March edition issuu

More Information More Possibilities

MARCH 2017 Kshs. 300 / Ushs. 9000 Tshs. 6000 / RWF. 2200

INSIDE ENTEPRISE RISK MITIGATION CYBER SECURITY SUCCESFUL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION LIFE STORIES AT NAIROBI OPHARNAGE SELF PUBLISHING 101

Formed 40 years ago, Mentor Sacco banks on its robust resources to lighten membership experience going forward

THE SACCO MAVERICKS WITH RICH HISTORY

ALEX IRUNGU, CEO, MENTOR SACCO March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

Nabo Africa Fund Nabo Africa Fund is an investment vehicle that allows you to pool funds with other investors sharing similar investment goals. We then invest this pool of funds in a broad selection of financial assets such as shares, bonds, money market instruments and other authorized securities across Sub Saharan Africa.

The fund is subdivided into four sub funds that you will choose from depending on your risk return preferences:

+254 20 228 6700 Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

info@nabocapital.com

www.nabocapital.com

More Information More Possibilities

At Your Fingertips

Easy | Interactive | Convenient Visit

www.mentorsacco.co.ke for more information on our innovative products and services, easy banking and our current developments

Tel: 0704 066 827 • 0739 745 220 • 0713 072 137 • 0771 084 440 Wireless: 020- 3580167 Mentor SACCO Society @MentorSaccoLtd Email: info@mentorsacco.co.ke March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

More Information More Possibilities

Contents

26. MENTOR SACCO

EDGE FOCUS

12. KENBRIGHT

12. RISK MANAGEMENT How can businesses manage risk in an election year?

14. WOMAN OF POWER An inner drive to do things differently drove me out of employment - Catherine Mumbi

16. YOUNG & ENTERPRISING Wafula-growing a reputable car hiring business

18. EXECUTIVE TALK 5. HEAD START 6. QUOTABLE QUOTES 7. MAIL 8. BRIEFS

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Aiming to be the preferred haircare product of choice for the African hair- Marine Naturals

Contents

More Information More Possibilities

More Information More Possibilities

20. TECHIE Trots allows merchants to leverage on technology to build a profound online presence, while maintaining direct contact with their customers

22. FINANCE & BANKING Century MFB has revamped its commitment to improve service delivery and offer clients a better experience

MAIN STORY 26. MENTOR SACCO The Sacco Mavericks With Rich History

SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT 32. ARC SKILLS

20.

14.

WOMAN OF POWER

The skills development company offers bespoke training solutions to tackle the critical skills gap in order to address employability and productivity

OPINION 34. MEDIA & PUBLISHING 36. HUMAN CAPITAL 38. CUSTOMER SERVICE 40. ENTERPRISES 42.CYBER SECURITY

TRAVEL AND LEISURE 50. Nairobi Orphanage

BOOK REVIEW

52.

50.

TRAVEL,AND LEISURE

26.

42.

CYBER SECURITY

52. Secrets Of A Lizard

PRODUCT REVIEW 54. EPSON EB-U04

SONG REVIEW 50.

54.

BOOK REVIEW

PRODUCT REVIEW

54.

52.

56. 24K Magical

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities Managing Editor Sylvester Okumu sylvester@edgemagazine.co.ke

Don’t Miss An Issue

Editorial Oroni Tendera ibrahim@edgemagzine.co.ke

EDGE

Jenny Nyawira jenny@edgemagzine.co.ke

MAGAZINE

Contributors Perminus Wainaina Carolyne Gathuru Michael Obuya Ezekiel Macharia Brett Parker Adisa Hudson

Business Development Manager Alex Wambugu Marketing Executive Lilian Chepkoech Operations Hamisi Abdallah

Subscribe Now Country

Currency

6 Months

9 Months

12 Months

Kenya

KSHs

1,500

2,400

3,300

Tanzania

TSHs

Uganda

Rwanda

USHs Rf

45,000

30,000

11,000

72,000

99,000

17,600

24,200

48,000

66,000

Name ....................................................................................................

Address ...............................................................................................

Postcode .............................................................................................

Country ..............................................................................................

Telephone..........................................................................................

Email ...................................................................................................

Quantity .............................................................................................

I enclose a cheque for ............................................. made payable to Fine Edge Media.

Signature......................................

Date....../....../.......

For subscription / inquiries please contact : info@edgemagazine.co.ke

* Kindly make cheque payable to Fine Edge Media * Fine Edge Media P.O. Box 74298 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.

www.edgemagazine.co.ke

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Creative Designer Felix Rurigi felix@edgemagazine.co.ke

Cell: +254 724 113 683 +254 715 507 024 +254 770 467 370

Published by Fine Edge Media 4th Floor, Ruprani House, next to Family Bank Towers, Moktar Daddah Street.

P. O. Box 74298-00200 Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: (+254) 20-2088776 / Cell:(+254) 724 113 683/ (+254) 715 507 024/ (+254) 770 467 370 E-mail: info@edgemagazine.co.ke Website: www.edgemagazine.co.ke

Edge Magazine EA

@edgemagazine_ea

Edge Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2017 Fine Edge Media.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form including photocopy, or any storage and retrieval system without the publisher’s permission in writing.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information contained in this publication.

More Information More Possibilities

Head start

Drought mitigation could be this simple

R

ecent admission by the State that close to two million Kenyans face starvation is alarming.

There is water shortage in the country which can be linked to drought−a clear indication that the country is suffering from the ravages of climate change and more needs to be done to stem this looming calamity.

It is disheartening to see animals and human beings die from famine in this day and age when all these could be managed.

Donating food and water might seem feasible for a moment but we should not be oblivious of the root causes of famine. While drought might be beyond the control of man, many scientists argue that some of its effects could be managed by planning and proper strategies.

Scientific reports postulate that drought is caused by global warming and climatic changes. Apparently, the causes of global warming in the region are preventable.

Climate change affects everyone. Its effects to our economy are adverse. It would have been more prudent for all the parties involved to make efforts towards overcoming the effects of drought a priority, now and in the future.

Locally there are laws, treaties, institutions and frameworks which stakeholders can enforce strategies to mitigate drought harm.

People, communities, societies and the nation can mitigate drought risk. The government through the National Drought Management Authority helps people plan for drought. Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and Water Services Regulation Board (WASREB) oversees management of water resources and its provisions.

It’s just a few months before the wintry July comes with heavy rains and flood. Harvesting rain and conserving water should be a priority. We should understand our natural resources and start learning on ways we can conserve the environment and prevent pollution.

It’s as simple as planting more trees. sylvester@edgemagazine.co.ke

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

6

Quotable Quotes

Diana Opoti “100 days of African fashion has proved to be the most valuable source for analysis of real reactions and consumer brands, of evaluating genuine consumer perceptions of African brand and revealing the challenges.”

She is one of Africa’s most renowned fashion connectors and founder of leading fashion consultancy, Diana Opoti PR.Based in Nairobi, her company is a true champion of the continent’s vast fashion design market. Her company’s services include brand strategy, publicity and management for emerging fashion brands in Kenya and beyond. Diana’s fashion campaign, 100 days of African Fashion started as a celebration of African brands and grew into a platform for designers to share their latest products.

Trevor Kimenye “OTT Apps/services are now mainstream and will continue to increase with increase in internet penetration and smartphone adoption. We’d like to see more organizations especially start-ups take advantage of our platform as a unified way to reach their customers via OTT services.”

The 30 year old is a serial entrepreneur and software developer with over a decade of experience in the tech industry. He is the CEO and co-founder of Ongair, which has close to 1000 customers form over 70 countries with offices in Nairobi and Hong Kong. Ongair leverages on WhatsApp and other instant messaging platforms for customer service and support.

Prior to setting up Ongair in 2014, he had successfully overseen formation of two other tech enterprises in Australia and Kenya.

Known as a tech disrupter and ardent cycler, he holds Masters of Technology from the RMIT University (Australia) and Bsc in Computer Science from the Edith Cowan University (Australia).

Olive Gachara “I remember saying over and over again how bad I am at sales. However I quickly realised I had to change that monologue if I wanted to achieve my gaols. You need to be a great sales person to succeed as an entrepreneur.”

Olive Gachara is an accomplished business woman and serial entrepreneur. At just 30 years she runs a modelling agency, a consultancy firm and publishes a magazine. She is also a judge ‘lioness’ at the Lions’ Den, an entrepreneurship show run on NTV by KCB Bank and Quite Bright Films. Its Kenya’s version of Shark Tank.

At 17 years, she took a stab at Miss Malaika and failed. One year later she started Kinkey Modelling and Talent Agency and started consulting for magazines as a fashion stylist.

At age 25 she launched Image with Olive-an image consultancy firm with a special focus on personal branding, communications skills, etiquette and professional image. She now publishes Couture Africa Magazine.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

Letters You become what you believe It does not matter where you start, it is where you finish, all what you require is faith in yourself and your abilities. This is what defines Irene Wanjiku. Her story is thrilling. Rising from a receptionist to a CEO in an industry that is dominated by men should be a great lesson to today’s youth who think success is an overnight affair. In reality, success is a journey that requires the right attitude, patience and hard work.

Morris Wanjala, student, Eldoret

Financial inclusion through technology

Post interest regulation eraWhat next for banks?

The rapid growth in technology has changed how businesses operate. In the financial sector for instance, institutions are moving away from brick and mortar and adopting digital expansion models.

They are enabling financial inclusion through technology. This has enabled them reach individuals at the base of the pyramid who have access to mobile money but may lack a bank account. The model is also fast, timely and efficient compared to the conventional ways that tend to be laborious. I think it’s the high time traditional banks adopted technology and

The current staff lay off by Kenyan banks is alarming. With thousands of unemployed youth actively seeking work, the downsizing is just untimely. However, are banks to blame? Apparently, they are only reacting to the capping of interest rates that has constrained their interest income, which has fallen over the past few months.

Worth noting is that the real impact of the interest regulation is yet to be felt. Most financial institutions are implementing various coping strategies some of which have negative economic impact. So the question remains- was interest rate

Martha Kagori, Nairobi

Chris Anyona, Mombasa

move with the times.

capping worthwhile?

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

8

Briefs

Britam dominates AKI 2017 Industry Awards For the first time, this year’s event under the theme “The future of Insurance beyond 2020” incorporated both life and general insurance sales agents. Britam had 160 out of the 279 agents who qualified for the industry awards. Britam had 24 qualifiers out of the Top 50 agents in the Industry.

Other categories that Britam won during the AAYA awards include: • Company with most applications award • Life Member Award - Lucy Muchira of NRB 1 Branch

• Youngest FA in the Top 50 Award - Mary Marugu of Nyeri branch Britam Holdings Group Managing Director Dr. Benson Wairegi, CEO Britam Life Assurance Company Ambrose Dabani, Executive Principal Director Stephen Wandera and Joseph Gathogo, Head of Financial Advisors Network celebrate

D

iversified financial services group, Britam Holdings Limited is the overall winner of the Association of Kenya Insurers AKI Agent of the Year Awards (AAYA).

For 10 years in a row, Britam won the Overall Company of the Year Award for having the highest number of qualifiers in the event, which celebrates outstanding performance of insurance sales agents, and companies in the country.

Britam is currently the market leader in life insurance in the country. The latest industry data for the period January to June published in September 2016 by the Insurance Regulatory Authority shows Britam’s market share rose to 22.11 per cent in the first half, from 20.34 over the same period last year. Britam also had a gross premium income of Sh7.2 billion against the long-term life insurers’ total Sh32.6 billion.

Sanlam Kenya posts a Kshs 317m Pre-tax profit

Sanlam Kenya Chief Financial Officer Victoria Impomai (Left) Group Chairman Dr John Simba and Group CEO Mugo Kibati during the Sanlam Kenya Full Year 2016 Trading Results Release.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Key highlights • Profit before tax at KShs. 317m (2015: KShs. 54m) • Total assets up by 5 per cent to KShs. 28.4b (2015: KShs. 27.1b) • Group Capital Adequacy Requirement (Solvency) covered 2.60 times (2015: 2.83 times)

Local non-bank financial services provider Sanlam Kenya has announced a Kshs 317million full year 2016 pre-tax profit jump up from Kshs 54million posted the previous year.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed firm confirmed that the profit before tax jump is largely attributable to improved performance by the firm’s General Insurance Business-Sanlam General

More Information More Possibilities

Insurance- which has managed to book a 95 per cent reduction in its underwriting loss in line with growth in top line and prudent reserving.

This year, Sanlam Kenya is proposing to retain dividends payable as it seeks to build its capital reserves to ensure full compliance with the new Risk Based Capital and regulatory regime.

Speaking at an Investor and media Briefing session hosted by the firm, Sanlam Kenya Group CEO Mr. Mugo Kibati said the firm’s performance had been affected by a number of market challenges experienced within the year under review. Some of these challenges, included a depressed performance of the stock market, changes in the life business valuation and developments in the local banking sector.

The firm, he said, had however managed to weather some of the challenges with significant growth from its General Insurance and Asset Management businesses even as the Life Business suffered slower growth last year.

Accompanied by Sanlam Kenya Group Chairman Dr. John Simba, Mr. Kibati reiterated that the firm’s recent profit withdrawal notice had been necessitated by a reduction in the level of impairment provisions; earlier considered for some of the firm’s investments in Chase Bank (InReceivership).

At Sanlam General Insurance, Kibati said the firm’s concerted engagement efforts with customers and business partners had allowed the firm to grow its gross written premium by 58 per cent to KShs.1b up from KShs. 633m achieved in 2015.

The firm which was one of the first to market with a Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) product has registered a marked improvement in its first full year in the group, managing to reduce its operating loss before tax by 92 per cent to KShs 24m down from KShs 302 m loss reported in 2015.

The Sanlam General Insurance business transformation program which commenced two years ago, Kibati noted, has started to bear fruit with significant improvements now realized. The firm’s operating loss before tax reduced by 92 per cent to KShs 24m from KShs 302m loss reported the previous year, effectively setting the firm on a profit course this year.

Policyholder benefits and claims at Sanlam General Insurance, Kibati said had decreased by 75 per cent from KShs. 538m to KShs.135m driven by the strategic decision to discontinue the underwriting of the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) line of business as well as improved non-motor business.

“The group achieved numerous milestones despite a difficult year. Going forward, we will keep investing in our operational capacity to better serve our target customer needs and fully exploit existing and emerging growth opportunities,” Kibati assured.

At Sanlam Investments, the Operating Profit increased from Kshs 24m posted the previous year to stand at KShs. 46m in a move attributable to the growth in revenues. The growth, Kibati explained has remained consistent to the firm’s growth in its Assets Under Management (AUMs) as well as enhanced cost efficiency.

Fee income from Sanlam Investment also jumped 31per cent to KShs. 156m up from KShs.119m on account of satisfactory growth in assets under management and performance fees earned based on significant outperformance of its prudent investment benchmarks.

Sanlam Kenya’s Life business subsidiary Sanlam Life Insurance, returned a slower premium income growth due to market pressures affecting its performance on the corporate and retail segments.

The firm, Kibati assured has already embarked on strategic business recovery

efforts to jump start growth for the life business. Already, significant changes have been undertaken to streamline Sanlam Life Insurance’s distribution channels.

Last year, Sanlam Life Insurance posted a 5 per cent Gross written premium drop to KShs. 4.4b down from KShs.4.6b achieved in 2015 even as its Investment portfolio earnings increased by 50 per cent from KShs. 1.4b in 2015 to KShs. 2.1b in 2016 driven by good investment return from the interest bearing exposure. Policyholder benefits increased from KShs. 4b to KShs. 4.3b attributable to maturities as well as an increase in annuity payments following strong new annuity business sales.

This year, Sanlam Kenya will be seeking to enhance its shareholder value through a sustained focus on excellent customer service, investments in growth sectors and disciplined market execution to boost revenues.

The company, will also be maintaining its focus on the implementation of its robust five-year growth strategy. The strategy last year was headlined by a strategic rebranding process with all the former Pan Africa Insurance Holdings subsidiaries adopting a single identity under the Sanlam brand.

In Africa, the Sanlam Group continues to enjoy pride of place as the single largest non-bank financial services provider with interests in life, general insurance and wealth management solutions among others.

Locally, the group is making steady progress with the implementation of its new five-year strategy. Beyond the rebranding programme, the new strategy has also seen a significant transformation for the firm’s life and general insurance business distribution channels, as well as investment in capacity to support accelerated future growth.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

10

Briefs

Jijenge Credit Enters Asset Finance Market

J

ijenge Credit Limited-a fast growing financial institution recently launched a new product on asset finance. “This was prompted by the need to allow clients grow and modernize their businesses through the acquisition of tangible assets,” says Peter Macharia, the company’s managing director. “Our clients can now receive up to 80 percent financing for both new and locally used assets,” he adds.

The assets range from motor vehicles, commercial equipment, hatchery machine, chaff cutter, milking equipment and coolers among others.

The product has been on the market for only two months, but Peter reveals that the uptake has been positive. The company hopes to take advantage of the market that is mainly dominated by commercial banks.

Peter Macharia, managing director, Jijenge Credit Limited.

The AFRICA CEO FORUM 2017: Re-inventing Africa’s “business model”

T

he 5th edition of the AFRICA CEO FORUM will take place from 20 - 21 March in Geneva and will focus on how to succeed in this new economic cycle on the continent. Having cemented its status as the foremost meeting dedicated to the development of the African private sector, the AFRICA CEO FORUM 2017 will bring together more than 1000 personalities, key decision makers in industry, finance and politics from the African continent and around the globe.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

This year’s theme is “Re-thinking Africa’s business model”. The AFRICA CEO FORUM 2017 will open the debate on the economic boom of the 2000s, the context of economic

Managing risks Jijenge has partnered with insurance companies in order to safeguard the interest of its customers from loss. “While this election year is associated with greater risks which may affect business operating environment, we have taken the necessary measures to reduce uncertainties.” The said partners include Jubilee Insurance, AIG and The Monarch Insurance Company limited among others. growth in Africa and the critical decisions that must be taken to reach rapid and sustainable growth.

Major themes will include: * Unleashing innovation and the entrepreneurial potential of youth and women * Making Africa more attractive for international investors * Turning African stock exchanges into competitive powerhouses * Creating the next generation of African exporters

The AFRICA CEO FORUM 2017 will also offer 20 sessions for debate and reflection, allowing participants to hit strategic topics for driving African corporate growth including: digital transformation, fintech, agribusiness, private equity, emerging African champions, electricity and innovation.

More Information More Possibilities

ASSET FINANCE AVAILABLE

Jijenge Credit Ltd Empowering Your Business

Use Your Logbook To Get A Loan In 1 Hr For all your financial needs; Business or Personal • Loans Against Logbooks / Shares / Stock / Title Deeds

• LPO Financing

• Import Duty Finance

• Check Off / Salary Loans

• Car / Goods Import Finance

• Performance Bonds

• Bid Bonds

• Cheque Discounting

• Emergency Loan

• Invoice Discounting

• Agency Banking

• Financial / Business Consultancy

• TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

For more information contacts us on: P.O . Box 9578 - 00200, Nairobi, Town House, Kaunda Street, 6th Floor, Suite 604/605 Cell: 0717 282 727 / 0711 282 727 / 0722 843 770 Email: info@jijengecredit.com jijengecreditlimited

jijengec

www.jijengecredit.com March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

12

Risk Management

In an election year, identifying risks can prove to be a daunting task. What does enterprise risk management entail? Ezekiel Macharia, Chief Actuary – Kenbright Actuarial & Financial Services−puts this into perspective

How Can Businesses Manage Risk In An Election Year?

D

oes the average Kenyan care about risk?

Well, this is demonstrated in the popular and regular demand for land “shamba” in the hope of protecting themselves from future shocks and provide some form of financial security.

In the business world, there are regular shocks, say yearly (Christmas consumer boom) or monthly (end month traffic jam) and those that occur after a long period, say five years −for instance general elections.

This is not a doom and gloom article, where we shout from the roof tops that businesses should secure for themselves sabotage, strikes and terrorism insurance(S & T cover).

We have approached this article from the perspective of an Actuary or risk consultant in which an election is a longterm cycle event that can affect your business positively, negatively or both. It is also an important time to talk about how we can use the brakes on our business (enterprise risk management) to make the business move faster in the road of financial prosperity, shareholder profits and economic expansion.

Managing risk is about looking at the upside & downside of shocks affecting your business and deciding on four actions; (1) Retain, (2) Avoid, (3) Transfer/Insure or (4) Reduce.

Using these basic principles, a CEO of a large corporate or a section head in a small and medium enterprise (SME) (the

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Ezekiel Macharia, Chief Actuary – Kenbright Actuarial & Financial Services.

backbone of our economy) can be able be effective in responding to risks that are affecting your businesses.

Risk framework How well you manage the shocks affecting your business through an appropriate risk framework will determine the level of risk maturity of your organization. In the world of risk, are you on the defence - parking the bus at the goal post (reducing losses & focusing on controls)? or are you scoring goals (performance optimization with integration of risk management in decision making)?

Nevertheless, before you respond to shocks / risk, it is important that you identify them. Know Thy Enemy.

In an election year, identifying risks can be a daunting task due to the uncertainty in knowing the future outcome. It may range from legal risk (good or bad

More Information More Possibilities

Managing risk is about looking at the upside & downside of shocks affecting your business and deciding on four actions;

Social, Technology, Environment & Legal)and case studies, you can have a good starter kit towards risk identification.

For example, is your business ready to take advantage of opportunities that occur during an election cycle? These include changes in the governing party’s manifesto – for example changing focus and tax incentives from high income housing to low income housing can affect your customer base and hence affect your revenues for businesses in construction industry.

Upside risk include companies in the helicopter business getting more revenue – are the choppers enough and where will you keep them during periods of excess capacity.

When identifying risks, it is critical that the process is approached in a structured manner and that the risks are agreed by a majority of members in the organization (risk identification should not be the crusade of a lone ranger) and someone in the organization is held responsible for the risk (your risk champions).

future laws affecting your business), credit risk (when your customers / suppliers are unable to pay you on time due to a market recession), market risk (assets you own moving up or down – these include property, shares at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), government bill/bonds, county government bonds, company bonds or exchange traded funds - ETFs), currency risk (the shilling in your pocket not being able to by much for those in the manufacturing business and need to import inputs), strategic risk (where your strategy is wrong for business in the new post-election environment), people risk (politically charged employees not working in harmony; industrial unrest), emerging risks (climate change causes the perennial Kenyan drought to be unpredictable)and many other types of risks.

Risk identification There are many risks identification techniques which include brainstorming, independent group analysis, surveys, Delphi technique, gap analysis, interviews and working groups. As you undertake these techniques, you can also use tools to help yourself identity the possible shocks that will hit your business, with tools such as checklists, process analysis, SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity &Threats), PESTEL (Political, Economic,

After successfully undertaking this risk identification activity, creating a risk register is appropriate with which the staff will update regularly, say every three months.

Another important element to note is that you will need someone to measure and analyse the risk.

Actuaries do come in when the risk is complex and long-term but a regular business and especially SMEs may get away with basic rules like high impact, medium impact and low impact.

I have seen risk reports with traffic lights which may help in the communication of the risks that the company may face.

Finally, regular monitoring of the risks that have been identified, measured, analysed and managed is very important to make sure that your risk management process is not a black box and that it is effective and relevant to your market beyond the election period. As humans, we normally react during a crisis and our hope is that some institutions will react to the election with implementation of enterprise risk management which will go a long way in making them agile and more competitive in the ever changing global economy.

Ezekiel is the Chief Actuary – Kenbright Actuarial & Financial Services (ezekiel@kenbright.co.ke) March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

14

Woman Of Power

An inner drive to do things differently drove me out of employment into marketing and advertising. I am the co-founder and CEO of Simply Mammoth Solutions.

By Sylvester Okumu

Cut From A Different Cloth

I

am Catherine Mumbi, the founder and CEO of Simply Mammoth Solutions−a marketing and creative agency that helps businesses accomplish their objectives through creative marketing and successful branding.

Born and raised in Kisumu, I always imagined how the city was like. I had big dreams...I still do...I would always push my boundaries in my imagination. Growing up I wanted to become a nurse, just like my mum. I liked caring for people and I would be consumed by compassion.

Not one to stay idle, I went door to door in Kisumu town looking for a job and by evening I was an employee of a gift shop. In a month Imoved on to a phone shop where I made loads of money selling phones and phones accessories before university came calling. I was admitted to Kenyatta University to study Family and Consumer studies amidst protests.Although I hadn’t wished for the course, after a short while I started liking its consumer aspect.

In 2003, while still a student, I participated in Miss Kenya western Kenya. The Emcee was impressed by my personality and

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Catherine Mumbi, the founder and CEO of Simply Mammoth Solutions.

offered me a job on condition that I complete my undergraduate studies.

After graduating in 2004, he let me run a company he had registered but was not operational.

This was the first time I experienced entrepreneurship. Client and staff accusation, talent management, Cashflow

management, PR, Income generation, Negotiation ability are some of the skills I quickly needed to learn. Four months later I moved on to a new challenge in a marketing firm and went on to hold two other jobs with printing firms.

I learnt a lot from my employers and colleagues, some deliberately mentored me

More Information More Possibilities

while I watched some from afar. I learnt from their genius and mistakes. I will be forever grateful to them.

After six years in employment, I woke up one day and realised that my inner drive to opt out on my own and do things differently was driving me crazy.

I shocked my husband when I dropped the bombshell. He was scared for a while and thought that I would struggle without a job.

Much to his chagrin, I resigned and took over an idle company he had registered− Simply Mammoth Solutions.

Luckily, I got a good contract on my first day on the job and I have never looked back.

In about a month I was shocked, happy and confused when I found out I was pregnant. We had been trying to have a baby for a while and i couldn’t believe it happened after I left employment! Now I had two babies to raise – a business and a real baby! I had a difficult pregnancy for the first three months. I knew I had to work otherwise it would not have made sense leaving employment. Armed with a supportive husband, Iworked from home for the first six months before moving to our office. My pregnancy was very smooth after three months hence I achieved quite a lot before the baby came.

We have expanded our scope of work from just focusing on below-the-line advertising to creative design, marketing, project management consultancy and event planning.

God has blessed me with an amazing team both at home and at work. A wise woman once told me “For a woman to do much and great, for a woman to scale, she must surround herself with an army, an army she can depend on”

We have done a lot of product activations, events and exhibitions for SMEs and corporates. We are now looking into interior décor on which we have an ongoing project at the recently opened Two Rivers Mall.

In 2015,we conceptualized an event dubbed Women Words and Wine−a convention for female professionals to meet, exchange pleasantries and empower each other over a glass of wine. As a society I realised women are too busy to meet and catch up, laugh, exhale and share wisdom.

Hence the birth of WWW. I am also passionate about mentoring and empowering young girls. I recently started a book club for high school girls in Kibera called KGSA, to empower their minds and broaden their perspectives about life.

Reading expands your mind and reasoning and helps you discover amazing things in life about the world and its people.

For instance, onemay not get a chance to meet Richard Branson but through his memoirs, biographies, we get to learn about him, his great works and how he did it.

My recent favourite book is The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are

to Where You Want to Be−by Jack Canfield.

I am currently reading How to win friends and influence people – by Dale Carnegie.

My success skills are rooted in the way I manage people, which I came to learn not so long ago. I encourage my employees to be their own bosses. Through that, they have had tremendous growth, I have been able to get the best out of them, and get things done easily.This has also enabled me to get time for myself and family.

I work out on most evenings and read books at night or early in the morning. I love eating healthy meals throughout the week and eat a bit of pizza, fries and icecream over the weekend.

My advice to young girls? You are beautiful, don’t look for validation! Find what you love doing and do it as only you can. Find your purpose and work tirelessly towards making life better and honourable for you and others. Avoid negative energy. Find a solution and move on.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

16

Young And Enterprising

In only four years, Wafula’s car hire business has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the most reputable operators in its line of business Words Jenny Nyawira

How Richard Wafula Found His Success Drive

N

owadays, you do not necessarily need to own a car to chauffeur yourself or enjoy a comfortable ride.Car hiring companies have provided a solution.

Richard Wafula, the managing director at the African Bulls One Stop Car Hire Solution, began his journey in 2012 when he leased his personal car to a friend for one month.

With that single experience he saw an opportunity which he wanted to explore. As a rookie he was apprehensive about the risks involved but dared to dream.A few weeks into signing his first deal, he got another.He then realized that he can give it a shot. African Bulls One Stop car hire solution was therefore born.

By then, he was a program coordinator at International Youth Network-Kenya and had to juggle between his fulltime job and the newly launched enterprise. The latter took better of him.

Focusing all his energy on the new venture, he bought another car after only six months. While at it, the experience was tasking in terms of time and energy.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

One of his cars was stolen. “It was stressful considering that I had just quit my job. I was however determined to make it a success,� he recalls.

Change of strategy After that horrible experience,Wafula discovered that he did not need to own many vehicles to stay in business. He started leasing vehicles. This saw the business grow and stabilize.

Currently the firm has a fleet of 15 cars and six employees. Among them is a risk management personnel whose role is to verify the documents presented by clients to make sure they are valid.

The leasing model is mostly used by car hire agencies that contract vehicles without owning them. Through an agreement, they pay owners a fee for using their vehicles.

Today, the firm has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the most reputable operators in its line of business. It targets individuals as well as

More Information More Possibilities

are of good standards and clean, with well trained drivers,” shares the entrepreneur.

corporates. The type of services offered include chauffeured taxis, airport pick-ups and vans for safaris.

KENGEN, Keroche Industries, Panari Hotels and Tuskys supermarket are some of the clients that the firm has been fortunate to work with. “We also chauffeured delegates during the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) conference held in August 2016 in Kenya. This was not only a motivation that we are on the right projectory, but it also opened doors to other corporate organizations,” says Wafula.

Customer satisfaction “We value customer satisfaction. Our cars

We value customer satisfaction. Our cars are of good standards and clean, with well trained drivers

Despite these successes, Wafula reveals that the car hire industry comes with its own share of challenges. There are high risks involved, delays in payment especially from corporate clients, while others fail to return the cars on time.

Having tried his luck on hawking by the roadside, selling mitumbaclothes and running a training institution −failing every time, the youthful entrepreneur is happy to be home. He is optimistic to see the company succeed and be the car hire of choice in Kenya and beyond.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

18

Executive Talk

Established a few years ago by Michelle Ntalami, Marini Natural aims to be the preferred haircare product of choice for the African hair

How I Made A Thriving Beauty Venture

By Cutting My Hair DownNaturally

“

I am not an ordinary young lass but an entrepreneur with a lioness’s spirit,” opens up Michelle Ntalami during an interview with Edge Magazine.

Maybe that explains why at 32 she sits at the helm of a Marini Naturals, having founded BrandVine Group a few years before.

Within a year of operation,Marini won the ‘Product of the Year’ at Salon and Beauty Contest Awards 2016, and ‘Brand of the Year’ at the Afro Hair Awards. She was also named amongst Top 40 Under 40 Women 2016 in Kenya by the Business Daily Africa.

After a short stint in the corporate world she opted out on her own into the murky waters of entrepreneurship-she says.

Along the way she figured out bits and pieces and finally unravelled her success puzzle. Admittedly, it is crucial for potential entrepreneurs to have mentorship and effectively brand their business to succeed, something which she lacked when starting out. This has seen her come up with a programme where potential entrepreneurs would be mentored and taught how to effectively brand their business for success.

What defines you Michelle?

“Everyone is defined by their personality, their heart and mind. I’ve got an outgoing personality, a soft but brave heart with a gentle soul. Besides, I love dogs, the colour red and passionate about travelling.”

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

husbands have noticed a big change in their wives’ natural hair and began complimenting them. Every time we get this kind of feedback, my partner-Niyaand I do a jig in the office as it reminds us why we started this in the first place.”

Michelle studied Graphic Design & Communications at the University of Nairobi and graduated with first class honours. After which she got a scholarship to do a Masters degree in interior design at Florence Design Academy-one of the best designs schools in the world.

By then a 22 year old, she used to work while in campus and later joined Access Kenya Group as a brand executive then made a quick shift to the advertising industry.

“I moved to Scan Ad where I worked as the Digital Manager for Squad Digital which at the time was the digital agency for Safaricom. I then got appointed as the Account Manager of McCann Ericson where my biggest client was Coca Cola Africa. I’m a very artsy individual and I loved my life in the agency morethan the corporate. No sooner had I settled than I stepped out to begin my own branding agency- Brandvine Group,” she says.

She recalls to have an early start in the creative world. At 19she used to paint windows during Christmas at shops in Yaya Centre, Sarit Centre and the Mall. “People would marvel at my paintings and my unique depiction of Santa Clause which gave me endless referrals. I was a rich little girl over Christmas,” she quips.

Kenyan women love our products.

We’ve received encouraging feedback from our clients across the country

The thrill of being an entrepreneur continues to excite her, she says. “The fact every new single day is different from the other. One you can be dealing with an angry customer, the next you wake up to a testimonial of a happy client onsocial media.”

Since then, her friends have kept her grounded, her parents being her biggest motivators.

Michelle envision to spread her footprint across the continent and to the Middle East of Asia. Plans are also underway to launch a deep conditioning treatment for both protein and moisture, as well as a few creative products that she is hopeful will excite clients.

Beyond that, Marini looks to be the leading natural haircare brand in Africa.

Natural African Hair When Ntalami had her hair cut, she realized that there was an immense demand for hair products that would actually work for the African natural hair.

Necessity led her to invent her own products that work for her hair. This later sparked the idea of actually doing it as a business. She instantly knew this could be the answer for her friends with the similar needs. Marini Naturals−a natural hairline brand with a raft of quality beauty products for the African hairs −was hence born.

“We’ve got everything from Sulfate-free shampoos to curling gels and butter,” says the entrepreneur.

Since its launch Michelle says the products have been well received in the market. “Kenyan women love our products. We’ve received encouraging feedback from our clients across the country. We get such touching stories, of how akid’s hair which was once bad but is now manageable, or how

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

20

Techie

Trots allows merchants to leverage on technology to build a profound online presence, while maintaining direct contact with their customers

By Edwin Kuria

TROTS: The Ultimate Mobile Commerce Platform

T

Trots Technologies Team: Seated from left: Francis Kamau, Cyrus Mulinge and Brian Kihara, Looking on: Edwin Kuria and Evelyn Adongo.

he mobile phone is fast becoming a vital medium for business communication.

In an age where people rely heavily on a variety of apps to keep track of their lifestyle needs, as well as feed their shopping habits− organizations need to find a way of plugginginto their consumers’ phones to capture their attention.

Connecting with potential and existing clients has always been an uphill task for businesses and this demands a platform through which there can be a seamless end-to- end interaction. Web presence is not enough especially with the fast-paced growth of mobile web usage. Inspired by the need to connect businesses to their target audience, Cyrus Mulinge developed a hybrid fintech and mobile commerce platform alongside a team of young dedicated visionaries. The mobile app offers a lucrative mobile commerce space that brings the merchants and their goods to the consumer, while the inbuilt wallet allows the user to complete a business transaction.

The platform is a mobile app known as Trotsthat is currently available on Google Play Store and Windows Store with iOS version still in development.

Trots is the ultimate mobile commerce platform that allows seamless and uninterrupted interaction

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

between businesses and their audiences. It boasts of being the only one of its kind that is locally conceptualized, developed and run. It is an end -to-end solution that comes with a consumer app, a desktop dashboardand a partner app for businesses. It allows businesses to take a stride to their intended success levels by creating a trot campaign and building a community around it.Trotsis further instrumental in helping merchants retain their audience, engage them, scale and monetize their operations.

Inspiration behind the Mobile Platform The creation of Trots was inspired by the evolving dynamics of businesses and markets that they operate in to merge with the social aspect, especially in an age where everyone is seeking to connect to the world digitally. Additionally, Africa needs a platform that opens them up to infinite products, services and offers around them right from the convenience of their phones. Again, narrowing in to Kenya, the growth of mobile money serves to prove the growing need to go mobile.

Trots showcases all the products, services, events and offers from listed merchants, allowing registered users to browse through, follow and purchase what is offered.

More Information More Possibilities

It targets every smartphone user. Its design and functionality gives it a far-reaching target audience that transcends age, gender and other parameters.

Consumers can access the app by downloading it from app stores and creating accounts.

Consequently, merchants have access by way of the Trots Partner App and the Desktop Dashboard where they can create accounts that allow them to post information that gets transmitted to the consumer App. The Differentiating Factor Trots has a business model that makes it a unique marketplace where an existing business can leverage the opportunity to build a profound online presence, while maintaining direct contact with their customers, which goes a long way in building brand loyalty.

Additionally, Trots is one of a kind mobile commerce platform that offers an end to end solution and comes with essential tools that can help managers with their business process such as content management, analytics, personalization of campaign efforts among several others.

Market Reception The market reception has been quite overwhelming.

Additionally, the recognition by the African Business Communities and a few local productions in published articles coupled with the impressive feedback from users and listed merchants underscore its projected great performance in the market.

The platform has enjoyed resounding reception by local merchants, which has allowed them to do a pilot with leading brands in Kenya that include and not limited to retail stores housed at the Garden City Mall, entertainment outfits such as Partyville Kenya, eateries and social joints across Nairobi. Working with these and other brands has served to reveal that Trots allows merchants to leverage technology on top of their brick and motor.

Is there opportunity in the mobile commerce space?

The mobile commerce space brings with it numerous opportunities, thanks to the rapid growth in the usage of mobile phones and the notable shift by both businesses and consumers to Mobile Commerce. This is largely because the human reliance on mobile phones has become a fundamental aspect of life. Additionally, apps increase the level of engagement that mobile phones hold.

Challenges Some of the challenges faced include gaining

traction for the App since it is a new product that cannot get comprehensively compared to pre-existing products within the same space.

Besides, the lack of definitive physical addresses in the region presents a challenge with regard to implementing a refinement in delivery services. There is also a certain level of skepticism among businesses to get onto a mobile commerce platform because of the morbid fear of running the trailblazer risk.

Going forward Trots intends to change the place of mobile commerce in people’s lives and boost the level of convenience that customers experience as they interact with various plans.

There are also expansion plans to ensure that the platform reaches the entire world. Currently, plans are underway to kick-start the initial expansion plans in the rest of East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa Markets. Some Merchants from Tanzania are already planning to leverage on the platform.

It is worth noting that the rules of commerce are fast changing especially as the number of mobile devices could easily be more than the world’s population. Mobile commerce is quickly assuming the centerstage and it would be prudent for businesses looking to engage and retain their audiences to leverage on technology through platforms such as Trots.

The author is a Digital Content Producer at Trots Technologies.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

22

Finance And Banking

The bank has revamped its commitment to improve service delivery and offer clients a better experience

Century Microfinance Bank Deepens Financial Inclusion Through Revolutionary Digital Products

C

entury Microfinance Bank opened its doors to the public in September 2012 with a first branch in Gikomba, Nairobi.

It embarked on a new commitment to transform lives through responsible financing with a great start. Today it services over 21000 clients with an asset base of close to Kshs 250 million. The bank hasbranches spread across Kitengela, Kaggio, Githunguri and Gikomba which doubles up as the head office. Plans areunderway to transfer its headquarters to Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi and oversee an elaborate strategy to have an asset worth Kshs 10 billion in the next 5 years.

The company is majorly owned by Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT).

“When we started we were entirely focussing on financing agriculture and its value chain.

Agriculture is the biggest feeder to our country’s

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Reuben Mwangi, chief executive at Century Microfinance.

GDP, employs millions of people and many others depend on it for survival. Through this, we were able to add value to subsistence farmers and improved their livelihoods through affordable financing,” says Reuben Mwangi, chief executive at Century Microfinance during an interview with him at his office.

Recently, the financier has however renewed its strategy to finance micro, small and medium enterprises besides agriculture and its value chains.

“We took a major decision to overhaul our whole operation system and have a digital experience. At the time, our overhead costs were high and there was need to automate systems to cut costs, increase efficiency and better service provision,” comments the executive.

More Information More Possibilities

works with Credit Reference Bureaus which according to Mr. Mwangi have helped make faster and informed lending decisions. “We now understand our clients better and we are able to finance them accordingly.”

He further notes that the brick and mortar way of lending was too risky and unsustainable, thus, the need to embrace a digital system.

Part of Century Microfinance staff.

This was quickly followed up by a raft of other systematic changes.

In 2016, the bank rolled out a biometric system where clients could access their accounts via their finger prints encryption. This boosted security, removed the paperwork and revolutionised service provision.

In addition there was need to have a better understanding of clients’ history and lending behaviours. In view of this, Century introduced information sharing structures which were both internal and external. To this end, the institution

Hela 247has a lot of functionalities as one can open an end to end account, have references to RPRS, pay bills, transfer money back and forth to mobile money platform and perform a raft of other transactions via the platform

Hela 247 With a revamped commitment to improve service delivery and offer clients a better experience, Century came up with Hela bouquet which has helped it channel products through the digital platforms.

Hela 247 is available on android platforms through the playstore and USSD. Hela 247 is multifunctional as one can open an end to end account, have references to RPRS, pay bills, transfer money back and forth to mobile money platform and perform a raft of other transactions via the platform.

Users are also encouraged to save on the platform for a minimum of 3 months to automatically qualify for a loan. A saving of Kshs 10,000 can attract an interest of up to 8 per cent on Hela 247.

“We want to channel more products through Hela 247 such as Agri loans, asset leasing, asset financing and more. Digital platforms have a high reach irrespective of locations and boundaries. In Kenya nearly every adult has a phone and over 30 million people are using it for mobile banking, we can’t ignore such facts.

Mobile banking has deepened financial inclusion in a huge way,” opines Mr. Mwangi.

Strategic partnerships “We are working with DFID to roll out Kuku Bora project in Bungoma where farmers rear poultry with increased productions. Swiss Contact also came through to train our staff and build capacity.”

Century’s Agri Drive has also enabled farmers to mechanise their operations by accessing affordable financing to acquire equipment and farm inputs. For instance, through Century’s financial intermediation, farmers in Gatanga have been able to mechanize their farming techniques.

Besides farming, Mr. Mwangi narrates a case where he once hailed an Uber taxi and asked the driver if he would be willing to own a taxi. “He said Uber was March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

24

Finance And Banking

We are rolling out Hela online by the first quarter of 2017. It is a transformational online app that will enable customers to transact anything from the comfort of their location and has an in-built financial planning capabilities

of operations and what they need to transform their businesses.”

A member of the bank being served at one of the branches.

profitable and by owning his car he could financially transform his life.”

From this simple conversation, the driver owned a brand new vehicle a few months later courtesy of Century Bank. He further acquired another vehicle after repaying the loan. He is now able to comfortably take care of his expenses and live a life he desired.

“It is amazing to see how responsible financing can empower people,” shares Mr. Mwangi.

He adds, “We make use of available savings and credit facilities to finance clients’ different needs. As an organization, we deeply understand our clients, their level

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Growth “We are rolling out Hela online by the first quarter of 2017. It is a transformational online app that will enable customers to transact anything from the comfort of their location and has an in-built financial planning capabilities. It is a revolutional product that will transform financial inclusion.”

In a couple of years to come, the institution aims to be the leading micro-financer in Africa driven by tech.

Mr. Mwangi at a glance He holds Bsc in Applied Statistics and Mathematics from Maseno University. He has held various management and leadership courses¸ and his professional career spans over 12 years in microfinance and banking.

Prior to heading Century Microfinance Bank in 2015, he was the immediate former head of Business Banking at Rafiki Bank.

He has interests in the financial sector and wants to transform livelihoods through financial intermediation.

He is an active Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Muthaiga, loves to play golf and mentor young people.

More Information More Possibilities

www.rexeroofing.com

Roofing and waterproofing specialists

# Roofing the world, one project at a time Some projects done: The Hub Karen shopping mall, Mt. Kenya Holiday homes, Aberdares Spa & Safari Lodge

Head office: Menelik Lane, off Kirichwa road, Kilimani Tel : 020-2138191, cell: 0704 646 664 / 0731 068184 Branches : Kitengela Eldoret Naivasha.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

26

Cover Story

The Sacco Mavericks With Rich History Formed 40 years ago, Mentor Sacco banks on its robust resources to lighten membership experience going forward

by Oroni Tendera

I

t was pomp and glamour at Mentor’s Sacco 40th AGM held at Murang’a sports club on 25th February.

Established in 1977 as Murang’a Teachers Sacco, the evolution of financial market, dynamic market and efforts to achieve a national outlook saw its rebrand to Mentor Sacco Society.

This new commitment guided by a strategic plan has seen Mentor Sacco empower members and the larger public through flexible financial solutions and creation of employment opportunities as it seeks to accelerate growth.

Sacco’s contribute immensely to the social and economic development of a country. Through mobilization of savings, provisions of loans and banking facilities, they have been known to empower members to play important economic roles. Mentor’s success story for the past 40 years is cut from this script.

“Our guiding principle of establishing dignity to our members by ensuring value to services and products we offer is enshrined in our corporate culture of innovativeness, flexibility and affordability,”revealed Mr. Alex Irungu, CEO at Mentor Sacco.

In spite of the competitive and challenging financial market in the year 2016, Mentor Sacco continued to register a steady growth. “Our brilliant performance in the market is an indication that the Society is highly committed to protecting the

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Mr. Simon Mukunu, the outgoing chairman .

Our guiding principle of establishing dignity to our members by ensuring value to services and products we offer is enshrined in our corporate culture of innovativeness, flexibility and affordability

More Information More Possibilities

Competitive Edge Mentor Sacco prides itself with wealth of highly qualified and competent staff who are passion-driven. Recruited from diversified business, banking and research qualification backgrounds, the team understands the nature of the members they deal with hence delivering quality services with integrity. “We thrive on integrity, openness, accountability and sound financial advice to members amongst other key integral management pillars,” notes the CEO. The Sacco has further made notable progress in the use of ICT to enhance efficiency in service delivery. “We introduced Mobile Banking platforms. These tools enable members to access their funds through mobile phones,”averred Mr. Irungu.

Alex Irungu, CEO, Mentor Sacco.

The Sacco also utilizes SMS to update members on developments in the Sacco. “Through SMS, we reach every registered member at a personal level.”

interests of its members,’’ observedMr. Irungu.

The Sacco is open to general membership and is currently endowed with a diversified membership in terms of age, profession and race.

In the year 2016, membership increased from 12,386 to 17,173 representing 8.8 per cent growth. The total assets, on the other hand grew by 24 per cent from Ksh 3.93 billion to 4.88 billion.

On share capital, 181.33 per cent increase was recorded from 57.9 million to 163.05 million.

Loans granted to members also rose from 3.15 billion to 4.07 billion while total revenue of the Sacco increased from 557.4 million to 691.08 million in 2016.

The Sacco is now a leading player in its line of business and offers a wide array of products and services to its clients. Other than granting loans, wills, title deeds and other important documents can be deposited in the Sacco for safe custody.

It is one of the few recognized deposit taking Sacco’s in the country with a growing branch networks. “We have a head office in Murang’a and branches in Kenol, Kangari, Kiriaini, Kandara, Thika and Nairobi.”

Anthony Kamau, vice chairman, Mentor Sacco.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

28

Cover Story

Humphrey Ng’ang’a, the Marketing Manager unveils the Sacco’s interactive website as the outgoing chairman looks on.

Mr. Simon Mukunu, the outgoing chairman reiterated that member education and training is the lifeblood of the Sacco.“In trainings that are held annually, members are empowered so that they can contribute effectively to the development of the Sacco.”

The core activity of the Sacco is to mobilize members’ deposit and advance loans, he goes on. In particular, the main source of revenue for the Sacco is the interest earned from the loans disbursed.

Our brilliant performance in the market is an indication that the Society is highly committed to protecting the interests of its members

As such an increase in loan default translates to decreased revenue which consequently affects the available dividends due to increased loan provision.

To curb this, the Sacco engaged Metropol CRB in June 2016 and plans are underway to engage a debt collector for recovery of loans.

Despite its brilliant performance in 2016, the Sacco did not fall short of challenges.

For instance, the Central Bank of Kenya capped interest rates at 14 per cent. “This has not had any direct impact on us as our lending rate stands at 6.5 per cent per annum. However, the capping will definitely erode the historical competitive edge that Sacco’s have had over other financial institutions,” observed the Executive.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Members during the 40th AGM celebration.

More Information More Possibilities

Mentor Sacco Banks On Its Rich History And Innovation To Empower Members Guided by a rich history and proactive membership, the Sacco aims to be the leading financial provider of choice in Kenya and beyond

H

Humphrey Nga’ng’a, marketing manager, Mentor Sacco.

keep their finger on the pulse with the Sacco’s current developments. They can also download, fill, scan and send forms digitally via email.

umphrey Ng’ang’a is the marketing manager of Mentor Sacco and doubles up as the manager of its Ngara branch in Nairobi.

Going forward, he says, the website will soon have a calculator that shows members how much they qualify for and payment schedule, carry internet banking with ease and so forth.

Edge Magazine team met him recently at his office to pick his brains on what accounted for the Sacco’s 40th anniversary and strategic focus going forward.

“We have a mobile banking platform called Quick Cash which has enabled members to access their funds through their mobile wallet. To supplement ATMS, QFS and Coop bank POS, the Sacco is rolling out agency banking. Plans are underway to have our own POS to service our members countrywide conveniently.”

He handles product development and according to him− for any institution to grow−the human resource must be innovate and come up with new products that are customer centric and advised by the market dynamics.

As such understanding, key market metrics are critical for successful product developments.

Mentor Sacco has made significant progress in the use of tech to channel products to members, enhance efficiency and convenience in service delivery.

“We package products in a way that adds value to members and ensure members are serviced with convenience.”

For instance, the Sacco recently launched an interactive and user friendly website www.mentorsacco.co.ke which intends to market and further distribute products and services to the doorsteps of customers, post news and updates on current developments within the Sacco and other investment opportunities.

Members are encouraged to visit the website and

√

We package products in a way that adds value to members and ensure members are serviced with convenience

Mentor Sacco aims to become the leading Sacco in Kenya and beyond by focusing on improved performance, operational efficiency and a stronger capital base. “We have urged members to invest in shares to create good investment opportunity where they earn good returns annually. We pay dividends competitively compared to the prevailing market rates. As such we don’t look for external capital injection.”

The road ahead?

“We have a great agenda for this nation going forward.

We aim to grow our customer asset base and improve accessibility, and be a brand known for its affordability and convenience. We have transformed our members’ lifestyles and empowered them to play important economic roles. We want to extend that to all Kenyans and even beyond border,” he ends.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

30

Mentor Sacco’s Success Stories

Mentor Sacco’s corporate governance simply the best-Damaris Njeri Age: 27 years

Occupation: Pharmacist Joined: 2014

I was introduced to the Sacco by my father immediately after school and started saving a monthly contribution of Kshs 10,000. After a year, I took a break of 1 year and went back to school to continue my studies which made me discontinue my monthly savings.

I was however lucky to get a standing order to continue saving without penalties. So far I haven’t applied for a loan since I don’t have anything in particular to invest the funds in.

Going forward I am planning to take up a

credit facility once I have something viable in mind to do so.

I am also planning to learn more about responsible borrowing and finance management so that I am better informed when taking up a credit facility. I have close friends within the Sacco’s staff who are aiding me in this.

I must commend Mentor Sacco for its innovativeness as I can credit my account through mobile money. It is more convenient as it has reduced the hassle of physically visiting the branch, leaving me with enough time to focus on other things.

I love the current crop of leadership for its open and strategic management, as such I am in Mentor Sacco to stay as long as it takes.

I have been empowered economically for over 30 years−Peter Kamau Age: 56 years

Occupation: Teacher at Kamaguta

Primary School

Joined: March 1985, member number 4638

In 2004 I had three of my children in secondary school and for a teacher like me that would have been a heavy financial burden. Luckily I had the backing of the Sacco. I had no worries.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

Besides school fees, I have taken other credit facilities which have helped me in different capacities.

Having a savings scheme is important and I urge people to join the Sacco and enjoy different financial products.

I joined Mentor when I was a teacher trainee back in 1985 introduced by my fellow staff. I started by saving Kshs 20 which is now an equivalent of Kshs 2000. I currently have Kshs. 30,700 worth of capital shares and Kshs. 250,000 normal shares.

More Information More Possibilities

I will be a member for life, the benefits are immense-Wanjiru Gathogo Age: 43 years

Occupation: Teacher at Kigetuini Second-

ary School.

grown to Kshs 3,000 monthly. By December 2016, I had accumulated Kshs 214,000 worth of shares which earned me a dividend of Kshs 21,000.

Joined: 2007

Starting with a salary advance back then, I have enjoyed a raft of credit facilities from the Sacco.

This prompted me to immediately start saving Kshs 1,500 a month which has subsequently

With this year’s dividends I am planning to buy an asset. I am willing to stay with Mentor Sacco as long as it takes.

I joined the Sacco when it was Murang’a Teachers Sacco, introduced by a friend. Its accessibility and convenience stands out the most.

I am planning to buy an asset with this year’s dividends. As such, I have enough reasons to bank with the Sacco as long as it takes.

Being Young And Entrepreneurial, I Have The Best Financial Partner- Kihara Maina Age: 30 years

Joined: 2012

I joined the Sacco in 2012 and preferred the Sacco because of its accessibility and the services are top notch.

I was impressed by the Sacco’s services immediately after joining. Loan processing is faster, personalized and they guide you accordingly to achieve your aspirations. It is also accessible via many channels, be it physically or digitally.

I took a loan of Kshs 340,000 for development purposes which I am still repaying.

The interest rates are friendly at 6.5 per cent on reducing balance. I am planning to process another credit facility after I am done with this.

I started with Kshs 10,000 worth of shares which has grown to the current Kshs. 278,000. Credit is offered based on the shares one has. The more the number of shares the more one qualifies for more credit facility.

The shares have earned dividends yearly which has encouraged me to save more. I normally plough back the dividends into the Sacco to grow my investments.

I have a mission to hit 1 million shares which I project will earn me Kshs 100,000 annually as dividends. I plan to educate my children with these proceeds without hassle.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

32

Skills development

Arc Skills: Bridging skills gap through training The skills development company offers bespoke training solutions to tackle the critical skills gap in order to address employability and productivity

By Jenny Nyawira Mr. Peter Kimurwa, CEO, Arc Skills Kenya.

M

any countries the world over are experiencing the employment paradox. On one hand, there are millions of people complaining they cannot find work. On the flipside, employers claim they cannot get qualified people to drive their businesses forward. Without doubt, there is a mismatch between the jobs available and what job seekers can offer, which perhaps has led to the high unemployment rate among the youth.

It goes without saying that most fresh graduates lack necessary skills to handle available jobs. Is it that our education system is producing more academics who lack practical skills? In that case, what measures should training institutions, the education system and employers implement to eliminate this disconnect?

Arc Skills, an international skills development company, is addressing the issue by bridging the skills gap. “We offer bespoke training and skills development solutions aimed at addressing employability and productivity,” says Mr. Peter Kimurwa, CEO, Arc Skills Kenya. “We seek to help employers and employees optimize their performance and engagement,” he adds. In order to achieve this, people must be adequately and appropriately trained.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

The company works with clients spanning across various industries including businesses, schools and not-for-profit organisations. It has presence in Dubai, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Malaysia.

With a large network of trainer consultants who are certified by international providers, Arc Skills delivers world recognized qualifications.

We offer bespoke training and skills development solutions aimed at addressing employability and productivity

Training solutions Arc Skills provides tailored training solutions to large and medium sized companies facing skills or productivity challenges. “Our work is to systematically identify gaps within their workforce and subsequently design learning and development solutions in order to raise their capability level,” avers Kimurwa.

The learning solutions focus heavily on sustainability, and the approach enables clients to conduct audit and evaluation to assess their employees, which allows them to get value for their money.

Besides, the institution offers structured programmes that are customized for a specific company based on need.

The development programmes equip

More Information More Possibilities

Why choose Arc Skills?

To start with, Arc Skills provides training programmes that are focused on creating sustainable learning impact.

The company is also part of a strong global group that has been in the education space for more than 50 years. “We have access to partnerships and curriculum that some of our local competitors can only dream of,” affirms the executive.

Besides, the institution is market focused.

It aims to understand its clients’ business and market structure, identifies the specific learning needs of their employees and then develops customized solutions.

Some of the students during the graduation ceremony held at Garden City.

employees with the skills and ability to be more productive, powering a business to success.

In addition to helping businesses, Arc Skills endeavors to bridge the skills gap in communities. Through Technical Vocational Education and training (TVET), the institution strives to provide training opportunities to social groups that suffer from high unemployment rate. The training is facilitated through corporate partnerships. For instance, Arc Skills and Actis recently recognised 130 students for achieving internationally accredited certification in various construction trades including masonry, plumbing, tiling, formwork, carpentry, plastering and scaffolding. In 2015, Arc Skills partnered with the International Youth Foundation, the Housing Finance Foundation and Barclays Bank which sponsored the training of 500 youth.

“Our model is simple; our hands-on approach enables students to learn through practice using modern technical training methodologies. The training is 70 percent practical and 30 percent theory,” says Kimurwa.

The vocational courses are short in duration and typically last three to four

Our model is simple; our hands-on approach enables students to learn through practice using modern technical training methodologies weeks, and are locally and internationally accredited. The courses cover various sectors including construction, hospitality, automotive engineering, healthcare and retail among others.

Lastly is Skills 21, a revolutionary program that enables parents and teachers to empower children with the necessary 21st century skills that are essential for success in and beyond school. The programme helps children identify, develop, and use real-world skills necessary to excel in and out of school.

Industry trends According to Kimurwa, there has been tremendous growth in the TVET space.

From individuals to policy makers, it has been recognised that skills development is vital to curb youth unemployment and accelerate economic growth.

Kimurwa also argues that the use of technology in deploying learning and development has enabled companies drive down the cost of learning, notably through e-learning.

He further cites that there has been growing realization by companies that investing in training and skills development for their employees is not a luxury, but an investment strategy. Changes in consumer tastes and need for new skills have also disrupted various sectors of the economy.

Road ahead Going forward, Arc Skills plans to contribute to its clients’ growth ambitions in their respective markets through its skills development courses. It also aims to become a partner of choice in skills development and contribute meaningfully to the resolution of unemployment agenda in the country.

Kimurwa believes that it is in the government interest to create employment thus it should play a critical role to simplify the business environment and make it conducive for businesses to thrive.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

34

Media And Publishing

By Adisa Hudson

Thinking of SelfPublishing and No Idea What It is All About?

Self-publishing is one of the fastest budding trends of the publishing industry, rapidly offering fierce competition to traditional publishing

W

orking at a fairly busy publishing firm, I have encountered frustrated writers who are yet to see their work published.

They have struggled to get published but for one reason or another, they have been unsuccessful. As a result, some have opted to selfpublish and still failed.

Why? Let us talk self-publishing.

Self-publishing is one of the fastest budding trends of the publishing industry, rapidly offering fierce competition to traditional publishing. Many authors find self-publishing attractive for the diversity it offers; from full ownership of the intellectual property rights to enjoying high profits as compared to the often unsatisfactory royalties offered by traditional publishers. Self-publishing also allows the author to be in control of the entire creative and selling process.

Normally, as a self-published author, you incur the entire cost of producing your work and are responsible for marketing and distribution. Therefore, the final copies, the copyright, intellectual subsidiary rights, and all profits remain exclusively yours.

Key Things to consider before Self-Publishing • Quality work With Self-Publishing,you are basically your own boss.

Bear in mind that any traditional publisher would only accept to publish quality work. To ensure that your written work is of top-notch quality, you need an editorial team that will aid in your editing; both substantive and copyediting. When writing a story on technical themes out of your professional expertise, like medicine or engineering; it is important to consider the technical review of your write-up. You may probably be having a

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

very good story but with technical errors, that will blow off your dreams if not corrected. If you are a writer, stick to it. It is almost impossible to write and edit your own work. No matter how costly it seems, outsource editors to evaluate, proofread, edit and suggest changes in your work. It will be worth the investment.

• Publishing Professionals You will need an expert editor and a great designer alongside you as an author. This team will ensure a high level of professionalism is upheld, leaving no room for quality compromise. A good designer will create an appealing and relevant cover for your book.

Equally, a good copy editor will coin a powerful blurb for your story. An excellent cover design together with a well-done blurb will go a long way in enhancing the readability of your work. Why? It is a selling and marketing tool in itself. Perhaps it has become a cliché but truth is, most people, including your pros[ective readers, will judge your book by its cover; the cover and the blurb. Work with the right team and you will be sure to reap good returns.

• Define your success Most writers have an agenda for their writing.

Interestingly, the motivation to write greatly differs from one writer to the other. Some write to tell their life stories, to inform certain beliefs or even educate.

What you must consider though, as a self-publisher in any genres is the measure of its success for you.

This will help you to evaluate the entire project. For example, if monetary success as a result of massive sales is your ultimate goal in writing, you will have to consider how to create a huge followership for your work. Some writers just want to tell their stories to a few family members and friends and will be content with having a book with their name out at the bookstore; that to them is their success. Others will be keener to experience literary success. Literary success would involve winning literary prizes such as the Best Short Stories and Anthology of Africa, the Best Play or Best Fiction Novel by BURT Kenya Awards, The WahomeMutahi Literary Prize and so on. For such an author, the aim becomes more critical than the monetary returns.

Therefore, define the scope of your success in either literary or monetary success as you opt for selfpublishing. This clarity will help you eventually evaluate and establish the success or failure of your work. Simply, define what’s important to you and your personal measure of your success.

One Creative Pens writer on the aspect of scope success analysis writes; “E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey made $95 million in a single year with book deals, movies and all kinds of exciting things. Not many people would say that Fifty Shades is great literature – but readers love the books and it sure is making a living!”

• Printing Unless you are intentional about utilizing the digital media and eBooks platform, printing is a key aspect to understand. In traditional publishing, once an author signs up with a publisher, printing is part of the publisher’s duties. In self-publishing however, you have to find out a printer on your own. Have a rough idea of how many copies you will print in the first press run. An experienced designer will advise on the size of book and quality of paper to be used so that you as the author will understand the printer’s quotations and plan accordingly. As a matter of fact, this may end up being the most expensive part of the venture. Strive to get the best printer who is cost-effective but also produces quality print outs.

• Distribution and Promotion No sane writer wants to spend many late nights working on a piece only for it to be shelved and gather dust. Come up with strategies for marketing your work. Who is going to distribute your books? What platforms will you utilize for marketing and distribution? If it is an eBook, which particular online platform are you going to use? Is it Amazon World Reader or Kobo? Do you want to have your books on street stalls, the supermarket or bookstores? Analysis of all this will help you determine a marketing and distribution plan for the book even before it goes to the press.

On promotion, it still boils down to your success scope.

Monetary success means you will invest a lot more on adverts and commercials to sell your work. Learn to check out possible strategic market tools from Search Engine Optimization on Google to websites to facilitate online presence and drive traffic your way. Today, social media is being utilized to market products; think of using Facebook, Linked In and blogs to build your brand. Why not venture into such?

Gary Vaynerchuk, author of “The Thank You Economy” says, “Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, guest blogging, is about building your name to an audience that might be unfamiliar to you, as well as driving distribution to your posts while at the same time delivering real value to your readers. You have to do all of that: distribution, name-building, value, at the same time, to make these platforms work for you.”

Now you know!

The author is an editor at Phoenix Publishers.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

36

Human Capital

By Perminus Wainaina

Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Career In 2017

T

he start of a new year is an exciting period as many of us see it as an opportunity to start afresh. In a new year there’s renewed hope that maybe things will work this time around.

No wonder many of us start the year by making resolutions.

In my article today I’d like to address those looking to boost their career in 2017. It could be that you are looking to change jobs, desire to earn more, grow in your career in terms of learning and applying new skills or get a senior role. Some of you have decided that 2017 is the year they will earn their MBA. Whatever goals you have in mind, I’d like to share five tips that you can apply to ensure that your plans become a reality.

But why do you need to plan in the first place? Having a goal is important for your career progression. Things don’t just happen by themselves. Goals are important in the sense that they help us assess where we are and what we want inthe future. Also, through goal setting we are able to make the most of our strengths as we improve on our weakness. If you don’t have goals you won’t be able to know when you are deviating from your core purpose. Lastly, with goals you are firmly in the driver’s seat.

So, what are the tips for boosting your career in 2017?

Be Clear On What You Want.When it

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

comes to your career, what do you wish to accomplish? Human behavior experts advise us to be specific and also write down our goals if we want to accomplish them.Whatever you want to achieve will not happen if you are not crystal clear. An easier way to approach this is to envision how success will look like 12 months to come. For example if you are planning to go back to school, success will be you completing the MBA course work and embarking on the project. When you become clear on what you want it then becomes much easier to plan and execute.

Execute. When it comes to our personal lives, the major hindrance to our growth is on our inability to execute our plans.

Few of us follow through on our plans and promises. Unlike in our workplaces where there’s always someone above us reminding us that we have to achieve XYZ, rarely do we have someone to account to when it comes to our personal lives and the plans we choose to pursue. And therein is the biggest problem. We start the year with great plans but we do absolutely nothing and yet expect things to change. The best way to approach your plan is to write everything, step by step and attach some milestone and timeline to the goals. This way your goal does not look insurmountable. You also tick away each step you accomplish. It is through execution that we make our dreams a reality.

Learn New Skills.In order for you to grow in your career, you have to learn new skills. It could be on job or soft skills.

Keep abreast of your industry, sector and even the economy. The only thing constant in life is change. Apart from job related skills, employers are interested in soft skills such as leadership, communication, interpersonal and someone who is a team player.

Build Your Network. We live in an interconnected world where we rely on

each other. And plenty of opportunities are to be found within this network. It has been proven that over 50 per cent of candidates get to know of job opportunities through networks. Before a job is advertised, be it online or through newspapers it will have been shared through networks. Are you well networked? Your network is your net worth. The more people you know and are willing to assist you, the higher the chances of progressing.

First step is to create time and meet likeminded people. Keep in touch with old colleagues through emails or calls. Join professional associations like ICPACK and IHRM. Start to attend seminars. Meet people from other professions. Above all, be willing to help others and that way people will know that they can count on you and will return the favor if need be.

Improve Your Mindset.Even with proper planning things won’t always go your way. You will face disappointments in the New Year but you should strive to see the positive in everything, either good or bad.

When you are positive and happy you attract opportunities. To survive the harsh times build a support network. Consult widely and get to hear other people’s opinions. The strange thing is whatever challenge you are facing, there might be others facing the same or have been in a similar situation and through sharing, they can advise you on what they did to overcome the challenge.

As to whether 2017 will be a success solely depends on you. I’ll leave you with a quote from Jim Collins,“Greatness (and success) is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”

PerminusWainaina is the Managing Partner & Head of Recruitment at Corporate Staffing Services Ltd. Email.

Perminus@corporatestaffing.co.ke.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

38

Customer Service

Put Customers First!

By Carolyne Gathuru

A business without customer focus is akin to a ship in the high seas with no radar.

T

he beginning and the end of every year inevitably herald a period of genuine reflection. Corporates and entrepreneurs alike, retreat and take stock of what’s worked well, and candidly acknowledge areas for improvement.

What naturally follows is that resolutions are made and announced with fervor. Whether these eventually come to fruition or not, is not of essence at the time of announcement; what carries the day, and the yard stick by which the quality of planning is measured, is how impactful the resolution appears to be. The good news is that reflection and planning is indeed an excellent exercise to engage in, for as Alan Lakein the planning expert exhorts - “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” The bad news is that there isn’t too much for business to spend extended time on thinking and planning around customer experience excellence, and there really should be only one resolution this year across the board, with regards to setting customer experience objectives – Improving the Organization’s Customer Loyalty Index.

What’s even better news is that as complex as it sounds, this is quite a simple objective to plan for and execute. No need to be locked away in the boardroom for days on end attempting to craft a winning strategy to deliver on this executable. Only two things are necessary: one is to have this objective on the CEO’s and every business leaders KPI sheet for the year; and two, to ensure all staff both customer and non-customer facing, are aware of this business objective and appreciate and understand their roles both individually and collectively towards successful implementation. Thatsimply is the magic formula that will guarantee amazing results when reflection time comes around again either at the end of the year, or at the start of the following year.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

There’s no Houdini move required to delight customers; only two simple plans are required for business success− just put them first and then really listen to them

More Information More Possibilities

So what exactly does it take to have this simple customer experience excellence plan succeed?

It’s not about you, it’s about them - your customers Corporates often set off on the wrong footing, by creating solutions that work for them and make life easier, smoother and simpler. And that’s where it all starts to fall apart and go wrong. Every organization should start by putting the customer at the center, and then plan everything else around the need to anticipate, meet and exceed customer needs. It should be top priority to have everybody in the organisation trained and empowered to really listen to customers and by doing so, understand their immediate and future requirements. Customers’ quirks and eccentricities also need to be taken into account, and it should go on record that no feedback however strange sounding to the recipient, is too small or too unworthy of attention. The customer is indeed the pillar around which businesses are housed and grow, and the sooner this focus is embedded in the customer service plan, the better. As Bryan Williams- a renowned Hospitality strategist advises “Service is not about what you want to give – it’s about what the customer wants to get”.

Being sensitive to the needs of clients can only be achieved if the company has decidedly put customers first, and is attuned to listening and engaging with them to improve service. What therefore should the business plan action around this goal read? It should simply state – Put Customers First. And every employee should have this at their fingertips.

It’s not about solutions, it’s about feelings your customers’ A recent research “The New Science of Customer Emotions” by a trio of consumer intelligence strategists from Motista, indicates that the most effective way to maximize customer value is to move beyond mere customer satisfaction and connect with customers at an emotional level – tapping into their fundamental motivations and fulfilling their deep, often unspoken emotional needs. Sounds complex right? Well the beauty about it, is that taken at face value, it isn’t. This simply calls upon all staff at all customer touch points be they physical or digital,

to really engage with customers with a view to listening to both expressed and unexpressed need. When customers are aware that a brand cares enough to listen to them, and that their feedback, ideas, proposals and suggestions are important to the business, it unlocks their creative juices by providing them a reassuring receptacle to speak into. The safer customers feel to express their desires, the more emotionally attached they get to the organization. This doesn’t come automatically though. It is a culture that needs to be nurtured and cultivated with determined consistency.

To have everyone in the organization sensitive to the needs of customers, and deliberately paying attention and reacting considerately to what is important to the customer however fickle, is no mean feat.

The dividend payout however, is massive.

There is no greater gain that the outcome of meeting customers’ emotional needs consistently. The customer loyalty derived from this, complete with referrals and continued custom, is worth every effort made towards the cause. How therefore should the specific action to deliver this business goal be documented? It should simply state – Listen to The Customer. And in consistent format, every employee should have this at their fingertips.

Planning for customer experience excellence is not rocket science and is not an activity that should remain the preserve of the customer service department. Ensuring customer loyalty, is a business profitability strategy and planning for this should be an organization wide responsibility. Loyal customers serve as brand ambassadors and should occupy a special position in the organization’s treasure chest. As more and more organizations come to the realization that without customer focus the business is akin to a ship in the high seas with no radar, the more concrete planning is getting employed to chase after success. The golden rule to all this planning though is that – simple does it. There’s no Houdini move required to delight customers; only two simple plans are required for business success− just put them first and then really listen to them.

The author is an accomplished brand specialist, marketing strategist and founder of LifeSkills Consulting. Email: cgathuru@life-skills.co.ke

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

40

Enterprises

By Brett Parker

“

Start Reimagining Your Business Model Now

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished,” −Benjamin Franklin.

We don’t need to take his word for it. There are many inspired thoughts that punctuate the role of change in business. But when should change happen?

Change is good This topic makes business leaders nervous.

Change is good, but so is stability. The world does not comprise of only mavericks and trailblazers − and even those often reach their stature through steady determination, not constantly rocking the boat.

Timing is important, as is a clear view of what lies ahead.

If there was ever time worth anticipating tomorrow, it is now. As the world builds on the tectonic shift of technology that was the Internet 1.0 era, we move into Industry 4.0, also called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The radical impact with which technologies such as the internet, email and business applications have landed, is now evolving to reach beyond our computer screens and into the world around us.

Breakthroughs such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, connected cars, smart cities and personalised consumer experiences are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship.

Unfortunately this means nobody can, with certainty, predict what to expect. We can only determine how to be ready for it.

Radically changing business models is not a new phenomenon. By 2027, three quarters of S&P 500 companies will be replaced. But over the last 60 years nearly 90 percent of Fortune 500 Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

Nobody in the banking, retail, media or education landscape needs to be notified about change − they are seeing it first-hand.

companies ceased to exist as independent entities. The last time business experienced such upheaval was in the late 1970s, when new technologies sparked a massive shakeup of incumbents leading into the consolidation−crazy 1980s.

Such change always arrives. Hasbro, a multinational toy giant, previously sold textiles. So did Berkshire Hathaway, now an investment titan. Western Union was once the leader of telegraph systems, today it is a leader in cash transfers. Fujifilm has shifted its vast skills in chemicals from photography to making high-end cosmetics.

But the waves of change are bigger, stronger and more frequent. Aptly the theme of the 2016 World Economic Forum in Davos was “mastering the fourth industrial revolution.” At SAP we define this event in three stages, aligned to the tropical depression, the tropical storm and the hurricane.

Companies in the tropical depression may not quite recognise change yet, since they seem to be in quiet waters. But the roaring clouds are gathering on the horizon. Those finding themselves in a tropical storm are more acutely aware of these changes and even trying to make the most of it by applying new technologies.

They believe they are seeing the peak of the sea-change.

But that perspective is reserved for the companies in the hurricane: industries that are rapidly transforming, due to new business models, powered by modern technology. Nobody in the banking, retail, media or education landscape needs to be notified about change −they are seeing it first-hand.

Business models It is imperative that business leaders reimagine their business models. Fortunately, though we cannot see the future, we can look at what is working so far. There are six distinct business models that have shown their resilience and talent.

First, but in no particular order, is the Outcome Based model. Instead of selling

just products or services, a company’s revenue is determined by the outcomes their customers experience. Insurance companies favouring a usage-based model are good examples of this. T

The second model is Expansion into New Industries and Markets−the most popular example of disruption. Examples include banks moving into telecommunications and telecommunication moving into banking. Amazon −a major freight customer −is now expanding into that very business.

Digitisation of Products and Services is the third model. Here companies use digitisation to improve the entire value chain and reduce costs. Think Apple’s music empire or the drive by banks for customers to swipe cards instead of exchanging cash. Companies that compete as an Ecosystem embrace the fourth model, using complementary partners to build richer products. One could argue that car companies have been doing this for decades, but the connected car is reshaping even that stoic sector through new and radical partnerships.

The fifth model needs little introduction.

Shared Economy businesses thrive on exploiting under-utilised assets sourced from third parties. AirBnB owns no hotels.

Facebook creates no content. Yet both grow on those elements, all coming from the outside. Finally, the Digital Platform is the sixth model: this could be an online marketplace such as New Zealand’s Powershop; a networking space like SAP Ariba or the business tools found in Microsoft’s Office 365. Digital Platforms not only offer more for less, but create new and exotic ways of monetisation.

Even SAP has shifted its business models.

The vast majority of our revenue comes from streams that didn’t even exist a decade ago. Your business may still be in calm seas or perhaps it already feels the waves smacking its hull. Those clouds of change are not going to blow over. It is time to sail the seas of change.

The Author is the Managing Director SAP Africa

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

42

Cyber Security

By Michael Obuya

Cyber Crime Insurance: A new frontier for insurance firms

T

he insurance industry, the world over, has for a long time been dominated by physical business risks like accidents, theft, and fires among others. However, with the advent of information technology and increased adoption of e-commerce, businesses are slowly getting exposed to a new form of business risk that is ‘cybercrime’.

Cyber crime risk is costing the global businesses roughly 500 billion US dollars in a year, as reported by insurer Allianz.

Although computer experts have come up with measures such as firewalls, anti-virus software, anti-spam, Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) and other add-ons for preventing and minimizing the chances and the seriousness of damages of cyber attack, these measures are not adequate protection for business. This has necessitated search for newer solutions to cyber risk. Financial risk experts have suggested the coverage of cyber risk by an insurance company.

Insurance firms in Kenya must look at cyber crime as a new business opportunity that must be exploited. They need to analyze cyber crime risk exposures of different business and thereafter develop insurance products around cyber crime. This is a very lucrative market for insurance firms that may rake in millions of shilling if the challenge is taken by them.

What is cyber crime risk?

Cyber crime risk happens when Cybercriminals penetrate an organization’s computer security systems and then plan their attack. Cyber criminals exploit known weaknesses in the software in which a business database or websites is built, extract valuable data, and then demand payment to restore a company’s website or database.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

The attackers are in search of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and Payment Card Industry Information (PCI), all of which can be bought and sold on the black market. Another organizational scenario of a cyber attack may involve a cyber criminal impersonating a senior employee in a different town say Nairobi contacting a junior employee based in Nakuru. The fraudster knows the name of the senior employee and is aware the senior employee is not at work and then instructs the junior staff to make an emergency wire transfer of funds.

What is cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance is a risk mitigation tool by which a business cyber risks is shifted to an insurance company subject to insurance premium being paid.

Cyber insurance policy providers includes cloud computing firm and classical insurance companies.

Supporters of cyber insurance cover argue that cyber insurance should result in the development of insurance products that transfers a specified amount of cyber crime risk from insured to an insurance company. Cyber insurance is a market-based solution that can generate economic benefits to cyber crime stakeholders. For instance, the cyber insurers earn a profit from premiums received, business get to hedge cyber risk exposures by purchasing an insurance policy, policy makers would ensure the increase in overall network security, and finally security software providers may experience a surge in sales of software by forming strategic collaborations with cyber insurance providers.

What should cyber insurance cover?

An organization having a website or engaging in e-commerce should get a cover from potential cyber risk exposures including theft and fraud, business interruptions, data loss, cyber-extortions defamation and libel cases and more. The cyber crime insurance policy should cover both third-party and first-party potential losses as explained below:

Theft and fraud coverage: Covers theft of funds or digital assets through theft of digital equipment or data. It should cover the costs destruction of the insured’s data, theft of third party information, and compensation to customers who get denied access to services due to a failure of software or systems.

Business interruption coverage: to protect against lost business, other costs due to the interruption of the organization’s computer systems. This coverage is also applicable in cases expenses and lost revenue

streams due to a computer virus that attacks and impairs a computer system.

Cyber Extortion: where attackers threaten the business or business customers with damage or release of sensitive or private data if cash is not released to them. Extortion is a ransom payment demanded by a cyber attacker to refrain from publicly disclosing or damaging the insured’s private and confidential electronic data.

Data loss and restoration: policy should cover the costs of recovering data if lost, investigating and repairing the cause of the loss. This coverage should enable the insurance firm to reimburse companies for expenses related damages to computer programs and electronic data. Malware downloaded from an email could lead to lost, encrypted or otherwise damaged files, requiring expenses to repair and restore.

Forensic investigation expenses: policy to cover liability arising from forensics investigation into the cause of the breach of the computer security system and the installation of new security systems to repel future instances of cyber attack.

Privacy liability coverage: the policy to cover liability arising from lawsuits due to a breach of private information about the insured’s clients, customers, and staff. The insured has a legal duty to ensure consumer information is secured against any cyber attack, failure to which it could be exposed to lawsuits resulting from heavy legal fees & fines and year’s long litigations.

Regulatory actions: Policies to cover defense from the earliest stages of an investigation, including a civil investigative demand or request for information by the government. It also bears civil fines and penalties after the government investigation.

Parting note An organization in need of cyber insurance cover must initially analyze its cyber risk exposures then put in place protections and protocols to prevent cyber attackers from making it in the first attack on the company’s computer systems. Insurance firms should also be selective with cyber crime since the ultimate risk they’re taking is not well understood may lead to catastrophic losses. However, insurance companies have no choice but to convert cyber crime risk business opportunity into profits.

Michael Ochieng Obuya, Consultant with Radiant Consulting and Event Management Ltd and Finance and Economics lecturer At MKU Nakuru, obuyamike@gmail. com

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

44

Sacco’s

Tai Sacco Soaring Higher

I

Tai Sacco feted as the most consistent institution at 2016 champions of governance awards. Now set to redefine members experience through a new commitment

nitially formed as Kiambu Tea Growers Savings and Credit Cooperative in 1992, Tai Sacco ran back office operations and mainly served tea farmers. In 1999 it launched a front office operations and computerised its systems in 2004. In 2008 its board took a deliberate decision to upgrade its system and rebrand it to Tai Sacco in order to serve enterprising individuals and the larger population, other than just farmers.

To date, it has several operational branches across Nairobi and Central Kenya and aims to expand its footprint to have a national outlook.

To date it has several operational branches across Central Kenya and Nairobi, and it aims to expand its footprints to have a national outlook.

Mr. John Mwangi, chief executive at Tai Sacco explains the decision to rebrand and expand was based on the fact that its initial targeted customers were exclusively tea farmers. They depended on rain fed agriculture for survival. Their income was controlled by weather and many other seasonal changes which had an impact on their financial capabilities. It was irregular, he says. However banking on entrepreneurs and opening up membership to many individuals with regular incomes has paid off in a major way, he adds. The Sacco now has close to 100 employees and had a total asset base of 1.7 billion by October 2016.

The Sacco has robust governance principals guided by a strategic plan. On his part, the CEO has a mission to ensure that the strategic plan in place is adopted, and walked to fruition.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

The Sacco’s departmental heads.

“I provide strategic advise to the board of directors as well as advising them on daily operations of the institution. We have different departments which include ICT, finance, marketing and human resources among others. My duty is to ensure coordination and unity of purpose.”

Mr. Mwangi admits that ensuring that customers get the best experience is always key for the Sacco. As such, its liquidity ratio must be in balance so that any customer who walks in to the banking hall is assured of getting the funds he needs amongst other services.

Tai aims to be the financial institution of choice in positively transforming livelihoods and enterprises.

“We want our members to have a different experience. By this I mean satisfying their

needs through offering diversified financial products in the most efficient way,” offer Mr. Mwangi.

This has led the Sacco to embrace tech in a major way. It has embraced mobile banking that brought efficiency in disbursement of funds according to the CEO. A customer can be able to transfer cash, pay pills and transact over their phones.

Strategic partnerships with mainstream financial institutions has also seen the Sacco boost its customer experience. Tai works with Co-operative Bank of Kenya to offer Visa enabled ATMs and personal cheques.

Other diversified products included emergency loans, business loans, agribusiness loans and education loans.

There is also a junior account where

More Information More Possibilities

members can save little funds for their kids over time so that when a need arises like paying school fees, they don’t really need to break their bank accounts.”

The operations of the Sacco is further guided by a service charter, and rules and regulations. It is regulated by SASRA and form memberships to other reputable associations.

Corporate governance Tai has 9 board members which forms three supervisory committees. These included finance and audit, credit and administration as well as business management. Each committee is tasked with different roles and answerable to the larger board. The board is drawn from different areas of professionalism and specialisation. It further works in tandem with the organization to ensure that everything runs smoothly and the objectives of the Sacco are met.

Ushirika Day Awards Tai Sacco was feted as the Best Sacco in Training and Education Services-Farmer/ Rural category by the 2016 national council for Ushirika Day celebrations.It was also recognised as the most consistent institution at the 2016 Champions of Governance Awards.“We were excited when the judges ruled that we are the most consistent institution on a national platform. This shows our ability to retain and grow members is strong compared to others. It is a rigorous process and whoever comes on top must be the very best.Judges looked at many things from as simple as how fast you settle a complaint to compliances, operational policies and board charter among others.”

Some of the trophies won.

Tai works with Co-operative Bank of Kenya to offer Visa enabled ATMs and personal cheques

way. Setting up a stand-alone branch-a brick and mortar way is costly and unsustainable, but with agency banking we will able to increase our reach in an efficient way and create more networks,” he ends.

Soaring further Going forward, the Sacco looks to revamp its operational system to increase efficiency by January 2017.

“We also want to embrace credit information sharing to understand the credit history of our customers and improve on our loan book. We are looking to embrace agency banking in a major

The CEO speaks during an annual general meeting.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

46

Pictorial

Smoothtel and Data Solutions Ltd. Chief executive officer Raphael Mwangi presents gifts to the children of Kivuli Center during Smoothtel’s 14 year anniversary.

NMB Managing Director, Ineke Bussemaker signing a partnership agreement with Mastercard President for Middle East and Africa, Raghu Malhotra at a press signing ceremony held in Dar es Salaam.

JTL Partners with SAP From left CK Joshua CEO Jamii Telecom and Dr. Gilbert Saggia MD SAP East Africa.

Ag. General Manager Uber East Africa Loic Amado addresses Kenyan bloggers forum held at the Nailab center where he at outlined Uber’s plans to be part of the future of mobility in Kenya

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

Vision To be the financial partner of choice in positively transforming livelihoods and enterprises

Mission We exist to efficiently satisfy our customers’ diverse needs through provision of innovative financial services

We Take You To Greater Heights TYPES OF ACCOUNTS * Ordinary Savings Account * Chap Chap Account

* Maziwa Plus Account * Business Account

* Holiday Account * Micro Credit Account

* Junior Account * Term Deposit Account (Fixed Deposit)

credit services offered * Emergency Loan * School Fees Loan * Development Loan * Matatu Loan * Corporate Loan * Micro Credit Loan (Group Loan)

* Coffee Development Loan * Crop Advance (Short & Long Term Repayment i.e. 1-12 months) * Ladies Boost * Boda Boda Loan

* Salary Advances * Kahawa Loan / Advance * Pension Advance * Matunda Advance * Milk Advance * Women Enterprise Fund (Jiinue Loan)

* Business Loan * Chap Chap Loan * Youth Enterprise Fund * Makao Loan * Chamaa Loan

our branches Ruiru Branch 0725 992 902 0734 412 009

Thika Branch 0705 947 818 0733 914 131

Kagwe Branch 020 260 4335 0736 916 557

Githunguri Branch 020 201 4150 020 201 0334

Kigumo Branch 0773 721 037 0788 221 714

Gatundu Branch 020 248 9939 0736 916 600

Kamwangi Branch 020 205 1397 0736 916 600

TAI SACCOO SOCIETY LTD P. O. Box 718 -00216, Githunguri, Kenya Tel: 020 - 2014150 / fax 020-2010344 cell: 0772 602 732, 0739 333 634 email: info@taisacco.coop

website: www.taisacco.coop March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

EDGE

More Information More Possibilities

Lifestyle

More than just life, its a LIFESTYLE

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

50

Âť Travel & Leisure Unique life stories at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Nairobi Animal Orphanage is situated in the Nairobi National park. According to the Kenya Wildlife Society, it serves as a treatment and rehabilitation centre for animals. The Orphanage is home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, serval cats, rare Sokoke cats, warthogs, leopards, monkeys, baboons, buffalo, and various birdspecies.

Each animal and bird at the orphanage has its own unique life story. A story that will either inspire the spirit of wildlife conservation in you or simply entertain you.

Here below are real stories of 7 animals at the orphanage.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

months old. She played outside during the day and slept in a pen at night. One evening in August 2015, she refused to get into her shelter. Patrick had quite a time chasing her. The following day, Jan was transferred to a bigger enclosure. Currently, Jan is delighted with her home. Every evening, Patrick puts Jan to her soft bed of hay.

1. Lioness Sarah Tumaini Sarah is undoubtedly the most famous living lioness in Kenya. On 28th June, 2014, the then United Nation’s Secretary General−Ban Ki Moon visited the animal orphanage specifically to meet her. Patrick, her caretaker, allowed her to play with the secretary general. She did not disappoint him. So thrilled was the UN’s boss that he christened her, Tumaini, a Swahili name that literally translates to ‘hope.’ Sarah was further adopted by the secretary general not only to symbolize his solidarity in conservation with Kenyans but alsoas a sign of hope that animals and humans can co exist in harmony.

2. Jan the Warthog Animal keepers, Robert and Mutuku, received a report from people at Langa’ta Hospital about a baby warthog all on his own. When they went to the site, they advised the people to keep watch that night to see if the mother retuned. She didn’t, so the next day, 8th October, 2014, they collected the fragile, tiny piglet and brought her to the Nursery where she required special care. Mama orphanage named her Jan and with Patrick and Lawrence, helped look after her.

Jan grew stronger daily and loved all the attention, especially being fed from her milk bottle. She refused to eat porridge from a dish even when she was several

3. Monkey Benin On 31st January 2005, Kenya wildlife service officers confiscated an illegal shipment of primates in transit to Cairo. There were six chimpanzees and several monkeys.

The chimps were taken to Ol Pejeta while the monkeys found a home at the Animal Orphanage. Benin was one of the saved monkeys. She is playful and easy-to-like.

“She was moved here from our Monkey village so that she can watch visitors entering the orphanage,’’ explains Joshua, her custodian. However, the delightful lady can become mischievous and visitors are warned against getting her attention by holding up objects in front of her.

4.Leopard Talek Talek is the pride and joy of Nairobi orphanage. He was brought to the orphanage on 11th September, 2006 at a tender age of 2 weeks. Dai, a passer -by, found her all alone near the Masai Mara Talek gate.

He informed the Narok council and the KWS authorities. It was later decided that the weak and pitifully-crying leopard cub be brought to the Animal Orphanage for hand-rearing. He drank milk from a bottle every four hours and soon began eating steak mince.

Now, at the age of 11, Talek is powerfullybuilt and friendly

5. Sokote cats: MrAnabuko and Mrs Sokoke A set of Sokoke cats occupy the fifth enclosure of Nairobi Animal Orphanage. Slender, hard-muscled trunk and long legs givethem the appearance of skilled predators. Their

coats are single-layered, denseand have blotched tabby pattern with ticked hair occurring in shades of brown. The cats’ heads are flat at the top with rounded ears and almond-shaped slightly slanted green eyes.

The pair of cats were brought tothe orphanage in March 2003 from Mt Kenya Safari Ranch where Don Hunt breeds them.

According to their caretakers, the two cats were wild during their early daysat the orphanage. They would spit at their caretakers and slap them with their paws.

However, within a month, they became friendly.

Mrs. Sokoke likes to sit at the roof of their house to watch visitors while Mr.Anabuko derives pleasure in rubbing himself against his custodians and standing on his hind legs for attention. “They know the voices of those of us who take care of them, and when they hear us talk nearby, they call out to us,” says one of their caretakers.

6. Cheetah Derrick In July 2014, a sick 3-week-old cheetah from Wajir was admitted to Nairobi Animal Orphanage. To save his life, he was accorded specialist medical attention for several months. Derrick cried sometimes during the painful injections but as time advanced he seemed to understand that he was being helped to recover.

On the eve of his 1st Birthday, Derrick was moved from the Animal Nursery to his present enclosure where he lives peacefully with two other cheetahs−Danny and Diane.

7. Peace the Serval Cat Peace was brought to the Animal Orphanage on 25th June, 2010 when he was less than two months old. He readily took milk from a baby bottle.Mewa, his caretaker, gave him a blanket, hot water bottle and a soft toy.As Peace continued growing, he developed interest in watching other animals when he went out to play and never cried when he was put to bed at night.

Now fully-grown, Peace does not mind being held but cannot stay still for long.

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

52

» Book Review

T

he Secret of the Lizard looks deep into thehidden but formidable world of science, technological innovations and medicine with its ability to transform lives. The book strives to answer the biggest question every reader will ask on “What is the secret of the Lizard?” and what this mystery unlocks in the world of science. The book explores the in-depth secrets of the lizard and how it changes the life of a young man, Muhu.

The author, Patrick Kimiti who has done another captivating Title, “The Dragon’s Flame” that is widely read as a supplementary English learning book in schools doesn’t takes you by surprise on this book.

The theme on genetics and medicine that cuts across the book simplifies learning for his primary audience; the high school students. With Genetics being an important element of the audience academic study that cannot be exempted, coining it with a human interest story that one can inhabit their emotions and learn gives the book a unique proposition.

Through the write up, theaudience is able to relate with what would seemingly be a “boring” Genetics class and tap relevant knowledge in a remarkable manner.

Title: The Secrets of the Lizard Genre: Science Fiction Author: Patrick Kimiti Publisher: Phoenix Publishers First Published: 2007 Price:Ksh 340 ISBN NO: 9966 47 123 5

By Adisa Hudson

The story begins with Muhu, a young man full of vigor for life. He has two preoccupations; He has a job that he loves as a Biology instructor andSali, a beautiful woman to crown his life. Everything is bliss and in a normal gauge, we would say Muhu is a balanced man.

One day, he is involved in a devastating accident and his world comes crushing. He loses both of his legs that had to be amputated. In this season, he buries his head into research for cathartic reasons. His fixation for genetics drives him into the secret of the Lizard.Muhu finds out that Lizards have a unique Integrity Gene in their DNA that causes cut tails to form themselves all over again. His observation of genetic composition of Lizards stirs him to pen a concept that he hopes saves humanity including him.

With his knowledge, he approaches a team of genetic science experts who help him transform his ideology into a magnificent reality.Having lost both of his limbs,Muhu is keen to establish how and if the introduction of lizards gene into different organism can stimulate reformation of new tissues. They start experimenting with lower animals like mice. The science seems feasible and right away Muhu becomes the first human specimen.

Inducing the genes from lizard into Muhu’s amputated limb studs works as little limbs begin to form. A t the end of the book, this success brings a total revolution in the world of Genetics that hopefully saves more lives and restores hope.

Of value to note is Muhu’s determination on exploring Genetic revolution that beats all odds across the story. Heworks relentlessly with his team on the research and testing of lizards genomes and gene-splicing options that reminds readers to never give up on what they believe in; That if we set our time and resources into something,we will always learn something; either be a mother of the greatest inventions ever or learn from the process that didn’t end as visualized.

The Secret of the Lizard is a deeply felt book. It is impossible to not like the author with such comic tone in the story and hilarious conversations between characters that makes the otherwise “boring” topic like Genetics thrilling. It is an important knowledge book – and yet one that never lets its importance weigh down the need to tell a truly gripping human story.

You will love him and his prowess!

Adisa is an editor at Phoenix Publishers.

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

More Information More Possibilities

Holiday time is Family Time

20% OFF

ACCOMMODATION AND FAMILY EVENTS

1ST DECEMBER 2016 - 31ST JANUARY 2017 Offer Includes: Complimentary daily breakfast • Complimentary WiFi internet access Daily housekeeping services • 24 hours reception * Terms and conditions apply* Full payment is required to guarantee the discount and confirm your reservation. The payment is non - refundable

Biashara street, Nairobi l Tel: +254 710 599 557 l Email: reservations@after40.com After40 hotel

@ After40 hotel

www.after40hotel.com

Another one from March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

Âť Product Review Did you know that you can convert your living room into a living theatre, courtesy of EPSON EB-UO4?

By Oroni Tendera

E

PSON EB-UO4 provides up to 100 inches HD Projector for only KShs 120,000 although not portable, the projector is lightweight and comes with a padded carry bag to easen ferrying the device from one location to another.

EPSON EB-EO4 has double HDMI ports besides the traditional AV video input port and PC-VGA port. One of the HDMI ports is compatible with MHL mobile phone playback. The resolution of the projector stands at 1920 by 1200 pixels, thus the vertical pixels use 1200 pixels and hence retaining the ppi.

Traditionally, projectors require their lamps to be replaced annually when used every day at an average of between 6 and Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

10 hours. The cost of replacing a lamp is usually above Ksh30, 000. EPSON EB-UO4 projector however has a 10,000 lamp hour, which should last up to 5 years if used at an average rate of 5 hours a day. Normally if you work weekdays, your screen time can be 3 hours weekdays, and work for at least 15 hours weekends.

Setting up The first step involves inserting the power cable to the socket – and plug it at the back of the projector. The next procedure is to insert the video input source then switch on the projector, wait for about 30 seconds to view the image portrayed on the wall, and adjust the image sharpness to your taste.

At the front of the projector below the lens, there is the tilt adjustable stand that allows proper placement of the screen on the wall.

If the screen is not well-aligned with the wall, you may choose to further adjust the tilt by lengthening or shortening the back screw stands.

Once the projector is set approximately 3 meters from the wall, you can start adjusting the image size by rotating the zoom wheel, placed on top of the projector. Next to the zoom wheel is the keystone correction button that can be moved from left to right to accurately position the image within the screen area.

More Information More Possibilities

Ebenezer This project is located 5 kilometers off Kangundo road, within the Joska locality. Ebenezer Gardens is serene, tranquil and very affordable. The project is in close proximity to the Nairobi CBD and is adjacent to the upcoming Greater Eastern Bypass; which starts on Thika/Garissa Highway, through the Lukenya hills and terminates on Mombasa/Nairobi Highway.

Access to these region is via Kangundo road. The road from Kangundo road in a graded all weather road.

Gardens

Presented By Diamond Properties

The project's land parcels are an eighth of an acre. Ebenezer Gardens is in near the new Children's Welfare Association headquarters. There is a private water supply line running adjacent the property The project is a buy and build ( the plans are pre-approved and development is controlled and in a gated community).

The plans are for bungalows and maisonettes.

The project has a perimeter fence and a gate. The land parcels are well demarcated with visible, numbered surveyor's beacons.

The close proximity to the city of Nairobi has made the area a focus of many developers. There are numerous projects ongoing and upcoming adjacent.

DIAMOND PROPERTY MERCHANTS The Home of Strategic Land Investment

Phone: 020 221 5252 sales@diamondproperties.co.ke

Website: www.diamondproperties.co.ke

SMS “HOME� TO 22002

prices Bungalow Maisonette

CLUB 2016

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

56

» Song Review

O

n 7th October, 2016, Bruno Mars shook the internet with his hit song, “24K Magic,’’ a lead single in his third album. The R&B song begins with a Talk box introduction done by Mr. Talkbox. Set around 1980, when funk and machines were doing some of their earliest dances, and when black pop was still teeming with disco exuberance. Throughout the song, Mr. Mars does more emphatic talking than singing and is backed up by a barking chorus, adding tough-guy punch to his mellifluous boasts.

The song has received critical acclaim worldwide. According to Entertainment Weekly music critic, Eric Renner Brown, the single is an “effortless throwback pop.

Mars seems capable of dispatching in his sleep.” He further writes that 24K Magic is in the same level as his previous lead singles, “Just the Way You Are andLocked out of Heaven. American music blog Idolator made a “Pop Perspective” review with 4 different editors. Carl Williott gave the recording its highest rating, 9 out 10, comparing it to a “Pure Funk compilations, West Coast G-funk, and to Midnight Star”.

He furthered, “It’s not challenging, it doesn’t advance pop in any way. But it’s unrepentant party music, at a time when there’s a shortage of the stuff.” Editor, Mike Wass, awarded the song 8 out of 10 feeling that “Bruno’s latest throws R&B influences from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s into a blender and comes up with a nuclear-power party anthem that is destined to be on high rotation wherever there’s a dance-floor for years to come.”

SONG: 24K MAGICAL ARTISTE: Bruno Mars REVIEWER: Oroni Tendera Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017

GQ found the song to be “delightful” and labeled it as the second part of “Uptown Funk”.Billboard ranked “24K Magic” at number 64 on their “Billboard’s 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics’ Picks” list, commenting “Working with funk vibes reminiscent of his recent trip Uptown, Bruno Mars managed to create another bonafide hip-shaker with his first solo single since 2012.’’

24K Magic is indeed magical and is here to stay on the top ten hits of 2017.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

More Information More Possibilities

March 2017 I Edgemagazine.co.ke

More Information More Possibilities

#Influencer

Got My Bills Paid With BimaPoints All I had to do was renew mum’s car insurance

Free Movie · Airline Tickets · Festival Tickets and many more +254 719 427 286

bimapoints@kenbright.co.ke @bimapoints

www.kenbright.co.ke

@bimapoints

Kenbright Insurance Brokers Limited was established in 1993 and is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority

Edgemagazine.co.ke I March 2017