Kenya Welcomes Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah
The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby. This tournament features men's junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.
All 16 matches of the World Rugby U20 Trophy are actively taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, following its commencement on 15 July.
It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy. Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan, as the team that finished bottom in that competition (24 June - 14 July, South Africa) will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.
The participating teams have been divided into two challenging pools. Pool A consists of Scotland, Uruguay, USA, and Zimbabwe, while hosts Kenya join Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain in Pool B. This lineup promises an intense and captivating display of rugby talent and teamwork.
“The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya's capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa's presence on the global rugby stage,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.
Herbert Mensah's presence during the World Rugby U20 Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community.
“Africa hosting two World Rugby U20 tournaments consecutively will be exciting to witness and serves as the perfect build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 which is just under three months away. Both South Africa and Kenya have proven their ability to host global age-grade competitions in the past and I have no doubt that these editions will be successful with great interest from local crowds", said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
As Kenya continues to welcome the world for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Follow the journey, witness remarkable athleticism, and celebrate the passion for rugby in one of Africa's most vibrant nations.
More information about the World Rugby U20 Trophy: https://apo-opa.info/3q4lbXQ
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communication Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent.
Exness expands its Fintech Scholarships program to Kenya
Multi-asset broker Exness (www.Exness.com) is pleased to announce it is extending its popular Fintech Scholarships program to Kenya. The scheme will be in partnership with the United States International University (USIU), one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Kenya. Exness Fintech Scholarships aim to support outstanding university students in a STEM field.
The program in Kenya is open to third and fourth year USIU undergraduates in Data Science, Analytics, and Software Engineering or students who have accepted an offer for the MSc in Information Technology course starting in September 2023.
The scholarship will cover the full amount for tuition fees and living expenses. Interested students are encouraged to send their applications to Exness, including a CV, academic transcripts, and a motivation letter by 28 July 2023. For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.info/3K3McRP).
Launching the Fintech Scholarships program in Kenya, Exness further demonstrates its commitment to support education in the countries it operates in. Kenya is the third country to benefit from the scheme. It follows Cyprus, where last year two students accepted scholarships to study at the University of Cambridge (and applications are now open for 2023). In South Africa, three students won the chance to pursue post-graduate studies at the country's top university, the University of Cape Town.
“We are happy to be able to launch our Exness Fintech Scholarships program in yet another country”, said Martin Thorvaldsson, Exness Head of Community. He added: “At Exness, we recognize the importance of higher education for our youth's future and are honored to be part of the journey of excellent students in building the STEM careers and future they dream of. We strongly believe that technology and innovation are key sectors for every economy and as a fintech company, we are dedicated to supporting the minds that can contribute to their growth and development.”
“As a university, we are so excited about our partnership with Exness. The Exness Fintech Scholarships aim to offer opportunities to young people from Kenya to achieve their full potential and aspirations in the Technology space. We strongly believe that to truly transform society, learning and education needs to align with local and global challenges and opportunities. The scholarship degree programs of Data Science and Analytics, Software Engineering and Information Security are indeed game changers for the landscape of the 21st century”, Prof. Margee Ensign, Vice Chancellor at United States International University Africa commented.
Exness is a global multi-asset broker which uses a unique combination of technology and ethics to create a favourable market for traders and raise the industry benchmark. Exness' ethos and vision revolve around the concept of offering its clients a frictionless trading experience, by bringing to life the financial markets in the way they should be experienced. Exness' identity and commitment to the two worlds of technology and ethics, as well as its loyal client base which counts over 500,000 active traders are key drivers of the global brand. Today, Exness records over $3 trillion in monthly trading volume and has set its focus on a strategic expansion to new corners of the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.
Scotland U20 team named
Scotland U20 Head Coach Kenny Murray has confirmed his team to face Zimbabwe U20 this Saturday in their first round of the World Rugby U20 Trophy. The game kicks off at 8am BST (10am local time) and will be available to stream live via Rugby Africa and Kenya Rugby Union social media channels. This match …
Kenya to Host Prestigious World Cup
The captains of the eight participating teams assembled to officially launch the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023, which kicks off in Kenya on Saturday. The U20 Trophy makes its highly anticipated return after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Kenya hosting the tournament for the first time since 2009. Scotland – competing …
A Captivating Journey of History, Courage, and Legacy
MultiChoice Kenya (https://www.MultiChoice.com/), the home of great pay TV entertainment in Kenya has launched and premiered the highly anticipated "Shaka iLembe," a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece that will take audiences on an exhilarating journey into the heart of South African history, courage, and legacy. Produced by Bomb Productions and funded by MultiChoice, "Shaka iLembe" is set to captivate global audiences and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu Kingdom.
Shaka iLembe, an epic story that captures the grand history of a formidable warrior – Shaka Zulu. This is a story of Kings, Queens, prophets, and warriors. It's a story of love and romance, conflict, betrayal, sacrifice, and more!
Speaking during the premiere event, the South African High Commissioner, Amb. MJ Mahlangu said that we need to tell more African stories world over.
“I believe that this is a direction that we need to take for all of Africa. We need now more than ever to tell our stories and enrich the lives of our people through the delivery of creative, exciting, compelling, and well-delivered productions that leave no stone unturned and maintain the fiber of our people, culture, values systems, and norms,” he pronounced.
“Watching this first episode clearly shows that Shaka iLembe has been meticulously crafted by an imaginative team of filmmakers who sought to honor the essence of African history and culture with a production showcases the rich tapestry of African landscapes, authentic costumes, and an appealing soundtrack that blends traditional rhythms with contemporary compositions,” Amb. Mahlangu observed, adding that, “The result is a sensory experience that transports audiences to the heart of Africa, igniting a deep connection with its heritage and inspiring a new generation to embrace their roots.”
He stated that “On behalf of the South African High Commission, I wish to applaud MultiChoice through MultiChoice Kenya for creating this television masterpiece that tells the rich, yet authentic history of the Zulu Kingdom through television.”
In his remarks, Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya narrated, “This production tells a raw and authentic African narrative, with a rather relatable historical storyline of occurrences in the chiefdoms and kingdoms across the Zulu kingdom. A story that reminds me of the great Maasai moran /warrior Senteu-born in the mid-1800s and remembered as a fearless leader of the Loita clan whose birthright was stolen from him. The connections between our historical stories, be they from South Africa, Angola or Kenya, remain united through our common lineage and strong narratives across Africa.”
Nzola noted, “I am proud to say that MultiChoice remains Africa's most loved storyteller and we are more than delighted to provide a platform for the film industry in Africa to showcase its creative license, captivating storylines, artistic delivery in design, sound, and impeccable quality picture through quality productions like this,” revealing that, “The sets on this production took 8 months to build, with 120 builders from KwaZulu Natal – and they were built to reflect the authenticity and realness of the environment at the time. This is what authentic stories entail.”
Six years of research, the highly anticipated series boasts the talents of some of South Africa's biggest stars, including Coming 2 America lead actress Nomzamo Mbatha and Lemogang Tsipa, whose brother Ofentse is here with us.
Fittingly, SHAKA ILEMBE was filmed in 4K, with state-of-the-art visual effects, ensuring the best screen treatment for this sweeping dynastic saga.
“Locally in Kenya, MultiChoice has continued to invest in local content, leading the pack in the shows we license and commission for Kenyan audiences. Since 2015, we have 3 channels dedicated to local content, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Plus, and Maisha Magic Movies,” Nzola revealed, concluding that, “this is even before we get into the Free to Air channels that allow our customers to view relevant local – Kenyan content. Our pledge to Kenyan filmmakers is that we have only just begun, and there's more to be done in partnership with you!”
The 12-part series follows the origins story of the legendary African monarch and military strategist, King Shaka Zulu. While the series is an entertainment title and a fictional interpretation of historical events, producers of Bomb Productions have taken care to ensure that Nguni culture is authentically portrayed and respected.
SHAKA ILEMBE launches on Maisha Magic Plus on Sunday, June 18 at 22:00 hours and is available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, and DStv Compact subscribers and on GOtv Supa. New episodes will be screened weekly on Sundays at 10.00 pm.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Rinaldi Jamugisa
Ag. Head of Corporate Affairs, Kenya
+256312245206
Rinaldi.Jamugisa@ug.multichoice.com
About MultiChoice Kenya:
MultiChoice Kenya (MCK) is a joint venture between MultiChoice Africa and the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), a partnership that was cemented in 1995.
Kenyan audiences have a choice of five DStv packages with a total of more than 150 channels, as well as five GOtv digital terrestrial (DTT) packages. Broadcasting 24/7, the Maisha Magic Plus (DStv Channel 163) and Maisha Magic East channels (GOtv channel 4) are packed with compelling home-grown content, much of it commissioned by M-Net in Kiswahili.
Operating from a new headquarters in Nairobi and ten offices across the country, the business has over 300 permanent employees and a direct and indirect impact on the Kenyan economy of more than US$573 million for the period 1 April 2015 - 31 March 2019.
Kenya and Russia to Boost Trade Relations
Kenya will deepen its relations with Russia to increase trade volumes.
President William Ruto said trade between the two countries is still low despite the huge potential.
He said the two countries will sign a trade pact that will give business the necessary impetus.
The Head of State spoke on Monday at State House, Nairobi, when he hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The two leaders agreed on the need to reform the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and more responsive to the needs of the 21st Century.
President Ruto said Africa should be represented at the Security Council, the UN's top-decision making organ.
“The continent can bring to the table rich ideas, suggestions and experiences that would serve the globe well,” he explained.
The President observed that Kenya and Africa count on friends like Russia in the creation of a new architecture at the Council.
Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Others are the United States, United Kingdom, France and China.
The Security Council also has 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
On the raging Russia-Ukraine War, President Ruto reiterated Kenya's steadfast position on respect for territorial integrity of member States as outlined in the UN Charter.
“Kenya calls for a resolution of the conflict in a manner respectful to the two parties,” he said.
Mr Lavrov praised the 60 years' friendship between his country and Kenya, saying Russia's relationship with the continent has a new momentum after the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit.
He said science cooperation between the two countries has been growing.
Mr Lavrov was in Nairobi on his way to a meeting of the BRICs Ministers of Foreign and International Relations in Cape Town, South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.
Springbok Women’s side to face Kenya
Springbok Women interim head coach Louis Koen tweaked his match-23 for their second Rugby Africa Women’s Cup match against Kenya in Madagascar on Wednesday, after opening their campaign with an 87-0 win over Cameroon. Koen recalled two of his most experienced front rankers, Lindelwa Gwala (hooker) and Sanelisiwe Charlie (loosehead prop) into the starting team, with Roseline Botes …
Vigilance and Integrity Needed to Combat Corruption and Wastage
President William Ruto has emphasized integrity and vigilance within Government ministries and departments.
He cautioned against corruption and wastage in the provision of services to the people.
The President asked the Cabinet to honour their responsibility to the Constitution and the people.
The President spoke at the 5th Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi.
The meeting agreed to ensure the prudent utilization of public resources.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved the restructuring of Kenya Power's balance sheet in an attempt to restore profitability. The new plan will focus on enhancing the company's financial sustainability by addressing loan balances and the liquidity gap.
In line with the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the composition of Kenya Power's Board will be adjusted to reflect its shareholding.
The Cabinet has also endorsed proposed amendments to the Water Act of 2016, which introduces Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector.
This will facilitate the construction of 100 mega dams through PPP and another 1,000 medium and 3,000 small dams to alleviate water challenges.
The changes to the Water Act clarify the roles of Water Works Development Agencies as bulk water service providers. They also establish a licensing framework for the agencies and align the Water Act 2016 with the Public Private Partnership Act 2021.
While the ongoing rains have provided relief to drought-affected areas of Kenya, the Cabinet recognized the need for locally-driven strategies and sustained resource mobilization to support long-term resilience building. The meeting also agreed to continue supporting the restocking of livestock to aid recovery among impoverished households in arid regions.
Additionally, the Cabinet acknowledged the importance of strengthening the implementation of drought risk reduction strategies to ensure sustainable natural resource management.
The Cabinet further approved the Kenya policy on Public Participation, which establishes the overarching standard for effective citizen engagement in development and governance, in compliance with the Constitution.
To expand Kenya's international presence, the Cabinet reviewed and approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Government of Kenya and the World Health Organization regarding the establishment of a regional emergency hub in Nairobi. The hub will create employment opportunities and markets for medical supplies.
To fulfill its international obligations, the nation's apex body has approved the Meteorological Bill and Meteorological Policy. These approvals will transform the Kenya Meteorological Department into Kenya Meteorological Services, in compliance with international instruments such as the Chicago Convention of 1944 and the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) of 2015.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.
Kenya and South Korea Partner to Boost Local Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Kenya is set to partner with South Korea in the area of vaccines and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, with both countries exchanging technology, health financing, management information systems, and health commodity security.
This announcement was made during a meeting held today at Afya House in Nairobi, where Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha A. Wafula, hosted the visiting Health and Welfare committee members of Gyeonggido provincial government from South Korea, together with the Baringo County Governor, H.E. Benjamin Cheboi.
Last year, CS Wafula visited Seoul, South Korea, where she toured SK Biosciences, an international vaccine manufacturing company. She also held a meeting with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), where Kenya formally sought admission as a state party.
Kenya is currently in the process of setting up the Kenya Biovax Institute, which will be tasked with manufacturing vaccines and other pharmaceuticals locally. The country signed an agreement with Exim Bank last year to offer financial avenues to those interested in venturing into vaccines and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.
During the meeting, Governor Cheboi implored the Korean government to offer employment opportunities to youths who graduate from health training institutions within his county.
This partnership between Kenya and South Korea will go a long way in boosting the country's healthcare sector, as local manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceuticals will not only reduce costs but also ensure their availability, especially in the remote areas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Meet the Kenyan-born 10-year-old environmentalist
Karen Wanjiru Kimani, a young African ambassador for the environment, has called for policies that will encourage young people to participate in protecting the planet, including through climate change mitigation.
The Kenyan-born 10-year-old environmentalist said: “As future generations, it is important that we are not overlooked in some of the programs or activities regarding protecting the planet. Our leaders must catch us young. After all, we will be the ones to gain or suffer tomorrow as a result of the policies and actions being implemented today.”
Karen, who has received many awards for her efforts to protect the environment, including through planting trees, was speaking ahead of the African Development Bank Group's 2023 Annual Meetings, to take place in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh from 22 to 26 May.
The event has the theme Mobilizing Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth in Africa.
The meetings will offer the Bank Group's Governors and global businesspeople and investors the opportunity to share experiences of mobilizing domestic and international private sector funds, including harnessing Africa's natural capital, to close the climate financing gap and advance the transition to green growth in Africa.
The meetings also provide African governments a forum to discuss the nature and level of support they need from development partners, such as the African Development Bank Group, to achieve their climate ambitions.
Karen expressed the hope that the meetings would yield “tangible outcomes.”
“Africa's contribution to global climate change is very small, but the continent suffers the most,” she said. “Our countries need much more money to fight climate change and protect the planet. So, I want to hear about more action when they meet; we have heard enough of talking.”
Karen has won several awards locally and internationally for her tree-planting efforts—she has planted more than 10,000 tree seedlings to date—and other environmentally friendly actions. These include the MTM Environmental Excellence Award, Bristol, United Kingdom; and winner of Kenya's 2022 Green Kid Awards for children that have impacted nature through climate change and environmental protection actions. She was also recognized by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation jointly during COP27 in Egypt.
“Protecting the natural environment is a nice thing. It has beautiful trees and flowers that give us life,” says Karen, who started planting trees at age four.
She plans to open a factory that will produce biodegradable bottles.
According to estimates, Africa has lost between 5 percent and 15 percent of per capita GDP growth from 1986 through 2015 due to climate change-related impacts.
The African Development Bank projects that, without strong climate change policies, Africa could lose as much as 12 percent of GDP by 2100, depending on different scenarios. This is compared with losses of less than one percent each for the United States and the European Union, and no more than five percent for China.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
We are after Quality International Investments
Kenya has begun a global campaign aimed at attracting quality investments.
The new move, President William Ruto said, will provide excellent returns on investment at a relatively low risk.
He argued that it is necessary but not enough to talk about the ease of doing business in the country.
Speaking during the Israel Investor Roundtable Forum in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, the President said the Government is keen on making Kenya one of the world's top business hubs.
“We have a legal system that provides robust protection for property rights and an equally strong rule of law mechanism,” he said.
Besides these, he noted, Kenya has enacted laws to protect investment and liberalised the foreign exchange regime.
“Our laws permit and support the repatriation of profits by foreign companies,“ he stated.
The President observed that the country's tax system is under steady review to align with the country's investment promotion plan.
He urged the investors to put their resources in Kenya's housing, renewable energy, health, water and irrigation as well as ICT sectors.
“We are also pursuing a plan of cooperation in tourism, culture and heritage and film production.”
President Ruto reiterated that Kenya is the ideal investment destination for foreign businesses due to its strategic location, highly-skilled human resources and stability.
“Direct your interest in the highly-rewarding investment opportunities in Kenya,” the President stressed as he wound up his two-day official visit of Israel.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha named among 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Health and Wellness
Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula has been named among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in the Health and Wellness edition for her outstanding efforts in improving healthcare in Kenya. MIPAD is a global initiative that recognizes people of African descent who are making a positive impact on their communities and the world.
The announcement of the Global lists was made by MIPAD CEO Kamil Olufowobi on May 1, with the recognition of CS Nakhumicha's contribution to healthcare in Kenya being a significant milestone and a testament to the Kenyan government's commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its citizens.
CS Nakhumicha's leadership has resulted in significant improvements in maternal and child health, disease control, and the provision of essential medicines and supplies. Her tireless efforts to improve healthcare in Kenya have not gone unnoticed, and her recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Health and Wellness is well-deserved.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, CS Nakhumicha stated, “I am honored to be named among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Health and Wellness. This recognition is not only a personal achievement but a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the Ministry of Health team in providing quality healthcare services to Kenyans. We will continue to work tirelessly to improve healthcare in Kenya and ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
This recognition is a significant achievement for the Ministry of Health and the Kenyan government's efforts in improving healthcare. It serves as an inspiration to other healthcare leaders in Kenya and worldwide, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, positive change can be created, and lives can be impacted positively.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.