Author: Muindi

Schools in Kenya will delay their reopening from April 29th to May 6th, 2024 for the second term, due to the ongoing floods. Reason for Delay Heavy rains have adversely affected many schools across the country. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the decision based on reports from field officers. “In the face of the ongoing heavy rains, the Ministry of Education last week directed its field officers to submit data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide to assist the Government in assessing the readiness of the schools for the Second Term opening on Monday, April 29, 2024,” the statement from Machogu read in part. Education…

Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is implementing a ban on plastic bags for organic waste collection.  The directive, taking effect on July 8, 2024, aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmentally friendly waste management practices. According to the directive, Kenyans have 90 days to switch from plastic to 100% biodegradable bin liners for organic waste collection. “All organic waste generated by households, private sector and public sector institutions, private and public functions and events shall strictly be segregated and placed in 100% biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only,” NEMA said. The directive aligns with Section 12 of the Sustainable…

Equity Bank has opened a new branch in Mariakani Municipality, a move welcomed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who see it as a major boost for their operations. The Mariakani branch joins Equity’s extensive network, increasing its presence to 20 branches in the Coast region and 205 branches nationwide. Equity Bank’s commitment to the region is underscored by this new branch, according to Joseph Ndung’u, General Manager for the Coast Region.  Equity Bank’s branch in Mariakani is one of four recent openings nationwide. Other Hindi locations are at Lamu Port, Kisii Stage Plaza along Daraja Moja—Nyamataro Road, and the…

Standard Chartered Bank has simplified personal loan access through its SC mobile app, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. Customers seeking loans must apply directly using the SC mobile app. Navigate to the “Apply for Products” section and select “Personal Loans and Overdrafts.” Customers can borrow between R3,000 and R300,000 and choose a repayment plan between 12 and 72 months. A monthly service fee of R69 will apply to all loans. In addition, a one-time initiation fee ranging from R419.75 to R1,207.50 (VAT inclusive) will be charged. Interest Rates  The interest rates are personalized up to a maximum of 17.5…

Land prices in Nairobi suburbs experienced a modest quarter-on-quarter (q/q) increase of 1.3% compared to Q1’2023, according to Hass Consult’s Land Price Index report. This represents a more significant rise on a year-on-year (y/y) basis, at 5.0%, compared to 1.4% in Q1 2023.  Similarly, Nairobi’s satellite towns saw more robust y/y growth of 11.2% compared to 8.1% in Q1 2023, with q/q prices rising 3.0%.  Ms Sakina Hassanali, Head of Development, Consulting and Research at Hass Consult, says the continued market improvement suggests the sector’s resilience, fueled by demand for land in areas supporting the rapidly growing urban towns and…

The fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, held on Sunday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, witnessed dominant performances from Victor Rotich Kipchirchir and Emily Jepkemoi. Rotich successfully defended his title for the third consecutive year. He clocked a time of 2:12:49 in the men’s 42-kilometer race, edging out close competition from Felix Kipsang (2:12:52) and Evans Kipruto (2:13:16), who secured second and third place, respectively. Rotich attributed his success to God’s grace, rigorous training, and strategic pacing. “This race holds immense value for me, as it has transformed my life in a bigger way. Winning on home ground fills…