Participants during the launch of the Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and the Warehouse Receipt Financing Manual in Nairobi. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] Farmers are set to gain better access to finance, markets and economic opportunities as the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) transforms agricultural commodities into bankable and tradable assets. This development follows the launch of the Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and the Warehouse Receipt Financing Manual, which are expected to modernise agriculture through enhanced financial empowerment. Government officials, development partners and private sector stakeholders hailed the launch as a transformative milestone for structured…
Author: By Nanjinia Wamuswa
Students from various universities and TVET institutions showcase their skills. [File, Standard] Many companies and industries are compelled to invest more resources in retraining graduates from universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVETs), polytechnics, and colleges before they can become fully productive, particularly in agriculture-related sectors. Private sector players are concerned that, although Kenyan institutions are producing bright and technically smart students, many lack practical experience, soft skills and hands-on industry exposure. Elgon Kenya Managing Director Dr Bimal Kantaria emphasised the need to go beyond theory to equip students with the required skills demanded by today’s job market. It is against…
WhatsApp Business Calling, a new feature that enables businesses to make and receive voice calls via their WhatsApp Business numbers, is now ready for rollout. This addition enhances the omnichannel platforms by delivering richer, real-time conversations within the messaging app used by millions worldwide. The feature allows businesses to receive and initiate voice calls globally, using WhatsApp’s native interface so customers never leave the app. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Calls can be started directly from WhatsApp chats, interactive messages, or deep links embedded in websites and apps, providing multiple convenient entry points. This follows the launch by the…
Brookside Dairy announced that it has acquired raw milk cooling tanks worth Sh112 million as part of its upstream value addition strategy. Brookside Dairy is investing in expanded milk cooling infrastructure to increase the market reach for farmers’ milk, targeting the higher supply volumes from smallholder farmers across the country. The processor announced Thursday that it has acquired raw milk cooling tanks worth Sh112 million as part of its upstream value addition strategy. The new tanks, with capacities of 10,000 and 5,000 litres, will be distributed to all key milk sheds as part of a strategy that Brookside says will…
Cooperative Alliance of Kenya chief executive and the vice-chairman of Ushirika Council Daniel Marube. [File, Standard] Cooperatives are among the most well-known sustainable business models, driving social and economic transformation across the country. Cooperative Alliance of Kenya chief executive and the vice-chairman of Ushirika Council Daniel Marube said the cooperative movement continues to uplift the lives of Kenyans, especially small-scale farmers in sectors such as dairy, coffee, tea and sugar, by improving incomes. He said food production has improved through aggregation, processing and value addition, enabling small farmers to get enough for consumption and earn income. Citing the coffee sector, Marube…
Participants and beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme in Nairobi. [Courtesy] The commitment to nurture African entrepreneurship and drive economic transformation across the continent has gained impetus after a key forum in Nairobi The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme, seasoned mentors, key partners, and influential figures from Kenya’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape. The TEF-UBA Kenya Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Mixer forum saw participants sharing innovative ideas, strengthening essential networks, and celebrating the remarkable resilience and achievements of African entrepreneurs. The Tony Elumelu Foundation ‘s chief executive, Somachi Chris-Asoluka,…
Donkeys grazing outside Goldox export Slaughter house at Chemogoch area, Mogotio in Baringo. [File/Standard] A new report has revealed the growing toll of the global donkey skin trade on African communities, especially women and children in rural areas. The report, launched at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo), highlights widespread donkey theft and a sharp drop in household income, warning of a mounting crisis driven by international demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey gelatine. Published by The Donkey Sanctuary, the report titled Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures reveals how up to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to meet the demand…
Africa has become a major source for donkey skin trade threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. [File, Standard] A new report has revealed the growing toll of the global donkey skin trade on African communities, especially women and children in rural areas. The report, launched at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo), highlights widespread donkey theft and a sharp drop in household income, warning of a mounting crisis driven by international demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey gelatine. Published by The Donkey Sanctuary, the report titled Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures reveals how up to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally…
Brookside’s Emmanuel Kabaki hands Super Napier grass stems to Egerton University farm manager Salome Yano in Nakuru. April 5, 2024. [File Courtesy] Dairy farmers contracted by market leader Brookside have a reason to smile after the processor announced a cash reward payout of over Sh303 million. The amount, a half-year payout under a reward scheme operated by the processor, represents a 32 per cent growth over last year’s payout, during a similar period. Emmanuel Kabaki, Brookside’s General Manager for milk procurement, said the amount will benefit dairy groups and individual farmers across the country who signed up for the programme…
The arena or field with obstacles and barriers used for drone soccer, assembled by David Kanyanjua, the CEO of Three Quality Services company. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] After experiencing drone soccer in the United Kingdom (UK), America (US) and South Korea, David Kanyanjua was determined to introduce the exciting sport in Kenya. Fascinated by how it is played and its potential impact on children and youth, especially the practical skills it could teach, in 2021, Kanyanjua began researching the concept, connecting with manufacturers and also learning about the sport. Kanyanjua, the chief executive of the Three Quality Services Company, says his…
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo speaking during the launch of Pan – African Payment and Settlement (PAPSS). [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo has been elected the chairperson of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), the umbrella body of the banking industry. During the KBA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently, the Governing Council also reelected Credit Bank Chief Executive Betty Korir to continue serving as the association’s vice chairperson. Russo succeeds NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora, who has served as chairperson since June 2021. The leadership transition comes at a time when the banking industry is placing greater emphasis on its role…
Vivo Energy Kenya, the Company that distributes and markets Shell products and services in the country. June 8, 2025. [File Courtesy] Over 100 stakeholders from Kenya’s agricultural sector gathered in Nakuru on Wednesday for a one-day conference organised by Vivo Energy Kenya, the local distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants. The event, held at the Midlands Hotel, focused on how innovation in energy use and farm machinery can help make agriculture more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. The conference brought together a diverse mix of farmers, agribusiness leaders, processors, regulators, and original equipment manufacturers. Vivo Energy Kenya Commercial Manager Mark Senteu reiterated the…
Gen Z consumer boom fuels investors appetite Published Date: 2025-06-01 07:51:00 Author: By Nanjinia Wamuswa Source: The Standard
Investors are now betting on the bulging Generation Z, with indications showing they are contributing trillions of shillings in consumer spending. According to new projections, Africa’s Generation Z —those born between 1997 and 2012—is expected to contribute Sh103 trillion by 2025, making them the largest spending cohort on the continent. The data by World Data Lab shows that in Kenya, by 2025, 17 million Gen Zs will be responsible for KES 4.4 trillion in spending with Nairobi alone will account for US$10.1 billion of the spend, which represents nearly one-third of the national total. Other significant cities include Mombasa, with…
A worker from Naivasha based Maridadi flower farm works on roses for exports on 11/2/21 ahead of Valentine which will be marked on Sunday. Despite the Covid-19 regulations in Europe, the demand for the roses has shot up compared to last year despite the negative effects of the pandemic on the sector. [Antony Gitonga] Flowers continue to lead Kenya’s horticultural exports as the country gears up to host the 12th edition of the International Floriculture Exhibition (IFTEX). Government statistics indicate that in 2024, Kenya earned Sh136 billion from horticulture exports. Of this, flowers accounted for 53 per cent, vegetables 17…
Professor Richard Oduor, the registrar in charge of Research at Kenyatta University recognizes Mwihaki Lucy Waititu from the University of Nairobi as one of the best performing students in Biotechnology. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] Four students have been recognised for their exceptional academic performance in biotechnology by the Kenya University Biotech Consortium (KUBICO). The awardees include two students from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and two from Kenyatta University (KU). Representing UoN were Precious Ondieki and Lucy Waititu, while Amos Ndoli and Sarah Awuor represented KU. All the winners received trophies, certificates and monetary awards in recognition of their achievements. Lucy…
A customer care representative responds to a client via a WhatsApp message. [Getty Images] Global cloud communications platform Infobip has enhanced its partnership with Oracle to bring conversational experiences to businesses and brands globally. The new integration enables Infobip and Oracle customers and partners to access Infobip’s omnichannel services through Oracle Integration. This comes at a time when customers are increasingly expecting to use omnichannel communications, but face hardships in integrating and managing new channels, which can be time-consuming, requiring complex development, deployment, and organisational processes. Infobip’s new Omnichannel Messaging Adapter for Oracle Integration addresses this challenge by enabling businesses to…
Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) CEO Thierno Habib-Hann addressing African ministers of housing in Kigali, Rwanda. June 16, 2024. [File, Standard] Algeria is set to host Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s (ShafDB) 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a housing symposium in July 2025, the pan-African lender has disclosed. The high-level event, set to take place in Algiers from July 15-17, 2025 will hold discussions on capital mobilisation, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery. It will also bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and development finance leaders to discuss strategies for advancing affordable housing and sustainable urban…
Rachel Njiru, Director of OP Africa at Infobip. May 16, 2024. [File, Standard] Global cloud communications platform Infobip has enhanced its partnership with Oracle to bring conversational experiences to businesses and brands globally. The new integration enables Infobip and Oracle customers and partners to access Infobip’s omnichannel services through Oracle Integration. This comes at a time when customers are increasingly expecting to use omnichannel communications, but face hardships in integrating and managing new channels, which can be time-consuming, requiring complex development, deployment, and organisational processes. Infobip’s new Omnichannel Messaging Adapter for Oracle Integration addresses this challenge by enabling businesses to work with and manage…
Teresia Wairimu Njenga chairman of the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya with Kwame Owino CEO Institute Of Economic Affairs during the launch of a report on the future look at the apparel and footwear industry in Kenya 2022 – 2037. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Nearly half of Kenyans wear second-hand clothes, commonly known as mitumba, according to a new report. According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya (IEA) and the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK), mitumba trade is thriving in Kenya, driven by strong consumer demand. The study, A Future Look at the Apparel and Footwear…
Mutuma Muriuki, founder and CEO of ECO Bristo Limited, shows the Solar Trap innovation he developed on a farm in Menwe village, Imenti South Sub County and Meru County [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] In an environment where chemical residues threaten export markets, farmers and producers must think outside the box and seek innovative, non-chemical ways to manage pests and diseases. International markets now require exporting countries to implement approved residue control plans for all animal-origin products and other goods intended for human consumption. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…
From left: Boma International Hospitality College Principal Samuel Irungu, Board Chair Mike Macharia and Founding Director Joash Olum during 10th Anniversary celebrations. [Boniface Okendo] The strategic partnership between Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) and the Business and Hotel Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland, has boosted the training of Kenyan students in hospitality. The collaboration has enabled Kenyan students to earn Swiss-accredited dual qualifications and access internship and job opportunities in 47 countries across five continents. Through partnerships with African Unlimited, the Swiss Secretariat for Migration, KCB Foundation and Switch Media, the college has supported over 127 learners from across Africa,…
L-R: Watu Credit Head of Commercial Chris Rumenda, Viffa Consult Managing Director Victor Otieno, Mogo Head of Brand and Communication Rebecca Ngigi and Digital Financial Services Association (DFSAK) Chairman Kevin Mutiso at the launch of Kenya’s New Boda Boda Boom Report in Nairobi. May 5, 2025. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] BodaBoda riders who operate motorcycles acquired through asset financing earn significantly more than their counterparts using rented bikes. A survey by research firm Viffa Consult shows that self-owned, asset-financed motorcycle riders earn an average of Sh1,100 daily, translating to Sh26,400 monthly or Sh316,000 annually. Over five years, these riders save more…
Davis & Shirtliff Group CEO George Mbugua, ESG Lead Nuur Wanjiru, and Managing Director Edward Davis at the launch of the Improving Lives Report. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] More than 285,000 Kenyans – including 83,000 school children have benefited from water and energy solutions provider Davis & Shirtliff under its ‘Improving Lives’ initiative. Over the past year, the company has implemented 124 water and solar projects worth over Sh93 million across over 31 counties. The projects, implemented in partnership with key stakeholders, address the pressing challenges of water and energy insecurity caused by climate change. “Climate change is causing widespread disruption,…
Since its inception in 2016, African Coffee Roasters has built a lucrative business exporting high volumes of Kenyan coffee, renowned as the world’s finest for its unique flavour profile and exceptional quality. However, the world is undergoing a major shift in food consumption, with consumers increasingly demanding sustainably produced products and services. As a result, more people are turning to organically grown produce. This, as conventional produce is often associated with health and environmental concerns caused by farming practices that contribute to ecosystem destruction, the use of synthetic fertilisers and harmful pesticides. This shift is what led to African Coffee…
Jumia Riders receive the Safe and Affordable Helmet Programme with FIA as part of Jumia’s mission to enhance the well-being of its partners. Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform has provided over 1000 helmets to motorcycle helmets to its Delivery Associates (riders) in Kenya as part of its Safe and Affordable Helmet Programme with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). June 27th,2022. [Standard] Kenya stands as Africa’s third-largest e-commerce market, driven by rising internet penetration, a tech-savvy youth population, and mobile adoption rates exceeding 40 per cent. The move has seen Jumia Kenya step up efforts to integrate small businesses into the digital economy in…
Daniel Saoke showcases some of his products made from bones and horns during an exhibition held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] Daniel Saoke has carved out a niche in turning livestock bones and horns into beautiful handcrafts. He recently showcased his unique products at an exhibition held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi. His stall displayed a variety of products made from livestock bones and horns, including earrings, forks, bangles, bracelets, bottle openers, key holders, beads, rings, necklaces and spoons. As Saoke engaged with clients, some purchased the items as others just…
Justus Suchi dries his maize at Elukaka village, Butere Sub-county in 2024. The new programme will help reduce post-harvest losses. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] A high-level meeting organised to launch the implementation phase of a regional programme to support Africa’s food production gets underway in Nairobi from April 8-9, 2025. Christened RE-GAIN, the initiative is expected to support and drive adoption of food loss solutions across the continent, while partnering with the private sector through provision of financial support. This is to enable the partners and participating countries to conduct diagnostics and consultations, align programmes with country priorities and climate science…
Exhibitors with various ecological products at the 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference in Nairobi [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard] Deputy Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly, Gladys Boss Shollei, has criticised the Pests Control Products Board (PCPB) of Kenya for failing to remove harmful pesticides from the market. Since 2019, Gladys, who is also the Woman Representative for Uasin Gishu, has been pushing for the withdrawal of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) from the Kenyan market. Reflecting on her ongoing battle to eliminate harmful chemicals, Gladys acknowledged various organisations that have supported her cause, including the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Roots to Food, and…
Faucet with flowing water and waves isolated on white background 3D rendering.[Courtesy] Global Water Center (GWC) has started the launch of a new project aimed at improving access to safely managed water across East Africa. The initial phase is supported by $1.1 million (Sh141.5 million) in grants from the Grundfos Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation. The project focuses on skills development in the rural water sector in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda while creating a scalable model to address the critical shortage of water professionals worldwide. During the first phase of the project, GWC will use the grants to undertake…