Author: Khusoko

Dubai-based hotel management company Aleph Hospitality has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International for a new Protea Hotel in Kisumu, Kenya. Kisumu is Kenya’s third-largest city. Aleph Hospitality will operate the new-build property on behalf of the asset owner, Bluewater Hotels and it is scheduled to open in January 2022. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, said: “As Aleph Hospitality continues to expand across Africa and the Middle East, we are delighted to once again collaborate with Marriott International, following the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Monrovia earlier this year.” Edward Guda, Managing Director, Bluewater…

Two Kenyan inventors, Tracy Kimathi, Elijah Kiprotich Chirchir and his business partner Philemon Kipchirchir Masas, projects have been selected for the high profile Global Grad Show in Dubai. The projects have been enabled by The Sochin Research Institute. Tracy Kimathi founded an eco-based organization called Tree_Sea.mals that uses renewable resources to generate social impact.  Through the use of mini-grids, her company generates power using solar energy that is then distributed to the local community. A 1kWp mini-grid prototype is already running in Meru County (below) and Tree_Sea.mals is now looking for funding to operate a pilot in Dadachabasa Village, Isiolo County.…

The mobile-traded government bond, M-Akiba, missed its target after raising Ksh.263 million against an expected return of Ksh.500 million in its third re-opening. The Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC) and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) said in a statement Thursday the bond attracted additional 51,461 new accounts, bringing the total M-Akiba accounts to 565,725. “It is exciting for us to see the impressive growth of M-Akiba as we witness it cross the Ksh.1billion mark. We continue to honor our promise to our customers by offering them an efficient investment platform; as illustrated by the payouts made to customers,” noted…

A recent court ruling declaring the Kenya-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) void has sent Kenya back to the negotiating table with Mauritius. The court’s judgment is based on the fact that the DTAA was not properly ratified under Kenyan law. Kenya’s government argues that the treaty promotes investment and jobs; however, critics such as the Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), which filed this suit, argue that DTAAs rarely lead to any benefits for developing countries. TJNA argues that instead, they result in massive revenue leakage for African countries which outweighs incoming foreign direct investment (FDI).   Should countries, therefore, abandon…

The Comic Relief and UK aid are inviting proposals aimed at mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in Kenya. “This call for proposals is aimed at organisations working to ensure people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities can access the support they need, and feel empowered to speak out and able to live free from stigma and discrimination,” reads part of the funding opportunity which will be available for a minimum of 24 months to a maximum of 42 months.  “We will fund investments from £100,000 up to £750,000,” it adds. Applications must be led by organisations originating in…

Fairmont The Norfolk, in Nairobi, will host a 10-day  “Cycle of Life” photography exhibition featuring unique historical collections showcasing great Kenyan heritage and experiences created by Anthony Russell. This is the first-ever public exhibition by Anthony Russell in a hotel displaying unique and rare historical images of memorable moments and connections with animals and people captured over a thirty-year span.  The exhibition which begins Thursday, the 12th September, running to Sunday 22nd September 2019 will provide a platform to showcase Kenyan heritage and experiences.  A substantial percentage of the proceeds will go to Wildlife conservation initiatives. Anthony is a professional…