Multichoice promises unmatched 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia viewing experience on Dstv and Gotv

April 12, 2018

GOtv General Manager, Simon Kariithi (L) and MultiChoice Managing Director, Eric Odipo present a world cup football jersey to Ministry of Sports & Heritage Director of Administration, Wesnlaus Ongayo during the MultiChoice Kenya World Cup Stakeholders Launch.

Highlights;

Two exciting pop-up channels launched as part of the tournament build-up
All 64 LIVE matches available on DStv and GOtv
Swahili commentary available on live football matches
World Cup games available in HD and on mobile devices via DStv Now app

MultiChoice has promised its customers an unmatched front-row viewing to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. From 14 June 2018 to 15 July 2018, DStv and GOtv will showcase all 64 matches live on SuperSport to thousands of football fans across the country. MultiChoice will deliver great value to its customers with an unmatched viewing experience on TV and mobile devices for the biggest and best moments of the World Cup from Russia.

Speaking at the official launch of their football viewing experience to its stakeholders, MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo said, “MultiChoice’s key priority is to put customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to deliver value through the best football tournament experience on TV to our customers live and in HD glory on SuperSport. Both DStv and GOtv Max and Plus customers will get to enjoy the games from the comfort of their homes, only on our platforms will viewers enjoy additional benefits such as Swahili commentary and on-the-go viewing via the DStv Now and SuperSport apps for an enhanced viewing experience.”

Active DStv customers on all packages (Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access) will watch all 64 games of the World Cup live and in full HD glory on three dedicated SuperSport channels. Two new DStv pop-up channels: History of Football and SuperSport 14 (SS14) will be dedicated to legacy content, highlights, documentaries, FIFA films, classic matches, warm-up matches and interviews until the World Cup begins on 14 June 2018. Thereafter, SS14 will be dedicated entirely to the tournament with live match commentary options in Swahili language. News updates will be available throughout the tournament on the SS Blitz Channel.

GOtv customers will also experience a complete World Cup experience with all 64 games available to active GOtv Max and GOtv Plus customers, at no extra cost. A special pop-up channel FIFA (GOtv Channel 36) will carry World Cup legacy content for GOtv Max and Plus customers on between 25 April 2018 and Monday 11 June 2018. The complete tournament experience will be available on GOtv Max on Select 4 with live games, full highlights, build-ups, interviews, analysis and magazine shows. GOtv Plus customers will watch the live games and magazine shows on Select 1 and Select 2. All build ups to the tournament will be available on Select 1 and Select 4. GOtv Value customers will also enjoy a significant number of games while GOtv Lite customers will enjoy a select number of games available on FTA channels.

“We constantly strive to deliver value for money to our customers by offering them a little something extra to their viewing including a wide variety of the best local and international content available from around the world with the 2018 FIFA World Cup being one of them. We also make sure to deliver this exciting content through leading-edge technology that will take our customers viewing experience to the next level and match their constantly evolving lifestyles,” added Odipo.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will also be available to DStv Customers via DStv Now and the SuperSport apps which are available for download via the Android and iOs mobile stores.

A Kenyan first as Rafiki movie is set to premiere at the Cannes film Festival

April 12, 2018

RAFIKI film has been invited to Cannes Film Festival. It is the first Kenyan feature film to be invited to the festival and is a true testament of the work, skill, craft, of the Kenyan cast and crew. It acknowledges Kenya as an emerging film economy worthy of attention and its role in African cinema.

The film joins the lineage of films shown at the festival by filmmakers like Sembene Ousmane, Haile Gerima, Abderrahmane Sissako and more recently African female filmmakers like Rungano Nyoni, among others. It also adds to the variety of Kenyan films that have recently been celebrated and awarded internationally like Nairobi Half Life, Super Modo, Kati Kati, Stories of Our Lives and others.

Inspired by the 2007 Caine Prize Winning short story “Jambula Tree” by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko, RAFIKI is a witty, playful and touching portrait of a community affected by a relationship that blossoms between two young women. This politically timely film celebrates love and asks whether it’s safer being invisible or it’s better to defy conservative rules, while discovering your identity and destiny through love.

The film is a combination of struggle and the power to dream and love. The love story resonated with Wanuri Kahiu, who had the vision to change the setting to Kenya and place the film in a vibrant, present-day urban environment. Kahiu worked with co-writer Jenna Bass and together they added further elements to the screenplay that speak to the present-day concerns and conflicts affecting people like Kena and Ziki even in young, vibrant, millennial Nairobi.

The film marks the powerful acting and screen debut of Samantha Mugatsia, enigmatic drummer, visual artist, and member of Nairobi’s electric underground band Yellow Light Machine who stars as Kena, alongside the charismatic, raw talent of young actress Sheila Munyiva as Ziki. The young actresses are supported by renowned Kenyan talent like Jimmi Gathu, Nini Wacera, Patricia Amira and Dennis Musyoka.

Set in a Nairobi neighbourhood, RAFIKI celebrates music and fashion of Nairobi. With Costume Designer Wambui Thimba pulling from local clothes brands like Peperuka and redesigning clothes for each character, Thimba created a look that speaks to the vibrancy, fun and playfulness of Nairobi.

RAFIKI is complimented by the joyous, independent feel of the soundtrack which acts as a sweet testimony to the creative energy of young, vibrant, millennial Nairobi. The score is by all-African, all-female musicians including Afro-electro award-winning powerhouse Muthoni Drummer Queen “MDQ” and newcomers Njoki Karu and Mumbi Kasumba.

Merck Foundation Announce the Call for Application for Merck Hypertension and Diabetes Awards 2018

April 12, 2018

Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards winners 2017 receiving their awards at Merck Asia Africa Luminary at Cairo, Egypt: https://youtu.be/Q7gj32Oo7XE

Merck Foundation, the Philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the Call for application for Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards 2018, across the African and Asian Universities through its Merck Capacity Advancement Program with the aim to building a platform for diabetes and hypertension experts across the globe.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMAUp-EtSRE

The CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “I am very proud to see our newly established platform of Diabetes and Hypertension Experts has grown in one year. This encourages us to continue and expand 2018 Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards to universities in more countries in Africa and Asia such as Senegal, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Niger, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to join our mission to improve access to quality Diabetes and hypertension care in the two continents . “

She further added, “All Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards winners have Joined Merck Foundation Alumni with our oncology and Fertility scholars and fellows from different countries to exchange experience & knowledge and network, this is a very important initiative for us. I personally oversee this platform to ensure success of its interaction and sustainability. “

Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards 2018 will be rolled out in many African and Asian Universities in more than 30 countries, as a part of Merck Foundation’s commitment to build Diabetes and Hypertension healthcare capacity and improving access to quality and sustainable healthcare solutions in developing countries.

The theme for Merck Diabetes Award 2018 is ‘Every day is a Diabetes Day,’ and the theme for Merck Hypertension Award is ‘What a Healthy Heart Needs.’ All medical postgraduates and final year undergraduates are invited to apply for the awards. The participants need to submit a one-page concept paper about:

How to improve the awareness about Diabetes Early Detection and Hypertension Control and Prevention in your country.
How to encourage your society, scientific community, local authorities, media and relevant stakeholders to Think and Act on Diabetes Every Day and Think and act on Hypertension Every Day.

The scientific committee will review the submissions, and the winners of Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards will receive on-line one-year postgraduate online diploma in Diabetes Management and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of South Wales, UK. The deadline for the submission is 31st July 2018.

For French speaking countries, the winners will receive on- line three month Diabetes foundation diploma in French and accredited by Royal colleague of General Practitioners, UK.

Interested students can submit the concept papers at:

submit@merckdiabetesaward.com
submit@MerckHypertensionAward.com

Watch the testimonies of medical students from Africa and Asia on the importance of Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWBqHFe34RI&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbXjHpJteBY&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFRcSEC6fRU&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjerMIFVHHA&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heX-FZjg-fA

By Lizbeth Kariuki – LinkPrKenya

Environmentalists advocate for alternative sources of energy

April 12, 2018

Environmentalists are now advocating for alternative sources of energy at the household levels following the ongoing ban on logging in the country.

Dr George Mwaniki from the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) said the country is facing a looming energy crisis as a result of the ban.

Dr Mwaniki said the country has been heavily dependent on charcoal and wood which has now been greatly affected by the ban which has led to sky rocketing of charcoal prices.

He said many poor households and communities’ majority of who rely on wood are now stranded and as a result need cheaper alternative sources of energy.

Speaking in Kisumu, Dr Mwaniki said the drive to increase the forest cover is in top gear adding that policy makers and stakeholders must now quickly offer alternative sources of energy to families.

He said NETFUND is working with various groups that have such alternatives like making briskets from agricultural wastes and also bio fuel from the water hyacinth.

Medical Centre Commisioned in Kondele, Kisumu.

April 12, 2018

Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili addressing KMTC students during the commissioning of a dispensary at the KMTC Centre at Kondele, Kisumu.

The Kenya Medical Training College in an effort to integrate medical training and community service, has commissioned a dispensary at the KMTC Centre at Kondele within Kisumu Central Sub county in a ceremony officiated by Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili.

The opening of this facility, besides living to the institution’s new strategic plan of opening facilities within the colleges to serve the communities, was also informed by the fact that there is not a single public health facility within Kondele Ward and the residents here are forced to seek medical services from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Dr. Mathew Owili gracing this occasion on behalf of the Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed his pleasure at this development maintaining that health remains one of the priority areas for the County Government of Kisumu.

Dr. Owili who was accompanied by the CEC for Health Dr. Rosemary Obara assured KMTC of full support from the County Government in managing the facility by way of provision of the necessary supplies and personnel, noting that this new facility, besides serving the people leaving within Kondele Ward and the surrounding, is also going to ease pressure on Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral hospital for such cases that can be handled at this level.

The School Principal Dr. Kelly Oluoch assured the county team that the newly refurbished and developed clinic is primed to be a centre of excellence of medical services while also delivering world class medical services to the residents.

Dr. Obara committed to ensure that the County facilitates the institution in acquiring the title deed which has hindered attractions of support from bilateral partners overtime.

By Kisumu County press unit

M-Net Movies Creates Magic with Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel on DStv ahead of Avengers; Infinity War

April 11, 2018

The heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are assembling on a DStv screen near you, with fifteen epic blockbusters!

DStv Premium customers will experience an unprecedented cinematic journey with the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel. This super-powered channel, which will be added to the already existing six M-Net Movies channels on DStv, will be available for ten days only on Channel 109 and will feature 15 of the most pulsating films from the massively popular Marvel Studios franchise.

During these ten days, the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel will run from 06:00 to 00:00 daily. On each day of the ten days, a film from a franchise with overlapping story lines will be screened in chronological order (according to how the films were released in cinema). Starting with 2008’s Iron Man, viewers can revisit the stories of their beloved heroes all the way through to Spiderman: Homecoming, which will close the channel on Sunday 22, April.

“This channel is a special treat for the legions of Marvel fans—both old and new—who have enjoyed the live-action exploits of favourite Marvel Superheroes in films that express the unique vision and creativity of their filmmakers, and deliver thrilling action and visual spectacles with relatable characters,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard.

“The timing of our M-Net Movies Marvels Studios Pop-Up Channel is also absolutely perfect with the franchise currently creating an incredible buzz worldwide” The recent release of Black Panther movie became the biggest film of all time in East, West and South Africa, showing that Marvel Studios is at the forefront of the comic-book-turned-action-pop-culture phenomenon.

While the M-Net Movies Marvel Pop-Up channel will give DStv viewers the opportunity to enjoy more gems of the franchise, which has been ten years in the making, it also serves as a lead-up to the much-anticipated Avengers: Infinity War which hits cinemas this year, with the world premiere set for 23 April 2018.

Behind-the-scenes and documentaries

On top of the 15 feature films there will also be programming linked to the behind the scenes of the movies, such as: United We Stand, Divided We Fall; The Making of Captain America: Civil War; Guide to The Galaxy with James Gunn and more.

Additionally, avid fans of the blockbuster franchise will be treated to a range of documentaries offering incredible insight into the history of Marvel.

These include: Marvel 75 Years From Pulp to Pop; From Asgard To Earth (Thor); Marvel’s Captain America: 75 Heroic Years; Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2 Rebuilding the Suit; Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe just to mention a few!

The fifteen Marvel Studios blockbusters on the channel are:

Iron Man (2008)

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Thor (2011)

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Avenges: Age of Ultron (2015)

Ant-Man (2015)

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Doctor Strange (2016)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

The Sony World Photography Awards have announces the winner of the 2018 Kenya National Award.

April 11, 2018

Antony Trivet Kenya National Awards 2018.

Trivet, a renowned wedding and fashion photographer based in Kenya, won for a photograph titled Whisper Feel. The work was selected by an expert panel of judges as the best single image taken by a Kenyan photographer submitted to the 2018 Awards.

Produced by the World Photography Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards is the world’s most diverse photography competition. The 11th edition saw a record breaking 320,000 submissions by photographers from more than 200 countries and territories, presenting some of the world’s finest contemporary photography captured over the past year.

As National Award winner, Antony Trivet will receive the latest digital imaging equipment from Sony and his winning work will be shown at the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition in London from April 20 – May 6 and published in the 2018 Awards’ book.

Describing the winning work, Trivet said: “The portrait of Isaya Evans a Kenyan actor, casting director, and entertainer was taken at Kinale forest away from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. My main aim was to incorporate the fog in the picture to activate the feeling when you are lonely and no one can help.”

“This is incredible. Thank you for the nominations this year. I am pleased, honoured and humbled to accept this award and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected. This will be enough signature to show upcoming photographers that anything is possible if they believe in ourselves. I would like to thank all the talented and gifted photographers who have taught me so much over the years. God Bless.” He added.

Trivet is particularly interested in capturing weddings, portraits and fashion. His work has been featured in the Photography Association of Kenya (PAK). He was the winner of the Canon Selphy Street Photography Competition 2016, a top finalist in the Nikon Kenya Photo Summit, and recognised as one of the Top 40 Best Kenyan Photographers by CRBC.

His success was announced alongside the winners all 63 National Awards, and the 10 categories of the Awards’ Open competition. The overall and Professional category winners of the Awards will be announced on April 19.

Samsung Electronics opens an ultra-modern store at The Mirage Tower

April 11, 2018

Samsung Electronics East Africa MD Mr. Seokim Hong, left with CEO Samsutech Corporation LTD center, and Mr Priyesh Patel right, offiially open the new Samsung outlet at the Mirage Towers during the launch of the Samsutech shop at Mirage Towers, along Waiyaki Way.

Samsung Electronics East Africa has announced the opening of an ultra-modern brand Store at the Mirage Tower in Westlands.

Speaking during the store opening, Head of Consumer Electronics Samuel Odhiambo said the opening of the brand store goes in line with the company’s effort to improve shoppers’ experience and expand its retail network.

“Samsung Electronics is committed to giving its consumers the best. This ultra-modern store will showcase our product portfolio which includes QLED TVs, twin cooling refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens and our recently introduced HotBlast™ technology which brings a whole new way of cooking to Kenya, producing food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside as well as air conditioners. Our consumers visiting the store will also have a chance to interact with our innovations which have embraced connectivity and convergence,” said Mr. Odhiambo

Over the past few years, Samsung Electronics has been keen on improving its products to make them more interactive with consumers. The company’s vision is guided by the desire to understand what consumers need and want; then design products to their liking. Samsung is keen on providing products that offer optimized benefits and services that bring value to consumers’ lives by turning everyday objects into smart connected devices.

According to Mr. Odhiambo, the new store will only stock consumer electronics and will give consumers a chance to explore the new innovations in consumer electronics which Samsung is driving.

“Samsung is cognizant of how technology is fast taking shape in the lives of our consumers, especially at home. In July we shall be launching our 2018 QLED TVs in Kenya with a stand out feature, “ambient mode” which enables the TV to blend into their surroundings,” he added.

The opening of this shop brings the number of Samsung shops to twenty seven countrywide The electronics firm is committed to increasing this number to ensure consumers everywhere are able to access the shops at their convenience.

Crown Paints opens its 2nd showroom in Kisumu as it eyes robust western region market.

April 11, 2018

Crown Paints Kenya PLC has opened its second high-end showroom in Kisumu County as part of its wider strategy to tap into the growing construction industry in the Western region.

The new facility that costed over Ksh 3 million is set to showcase latest premium brands in the market comprising of decorative, automotive and protective paints, as well as interior and exterior finishes, coatings and flooring products.

The firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Rakesh Rao said Crown Paints will continue to invest in setting up of ultra modern showrooms across the East African region in an attempt to ensure more customer accessibility and preferences.

“We’ve initiated several steps to target the ever increasing stylish, quality conscious consumers in the commercial property market to improve access and use of quality paints that promotes safety and durability of structures”, Rao said.

He said the new showroom will enhance customer recruitment and equip developers as well as the general public with more knowledge about paints. Currently over 80 percent of the paint sold by the firm in the region is water-based with high quality acrylic emulsions that offers excellent durability, quick drying time, and less odors emissions.

In 2016 the firm opened a Ksh 400 million automated plant in the County with a production capacity of 1.2 million litres of paint per month. Rao said these investments are meant to increase the firm’s market growth as the Western region was experiencing high development growth particularly in real estate with a larger number of investors eyeing towns such as Kisumu, Eldoret, Kitale and Kakamega.

The new showroom, located on Bank Street opposite Awori house is set to employ about 15 people.

Nyamira County officials tour Kakamega County in a bench-marking exercise.

April 11, 2018

Nyamira County officials in Kakamega County during a bench-marking exercise.

A special Task Force established by Nyamira County Governor John Nyagarama toured Kakamega County in a benchmarking and inter-county relations exercise as from April 2 to April 5.

The key thematic areas during the benchmarking and inter-county exchange programme were automation of revenue, training of enforcement officers, establishment of municipalities, protocol, communication and public relations management and establishment of a County band and choir.

The team of 22 was composed of County Executive Committee Members Johnstone Obike, Omwanza Muga and Zablon Onchiri, County Secretary Eric Aori, Chief of Staff Job Ong’ombe ,Deputy Chief of Staff Kefah Mocheche and Political Advisor Gisore Ondieki.

Other members were Joshua Nyakundi (Director Enforcement & Compliance), Leonida Orwaru (Sub-County Administrator), Joseck Mambo( Enforcement Officer), Lillian Onsomu ( Director Revenue), Sibiah Nyamweya ( Director ICT), Esther Asati (Director Legal Services), John Kerina (Deputy Director Trade), Stella Nyangau ( Governor’s Secretary), Benard Orucho (Deputy Director Administration), Peris Mose (Director Procurement) and Daniel Atei (Ag. Town Administrator).

The Secretariat is made up of Dennis Manyara, Violet Ombati, Lameck Nyariki and Nyambega Gisesa.

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