair Studio and Nail Bar, Lorenzo Drycleaners, Mega Wines Ltd, Mika Appliances, Life Med Pharmacy, Tibu Health Hospital, just to list a few," said Mwenda. Mytown concept comes at a time when Kenya is ushering more people into online s

By Grace Mwende As global methane emissions continue to rise, African policymakers, ahead of COP28, are calling for a transformative approach to finance methane reduction initiatives across the continent. The call for action was emphasized during a high-level panel titled “Financing Methane Action in Africa”, organized by AfriCatalyst, a leading global development advisory firm.  The African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that methane emissions in Africa have reached a critical 4.7 million tons in 2022, yet only 2 per cent of climate financial flows are dedicated to combating this challenge. AfriCatalyst CEO, Daouda Sembane, emphasized the need for both international support and local strategies to effectively mobilize resources for methane mitigation. “Financing methane action faces several challenges. First, is the limited awareness and the debate on methane abatement in Africa and how to finance methane abatement efforts across the continent. There is strong evidence th

By Grace Mwende The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) in partnership with the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI), and Nexford University, have collaboratively launched a comprehensive report shedding light on the changing demands for skills in Kenya's workforce. The survey is designed to capture the changing demands for skills, specifically targeted FKE members across diverse sectors, with a robust participation of 521 enterprises. The research focused on the demand for skills in various career fields and the educational qualifications currently sought by employers in the country.  The enterprises under study showcased a demand for skills in various career fields – Information Technology (28.4%), Finance & Business Management (27.4%), Engineering (19.2%), Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (18.6%), and Legal (18.2%). Speaking during the launch head of partnership at Africa Digital Media Institute Mukui Mbindyo noted that the report is not just about d

Leading tours and travel Company Bonfire Adventures has started a project to encourage Kenyans in the Diaspora to refer tourists to Kenya. The project Dubbed 'DiasporaLetaMtalii' is exclusively for bonfire adventures and is meant to attract tourists to the country as well as boost the economy of the country. According to Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu, Kenya currently receives 1.5 million tourists per year but with the help of Kenyans in the diaspora this number can easily increase to 10 million. " We are asking all patriotic Kenyans in the diaspora to refer their two friends or more to bonfire adventures and we will award them a part of a fully paid holiday," Said Kabu to Opera News. When you refer someone, bonfire will keep the record and the more people you refer will amount to a better chance of getting a fully paid holiday which you will be able to utilise when you can back to the country.

Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP) is appealing to the international community to intervene to stop the war in Gaza which so far has claimed over ten thousand lives. LDP notes that the international community including world powers Nations are watching from the side when lives are lost thousands. "The bombardment by Israeli forces should stop as it is causing serious damage and claiming innocent lives, especially children" According to the United Nations Secretary-General, so far over ten thousand lives have been lost in Gaza. Although Israel has a right to protect its citizens from Hamas terrorists also it has a responsibility to respect human rights and International Humanitarian Law. In a statement issued by the Secretary General of LDP the United Nations and the international community should urgently intervene and initiate dialogue to save lives in Gaza and also to restore peace in the region. Media coverage of the war declared by Israel on Gaza in pursuit of Ha

By Grace Mwende (Nairobi Hospital CEO Mr James Nyamongo poses for a photo during the Mommy Baby fair) The Nairobi Hospital on Saturday 4th November 2023 held its annual Mommy and Baby Fair to raise awareness levels among the public on matters of pregnancy, labour and childbirth. The forum which was open to both mothers and fathers aims to educate them on how to prepare for pregnancy, labour, childbirth and after delivery care. The session which was led by experts from Nairobi Hospital focused on empowering and educating parents about pregnancy, options in labour and childbirth, lactation, immunization, free nanny training, Nutrition for mothers and Myths surrounding pregnancy and delivery. Speaking during the fair, Nairobi Hospital CEO Mr James Nyamongo emphasized the importance of pregnant women receiving quality antenatal care. According to Mr Nyamongo, the hospital has set aside a team of obstetricians and gynaecologists lined up to attend to mothers and their children on all weekda

Leading tours and travel agency Bonfire Adventures has awarded Friends School Kamusinga Principal nicknamed 'Miondoko Principal' a fully paid holiday to Mombasa. Principal Paul Weloba won the hearts of Kenyans after he was filmed dancing alongside his students at a school event. In the video that emerged on social media on Thursday, the principal joined some of the students on stage as they danced to the popular Gengetone song - Miondoko. Weloba also donned the school uniform; a short-sleeved white shirt with a school badge, a pair of black trousers and a tie. The video excited Kenyans and caught the attention of Bonfire CEO Simon Kabu. "You came across the "Dancing Principal wa Miondoko" of Friends School Kamusinga? Mr Paul Weloba. As BONFIRE ADVENTURES AND EVENTS, We promised him a holiday and actualized. Bonfire Adventures we value Teachers very much.. they are our kids " surrogate parents". They spend so much time with our kids as we loo

By Grace Mwende BelaRisu Medical Centre has today celebrated its first anniversary since it was launched with over one thousand successful cleft lip and Palate surgeries.  Located at Park Road in Ngara, Nairobi county the non-governmental organization aims to give hope to children born with cleft. Speaking during the celebration at the hospital Dr Martin Kamau CEO of Belarisu Medical Hospital said over three hundred patients have benefited from cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, psychotherapy and nutritional support for the last year. Dr. Kamau noted that challenges facing children born with cleft lip include feeding problems, stigmatization and, poor development of hearing and speech problems. Nominated Senator Veronica Maina during the event. Since its inception, over 1000 cleft surgery has been done successfully, including highly specialized cleft lip and cleft palate. parents who have benefited from the foundation could not h

Naivas Supermarket today launched its annual Christmas Campaign popularly referred to as Kikwetu. This year’s Christmas campaign marks the 13th edition since the launch of the first Kikwetu in 2011. Kikwetu which simply translates to “our way” has endeavoured over the years to remain authentically Kenyan while delivering memorable experiences to customers through thematic campaigns during the festive season. “Speaking during the launch, Peter Mukuha, Naivas Chief of Operations said, “On 12th October, we made history by hitting triple digits in store count, we opened our 100th branch. This is a feat that no other supermarket in Kenya both local and international has managed to achieve. This is a historic moment, not just for us but win for every customer who has ever shopped with us, a win for every supplier who has entrusted us to sell their wares. Most importantly every town that has welcomed us with open arms. It took us 33 years, 2 months and 12 days to get to 100 branch

Kenya is set to host King Charles III and Queen Camilla from 31 October 2023 to 3 November 2023. This will be the King's first official visit to Africa since he took power. This visit serves as a symbol of the collaborative efforts between Kenya and the United Kingdom in fostering regional stability and security, promoting youth opportunities, addressing climate concerns, advancing shared prosperity, and supporting sustainable development. President Ruto Will host the King and have discussions around the recruitment of Kenyan Nurses to the United Kingdom, the Sh11.5 billion Nairobi Railway City endeavour and the Sh31 United Green investment among others. However, it's important to note that unlike other state visits, this will be no signing of deals during the King's Visit. According to British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, the King is the Head of State and not the head of government. The King symbolizes Britain and the British people. He will be focu

The East African Business Council (EABC) has announced its partnership with the GIZ 'Support to East African Integration Programme for Phase II of the project titled "Enhancing Effective Private Sector Participation in the EAC and AfCFTA Integration Processes." The official grant agreement for Phase II, valued at €250,000, was signed by Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, Executive Director of EABC, and Mr. Björn Richter, GIZ-EAC Cluster Coordinator.  The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ms Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, EAC Deputy Secretary-General for Customs Trade and Monetary Affairs, who pledged EAC Secretariat collaboration to support the implementation of the Phase II project.  She lauded the Phase II project for focusing on harnessing the opportunities under AfCFTA, emphasizing that the growth and resilience of the EAC bloc results from unified policies, with the private sector playing a fundamental advocacy role. The new EABC-GIZ partnership bui

Nairobi, October 25, 2023 – In a pivotal move towards environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices, Sustainable Inclusive Business – Kenya (SIB-K), a division of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), has partnered with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to drive compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in Kenya through a Private Sector Sensitization Workshop, supported by USAID and Prosper Africa.  The workshop raised awareness and fostered dialogue between businesses and NEMA, focusing on the initial phase of EPR implementation: data collection and environmental cleanup. EPR, a global concept, mandates that producers and manufacturers manage the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal, thus adhering to the polluter-pays principle.  Kenya currently recycles only 8% - 10% of its plastic waste, making plastic pollution a pressing concern. Successful EPR implementation not only aids in reduc

  By Grace Mwende  Federation of Women Entepreneurs Kenya (FOWEK) has been official launched in Nairobi, with 1million dollars to lend to all Kenya women in business. Addressing the media during the grand launch, Ms Catherine Githinji,COMESA Focal Point in Kenya who represented the Principal Secretary said the (FOWEK) is a good platform apex body of all women entrepreneurs, women investors, and women business owners and their business associations, and it plays the role of lobbying and advocating for Women Entrepreneur Associations (WEAs) with the aim of Connecting women with each other. She said that government will ensure women business are not affected by the non-tariff barriers. According to her the Bottom Up agenda that was launched by President Ruto is the focal point of all women across all counties, mostly on the agricultural sectors.  "As government who understands women we will create an enabling environment for all women, to empower women to expand their

By Grace Mwende Leading disinfection and hygiene solutions provider, Dettol has launched a handwashing campaign targeting over 10,000 school-going children in Nairobi’s slums. The launch of this campaign coincides with the global observance of Global Handwashing Day, with the theme: “Clean hands are within reach”. The campaign was launched in Kibera Primary school brought together stakeholders from different organization to emphasize the need of washing hands for school going children. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), two out of every five schools worldwide lack essential handwashing facilities, thus exposing students to a multitude of diseases. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unclean hands are the main mode of illness transmission in approximately 80 per cent of cases, and bringing it home, the 2023 Kenya Economic Survey shows that in 2022, healthcare facilities reported four million cases of diarrheal diseases,

STATEMENT BY LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY ( LDP) ON THE DEMOLITION OF PROPERTIES IN MAVOKO. Liberal Democratic Party,( LDP) criticizes the Kenya Kwanza government of President William Ruto for going against its promises to Kenyans during campaigns. A government which does not respect human rights and people's rights and more so that cannot keep its promises is a fallacy and dangerous. President Ruto during campaigns in last year's general elections made promises which he is betraying after taking power. Land grabbing by cartels in Kenya is a historical and perennial problem where people in power grab land and then sell it to innocent and unsuspecting citizens. Many Kenyans are victims of these land-grabbing cartels and have been conned and duped to buy and develop properties which are later destroyed through court orders claiming that they are built on grabbed government land and yet they have documents and title Deeds issued by the same government. What a shame. This i

(Bonfire Adventure CEO Simon Kabu with his team posing for a photo after winning the award) Bonfire Adventures has once again stamped its authority as the continent's leading tours and travel company by winning two converted awards at the 30th World Travel Awards. Bonfire was awarded as the African leading tours and travel agency and Kenyan leading tours and travel agency. This is the 8th time in Raw that the company has won this award. The ceremony was held in Dubai where the company CEO Simon Kabu is taking over thirty of his best-performing employees for a fully paid vacation. Speaking to Opera News after winning the awards last night, Kabu said that this is a result of many years of dedication and hard work. According to Kabu, these two awards prove that they have been doing things the right way and they are going to continue serving Kenyans and the world in the best way they can. This comes just a few months after Kabu and his wife Sarah Kabu announced that they

Chief Executive Officer,Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations & Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organization East Africa (CMSEO-EA), Mr Richard Muteti gives his opinion on why Jua Kali sector it's important in the growth of the economy. The Jua Kali sector, the majority of whom are the MSMEs, plays a key role in the country’s development agenda. According to the Kenya Economic Survey Report 2022, the Jua Kali sector contributed 25% of the GDP. The role of the Jua Kali sector in the economy cannot therefore be underestimated. It is estimated that there are more than 16.4 million Informal Sector players majority of whom are MSMEs in Kenya, which accounts for 93 per cent of the total labour force. However, the sector has proven difficult to tax because the enterprises in this sector are not formally regulated, payments are mostly made in cash and some business records are not consistent owing to the nature of their informal business operating

Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu has taken a team of his Top 30 Performing employees to Dubai for a Fully Paid holiday. Speaking to Opera News, Kabu said that he wanted to take the team on a vacation to encourage and motivate them as well as explore the wonders of Dubai. "I believe my team is the most important part of the company and any opportunity I get to reward them I will take it," said Kabu. (Bonfire Adventures founders Simon Kabu and Sarah Kabu with part of the top-performing team in Dubai) Bonfire Adventures has been the leading tour and travel agency in Kenya since its inception in 2008. For seven consecutive years, the company has bagged the award of Kenya's best travel company and emerged top as Kenya's leading travel agency during the World Travel Awards 2022. In June this year, Simon Kabu and his wife Sarah Kabu announced that they had surpassed the millionaires club and are now billionaires. Bonfire Adventures are offering a Lipa pole pole

Leading retailer Naivas has hit triple digits in store count with the opening of its 100 branches. This is a historic moment in Kenya as this is a feat that no other supermarket in Kenya, local or international, has managed to achieve. The outlet which carries this great honour is Naivas Foodmarket King’ara Road in Lavington. Speaking to the media Naivas Managing Director David Kimani said this achievement has been fueled by the need to give more to Kenyans. "As a Kenyan homegrown family business, we thank you for the trust you have placed in the brand and we shall ensure that we continue to diligently serve Kenyans as you are the reason for our being. My promise is, store number 100 is just the beginning as we now are focused on the next big step, hitting 200 stores,’’ he said. “It may have taken 33 years 2 months and 12 days to hit this great milestone, but it means that the founding family, the Mukuhas, had set the right foundation to ensure that the business grows.

By Grace Mwende Kenya's capital city Nairobi community is set to experience the fifth annual edition of The Moth event, a hallmark celebration of unforeseen narratives. The Moth, a renowned non-profit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling since its inception in 1997, has been a guiding light for individuals worldwide. Since it's inception the moth has allowed over 60,000 true stories to be shared live across the globe. The stories are shared through the Peabody Award-winning The Moth Radio Hour and The Moth Podcast, which receives 100 million annual downloads from listeners across the globe. (Prof Chiwoza Bandawe, a clinical psychologist from malawi sharing his story of the Moth Main stage in 2022.) The annual event found it's home in Kenya Four years ago, and has since been shared through yearly session intertwined with quarterly storytelling workshops for gender equality and world health advocates that have indelibly marked the local landscape. The ea