Author: Muindi

Kenya ranks 115 in the Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) Index Report, 2020 among 152 countries in terms of the ability to produce and export manufactured goods competitively.  Egypt and South Africa rank at positions 64 and 52 respectively whereas Tanzania is 123 and Uganda is position 128.  It further indicates that China, which is ranked second in the CIP Index report, is very strong in manufacturing due to the use of high technology which is applied by 30.6% of its manufacturers whereas only 9.3% are resource-based manufacturers.   Comparatively, Kenya’s manufacturing sector export structure is dependent on resource-based manufacturers at 42.9%…

The use of digital payments is soaring for Glovo, the on-demand delivery start-up, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Kenya. The value of transactions witnessed on the Glovo platform saw cashless payments made by bank cards increase by 50 per cent and mobile payments by 14 per cent in Kenya. “During this period, we have witnessed changes in shopping patterns due to the shift in preferences by consumers hence this has helped us to focus more on addressing what the consumer needs,” said Glovo, general manager for Kenya Priscilla Muhiu. Deliveries and grocery orders rose by 30 per…

WomenWork, a technology-driven company focused on the advancement of African women entrepreneurs has launched Rebuild, a program that will offer KSh1.5bn interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs in Kenya. The loan is aimed at stabilizing these businesses including retaining staff and adapting to the new economic environment. The loan facility is open to businesses across all sectors that are operational in Kenya for at least six months and have 51 percent or more women shareholding, 50 employees or less, and generate revenues of up to five million Kenya Shillings per annum. The Rebuild business support loans is part of the Mastercard…

The Competition Authority of Kenya said it will ‘permanently’ ditch its manual filing and processing of applications to its E-filing portal to help improve governance by automating the internal processes of handling files. “Automation has reduced the time taken to process files since it eliminates handling and moving physical copies of documents between the Authority and its stakeholder,” CAK said in a Public Notice. The regulator, consequently, said from Sept.1 2020, it will cease receiving physical applications relating to its technical processes, including filing mergers and exemptions, abuse of buyer power and consumer complaints. “The E-filing portal has secured the…

Kenya on Thursday became the first country to be awarded the recommended status of the “Safer Tourism Seal” by the Rebuilding Travel group. The Ministry of Tourism termed the Safer Travel Seal as a recognisable symbol world over will be key in positioning Kenya as a safe and preferred destination. In addition, it would be crucial in building travellers’ confidence in the destination as international travel resumes and hospitality outlets reopen. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said, “As a destination, we have put together health and safety measures that are aimed at ensuring the safe reopening of the tourism sector.” …

Inchcape Kenya launched ‘the most capable off-roader Land Rover’ ever built, the 2020 Land Rover Defender in the Kenyan market. The large SUV completes the Land Rover Line-up that includes the luxurious Range Rover family and the versatile Discovery SUVs said Inchape in a statement. “The new Land Rover Defender model represents 70 years of innovation and improvement; honouring the vehicle’s history for rugged solidity while thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century,” says Hussein Mohamed, Managing Director of the regional marque distributor, Inchcape Kenya Limited.  “It is a vehicle with exemplary design credential and engineering capabilities. Which is…